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<title>theleader.info</title>
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  <title>SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21657/san-luis-bowls-club/
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  <description><![CDATA[What an excellent start to our bowling week on Saturday 30th January the KLINGONS took on a new role as painters whitewashing San Miguel Comets 14 - 0 with a shot advantage of 137 - 71. it doesn't get much better than that. The complete side of winners were Colin Highland, Derek Cooper, Keith Roberts. 24 - 12. John Haigh, Mike Smith, John Withers. 21 - 11. Ian Young, Kevin Bell, Val Sherry. 24 - 6. Pat Bird, Derek Armstrong, Mal Hughes. 24 - 7. Terry Hubble, Ken Dullaway, Peter McEneany. 19 - 14. Brian Sherry, Graham Bird, Phil Morrachan. 25 - 21.
Monday the VULCANS were at home to La Marina Asteroids losing out 9 - 5 with shots against 101 - 95. The two winners were Judy Pratt, John Pratt, George Gandy. 19 - 11. Blossom Cox (she's there again), Colin Potter, Peter Cox. 23 - 10. with the draw from John Featherstone, Hugh Moffat, Walter Oakes. 17 - 17. The KLINGONS visited GREENLANDS GREEN losing out 10 - 4 with shots 96 for and 107 against. Winners were Pat Bird, Derrick Cooper, Val Sherry. 23 - 12. John Haigh, Mike Smith, John Withers. 22 - 8. 
MID WEEK TRIPS Two teams with  16 points with Pat Bird, Frank Barclay, Jim Wilson in pole position with a + 76 shots and Val Sherry, Shiela Cox, Ged Henly showing a + of 56 shots. Two teams in with a shout for third position with only 13 shots separating them. Just two more weeks for this marathon to finish.
Thursday the rain gods were out to play cancelling the Federation Fours at Emerald Isle, hopefully we can re-schedule later this month.
Friday the TIGERS visited La Marina Seagulls who produced the result winning 10 - 4 with a shot advantage of 120 - 100,our two winners were Sue Ross, Brian Taylor, Bob Brand. 27 - 14. Colin Potter, Ged Henly, Geo Gandy. 17 - 16. That was a close one. Dave Whitworths team came within three shots but the result shows why they are top of the league.
The LIONS produced the second whitewash of the week winning 14 - 0 at home to Greenlands Yellow. A superb shot advantage 148 - 66 quite significant. The winners were Pat Bird, Colin Highland, Keith Roberts. 33 - 7. Bob White, Brian Sherry, Peter McEneany. 20 - 11.Kevin Bell, Terry Hubble, John Haigh. 33 - 8. Freda Wilson, Derek Armstrong, Mal Hughes. 26 - 10. Graham Bird, Derrick Cooper, Phil Morrachan. 18 - 17. Mel Highland, Jim Wilson, Val Sherry. 18 - 13.
The PUMAS entertained our neighbours La Siesta Gold losing 10 - 4 with shots against of 106 - 92. The two winners were Pat Malden, Ken Dullaway, John Malden. 21 - 18. Maxine Wright, Mavis Riley, John Featherstone. 17 - 13.
CHICKEN DRIVE  Fred was tops on Sunday with 26 points with the egg cup going to Doreen Francis on 8 points. 
Tuesday's winner was Derek Waywell on 25 points with Keith Blood loving his boiled eggs with 10 points.
For further information please contact Ian Young 966796105. 
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  <dc:date>2010-02-08T14:44:56+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>LA SIESTA BOWLS REPORT</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21656/la-siesta-bowls-report/
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  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21656/la-siesta-bowls-report/
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  <description><![CDATA[Greetings fellow green bowlers, to yet another weekly review of what's been happening at La Siesta green bowls club.  Ok, let's start with news of the new federation 3 rinks league.  The opening game witnessed San Miguel as visitors, in what proved to be a good win for La Siesta by 6 points to 2.  J Gardiner, J Johnson, C Chorley, G Rothwell  30-15 and D Buchanan, S Hibberd, J Cooper, T Pilling 22-17, won their rinks along with a bonus 2 points for superior shots difference.  
Three days later, a visit to County bowls proved a harder task, for only the rink of D Buchanan, S Hibberd, P Rhodes, H Rhodes 30-15 won, but a 59-59 shots difference resulted in a 3-5 defeat.
In the SABA league, the Apollos recorded a superb 12-2 victory over Country Bowls Supernovas courtesy of this little lot:  J Gardiner, I Kenyon, Jean Cooper  37-4, C Jackson, D Buchanan, T Pilling  33-9.  B Cooper, P Hutton, H Barnby  16-8.  S Lawson, S Hibberd, D Livesey 18-17.  J Johnson, J Parker, G Rothwell  22-13.
Meanwhile, over at Greenlands, the Pioneers struggled against a strong looking Yellows side, with this sole trips team gaining 2 points:  B Jordan, R Sinclair, V Mahomet  27-8.
Heard about the slightly confused chap who chalked the jack, instead of a team mates wood?  Strange but true, this unusual incident occurred during a recent chicken and egg competition, when a certain Fred Tripp quickly realised that the expression, 'should've gone to Specsavers!', definitely applies to him.  Jim Clarke won the chicken, Alister Mathieson the wine and Joe Soap (or just Joe) took home the eggs. 
What a superb set of results for our 3 Southern league sides.  Leading the way were the Silvers, whose 14-0 demolition of Mazarron Miners lifted them to 3rd in B div.  Absolutely spiffing:  S Chorley, J Clarke, C Chorley  16-10.  A Heath, R Heath, J Cooper  15-14.  G Sheldon, R Sheldon, V Mahomet  24-14.  J Elkin, R Sinclair, J Mullarkey  24-12.  S Oram, P Barber, H Rhodes  23-8.  S Lawson, J Johnson, I Kenyon  40-4.
Also at home were A div high flyers Blues, whose 12-2 victory over Emerald Isles Jets was equally as impressive.  Get in there:  C Jackson, D Buchanan, T Pilling  34-10.  L Rawson, D Eccles, J Parker  22-16.  B Cooper, S Pond, R Chambers  28-7.  R Hutton, K Parker, B Gardiner  17-15.  G Seaman, C Holloway, D Souter  28-12.
Last, but not least, the Golds completed the days good news.  A short trip to the next roundabout along the Crevillente Road, saw them do battle with San Luis Pumas in B div, coming away with a superb 10-4 victory.  Cast your eyes over this line-up if you will:  S Mahomet, N Murphy, H Barnby  17-13.  D McKie, S Gallup, J Ryder  22-15.  S Millward, R Millward, D Livesey  16-15.  B Jordan, J Horobin, B Lane  20-11.
Please phone Jim or Lyn Hudson on 690190523 for information on La Siesta bowls club.

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  <dc:date>2010-02-08T14:39:06+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>GREENLANDS BOWLS REPORT </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21655/greenlands-bowls-report/
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  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21655/greenlands-bowls-report/
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  <description><![CDATA[






 




BY TEXAS TED
In the SABA Enterprise League Greenlands Oranges fresh from an excellent 12-2 win against San Miguel Comets, faced a much stronger San Miguel side when they came up against their Meteors. The Oranges did manage two wins courtesy of John Newell/Tony Roberts/Ronnie Cairns plus Zoe Wilcock/Carol Rudge and Janet Madgewick earning them 4 valuable points. 
In the Hurricane Division the Greens entertained the San Luis Klingons and recorded an excellent 10 points to 4 victory with a 107 to 96 shot score. Winning rinks for the Greens were Brian Tomlin/Hilda Cork and Jenny Bowman 18-14, Beryl Styring/Jack Jackson and Les Styring 25-13, Noel Cork/Anne and John Rudkin 24-14, Jeannie Clements/Colin Lloyd and Dave O`Sullivan 20-10. Note:- Nice to see Fred Tilley finally attending the correct venue after his scenic tour of the Costa Blanca last week!!
Greenlands SABA Yellows bounced back after a rare defeat last week at the Emerald Isle with a convincing 12 points to 2 win over the La Siesta Pioneers 122 to 93 to stay in contention in their division. The Winter League team also returned to winning ways away at Bonalba. Two winning rinks for each team but Greenlands took the overall shot score by5 points to take home 6 points. The Berleen team did not do as well losing on both rinks to come home empty handed.
In the Southern League Division A the Yellows travelled to play the San Luis Lions and were well and truly beaten on all six rinks. One or two were close but generally the Lions proved to strong on the day. In Division B the Oranges played El Rancho and lost by 10 points to 4.   
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  <dc:date>2010-02-08T14:11:22+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>LAS RAMBLAS GOLF SOCIETY &amp; SOCIAL CLUB </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21654/las-ramblas-golf-society-social-club/
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  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21654/las-ramblas-golf-society-social-club/
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  <description><![CDATA[Doug Wright
We started off the week on Monday with a Waltzer or '1-2-3' which was played in sunny but chilly conditions.  The winners with a score of 81 pts. were Joe Rothery, Mick Brentnall, Dave Pulling &amp; Olga Haubner.
 
Wednesday's competition was a singles stableford and when we started off at 8.00am there was white frost on the ground.  The temperature was only 3.0 and for the first hour wooly hats &amp; gloves were the order of the day.  Although conditions were good for golf, scoring was hard due to the slickness of the greens and no one beat par with two 36s winning the two categories.  Round of the day goes to Mitsuko Hall who came first in Category 2 with her best round since becoming a member.  I am sure that we will see you in the winner's enclosure again now you have achieved this breakthrough Mitsuko. The results were;
 
Cat 1.   1.  Lindsay Forbes  36 pts,  2.  Joe Rothery  34 pts,  Tom Hardie  33 pts.
Cat 2.   1.  Mitsuko Hall  36 pts,  2.  Mike Chapman  34 pts,  Olga Haubner  33 pts.
2s Club.  Dave Ottway(again!!), Dave Pulling, Ken Robertson, Hugh Whorriskey &amp; Roy Hitchings.
 
What a difference a day makes when, after Thursday's rain, we played on Friday in shirt sleeves on the nicest day of 2010 so far. We had a Two Ball Texas Scramble which turned out to be traumatic for me &amp; my playing partner, Tony Brooks.  We had only reached the second green when our buggy run out of petrol. &quot; Never mind&quot; says Tony, &quot; I'll borrow our playing partner's buggy and go back to my car for a can of petrol in the boot&quot;.  Off he goes for Geoff Biggerstaff then to say &quot; Tony hasn't got his car, his wife dropped him off &quot;. Five minutes later a very sheepish Tony reappeared obviously without petrol.  Now you will realise why we are seriously considering renaming ourselves &quot;The Alzheimer's Golf Society&quot; because, believe me, Tony isn't the only one!  
Anyway we managed to borrow another buggy to continue our round but with little success and we were well out of the frame.  The winners with a score of 64.25 were Ken &amp; Liz Robertson and the runners up were Lindsay Forbes &amp; Reg Akehurst with 65.5.
 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-08T14:07:50+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>EMERALD ISLE BOWLS CLUB </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21653/emerald-isle-bowls-club/
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  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21653/emerald-isle-bowls-club/
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  <description><![CDATA[WITH TONY CAPEWELL

On Sunday 31st January we held a captain's fun day, 64 bowlers took part in teams of four in a 2-2-4 format which consisted of two 3 wood pairs over six ends &amp; an eight end rinks match, with the winners decided on shot difference. The victors were Ian Rogers, John Jarvis, Steve Pearson &amp; Bob Foulds at plus 23, they received a &euro;15 meat voucher. Runners up were Raol Bennett, Malcolm Broughton, Reg Fooks &amp; Tony Capewell who received a &euro;10 voucher, in third place came Keith Jones, Chris Ayling, Maurice Hill &amp; Lilly Stewart who were proud recipients of a &euro;5 voucher. The day was enjoyed by all and we look forward to the next one so get your thinking cap on Mel.
 
SABA Enterprise League Quesada Pearls 7 v Emerald Isle Saturns 7
February contains three away games, we have started well. Barbara Eldred, Phil Brigham &amp; Gerald Shatwell  v  Rob Pinfold, Nigel Baigent &amp; Nick Birch. We fought really hard in this one, after a bad start the deficit was closed to three, but the home side responded again. Lost 22-16.
Ann Holland, Geoff Farrington &amp; Ray Pollock v  Jean Parkes, Chip Chapman &amp; John Muldoon. We always struggled but never lost touch against a very tough opponent. However lost 21-13.
Sally Fielder, Les Bedford &amp; Rod Payne v Ruth Birch, Terry Lemon &amp; Pearl Houghton. Off to a good start and we never looked in trouble, lost the last three ends but remained comfortable winners. 24-10.
Robin Kirby, Pat Coffey &amp; Mo Thomas v Joe Dunning, Paul Parkes &amp; John Northend. We did not recover from a bad start; Although we always competed our opponents were too strong. Lost 21-10.
Byron Hart, Ron Ede, Mel O'Dell  v  Mike Lamberton, John Ester &amp; Joe Brinton. After a cautious start we stormed away winning ten ends in a row, to their credit Quesada came back and took the final four ends. Won 22-12.
Mike Veale, Rita Bennett &amp; Raoul Bennett  v  Norma Camberton, Veronica Sale &amp; Derek Sale. Game of the day, Always a close one, we dropped five shots behind with three to play. Our new found resilience in 2010 was evident when we took the last three ends to triumph 20-19.
Friendly. Sandra Burrows, Elizabeth Green &amp; Neil Burrows  v  Tina Brinton, Earl Fielder &amp; Don Washborne. After leading by a large margin for most of the game we were pegged back in the final stages to win by 18-15. Thanks Earl for standing in for Quesada when they lost a couple of players.
 
Southern League - The Jets travelled to La Siesta to play a very strong Blues squad, the result was not surprisingly a win for the Blues 12-2.
The winning rink was that skipped by Len Bettam, two rinks came close and the remaining three rinks were, in horse racing parlance, also rans.
 
The Sapphires entertained San Miguel Cougars with both teams battling to avoid relegation, the match ended in an encouraging win for the Sapphires.
Mike Veale, Ron Squires &amp; Les Rod Payne. Four up with four to play, two down with two to play, picked up five to win 18-15.
Chris Ayling, Glenda O'Dell &amp; Alex Morrice, cruising at 17-12 after 15 ends grabbed a draw from the jaws of victory 18-18.
John Jarvis, Roy Rawlings &amp; Mo Thomas, never in the hunt until the last two ends, lost 13-19.
Dave Benson, Frank King &amp; Les Bedford, 12-5 up after 9 ends the dropped 11 shots in the next 4 ends, they the regained their composure to win 19-17.
Ann Holland, Lily Stewart &amp; Mel O'Dell, a fairly even game, two up after 10 then overdrive kicked in, won 25-11.
Dianne Hudson, Barbara Eldred &amp; Russ Hudson, nine shots over the last 3 ends ensured a 17-13 win.
E.I. Diamonds v Quesada Swallows   A good game today regardless of the result, Three of the games could have gone our way but it was not to be hence the result 4-10. Good game Swallows.
M. Parsons J. Hill G. Kidney, v R. Birch J. Bromley J. Bowness, 23-10
B. Collins B. Hart B. Hawthorne, v B. Houghton P. Bradbury P. Bevan, 24-13
S. Burrows D. Smith R. Pickin, v G. Chapman P. Lockley C. Chapman, 20-24
M. Duff R. White B. Duff, v M. Bowness T. Lemon J. Brinton, 14-21
C. Parsons M. Hill G. Shatwell, v J. Cox N. Baigent N. Birch, 15-18
M. Shatwell R. Bennett R. Bennett, v T. Brinton J. Ester P. Houghton, 9-21

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  <dc:date>2010-02-08T14:04:58+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>EL RANCHO BOWLS CLUB </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21652/el-rancho-bowls-club/
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  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21652/el-rancho-bowls-club/
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  <description><![CDATA[Saturday 31st found us hosting a Provincial Team for a Rinks Match, 3 rinks ladies and 3 rinks gents, on a bright glorious if very breezy day. The match was played in good spirit and cheer with some excellent bowls being played in very testing conditions, which proved a challenge to most. Both teams took 3 rinks, whilst our guests took the shots 106-80, an excellent all round result for El Rancho against a team of proven bowling talent, well done all. 
The restaurant then providing lunch to enable our continued social gathering, a pleasant afternoon in excellent company.
Rink 1 Malc Sykes, Mike Smith, Jim Rainbow, Don Wheatley 20-12
Rink 2 Chrissy Hoare, Carol Smith, Derry Fitch, Maggie Furness 14-15
Rink 3 Alan Barton, Ron Edwards, Steve Manley, Richard Lee 16-13
Rink 4 Pat Williamson, Janet Brown, Shirley Edwards, Mary Priddle 6-30
Rink 5 Brian Parr, Gary Newsom, Len Rudge, Stewart Hamill 17-12
Rink 6 Chris Parr, Isobel Bell, Carolyn Harris, Jane Hamill 7-24

On Tuesday 2nd we played away at against The Hawks in the Federation League, The Hawks took all 3 rinks not a great result for El Rancho, but good experience.
Carol Smith, Malc Drew, Alan Barton, Maggie Furness 10-28
Janet Brown, Gary Newsom, Len Rudge, Richard Lee 18-22
Stuart Johnson, Mike Smith, Jim Rainbow, Don Wheatley 22-27

Friday 5th saw us away to Greenlands Orange for a Southern League match; it was a lovely warm afternoon with a light breeze, splendid conditions for some good bowling. El Rancho took the rinks 4-2 and the shots 126-89, hence! 0 points to El Rancho and 4 to Greenlands Orange. El Rancho also took the friendly rink 20-9, well done all!
Rink 1 Janet Brown, Ron Edwards, Len Rudge 19-15
Rink 2 Malc Sykes, Barry Roseveare, Don Wheatley 22-11
Rink 3 Carol Smith, Jim Rainbow, Steve Manley 13-24
Rink 5 Margaret Roseveare, Mike Smith, Maggie Furness 12-17
Rink 7 Alan Barton, Sue Rainbow, Richard Lee 37-9
Rink 8 Isabel Bell, Shirley Edwards, Stewart Hamill 23-13]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-08T13:59:53+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>COUNTRY BOWLS REPORT </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21651/country-bowls-report/
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  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21651/country-bowls-report/
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  <description><![CDATA[Our Fed Four's league got off to a good start this week, firstly with a re-arranged match on Tuesday played at San Luis where we won all three rinks and picked up the maximum eight points, then on Wednesday we took on La Siesta at home, winning that one with two games to one and sharing the points from the long game. At San Luis Geoff Paylor, Sheila Cammack, Terry Padgett &amp; Ken Cuthbert took no prisoners and had a terrific win of 27-12. Jenny Chaplin, Pat Patton, Dave Chaplin &amp; Eric Bishop gained a good lead during the latter part of the game and won 24-19. 
Lynne Bishop, Shirley Verity, Bruce Aitken &amp; Brian Patton dropped six shots twice but kept positive and fought back, winning by one shot 21-20. Agg. Shots Country 72(8) - 51(0) San Luis. 
The game against La Siesta went well on a couple of rinks but the third struggled to keep up with the opposition. Ann Horswell, Bryan Kirk, Maurice Horswell &amp; Brian Patton had a good win of 23-14 and Shirley Verity, Ron Cammack, Terry Padgett &amp; Ken Cuthbert came up with the goods by winning 21-15. Maurice Cass, Dot Davies, George Thomson &amp; Eric Bishop lost their way during the second half of the game and were beaten 15-30, the end result of this game determined the overall shots which tallied up to a draw. Agg. Shots, Country 5(59) - 3(59) La Siesta. Well done squad, let's hope we can keep up this form.
SABA results. The Supernovas were away to La Siesta Apollo's where they suffered heavily and only came home with two points, the winning trip was...Gillian Morris, Ron Cammack &amp; Peter hinds who played an outstanding game, always ahead and won 31-12, well done you three, another good win. Paul Plant, Chris Darnell &amp; Bryan Kirk almost repeated the same result as last week but unfortunately dropped three shots on the last end 17-18, a good effort. Bad luck to the rest of the side, but you will have another chance to come good! Agg. Shots, Supernovas 82(2) - 138(12) Apollo's.
Southern League results. The Ramblers played the Green team at Greenlands on Friday and won two rinks for four points. Geoff Paylor, Lynne Bishop &amp; Eric Bishop put on some extra pressure towards the end and win 19-12. A similar game was had by our other winning team who also came back in the second nine ends, that team was Ann Horswell, Sheila Cammack &amp; Terry Padgett won 25-18 well done. Jenny Chaplin, Bruce Aitken &amp; Dave Chaplin lost by two shots 12-14 as did the team of Shirley Verity, Noel Verity &amp; Ken Cuthbert 20-22. Charlie Watkins, George Thomson &amp; Dave Rogers lost 13-18 and Pat Patton, Maurice Horswell &amp; Brian Patton had a tough game and lost 6-23. Agg, shots, Ramblers 95(4) - 107(10) Green's.
One friendly rink was played and lost by Carol Donnellan, Chris Darnell &amp; Ron Cammack. 
Next weekend we shall be busy with our Cajamurcia open tournament, lets hope for good weather and good bowling from all our participants, but most of all...enjoy!

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  <dc:date>2010-02-08T13:56:38+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>F.C. TORREVIEJA GOLF CLASSIC</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21650/fc-torrevieja-golf-classic/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Vistabella Golf 2nd February 2010
Report by David Winder

An absolutely great weather day greeted all the teams for the first ever F.C.Torrevieja Golf Classic and after a welcome cup of coffee a shot gun start saw a mass of golfers all over the course, which I have to say was in excellent condition though it has to be said it is still strange for us &lsquo;Brits' to see brown grass, even in winter.
Due to the shot gun start we then had all teams finishing closely together and this was also reflected in the scores with the end result being just as close.
Following a great 5 course meal, Paul Hurrell, Commercial Director of the football club was asked to present the prizes and on behalf of Bob Gorrill, organiser of the event (thank you Bob).
The organised event consisted of a Stableford Completion with teams of 4 and the best 2 scores per hole from the team being the winners.
With this in mind the final results were in 1st.place WOLFPACK GOLF SOCIETY with 82 points closely followed with 81 points the LO MOLONIA BAR, La Zenia.
Out of the overall results we had a yellow ball competition won by WOOLFPACK G.S.
Nearest the pin
Hole 2, Jonation Tomlinson, Wolfpack G.S.
Hole 6, Trevor Hodgson, F.C.Torrevieja Golf Society
and closest the line Bob Gorrill, Woolpack G.S.

I would like to express my thanks  on behalf of the F.C.Torrevieja Football Club to Pablo Riestra for the organisation on the day, to our sponsors, TP NET., Lo Molonia Bar, La Zenia, Thomas Green, Ciudad Quesada,
Tony Ellis, Mr.T's, Jack G's, and Bob Jones for the prizes  and Jonation Tomlinson. Bob Gorrill, Vistabella Golf and F.C.Torrevieja Golf Society for the donations to the raffle.

The F.C.Torrevieja Golf Classic trophy will be presented to the Captain, Woolfpack Golf Society at the home game against Novelda Sunday, 28th.February and we now look forward to the next &ldquo;CLASSIC&rdquo; in 2011.
If you would like to get your team entered now for 2011 then please email davidwinder.torregolf@gmail.com. ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-08T13:32:02+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>ALONE HIT FOR SIX</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21649/alone-hit-for-six/
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  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21649/alone-hit-for-six/
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  <description><![CDATA[POLOP - 6   GUARDAMAR - 1
Alone de Guardamar suffered their heaviest defeat of the season, 6-1 away to Polop, but it might have been so different.
Alone started brightly and could have been one up after only three minutes, when Mario found himself clean through with only the goalkeeper to beat, but he delayed his shot and allowed the keeper to save. From the resultant corner Alone could not force the ball home through the melee of players.
Polop then began to exert pressure of their own and could have scored on 10, and again on 19 minutes, when through on goal, but they were denied by the skill and bravery of keeper Julen, who rushed out of his area to head the ball clear, then saved superbly. Polop didn't have to wait long however for the opener, when a minute later Uboda scored from just inside the left hand corner of the box. Their second goal came five minutes later when Puncho neatly chipped the ball over the advancing keeper Julen.
Polop did not have it all their own way however, and on the half hour mark, Alone's Juanje had a blistering 25 yard shot well saved by home keeper Tenet. Just prior to the interval Vincente shot narrowly over from 35 yards out.
There were only two bookings in the first half, Alone's defender Alberto and manager Carlos Perez!  Alberto's earlier yellow card came back to haunt him in the opening minutes of the second half, when he was adjudged, rather harshly, to have fouled Puncho inside the box. The inevitable second yellow followed, Puncho scored the penalty, 3-0 and game over.
Polop's fourth came on the hour when they beat the offside trap and crossed the ball sweetly for Uboda to head in from close range. Alone briefly rallied during the last third of the game when Nino had two good efforts on goal well saved, then Polop managed to keep out a series of at least five attempts on goal, during a frantic goalmouth scramble in the 73rd minute.
Alone did eventually put the ball in the net when Nino scored five minutes from time after a cross from Baiano was powered home. There was however still time for Polop to score a further two goals. The first came from Giorgio, who was clearly offside, and the second a hat trick goal for Puncho who took a painful knock in the process.
Alone will be hoping for a change of fortune in their next home match against high flying Mutxamel on Sunday 14th February, KO 16.30.  Please phone Steve on 656579423 for further details
Photos Malcom Byrom]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-07T17:54:34+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>SHEFFIELD UNITED FC ACADEMY SPAIN - WEEK 14 </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21648/sheffield-united-fc-academy-spain-week-14/
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  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21648/sheffield-united-fc-academy-spain-week-14/
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  <description><![CDATA[Another mixed bag of results for the Blades as they headed into the 2nd half of the season - good wins for both the Alevin teams and the Cadetes, defeats for the Juveniles and Infantiles......
SUFC ALEVINES (U12s)  10 - 1  CF SANTA DOMINGO
      
Shirt Sponsors: Bad Boyz Motos, Los Montesinos Tracksuits: The Leader/Excite FM
With the Alevines looking to get back to winning ways, Santa Domingo were the unfortunate recipients of a lesson in finishing. Having started brightly, they found themselves a goal down after only 6 mins, Vladyslav Sybirov bundling the ball home after seeing his earlier shot come back off the bar.
Tyler Burns made it 2-0 a minute later, finishing low from outside the area, before adding a 3rd in similar style 10 mins later. Kian Burns then turned and finished across  the keeper to make it 4-0 going into the half-time interval.
Business as normal straight after the restart - Tyler Burns curling a direct free kick up and over the wall for his hat-trick before brother Kian swivelled and fired left-footed across the goalkeeper for 6-0. Jorge Galdames then got the faintest of touches to make it 7 before Tyler Burns grabbed his 4th of the afternoon and 20th of the season firing home from the narrowest of angles.
Johan Montoya completed the scoring with his 20th and 21st goals of the season either side of a Santa Domingo goal from what what was literally their only effort on goal. A superb all round performance with 11 happy young footballers all working tirelessly for each other.
LOS MONTESINOS &ldquo;B&rdquo;  1 - 3  SUFC ALEVIN &ldquo;B&rdquo; (U12s/10s) 
       
A sensational game of football for the Alevin Bs away to a strong Montesinos side who had beaten them earlier in the season. Having applied all the early pressure, United were surprised to find themselves a goal down after only 3 minutes, before Kieran Dalzell played in Camillo Martinez for the equalizer. Provider then turned finisher when young Dalzell slotted home for a deserved 2-1 just before half-time.
The 2nd half saw a determined home side take the game to United in an attempt to get back into the game. However, pushing so many players forward, they were always  susceptible to the counter attack, and victory was secured deep into added time when Blades&acute; striker Camillo Martinez side footed past the keeper to the obvious delight of travelling supporters.

ORIOL &ldquo;B&rdquo;    4 - 5  SUFC CADETES (U16s) 
A tremendous result for the a Blades Cadete team who had the bare minimum number of players available for this game. In what proved to be a fiercely fought encounter, sheer grit and determination proved to be the decisive factors. Even allowing for a match official who gifted the home side 3 penalties as well as disallowing a perfectly good Blades goal, the visitors never looked likely to lose this game.
A hat-trick from Paul Mahony, plus goals from Lucas Borrega and Alex Cope were enough to see the Blades over the finishing line and record a memorable win over decent opposition.
ORIOL &ldquo;B&rdquo;    6 - 3  SUFC INFANTILES (U14s)
Shirt Sponsors: VillaSolera   Tracksuits: VistaGraffix
A hard fought game saw the luckless Infantiles miss out against Oriol. On a day where everything seemed to go against them, they just couldn&acute;t get their noses in front against a somewhat fortuitous Oriol side. Having gone a goal down early on, Jose Perez equalised before Oriol added a 2nd.
Alex Ferns then equalised for a 2nd time, but that was to be as close as the Blades would get to taking anything from the game as Oriol added further goals. A 3rd United goal by Jake Burnip proved to be no more than a consolation.

CF SANTA DOMINGO   4 - 1   SUFC JUVENILES (U19s)  
       
Shirt Sponsors: Vincent Real Estate, Benijofar 
After a terrific performance last week in Elche, it was back to the drawing board after this lacklustre display against Santa Domingo. A Tom Frame goal was all that the Blades had to show from a disappointing game littered with individual errors.
&ldquo;SCHOLARSHIPS&rdquo;
With there still being a number of places available for quality players on the programme, Programme Director, Robbie Burns, is now in a position to offer local football scholarships to any player who is deemed to be of &ldquo;academy&rdquo; standard. These players will receive free football courtesy of SUFC Spain (includes registration, training kit, training/match fees), as well as having the chance to go back to Sheffield and other clubs for trials. A number of scholarships were offered to players last week. 
So, if you think you have what it takes and fancy the idea of a scholarship, contact  SUFC Spain Programme Director, Robbie Burns on 692 507 439, or e-mail at robbie.burns@sufcspain.com.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-07T17:52:25+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>SANTA POLA HUMILIATE HOPELESS HERC'</title>
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  <description><![CDATA[Santa Pola CF 4 - 1 Hercules B
Santa Pola put their recent disappointments behind them with a clinical dissection of Hercules B at the Manolo Macia.  Inspired by tormenter-in-chief, midfielder German, the home side barely put a foot wrong and thoroughly deserved their thumping win. 
In a one sided first half it's difficult to say where Hercules B performed worse, attack or defence, Julio had a very comfortable first forty five minutes in goal for Santa Pola as most of the action occurred in and around the visitors penalty area. As early as the fifth minute German served notice of his intentions by picking out Adriano with a raking cross field pass the striker could only shoot against the feet of the onrushing Cristian.
With a fit again Chema in their starting eleven, Santa Pola look a different side, twice the veteran forward outstripped far younger defenders to set up attacks, the second, a surging run from deep inside his own half. Somehow, Hercules stayed level until almost half time, a combination of luck and profligate Santa Pola finishing. On thirty seven minutes though their luck ran out.
Paloma fired in a shot from the edge of the box a Hercules boot sliced clear but only as far as the lurking German, his flat cross was steered in at the far post by a combination of Adriano and Paloma, with the latter claiming the final touch. 
Half time 1-0
A brief flurry of Hercules attacks, during which they forced three successive corners, started the second half as Santa Pola easily dealt with the best their guests could muster. From the third of these, Juan cleared to the irrepressible Chema who, from just inside his own half, set off on a mazy run that left a trail of Hercules havoc in his wake. Ignoring German, in space to his left, Chema charged forward at pace, beat the final two defenders and slotted an incredible second for his team.
Less than five minutes later Hercules pulled a goal back, following a weak defensive clearance from Juan, Rubi was allowed time and space to pick his spot which he did with an exquisite curled shot into the top left hand corner. The goal was simply a stay of execution.
Paloma notched his second and Santa Pola's third with a brilliant strike running on to a pass from man of the match German as the home side threatened to rack up a cricket score.  Twice in quick succession goalkeeper Cristian rescued Hercules, denying &lsquo;Pola captain Monsa with his feet and then diving full length to turn a Paloma drive over his bar in spectacular fashion.
Before leaving the field to huge applause, German capped his high energy display with a well earned fourth goal. Pablo split the Hercules defence with a slide rule pass and Santa Pola's number eight did the rest, drilling the ball beyond a stranded Cristian.   Full time 4-1
This was a hugely entertaining match and how nice it is to pay tribute to one of the best refereeing performances of the season so far. Gandia official Gonzalez Ferrando didn't make a mistake all game, twice play was allowed to develop before yellow cards were issued to miscreants who thought they'd got away with it.  In match day twenty two next weekend Hercules B host Benisa while Santa Pola travel to Aspe.
Photos: Mark Welton www.foto23.info]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-07T17:47:22+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>TORRY HIT BACK TO HOLD OLIMPIC</title>
  <link>
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  <description><![CDATA[FC Torrevieja 1  Olimpic Xativa 1
FC Torrevieja staged a spirited second-half fight back at the Vicente Garcia to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw against promotion hopefuls Olimpic. 
Xatvia edged the first half of Sunday's Tercera encounter and, after the home side failed to clear a bouncing ball on the half hour, a ball that the Torry defence should have cleared upfield, Nicolau threw out a foot to steer the ball goalwards and grab the visitors a rather fortunate lead. Up to that point neither side had managed a single shot on goal.
The game continued in a similar vein. Torry were far too narrow up front trying to push everything through the middle of the park while at the back there was little to cause them any real concern with vocals from Heredia ensuring that the back four worked together at the slightest sign of an Olimpic attack.
Quite where further goals were coming from was anybody's guess so when, on the hour mark, a well placed cross from the right was touched into the path of Aitor by veteran striker Corcoles the larger than average crowd rose in anticipation. As the former &lsquo;Torpedo 66' man steered the ball into the back of the net to pull the home side level the relief was clear for all to see.
Director of Football Tommy Taylor was clearly disappointed after the game citing the lack of speed up front as the main reason for Torry's inability to carve out too many opportunities although he was reasonably pleased with his side's determination against another of the leagues promotion chasing favourites.  
Photo Malcolm Byrom]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-07T17:44:58+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>GREY EXPECTATIONS FOR SPAIN'S PENSIONISTAS</title>
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  <description><![CDATA[Spain is proposing to raise the state retirement age from 65 to 67, so said the Minister of Work and Immigration, Celestino Corbacho, in a statement to the press last week. 
He said that it was the only possible way by which the country could guarantee the future of the pension system beyond 2030. He stated that &ldquo;it is necessary to postpone the retirement age if we truly want to guarantee sustainability for the pension system in 25 or 30 years time&rdquo;.
By 2049 almost one in three people in Spain will be 65 years or over, double the present level, if the present aging demographic continues, the National Statistics Institute said earlier.
The Minister said that &ldquo;this is not a done deal; it is not a piece of legislation&rdquo; insisting that it will still be necessary to debate the proposals far more than has already been done. He said, &ldquo;Once we reach a consensus and the broadest possible agreement, then that will be the time to establish the details regarding the scope of the pension reform&rdquo;.
Mr Corbacho explained that the steady rise in the number of new pensioners means that reform of the system is essential for the years to come. &ldquo;The Council of Ministers now have a report referring, as the Government has been saying for several months, to the current good state of health of the pension system. The Reserve Fund contains 60,000 million euros and ended the last financial year with a surplus of more than 8,000 million euros&rdquo;, he added.
The document presented is the result of several studies, of a parliamentary resolution from the Lower and Upper Houses [Congreso and Senado] and from a commitment by the Prime Minister himself in Parliament. According to Corbacho, &ldquo;this report shows that there is no need to reform pensions to give an immediate response to the system but there is if we want to guarantee pensions for the next 30 or 40 years&rdquo;. Among the measures &ldquo;with the greatest media impact&rdquo; is the postponement of the retirement age from 65 to 67, the details of which are yet to be finalised.
The proposal responds to the need to maintain the financial health of the system and to the proposals made by the participants in the Toledo Pact. The Minister asked for prudence and composure when working on the proposal, &ldquo;let it be analysed, let's see what all the political teams have to say on the issue and let's work on it together to reach a consensus&rdquo;.
He also referred to the early retirement of workers from companies with profits and stated that those companies should assume the cost of such measures without resorting to public financing, an issue also covered by the document to be assessed today by the Council of Ministers.
As regards the data from the Active Population Survey (EPA), Mr Corbacho recognised that the results are not positive &ldquo;although they do show the levelling off of job losses in this last quarter, which is something the economic forecasts of the Government had predicted&rdquo;.
The Minister believes that the rate of job losses will slow as the economy improves until a situation of growth is achieved in which net employment will rise.
&ldquo;Government forecasts are being proven correct and we therefore expect to see the start of economic recovery this year and an exit from the crisis we have been suffering over the course of these last two long years, as has also been forecast by the Government&rdquo;.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-07T10:37:37+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>A GAME OF TWO HALVES!</title>
  <link>
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  <description><![CDATA[Elche 0 Numancia 1
Every season most diehard fans are forced to accept at some period that this is not the one they will win promotion &ndash; sometimes early, sometimes late, but it has to be faced. 
Well, I got that feeling on Saturday at the Martinez Valero watching Elche. Prior to the match we were thinking if we won this six-pointer against Numancia (and everyone else lost, of course!) we would go fourth. Well, we didn't! Elche lost abjectly in the end, and the truth is we are just not good enough to go up playing like this.
With Juli returning after his one-match ban, the rest of the team was the same as drew away last week at Huesca, although the Illicitanos have signed two new players this week. 5,858 watched Numancia squander a gilt-edged opportunity after only two minutes as Lago Junior somehow shot past the post when the Elche defence was caught napping.
Elche began to settle and on 14 minutes Trejo went clear only to have his shot smothered by goalkeeper Eduardo. Shortly after a good Juli-Wakaso-Saul-Molina move again ended in Elche's leading scorer's shot pushed away. From Saul's resulting corner Samuel headed back across the goal for Molina to miss a sitter from close in.
On the half hour Wakaso crashed in a great shot, Eduardo parried it, the ball spun to the line where it was half-heartedly cleared only for Molina to flick it onto the bar. Trejo put the rebound wide, and it seemed only a matter of time before Elche scored.. Half time arrived with no goals but how Elche had not scored was a mystery: surely they could in the second half?
You would not have believed that the same players took the field for the second half. I have no idea what coach Jose Bordelas said, or didn't say to the Illicitanos during the interval, but Elche were simply awful in the second half. Only four minutes had gone   when a speculative drive by Numancia's Barkero from outside the area spun sharply up and caught the normally safe Caballero in Elche's goal napping. The ball spun up and went into the net via Willy's shoulder.
Oh dear, now would this spur Elche on and continue where they left off in the first half? Well, no actually, they got worse, and began to make Numancia look good &ndash;which they weren't! Panic set in at the back and it would have been no surprise as the game wore on if the visitors had gone further ahead. On a one-to-one Lago Junior went round Caballero, but put his shot into the side netting.
Juli and Generelo were replaced by Acciairi and new boy Patri with twenty minutes to go, but nothing changed. The disappointed crowd started going home prior to the end as Elche looked  beaten and ragged. The game was never dirty although Numancia had five booked, but Elche's four included the wayward Wakaso, whose five yellow cards now mean he misses the next match.
Elche have not scored and conceded one in the last two games, earning one point. The goals have suddenly dried up, and in the second half the performance was poor. Bordelas needs to sort out why: had they scored in the first half I'm sure it would have spurred them on to a win, not conceding and then meekly throwing the towel in as they did.
Next Sunday the Illicitanos are away to Salamanca, this could be the last chance to show they mean business this season: otherwise it will be looking over our shoulders again &ndash; and we don't want that!
Mucho Elche!
Photos by Mark Welton www.foto23.info]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-07T10:31:18+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>ORIHUELA SERVE UP SHOCK FOR REDS</title>
  <link>
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  <description><![CDATA[Orihuela 2 Horadada 0. Bottom three side Orihuela stunned visiting Horadada 2-0 to earn themselves three points over the table topping Reds with only their fourth win. 
They took the lead on the stroke of half time in  Saturday's Preferente encounter at the Los Arcos Stadium when Horacio fired a free kick low and hard toward the far corner of the goal for teenage striker Suarez to sidefoot in at the post.
In the 65th minute, Orihuela increased their lead when the former youth team player got his second of the game outpacing Horadada's Campillo to slide the ball past the advancing Juanjo.
Manager Quintano will take great pride from a victory which ensures Orihuela are unbeaten in their last seven outings with twelve of their nineteen league points having been earned since mid December.
Meanwhile, Horadada boss Pedreńo will be wondering how his side could produce such an anaemic display after an encouraging run of two defeats in twenty league games.
The Reds boss made five changes to the side which played out an uninspiring draw against Algue&ntilde;a last week, with Jose Maria, Nacho, Quique, Manolo Campillo and Meseguer all drafted into the starting line-up. He left out the two target men, Saura and Chuecos, both of whom are yet to impress in a Horadada shirt. But with Campillo and Jose Marie playing through the middle provided by Meseguer and Ivan down the flanks the Reds provided little threat as Orihuela's Pau and Moya were easily able to mop up their attacking ambitions. 
In truth, during the opening period, neither side looked likely to score with the first shot of the game taking 30 minutes to unearth, and that sailing harmlessly over the bar from 25 yards. So the meagre home crowd were rather stunned when Orihuela opened their account just prior to the half time interval.
After Vidal was caught on the ball defender Campillo conceded a yellow card just outside the box for handball. Horacio drove the resultant free kick through the Horadada defence which Suarez met at the far post to ease in past a flatfooted Juanjo. It was the only bright spark of a poor opening forty-five.
The second period was little better although Pedreńo did introduce the attacking threesome of Josan, Saura and Chuecos. Shortly after their arrival some tidy interplay between the two big forwards won a corner on the left. When Josan's delivery was only half-cleared, Saura could have done better lashing a volley low into the side netting.
The home side extended their lead with only their second opportunity of the game. After Nacho went down on the half way line, with too many of the Reds standing around waiting for a free kick, a long ball over the top saw Suarez outpace Campillo to convert from just inside the box.
Horadada manager Antonio Pedreńo:
&quot;The first goal is disappointing because we know how dangerous Orihuela are from set-pieces. 
&quot;Then the ref misses a foul on Nacho - that's a crucial decision that's gone against us. 
&quot;They've put the ball in the net twice from two chances and when we've had the opportunity to do that we haven't taken them.&quot;]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-07T10:25:56+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>USA POWERBALL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - SOMEONE SCOOPS $ 141,400,000!</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21642/usa-powerball-lottery-results-winning-numbers-someone-scoops-141400000/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Italian SuperEnalotto - &euro; 139 MILLION UP FOR GRABS!!!
Someone has scooped the USA Powerball jackpot and has landed themselves a sweet $ 141,400,000!
The lucky numbers for the winning USA Powerball draw were:
14, 22, 52, 54, 59, 04* (Powerball)


    
        
            Divisions
            Match
            Payout
        
        
            1 Prize
            5+PB
            US$ 141,400,000.00
        
        
            2 Prize
            5
            US$ 200,000.00
        
        
            3 Prize
            4+PB
            US$ 10,000.00
        
        
            4 Prize
            4
            US$ 100.00
        
        
            5 Prize
            3+PB
            US$ 100.00
        
        
            6 Prize
            3
            US$ 7.00
        
        
            7 Prize
            2+PB
            US$ 7.00
        
        
            8 Prize
            1+PB
            US$ 4.00
        
        
            9 Prize
            0+PB
            US$ 3.00
        
    


The world has gone lottery mad with the Euro Millions producing a jackpot of &euro; 129 million, one of its highest ever, for the draw next Friday and the SuperEnalotto Italia offering a whopping jackpot prize of over &euro; 139 million, one of its largest ever prizes!
Italian SuperEnalotto - &euro; 139 MILLION UP FOR GRABS!!!
Related Articles
The Leader Newspaper, 06 February 2010, UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1474, 06 FEBRUARY 2010
The Leader Newspaper, 06 February 2010, ITALIAN SUPERENALOTTO JACKPOT HITS &euro; 137,300,000
The Leader Newspaper, 05 February 2010, NEXT EURO MILLIONS JACKPOT ESTIMATED AT &euro; 129 MILLION
The Leader Newspaper, 28 January 2010, ONLINE LOTTERY TICKET SALES ARE BILLED AS THE WAY FORWARD]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-07T08:54:57+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1474, 06 FEBRUARY 2010</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21641/uk-national-lottery-results-winning-numbers-draw-1474-06-february-2010/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21641/uk-national-lottery-results-winning-numbers-draw-1474-06-february-2010/
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  <description><![CDATA[The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:
03, 12, 15, 17, 22, 29, 05 (Bonus Ball)
THUNDERBALL: 19, 21, 23, 11, 02, 10 (Thunderball)
DREAM NUMBER: 708899


    
        
            Divisions
            Match
            Payout
            Payout in US$
        
        
            1 Prize
            6
            &pound; 733,644.00
            US$ 1,150,221.74
        
        
            2 Prize
            5+1
            &pound; 27,528.00
            US$ 43,158.95
        
        
            3 Prize
            5
            &pound; 668.00
            US$ 1,047.30
        
        
            4 Prize
            4
            &pound; 31.00
            US$ 48.60
        
        
            5 Prize
            3
            &pound; 10.00
            US$ 15.68
        
    


ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1&ndash;49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the &ldquo;bonus ball&rdquo; (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
You can increase your chances of winning the jackpot by a massive 733% by joining the Leader Lotto E-Lottery Syndicate.
For further information about global lotteries, visit http://www.globallotteryresultsandwinningnumbers.com/
Related Articles
The Leader Newspaper, 06 February 2010, NEXT EURO MILLIONS JACKPOT ESTIMATED AT &euro; 129 MILLION!]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-06T20:12:16+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1473, 03 FEBRUARY 2010</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21640/uk-national-lottery-results-winning-numbers-draw-1473-03-february-2010/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21640/uk-national-lottery-results-winning-numbers-draw-1473-03-february-2010/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:
03, 11, 12, 20, 21, 28, 31 (Bonus Ball)


    
        
            Divisions
            Match
            Payout
            Payout in US$
        
        
            1 Prize
            6
            &pound; 1,942,838.00
            US$ 3,100,730.59
        
        
            2 Prize
            5+1
            &pound; 85,399.00
            US$ 136,295.10
        
        
            3 Prize
            5
            &pound; 721.00
            US$ 1,150.70
        
        
            4 Prize
            4
            &pound; 30.00
            US$ 47.88
        
        
            5 Prize
            3
            &pound; 10.00
            US$ 15.96
        
    


ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1&ndash;49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the &ldquo;bonus ball&rdquo; (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
You can increase your chances of winning the jackpot by a massive 733% by joining the Leader Lotto E-Lottery Syndicate.
For further information about global lotteries, visit http://www.globallotteryresultsandwinningnumbers.com/
THIS WEEK'S IT IS THE EURO MILLIONS' 6TH ANNIVERSARY AND A STAGGERING 100 MILLION EURO IS UP FOR GRABS!
Related Articles
The Leader Newspaper, 30 January 2010, EURO MILLIONS SIXTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED WITH &euro; 100 MILLION JACKPOT!]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-06T17:06:28+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>ITALIAN SUPERENALOTTO JACKPOT HITS € 137,300,000</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21639/italian-superenalotto-jackpot-hits-137300000/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21639/italian-superenalotto-jackpot-hits-137300000/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[The Italian SuperEnalotto jackpot has hit an unbelieveable &euro; 137,300,000 which is some &euro; 8,300,000 million more than the current Euro Millions jackpot prize!
This week is a fabulous week for rollovers with some of the largest jackpot prizes in the world on offer:
Euro Millions - &euro; 129,000,000
USA Powerball - $ 140,000,000
Italian SuperEnalotto - &euro; 137,300,000
With all the hype currently surrounding the huge &euro; 129,000,000 which is currently on offer for the winner of the Euro Millions jackpot, many global lottery players have forgotten about the fantastic prizes which are currently on offer from other draws such as the Italian SuperEnalotto and the USA Powerball.
But you can still take part and register to play today by clicking on one of the above links. And remember, you've got to be in it to win it!]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-06T14:23:09+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>ELVIRAS - A FIRST CLASS RESTAURANT THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21638/elviras-a-first-class-restaurant-that-wont-break-the-bank/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21638/elviras-a-first-class-restaurant-that-wont-break-the-bank/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Those of you who know Dean Sutherland and Mike Moores will know just what a splendid job they have done in the three years that they have owned Elvira's Bar and Restaurant in Avda Abanto, San Luis. From a fairly average Spanish tapas Bar they have turned it into one of the area's finest eateries where clientele are assured of good wholesome food provided at exceptional value for money.
With set menu's de la noche offering three courses for either &euro;9.50 or &euro;12.50 you can choose from classic starter dishes such as seafood cocktail, pate' or soup of the day followed by a variety of hearty home cooked favourites. Cod and chips is a particular favourite although steak pie and chicken curry are now beginning to run it mightily close. All are served with a separate side order of vegetables giving providing an elegant evening dining experience in a spacious and classy dining area.
Alternatively, for just a few euros more, why not try the extensive a la carte menu which offers a wide variety upmarket dishes which suit the well-groomed restaurant perfectly. All are home cooked to the same mouth watering standards, an absolute must for anybody who enjoys inspirational and enjoyable food.  And if you still have room at the end of all that there is still at least one more choice to make, that of a choice of appealing desserts.
Dean and Mike have now been running the popular bar and restaurant for almost three years in which time they have tuned the business on its head. Following a lengthy closure this fashionable meeting spot is now so popular that booking is almost certainly recommended, and not only at weekends when it turns into one of the liveliest venues in the region. 
In a previous life that saw him working as a chef in a top Holiday Inn hotel Dean is the culinary talent in the concern while Mike looks after the front of house. While Dean ensures that the kitchen runs like clockwork and the food is prepared to his own first class standards Mike will ensure that your supply of drinks keeps pace with the yardstick being set by his partner. In all the pair will ensure that you are not disappointed, that you leave in the knowledge that you have had value for money having experienced a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Dean and Mike are also extremely selective with any entertainment that they provide in the restaurant. &ldquo;We will only feature acts that we would personally recommend&rdquo; Dean said.  &ldquo;We don't provide entertainment just for the sake of it. Just like the food we serve in the restaurant we want our customers to leave feeling they have enjoyed their evening with us&rdquo;.
One upcoming performer who is not to be missed will be appearing at Elvira's on Wednesday 17 February. Dougie Munro has been wowing audiences all over the Costa Blanca for many years. &ldquo;We never tire of watching him perform&rdquo; said Mike. &ldquo;He always gives a first class show&rdquo;. 
If you want to see Dougie on the 17th at Elvira's booking is certainly advised.  The restaurant is closed all day Monday, except for private functions. From Tuesday to Saturday it opens at 6.30pm. In fact on Saturday evening why not experience the Saturday night carvery for just &euro;10.95. And then on Sundays, for just &euro;9.50, their extremely popular traditional Sunday lunch is served from 12.30 to 4.30pm. Bookings are always advised at Elvira's on 661 141 493 or after 5.30pm on 968 97 4042]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-06T12:21:21+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>NEXT EURO MILLIONS JACKPOT ESTIMATED AT € 129 MILLION!</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21637/next-euro-millions-jackpot-estimated-at-129-million/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21637/next-euro-millions-jackpot-estimated-at-129-million/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Italian SuperEnalotto - &euro; 137,300,000 UP FOR GRABS!!!
Nobody was able to match the five main balls and the two lucky stars this week, pushing the next Euro Millions jackpot which is due to be drawn on Friday 12th February 2010 up to &euro; 129 million!
This isn't the first time that the Euro Millions jackpot prize has exceeded &euro; 100 million and right now the world is going lotto mad with the Italian Super Enalotto currently offering &euro; 137 million and the US Powerball lotto offering $ 140 million!
But, as every player knows, you've got to be in it to win it and you can play any lottery online through theLotter.com.
Related Articles
The Leader Newspaper, 06 February 2010, ITALIAN SUPERENALOTTO JACKPOT HITS &euro; 137,300,000
The Leader Newspaper, 05 February 2010, EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 313, 05 FEBRUARY 2010
The Leader Newspaper, 28 January 2010, ONLINE LOTTERY TICKET SALES ARE BILLED AS THE WAY FORWARD]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T22:42:40+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 313, 05 FEBRUARY 2010</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21636/euro-millions-lottery-results-winning-numbers-draw-313-05-february-2010/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21636/euro-millions-lottery-results-winning-numbers-draw-313-05-february-2010/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[ Italian SuperEnalotto - &euro; 137,300,000 UP FOR GRABS!!!
EURO MILLIONS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
The results and winning numbers for the Euro Millions lottery, (Euromillones) draw 313, held on 05 February 2010 were:
34, 35, 38, 39, 46, 03*, 04*
MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE: WGC875346
ESTIMATED JACKPOT: GBP 85 million


    
        
            Divisions
            Match
            Payout
            Payout in US$
        
        
            1 Prize
            5+2PB
            No Winner
            No Winner
        
        
            2 Prize
            5+PB
            &euro; 362,492.60
            US$ 496,288.62
        
        
            3 Prize
            5
            &euro; 102,869.50
            US$ 140,838.63
        
        
            4 Prize
            4+2PB
            &euro; 6,715.70
            US$ 9,194.46
        
        
            5 Prize
            4+PB
            &euro; 317.20
            US$ 434.28
        
        
            6 Prize
            4
            &euro; 151.40
            US$ 207.28
        
        
            7 Prize
            3+2PB
            &euro; 99.30
            US$ 135.95
        
        
            8 Prize
            3+PB
            &euro; 35.70
            US$ 48.88
        
        
            9 Prize
            3
            &euro; 22.10
            US$ 30.26
        
        
            10 Prize
            2+2PB
            &euro; 28.10
            US$ 38.47
        
        
            11 Prize
            2+PB
            &euro; 10.50
            US$ 14.38
        
        
            12 Prize
            1+2PB
            &euro; 11.50
            US$ 15.74
        
    


ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 9.
The Euro Millions draw takes place every Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the jackpot, or a share of it!
WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a 3,600% higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader E-Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery by 733% and by 3,600% in the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - 36 Euro Millions Lottery or 88 UK Lottery syndicate entries per week for just 5 pounds
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - 6 year track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Go to www.leaderlotto.com for more details on how you can improve your chances of winning the jackpot!
For further information about global lotteries, visit http://www.globallotteryresultsandwinningnumbers.com/
To play the world's largest in-play lottery go to http://www.globallotterytickets.com/
Related Articles
The Leader Newspaper, 07 February 2010, USA POWERBALL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - SOMEONE SCOOPS $ 141,400,000!
The Leader Newspaper, 06 February 2010, UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1474, 06 FEBRUARY 2010
The Leader Newspaper, 06 February 2010, ITALIAN SUPERENALOTTO JACKPOT HITS &euro; 137,300,000
The Leader Newspaper, 05 February 2010, NEXT EURO MILLIONS JACKPOT ESTIMATED AT &euro; 129 MILLION
The Leader Newspaper, 28 January 2010, ONLINE LOTTERY TICKET SALES ARE BILLED AS THE WAY FORWARD]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T22:37:43+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>HOW TO USE TWITTER TO UPDATE YOUR FACEBOOK STATUS</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21635/how-to-use-twitter-to-update-your-facebook-status/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21635/how-to-use-twitter-to-update-your-facebook-status/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Many people ask how it is possible to update your Facebook status through Twitter. How is it possible to make your most recent Tweet appear as a Facebook update?
The answer is fairly straightforward and required just two simple steps.
The first step is to log into your Facebook account and get the Twitter application for Facebook. (The Twitter App For Facebook can be found by clicking on this link here.)
The second step is to click on the link Want Facebook to update your Facebook status. Click here! (You will need to be logged into Facebook at this point.)
And there you go! Your Twitter Tweets will now automagically update your Facebook status.
There may be a lag sometimes, but generally the updates to your Facebook status are done near real-time. High volume Twitter accounts may sometime find that some messages are lost. In addition, duplicate messages seem to be stripped out and are not posted to Facebook by the Twitter Application fo Facebook.
Follow The Leader Newspaper on Twitter]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T18:12:34+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>MONTE MAR BOWLS AND SOCIAL CLUB </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21634/monte-mar-bowls-and-social-club/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21634/monte-mar-bowls-and-social-club/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Sponsored by Super Valu Supermarkets

SABA Discovery League 
Monte Mar Picadors &ndash; 71 shots - 2 points San Miguel Pulsars &ndash; 129 shots - 12 points
For the second week running the Picadors were handed a bowling lesson, this time by league leaders San Miguel Pulsars. The Pulsars were winners on five rinks, and once again it was left to the team of Ian and Marilyn Gibbons and Danny King to retain a modicum of respectability by winning 25 points to 11. 
Stellar performance&hellip;..Marilyn Gibbons, Danny King and Ian Gibbons
Into another black hole &hellip;.Val Hyman, Terry Errington and Dave Melville, Sheila Bomley, Barry Woodfine and Ben Bromley, Ted Hyman, Dave Buckland, and Chris Merry, Andy Gavin, Bill Judd and Mike Farrelly 
Pauline Merry, Gordon Hemming and David Eades

Monte Mar Novilleros - 8 points Horadada Condors - 6 points    
Good wins for Pat Harman and Les Bounds' teams, combined with a last end win for team headed by Colin Armitage, together with the advantage on the overall shot score gave us a well earned overall victory.
Commiseration to the team headed by Roy Clayson, as they were in front by 6 shots with 3 ends to go and in the end lost by 1 shot. 
Wing clippers &hellip;..Lynne Armitage, Joe Allen  and Colin Armitage, Bill Clifton, Gordon Lee and Les Bounds
Pam Lee, Pat Harman and Brian Harman
Crashed to earth&hellip;. Jim Ure, John Caiger and Roy Clayson, Babs Caiger, Ron Campbell and Sue Bounds
Guisseppi Guatteli,, David Smy and Arthur Buxton

Southern League &ndash; Division &lsquo;A' 
Monte Mar Matadors &ndash; 103 shots &ndash; 12 points San Miguel Jaguars - 90 shots &ndash; 2 points    
We lost 12 points to 2, winning on only one rink.  Some of the games were quite close but the Jaguars made their home advantage count.  
Well done to Alan Ashberry, Brian Harman and Marilyn Gibbons, who were our only winning rink. (How many wins in a row in all leagues is that now Marilyn?) 
Also thanks to our friendly team who travelled with us, and had a good game narrowly losing on the last two ends. 
Big Cats &hellip;.Brian Harman, Marilyn Gibbons and Alan Ashberry
Badly Clawed&hellip;.Denise Ashberry, John Corbet and Dave Melville, Val Hyman, Ian Gibbons and Stan Routledge, Lynne Armitage, Harry Dobson and Colin Armitage, Pat Harman, June Young and David Eades
Fred Taylor, Ben Bromley and Mike Farrelly

Southern League &ndash; Division &lsquo;B' 
Monte Mar Toreadors &ndash; 124 shots &ndash;11points La Siesta Gold - 100 shots &ndash; 3 points    
Captain Terry Errington now thinks that the Toreadors have got over their Xmas hangover, as everyone bowled well and a great result was achieved. All we need is a result like this at La Manga next Friday. Terry further thanks everyone for turning up and making his job easy.
Worth their weight in &hellip;.Sandra Errington, John Jow
Other Club News 
Perpetuo Socorro Charity Cup
Our Charity Bowling Fun Day was held on Saturday 23rd, for the Perpetuo Socorro Charity Cup, and we were
delighted that our friends at Perpetuo Socorro Health Care and Insurance again agreed to sponsor this event. 
After a hard fought day the overall winner was Dave Buckland, who received his trophy and bottle of fortification from Maria Cairns of Perpetuo Socorro and son Nicholas at our Charity Dinner Dance at the Rincon Restaurant. Photograph shows Dave, Maia, Nicholas and Chairman Mike Farrelly.

Coaching School
Club coaching, conducted by Bill Young has recommenced on Sunday mornings, and existing and prospective new members are invited to contact Bill on 966796851, or E-mail to info@montemarbowls.com, the first course is full, but spaces are available on subsequent courses.
If you have never bowled before come along, you may surprise yourself.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T15:44:52+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>A FIRST CLASS RESTAURANT THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21633/a-first-class-restaurant-that-wont-break-the-bank/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21633/a-first-class-restaurant-that-wont-break-the-bank/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Those of you who know Dean Sutherland and Mike Moores will know just what a splendid job they have done in the three years that they have owned Elvira's Bar and Restaurant in Avda Abanto, San Luis. From a fairly average Spanish tapas Bar they have turned it into one of the area's finest eateries where clientele are assured of good wholesome food provided at exceptional value for money.

With set menu's de la noche offering three courses for either &euro;9.50 or &euro;12.50 you can choose from classic starter dishes such as seafood cocktail, pate' or soup of the day followed by a variety of hearty home cooked favourites. Cod and chips is a particular favourite although steak pie and chicken curry are now beginning to run it mightily close. All are served with a separate side order of vegetables giving providing an elegant evening dining experience in a spacious and classy dining area. Alternatively, for just a few euros more, why not try the extensive a la carte menu which offers a wide variety upmarket dishes which suit the well-groomed restaurant perfectly. All are home cooked to the same mouth watering standards, an absolute must for anybody who enjoys inspirational and enjoyable food.  And if you still have room at the end of all that there is still at least one more choice to make, that of a choice of appealing desserts.

Dean and Mike have now been running the popular bar and restaurant for almost three years in which time they have tuned the business on its head. Following a lengthy closure this fashionable meeting spot is now so popular that booking is almost certainly recommended, and not only at weekends when it turns into one of the liveliest venues in the region. In a previous life that saw him working as a chef in a top Holiday Inn hotel Dean is the culinary talent in the concern while Mike looks after the front of house. While Dean ensures that the kitchen runs like clockwork and the food is prepared to his own first class standards Mike will ensure that your supply of drinks keeps pace with the yardstick being set by his partner. In all the pair will ensure that you are not disappointed, that you leave in the knowledge that you have had value for money having experienced a thoroughly enjoyable evening. 

Dean and Mike are also extremely selective with any entertainment that they provide in the restaurant. &ldquo;We will only feature acts that we would personally recommend&rdquo; Dean said.  &ldquo;We don't provide entertainment just for the sake of it. Just like the food we serve in the restaurant we want our customers to leave feeling they have enjoyed their evening with us&rdquo;. One upcoming performer who is not to be missed will be appearing at Elvira's on Wednesday 17 February. Dougie Munro has been wowing audiences all over the Costa Blanca for many years. &ldquo;We never tire of watching him perform&rdquo; said Mike. &ldquo;He always gives a first class show&rdquo;.  

If you want to see Dougie on the 17th at Elvira's booking is certainly advised.  The restaurant is closed all day Monday, except for private functions. From Tuesday to Saturday it opens at 6.30pm. In fact on Saturday evening why not experience the Saturday night carvery for just &euro;10.95. And then on Sundays, for just &euro;9.50, their extremely popular traditional Sunday lunch is served from 12.30 to 4.30pm. Bookings are always advised at Elvira's on 661 141 493 or after 5.30pm on 968 97 4042





 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T15:34:25+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>VIVA LA VIDA ARE LIVING THE LIFE</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21632/viva-la-vida-are-living-the-life/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21632/viva-la-vida-are-living-the-life/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[After their first successful year Jim and Paul are looking forward to the many more to come, and welcome customers new and old to their first anniversary celebration, which will take place on Saturday 27th February. The evening looks to be a huge, fun filled night, with live entertainment from Alan Scott, who does some fantastic tributes to Neil Diamond and Tom Jones. There will also be an open mic, for anyone else who wants to entertain the crowds. There will be free snacks and nibbles, a free glass of wine or beer with the ad on this page, and a great atmosphere is guaranteed.
Viva la Vida is a warm, welcoming bar which serves a full menu of food, and a wide range of specials, all half price at 7.95 euros.  A three course evening meal is available at 9.95 euros. 
Why not come and have a relaxing drink on their large, south facing, sun filled terrace, situated in Centro Comercial La Fuente, opposite the Campoamor Golf Course.  Or if you prefer a cosy relaxed atmosphere come and sit on the comfy chairs inside the bar.  
Quiz nights are held every Thursday evening from 9pm, and darts nights are every Monday.  New team members are always welcome.  All live sports are shown on their wide screen TV, such as the Six Nations and the World Cup.  Why not come and watch your favourite events in comfortable surroundings in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere.  Happy hour is every day from 4pm to 7pm.  Viva la Vida is open all day, from 9am till late.  
Paul Shanks and Jim Boyes moved over to the Costa Blanca from West Yorkshire 18 months ago, and have never looked back. They say it is the best thing they ever did, and their positive outlook on life is the ideal recipe to run a bar, as they seem to be doing extremely well. They had always fancied having a bar in Spain, which is a complete change from their previous jobs as combustion engineers. 
They had both holidayed in Spain previously, but when Jim came to the Costa Blanca on an inspection trip he fell in love with the area. He and Paul ended up buying a house in Play Golf II, and kept an eye open for a feasible business opportunity.  When Viva la Vida became available they snapped it up, and the rest of the story is history.  ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T15:27:57+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>MARKETS AWAIT CENTRAL BANK DECISIONS TOMORROW</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21631/markets-await-central-bank-decisions-tomorrow/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21631/markets-await-central-bank-decisions-tomorrow/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Not too much to report today in relation to economic data with the focus looking forward to tomorrows interest rate decisions from the Bank Of England and the European Central Bank.
There is a possibility that the completion of the Quantitative Easing programme will be announced for the UK- however the ever cautious MPC will likely leave the door open for more if deemed necessary.
Either way a pause or a cessation in QE should be largely beneficial for sterling in the short term. The statements following the respective decisions from the BoE and ECB will again be the highlight as future policy sentiment will be predicted by the markets.
Sterling had a bright start today against the USD pushing back through 1.60 and hitting a high of 1.6069 before slumping back to earlier levels. Reports of Asian Central banks buying GBP/USD earlier before the rally was sold back lower. EUR/USD also stuck its neck back above 1.40 again this morning to a high of 1.4026 before falling back to 1.40. Later today we get feedback on employment conditions in the US with ADP employment change. We also have PMI services data from most major economies today and the markets will want to see a good number to reflect the positive manufacturing PMI levels earlier this week. Basically the markets in the last week have been trading in the risk on and off pattern with the lean to risk off which has seen pronounced strength in the USD and the JPY. So far this week we are leaning slowly back towards risk on and if this gathers momentum we could see GBP/USD and EUR/USD move higher as well as the Yen losing ground and gains in commodity currencies.
Yesterday we had the NIESR report which warned of dangers of too rapid a return to fiscal tightening but overall was not too downbeat. This morning we have had UK Nationwide consumer confidence which showed a 3 point rise but indicated that the UK consumers spending patterns are still less than normal for the start of the year. 
Information provided by Currencies Direct, leading providers of foreign exchange. Call to find out how we can help you get the best rates and save your transfer fees.
Contact the La Zenia office on +34 965 994 830 or email costablanca@currenciesdirect.com.
 
The contents of this report are for information purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation to trade or a solicitation for funds. Currencies Direct cannot be held responsible for any loss or damages arising from any action taken following consideration of this information.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T15:24:48+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>CHARITIES ASSISTED BY PARISH OF CRISTO RESUCITADO 2009</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21630/charities-assisted-by-parish-of-cristo-resucitado-2009/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21630/charities-assisted-by-parish-of-cristo-resucitado-2009/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Caritas was formed on the Orihuela Costa, last May. Originally it had four volunteers which grew to eleven by December.
Over the summer they found work for four people, three of whom are still working although there are now seven people waiting for a job.
The social help Caritas on the Costa has given includes information and consultation concerning work, social security, and domestic violence.
The physical help Caritas on the Costa has been able to offer has been with food for nine families. One family was helped with funds and another family also received funds, through Caritas in Pilar de Horadada, for food and warm winter clothing. The parish would like to thank  the Club the International of Retired and Pensioners Crucible U.D.P, its  directors and  president D&ordf; Dolores Fernandez Cumpian for their contribution to the Christmas campaign - giving food  items, products for hygiene and cleanliness, diapers and other items, to the  value of 1000 &euro;.

Christmas Campaign  2009: 
Food items to the approximated value of &euro; 700 and &euro; 268.28 in cash were received during the campaign. (Each item of 1 kilo or 1 litre-   cost 1 euro to purchase). We would remind you that next year when we have this campaign again, please take note of the &ldquo;sell bye&rdquo; date as out of date goods can not be distributed.

Haiti Collection.
Bishop Rafael, Alicante, instructed that each church in Alicante Province, would donate the collection on Sunday 17th January to the relief of Haiti. The parish of Cristo Resucitado collected &euro;2300.00. The Roman Catholic Charity &ndash; Caritas -  is already working in Haiti, and this donation has been forwarded to the organization.

Other Donations:
The parish, through funds raised by the Juan Pablo Segundo group who offer tea and coffee each Sunday after mass at the chapel in La Zenia, has given donations to the following institutions during 2009:
&euro;500.00 to the Hospice for the mentally ill Cottolengo, Alicante
&euro;500.00 to the orphanage in Orihuela City San Jose Obrero
&euro;250.00 to &ldquo;Help&rdquo;









 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T15:21:22+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>TO THE HEART OF HAITI </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21629/to-the-heart-of-haiti/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21629/to-the-heart-of-haiti/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[People of the Vega Baja have strong sentiments about the Haiti earthquake and can easily identify themselves with the victims, as there is a communal memory of the fatal 1829 earthquake that devastated the whole Vega Baja area. This is only one reason why a small group of people have adopted measures to raise funds for the devastated population of Haiti. 
Spearheaded by the Torrevieja Alzheimer's Association a variety of events, concerts, and open air events have been planned to help raise funds for a small country that was built on the backs of African slaves 250 years ago making it one of the richest colonies of the French in those days. However, since its independence the small country that forms half of the former island of La Espa&ntilde;ola discovered by Christopher Columbus's first trip funded by the salt of the Torrevieja lake, has had one failed government after another, as well as four major earthquakes that have destroyed the different rebuilding programmes over the past couple of centuries. 
Initial aid work has been hampered by lack of an infrastructure as the country is considered to be one of the poorest in the world with an average income of 1.35 euros a day before this earthquake and after this catastrophe will continue to be regarded in this light. Located on a natural fault line, Haiti will undoubtedly have other earthquakes in the future. Therefore, it is important that any rebuilding process must include modern building techniques and materials that can withstand seismic movements. From a ten million population 200,000 people are quoted to have died, but at least that number is also injured and limbless, as they have been so badly injured in the collapse of the buildings. Does this mean that nobody needs bother about the people or their condition? Should we just leave them to their own limited resources? The initial response to financial and material assistance has been astonishing from countries throughout the world, but it is obvious that this response must be an ongoing one over decades. Over 100 priests and nuns who were involved in numerous humanitarian projects are reportedly dead, along with many members of the United Nations aid workers and aid charities working in the country before the tragedy so at one stroke the existing humanitarian infrastructure has been largely destroyed.
This immense humanitarian challenge of rebuilding will largely depend on the continual aid from other countries and especially the United Nations. However, initially the first aid must be for the victims who are homeless, without electricity or water, little shelter from the elements and a tremendous need for medicines and food. It is to this end that the people of Torrevieja hope to raise funds that will be channelled in conjunction with town hall social services, AMICS and AORI, The Red Cross, UNICEF and Caritas International. So watch out for ways that you can help to raise these necessary funds in this concerted programme during February, while at the same time enjoy some of the magnificent music that will be offered by various groups, choirs, bands, singers and entertainers in the coming weeks. 
The almost miraculous stories of survivors dug out even after two weeks from the rubble speaks about the resilience of the Haitians and, ultimately, it will be up to them to rebuild their own country, but you can help them to help themselves. A special account has been set up in the CAM Bank for anyone who would like to put money directly into a bank account that will be at the disposal of the aforementioned humanitarian organisations so that help will go where help is needed&hellip;right to the heart of the Haitian people. 

TORREVIEJA FOR HAITI
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 2090/3188/60/0040295616
CAJA DE AHORROS DEL MEDITERRANEO (C.A.M.)]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T15:15:26+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>THE PLEASURE OF ANGLING</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21628/the-pleasure-of-angling/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Following on from the previous article on the Valencia region, we will now look at Murcia.
The Ground Rules for Murcia.
Before you can obtain your licence to fish in the Murcia region, you must be in possession of Fishing Insurance (Responsabilidad Civil de Pesca) which is compulsory in this region. Some insurance companies issue a combined hunting and fishing policy. At the AXA office in Torrevieja the cost at the present time is &euro;10.94 for one year. However before they issue the policy you have to give them a photocopy of  your fishing licence- a typical catch 22 situation.
The answer is therefore to first of all obtain your Valencia licence, where at the moment it is not compulsory to have insurance, and then take your Valencia licence to the insurance company with your application. You will also need a photocopy of your passport and NIE number letter OR a current old type residencia card, together with the &euro;10.94 in cash. You will also be required, at this time, to give them your full bank details in order that future payments can be made automatically. (Remember to cancel this if you give up fishing, or join the Federation where insurance is provided.)
Unlike the licence, the insurance once obtained, covers you to fish the rivers and embalses in the whole of Spain.
If you wish to sea fish, be sure to check the rules concerning licences in the area, as each one has different regulations. In some cases you need a separate shore and boat licence.
When you have your insurance, you can apply for your Murcia licence at either the Delegacion Agencia Medio Ambiente office in Murcia, where you will receive it immediately, or at the Toda Pesca tackle shop in El Punto, Murcia. It you obtain it from here you must be prepared to wait 2/3 weeks. Take with you photocopies of your Insurance, Passport, NIE number letter and if you are over 65 years of age, a copy of your Sip card with PN on.
The cost of the licence is &euro;6.40 for one year, and &euro;32.00 for 5 years. The licence for pensioners is free. Remember that if you obtain your licence from the tackle shop, there will be a handling charge to pay.

CARP-R-US NEWS.
Contrary to rumours that are being circulated, Carp-R-Us has not disbanded. It is still a highly active and productive Angling and Social Club. The club now meets at the Bar El Alto La Dolores on the N332, off the new roundabout between Guardamar and La Mata, where alterations and improvements are well under way. Our next meeting in on Sunday February 21st, at 11.00 and the next quiz night on Tuesday 23rd February at 7.30. Anyone is welcome to come to the quiz night-entry is &euro;1.00 per person and a finger buffet is provided.
As well as fishing, we have a good social side. We hold Hog Roasts, Dinner/dances, Coach Trips, Charity events etc, and are in the process of organising coffee mornings, card nights, and other social activities. We are currently taking new members and the cost is &euro;50.00 per member per year, which includes Associate membership for a partner.
If you are interested in joining please contact Colin Brinkley &ndash;telephone 966712351- or E Mail rojales1@gmail.com for further information, on the club visit www.carprus.net.

 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T15:11:03+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>LOVES FOUND AND LOST - SAINT VALENTINE LEGENDS  </title>
  <link>
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[(Author of Torrevieja Cameos)

In the late 1990's Saint Valentine's Day gained more popularity in Spain, probably because of the foreign influence. As such there is no real fiesta for this day in the country. It is based on another Roman festival commemorating young men's rite of passage to the god Lupercus, that was adjusted to Christian ideology in the fifth century. The Roman celebration included a lottery whereby the young men could draw the names of young girls from a box and this would be a sexual pair for the next year. Of course the Church could not have this promiscuity and the lottery was of saint's names instead of lovers. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers because of legends associated with him. 
He was a Roman soldier who refused to pay allegiance to the Roman gods and was beheaded.  During his time in prison, Valentine fell in love with the gaoler's daughter who was blind. Their love and faith helped her to recover her sight and as he was being marched off to the chopping block she read his farewell message, which was signed, &ldquo;from your Valentine.&rdquo;
As this feast was held in mid February it has come to be associated with the carnival. In Teruel there is a medieval festival on the weekend nearest to the 14th February. This is based on another romantic legend of Isabel and Diego with shades of Romeo and Juliet. Isabel was the daughter of a rich and influential man of the town and Diego was poor, but the couple loved each other. The father agreed that Diego should go off to seek his fortune and return within a stipulated time and on a specific date, otherwise Isabel would be given in marriage to someone else. When the date arrived there was no sign of Diego so Isabel was married off. Diego came the following day, a rich man, but just too late. He pined for his Isabel and begged just one kiss, but too late again. 
Poor Diego languished and died and as he lay there awaiting burial Isabel heard the news and rushed to him to kiss his forehead, again too late. She herself died of a broken heart and the pair was buried together. You can see their marble statues lying side by side in Teruel. This festival in the town includes a re-enactment of the story by two youngsters, dressed in typical costumes. Many other people take part and there is a market, dancing, and open fires in the street where suckling pig and other delicacies are cooked. It goes on late into the night, often broken up by sword fighting between chain mail clad &lsquo;soldiers' who are supposed to have fallen out with each other. 
Torrevieja also has a love story in calle Cari&ntilde;o which relates of how two young teenager neighbours fell madly in love and were inseparable. However, she became seriously ill and died. The boy just wasted away and died of a broken heart and the street was renamed calle Cari&ntilde;o in their memory.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T15:06:36+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>JOHN TERRY - FROM DAD OF THE YEAR TO CAD OF THE YEAR...</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21626/john-terry-from-dad-of-the-year-to-cad-of-the-year/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21626/john-terry-from-dad-of-the-year-to-cad-of-the-year/
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  <description><![CDATA[Did the sight of  John Terry's alleged &lsquo;bit on the side' Vanessa Perroncel cavorting for the cameras with arch-pimp Max Clifford repulse you as much as it did me? 
 
I was disgusted by the whole sordid tale of England's football captain playing away from home. And I found Ms Perroncel seemingly touting her story to the highest bidder with the help of smarmy publicist Clifford just as revolting. 
 
Now we are told that Wayne Bridge's former partner has decided not to sell the saga to the red-tops. I'll leave you to decide why...but without saying anything that might be construed as libellous, I find it hard to believe she hasn't benefited financially from all this.
If you ask me, Terry, Vanessa and Clifford all deserve each other &ndash; wrapped up in the &pound;100 notes that seem to rule all their lives.
 
Let's face it, money is at the root of the whole seedy saga. 
 
Terry and his former Chelsea teammate and pal Bridge are products of a world of riches that most of us can only dream of. And therein lies the problem. 
 
One can only imagine the temptations facing young men who have millions in the bank before they are old enough even to be given the proverbial key of the door. Devoid of the common sense that only maturity can bring, they are open to exploitation by everyone from conmen to football agents and of course, self-styled &lsquo;models' seeking to set up a lucrative kiss-and-tell deal.
 
The poor guys have no chance. Perhaps the worst thing for them is that, apart from the pals they made in their pre-football days, they never know who their real friends are. 
 
But while I can empathise with the problems facing young single players thrust into the Premier League limelight, Terry is old enough to know better.
 
He's 29, blessed with a gorgeous wife, Toni, and three-year-old twins Georgie John and Summer Rose. And, we are told, a weekly pay-packet from Chelsea of &pound;175,000.
 
So why on earth does he need to play away from home? 
 
We all know that footballers are the most overpaid members of society. Perhaps it is compensation from the Almighty for accidentally inserting their brains in their feet instead of their heads. Or in Terry's case, between his legs &ndash; because in his case sex seems to be the only thing that matters.
 
Last year the England captain was voted Dad of the Year in a competition run by Daddies Sauce. 
 
I've got a better idea. Was there ever a better candidate than John Terry for Cad of the Year? 
 
And how about a bonus for Max Clifford - a Wad of the Year award?
Donna Gee is a semi-retired former Daily Express and Daily Mirror staff sub-editor and writer who now spends most of her time in Guardamar, where she has a home at El Raso.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T15:00:04+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>TORRY FANS FIND THEIR VOICE</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21625/torry-fans-find-their-voice/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[







Alex Trelinski      







FC Torrevieja are giving their supporters a chance to voice their opinion on what positive changes they would like to see implemented at the Club. Fans are requested to come up with their thoughts and positive suggestions for the future by sending an E-mail to yourvoice@fctorrevieja.es. The messages will go straight to Peter Fulford, CEO of SAMM Inc, who have recently bought the club, and who want to hear the views of all supporters in the area.
&ldquo;I'm keen to take the pulse of what the fans want, and what ideas they have to take FC Torrevieja forward&rdquo;, says Fulford, &ldquo;&hellip;.and I'll try to answer some of their points directly, though I cannot guarantee a reply to everybody as there is so much work to be done on and off the field. Myself and the committee are extremely committed to FC Torrevieja and welcome the thoughts and positive feedback from our valued fan base and community&rdquo;
&ldquo;There is a strong bedrock of Spanish and British support here, but I do want to hear from people who have not been recently and what we can do to encourage them to cheer on their local side.&rdquo;








]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T14:52:15+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>HORADADA BOWLS CLUB REPORT </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21624/horadada-bowls-club-report/
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[BY TREVOR AUSTIN
FEDERATION FOURS
We had our first foray into the new Federation Competition on Thursday away to Greenlands Bears
we were doing very well on all three rinks but the green just beat us in the end. We lost the overall shots 71 &ndash; 42 but managed to win one rink so the points total finished 2 &ndash; 6.
Winning Rink Kath Reid. Barbara Brown, Gerry Gough and Giuseppe Galelli

SABA ENTERPRISE LEAGUE
A very unusual result today for the Falcons, sharing the points with the Klingons. We only managed to win one rink, losing two and had three drawn rinks. Our one winning rink just had enough in hand to pinch the overall shot count, not very often that happens in a match, so the final outcome were honors even. Scoring rinks were :-
Jenni Blunt, Ann Hartley and Mick Blunt.   22 - 6.
Bryan Eatough, Terry Hucknall and Barry Evans.  19 - 19.
Kath Reid, Pauline Murphy and Ray Hartley.  18 - 18.
Sheila Austin, Jo Pering and Julian Pering.  18 - 18.
Horadada Falcons  7 pts ( 109 shots ) v San Luis Klingons  7 pts  ( 103 shots ).
Well done to the friendly rink of Val Collier, Gerry Gough and Chris Collier who had a good win of 21 &ndash; 10.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION 'A'
Firstly I have to apologies to my fellow club members who took last weeks report in totally the wrong way I actually had comments from bowlers not within our club who thought the bacon roll comment was quite funny. And saw it in the way I meant it.
Back to winning ways for the Royals this week taking four of the six rinks at Greenlands.
Most of us expected the newly silicon treated cloth to be a more difficult playing surface but today was not the case, so well done to the winning teams and commiseration's to those that only lost by a narrow margin. Winning Scores as follows:-
Kath Reid, Barbara Brown and Guiseppe Galelli.   23 - 13.
Terry Hucknall, Mick Blunt and Barry Evans.    25 - 6.
Val Collier, Jo Pering and Chris Collier.   15 - 13.
Tony Burchall, Jenny Burchall and Brian Guppy.   16 - 13.
Horadada Royals  10 pts ( 102 shots )  v  Greenlands Yellow  4 pts  ( 79 shots ).

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ' B '
Report on Gladiators Away game against La Siesta Silver - 29 January 2010 
Although it was another lovely day for bowling weather wise our team didn't shine on the rinks.  We seem to have a good week then a bad week! The Gladiators only won on 2 rinks and the overall shots were 98-114 thus losing the match 4 points to 10 points.  The winning teams were:
Stan Runchman, Val Pryke &amp; Mike Douglas 21-8
Don Robson, John Donovan &amp; Brian Pryke 21-14
Our friendly team also lost today &ndash; blaming it all on the rink!
We are due a good result next week!!
For Further Information On Horadada Bowls Club. Please phone The President Ray Hartley 96 8335 467. The Web Site www.horadadabowls.com


 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T14:44:30+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>GREENLAND'S GOLF CLUB</title>
  <link>
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Tuesday 2nd February 2010 &ndash; Medal 

Full house with 30 competitors, that's quite a change! We even had 5 ladies present and they made themselves be seen, as you will see later on. So with good weather and no wind at all at the start at 09.30 all holes except the difficult 6th were occupied. Starting at the 3rd my companions were Charlie S, George S and John T and the first few holes went rather well. 
Leaving the 7th with 2 birdies and 2 pars we felt like we were on top of the world. We paid the price immediately on the next hole with 2 balls in the rio and mine way out to the right, the usual slice. Back to normal then. Only one of us recovered quickly and produced 3 birdies to finish with a net 52 shots, that's George S. Even then it was not enough to get one of the prizes. Apparently others performed even better and in the end we saw some pretty good scores.

Back in the clubhouse shortly after eleven it took some time to check all cards &ndash; and occasionally correct them &ndash; so the final results were as follows.
NTPs were for Elsa Webster on the 1st &ndash; her first shot of the day and it beat all of us &ndash; and for Frank Stanhope on the 8th, probably the only one to hit the green. Until the last moment Charlie thought that by selecting the 8th we could save some money on the wine, but that was not to be. The prize for the best lady &ndash; not in the first 3 &ndash; was for Lyn Young , hcp 10 and a score of net 51. In 3rd place finished Alex Goslan, hcp 6 and a score of net 51, with a better back nine then Lyn. Second was Ingrid Holthausen, hcp 18 and a score of net 50 and in first place this week's bandito and winning the January medal we saw Gordon Wayne, hcp 8 and a score of net 47! His gross score was 55, just one shot over the course, not surprisingly because Gordon also had a hole-in-one on the 9th. Well done Gordon, we saw him leave with his arms full of prizes.

Note: it has been agreed with the management that since the 26th of January the competition will start at 09.30. This will enable them to prepare the course in optimal condition. The clubhouse will be open at 09.00.
Next week will be a Greensome competition. Since the game is quite fast we will play over 27 holes. See you all in good health!

Competitions are held every Tuesday morning; anyone wishing to play in the competition must have registered before 09.15 am. Competition starts at 09.30. For further details please phone 965 971 681. Greenlands are open for golf every day from 09.00am to 18.00pm. We are located on the CV 940 San Miguel to Benijofar road, near to the Zoco Sunday Market.
  

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  <dc:date>2010-02-05T14:38:52+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS THREATEN DISRUPTION</title>
  <link>
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Juan Ignacio Lema, the president of airports authority AENA, described ongoing negotiations with air traffic controllers over a new working agreement as &ldquo;broken&rdquo; last week, and called for the intervention of the Civil Aviation Authority to avoid disruption to flights at Easter.  
A Christmas strike by air traffic controllers&mdash;protesting a move to bring their salaries down to the EU average &mdash; caused widespread delays.  Lema said that the Air Traffic Controllers' Union is adopting a strategy &ldquo;of prolonging negotiations until March 31 to impose their conditions, which are unacceptable.&rdquo; AENA wants to cut aviation costs by 300 million euros, and points to controllers' salaries as a large part of the problem. 
An air traffic controller in Spain earns a massive 330,000 euros per year on average, rising to as much as 900,000 euros with overtime.  AENA has proposed an average salary of 200,000 euros, which is still very high.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T14:36:02+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES IN SPAIN BLEAK</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21621/unemployment-figures-in-spain-bleak/
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Spain's recession seems to be going on and on, despite government speeches saying it has peaked and is now improving.  Over four million people were registered as out of work in January.  The recession, which has been described as the worst in living memory, continues to take its relentless and sorry toll on a vulnerable labour market.  
The Labour Ministry said last Tuesday that jobless claims in the first month of the year climbed by 124,890, or 3.1 percent from December, to 4.048 million, the highest figure on record since the current series began in 1996.  While January is normally a bad month to be looking for work, the secretary general for employment, Maravillas Rojo, admitted the latest figures were particularly bad. 
 &ldquo;Although the increase in unemployment is very negative, it does, however, maintain the trend of progressively smaller rises in the number of jobless that began almost a year ago &mdash; specifically in March &mdash; without having yet reached a turning point,&rdquo; she said.  
Labor Minister Celestino Corbacho predicted that the labor market would bottom out in the second half of the year, albeit with one-off dips along the path of recovery.  &ldquo;Our forecasts point to unemployment having fully corrected from the second half of the year,&rdquo; the minister said. 
The jump in the number of people out of work in January was not as severe as in the same month a year earlier when jobless claims rose by close to 200,000. Some 720,000 have now joined the ranks of the unemployed in the past 12 months, which represents an increase of 21.6 percent. 
The National Statistics Institute said last Friday its latest survey of the working population showed 4.326 million jobless at the end of 2009, or an overall unemployment rate of 18.8 percent.

 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T14:30:09+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>A CHANGE OF A DRESS AND BRYANT AND SONS</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21620/a-change-of-a-dress-and-bryant-and-sons/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21620/a-change-of-a-dress-and-bryant-and-sons/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[A Change of a Dress in San Miguel de las Salinas is proud to also be home to the in house jewellers Bryant and Sons.  This treasure trove of fantastic clothing, all at a fraction of its original price, is the ideal place to find almost anything, from a completely new outfit to a necklace with a difference.  
'A Change of A Dress' is situated opposite the church, right in the heart of San Miguel, next to the Cam Bank, on the main road, and is packed with little finds, in sizes from 8 - 28, offering everything from beach wear to designer frocks.  The owner, Lisa, operates on a sale or return policy, meaning that you can bring in your unwanted items of clothing - as long as they are of good quality and clean - and, in a month's time, return to either collect the profit, or to take home the items which have not sold. 
&quot;Since we opened there has not been a single day when we have not received good quality pre-owned stock,&quot;says Lisa.  
They also have an excellent range of new items, from customers who have simply never worn the garments, or elegant dresses, shoes and matching bags, which have been worn just the once to a wedding or special occasion. You can kit yourself out for a special day, for as little as 30 euros.  The designer wear features names such as Joseph Ribkoff, Karen Millen, Principles, Next, etc.  And for those looking for something more basic, there is a host of high street names, all at a fraction of the original price. There are real fur coats, and a Karen Millen suede coat which has never been worn. It has the original price tag on, 1,200 pounds.  It could be yours for just 100 euros.  
Bryant and Son Jewellers have been working on the coast for 7 years now.  They were the first buyers of gold to set up here, and their fair prices and honest reputation have held them in good steed to build up a great reputation.  If you have any gold you want to sell, you can be sure of getting a trust worthy quote from Lisa.  She can be found at A Change of A Dress from Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm.  At the weekend she is at the markets.   
Jewellery repairs can also be taken to the store, as well as at Bryant and Sons usual outlets.  And should you be looking for a new piece of jewellery, here you are sure to find something to suit all tastes, from antique pieces to beautiful earrings, and charm bracelets.  
The name 'A Change of A Dress' seems the perfect name for this dress agency and boutique store.  For further information regarding your pre-owned items, or jewellery repairs and valuations, call Lisa on 678 444 812 or pop in to the store which is open Monday-Saturday 10am-3pm.
New stock is always welcome.  Why not make pop along and take those unwanted items which are filling your wardrobe, and at the same time browse around the store to pick up a bargain.  ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T14:09:03+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>REDS EXTEND UNBEATEN RUN</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21619/reds-extend-unbeaten-run/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21619/reds-extend-unbeaten-run/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Liverpool FC 2 &ndash; Bolton 0

Liverpool kept up the pressure in the race for fourth place in the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Bolton at Anfield on Saturday.
Dirk Kuyt's 49th strike for the club and Kevin Davies' own goal either side of half-time eventually proved enough in a performance which was lacking a touch of class if not endeavour.
Rafa Benitez's side are now unbeaten in six league games, in which they have conceded just once.
It was also the first time this campaign they have shut out opponents on three successive occasions, which contributed to a fourth-successive home victory.

Liverpool failed to get an early breakthrough when Kuyt could not get on the end of a cross by Emiliano Insua. And they survived an alarm when Lee suddenly burst into life with a solo dribble from the halfway line, which deserved better than being cleared off the line by Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
The opening goal, however, saw a quality build-up, with Benitez rewarded for urging fullbacks Insua and Jamie Carragher to provide width. Half of Liverpool's outfield players, including the two fullbacks, linked up without a Bolton player touching the ball.
Carragher and Albert Riera started the move and when Insua's far-post cross was nodded back by Alberto Aquilani, Kuyt pounced for his ninth goal of the season.

Bolton thought they had won a penalty seconds before half time when Lee tumbled in the penalty area under Aquilani's challenge but referee Steve Bennett booked the South Korean for diving.
Eight minutes into the second half Ngog should have given Liverpool FC some breathing space but fluffed his big chance.
Jaaskelainen saved Gerrard's first-time shot from Riera's cross but the young French striker bundled the rebound into the floor six yards out and it bounced off the outside of the post and went wide.
Gerrard tested Jaaskelainen with a driven 25-yard shot, which the goalkeeper parried low to his right before the replacement of Aquilani with Lucas led to the second goal.
The Brazilian midfielder headed Riera's deep cross back for Ngog to lay the ball off to Insua who drove in a shot which was heading wide until it deflected off Davies to wrong-foot Jaaskelainen.
Kuyt's late dribble left Knight on the floor and his cross had to be turned over the crossbar by Gretar Steinsson as the pressure continued on Bolton until the final whistle.
  
As Liverpool stretched their unbeaten league run to six games, there was even a late run-out for Ryan Babel, who Benitez insists will not be sold in this transfer window.
Benitez made the same pledge about Robbie Keane a year ago less than 48 hours before he joined Spurs and the manager said: 'We knew last year Tottenham were very interested [in Keane] so we had to play games. This time we are not playing games. Babel is staying.'

 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T13:41:11+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>SASEN RYA KARATE ACADEMY</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21618/sasen-rya-karate-academy/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21618/sasen-rya-karate-academy/
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  <description><![CDATA[Sasen Ryu Karate Academy held their grading examinations on Sunday 31st January at Sport in Torrevieja. All the students taking part did exceptionally well and passed their grading and so went home with a new colour belt and certification from the BNMAA (British Martial Arts Association) and the BBI (Black Belt International) of their new grades, as the clubs Sensei is a full member of both associations. For the students the benefit of being registered with the BBI and BNMAA means that all students have recognised grades through out the world ranking system. 

Grading examinations take place every 4 months and to achieve your grading (next colour belt) the student must attend the minimum of 16 lessons to begin with.  As the grades become higher the amount of time becomes longer. Along with this the students must have and show their knowledge, discipline and respect to all. Special achievement trophies were given to 2 students&hellip;Matthew for best over all student on the day and Lisa received the best improved student award.

Sasen Ryu Karate Academy is a well established club, teaching in the Torrevieja area of the Costa Blanca for nearly 3 years, the chief instructor Sensei Saskia is currently a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Karate busy training for her 3rd Dan. 
Sensei Saskia has shown dedication and discipline of the highest levels to achieve these goals. With the continuing support of Saskia&acute;s Sensei, Sensei O&acute;Connor and his academy in the UK, Sasen Ryu Karate Academy is going from strength to strength. The academy is also very lucky to have so many martial arts friends around the globe who visit the academy during the year as guests and as teachers. Sasen Ryu had the honour of hosting a Master Class Weekend last December where four high grade Black Belts came along to pass on their own knowledge and to join in the normal classes taught by Sensei Saskia. Sensei Saskia has two other Black Belts that assist in the training. Her younger brother Sempai Jaiden is training for his 2nd Dan in Karate. Sempai Davin has a 1st Dan in two different forms of Karate.

All the classes are specially designed around the individuals fitness, flexibility and stamina. Sasen Ryu is especially good for those who have not tried anything like this before. You can join at any time and all levels are welcome. Your first try out lesson is absolutely free! All classes teach stances, blocks, strikes, kicks and Kata (techniques) along with this break falls (how to fall with out hurting yourself) and sparring (fighting with other Karateka) Age and size make no difference in this form of Karate as everyone spars with everyone as you must learn to defend yourself against anyone; from the large, small, male and female attacks.  Students are taught to focus their strength and energy to defend as necessary when attacked, but in class semi contact is adhered to with regulation safety gear. Sasen Ryu provides loads of fun, fitness, self defence, discipline and much more for all ages. The Academy has a fantastic mixture of English, Norwegian and Spanish students of all ages. There seems to be no language barrier in this karate academy and many of the Norwegian parents have been thrilled with the added extra bonus of English lessons! The Sasen Ryu &ldquo;family&rdquo; as Sensei Saskia calls them are all great friends and everyone enjoys the training they do together and the social events held.

Classes are divided up in to age groups through out the week.
Thursdays at Howard&acute;s Gym Quesada: 7.30pm-8.30pm is 5 years up to teenagers.
8.30pm-9.30pm is teenagers and adult lessons.
At Sport In, Torrevieja classes on Friday 6.30pm-7.30pm are &ldquo;Combat Night&rdquo; classes. These are non syllabus and give the students the opportunity to use what they learn in the other classes by putting their techniques in to practise! Also at Sport In, Sasen Ryu run family classes on Sundays 11.30am-12.30pm. These family classes have been specially designed so that ages 3 years and upwards can come along with a parent and start to learn the basics while having lots of fun and keeping fit together. Following the family class on a Sunday 12.30pm-1.30pm is a lesson for all ages 5 years and upward.

Sensei Saskia said &ldquo; I am very proud of all my students, for all their hard work and determination. They have all proved that with the right commitment and good positive attitudes they can achieve what they deserve.&rdquo; For further information on classes go to www.sasenryu.weebly.com  or email Sensei Saskia on sasenryu@hotmail.com 



 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T13:32:16+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>HAPPY DAYS GOLF SOCIETY @ LA SERENA </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21617/happy-days-golf-society-la-serena/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21617/happy-days-golf-society-la-serena/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Tuesday 2nd February with Robin Adams.
 
We met at Lister&acute;s bar in Cabo Roig for our usual breakfast and the draw for our Pairs Texas Scramble. They was a lot of good natured ribbing towards Ron &quot;flipper&quot; Davis after our last match at La Serena, sad to say his trolley and mobile phone have turned out to be non-swimmers.
Due to a minor op our new captain, Nigel Cawthra, was unable to play but organised the draw become course starter in addition to driving around the course ready to save anyone who might fall into one of the many lakes at La Serena.
 
Now the results
In first place were Andy Shuttle &amp; Mick Mason with a nett score of 56.8
second were Bob Bunyan &amp; Ron davis with 59.6
Third Mitch Pandya &amp; John Down with 60.8
Best front 9 were John Donovan &amp; Dave Eadington
Best back 9 were Phil Hardagon &amp; Tony Coombs
Nearest the pins were won by Patrick Tye on the 3rd, Dave eadington on the 9th, on the 15th Bob Bunyan and on the 17th Julian Jackson.
Great result, as the picture shows just a few of the winners, out of 14 prizes we had 12 different winners. Well played to all which also shows the handicap secretary is doing a good job as all the scores were between 56.8 &amp; 70.
 
The course was in very good condition and we had a very enjoyable day with excellent service from the course marshalls. We then returned back to Lister&acute;s bar &amp; restaurant for our presentation and hot snacks kindly provided by Tony &amp; Anne excellently prepared by Dave, thanks to you all.
Our best wishes go Jean Cowan (wife of long time member Peter) who has been unwell lately, get well soon and hope to see you at Lister&acute;s again shortly and on your feet again as i require a caddie.
 
Our next fixture is on Tuesday 16th February at La Tercia (1st tee 11:00), usual arrangements please pay your fees at Lister&acute;s on the 15th between 5 - 7pm or on the morning of the 16th again at Lister&acute;s between 9 -9:30am. After this our next fixture is on Tuesday 2nd March (not the 30th February as expected by our ex-captain Chris). This is at Vistabella with an early tee time of 9:30am, thus fee payment must be made at Lister&acute;s on Monday 1st between 5-7pm as usual.
Any problems please contact Nigel on 679 182 917, Fred on 600 695 997 or Robin on 965 32 6943.
happydayzgolf@hotmail.com

 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T13:24:52+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>THINGS WOMEN SHOULD KNOW TO STAY SAFE </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21616/things-women-should-know-to-stay-safe/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21616/things-women-should-know-to-stay-safe/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Please take the time to read these pointers.  There may be just one or two you hadn't thought of.  After reading this, forward it to someone you care about.  It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.
1.   Tip from Tae Kwon Do:  The elbow is the strongest point on your body.  If you are close enough to use it, do!
2.   If a robber asks for your handbag, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.  Toss it away from you..... he is probably more interested in your handbag than you, and he will go for the handbag.  RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3.  If you are ever thrown into the boot of a car:  Kick out the back tail lights, and stick your arm through the hole and start waving.  The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.  This has saved lives.
4.   Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc, and just sit (doing their cheque book, or making a list).   DON'T DO THIS!   A predator could be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, and attack you.   AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
5..   A few notes about getting into your car in a car park:
a)   Be aware:  look around you, look into your car, look at the passenger side floor, and check the back seat.
b)   If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.  Most attackers surprise their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
c)   Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side.  If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the shop, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.  IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.  (And better paranoid than dead.)
6.   ALWAYS take the lift instead of the stairs.  Stairwells are horrible places to be alone, and the perfect crime spot.
7.   If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!   The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ..  RUN!
8.   As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic:  STOP IT!   It may get you raped, or killed.  Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women.  He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked &quot;for help&quot; into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9.   Another safety point:  Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird.  The police told her, 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'  The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over.  The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way.  Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'  He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes, thinking that someone dropped off a baby.  He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls from women saying that they hear babies' cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
Please pass this on, and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby.
I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know.  It may save a life.  A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle.  Send this to any woman you know who may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it, and it's better safe than sorry.

 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T13:17:32+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>CAJAMURCIA PETANCA </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21615/cajamurcia-petanca/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21615/cajamurcia-petanca/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[NEW SEASON UNDERWAY 
February sees the start of another busy Petanca season, starting this morning at San Luis, with over 40 teams contesting for the Fastightsbyra Cup; this is a Scandinavian Estate Agent supporting Petanca for the first time. Play starts at 9-30, with all teams playing 5 times each, this is a demanding programme just one of many taking place over the next 3 months. Home favourites Britt and Alf Nilsson, just back from Sweden, will be strongly fancied today, but its early days and really open at this stage.
CAJAMURCIA PREMIER LEAGUE
This starts on March 12th, with the new champions San Luis keen to defend the title, they will be pushed all the way by El Horizonte, who lost out by just 1 point last season, having beaten San Luis the previous year, so its all to play for, with Mil Palmeras, La Siesta, La Rosaleda, all looking to cause an upset.
MALOU LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP
This is a Ladies pairs championship, in memory of Malou, a very popular Lady on both Petanca and Golf circuits, who sadly died 4 years ago. This has now become a very well supported meeting, which will have over 40 teams on February 17th; this too is being held at San Luis, starting at 9-30. These Ladies will be on the road early coming from as far as Mil Palmeras; a good day's play is lined up.
LAS SALINAS PETANCA LEAGUE
The league AGM is being held at El Rancho on February 10th at 2pm. All teams are requested to attend also any new comers. With two teams already waiting to join, a further two would make an ideal number. Since this league started last May with 6 teams, it increased by 2 for the winter league, this again proved popular with most teams, and we would welcome any new teams to join, they need a minimum of 6 players, which must include 2 Ladies, more players can be added as with 2 triples teams and 3 doubles this allows for reserves to play.
PIRATES PETANCA &amp; SOCIAL CLUB
The first AGM of the Pirates was held at El Rancho on February 1st, with a good turn out. With the membership now over 70 players, and many more wanting to play in the league a third team have been formed. The two teams already established have enjoyed the league and have gained good experience in so doing. The Chairman is now Eddie Edwards, with John Gage the club secretary, and Beth Kellaway is the treasurer. The new teams are the Buccaneers, captained by Eddie Edwards, the Mutineers, with Bob Kellaway as captain, and the Corsairs, with Geoff Taylor as captain. Special thanks went to Jo Sargent, Beth Kellaway, Liz and Geoff Taylor, for the fantastic work they have put in , organizing the clubs social events, the latest being a Blues night with over 70 present.
LOS MONTESINOS PETANCA
This will be the name for the Pirates club, if they are accepted into the Costa Blanca Serie. This will be known later this month, and will be good for this ambitious club, who will be looking for any new players for the league teams, the club play at El Rancho on Monday and Thursday at 2-30.
LOS BALCONES PETANCA
This small but friendly club are in urgent need of new players, especially Ladies, now is a good time to pay a visit, the club play on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting at 10am. They are located at Calle Urbano Arregui, just pass the Central Salud, turn into Calle Dolores. The club are opposite the Crematorium on the N 332.
SAN MIGUEL PETANCA
They play on Monday and Thursday starting at 5pm, they too are looking for new members, and have decided to enter a second team into the Las Salinas League, a brave move but one that will help improve the play and make the club stronger in doing so. They have a new secretary Bob Hornsey, who will be more than pleased to met newcomers.

For further information on Petanca please call Roger Seymour on 966785642

 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T13:15:23+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>LA ZENIA GOLF SOCIETY</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21614/la-zenia-golf-society/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21614/la-zenia-golf-society/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[







 Eric A Lucas, secretary









A smaller turn out than normal at Roda on Thursday. I think two reasons; a lot of members turned out at Roda on Wednesday for Roda's competition, the other was the forecast of rain. Which did accompany us on the front nine, but the weather did get better as the day went on. My partner for the day was James Brown we were up against Maurice Flint and Jim Ayre. For a change it was nice to take the money off Maurice, poor Jim had one of those days we all know, were every thing goes wrong. Down to business, our Irish friends were out with us and they took almost everything, they must be very happy on the night.








Presentations were given out by vice captain, George Thomas. Thanks again to James, and his staff also Julie, Denise for coming in extra early to make breakfasts for us. Thanks Mike Dyett for his help with committee duties.
Results: Winner with 36 points, Nail Kiely, N/T/P No 7 James Brown, No 13 Ger Treacy. Longest drive Sean Kiely. Two's Sean Kiely.
Important notice Captains change over, bookings for Benidorm have been opened to guests. For cost details ring Derek, Maurice or Eric. Information is on the notice board at Gogarty's.
The society knock out competition is well under way now, the draw as taken place and you need to check your opponent. The first name drawn out is responsible for contacting the other player and arranging the game. Details of the draw are in Gogarty's.All second and third round results to be in by 28th February 2010. Please return your results to me, Eric so your position can be up dated on the play off list.
The committee as considered the possibility that if the game is all square on the last hole, then the most holes on the back nine will decide the winner. Also if a player does not turn up for his or game then they will forfeit the game.
Dates for your diary. 
Wednesday 10th February at El Valle, first tee 9-30, meet at Gogarty's 7-45.
Thursday 18th February at Hacienda Riquelme, first tee 11-00, meet at Gogarty's 9-15
Thursday 25th February at Mar Menor, Presidents Trophy, first tee 9-30, meet at Gogarty's 8-00. 
Please note that on 31st March 2010, we are organising a Charity Golf day for baby Pablo. Details are in the Leader newspaper, also in many businesses in the La Zenia Area. More information at a later date.
Friday 30th April, at Roda. End of Season golf day. I am reporting this event to you early as we need your names NOW to enter this event. We have 40 spaces for members. We have booked Roda first tee 10-00, to
play nine holes, then a light lunch, followed by 18 holes in the afternoon. Presentations will be made at Roda, then return to Gogarty's to meet up with your partner, wive, husband, girl friend to enjoy a buffet and entertainment for the evening. Don't forget to bring your change of clothes at Roda. Cost is being negotiated at the moment; we should have some details nearer the date. Keep at look out on the notice board at Gogarty's   
There is also two Saturdays in the month, golf with Maurice, please contact Maurice if you want to play. 
Guests are welcome. To all our games, clubs can be hired.
All information is on the notice board outside Gogarty's.
Contact numbers: Eric 616-681-273, Maurice 690-268-711, Ray 638-382-297.






 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T13:10:47+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>SAN JAVIER GOLF SOCIETY</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21613/san-javier-golf-society/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21613/san-javier-golf-society/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Vistabella Golf Monday 1st February
&rdquo;Yellow Ball&rdquo;

It was nice to be back at Vistabella with the knowledge that it was going to be a good day with none of the upset and confusion of our last visit. There was a warm welcome from our friend Pablo and the assurance he had arranged the course for us primarily on this day. Although a bit chilly at the start it soon warmed up and jackets came off for some serious golf.
Being a Yellow Ball competition in 3 balls there were strict instructions on the first tee as to how the game was to be played, also with Pablo assisting as starter he was able to point out the new Out Of Bounds markers to the left of the 1st fairway. This information was not welcomed by one of our teams who promptly hit their yellow ball left and failed to fade it back onto the fairway, so it was goodbye to the hopes of Bill McLaughlin's team winning the competition. It wasn't much longer before a second team lost their yellow ball with Dave Archer putting his second shot at the 1st &ldquo;straight as an arrow&rdquo; into the water.
The course was in good condition even with the Bermuda grass fairways brown at this time of the year. The greens were rather damp and began to leave spike marks as we went around but as everyone who has played this course knows they are difficult enough at the best of times., Keeping the &ldquo;Yellow Ball&rdquo; is the only way to win this type of competition and when Ken Hunt's team lost it on the 8th into the water that was the end of their chances. The 10th hole with out of bounds down both sides saw Dave Cooks team lose it to the right but they still managed to score well after this mishap to go on and finish second. The 1st hole is also the 12th at Vistabella and John Hillier must have forgotten the on course out of bounds as he put his team out of contention with a wayward tee shot.

All the other teams managed to keep their yellow ball to the end and when the scorecards were checked the results were as follows.
Winners with a total of 126 stableford points were Paul Matthews, Mick Hardy and Barry Beale. (see photo)
2nd place with 116 points went to Dave Cook, Clive Marriott, Ian Herbert and Dave Plant. (only 3 scores counted)
There were 4 nearest the pin prizes along with a gross 2 prize and they were won by:-
Hole 2 Bev Ellender. Hole 6 Dave Cook. Hole 15 Joyce Armstrong and Hole 17 Wayne Williams. The gross 2 prize was shared by Bev Ellender and Barry Beale.
A great days golf enjoyed by all and I'm sure it wont be too long before we are back at Vistabella gain.
San Javier's next game is at La Tercia on Wednesday 17th February. Details of all the societies' games can be found on the website. www.sanjaviergolfsociety.co.uk

 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T13:06:57+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>LO CRISPIN GOLF SOCIETY AT HACIENDA REQUELME </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21612/lo-crispin-golf-society-at-hacienda-requelme/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21612/lo-crispin-golf-society-at-hacienda-requelme/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[The day dawned bright as we set off to Hacienda Riquelme &ndash; Polaris World to play for the Claret Jug, one of the four major competitions we hold each year. The winner receives the silver claret jug to hold for the year, a medal to keep and their name is displayed on our winner's board at the Lo Crispin Tavern.

The format was a singles Stableford competition and it was a pleasure to play the competition at this superb course which was in very good condition. The greens were fast and very tricky making the game a true test.

You will have all heard of the Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman jokes. Well Lo Crispin instituted a slight change and substituted a Welshman for the Irishman. Meirion Roberts (Wales) teed off and hit a long straight drive down the fairway, Rick Hards (England) followed his example with another long drive. Behind them stood Club Captain Bill Mackay (Scotland) who said &ldquo;good drives chaps but unfortunately you have just driven of the blue tees instead of yellow and so that is a 2 shot penalty each.&rdquo; There then followed a swearing match which Meirion won as he is able to swear in two languages.

The competition was fierce and the scores were very close but Ian Watson emerged as the winner of the claret jug with a score of 36 points, second was Brian Coultate with 34 points with Chris Smith third with 32 points. As well as the major competition the usual other categories were held as the points are important for the Player of the Year. The results were;

Gold Category        -  1st Ian Watson with 36 points
                                  2nd Brian Coultate with 34 points
                                  3rd Carl Peden with 30 points

Silver Category      -  1st Bill Mackay with 30 points
                                  2nd Dave Lewis with 29 points
                                  3rd John Henderson with 28 points

Bronze Category   -   1st Chris Smith with 32 points
                                  2nd Paul Carter with 32 points (count back)
                                  3rd Paul Jenkins with 31 points

       
Nearest the Pins      Hole 5   Dave Lewis
                                 Hole 7   Carl Peden
                                 Hole 15 Trevor Stevens (Guest Player)
                                 Hole 17 Jonathan Bates 

Following the match over 60 members and guests enjoyed a celebration dinner at the Lo Crispin Tavern where the prizes were presented. Our next game will be held on the 17th of February at Roda Golf Course where we shall play a popular Texas Scramble.   

 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T13:01:44+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>SAN MIGUEL GOLF SOCIETY</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21611/san-miguel-golf-society/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21611/san-miguel-golf-society/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[VILLAMARTIN  3rd FEBRUARY

Another field of over forty players turned out at Villamartin on a clear and sunny morning, a far cry from the weather we were subjected to the week before. This was technically the last day for completion of the first round of the knock-out games. My dear lady and I had been unceremoniously dumped out of the doubles competition a few weeks earlier, so I was keen to keep up with the missus who was already through to round two in the singles&hellip;&hellip;&hellip; How one's aspirations can be shot down in flames!

 &ldquo;Are you going to knock a few balls on the range?&rdquo; one of my colleagues enquired. My standard reply to such a preposterous suggestion is, &ldquo;No, I feel as though there could be a few good shots in me today and I'll be damned if I'm going to risk wasting any of them on the range!&rdquo; It's always pleasant to get to know new members and I was glad to see Jenny, regular collector of recent visitors' prizes, in our four-ball. I must confess she went down a peg or two in my estimations as her rather wayward bunker shot on the 2nd rapped against my ankle, but her captivating Irish lilt and pleasant demeanor soon won me over.

It quickly became quite clear that Alec Goslan was just as keen as I was to win our singles match and I had to pull back strongly on the back nine to be standing on the last tee with the match all square. In all my years of match-play golf one of the worst situations when you are giving your opponent five shots is to manage to level the game with all to play for on hole eighteen which &ndash; you've guessed it &ndash; turns out to be stroke five! Well done to Alec, who also happened to shoot the highest score of the day, and good luck to him and the rest of today's winners in the next round. 

With most of the tees being well back and some tricky pin placements I thought the Stableford scoring was exceptionally good. Firstly though the results of the five matches were, M. Jordan &amp; G:Rapley 3 &amp; 1 over J. Dean &amp; A. Rixson; P. Hagart 5 &amp; 4 over N. McBride; S. Cunningham 4 &amp; 3 over N. Padmore; A. Goslan 1 up over P. Birtwistle and P. Cobain 2 up over K. Stevenson.

Our thanks to Captain Keith who raided his wine cellar to donate some extra prizes for the main competition. The winners in ascending order were: BRONZE - G. Smith (32), V. Johnson (32), J. Morris (33), P. Hagart (34) &amp; A. Goslan (39). SILVER &ndash; P. Birtwistle (32), E. Drakesmith (34), C. Holmwood (34), R. Stenhouse (35) &amp; T. Boelhouwer (36). GOLD &ndash; K. Flaherty (34), P. Guest (36), B. Roehrig (36), S. Cunningham (37) &amp; J. Drakesmith (38). NTP's were picked up by S. Cunningham, M. Jordan &amp; one each for the Drakesmiths. The visitor's award was collected by B. Price with a very respectable 35 points.

Please note by popular demand the format of the game at El Plantio on the 17th has been changed to Stableford and before that on the 10th it's also Stableford at La Finca. More society info is available by emailing info@smgs.org or visiting www.smgs.org or calling the match sec. on 966719604. Our thanks go to S&ntilde;r Buendia and all his team at Villamartin for helping make it a great day and  once again for the generous donation of three green fee vouchers.

 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T12:54:34+00:00</dc:date>
  </item>
    <item>
  <title>EUROGOLF SOCIETY PRESS REPORT</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21610/eurogolf-society-press-report/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21610/eurogolf-society-press-report/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[February Monthly Medal

According to the weather reports we were due heavy rain showers today, and unfortunately they were right, the rain arrived about 10.30am and quite a few people abandoned their games and put in a NR card &ndash; 25 in total.  The rest who completed the course were either a bit mad or were having a good round!!    Putting on the back 9 was a bit frustrating as they had covered the greens with sand &hellip;.putting was a lottery, ask Nigel who missed a 2inch putt (he would have won the Medal  if he had holed it!).   Anyway, well done to everyone who completed l8 holes today, and many congratulations to all our prize winners,
Especially Lew Joss, winner of the February Monthly Medal.

Gold Category  0-19
1st  Lew Joss            73
2nd  Nigel Wood        73        
3rd Bob Buckeridge        73

Silver Category  20+
1st Franco Gentili        73
2nd Frances Buckeridge    74
3rd  Terry Sharley        74

Nearest the Pins:  3rd (2nd shot) Manny Niessen,  5th Doug Spiring, 11th  Will York,  12th (2nd shot)  Dave Nicholls,  15th  Doug Spiring,  17th Bob Buckeridge.
Best Front 9:  Debbie Weedon 34;  Best Back 9:  Bernie Osborne 36.5   Best Par 5's:  Nigel Wood         Best Par 3's:  Doug Spiring.
Best Gross:  Nigel Wood  81, Best Guest:    Alan Wright  79  
CSA today:  +1 

Winners of Football Draw:  John Davies. Jim Ingram &amp; Doug Spiring
Thanks to our sponsors:  La Vuelta, Sands Bistro, Fratellis,  Pinada Blinds, Tournasol &amp; Supervalu.

Many thanks to Tony Stanley and John Holland for helping out with the start today, Ian C Pegg was called away to play nurse to Sue who is now out of hospital, which is great news. The other good news is that we have heard today that our Captain, Clive &amp; Anthea will be back with us on 20th February, we will be so pleased to see them back.  Also wonderful to see Cindi back playing with the girls on Tuesday, we have all missed her so much.  Finally we would like to wish John &amp; Connie Parker a very happy Golden Wedding Anniversary on 13th February, they are going back to UK to celebrate with their family, and we would like to offer them our heartiest congratulations.


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  <dc:date>2010-02-05T12:42:00+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>COSTA BLANCA TENNIS CUP JANUARY 2010</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21609/costa-blanca-tennis-cup-january-2010/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21609/costa-blanca-tennis-cup-january-2010/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Montepiedra Sports Centre, as usual was the host of the 1st Costa Blanca Cup held this year in 2010. Held on the last Friday of every month, the Costa Blanca Cup is a fun tournament played by both tennis and padel tennis players. After an unusual start to the year weather wise, come tournament day we were lucky and it was back to the beautiful sunshine we have all come to love here on the Costa.  

The tournament consisted of 2 events tennis, and padel tennis. Padel tennis is a sport best described as in between both tennis and squash, it is played on a smaller tennis court with a   glass perimeter but still following the scoring of tennis. 
Both events consisted of 5 rounds of matches. The pairings were picked at random after each round and all scores were taken after each round was completed. The winners were the top scoring players from both sports who accumulated the most points over the morning. So I would like to say a big congratulations to our 1st winners of 2010, Daniel&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;&hellip; who won the tennis  event and Paul&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;..who walked away with the padel trophy. 
The tournament was a great success with lots of great tennis and padel being played and plenty of fun and laughter. After the tournament everyone who played in the tournament along with friends and family all headed down to the Greenwich Grill in Torre de la Horadada where the owners Sharon and Brian laid on a fantastic meal and entertainment for all. 
I would like to thank the Montepiedra Sports Centre for the use of their courts but an even bigger thank you to everyone that took part in the Costa Blanca Cup and making a special day and a great start to tennis on the coast for the, new year.  
If anyone is interested in finding out more about tennis or padel tennis here on the coast, or even interested in any of the upcoming social events that we have planned please don't hesitate to contact Gareth on 634322659 or go to our website  www.costablancatennis.net 
                                                                
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  <dc:date>2010-02-05T12:38:50+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>ALFIES GOLF SOCIETY, LA RONDA</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21608/alfies-golf-society-la-ronda/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21608/alfies-golf-society-la-ronda/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[The first stop of 2010 saw us visit Roda Golf Club on the 30th January. 30 Society Members attended and the Stableford results are listed below. The weather conditions were nice, sunny but with a slightly strong wind, which caused a problems. 
The course was in good condition, although the fairways were a little bare. The greens were quite fast and well kept. We started on the 10th hole and hole 13 was used as the nearest to the pin. After several measured comparisons, Trevor Jones was deemed to be the closest. Hole 6 was chosen for the longest drive and, even with a strong cross wind, Ian Connell managed to keep one on the cut stuff to claim the prize. Once everyone had completed their rounds, we all headed back to Alfies for the presentation.
 
The winner was last year's champion golfer of the year, Mike Bennett with 37 points, followed closely by Bob Day with 36 points and Ray Fleming with 31 points. 

Thanks to all who attended and please note that the next meeting will be on Thursday 25th February at Vistabella Golf Club. Golfers wishing to attend should put their names on the list, which is behind the bar at Alfies, and pay the normal deposit. Golfers to meet at Alfies Bar by 0745 on the 25th.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-05T12:34:54+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>F1 FIRST TEST SESSION IN VALENCIA 1-3 FEBRUARY</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21607/f1-first-test-session-in-valencia-1-3-february/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21607/f1-first-test-session-in-valencia-1-3-february/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[The now restricted Formula One testing sessions got under way at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit at Valencia on the 1st February, this is not a F1 circuit and is really known for its hosting of a round of the Moto GP.  
But with its tight corners and short straights it makes it a good place to start as the new regulations mean testing to the limits is vital, the main change this year is that no refueling is allowed and therefore the tank is much larger taking more space. 
The other major change is that the cars will have a narrower front end and will be using narrower dry tyres which could upset the balance of the car, especially with a full load of fuel.  All the teams ran tests with full fuel loads and a few ran full race distances to see how the cars performed under the new regulations.
The Ricardo Tormo Circuit saw the return of Michael Schumacher to F1 and he performed well and although the new Mercedes were lacking some pace, Michael was nearly half a second quicker than his team mate Nico Rosberg.  Lewis Hamilton got in plenty of laps on Tuesday in his McLaren and was reasonably quick ending fifth fastest and he said he was feeling very happy with the setup of his car. 
Jenson Button only tested on Wednesday and had a few problems getting comfortable in the car, so a lot of time was spent adjusting his McLaren which left him tenth fastest seventh tenths of a second behind Lewis.
The Ferrari's set the quickest times with Fernando Alonso being a third of a second ahead of Felipe Massa, the latter making his return to F1 after recovering from a fractured skull.  Also making a return to F1 was the 38 year old Spaniard Pedro De la Rosa and he ended the three days being fourth quickest in the BMW Sauber-Ferrari. 
Alonso tested Wednesday and there was a 30,000 plus crowd, I am sure everyone of them had come to watch their favourite Spaniard, he was cheered on every lap especially when he managed to pass World Champion Jenson Button. The next test session is at the Jerez Circuit followed by Barcelona.
Top Ten Times
1. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1min 11.470secs
2. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1min 11.722secs
3. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1min 12.056secs
4. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1min 12.094secs
5. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1min 12.256secs
6. Robert Kubica Renault 1min 12.426secs
7. Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP 1min 12.438secs
8. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1min 12.576secs
9. Nico Rosburg Mercedes GP 1min 12.899secs
10. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1min 12.951secs
F1 First Test Session at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia.
1 &ndash; 3 February 2010
Photos and report by Malcolm Byrom]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T15:29:41+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>TRAMPOLIN HILLS BUYERS FORM OWN COOPERATIVE</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21606/trampolin-hills-buyers-form-own-cooperative/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21606/trampolin-hills-buyers-form-own-cooperative/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Buyers of property at the Campos del Rio Urbanisation, who have been taken for a ride by the Trampolin Group, have decided to unite and fight for what is rightfully theirs. These frustrated buyers should have been living in their brand new dream homes this year; however, all they have are broken promises and useless receipts of the thousands of euros they have paid.  
They have decided to form a cooperative and keep the society, which is now in the hands of the judge, then build their dream homes themselves. Originally 2,500 homes were planned for the urbanisation. 
It appears that of the 2,000 people affected by the fraud, about half are interested in forming part of the cooperative, to see their dream home built.  The proposed golf course will be put on hold for the time being.  
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T15:24:03+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>FALSE MARRIAGES ARRANGED IN TORRE PACHECO</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21605/false-marriages-arranged-in-torre-pacheco/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21605/false-marriages-arranged-in-torre-pacheco/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[A shop in Torre Pacheco, which appeared to sell Indian foods, has been serving as a cover for arranging marriages of convenience.  Anyone who needed to legalise their situation in Spain could pay to a considerable amount of money for the owner of the shop to find them an EU partner, who also received a large payment for the favour.  
The whole operation spread as far afield as Portugal, and according to the police, over 200 marriages could have been arranged by the network.  
On January 25th police officers detained the owner of the shop, and his brother, both of whom (L.S. and S.S) are originally from Pakistan.  It is believed that the brothers were on the verge of setting up a similar network in Germany, and other countries in the centre and east of Europe.  
In Torre Pacheco three other people have been detained.  It is believed they were involved in finding potential clients and possible spouses.   EU citizens were offered between 1,000 and 4,000 euros for marrying a non EU citizen, who would pay up to 18,000 euros for the favour.  This money was often paid in Pakistan.  The organisation would then arrange everything, from witnesses to false addresses.  Many of the weddings took place in Gondomar, Portugal, so as not to arouse the suspicion of the Spanish authorities.  
Neighbours of the shop never suspected any wrong doings whatsoever.  The only thing that puzzled them was the fact that the shop had been closed for three days, something it never usually did. 
The Pakistani brothers have been sent to prison.  The other three, two Colombians and a Moroccan are detained for questioning.  Anther four people have just  been arrested in the case.  ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T15:18:18+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>KING TO OPEN NEW MALAGA TERMINAL</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21604/king-to-open-new-malaga-terminal/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21604/king-to-open-new-malaga-terminal/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[The new terminal 3 at Malaga Airport is attracting a lot of media interest, especially as King Juan Carlos has been invited to open it on Monday March 15th, the date the new facility should begin operations. Five hundred guests will be invited to the opening, with top politicians, diplomats and others from the world of aviation, including the Minister of Development Jose Blanco, the President of Andalucia Jos&eacute; Antonio Gri&ntilde;&aacute;n, and the mayor of the city Francisco de la Torre.  
The ceremony will be a celebration of four years' work to finish the terminal.  
The new terminal will be able to handle 7,500 suitcases an hour, using an automatic system, and as many as 9,000 passengers will be able to use the terminal every hour, which is double the current capacity. 
There will be 86 check-in desks and 20 boarding gates, allowing for 12 planes to &lsquo;finger link' directly.  However for those passenger numbers to be reached the second runway will have to be in operation and that is not expected until next year.  
This will meant the terminal will be the fourth biggest in the whole of Spain, and one with the most modern installations. 
It will have a glass fa&ccedil;ade which will be 25 metres high and 225 metres long, making it the largest glass curtain of its kind in the world.  This will make the terminal very light and airy, at any time of the year.  It will be 270,000 m&sup2;, and house numerous shops and restaurants.  ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T14:48:47+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>CARRATRACA MAYOR GIVES OWNERS OF ILLEGAL HOMES HOPE</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21603/carratraca-mayor-gives-owners-of-illegal-homes-hope/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21603/carratraca-mayor-gives-owners-of-illegal-homes-hope/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Owners of illegally built homes in Spain have reason to be a little hopeful.  There are signs that the Junta de Andaluc&iacute;a is showing more flexibility on the subject of the demolition of these homes. 
In Carratraca where the I.U. Mayor resigned in order to avoid having to carry out such demolition orders, his replacement in the post, Francisco Duque, has met with technicians from the Junta, including the Junta's Delegate in M&aacute;laga, Mar&iacute;a G&aacute;mez, to discuss the situation.
Now it has been decided to look at the problem, case by case, with reports on each to be drawn up individually. The Junta will also help the local Town Hall to draw up the new PGOU Urban Plan to control future development.  This means that all the current demolition orders in the village, some 100 in number, are effectively suspended.
And in Vera, the British couple who have been living in a garage beside the rubble which was once their dream home, have been told they will be assigned a temporary home.  The judge who is looking after their case has ordered the local council to assign Helen and Len Prior a similar property to the one they lost.  Lawyers acting for the couple have been pressing for compensation and it now appears that their petition will be met.  
The protest group AUAN (Abusos Urbanisticos Almanzora No) who are campaigning against the demolition of property in the area have reported that Helen and Len have found a suitable house and are now awaiting agreement from  the council.  
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T14:39:02+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>ANOTHER MAYOR IS ARRESTED</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21602/another-mayor-is-arrested/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21602/another-mayor-is-arrested/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[The former Popular Party mayor of the Valencian town of Montroi, Javier Carri&oacute;n, and six other people thought to be serving on the town's administration, or former members of it,  were arrested last Wednesday on charges of zoning irregularities and corruption.  
Civil Guard officers searched the Montroi town hall for evidence of the alleged concession of 77 building licenses for chalets constructed in rural areas where housing development is prohibited.  Authorities also searched private residences and businesses in Valencia, Silla and Montroi. Socialist Party Mayor Antonio Polo stated that dozens of chalets built in the Els Mallars neighborhood are unlicensed. 
 &ldquo;There are no building licenses, they were never granted,&rdquo; said Polo. &ldquo;There are some houses that are more than 30 years old that may have obtained one.  We will see if everything is in order.&rdquo;]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T14:33:48+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>GREENLANDS TEST SPAIN NATIONAL BOWLS SQUAD</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21601/greenlands-test-spain-national-bowls-squad/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21601/greenlands-test-spain-national-bowls-squad/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[30 &ndash; 31 January 2010
Greenlands Bowls Club has had some great firsts this season and we count it a real honour to have played the Spanish team that will be fighting against Guernsey on 20 -21 February at Emerald Isle.  The format was based on the Commonwealth Games in India so the Saturday afternoon found both Ladies and Men playing four wood pairs. Spain said they wanted to be tested and they certainly were.  
                                                                                                                           Carol Rudge and Marilyn Fryatt narrowly won 21 &ndash; 20 with Sabrina Marks and Sheri Fletcher fighting back with 8 in the last 3 ends.  Sheila stead and Jan Westall were neck and neck for two thirds of the match but Lynn Greenland and Yvonne Bryden pulled through to win 20 &ndash; 9.  Wendy Latham and Angie Goodfellow had a close encounter with Debbie Colquhoun and Jan Dando pulling through a tough match 17 &ndash; 12.
The Men had equally hard games with Peter Crane and Dave Greenland finding Alex McNeil and Nick Cole in fine form succumbing in the end 25 &ndash; 8.  Bill pain and Derek Toozer had a terrific battle with Paul Brown and Russell Marks.  On the 17th end it was 18 all with Spain nicking the last by one.  Steve Westall and Barry Latham were paired against the formidable pair of Tony McKenna and Mick Johnson.  The Greenlands got the better of them and ran out 23 &ndash; 18 winners.  So at the end of the first session we were 3 &ndash; 3 all.
Sunday morning saw 3 Ladies and 3 Men's singles being played along with two 2 wood triples to contest.  Once again it was close fought.  Two home grown players Angie Goodfellow and Lynn Greenland  had a really good tussle with Angie coming back at Lynn but just losing out 21 &ndash; 20.  It was a similar story with Sheila Stead and Yvonne Bryden.  From 17 across the board it was fought out a shot at a time for Spain to emerge the winner &ndash; just 21 -20.  Carol Rudge served up some delightful bowls in her game against Sabrina Marks.  Initially starting close but with Carol pulling away to win 21 &ndash; 14.
The Men not to be outdone produced some exciting ties with Bill Pain pitting his wits against Nick Cole.  It looked all over in the early stages when Bill found himself 18 &ndash; 5 down.  But gutsy determination saw him fight or fire his way back to 17 &ndash; 19 only to see Nick make it to the line with a two on the 24th end.  Peter Crane was in fine form on the fast carpet of Greenlands and gave Paul Brown (Superbowl) no respite throughout the match with a resounding 21 &ndash; 8 win. I'm sure Paul will be a great asset to Spain in the future.  That left the old rivals of Barry Latham and Russell Marks to meet once again and once again Russell was out of the blocks and left Barry wondering what was happening.  13 -5 down didn't look too promising but once Barry got the mat and kept it the game turned and after 27 ends Barry came out the winner 21 &ndash; 17. Last to finish, of  course.  The 2wood triples was a different entity not that often played but very skilful.  This saw Jan Westall, Wendy Latham and Marilyn Fryatt lose to a very talented trip of Debbie Colquhoun, Jan Dando and Sheri Fletcher 20 -11.  Steve Westall, Derek Toozer and Dave Greenland edged out Tony McKenna, Alex McNeil and Mick Johnson 21 &ndash; 17.  A very good win
That left the afternoon to go with the score seven all and everything to play for.  The last session comprised of four matches of 3 wood triples. Carol Rudge, Wendy Latham and Angie Goodfellow had one of those games when you don't and they do and lost 27 &ndash; 7 to that triple again of Debbie, Jan and Sheri.  (Do I hear 2012 ?)  On the other hand Sheila Stead, Jan Westall and Marilyn Fryatt played very well to secure a resounding 25 &ndash; 10 win against our own Lynn Greenland, Sabrina Marks and Yvonne Bryden.  
The Men  were similar with Steve, Derek, and Bill pulling away from Tony McKenna, Alex McNeil and Mick Johnson to score a 17 &ndash; 13 win while Peter, Dave and Barry lost to an exciting game to Paul Brown, Russell Marks and Nick Cole.  Only 13 &ndash; 14 down on the 16th end proceeded to drop a 6 and a 3.  Although Greenlands claim it was a 9 all draw Nick Bunbury claimed they had won on shot difference...  The real winners were the bowls played in a wonderful competitive spirit with a great camaraderie. Well done everyone. 
A special thanks to Bob Donnelly who umpired for both days and to the markers who did such sterling service on the Sunday.  Not forgetting the spectators who came along to support.  Thanks also must go to Mike Green for letting the Federation have the green.
Don't forget, make note in your diaries, watch Spain play Wales at Emerald Isle on 16th &ndash; 17th April and England at the same venue on 8th &ndash; 9th May.
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T14:25:42+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>AECC TORREVIEJA BRANCH FORTHCOMING EVENTS </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21600/aecc-torrevieja-branch-forthcoming-events/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21600/aecc-torrevieja-branch-forthcoming-events/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[ 21.02.10 - COME DANCING Ballroom and Latin American demonstrations and Show at Los Arcos Restaurant, Torrevieja, 8.00 to 11.30 p.m. in aid of AECC.Tickets &euro;7.50 available from Bargain Books and AECC office. Telephone Lyn 635 584431 for further information
23.02.10 - REGISTRATIONS for the early detection of cancer at La Marina Tourist Information Centre, 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Contact Bea on 966 796004 for further information.
24.04.10 -  The 15th AECC Annual Walk takes place in Torrevieja. Registration will start shortly so start putting together your teams, help spread the word and make this one a huge success.
Auctions are held every Thursday at Buddies Bar, Playa Flamenca (Near Saturday Market) and Fridays at Monty's Bar, Algorfa, between 13.00 and 3.00 pm. (sellers be there at 11.00 a.m.). Contact Dawn and Peter on 966 723401 or 678 982846 for further info (after 6.00 p.m. please)
Boot Sales are held at The Coopers Arms, Do&ntilde;a Pepa, Quesada. Boot Sales every Wednesday of the month at 10.00 a.m. (sellers from 9.00. a.m.). For further info phone 966 719793. The AECC 2010 diary and Andy Ormiston&acute;s Fiesta Calendar are now available to purchase from the AECC office at Calle La Calera, 2. Price just 7 euros for the diary and 6 euros for the calendar, proceeds from both to AECC. AECC are continually looking for people able to organise concerts or other fundraising events in aid of AECC. Even in times of recession AECC still provides services such as early detection of cancer and hospital visiting for those undergoing treatment, so fundraising is vital in these times. Please call AECC on 965 716679, Elizabeth on 966 798296 or Bea (La Marina) 966 796004 if you can help in any way.
AECC are always in need of items suitable for use as tombola prizes. Please do not throw away any unwanted pesetas, if you can help with any of the above please let us know.
Visit the AECC English-Language Website for further information about all aspects of AECC in the Torrevieja area:  www.aecctorrevieja.org Contra el Cancer, C/La Calera 2. (English-speaking Wednesday mornings only).
Phone: 965 716679
 
 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T14:20:33+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>VAN DER GARDE AND PÉREZ TO DRIVE FOR BARWA ADDAX IN ABU DHABI</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21599/van-der-garde-and-prez-to-drive-for-barwa-addax-in-abu-dhabi/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21599/van-der-garde-and-prez-to-drive-for-barwa-addax-in-abu-dhabi/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Giedo van der Garde and Sergio P&eacute;rez will be Barwa Addax team's drivers for the GP2 Asia Series race of Abu Dhabi from 5th till 6th February. This one off replacement is seen as preparation for the forthcoming GP2 Main Series, where the race of Abu Dhabi has been added to the calendar. 
Giedo van der Garde: &lsquo;'I am very thankful to the team for giving me this seat for the race. My goal is to know the track and team better! Besides that I hope to contribute to the development of the car for the last races in the Asia Series. It is good to get some rhythm again and to look where I am physically. The last period I trained really hard and am feeling physically very fit''.
 
Sergio P&eacute;rez: I'm aware that this will be a very important season for me as a great part of my future will depend on my perofrmances and for thgis reason I've prepared harder than ever. Racing in Abu Dhabi will mean I'll get to know another new circuit that we'll be racing in the championship and that I'll start the season with more race rhythm. I appreciate all the efforts that the team are making.
Alejandro Agag: &lsquo;'We think it is a good decision to let Giedo and Sergio get to know the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi better. The track has been added to the European calendar and will be the last race of the season. We want to fight for the championship and need to prepare ourselves well. Decisions in standings are always made at the end of the season so that's why we made this choice''.
 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T13:59:48+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>MOBILITY DIRECT - INDEPENDANT LIVING</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21598/mobility-direct-independant-living/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21598/mobility-direct-independant-living/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Stay in your own home for longer 
More and more people are now looking to stay in their own homes for longer and modern mobility companies such as Mobility Direct are constantly sourcing new products to help customers make their homes own easier to live in and more accessible.
Jack from Mobility Direct says: &ldquo;Over the last year we have seen a sharp rise in people contacting us asking us to help them to make their homes more user friendly.
Residents already living in Spain express an interest to stay in their own homes as long as possible, after all your own home is your biggest investment.&rdquo;
Mobility Direct Can Help
Mobility Direct can help to make your home easier to manage by supplying an excellent range of products. One of the major problems in a home is always the stairs, or access to other levels of the house.
When a person starts experiencing problems with walking up the stairs, the first call is normally to a company which supplies stair lifts.
Jack says:
&ldquo;The service from Mobility Direct is unique to the Costa Blanca. Not only can we supply stair lifts but because of our extensive supplier base we can also supply platform lifts, cabinet lifts, and bath lifts.
We are actually the only company on the Costa Blanca that can offer an in-house service with the complete range of mobility products; anything from a walker to a cabinet lift.&rdquo;
The Customer Care Pack 
Because of its long list of suppliers Mobility Direct has been able to put together a new service. It is called the Customer Care Pack and includes everything a person would need to remain independent in his or her home as long as possible.
The Care Pack is individually tailored to the customers needs
A Care Pack was recently supplied to Mr and Mrs Collins in Javea and the pack included a hoist, plat form lift and the bath room was fitted with the necessary equipment so that Mrs Collins was able to continue to care for her husband at home.
A certain stigma is normally attached to mobility products but this is something which Mobility Direct is seeing less and less of. According to Jack, the owner of Mobility Direct, people are beginning to realize that products are available to make their daily lives easier, and nothing to be embarrassed or concerned about.
Jack says:
&ldquo;The right mobility products let you get on with enjoying your life whilst at the same time making your life easier and therefore you have less to worry about. And I really believe that it is important to be able to stay in your own home as long as possible as this definitely ads to your quality of life.&rdquo;
A lifting experience
One of the main reason people call us is to talk to us about stairlifts. We supply straight, curved and outside stairlifts and we can even fit reconditioned straight stairlifts. Repairs, emergency call outs, new batteries are also part of the package.
Jack says:
Over 90% of the calls that we receive is actually an accessibility problem. That actually means that we are constantly dealing with lifts not just supplying the odd lift here and there, and we are now really good at helping people re-gain the use of their entire home as Spanish design can present us with some unique problems.
We are all trained by the manufacturers of our lifts, and we keep up to date with all the new ideas that come on to the market Jack goes on to say If the ideas are good we  take then on but we are not only about stair lifts. We also supply plat form lifts, ceiling hoists systems and complete home care packages including beds and riser/recliner arm chairs all with 2 years warranty.
As a company we have been operating in Spain for 8 years now but we actually have 22 years experience in the industry.
Lifts can be installed in homes between Valencia to La Manga. Contact the Mobility Direct Team on 96 642 114 or mobile 670 387 948. E-mail: info@mobilitydirect.info or visit www.stairliftspain.com]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T13:51:51+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>COSTA BLANCA LADIES' GOLF GROUP</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21597/costa-blanca-ladies-golf-group/
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Our first meeting at Vistabella on Friday 29th January proved very successful. Twenty six ladies came to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of golf, followed by coffee in the Restaurant. The weather kept fine for us all, despite a keen breeze, which made the course even more challenging !
We all visited many bunkers on the way round ... it's as if there were magnets in every one of them.
Despite this, we all had a great time and a good natter on the way round .
The next meeting will be at Lo Romero on Friday 26th February. I already have
twenty on the list, so if you would like to play , please contact Adrienne on
699902477 by Friday 12th February as I need to book tee times.
We will also have a new name by then, so watch this space !!!
My thanks to Diego , Natalia and all the staff at Vistabella for such a good day.
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T13:40:33+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>LOS CABALLEROS GOLF SOCIETY</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21596/los-caballeros-golf-society/
  </link>
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  <description><![CDATA[After the rains of last week it was nice to get some golf in sunny weather, Tuesday saw the Monthly Medal won by Nick Tarbatt with a two under 70 which was excellent golf considering the lightening speed of the green. Second place went to Steve Batchelor with a level round 72 and yours truly sneaked into 3rd place with a 73.
Nearest the pin went to me again on the 3rd and Tony Monsellato grabbed the money on the 13th. Modesty stops me from saying how great my shot was ending just 18 inches from the pin.
There were two shots of the round the first went to Graham Euston who got a birdie on the seventeenth, killing it outright at the end of the ladies tee and not to be out done Mike Barnett (pictured) having not dried his clubs since last year going into the water throw an iron 100 yards whilst still holding the rubber grip.
Wednesday four of us went by invite to Las Colinas a new course that opens in May to test the course for our away days. It is a must for the long hitter with great greens that could be very fast when cut shorter. A great course and well worth a visit.
Denis Nevin Los Caballeros Golf Society]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T12:40:21+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>TORRE GOLF SOCIETY</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21595/torre-golf-society/
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[The 1st February a month of 2010 has already passed, doesn't time fly when you're enjoying yourself? Credit where credit is due El Plantio always have people working on the course, not just the greens and fairways but the extremities too, ensuring the course is a pleasure to play, so well done to all those concerned. As someone mentioned, &ldquo;The more you play El Plantio the better it gets&rdquo;.
It was a gorgeous day for golf, blue skies, sun shining but rather bizarrely there was snow on the mountains, but it was still short sleeves at seal level. Our new captain Dave Daniel elected to play a three ball Texas Scramble, electing low and high handicaps in the teams, and what a good choice it was as it was on e of the closest team competitions we have had.
There was only 4 points between the first and last teams with first place going to a back 6 count back. It was also great to see how correct and concise the scorecards were. As most Society scorers will know, the cards in a Texas Scramble can look something like a Spider crawling out of an ink well and walked all over the card.
1st: Jim Mathieson &ndash; Gordon Howieson &ndash; Graham Lester 55 points C/B
2nd: Ivie Davies &ndash; Reid Kane &ndash; Tony Dryden 55 points
3rd: Barry Daniell &ndash; Vince Lannon -  Barry Conroy  56 points
NTP: Hole 18 Reid Kane
There are more exciting games to come and at exciting courses, our calendar for the coming months is
February 15th &ndash;Vistabella Golf
March 1st   - El Pantio Golf
March 15th  - Roda Golf
April 5th  - El Plantio Golf
April 19th  - Vistabella Golf
If you would like to be a part of these exciting golf days and guests are welcome contact The Secretary the details are below. Also our website is coming on so click on to www.golfsoc.com/torre-golf-society for more information and fixtures. For more information on The Torre Golf Society then contact the Secretary Ivie Davies either by email golf.davies@telefonica.net or telephone/text 669 211 410 
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T12:26:48+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>2nd VALENCIAN COMMUNITY LAWN BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21594/2nd-valencian-community-lawn-bowls-championships/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[15th MAY 2010 &ndash; 29th MAY 2010 January Newsletter. Hope you have all federated for the forthcoming Valencian Championships. I am sure you would all agree that it was a resounding success last year and hopefully we can repeat it again this year. 
Your Committee is very similar with Dominic Mills (San Miguel)  Competition Secretary; Brian Allen (San Miguel)Treasurer; Liz Mills (San Miguel) Secretary; Maggie Furness (El Rancho); John Featherstone (San Luis); Mel O'Dell (Emerald Isle); Bob Donnelly (Greenlands); Jan Allen (San Miguel) with Steve Westall (Greenlands) keeping an eye on us all as Delegado Valencian. San Miguel, Greenlands, Emerald Isle. El Rancho are the four venues.
The Championships start with the Opening Ceremony at San Miguel on Saturday 15th May and close with the Finals at Emerald Isle on Saturday 29th May. More details will follow as the start gets nearer.
The Closing Date for entries is 11th February and obviously Dominic will want the entries in as soon as possible thereafter. Just a reminder that you have to be federated by 1st February to enter.
The draw for all disciplines will be on Thursday 25th February.Venue to be announced by Dominic Mills. Everyone is invited to come along to see what happens and you can see quite fairly all my disciplines are played at Greenlands!!!!
Our main sponsor at this present time is The Leader with Kevin Reardon volunteering to do the Programme for us. We are going to get it out by the end of April 2010 with your help. Obviously the Committee have a lot of work to do on this front but we need YOUR HELP just as much. So if you are asked to contribute in any way PLEASE, PLEASE get it in by the date asked. Adverts are one of our lifelines and it would be much appreciated if you can help us out with this one. The cost of each advert is the same as last year including all design work &ndash;
Full Page &euro;400 + IVA; &frac12; Page &euro;220 +IVA; &frac14; Page &euro;120+IVA; 1/8 Page &euro;65+IVA; Banner advertising from &euro;40 +IVA. It would be much appreciated that adverts are paid for upfront as The Leader has lost a considerable amount of money for those who haven't paid their dues in the past. You can get more information if you wish by phoning 966730057.
Writing about sponsors reminds that we still need more people, firms, shops to help us out financially so if you know of anyone who might help, please get in touch. Remember we have cut the entry cost to you this year but still hope to keep to the high standard of last year.
We will be letting you know shortly about accommodation and offers on shirts for the Championships.
In the meantime if you have any queries, questions or need more information you can contact me on 966790711 or by email at barryl@gonuts4free.com
Hopefully we can get a Newsletter out each month to keep you up to date. May you always bowl the right bias. 
Best wishes Barry Latham 
Chairman of Valencian Community Championship Committee.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T12:15:28+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>OPERA WEEK SAN MIGUEL </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21593/opera-week-san-miguel/
  </link>
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  <description><![CDATA[Opera San Miguel takes to the boards once again for their third annual Opera Workshop in San Miguel in February 2010. Over 20 singers will be travelling to San Miguel from the UK to join 10 or so local singers to work on a production of Act II of &quot;Die Fledermaus&quot; by Johann Strauss. The action will be enhanced by the inclusion of further operatic entertainment for both the &quot;guests&quot; at The Ball and their audience in San Miguel.
Many singers will be coming for their third visit here, and there are several newcomers joining the group this year. Tom and Katy Pargeter are delighted to welcome their wonderful professional accompanist Jean Hancock yet again, and this year they also welcome Susan Wilson to join the production staff as choreographer. It would be difficult to present an evening of Strauss music without a waltz! Susan is a well known choreographer and director in the UK Home Counties area.
The Workshop opens on the afternoon of Sunday 21st February, continuing every day from 9.30 am - 6.15 pm, with a break for lunch, culminating in a fully costumed production on the evening of Friday 26th at 8.00.  The whole event will take place in the Casa de Cultura in San Miguel, and everyone is welcome to drop in and see the work in progress, and Katy and Tom hope that there will be a full house for the Friday evening finale to the week's work. Entry is free, and the production should last about an hour. 

Sunday 21st - Saturday 27th February]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T12:06:27+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>EU WOMEN IN POWER</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21592/eu-women-in-power/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega joined the Spanish Minister of Equality, Bibiana Aido, in opening the Second European Summit &quot;Women in Power&quot; in Cadiz on Wednesday. They were joined by many of Europe's most influential ladies including the Leader of the House of Commons, Harriet Harman.
This Summit, an initiative of the governments of Spain and the United Kingdom, is part of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, in which specific aims are to establish and promote new policies on equality between the sexes. Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega said during her speech that &quot;she will work for real equality in all areas of discrimination and that it should be a requirement of any democracy that it be fully achieved&rdquo;.
And she noted the case of Afghanistan, a region that currently demands a special commitment from the international community. She said that recent developments have seen many new initiatives, supported by the international community, which are now seeking new ways to promote peace that are based on dialogue.
&quot;It is absolutely necessary that we all take this path of dialogue if we are to achieve peace. There is still much work to be done, &quot;she said.&rdquo;A government like the one I represent, which has always promoted the Alliance of Civilisations, must also support this initiative. The rights of women are seriously curtailed in that part of the world, so we must adopt a united front if we are to help develop and progress Afghan society. &quot;
She also took the opportunity to express once again the government's solidarity with the family of Private John Philip Romero and all those who have lost their lives on Afghan soil. &quot;A country where many nations are paying a high price in human lives by supporting both its reconstruction and the defence of peace and international security&quot;. The deputy premier also highlighted the role of women faced with new challenges and problems of global society. Because &quot;equality is a sign of a fair and balanced development.&quot;
In this respect, Europe still has work to do. &quot;In business and employment in our countries there is still very clear resistance to positions of responsibility and decision making, and employment opportunities are lower for women than they are for men.&quot; Finally, she made special mention of the role of women in developing countries. She said that Spain had already held a meeting of &ldquo;Spanish and African Women for a Better World.&quot;]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-04T11:57:02+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>MIGUEL HERNANDEZ OFF-LIMITS </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21591/miguel-hernandez-off-limits/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[The ruling PP party at Orihuela Town Hall has once again failed to include coastal residents, and non-Spanish speaking tourists, in what is an important year for the municipality of Orihuela, says PSOE opposition councillor, Rosa Martinez. 
A brochure &ndash; entitled Pasion Por El Poeta - detailing a year of events to celebrate the centenary year of Orihuela-born poet, Miguel Hernandez, has been produced &ndash; but in Spanish only.  None of the planned events during 2010 are set to take place on the coast of Orihuela.
Rosa Martinez said: &ldquo;The PP mayor of Orihuela, Monica Lorente, travelled recently to the FITUR tourism show in Madrid to promote Orihuela and its role in the centenary year of Miguel Hernandez, and yet this official brochure caters only for Spanish-speaking tourists. This is an extremely short-sighted approach to take when international tourism is so important to the economic health of our municipality. I am sure she forgot to tell the King of Spain about this oversight.&rdquo;
She added: &ldquo;Secondly, Ms Lorente has forgotten once again that almost a third of her municipality comprises international residents, and most of them live on the coast. The move to provide information about this internationally renowned poet in Spanish only, and to neglect the coast when organising events, is yet another snub to coastal residents.
I am certain that commercial centres such as those at Playa Flamenca, Villamartin, Los Dolses, La Fuente and the VIA Parks, which need more tourism and more business, would have appreciated an involvement in hosting events to celebrate this centenary year. 
It is clear the PP government is happy to take tax money from coastal residents and businesses but has no interest whatsoever in investing in the future of the area, or sharing the spoils of what is such an important and potentially lucrative year.&rdquo;
The PP ruling party of Orihuela has yet to organise a single &lsquo;Miguel Hernandez' event for the coast. The PSOE opposition party has held several including a poetry reading night in Spanish, English and German, an art exhibition, and a flamenco show. 
The PSOE has translated the guide to events for the forthcoming weeks into English and German. Go to http://www.orihuelacostapsoe.eu or call into the PSOE office on the coast, opposite the Cabo Roig medical centre, on weekdays between 11am and 1pm. ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T14:36:28+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>SPANISH NATIONAL JUNIOR CRICKET TRIALS</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21590/spanish-national-junior-cricket-trials/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Trials for the following age groups U11,U13,U15,U17,U19 Boys and Girls will be held at Sporting Alfas Cricket Club, Albir on Sun 21st February with Registration at 12,30
Cricket Espana would like to invite any Juniors with an interest in Cricket, to take part in the trials, with a potential of playing for Spain.
For more info Contact Neil Brook 653 415 215 or email neildellabrook@aol.com]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T14:17:38+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>ORIHUELA COSTA EGGHEADS</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21589/orihuela-costa-eggheads/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Sponsored by The Leader Newspaper
Eggheads started two weeks ago in DJ's Bar, La Fuente CC. The teams will be battling it out over the next ten weeks to find the area's very best quiz team. Both nights have been good fun and very successful.
Results:
Week One: Driving Force beat The Belfry and Office Lipreaders beat Shady's
Week Two: Shady's beat Crystal Balls and Office Lipreaders beat The Belfry
Eggheads takes place every Wednesday evening in DJ's Bar. 
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T14:15:31+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>LA VILA LOSE GROUND ON LEADERS</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21588/la-vila-lose-ground-on-leaders/
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Just when it looked that La Vila had the capacity for victory firmly in its grasp, the boys suffered an unfortunate loss in an away game against Ordizia on Sunday.  The team managed to end the game with a relatively close final score of 26-21, coming away with a compensatory bonus point.  
However, league leaders El Salvador pulled off a win with bonus against Gernika, and have now pulled yet further ahead in their lead. With a difference of 9 league points standing between La Vila and their target, the league title seems to have slipped further out of reach. 
It took the boys a little while to get into the game, and by the tenth minute their defence had been broken through and a converted try scored against them.  The remainder of the first half was a matter of penalties for both teams, with each putting 6 points away.  Hope for a La Vila turnaround was sparked off by an impressive try from Ryan le Roux just before half-time.  When play broke and the scoreboard read 13-11, a La Vila win felt within reach.
The spark that had appeared at the end of the first half, however, failed to ignite, and the second half continued in a similar fashion to the first.  Penalties were awarded on both sides, and Ordizia managed to stay just ahead of their opponents throughout the duration.  When the final ten minutes went into play with a score of 19-14, La Vila began to pull together and dominate territorially. 
Although they were now putting the pressure on Ordizia, they were unable to quite follow through over the try line.  When Ordizia scored against them again (converting the try and bringing the score up to 26-14), La Vila seemed to really wake up.  With Charlie Harding's well-earned try, converted by Agustin G&oacute;mez, it felt like the team had the potential to take off and turn things around.  However, unfortunately time was not on their side, and the final whistle blew before La Vila could make use of its growing momentum. 
Although this is a disappointing result after a string of La Vila victories, the boys have a lot to take away with them, and will certainly have a renewed intensity to take into preparations for the next game.  Every successful team must suffer setbacks, and this is the kind of team that uses hurdles as motivation to jump higher. 
La Vila's next home game will take place against Santboiana Barcelona on Sunday 21st of February at 12:30pm. Drinks and snacks will be on offer as usual, and under 18's get in free. The boys are sure to produce the goods with the support of a good home crowd - and now that the weather improving, there are no excuses! For more information, please contact Ignacio Davila 608 068 208 or Jo le Roux at the Rugby La Vila offices 965 890 376.
La Vila Rugby Club is situated at Carratera Pantano, Villajoyosa. Take AP-7 exit N 66 (Villajoyosa). At the first roundabout head for the mountain. The club is about 1km from Motorway exit N 66. Or take the Villajoyosa by-pass, and take the middle exit. At the first roundabout, bare right towards the motorway entrance and at the second roundabout bare left towards the mountain.
By: Jo le Roux]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T14:08:50+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>PRINCE FELIPE ATTENDS SOLDIER'S FUNERAL</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21587/prince-felipe-attends-soldiers-funeral/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[The body of 21 year old Spanish soldier Pte John Philip Romero was laid to rest on Wednesday morning following a service in Barcelona attended by Prince Phillip de Bourbon and the Minister of Defence, Carme Chacon. 
Following his death in Afghanistan the soldier's coffin arrived back at El Prat airport on a Spanish Air Force Airbus 310, just before midnight on Tuesday night where it was met by family members and friends. The body was accompanied by the Minister and three injured colleagues who were all returning on the same aircraft.
Prior to the funeral mass Prince Felipe and Minister Chacon spent time with grieving family members where they offered the government's condolences. The body was brought into the funeral parlour on the shoulders of eight of the young Columbian's colleagues. During the ceremony he was posthumously awarded the Military Merit Cross with distinction, an award made to soldiers who are killed in action.
The Prime Minister also sent condolences apologising to the family for his absence. Mr Zapatero is currently meeting with President Obama in Washington where he was attending a Prayer Breakfast with the US leader.
Government officials who also attended the funeral included Economic Minister Elena Salgado, President of the Generalitat, Jos&eacute; Montilla, and the PP leader, Mariano Rajoy. The Military contingent was headed by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Jose Julio Rodriguez who read a brief tribute and the chief of staff Army (JEME), General Fulgencio Coll.
The three soldiers wounded in the attack also arrived back in the country yesterday on the aircraft were taken by ambulance to the Ebron Valley hospital where they were treated for their wounds. Lt. Francesc Jordi Rubio was suffering from bruises and abrasions on the face and abdomen, arm and left thigh, abdominal trauma, external injuries and a broken jaw. Pte  Daniel Ospina, 23, has a fractured tibia and fibula of his right leg while Alcal&aacute; Josu was suffering from a badly damaged mouth.
Romero died and six other soldiers were wounded when the vehicle in which they were travelling ran over an anti tank mine near Atesh Sang on Monday.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T14:07:58+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>ROJALES RESIDENTS HELPED TO OBTAIN MEDICAL CARD</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21586/rojales-residents-helped-to-obtain-medical-card/
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Torrevieja Hospital is carrying out a campaign in conjunction with Rojales Town Hall to enable local residents to easily obtain their medical card. The scheme is aimed at people resident in the Department 22 area.   
A point of information has been set up on the ground floor of Rojales Town Hall, which is open to the public from 8am to 3pm from Monday to Friday. To date over 2,000 people have already made use of this helpful service, and thus obtained the above mentioned medical card, giving them the right to visit a doctor at Torrevieja Hospital. 
The forms which have to be filled in are available at the information desk.  ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T13:52:03+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>TORREVIEJA U3A SUCCESSFUL A.G.M. AND EXHIBITION</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21585/torrevieja-u3a-successful-agm-and-exhibition/
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Over 120 members attended the Annual General Meeting of the Torrevieja University of the Third Age (U3A) at Los Arcos Restaurant on 28th January. The Minutes of last year were proposed, seconded and adopted and reports from the Deputy Chairman, Treasurer and Membership Secretary were read out.
Then following a unanimous vote, Bob Hill was elected Chairman. The Treasurer and Secretary were nominated for re-election as were the majority of the Committee. All received a unanimous vote.  There were two nominations for Committee vacancies and both nominees, Sue Kenyon and Geoff Crane were elected.  Pictured, are the new Chairman (far left) and Committee following their election.
At the close of the A.G.M the Groups Exhibition was declared open.  This was the first opportunity Group Leaders had had to present together, all the activity options available to members. The Play Reading, First Aid, Tai Chi and Shakespeare Study groups gave demonstrations.  All the tables around the room were kept very busy with enquiries and many took up membership.
Established in 2006 Torrevieja U3A continues to expand. Promoting lifelong learning for those over 50 years of age, the so called &ldquo;third age&rdquo;, members are offered a wide variety of interest/activity groups all led by volunteer group leaders, who enjoy sharing their experiences and expertise with other members. This meets the core U3A objective, resulting in a rich learning experience for all.
No entrance qualifications are required and there is no final accreditation. Instead, a free exchange of ideas is encouraged with the emphasis on fun. This is further supported by an active social scene with lunches, coach trips and monthly walks all being offered.  
Annual membership is 12 euros and meetings and registration commence at 10.00 for 10.30 on the last Thursday of the month at Los Arcos Restaurant in Avenida Baleares 34, Torrevieja (in front of the Museo de Semana Santa). There is usually a guest speaker at these meeting.
For more information and details of current activity/interest groups, visit www.u3atorrevieja.com or telephone 965 329 122.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T13:39:10+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>RUNNING FOR HIS LIFE IN SANTA POLA</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21584/running-for-his-life-in-santa-pola/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[&ldquo;Canons roar! Drums are beating! And seven thousand people are starting to run in the Santa Pola Half Marathon. Some are in fancy dress; some are pushing prams &ndash; one had twins in it! And there, determined to break his 2 hour 6 minute record of last year, is Jake Lowe, running on behalf of MABS Cancer Support Group.&rdquo;  So says Jan Wright, a MABS Cancer Support Group Volunteer Carer reporting on the January 24th event.
Jake finished just 8 minutes faster than previously and under the two hours he had set himself. Well done Jake! Jake was supported by friends and family as well as two wonderful MABS Volunteer Carers, Jan Wright and Angela Knapman and MABS Volunteer Driver, Rita Collins. The ladies admit to having a ball!
The rain help off until after the event and everyone gathered for photos in their MABS tee-shirts before Jake set off. Seven thousand people; a huge number to sort out but this years event went just as smoothly as it always has in the past thanks to brilliant organisation. Bands were playing, food and drink stalls were thriving; a really energetic atmosphere along the Santa Pola seafront and a wonderful community spirit.
Jake collected Euros 100 &lsquo;on the day' and is still counting the money that is coming in from his Coastal Press Magazine readers; and of course more is still coming in via the MABS Cancer Support Group website. We will announce the total in a few weeks time but meanwhile we want to say a huge &lsquo;Thank you' to Jake and his team and to our MABS Cancer Support Group ladies who set up this sponsorship opportunity.
 
MABS Cancer Support Group is registered charity number 7261. The charity offers support, kindness and love to cancer patients in the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. It was started in 1999 by five ladies who had suffered with breast cancer but had no one to turn to for advice and support.
They decided that others should not have to worry like they did about translation between themselves and medical staff, translation of technical information about their cancer, transportation to and from hospital appointments and support for family and friends. The ladies were firmly determined to address all these things, and more, for cancer patients in the future.
There are now seven branches of the charity, all with their Volunteer Carers, Volunteer Drivers and Volunteer Supporters, located from Valencia in the north to Marbella in the south. Please come and join us! We need you!
Anyone who has any form of cancer and who finds themselves alone and without support should contact the MABS Cancer Support Group on 965 794 083. For more information on this Release please contact: Linda@mabscancersupport.org]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T13:29:59+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>SAN MIGUEL BOWLS CLUB</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21583/san-miguel-bowls-club/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Winter League  No Game. 
Southern League - The Jaguars hosted the match against Monte Mar Matadors. A strong performance won them 12 points to the Matadors 2. The shot difference was 113 to 77 for the visitors. The highest scoring rink was Pat McEwan, John Marshall and Dave Matthews with 22 shots. The friendly team won 21 shots to 16. Great result, keep up the good work.
The Cougars  played an afternoon match against and Emerald Isle team at Emerald Isle, and won all 14 points. Sorry I have no more details at time of writing. Well done to everyone who played, nice job.
S.A.B.A
The Comets went to Greenlands to play the Orange team. The Comets brought home 2 points to the Orange's 12. The triple who got the two pints were Alan Booth, Jim Hattersley and Mike Stacey. Well done to everyone.
The Meteors were due to play at Greenlands on Tuesday but the weather put paid to that and the game will be played at a later date.
The Asteroids well done to the two winning rinks and also the rink that drew. A shortfall of 15 shots meant we lost the points for the total. 5points away from home is a fair result and one rink only lost by 1shot so the points could easily have been shared equally. The next game is the re-arranged match against Monte Mar Saturday morning .Good Luck. John Staden.
The Pulsars played at home against Monte Mar Picadors. A good day at the office, winning 12 points to the Picadors 2. The shot were 129 for the Pulsars to 71 for the Picadors. Highest scoring rinks with 26 points each were Eric Warren, Betty Hemmings and Anita Brown, and Brian Errington, Dave McEwan and Ros Stockell. Well done to everyone who took part.
This week's lottery bonus ball winners were, Alan Booth and S.M.B.C. We have a few numbers available; if you would like to join in please see Janet McNeil. 
The next Rummikub night is on 18th February, come along a join us.  Check the social notice board for details.
For more information please contact President Harry Sharpe on 966 775 821]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T12:48:42+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>SOUL UNSIGNED</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21582/soul-unsigned/
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[If you caught last week's column, you'll recall that I was anxiously waiting for the delivery of our latest compilation CDs from the manufacturing plant. I'm pleased to say that they arrived on time, in one piece, and with the right music on them. The artwork looked pretty good too.
Perhaps I'm getting old and cynical, but these days I tend to expect the worst and am pleasantly surprised when things actually turn out as planned. I'm not sure if it's me, but it seems that the service received from many companies nowadays is a lot less reliable than it used to be. Average tends to be the norm, excellence is rare, and incompetence is all too common. Yes, I am getting old and cynical..!
One man I know I can always rely on is Deano, my fellow DJ on Exite. Unlike many DJs on our promo list, who happily accept our free CDs but rarely bother to give us any feedback, Deano always takes the trouble to drop me a line with his thoughts on our compilations. And he always gives them great support on his own show on Exite Radio on Saturday evenings. A true soul brother.       
 
Check out the Soul Unsigned show on Exite Radio, every Thursday evening at 20:00, for a selection of the best independent soul music from around the world.
Playlist (January 28th Show) 
Maiko Watson &ndash; Some kinda love
Freddie Lee &ndash; Higher
Gemma Genazzano &ndash; Take me away
Soulganic &ndash; Temporary thrill
Dreemtime &ndash; New york lounge funk
The Doggett Brothers &ndash; Azure sky
Live Tropical Fish &ndash; Run and hide
Brenda Boykin &ndash; Love is in town
Shades Of J &ndash; Searchin
Sa'Mya &ndash; Daydreaming
L'Renee &ndash; You don't have to cry
Vinyl Soul &ndash; Sabor a mi
Lisa Zure &ndash; Sweet fruit
Harlempsychadelic &ndash; Cookin'
Email: soulunsigned@aol.com  
Website: www.soulunsigned.com
In Association with Exite FM]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T12:41:00+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>DONATION TO SAMARITANS</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21581/donation-to-samaritans/
  </link>
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  <description><![CDATA[Costa Blanca Samaritans have become the latest local charity to benefit from the efforts of Megan and Fred Wright who run the La Siesta Lending Library in Torrevieja, receiving from them the generous donation of &euro;500.
The Samaritans have become well established on the Costa Blanca and have recently extended their opening hours to be available every evening from 8pm to midnight. The number to ring is 902 88 35 35.  
 
If you are interested in becoming a Samaritan please email them at info@costablancasamaritans.com.  ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T12:28:25+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>GUARDIA CIVIL MOVE IN TO HALT N332 DISPUTE</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21580/guardia-civil-move-in-to-halt-n332-dispute/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[With support from the Guardia Civil the Ministry of development occupied yesterday, the very last piece of  land located within the municipal area of Guardamar del Segura which has been holding up completion of the N332 improvements in the area. 
Although it has been unoccupied for some time the owner had refused to sign the agreement providing for the transfer to the state so in the early hours of Tuesday morning the company responsible for the upgrading of the Horadada to Guardamar stretch of the road attended with representatives from both the Public Works Department and the Guardia Civil.
The land is located in a field which accommodates the El Fogon Sunday Flea Market in Santa Ana. Immediately that the official contingent moved in the land was fenced off and works were begun to prepare the area to take the new road improvement. Officials said that it was only this one plot that was stopping completion of the road improvement programme.
Delays in obtaining the land have severely disrupted the road's progress, they said, but now that it is in the hands of the developers work will begin immediately to make up the lost time.
Although the procedure was carried out without any trouble a spokesman said that the attendance of several patrols from the Guardia Civil had been necessary in order to serve a Judicial Warrant on the owner. The operators moved in their machinery without any problem, albeit under the watchful eye of the owner, Jos&eacute; Antonio Lillo, who himself was being attended by the Guardia Civil agents.
Snr Lillo said that he felt the attendance of the Guardia was unnecessary. He said that the only dispute he had with the authorities was not the procurement of his land but the price that they were willing to pay.
Municipal sources explained that such situations are extremely common. &ldquo;Snr Lillo is not the first person to disagree with the amount of compensation that the authorities are willing to pay for his land. But the work is absolutely essential so we can't afford to delay the project any more. The work must be completed in time for the holiday season which is almost upon us once again&rdquo; a spokesman said. &ldquo;It is because of this reason that the judge had no hesitation but to issue a judicial warrant&rdquo;.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T12:23:03+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>PADDY'S POINT GOLF SOCIETY</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21579/paddys-point-golf-society/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Paddy's Point Golf Society's next event is on Wednesday 10th February at La Finca.  This will be a team competition and teams of four will be drawn the day before.
Cost including buggy is &euro;50 for members and &euro;55 for non-members.  To secure your place please pay &euro;20 deposit to bar staff by Monday evening 9th February.  Meet at Paddy's at 10.00am for registration and transport.  The presentation and a hot meal will be provided at Paddy's directly after the event.
Future events: Wednesday 17th March at La Serena for the &quot;St Patrick's Day Trophy&quot;. April 14th Roda Golf for Captain's Day, details of these events will be published nearer the time.
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T12:17:40+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>LEMON TREE BOWLS</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21578/lemon-tree-bowls/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[with Ian Boothroyd
Mon 25th Jan.
Our visitors today were the Explorers from La Marina. I was absent due to family being here so I am relying on our captain and the score sheet. A decent day for bowls and not a disaster for us, losing 3 &frac12; to 2 &frac12; .
Apparently our captains team were a dozen down but purely due to his great skill and leadership they snatched the draw from the jaws of defeat, or so he tells me. Shots were 86 Lemon Tree and 110 to the Explorers. With the 2 points for shots it ended 5 points to 9. Frank Jones, Ken Combstock, John Henly, 11 &ndash; 20.
Neville Pulfor, Pat Rafferty, Jim Harwood, 9 &ndash; 22.Dave Webb, Linda Vincent, Roger Hodgson, 18 &ndash; 14. Janet Webb, Joyce Hodgson, Mike Petty, 17 &ndash; 17.Jeane James, Brian Vincent,RickShiel,19 &ndash; 14.Sandra Carnes, Tony Sam Brook ,Tony Coombs, 14 &ndash; 23.
Fri. 29th Jan.
Southern winter league today against Greenland's orange and we achieved our highest win of the season, long may it continue. Winning 4 rinks to 2 and 101 points to 94.It is a good job there were other good scores as our trips managed quite a heavy defeat, we blamed the wind. So it finished up 10 points to Lemon Tree and 4 to the orange, thanks to our visitors for a good game played in a very friendly atmosphere.
Results were: - Barbara Shiel, Pauline Rafferty, Mike Petty, 17 &ndash; 7. Dave Webb, Neville Pulfor, Jim Harwood, 16 &ndash; 18.Jeane James, Jon Henly, Rick Shiel, 22 &ndash; 16. Janet Webb, Ken Combstock, Pat Rafferty, 17 &ndash; 14. Di Harwood, Tony Sambrook, Tony Coombs, 21 &ndash; 10. Ian Booothroyd, Kay Boothroyd ,Brian Vincent, 8 &ndash; 29.
Our Owners next &ldquo;Chicken Run&rdquo; is on Sunday 7th Feb. Entry is 4 euros and the first prize is a meal for 4 people. Everybody welcome, please contact the club on 966721892,or turn up on the day,10 am for 10.30.   
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T12:12:57+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>LUNG TRANSPLANT CARRIED OUT IN SPAIN</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21577/lung-transplant-carried-out-in-spain/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[A pioneering method of transplanting lungs, one of the most troublesome transplants in the field, has been successfully carried out in the Puerta de Hierro hospital in Madrid. The technique, ex vivo, had only previously been performed at five hospitals in three countries, and only using donors who had died of brain complaints, whereas here the donors had died of heart attacks.  
The method uses a machine that reproduces the conditions of the human body, with circulation, ventilation, a constant temperature of 37&ordm;C and a normal metabolism. The ex vivo perfusion technique allows the organ to be treated with a special solution, which does the job of blood, circulating through a network that simulates the veins and that is driven by an external pump. The solution allows the lungs, which are often flooded by edema in the event of death, to be recovered and fed with antibiotics.
The Puerta de Hierro hospital has performed two groundbreaking operations of this kind, using lungs from two donors who had died of cardiac arrest. The recipients were both men with lung disease caused by tobacco.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-03T12:07:51+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>NEVER A GREY DAY WITH MABS</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21576/never-a-grey-day-with-mabs/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21576/never-a-grey-day-with-mabs/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[The day is grey with the hills being obscured by the grey mist which reaches to the ground. I wonder if it actually touched the ground, have you ever walked in the cloud mist or is it the ground mist. There was one occasion when I was walking in the hills; the clouds seemed to pull from one side to the other. It was as if they were rushing to see what was on the other side, it was dramatic, like water gushing over a waterfall. We seem to compare one thing with another all the time, as if we are trying to make sense of the world around.
Does the colour in the sky make a difference to a blind person or is the pressure of the air, rather than the sight seen, that makes a difference to the way we feel? 
It's raining, but if it didn't rain, then when would we be able to splash in puddles. I also try to drive my car through puddles so that I can see and hear the resulting splash. When I was little, there was an occasion when I was waiting under a bridge to keep dry, a bus went passed and I was drenched. Annoyed yes, but then I laughed making the greyness disappear.
Is the greyness of the day in the sky or in the heart, for many appear to look and feel depressed with the greyness of the day? It's dark at night with grey clouds in the sky but that doesn't appear to cause us any problems. 
How often have you heard someone say it's a grey night and if there are touches of grey in the sky we watch as they pass across the moon and wonder? We say it's a dark night, as if we expect the night to be something different. Then the excitement of night is the place we are going to visit or the people we are going to see. Friendly hugs seem to happen more at night rather than the day. I wonder why?
On Tuesday morning at 12 midday in Trevi's Bar Camposol B smiles erupted on faces of people, who had trudged through the rain to witness the presentation of a 1000 Euros cheque raises by a group of thoughtful people.
The cheque was presented by the Ex Servicemen Association to MABS, Mazarr&oacute;n. 
Come along to our next event definitely on Tuesday 23rd February at 7.30pm upstairs in Trevi's Bar on Camposol B to be entertained with fun and laughter to an evening of Games and Prizes.
There will be a Quiz, Bingo and raffle. Last year someone went away with a Microwave oven for the silly price of ONE EURO.
MABS, The Cancer Support (Mazarr&oacute;n) is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some confidential help or support call our HELPLINE 620 422 410
For General Enquiries call 620 582 418 11am to 4pm Mon to Fri 
www.mabsmazarron.com or www.mabscancersupport.org]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T15:43:12+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>SIERRA NEVADA 2010 </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21575/sierra-nevada-2010/
  </link>
  <guid>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21575/sierra-nevada-2010/
  </guid>
  <description><![CDATA[Talking, as you do over a couple of drinks, all kinds of activities that you've done and took part in your earlier years come out, almost involuntary.
One such conversation talked of skiing, my eyes lit up and I said I used to love skiing. Don&acute;t you still ski, asked Paul, well, it&acute;s too expensive and I really can&acute;t afford it was my reply.
Tanya suggested that I should ski with the Costa Blanca Ski Club, so one thing lead to another, as they do, I nervously sent an email to Mike and Shirley who have been running the Costa Blanca Ski Club for the last since 1997.
An email duly came back giving me all the details that I needed, and the price, well it actually is not as expensive as you might expect, especially when you compare the price you&acute;d be expected to pay through one of the glossy travel company brochures, so I made the decision, almost immediately, to go for it.
I was fairly reticent at first about going on a trip like this alone, who would I know, who would I speak to, who would I ski with, this feeling was short lived when I told my old mate Ricky Divine that I was going skiing, he said I skied about 20 years ago, so can I come? One phone call and Ricky was on the trip, my new room buddy and quite possibly my first aider!
The Costa Blanca Ski Club formed some 20 years ago, and is quite different to most clubs as there are no forms to fill in, no membership fees, just a group of people who love to ski. The key benefit to skiing with the Club is the amount of money to be saved, as Mike and Shirley, have negotiated otherwise impossible discounts due to the longevity of the clubs success.
My holiday was booked on one of the Clubs holidays planned for 2010, I decided to book for January, leaving on the 24th, returning on the 30th, the cost, just 260&euro;, this covers the price of the transport and the half board stay  in the 4 star Hotel Alizares, situated almost next door to the impressive Alhambra Palace in Granada. 
If you don&acute;t own your own skis, the club have a deal with a hire shop and for 58&euro; you are given state of the art gear to get you around the slopes for the week.
The only other expense is the ski pass, which seems quite expensive at around 160&euro; for 5 days.  Some of the club members only ski for a part of the week and sight see, therefore it's cheaper still. The good news about the Sierra Nevada is that in the event of you not wanting to ski for a day, or the mountain is closed due to bad weather, you will bet your money back.
The Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is a well kept secret, so far the British and Irish Ski Tour operators are concerned, therefore during the week, although you see at what at first appears to be thousands of people on the resort, the reality is, that I don&acute;t remember queuing for more that 3 minutes for a lift. The variety of pistes is superb, from easy
nursery slopes for learners, to demanding 'Black' runs to test the most experienced of skier. 
If you do visit, as always ensure that you carry your SIP card or have holiday insurance, as accidents can and do happen, as we found out during our trip, luckily, Lisa was fully covered and managed to avoid a quite hefty medical bill.
I can say that the skiing in the Sierra Nevada is superb, I had a thoroughly brilliant week, the Costa Blanca Ski Club members made me feel welcome, and the end of week gala dinner was outstanding, when can I go again please?
For more details on the Costa Blanca Ski Club contact Mike or Shirley on 636842378 or visit their website at www.costablancaskiclub.com. For more details on the Sierra Nevada resort, check out www.sierranevada.co.uk
By Nick Hawkins]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T15:31:43+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>COSTA BLANCA LODGE MOVES TO NEW HOME</title>
  <link>
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  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[The Costa Blanca Lodge of the R.A.O.B. better known as the Buffs moved into their new meeting place at Jones Retreat last week. At their very first meeting, mine host Alan, informed us of a Spanish family in the village whose home was completely destroyed by fire. This had destroyed everything the family possessed and they only had what they stood up in.
We quickly decided to give him a cheque for &euro;200.00 to help the family to replace the immediate necessities of life. This is what the Buffs are all about, helping those in the local community who are less fortunate than ourselves. The Costa Blanca Lodge is the oldest of the three Buffalo Lodges in this area and has been in existence for over fifteen years. As part of the R.A.O.B. it is an International organisation which spans the globe and has members in many countries around the world.
If you feel that you would like to know more about the Buffs or indeed think about joining contact me, Ron McGreevy on 966717084 or E-mail ronkmcgreevy@yahoo.co.uk at any time.
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T15:26:11+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>BON VOYAGE LYNN</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21573/bon-voyage-lynn/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Yes, it is Bon voyage to Lynn, who is giving up pulling pints at the El Pirata Bar, Campo de Golf, Rojales, for a 4 week break.  Lynn is off to Uganda after scrimping and saving for the last 18 months in order to make the trip.  
It is not a holiday though, but a working trip helping out with a Youth Programme.  Lynn will not know what her tasks will be until her arrival!  She volunteered through The Global Volunteer Network, based in New Zealand. Lynn has studied hard lately in order to pass the TEFL exams (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) so she is well set up for her travels.
All her friends and regulars would like to wish her good luck for her adventure and look forward to her safe return and interesting tales!
 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T15:21:03+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>EMERALD ISLE BOWLS CLUB </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21572/emerald-isle-bowls-club/
  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[by Tony Capewell
PREMIER 20 
The Isle earned themselves a semi-final place against La Siesta in the Premier 20 knockout competition with an excellent victory over Benitachell on Sunday 24th January. The format of 10 players at home and 10 players makes for a tension packed match and a large mobile phone bill. As was hoped (not expected) the home team won three of their 4 matches. Colin Lindgren lost the singles but the pairs of Tom Dalgleish and Mel O'Dell, triples of Eric Slater, Gina Streeter and Roy Pickin; fours of Malcolm Parsons, Ron White, Raoul Bennett and Ian Rogers all had good wins against teams comprising 4 lady international players.
The away team having travelled for 2 hours north came away with two wins out of the four. Keith Jones won his singles and Jim Mulloy, Pat Coffey with Steve Cantley won their triples. The two losses were suffered by June Jones and Len Fisher in the pairs and Steve Pearson, Malcolm Broughton, Gerry Wells and Roy Cordell in the fours. An overall win of 5 - 3. Full support required for the match against La Siesta on Saturday 13th February 1.30 for 2.00 start after the Open Forum. 
 
SABA Enterprise League Emerald Isle Saturns 11 v Country Bowls Supernovas 3. An excellent home result for us, especially with so many away games to come in February.
 
Marilyn Shatwell, Rita Bennett &amp; Raoul Bennett v Paul Plant, Chris Darnell &amp; Bryan Kirk. We looked on our way to collecting two points. A disappointing finish saw our opponents salvage a draw. 18-18.
Neil Burrows, Ron Ede &amp; Mel O' Dell v Geoff Paylor, Charlie Watkins &amp; Bruce Aitken. All square at seven ends, a very strong second half saw us home comfortable winners 25-13.
Ann Holland, Geoff Farrington &amp; Ray Pollock v Ron Odell, Maurice Cass &amp; Jenny Nichols. We made an excellent start, by the 14th end we fell behind. A brilliant finish saw us pick up 10 shots in four ends.Won 21-13.
Barbara Eldred, Phil Brigham &amp; Gerald Shatwell v Margaret Odell, Dot Davies &amp; Terry Padgett
Five ends won between the 5th &amp; 9th put us in a commanding position. From there we never looked in danger. Won 17-11
Sandra Burrows, Sally Cordell &amp; Pat Coffey v Gillian Morris, Ron Cammack &amp; Peter Hinds. Mostly behind in this contest, never lost touch but could not find that bit extra to overhaul our visitors. Lost 15-11.
Byron Hart, Glenda O ' Dell &amp; Roy Cordell v Peter Scott, Sheila Cammack &amp; David Rutherford. A terrific start saw us home in this one. 14-0 after five ends. Our opposition found their feet and slowly pegged us back.Won 20-16.
Well done, 2010 has proved a wonderful year for us so far. The relegation threat seems to have disappeared for the moment.
 
The Winter League team carried on their winning run against Albir at Finca Guila. The result of 7-3 and by 78 - 64 shots keeps the Isle in top place. Excellent win for the rink skipped by Steve Cantley with Pam Lockett, Sally and Roy Cordell by 27 - 11. Eric Slater, June and Keith Jones with Ray Pollock clutched victory from the jaws of defeat. 12 - 2 down after 8 ends saw a resurgence to win 19 - 17 against Spanish International Jackie Breslin. The opposite saw Irene Mangan, Steve Pearson, Len Fisher and Sam Russell clutch defeat from the jaws of victory. 12 - 7 up after 10 ends but unfortunately dropped a 7 on the 16th end to lose 15 - 19. Similarly Ian Rogers four of Margaret Rogers, Tom Dalgleish and Gina Streeter led 16 - 8 after 12 ends but the four from Albir clawed shots back and the skip drew shot with his last bowl to get a two and draw the match 17 - 17.
 
SOUTHERN LEAGUE. Our three teams suffered heavy defeats in today's Matches
                                                                                                                                                                 E. I. Diamonds V L. M. Sharks.
We forgot our shark repellent today and the sharks were on a feeding frenzy and took a big chunk out us, thank to G. Shatwell and R. Bennett's rinks we managed to get a couple of points.
C. Parsons M. Hill G. Shatwell, v L. Davies M. Butler R. Hart, 23-10
M. Shatwell R. Bennett R. Bennett, v P. Parsons K. Cruise A. Castle, 16-16
N. Burrows G. Wells B. Duff, v J. Parsons C. Davies F. Norris, 10-28
S. Burrows D. Smith R. Pickin, v H. Cronk S. Hadaway D. Lewis, 9-15
M. Parsons J. Hill G. Kidney, v R. Garland A. White F. Roberts, 16-27
M. Duff B. Hart B. Hawthorne, v M. McLaughlin T. Spencer R. Mercer, 14-23
Points: 3-11 Shots: 88-119. 
 
The Sapphires entertained San Louis Lions and were soundly beaten 2-12 and by 99 shots to 99, the only winning rink was that of M. Veale, P. Brigham &amp; M. O'Dell. In the afternoon the Jets played San Miguel and were whitewashed 0-14, still awaiting the first win of the season

     
 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T15:17:27+00:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
  <title>LOCAL DOGS HELP RESCUE EFFORTS IN HAITI</title>
  <link>
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  </link>
  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Three specialist rescue dogs from the Alicante area have been working hard in Haiti. They left for the island with their trainers shortly after the quake hit, and their expertise has been in high demand in the disaster struck zone.
Golfo, a Golden Retriever, Maya, a German Shepherd and Naia, a Labrador left for the Island with their handlers: Juan Luis Ruiz from the Alicante Fire Brigade, Narciso Ayuso of the fire service from Alicante Town Hall and Monica Rocamora. 
Before they left, they had been training amongst the demolished homes in San Vicente Del Raspeig.  
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T15:11:42+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>CHACON BRINGS BODY BACK TO SPAIN</title>
  <link>
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Defense Minister, Carme Chacon, arrived this morning at the Forward Support Base in Herat (FSB) to obtain first hand details of the attack yesterday which killed Spanish soldier John Philip Romero Meneses and wounded six others. 
Shortly after her arrival the Minister for Defence visited the military hospital, where the wounded were being treated, following the explosion close to Atesh Sang in the Afghan province of Badghis.
Three of the injured will travel to Spain with Chacon today. They is Lieutenant Francesc Jordi Rubio Carceller and two soldiers Silvera Josue and Daniel Ospina Alcal&aacute; Quintana. Three other soldiers who were also travelling in the armored vehicle at the time of the attack have asked to remain in Afghanistan along with their colleagues.
The minister, accompanied by Chief of Staff of Defense (CHODs), Jose Julio Rodriguez, and the Chief of Army Staff (JEME), Jose Fulgencio Coll, attended a requiem mass for the deceased soldier, officiated by the unit's military Chaplain. The soldier Romero Meneses, has been posthumously awarded the Military Cross with distinction for operations outside Spain.
After the service the defence minister travelled to the Spanish military base in Herat to thank  the military contingent, on behalf of Spanish society, for their efforts to achieve &quot;a safer world for our children.&quot; Chacon said they &quot;were an excellent example of the courage and commitment of more than 3,000 soldiers that Spain has deployed on four continents&rdquo;.
In addressing soldiers at the base she said &quot;Despite the deep sorrow we all feel today, it is important to remember that our presence here is necessary, as is that of the 80,000 soldiers from 43 countries who have joined us. We must continue our mission for the people of Afghanistan&rdquo;.
FUNERAL IN BARCELONA
The aircraft bringing the remains of the soldier Romero Meneses is scheduled to land at El Prat airport at around 22.00 hours tonight. The military funeral for the deceased will take place tomorrow morning in the barracks 'El Bruch' in Barcelona.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T15:06:46+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>NEW PRESIDENT FOR RBL TORREVIEJA </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21569/new-president-for-rbl-torrevieja/
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  <description><![CDATA[We are pleased to announce that Michael Cockman has been appointed as President to this Branch, which a year ago celebrated its 20th Anniversary.  He replaces our former long serving President, Julian McCrea-Clifton, who sadly passed away shortly before last Christmas.
Although not a Military man, Michael brings with him a wealth of experience gained in his legal contract work with the oil industry in difficult and volatile areas abroad. 
He lives and works in Guardamar, where he is a partner in a legal firm and is well known to Members of the HELP Association, which he serves as advisor and also gives personal clinics.  He is fluent in both Spanish and French, having honed these skills in various parts of South America.
Michael will preside at his first Meeting as the Branch Meeting on Wednesday 10th February, which is held at the Marina Bar, Torretta II at 1230 hours.  We look forward to having as many Members attending as possible to formally welcome him. New Members (who are not required to have served in the Armed Forces) are also welcome.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T14:58:05+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21568/san-luis-bowls-club/
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  <description><![CDATA[Monday the VULCANS entertained San Miguel Asteroids producing a decent result against an accomplished team winning 9 - 5 with shots for 105 - 90. Winning teams were Blossom Cox, Colin Potter, Peter Cox.27 - 6. Judy Pratt, John Pratt, George Gandy. 23 - 10. Sadie Hubbard, Peter Camp, Frank Gibbons. 11 - 10 with Sylvia Grist, Ray Robson, Walter Oakes producing a draw 15 - 15.
The KLINGONS visited Horadada producing an unusual result 7 points a piece with shots going to Horadada 109 - 103. We won two, drawn three and lost one. Winners were Kevin Bell, Colin Highland, Brian Sherry. 22 - 15. John Haigh, John Withers, Phil Morrachan. 20 - 17. Drawn games were Ian Young, Mike Smith, Graham Bird. 18 - 18. Shiela Cox, Mike Cox, Val Sherry. 19 - 19. Bob White, Derek Armstrong, Mal Hughes. 18 - 18.
Tuesday the Federation &quot;4s&quot; should have played Country Bowls; the match had to be cancelled and is re-arranged for Tuesday 2nd February at 10.00 hrs.
Wednesday the Mid-Week Triples played on a very cold morning with lots of hot oxo being consumed amongst other things. After nine weeks 1st. spot is Val Sherry, Sheila Cox, Ged Henly with 16 points. Second is Pat Bird, Frank Barclay, and Jim Wilson on 14 points. Third is Colin Potter, Margaret Morrison, Dane Howard on 12 points. There are four teams tying for fourth place with 10 points each. Just a few weeks to go nothing has been decided and it is still any ones guess.
Thursday the VULCANS were away to Quesada Swifts losing out 11 - 3 with shots 120 - 83 not a good day at the office. The winners were Frank Barclay, Colin Potter, and Walter Oakes. 17 - 10 with the draw Pat Herman, Keith Blood, Roy Herman 17 - 17.
Friday the LIONS visited Emerald Isle Sapphires winning 12 - 2 with shots 119 - 99 the five winning teams were Pat Bird, Colin Highland, Keith Roberts. 25 - 20. Allen Bowen, Derrick Cooper, Phil Morrachan. 23 - 16. Bob White, Brian Sherry, Peter McEneaney 23 - 15. Freda Wilson, Graham Bird, Mal Hughes. 20 - 12. Mel Highland, Jim Wilson,Val Sherry 17 - 16.
The PUMAS were at home to Horadada Gladiators winning 9 - 5 with shots for 109 -96. Winners were Maxine Wright, Brian Badger, John Featherstone. 20 - 13.  Judy Pratt, Keith Blood, Walter Oakes. 25 - 14. Pat Malden, Ken Dulaway, John Malden. 17 - 13 with the draw Frank Barclay, Neil Morrison, John Morris. 17 - 17.
The TIGERS came unstuck at Mazarron going down 10 - 4 with shots against 120 - 88. The two winners were Blossom Cox, (she loves having her name in the paper) with Shirley Withers, Peter Cox. 19 - 18. Pat Herman, Roy Herman, Ray Robson. 19 - 18. Two very close results.
There was only one Chicken Drive because of the weather with Doreen Dawson winning with 25 shots and Derrick Cooper collecting another egg cup on 8 shots.
For further information please contact Ian Young 966 79 6105.
 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T14:51:14+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>LEAGUE LEADERS TOO HOT FOR TORRY LADIES</title>
  <link>
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  <guid>
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  <description><![CDATA[Match Report Media Promotions, Team Sponsor Europa Network.
Benidorm 5-0 Torrevieja
Torre Ladies went back to losing ways on Sunday after traveling away to top of the league Benidorm. To be honest Torre were never going to get anything out of this game as they set up with out any player on the left hand side.
Benidorm were far the better team and passed the ball around Torre but when Torre did get the ball they just kicked it into mid air.  With having no left midfielder it didn't take long for Benidorm to take total advantage and at times they had three players attacking down the wing.  
Their first goal came around the 20 minute mark when a pass into the box from the left wing saw an unmarked Benidorm player in the box and who had time to strike the ball bottom corner.
Torre continued to chase the ball and it wasn't long before Benidorm got a second from a corner.
Half Time 2-0
Second half saw more of the same from Torre and with having no subs it was only a matter of time before Benidorm scored a few more as all the Torre players were now tiring after chasing the ball all game.  However at 3-0 Maria had a chance to get one back but it hit the post and ended up in the goalkeeper's hands.  Benidorm were in total control and they had two or three more chances on goal and scored two more.
Despite the poor Torre performance Eli can hold her head up high as she was for the whole game battling hard and winning some important tackles and for this she was rewarded the Europa Network Player of the game.
 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T14:37:04+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>SOLID SILVER</title>
  <link>
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  <description><![CDATA[On the night of Saturday January 23rd at the New Asturias restaurant in Punta Prima more than 300 guests were treated to a night of pure Solid Silver from the legendary Wayne Fontana and Dave Berry. 
The ticket only event was a sell out and the guests were entertained by both Wayne and Dave singing their own hits from the 60's and also many more hits from the decade. The audience were soon clapping, singing and dancing along to the good old hit songs from the era. At the end of the evening Wayne and Dave sang a duet to the rapturous applause of the audience. A superb raffle was also held. There was also food and drink available from the bar. The whole evening was a great success with the probability of another night later in the year being discussed. In the photograph you can see Maureen Payne, President of Age Concern and Pam Horobin, Fund Raising Team, receiving a cheque for &euro;500 from Bob Gorrill who organised the event and also Wayne Fontana and Dave Berry.
Maureen Payne thanked Dave for the generous donation and thanked both Wayne and Dave for giving us a night to remember. &quot;
Many thanks, Roger Bang
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T14:29:50+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>ORBA WARBLERS GOLF SOCIETY</title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21565/orba-warblers-golf-society/
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  <description><![CDATA[El Plantio, 27th January.
After three solid days of torrential Spanish style rain the question on every ones lips was would we be able to play on Wednesday. Fortunately either El Plantio drains very quickly or they did not have the quantity of rain that we did because not only were we able to play but buggies were also aloud on the course. 
There was a biting wind and we were all wrapped up well against the cold but at least it did not rain, the cold weather took its toll though and the fact that we were playing a Strokesford competition, a format that a few members do not enjoy, some players struggled to keep a smile on their faces, one in particular was Graham Bush who watched in dismay as the head of his driver set off after the ball on the &ldquo;T&rdquo; of the 14th unusually it was a good shot and the ball actually went a lot further than the head. Jim Rodgers, whilst complaining of the cold and criss-crossing the 14th green, picked up his ball forgetting that we were playing medal on the back nine, he  unfortunately went on to play the rest of the round really well.
Prizes were awarded for the first 5 places and in first place and maintaining his consistent form was Ron Steele scoring 20, in second place and making a welcome return from his trip to UK and places far away was Arthur Sullivan with a score of 22, Third was Steve Robinson with 24, fourth, Michael Taylor scoring 25, although during the presentation his phone went off twice and therefore should have been deducted points, in fifth position was Stafford Pemberton with 26. Ron Steele managed the nearest the pin on the 9th and Stafford got closest to the pin in two on the third and Graham Bush did the same on the 16th.
This being the final game for the month of January we were able to finalise the Player of the Month competition and the winner of the trophy was Mr Consistent Jim Rodgers scoring a total 59.
Next week, Wednesday the 10th February, we are at Oliva Nova Golf for the playing of the Valentines Cup, a medal competition, the first tee will be 10.00 and we would like you there for 09.15. Guests are always welcome and you can book in on the web site or by phone, 619 325 671.
 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T14:22:47+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>JAVEA BULLS UNBEATEN IN LAST 5 GAMES</title>
  <link>
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  <description><![CDATA[Last Week`s Result: BULLS 65 v TORREVIEJA 3
After a week of bad weather which restricted training to only one session Javea played hosts to Torrevieja at their temporary `home` pitch in Gandia. During the week up to the game no less than six, first team players were unable to play, so it was the turn of the combined 1stXV and 2ndXV players to step up and face the opposition.
The match started evenly for the first few minutes and the back line from Torrevieja showed spirit and the centres proved elusive and Javea tackled poorly. A break-through from the Bulls` back line ended in a penalty try after only two minutes play for a tackle off the ball from a Torrevieja player. Soon after the restart the Bulls` put together successful phase play which saw their fullback score from a crash ball which was converted by Javea`s number 10.  Torrevieja seemed unsettled but put some good forward play together and caused some problems for the newly formed Bulls pack which resulted in a penalty by Javea for going over the top in the breakdown, which Torrevieja converted, but it was short lived and Javea`s tight-head prop smashed over for a try. With half-time looming, Javea were relentless in their forward play which resulted in a fabulous three quarter miss move to send the winger in for another score which was converted, half-time score 26-3.
Torrevieja started the second half and the Bulls seemed to have raised their concentration and played exactly to their training routines which saw the forwards make good and steady ground which pulled much of the Torrevieja defence out of position which saw the Bulls spin the ball wide for the wing to score a great try in the corner. The Bulls pressure was relentless and scored a succession of six more tries but the kicking game was lacking with only 5 kicks from 11 attempts. Unfortunately there were some fierce exchanges as the Torrevieja team showed their frustration towards the end of the game but everything calmed down after the final whistle, which saw Javea win 65-3.
With many players missing, the Bulls showed true spirit and are building the squad gently and securely so we can hopefully peak at the right time for the play-offs in a couple of months. The win for Javea and an upset for league leaders Denia losing to Elche 15-10 in Elche last Sunday means that the stage is set for the return match against Denia on Saturday 13th Feb at the sports stadium in Gandia, it truly promises to be a very tough and hard fought battle with many scores to settle, so don`t miss it and come and support the Javea Bulls.
For more information on the club, its supporters or to come along and play please call 625 205 125, email info@javeabulls.com or enquire via the website at www.javeabulls.com
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T14:10:30+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>GUARDAMAR GOLF SOCIETY </title>
  <link>
  http://www.theleader.info/302/article/21563/guardamar-golf-society/
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  <description><![CDATA[by John Saunders
Monday 1st.Feb - El Plantio
Today was the day chosen to play our Annual Championship, which was played in Medal format, for what I hope is the first and last time! Not only is this format time consuming and particularly taxing for those that have problems counting beyond 6 or 7,it is extremely frustrating when one starts one's game with 9 shots on the first hole, followed by a couple of 7's.
In order to retain some interest in continuing, it was wisely agreed to also play a Stableford format in conjunction with the Medal game. Not that that did me any favours either but I can't blame anyone else for playing so badly.
The winner of the Annual Championship Trophy was Roger Halsom with a net score of 77.Runner up was Brian Davies with 78.
Winner of the Stableford competition was new member Lawrence Leitch with 37 points. As a new member Lawrence did not qualify to enter the Annual Championship, but I'm sure he will be there or thereabouts in years to come.
Best front nine was Tony McCluskey with 19 points on c/b
Best back nine was Darren Finnucane with 17 points on c/b (Another bandit like his old man perhaps?
Longest drive on the 4th.was Pat Finnucane
Longest drive on 15th.was Dave Rae
Nearest the pin on 9th.was Graham Parkes
Nearest the pin on 18th was Roger Halsom
Wooden spoon won by Rodney Seale
Our thanks go to Santiago and all the staff at El Plantio -in the office, in the restaurant and on the course for their contribution to making this a special event.
Next event will be at Bonalba on Monday 15th.Feb. First tee off at 10.24.
All members are reminded that our AGM will be held at the Hotel Meridional in Guardamar on Saturday 6th.March. Wives &amp; partners welcome.   
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T14:02:49+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>LA SIESTA BOWLS REPORT </title>
  <link>
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  <description><![CDATA[Welcome to another look at life within La Siesta bowls club, both past and future. At long last, the bitterly cold weather seems to have abated, giving way to that great feeling that a bit of ultra violets can produce.  This wasn't the case for those hardy souls that took part in the weekly Sat trips hamper competition, which was won by part timer Katie Pond, workaholic Barbara Cooper and every ones favourite uncle, super skip John Horobin.
In a battle of the sexes, Betty Robertson came out on top, having beaten 2 blokes in the play off for the chicken in the weekly chicken and egg competition, whilst John Shepherd had to be content with a bottle of plonk.  But what's this?  Surely not. Get up them apple's and pears you naughty lad!  A dozen eggs were the reward for Mr Harold Barnby - aka the crafty cockney (I know who I'd like to throw them at!!).
Club instructor Brian Gardiner will be holding a series of 3 beginner's lessons commencing at 10am on Sat 13 Feb.  Anyone interested in taking up the great game of green bowls, should contact Brian on 966786264.
Now for the serious stuff. The semi final premier 20 cup match between La Siesta and Emerald Isles will take place on Sat 13 Feb (1.30 for 2).  Anyone wishing to be considered for selection in this match should add their name to the availability list on the club notice board.
Last Mon was not the best of days for our 2 SABA teams.  Over at La Marina, the Apollos lost their way a bit against the pathfinders.  Losing on 4 rinks, it was only the brilliance of C Jackson, D Buchanan, T Pilling  35-15 and B Cooper, I Kenyon and H Barnby   25-13, which saved further blushes, as a 107-96 points victory helped their team to a 6-8 defeat.
At home to La Marina Astronauts, the Pioneers had a bit of a mare.  Well done to H Clarke, N Murphy, P Knapp 21-13 and B Jordan, J Clarke, R Needham 12-12, for securing your team a useful 3 points.
To complete this week's roundup, let's look at our 3 Southern League team's results.  In A div, the Blues took on Country Bowls Ramblers, and although they drew 3 rinks apiece, the Ramblers strolled it shots wise.  Congrats to this little lot for helping their side gain 6 valuable points:  C Jackson, D Buchanan, T Pilling 23-18.  B Cooper, S Pond, R Chambers 15-11.  G Seaman, C Holloway, D Souter 17-11.  
In B div, the golds visited the superb bowling complex of Monte Mar.  Against the Toreadors, they were always up against it, eventually falling to a defeat by 11 points to 3.  Take a bow:  R Millward, M Hunter, J Ball 21-9.  B Jordan, S Jordan, P Knapp 21-21.
I've saved the best till last.  Playing at home to Horadada Gladiators, the Silvers not only recorded a fine 10-4 victory, but continued their quest for promotion in fine fashion.  Come on you beauties:  B McDonnell, R Sinclair, R Needham 20-14.  A Heath, R Heath, J Cooper 22-14.  G Sheldon, V Mahomet, R Sheldon 26-16.  S Chorley, J Clarke, C Chorley 24-12.
For further information on bowling at La Siesta bowls club, please contact Lyn or Jim Hudson on 690190523.]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T13:56:54+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>EL CID BOWLS CLUB</title>
  <link>
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  <description><![CDATA[by Sara Hamer
Not much to report on as three of last week's games for El Cid were postponed due to the bad rain we had here on the Costa Blanca.
The one game that did go ahead was the Swords, who played away at Finca Guila against their Hawks team. 
There were some good performances put in by the Swords, who managed to win on three rinks and also take the overall shot difference. This gave them 8 points to the Hawks' 2 points. Well done Swords!
The rescheduled games will be reported on next week. Let's hope the good weather holds!!
New members are always welcome at El Cid Bowls Club and training sessions can be arranged for new bowlers, please contact El Cid Bowls Club on 96 640 4364. More details can be found on our website at www.elcidbowlsclub.com.   
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T13:49:33+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>QUESADA BOWLING CLUB </title>
  <link>
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  <description><![CDATA[SABA LEAGUE A - Quesada Pearls welcomed Emerald Isle Plutos on the home ground on a miserable cloudy morning. Fortunately the clouds lifted later on and gave way to blue skies and sun shine. Unfortunately the Pearls did not have the stamina to keep the Plutos at bay. QBC scored 98 shots against 108 shots, thus gaining 4pts against 10 pts. 
The following are the scores and skipped by C. Chapman 10 - 19; D. Sale 22 -12; N. Birch 16- 18; J. Northend 10 - 13; J. Brinton 14 - 23; P. Houghton 17 -23. 
We also played a friendly game which finished with a draw.  Well done to everyone!
Again no information received on the match between Quesada Diamonds and Greenlands Blue.
WINTER LEAGUE - Because of terrible weather condition the match between Quesada and El Sid was cancelled by the El Cid club. It will be re-arranged as soon as possible. Thursday saw a re-arranged SABA match between Quesada Diamonds and San Luis. The Swifts soared up high catching 11 points against San Luis 3 points.  Well done, keep flying!
SOUTHERN LEAGUE A - Quesada Swallows away against Greenland Greens. On an amazingly fast green and good opposition the Swallows found it difficult to get to grips. And although they fought back as well as they could only managed to accrue 2 points,    12 points going to Greenland.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE B - Quesada Swifts v La Marina Seagulls. The Seagulls swooped down to bombard the Swifts in a big way on a lovely sunny afternoon! The Swifts only managed to win on 1 rink, skipped by George Williams, with Mary Lockley &amp; Rob Pinfold; at the 17th end it was all square at 14 shots each, but a glorious four on the last end sealed the fate for those Seagulls! Stan Elton with Steve Gray and Jackie Monks scored on the last 2 ends, achieving a draw at 22 shots each; WELL DONE SWIFTS!  The final result 11 points to La Marina Seagulls and 3 points to QBC Swifts.  In all a very pleasant afternoon and better luck next time perhaps for the Swifts.
Back at our club (I am sure it will be the same at al the other clubs) the club championships are well under way.) Mainly played at weekends, it would be nice to have the support of other club members especially now the semi-finals etc are about to happen.
I do know training is still being given by Derek Sale and other ideas and help for newer members are being discussed.  So don't hesitate to ring our secretary Glynis Chapman if you have any other questions.
]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T13:37:49+00:00</dc:date>
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  <title>CALPE BOWLS CLUB </title>
  <link>
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  <description><![CDATA[by Stan Walmsley
(Sponsored by Quicksave - Calpe)
You might have heard it! It measured 9.6 on the Richter scale, but it wasn't another earthquake - just the sound of us coming back to earth after a 10 - nil thrashing at the hands of Javea Quartz, one of the front runners for this year's Northern League title. Our recent good form deserted us just when we needed it most and no matter what we did Quartz always seemed to better it at the crucial moments.
 
Results      Calpe 52 shots (0 pts)           Javea Quartz 104 shots (10 pts)
 
Mike Tebby, Sheila Garnham and Ted Campbell                       lost 14 - 26
Terry Street, Kate Sayers and Stan Walmsley                            lost 13 - 28
Liz Griffiths, Ken Freeman and Barry Cable                               lost 9 - 24
Geoff Pack, June Merrett and Derek Garner                              lost 16 - 26
Val Street, Maureen and Brian Padfield (friendly)                     lost 6 - 26
Keith Hollingworth, Betty and Bill Green (friendly)                    won 21 - 12
 
Ted, Shiela and Mike were still in with a chance after 9 ends (8-12 down) but couldn't keep the Quartz out, losing six of the last nine ends. Stan, Kate and Terry were similarly disappointing. At 8-14 down after 9 ends it wasn't impossible to win but, again, could only win three of the last nine ends. Barry, Ken and Liz must have been even more disappointed. They had battled all the way in the first half to level 7-all after 9 ends only to fall away in the second half with only 2 ones to their credit.
 
Derek, June and Geoff also got off to a bad start (4-13 down after 9 ends) but came back strongly to get to 14-16 after 15 ends. Unfortunately Quartz then hit a purple patch to record a six, then a four to put them out of reach. Brian, Maureen and Val faced some very strong opposition and did well to contain them. Only a five, then a six in the closing stages distorted the score-line - it wasn't as one-sided as it looked!
 
The one bright spot in our overall performance was provided by Betty and Bill with Keith brought in at the last minute. They were 5-9 down after 8 ends but, undaunted, reeled off 8 of the last 11 ends to win in a canter. At last we had something to cheer about.
 
STOP PRESS - just got back from playing Finca Guila Hawks (away) - won 65-64 for a seven point haul. More on that next week - see you then!
 
Regards - Stan
 
 
 ]]></description>
  <dc:date>2010-02-02T13:28:26+00:00</dc:date>
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