Local fundraiser and anti-cancer crusader Maria Wilson received her British Empire Medal at an emotional ceremony on Friday (17th October) at the Emerald Isle, La Florida. The accolade was bestowed on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III by the British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis.
Close friends and family, and of course Maria´s Pink Ladies, gathered in a private ceremony to recognise her tireless charity fundraising and witness the receiving of the medal, which was awarded in the King´s 2024 Birthday Honours list.
Following her own battles with cancer, Maria established Maria and the Pink Ladies in 2010 a charity which
raised funds exclusively for a local anticancer charity. She went on to become President of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the AACC setting up a central o ce and community support hub.
The charity has raised more than 600,000 euros which has subsidised early detection cancer screening for thousands of women and men, as well as providing much needed support for
those diagnosed and their families at the charity hub in Playa Flamenca.
The Ambassador said: ““Maria’s dedication and compassion have improved the lives of so many people in Spain going through tough times. Her fundraising and support have not only raised vital resources but have also built a community of hope and strength. I am honoured to present her with the
BEM in recognition of her extraordinary service.”
Maria took the opportunity to thank all her volunteer Pink Ladies, past and present, making it clear that without them none of the achievements would have been possible.
She also spoke of the unwavering love and support of her husband Carl, who she described as her ‘rock’ and
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the unconditional backing of her son Darren, who paid an emotional tribute to his Mum.
Darren described his pride in seeing Maria create a ‘community of compassion’, knowing she had provided comfort to people in their darkest hour. He high-
lighted how Maria always paid attention not just to those with cancer, but the silent su erers, the wives, husbands, children, mothers and fathers a ected.
Maria Wilson said: “Being awarded the BEM means the absolute world to me. I never
imagined that, living in Spain, I would be recommended for any award—especially one in the King’s Birthday Honours—just for helping people in the ght against cancer. I am so proud and honoured to receive it.”
Torrevieja midwives and Little Stars Charity mark Baby Loss Awareness Week
Midwives, families and members of the local community gathered this week in Torrevieja for a series of heartfelt events marking Baby Loss Awareness Week. This global campaign is held annually from 9th to 15th October and is supported locally by the Baby Loss Awareness Group, College of Nursing Alicante. It aims to raise awareness of pregnancy and infant loss while providing space for remembrance, re ection, and support.
The event concluded on Tuesday, 15th October, which coincided with the International Wave of Light, observed worldwide at 7pm as candles are lit in memory babies who have died during pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy. Participants at the gathering joined millions across the globe by lighting and illuminating buildings and landmarks in pink and blue—the colours that symbolise Baby Loss Awareness.
The Torrevieja Midwives, Sheryl Richardson and Verónica Viesca Capilla, in conjunction with The Little Stars Charity (Pequeñas
Estrellas) brought the message to the heart of the town by placing a banner on the townhall, talking with several local radio stations and television station, having a visible presence in the church square, and concluding the commemorative celebrations at the Torre Del Moro for the International Wave of Light.
“All these events have enabled families to be seen, heard, accompanied, and not feel isolated,” said Sheryl Richardson, a senior midwife and organiser of the events.
“We met, recently bereaved mums, dads, and extended families who reported feeling great comfort from meeting midwives and other parents, reminding them they are not alone.”
The Midwives collaborated with The Little Stars Charity (Pequeñas Estrellas), a new charity formed in January 2025 by parents who lost their twin boys and decided to channel their grief into helping others. They have been proactive in providing emotional support to parents and have also
donated materials and much needed items to the labour ward, most recently a ‘Cold Cot’ to allow parents more time with their babies.
Special thanks are also extended to The University Hospital of Torrevieja, College of Nursing Alicante, the Townhall of Torrevieja, Onda Azul Radio, Sunshine FM Radio, and Torrevieja Television who provided support and helped raise awareness for the event.
“Comforting newly bereaved parents, and honouring tiny lives gone to soon, having a space to talk, and then accompanying us to the Wave of Light meant all our e orts have been worth it. A true act of love and ongoing support,” was the conclusion of the midwives and Charity Organisers of the event.
For more information about Baby Loss Awareness Week and the Wave of Light, visit www.babylossawareness.org. Pequeñas Estrellas, @estrellas. asociacion/ estrellas. asociacion@gmail.com/ WhatsApp; messages to 668564141
IMF confirms Spain’s lead as fastest-growing economy two years in a row
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has once again identi ed Spain as the fastestgrowing advanced economy in the world. In its latest update, the IMF revised Spain’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for this year upward by 0.4 % from its spring estimate, bringing it to 2.9% –surpassing even the Spanish government’s own projection of 2.7%.
For 2026, the IMF anticipates growth of 2%, which is two-tenths of a point higher than its earlier forecast. This continued momentum cements Spain’s position as the leading growth performer among advanced economies for the second year running. By contrast, the eurozone as a whole is projected to expand by just 1.2%, with Germany barely advancing at 0.2%
and France expected to grow by 0.7%. The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook, published Tuesday to coincide with its annual meeting, places US growth at 1.2%.
Spanish government sources have highlighted the country’s resilience and economic leadership despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and global trade uncertainties. In ation in Spain, meanwhile, is forecast to ease to an average of 2.4% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026, according to the same IMF projections.
The report notes that the global economy is adapting to ‘an environment reshaped by new policy measures’. While some of the recently imposed higher tari s ‘were softened through subsequent agreements and readjustments’, the overall climate remains
‘volatile’, the IMF states. Consequently, although global growth expectations in the October World Economic Outlook have been revised slightly upward from the April 2025 forecast, they still remain lower than the pre-policychange projections.
The IMF expects global GDP growth to slow from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.2% in 2025, and 3.1% in 2026. Advanced economies are predicted to grow by roughly 1.5%, while emerging and developing markets will expand at a slightly faster pace.
In ation, the IMF adds, is set to keep declining worldwide, though unevenly: it is expected to stay above target in the United States—with risks tilted to the upside—and subdued elsewhere.
Alicante’s tourism sector calls for peace between Ryanair and Aena
Ryanair and Aena remain locked in their war over airport charges. The Irish airline has harshly criticized the airport operator of various Spanish airports, including Alicante-Elche, in recent months for the increase “of more than 6%” in these charges, which Ryanair considers “excessive.”
Following the threat episode, the airline has closed bases at regional Spanish airports, leading to the cancellation of routes such as those between Santander and Santiago de Compostela and Alicante, and the elimination of two million seats so far in 2025, including both summer and winter schedules.
In this regard, and during the presentation of Ryanair’s 2025/26 winter schedule for Alicante-Elche Airport, the province’s tourism sector called for peace and negotiation between both parties.
This was conveyed by the president of the Valencian Community’s hotel association (Hosbec), Fede Fuster, to Ryanair’s spokesperson in Spain,
Alejandra Ruiz, during the event held at ADDA recently. Fuster used her speech during the connectivity roundtable to call on the airline to resolve the con ict.
In this regard, Fuster has asked Aena and Ryanair to “sit down and negotiate the rates” and asserts that “it’s important to reduce tension, as we all have a lot at stake in this.” The Hosbec executive has called for negotiations and given his perspective on the con ict.
For Fuster, “there are places where taxes can be raised, but others cannot, because they are fuelled by tourism.” The president of the employers’ association stated that he understands that Aena is going to make a major investment in Spanish airports, but insists that “it must work hand in hand with the airlines and negotiate, since they cannot be raised everywhere.”
Regarding the airline’s response, Ruiz insisted that “with lower rates, we can generate much more growth” and emphasized that “the problem we have in Spain is the competitiveness
of rates at regional airports where demand is lower.” In this regard, the representative of the Irish company gives an example: “Filling planes in Alicante is not the same as lling them in Valladolid or Jerez.”
Ruiz admits that the rates in Alicante “are ne,” but in other airports, such as regional airports, she describes them as excessive. “The rates have to be competitive. Our commitment is to continue making airports competitive and attracting tourism year-round, as is the case in Alicante,” the spokesperson admits.
Ruiz noted that Ryanair will grow in the coming years thanks to a signi cant aircraft order and assures that the airline will do so in destinations “where access costs are reduced, such as Morocco or Italy, where they are removing taxes and making them more competitive.” Along these lines, he admits that “ we will continue to grow in Spain, but at a more moderate pace in the larger airports.”
EU vows to protect Spain from Trump’s tariff ‘punishment’
The European Commission has pledged to protect Spain from any attempt by US President Donald Trump to impose punitive tari s in retaliation for Madrid’s refusal to meet NATO’s 5% defence spending target. Brussels emphasized that all EU member states share a common trade policy, meaning no single country can be singled out for trade penalties without violating international rules.
Although it is technically possible for the US to apply higher duties on Spanish products than the 15% rate established under the current EU-US trade deal, the Commission made clear that such action would trigger a rm response.
“We will respond appropriately, as we always do, to any measures taken against one or more of our member states,” said Olof Gill, spokesperson for EU trade. While Gill did not detail possible
countermeasures, he urged dialogue, adding that the existing trade agreement provides “a platform for addressing any further trade-related questions.”
The warning followed Trump’s renewed criticism of Spain’s defence budget, accusing the country of bene ting from US protection while failing to contribute adequately to NATO. The dispute dates back to the June NATO summit in The Hague, where allies discussed a new commitment to devote 5% of GDP to defence spending—an increase largely driven by Trump. The goal included 3.5% for core defence and 1.5% for related investments, such as infrastructure and innovation.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the target “unreasonable and counterproductive,” warning that meeting it would require deep
Ministry of Transport asks for more funds to cover the free AP-7 in Alicante
The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has requested authorisation from the Ministry of Finance to raise its spending limit to address new capital needs, including the free access to the AP-7 highway on the Alicante Ring Road.
The Council of Ministers recently authorised raising this spending commitment limit to 49 million euros by 2028 for SEITT, the company dependent on Transport that manages the
rescued highways that went bankrupt during the 2008 nancial crisis.
Since July 2024, the AP-7 in Alicante has been free as a result of a pilot test to observe tra c ow, but the free service will eventually become permanent.
In August 2028, it will become part of the General Directorate of Highways as another highway, but until then it will remain under the control of the Security and Transport of the
Autonomous Community of Madrid. In 2024, this highway’s revenues were 29% lower than the previous year due to the free nature of the service.
The increase in the spending commitment is not only due to the AP-7, but also to the adaptation of the company’s nancial framework to the actual evolution of the execution costs of the planned investment projects.
Benidorm presents its new tourism chatbot based on advanced AI
cuts to social programs. Spain, which only recently reached NATO’s previous 2% benchmark, requested exibility—and ultimately secured softer language in the nal declaration.
Despite a seemingly cordial encounter between Trump and Sánchez at a recent peace summit in Egypt, the US President later struck a harsher tone, saying he was “very unhappy” with Spain for “doing very well o our backs.” He suggested Spain’s geographical location in southern Europe ensures its automatic protection, even without full defence contributions.
Should Trump follow through on his threats, it would challenge the EUUS trade deal concluded in July, under which most EU goods entering the US face a uni ed 15% tari while US exports to Europe are largely duty-free—a balance Brussels insists it will defend.
Benidorm City Council has presented its new arti cial intelligence-assisted chatbot project in Valencia. This innovative tool, according to its promoters, “will improve communication and access to municipal resources and services for both residents and tourists.” The initiative was unveiled during the Smart Tourism Agora event organised by the Polytechnic University of Valencia and Telefónica.
This project, with a budget of €327,349.58, is part of the 2022 Territorial Plan for Sustainable Tourism in Destinations in the Valencian Community, speci cally within the action called ‘Communication and access to resources and services for tourists and residents: AI chatbot’, integrated into axis 3 of the ‘Benidorm Visión 360’ Plan, which focuses on the digital transition.
According to Luis Manuel García Felonés, Director of IT and Communications at the City Council, the new chatbot will o er assistance to visitors
“before, during, and after their stay” in Benidorm, thus improving their overall experience at the destination.
The tool will draw on information from various municipal and tourism sources, such as Visit Benidorm, the Smart Tourism Destination platform, and data from Segittur, in order to provide accurate and up-todate information on events, mobility, public services, and tourism resources.
The Councillor for Innovation Aida García Mayor emphasised that the chatbot will be “a very advanced tool, with features that place it at the forefront of technology.”
Among these, he highlighted the control of bias in responses to ensure their objectivity and accuracy, and the ability to adapt to the user’s pro le, adjusting the language and level of detail based on the interlocutor.
He added that the system will meet the accessibility standards of the Commitment to Older People, a certi cation that
distinguishes Benidorm as an inclusive tourist destination.
The City Council expects the chatbot to be fully operational by May 2026, once the arti cial intelligence infrastructure supporting this service is deployed. It will then be expanded to other municipal departments.
For Councillor Mayor, this project represents “a revolution in the tourism industry” and “a decisive step toward consolidating Benidorm’s leadership as Spain’s rst Smart Tourism Destination.”
The councillor also emphasised that the new tool will provide multilingual, accessible information tailored to any user pro le, a key feature in a city with an enormous diversity of international visitors.
Furthermore, the chatbot will contribute to promoting transparency and citizen participation by providing a direct channel of communication between the administration and users.
Authorities in Torrevieja are investigating the mysterious deaths of around thirty chickens found lifeless in several public parks in recent days. According to reports from INFORMACIÓN, food poisoning is among the most likely causes, as early signs suggest that someone may have deliberately placed poisoned food in the area. Environmental o cials have warned that the incident could also endanger other animals, including stray cats and dogs that frequent the same spaces.
The Local Police have opened an investigation, and toxicology tests are being carried out on both the chickens’ carcasses— now stored at the Municipal Shelter—and on food samples collected from the scene. So far, no additional dead birds have been discovered since the initial thirty were found, but authorities are maintaining vigilance while awaiting de nitive
laboratory results.
This troubling episode comes just days before a scheduled meeting between Councilor for Animal Welfare, Concha Sala, and the company awarded the contract to manage and control the city’s population of free-roaming birds. The company is expected to begin operations soon to collect and relocate roughly 700 chickens, roosters, and hens currently wandering across Torrevieja. The original contractor had withdrawn, leading to delays in implementing the program.
The goal of this new contract is to control the growing population of unsupervised birds, which pose not only sanitary and veterinary risks but also road safety hazards.
The image of chickens roaming freely through the coastal city became a national talking point earlier this year, prompting the regional government to demand urgent action.
Thirty chickens found dead in Torrevieja parks amid poisoning fears
In a letter dated September 5, the regional Ministry of Agriculture and Environment urged the City Council to capture and con ne the animals, particularly in light of recent avian u outbreaks detected elsewhere in Spain. Torrevieja was classi ed as a “special risk zone.”
Municipal technical reports acknowledged the concern, noting that while no cases had been recorded locally, the new management contract includes strict isolation and welfare protocols. The agreement requires the contractor to work with an approved animal sanctuary or shelter, ensuring that the birds are relocated safely rather than euthanized—an obligation under national animal welfare laws.
Councilor Sala con rmed that the signed contract covers these protocols and will not entail additional costs for the municipality.
News
Introducing Loudmouth Productions musical revue: Love in the Theatre
Moya Ruskin and Bazz Norton first collaborated musically on Siversea Criuses after separate international careers. Prior to setting sail Moya was combining her love of music and theatre in productions like The Mikado and Little Shop Of Horrors while Bazz was a popular piano entertainer in Scandinavia. He returned to a residency in London at the world famous American bar of the Savoy Hotel and Moya joined the West End cast of Buddy. She split her time appearing in the television favourites ” Hercule Poirot’s Casebook” and the award winning “Prime Suspect”and working with music industry stars like Michael Bolton and French rock legend Jonny Halliday.
Bazz and Moya owned a chain of successful piano bars in Kensington, Soho and Florida before making their home and performing in Spain.
Michelle Hipwell is the newest addition to the cast and brings her professional backstage expertise as well as performance skills honed in productions like A Midsummer Nights Dream, The Play That Goes Wrong and many more.
Loudmouth Productions LOVE IN THE THEATRE is a musical journey through the best loved
show stopppers past and present. Full of surprises with all the joy and magic of the West End stage! You can see it at Las Ramblas Golf Club on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November at 7:30pm. For tickets please email loudmouthtickets@ gmail.com or find us at Loudmouth Productions on Facebook.
Los Montesinos launches new transport grants to support local students
The Los Montesinos City Council, through its Department of Education, has announced a new round of transportation grants for students from the municipality who are pursuing their studies outside Los Montesinos during the 2024–2025 academic year.
This initiative is designed to promote equal access to education by helping families and students who must travel daily or weekly to other municipalities to attend courses that are not available locally. With these grants, the council aims to reduce the nancial burden of transportation costs and ensure that all students, regardless of their economic circumstances, can continue their education beyond compulsory levels.
The grants are available to students who have been registered residents of Los Montesinos for at least one year prior to the publication of the program’s rules.
Eligible applicants include those enrolled in high school (Bachillerato), intermediate and advanced vocational training programs, professional or advanced artistic studies, and university degrees, provided that the chosen programs are not o ered within the municipality.
The application period is open until October 30, 2025, and interested students or their families can consult the full regulations and download the necessary forms through the municipal electronic o ce at https://losmontesinos. sedelectronica.es
Councilor for Education, Rosa Belén Morán, highlighted the importance of this program in fostering educational progress and social equity. “For another year, the City Council continues to support education as a key driver of progress and personal development. These grants
are intended to ease the transportation expenses of many families who make an e ort to ensure their children can access quality education outside the municipality,” she explained.
Mayor José Manuel Butrón also rea rmed the local government’s commitment to education, emphasizing that the initiative re ects the council’s ongoing e orts to back the local student community. “This call demonstrates our commitment to the people of Los Montesinos and our dedication to providing resources—within our means—that encourage young residents to pursue post-compulsory and university studies,” he stated.
The Los Montesinos City Council invites all eligible students to apply before the deadline and take advantage of this support measure, rea rming the town’s dedication to education, opportunity, and equal access for all learners.
TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE PINE FOREST OF GUARDAMAR
The beautiful pine forest of Guardamar, also known as the Dunes of Guardamar, is a natural park covering 800 hectares and was originally a vast collection of sand dunes. Over the years it has invited various plant species such as pines, palms, and eucalyptus.
The sound of birds, the aromas from the foliage and the fresh sea air, make it a perfect place to unwind and disconnect. This peaceful and picturesque park which links Guardamar town centre to the coast, is an ideal location for fresh morning walks, bike rides, dog walking, and enjoying a picnic amongst nature. The route is mostly paved with wooden walkways leading out to the beach boasting magni cent coastal views, all completely wheelchair accessible. Parking places can be found along the main road of Parque Alfonso XIII, Partida Dunas de Guardamar, 2, 03140. At this point you will see the entrance sign to “Parque Alfonso XIII” where the route begins.
GUARDAMAR SAN DUNES REFORESTATION & TOWN DEFENCE
PROJECT
On the 2nd December 1897, the
Guardamar Sand Dunes Reforestation and Town Defence Project was passed by a Royal Decree. The intense deforestation that took place in the River Segura’s basin from the 18th century to the early 19th century, together with the erosive processes of the river over the unprotected basin, caused a considerable increase in sediments. These were later redistributed along the coastline by the action of the sea. The force of the easterly wind put the icing on this bitter cake, mobilising these sediments inland. Thus, the dunes advanced at a rate of between 2 and 8 meters per year. To x these dunes, a reforestation project was declared. It began in 1900 and ended in the 1930s, and has given rise to the current consolidated coastal forest mass, known as ‘la pineda’ or ‘pinewoods’. More than 600,000 trees planted over four decades created a landscape environment of extraordinary ecological, tourist and cultural appeal.
More delightful places to visit on the Costa Blanca can be found on the website costablancascene.com
Guardamar marks 30 years of local trade with festive community day
Guardamar del Segura
will celebrate its Local Trade Day on Sunday, October 26, in Plaza de la Constitución, located next to the Town Hall. The event, beginning at 11:00 a.m., coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Guardamar Merchants Association, highlighting three decades of support for local businesses and community spirit.
The celebration aims to promote local commerce and strengthen ties between residents, visitors, and shop owners. Stalls will showcase a wide variety of local products, allowing attendees to explore the creativity, craftsmanship, and avor that de ne Guardamar’s commercial sector.
In addition to shopping opportunities, the event will feature a full program of family-friendly entertainment. Children will enjoy activities such as in atables, face painting, balloon twisting, and a cookie-making workshop, ensuring fun for the youngest participants throughout the day.
Music and culture will also
take center stage, with a dance performance and live music from the popular local group “40 Duros.”
Attendees will be able to share a communal giant paella, one of the highlights of the day, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration.
A ra e will o er participants the chance to win prizes from local businesses, and the event will also include the award ceremony for the window-dressing contest, recognizing the creativity
of shopkeepers who decorate their storefronts to enhance Guardamar’s festive atmosphere.
Organizers invite residents and visitors alike to take part in this special occasion, which celebrates not only local commerce but also community pride. The day promises to be a vibrant mix of shopping, entertainment, and tradition, reinforcing the message that supporting local trade helps keep Guardamar thriving and connected.
(Gabriel’s Spanish Bar Assc Reg No. is ICAE 1265)
GBP
This week’s market narrative has been shaped more by international developments than domestic ones. Sterling weakened against the US dollar, reaching multi-month lows, though it managed a modest gain versus the euro.
Domestically, the UK party conference season concluded with the Conservative Party proposing two notable policy ideas: a potential withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the abolition of stamp duty on residential property. While these announcements generated headlines, their market impact was limited.
On the economic front, the RICS house price balance for September showed a slight improvement compared to August. However, business sentiment deteriorated further. The ICAEW’s Q3 business con dence index fell to its lowest level in nearly three years, marking a fth consecutive quarterly decline. A key concern cited by respondents was the rising tax burden, with dissatisfaction on this point reaching a record high.
From the Bank of England, Catherine Mann cautioned that in ation expectations remain elevated, reinforcing the need for a restrictive monetary stance to return in ation to target. Her comments, while consistent with the Bank’s broader messaging, may temper expectations of a near-term rate cut, particularly given the narrow margin in August’s vote.
Looking ahead to the week beginning 13 October, several key data releases are scheduled:
• Tuesday: Labour market data for August and September. Recent indicators suggest job losses may be slowing, and vacancy levels could be stabilising.
Thursday: GDP and industrial production gures for August. With July’s GDP at, a modest rebound is anticipated.
Should the data con rm a gradual recovery in
GBP / EUR UPDATE
labour market conditions and economic activity, sterling may nd some support - particularly in the context of ongoing scal and political uncertainty in the euro area and the US.
EUR
The euro area’s headline development this week was political rather than economic. French Prime Minister Lecornu resigned following internal cabinet divisions and the departure of Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire. The resulting political uncertainty weighed on French equities and the euro. The incoming administration inherits the same challenge: securing parliamentary approval for the 2026 budget while maintaining a commitment to scal consolidation.
From the European Central Bank, remarks from Chief Economist Philip Lane, President Christine Lagarde, and Vice President Luis de Guindos reinforced a consistent message. Lane noted that in ation risks are now more balanced, Lagarde reiterated the datadependent nature of future policy moves, and de Guindos echoed both positions.
Economic data o ered little support to the euro. While Sentix investor con dence improved marginally, it failed to move markets. More notably, industrial production in Germany and Italy declined unexpectedly in August - an unwelcome development for the region’s growth outlook.
For the week ahead, attention turns to: German ZEW survey (October): Gauging sentiment among nancial market experts.
• Euro area industrial production (August): A key indicator of regional output.
• Final euro area CPI (September): O ering con rmation - or revision - of earlier in ation estimates.
Given recent trends, expectations for a europositive surprise remain low.
Orihuela honours families on International Day of Perinatal Bereavement
The Orihuela City Council marked the International Day of Gestational, Perinatal, and Neonatal Bereavement on Tuesday with a heartfelt tribute at the Rincón del Recuerdo (Remembrance Corner) in Glorieta Gabriel Miró. The ceremony aimed to honor families who have experienced the profound loss of a child during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
The event was led by Mayor Pepe Vegara and Councilor for Health Irene Celdrán, joined by Sonia Tormo, a mother who has faced perinatal bereavement, Dominique Giménez, president of the Rotary Club, members of the municipal council, and numerous families a ected by this painful reality.
In her remarks, Councilor Celdrán expressed solidarity with grieving parents, urging society to move away from minimizing their pain with clichés. “We must embrace respectful silence and take real action through public policies that protect the emotional well-
being of families,” she said.
Sonia Tormo read a powerful manifesto calling for the digni cation of victims of gestational and neonatal death. “Legal loopholes not only leave us vulnerable; they also deprive us of our right to say goodbye, to name our children, and to remember them. Our sons and daughters existed; our experience deserves care, respect, and reparation,” she declared.
The manifesto also denounced how perinatal bereavement remains a social taboo, leading to feelings of
isolation and invisibility among a ected parents.
Mayor Pepe Vegara acknowledged “the immense pain su ered by families” and emphasized that commemorations like this “help us become a more understanding and compassionate society.”
The ceremony concluded with an emotional release of balloons, symbolizing remembrance and love for the children who passed away too soon. The gesture re ected a shared commitment to recognition, empathy, and collective healing.
Two men arrested in
Pilar de la Horadada with 850 grams of pure cocaine
Two Spanish men, aged 25 and 41, were arrested in Pilar de la Horadada for alleged drug tra cking after local police seized 850 grams of highly pure cocaine during a nighttime operation.
The arrests took place in the early hours of October 2, when a police patrol noticed a suspicious vehicle occupied by two men. O cers stopped the car after con rming that its MOT had expired. During the stop, one of the occupants voluntarily handed over a blue butter y knife with a 10-centimeter blade. The weapon was con scated, and a violation report was issued for carrying a prohibited item.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a white plastic bag hidden under the passenger seat. Inside, o cers found approximately 850 grams of a white substance that preliminary tests identi ed as uncut, high-purity cocaine. According to police sources, the drug could have
been diluted to double or even triple its weight before distribution, signi cantly increasing its street value.
Both suspects were immediately arrested and transferred to the Civil Guard for further investigation. Authorities are now working to determine the source of the drugs and whether the two men are connected to a larger tra cking network operating in the Vega Baja region.
Marina Sáez, Councilor for Citizen Security, praised the
o cers for their vigilance and swift action. “This is not the rst time drugs have been seized in our municipality,” Sáez said. “Our local police remain constantly alert to prevent and dismantle small-scale drug dealing operations.”
She added that such interventions demonstrate the town’s ongoing commitment to safety and public well-being, reinforcing local e orts to maintain Pilar de la Horadada as a secure place for all residents.
Quirónsalud strengthens its Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology team
Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has strengthened its Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Service with the addition of a new specialised medical team, made up of doctors Miguel Ángel Moltó, Francisco García, and Jesús García, professionals with extensive experience in the eld of orthopedic surgery and traumatology.
The service is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, clinical followup, surgical and nonsurgical treatment, as well as the rehabilitation of congenital or acquired pathologies and functional disorders, whether traumatic or not, that a ect the musculoskeletal system.
With solid training and extensive experience, the new Traumatology specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital are pro cient in the most innovative surgical techniques, such as arthroscopy, surgical treatment of fractures, and the implantation of cuttingedge joint prostheses. They also apply minimally invasive procedures that
reduce recovery times and improve patients’ quality of life.
The Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Service works in coordination with the hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy units, o ering a multidisciplinary and personalised approach to ensure the patient’s full functional recovery.
Quirónsalud has several centres in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia, forming a leading group at the forefront of medicine where people are the centre.
Quirónsalud is at the forefront of private healthcare in the Valencian Community and Murcia in terms of technological equipment, as well as comfort and services for both patients and the professionals who provide services.
Quirónsalud is the leading healthcare group in Spain and, together with its parent company FreseniusHelios, also in Europe. In addition to its operations in Spain, Quirónsalud is also present in Latin America. Together, it has more than 50,000 professionals in
more than 180 healthcare centres, including 57 hospitals with more than 8,000 beds. It boasts the most advanced technology and a highly specialised and internationally renowned team of professionals.
The Group works to promote teaching (ten of its hospitals are university hospitals) and medicalscienti c research (it has the FJD Health Research Institute, accredited by the State Secretariat for Research, Development and Innovation). Furthermore, its healthcare services are organized into units and cross-functional networks that optimize the experience accumulated across the di erent centres and the clinical translation of its research. Quirónsalud is currently developing numerous research projects throughout Spain, and many of its centres are leading the way in this eld, pioneering di erent specialties such as oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynecology, and neurology, among others.
Torrevieja hospital upgrades 100 beds in major modernisation effort
Torrevieja University Hospital has completed the renovation of 100 state-of-the-art inpatient beds, a key step in its ongoing plan to modernize healthcare infrastructure and enhance patient care.
According to hospital management, this initiative re ects the center’s commitment to continuous improvement, focusing on patient safety, comfort, and care quality, while also creating a more e cient and sustainable hospital environment.
The newly installed beds, distributed across various hospitalization units, feature advanced ergonomic designs, improved mobility systems, and pressure injury prevention technology. These upgrades aim to increase patient well-being and streamline the work of healthcare professionals by providing easier access and better adaptability to clinical needs.
In addition to these general inpatient improvements, the hospital has also
acquired four high-tech critical care beds for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These new ICU beds are designed to support the most complex medical cases, o ering enhanced monitoring capabilities and safety features for critically ill patients.
The total investment of €309,819 is part of the wider e ort by the Department of Health to modernize hospital facilities and ensure they are equipped to meet growing healthcare demands.
Hospital management highlighted that this renovation “represents
not only a technical and functional improvement, but also a commitment to the humanization of care, sustainability, and collaboration across healthcare institutions.”
With this modernization, Torrevieja University Hospital rea rms its role as a leader in people-centered healthcare, dedicated to combining innovation with compassion. The initiative aligns with broader regional goals to enhance hospital services, ensure patient dignity, and prepare healthcare infrastructure for the challenges of the future.
TM Grupo Inmobiliario
Inflation rises to 3% in Spain, highest in eight months
In ation in Spain has climbed to its highest level in eight months, with the consumer price index (CPI) rising to 3% in September, according to con rmed data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). The nal gure is 0.1 points higher than the agency’s earlier estimate. While electricity costs increased slightly, the main drivers of this surge were fuel and food prices, signalling a renewed rise after in ation stabilised in July and August.
This latest increase moves Spain further away from the European Central Bank’s (ECB) target of 2%, raising concerns that the disin ation trend may be losing strength. Economists warn that global factors—such as higher import costs to the U.S. and continued supply chain disruptions—could further hinder price stability if international trade fragmentation worsens.
The September upturn will also have a direct impact on pensions, as
future adjustments are tied to the average in ation rate from November 2024 to November 2025.
Meanwhile, core in ation— which excludes volatile items like energy and fresh food—remained steady at 2.4%, the same rate as August. This gure is closely monitored by the ECB because it re ects longer-term price trends.
Food prices overall stabilised at 2.4%, but many staple items saw sharp increases. According to
INE data, co ee rose 20%, chocolate 16%, eggs 18%, and beef 17% compared with a year earlier. Other notable rises included lamb (9%), legumes (8%), butter (7.5%), milk (7%), and cheese (5.6%).
However, a few key items became cheaper. Olive oil prices fell by 34% yearon-year—after months of record highs—while sugar dropped 17.4% and yogurt 3%. Analysts suggest these declines re ect a “stairstep e ect,” a temporary correction following earlier sharp increases.
Torrevieja hospital introduces Thermoablation: a groundbreaking technique for breast cancer
Torrevieja University Hospital has taken a major step forward in breast cancer treatment by incorporating radiofrequency thermoablation, a cuttingedge, minimally invasive technique that represents a rst for the province of Alicante. For nearly a year, this innovative procedure has been applied to selected patients with highly positive outcomes, marking a new era in local oncological care.
Thermoablation is a percutaneous procedure that employs thermal energy—delivered via radiofrequency or microwaves—to precisely destroy malignant tissue.
Guided by ultrasound and performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation, the method involves inserting a thin needle directly into the tumor. Controlled heat is then applied until the cancerous cells are completely destroyed, achieving full necrosis. The technique is safe, e ective, and o ers a much faster
recovery than conventional surgical approaches.
One of the main advantages of thermoablation is its minimally invasive nature, which allows it to be performed on an outpatient basis or during a short hospital stay. Patients experience fewer postoperative complications, minimal scarring, and preservation of breast appearance, since no extensive tissue removal is required. Additionally, real-time ultrasound imaging ensures precise targeting of the tumor, while rapid recovery enables patients to quickly return to their normal routines.
Before undergoing this treatment, patients are carefully evaluated by the hospital’s Breast Tumor Committee, a multidisciplinary team made up of experts in oncology, radiology, surgery, gynecology, pathology, and oncology nursing. This comprehensive approach guarantees individualized
assessment and the most appropriate therapeutic plan for each case.
According to Dr. Mª José Fuster, head of the Diagnostic Radiology Service at Torrevieja University Hospital, “Thermoablation represents a major breakthrough in breast cancer management. It enables us to provide certain patients with an e ective, safe option that preserves their quality of life. The results we have achieved so far are very encouraging.”
With the introduction of this technology, Torrevieja University Hospital reinforces its ongoing commitment to innovation, clinical research, and the adoption of state-of-the-art treatments in oncology. This milestone not only enhances the hospital’s reputation for excellence but also positions it as a leading reference center for advanced cancer care in the province of Alicante, o ering patients new hope and improved therapeutic possibilities.
Spanish cinemas record lowest box office since the pandemic
Spain’s cinemas experienced their weakest weekend in nearly ve years, with ticket sales plunging to levels not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the weekend of Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, Spanish box o ces registered just €3.2 million in revenue, drawing fewer than 500,000 moviegoers, according to data from ComScore cited by lm magazine BoxO ce. The last time gures were this low was in October 2020, shortly after cinemas had reopened following the rst national lockdown in June that year.
Preliminary gures suggest total takings between Friday and Sunday reached €3.3 million, around €100,000 less than in 2022, and signi cantly below the €5 million average seen in 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Industry analysts describe the weekend as one of the
weakest post-pandemic periods for Spanish cinema attendance.
The box o ce leader, Tron: Ares, earned a modest €696,000, followed by One Battle After Another, which failed to reach half a million euros. Completing the top ve were Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and The Warren Files: The Last Rite, both around €310,000, and The Captive, Alejandro Amenábar’s latest lm, which premiered in September. Other titles in the top ten included Bala Perdida by Aranofski, La sospecha de Sofía, Two Bad Guys 2, Guardians of the Night, and Crazy Old.
In total, twelve new lms debuted in Spanish cinemas over the weekend, including several local productions such as La Tregua, Karmele, Mario, and Mi Ilustrísimo Amigo. Despite the wide range of releases, audience turnout remained low
across the country.
Experts attribute the decline to a combination of factors — limited blockbuster appeal, competition from streaming platforms, and lingering shifts in viewing habits since the pandemic. The trend also mirrors a global slowdown: the U.S. box o ce reported its worst weekend since 2020, according to box o ce analyst Pau Brunet, with international markets showing similar declines.
Spanish distributors now face renewed pressure to attract audiences back to theaters ahead of the crucial winter season, when major releases traditionally boost revenues. Unless attendance rebounds soon, 2025 could mark one of the most challenging years for Spain’s lm industry since cinemas rst reopened after lockdown.
Talks stall over Spain’s 2026–2028 self employed contributions
Negotiations between Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and representatives of trade unions and self-employed workers’ associations have stalled again, leaving signi cant gaps unresolved over how much freelancers will contribute to Social Security between 2026 and 2028.
The meeting, held on Monday and led by Minister Elma Saiz, aimed to ne-tune the income-based contribution system introduced in 2022 and to address its aws— particularly the di culty many self-employed workers face in accessing unemployment bene ts. Despite this, discussions ended without a deal, marking the second inconclusive meeting since summer.
According to gures obtained by SUR, the ministry’s proposal for the next phase of the RETA system (the Social Security scheme for self-employed workers) would raise monthly contributions by €10 to €200, depending on income level. The new brackets would range from €217 per
month for those earning up to €710, to €796 for those making more than €6,000.
“This is a rip-o ,” declared Lorenzo Amor, president of the National Federation of Self-Employed Workers’ Associations (ATA), after the meeting. “They can’t count on us,” he said in a statement released to the media.
The Ministry faces pressure to nalise the new RETA contribution brackets before 1 January 2026, as required by the 2022 royal decree that governs the system. Saiz’s proposal divides contributors into two categories: a general table for those earning above the minimum wage (SMI) and a reduced table for lower earners.
Under the general table, a self-employed worker earning €1,166.70 per month would see their minimum contribution rise from €291 to €302 in 2026, eventually reaching €796.24 for those with incomes above €6,000. By 2027, contributions would range from €313 to €1,002.49, and in 2028
from €324.01 to €1,208.73, according to ministry data.
The reduced category would apply to those earning under €670 per month, whose contributions would increase from €200 to €217.37 in 2026. Ministry sources argue that around 40% of Spain’s 3.4 million self-employed workers fall into the rst three income brackets and that their payments “remain below in ation since 2022.”
Discussions also touched on unemployment bene t reform for self-employed workers. While Social Security proposes faster, more uniform access to the bene t, ATA insists “nothing changes” and warns the proposal would still exclude up to half of applicants.
Meanwhile, Eduardo Abad, president of UPTA, called the proposed table “similar to the 2022 agreement” but urged further adjustments to support artists, content creators, and low-income freelancers.
This Week´s Movie Picks
The Equalizer Saturday 25th October, Channel 4, 10.00 pm
Robert McCall, a former CIA agent now living a quiet life, comes out of retirement to help Teri, who is being exploited by the Russian ma a. Despite his promise to never return to violence, witnessing such cruelty awakens in Robert a relentless and renewed desire for justice.
Last Night in Soho Sunday 26th October, Channel 4, 10.00 pm
Psychological thriller about a young woman passionate about fashion who, mysteriously, is able to travel back to the 1960s and meet her idol, a dazzling aspiring singer. But the London of that era isn’t what it seems, and time seems to be crumbling, with dark consequences
TM Grupo Inmobiliario
Tuesday 21st October
Frasier
Pickers 13:05 Channel 4 News
13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It
15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 A Place in the Sun
Wednesday 22nd October
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:00 Coronation Street
22:00 The Hack
23:05 ITV News at Ten
23:35 ITV News London
23:50 Long Lost Family
20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 The Great British Bake Off 22:15 Worlds Apart 23:15 Celebrity Gogglebox 09:00 PAW Patrol 09:15 PAW Patrol 09:30 Milo 09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:55 Come & Play with Pip and Posy 10:00 Peppa Pig 10:05 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley 13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:20 The Baby My Husband Lied About 17:00 The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea
09:40 Everybody Loves Raymond
10:10 Frasier
10:40 Frasier
11:10 Frasier
11:40 Frasier
12:10 American Pickers
13:05 Channel 4 News Summary
13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It
15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 A Place in the Sun
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 Location, Location, Location
22:00 Grand Designs
23:00 New Zealand’s Best Homes With Phil Spencer
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Come & Play with Pip and Posy 10:00 Peppa Pig 10:05 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley 13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:20 Deadly Engagement 17:00 The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea 18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Madrid with Michael Portillo
20:00 Call the Bailiffs: Time To Pay Up
21:00 Traffic Cops
Coastguard SOS: Search & Rescue
Police: Night Shift 999
The Only Way Is Essex 11:20 The Real Housewives of Potomac 12:15 The
23rd October
04:55 Unwind with ITV 06:10 James Martin’s Midweek Menu
07:00 Good Morning Britain 10:00 Lorraine 11:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women
14:30 ITV Lunchtime News
14:55 ITV News London
15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal
16:00 Tenable
17:00 Tipping Point
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:00 Live: International Friendly Football
23:05 ITV News at Ten
23:35 ITV News London
23:50 Batman Begins
Friday 24th October
of the Monsoon
18:15 Flog It!
19:00 Richard Osman’s House of Games
19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two
20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip
21:00 Highland Cops
22:00 The Ridge
22:45 Saving Lives at Sea
23:05 The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked
23:35 Newsnight
Saturday 25th October
7:00 Good Morning Britain 10:00 Lorraine 11:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women
14:30 ITV Lunchtime News
14:55 ITV News London
15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal
16:00 Tenable
17:00 Tipping Point
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:00 Emmerdale
21:00 Pride of Britain 2025
23:05 ITV News at Ten
23:35 ITV News London
23:50 The Dark Knight Risesop
10:40 Frasier
11:10 Frasier
11:40 Frasier
12:10 Undercover Boss USA
13:05 Channel 4 News
Summary
13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It
15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 George Clarke’s Homes in the Wild
22:00 Taskmaster
23:00 The Great British Bake Off
10:10 Frasier
10:40 Frasier
11:10 Frasier
11:40 Frasier
12:10 American Pickers
13:05 Channel 4 News Summary
13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It
15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 A Place in the Sun
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 George Clarke’s Homes in the Wild
22:00 Taskmaster
23:00 The Great British Bake Off
09:30 Milo 09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Peppa Pig
10:00 Peppa Pig
10:05 Milkshake! Space Explorers 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley
13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:15 Forever Mine?
17:00 The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea 18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Portugal with Michael Portillo
20:00 The Taste Test Restaurant 21:00 Yorkshire Great and Small with Dan and Helen 22:00 All Creatures Great and Small 23:00 Cause of Death
09:15 PAW Patrol 09:35 Milo
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Come & Play with Pip and Posy
10:05 Peppa Pig 10:10 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley
13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:20 Don’t Let Him Find You 17:00 The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea
18:00 5 News at 5
19:00 Michael Portillo’s Travel Diaries
20:00 The Taste Test Restaurant
21:00 Yorkshire Great and Small with Dan and Helen 22:00 All Creatures Great and Small
23:00 Police: Night Shift 999
08:00 What’s New ScoobyDoo?
08:20 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? 08:45 Dinner Date 09:40 Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries 10:35 The Only Way Is Essex 11:20 The Real Housewives of Potomac
Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:00 Coronation Street
22:00 Borderline
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
23:45 Champions: Full Gallop
1:10 Frasier 11:40 Frasier
12:10 American Pickers
13:05 Channel 4 News Summary 13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It 15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 A Place in the Sun
20:00 Channel 4 News
20:30 Unreported World
21:00 The Great British Bake
Off: An Extra Slice
22:00 Gogglebox
23:00 The Last Leg
09:30 Milo
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Come & Play with Pip and Posy
10:00 Peppa Pig
10:05 Milkshake! Story Den
10:15 Jeremy Vine
12:30 Storm Huntley
13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away
15:20 Who’s Stalking My Family
17:00 The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea 18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Michael Portillo’s Travel Diaries
20:00 The 1980s Supermarket
21:00 Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out
22:00 Britain’s Most Scenic Counties 23:00 ‘allo ‘allo!: Forty Years of Laughter
07:40 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 08:05 What’s New ScoobyDoo?
08:30 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?
08:55 The Big Bake 09:45 Sam and Billie: Sister Act 10:40 The Only Way Is Essex 11:20 The Real Housewives of Potomac 12:15 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 13:05 Dinner Date 14:05 Dinner Date 15:05 The Only Way Is Essex 16:05 The Real Housewives of Cheshire 17:05 The Real Housewives of Potomac 18:00 The Real Housewives of New Jersey
19:00 Celebrity Catchphrase 20:00 Deal or No Deal
21:00 The 1% Club
22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Big Brother: Late and Live
08:05 What’s New ScoobyDoo? 08:30 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?
08:40 Classic Emmerdale 09:10 Classic Coronation Street 09:40 Classic Coronation Street 10:10 Doc Martin 11:15 The Royal 12:15 Heartbeat 13:20 Heartbeat 14:25 Classic Emmerdale 14:55 Classic Emmerdale
15:30 Classic Coronation Street 16:00 Classic Coronation Street 16:30 Downton Abbey 18:00 Doc Martin 19:00 Heartbeat 20:00 Heartbeat 21:00 Vera 23:00 Lewis
Sunday 26th October
04:50 Unwind with ITV 06:00 Champions: Full Gallop 07:00 Raymond Blanc’s Royal Kitchen Gardens
07:30 James Martin’s Spanish Adventure
08:30 James Martin’s Saturday Morning 10:25 ITV News
10:30 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh
12:30 Fletchers’ Family Farm
13:30 Talking Royals
14:00 ITV Lunchtime News
14:15 Live: ITV Racing Live
16:45 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
19:30 ITV Evening News
19:45 ITV News London
20:00 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
21:00 Beat the Chasers
22:00 Trigger Point
23:00 ITV News
23:20 State of War: Fighting the Narcos
Monday 27th October
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:00 Coronation Street
22:00 Trigger Point
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
23:45 Peston
07:50 Cheers
08:20 Cheers
08:45 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Everybody Loves Raymond
09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond
10:00 Formula 1
11:00 Sunday Brunch
14:00 The Simpsons
14:30 The Simpsons
15:00 The Simpsons
15:30 Monster House
17:20 Hotel Transylvania: Transformania
19:00 Channel 4 News
19:30 Edward VIII: Britain’s Traitor King
20:30 Guy Martin: The British Train That Changed the World
22:00 Hunted
23:00 Last Night in Soho
09:40 Frasier
10:10 Frasier
10:40 Formula 1
12:10 American Pickers
13:05 Channel 4 News Summary
13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It
15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 A Place in the Sun
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 Secrets of Supercheap Shopping
22:00 Hunted
23:00 24 Hours in A&E
09:50 SpongeBob SquarePants
Entertainment News On 5
Yorkshire with Jane McDonald
Yorkshire with Jane McDonald
A Royal Christmas Ballet
Entertainment News On 5 13:10 A Royal Christmas Ballet 13:50 Christmas on the Alpaca Farm 14:50
The Sweets & Treats We Loved &
009:30 Milo
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Come & Play with Pip and Posy
10:00 Stan & Gran 10:05 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley 13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:15 What Would You Kill For?
17:00 The Cruise: Fun At Sea 18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Michael Portillo’s Travel Diaries
20:00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 The Forsytes 23:15 Police: Night Shift 999
07:40 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 08:05 What’s New ScoobyDoo? 08:30 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? 08:55 The Big Bake 09:45 Ferne McCann: First Time Mum 10:40 The Only Way Is Essex 11:20 The Real Housewives of Potomac 12:15 The Real Housewives of New Jersey
13:05 Supermarket Sweep 14:10 Wheel of Fortune 15:10 The Only Way Is Essex 16:05 The Real Housewives of Cheshire 17:05 The Real Housewives of Dubai
18:00 The Real Housewives of New Jersey
16:30 Downton Abbey
18:00 Doc Martin
19:00 Heartbeat
14:30 Classic Emmerdale 15:00 Classic Emmerdale 16:00 Classic Coronation Street
18:55 Celebrity Catchphrase 20:00 Deal or No Deal 21:00 Wheel of Fortune 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Big Brother: Late and Live 08:40 Classic Emmerdale 09:10 Classic Coronation Street 09:40 Classic Coronation Street 10:10 Wycliffe 11:20 The Royal 12:25 Heartbeat 13:30 Heartbeat
If you have a question or problem with any household technology needing my help or want to join the Technology Help Group, please email Brian at cbtechnology.help@gmail. com.
As a group member, you would have access to the group website, which contains previous session notes, handouts and access to previous Costa Blanca People published articles.
Scan the QR code for a reminder of what the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group offers.
Meetings at Dilly’s Bar, Av. Castuera, 3, 03184 El Chaparral, Alicante. Group meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10:00 to 12:00.The Next meeting is on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. You are welcome to attend.
“What is Two Factor Authentication”?
Two-factor authentication, often abbreviated as 2FA, is a security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity. This method significantly decreases the likelihood of unauthorised access to accounts, even if a password has been compromised.
The principle behind 2FA is to combine something you know (such as a password or PIN) with something you have (like a mobile device or security token), or something you are (such as a fingerprint or facial
Your tech questions answered by Brian Hoile of the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group, helping over 400 members with their PCs , smartphones and more. Group members can attend meetings in person or online using Zoom or Teams.
recognition). The process typically follows these steps:
1. The user enters their username and password as usual.
2. After the password is accepted, the system prompts for a second factor, such as a one-time code sent via text message, an authentication app, or a biometric scan.
3. Only after successfully providing both factors does the user gain access to the account.
Types of Authentication Factors
• Something you know: Passwords, PINs, or answers to secret questions.
• Something you have: Mobile phones (for receiving codes), hardware tokens, or smart cards.
• Something you are: Biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice patterns.
Common Methods of 2FA
• SMS or Email Codes: A unique code is sent to your mobile device or email address, which must be entered to complete the login process.
• Authentication Apps: Apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator generate time-sensitive codes for account verification.
• Push Notifications: A notification is sent to a trusted device, asking you to approve or deny the login attempt.
• Hardware Tokens: Physical devices that generate codes or connect via USB to authenticate
users.
• Biometrics: Using fingerprint, facial, or voice recognition for identity verification. Common Places to Use 2FA
• Email Accounts:
• Most major email providers, including Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, offer 2FA to help protect your personal and work-related emails.
• Banking and Financial Services:
• Online banking platforms and investment accounts typically support 2FA, helping to safeguard sensitive financial information.
• Social Media Platforms:
• Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social networks allow users to enable 2FA to prevent account hijacking.
• Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive offer 2FA to protect stored files and documents.
Brian Hoile Technology Help Group
J”Join the Group by searching Facebook for “Technology Help Group”. Send your questions to cbtechnology.help@gmail.com
Bars
This Halloween, Hotel Algorfa is transforming into a haven of spooky fun, electrifying entertainment, and thrilling surprises. We’re rolling out the red carpet (or should we say, the cobweb-draped carpet?) for a night you won’t forget. Mark your calendars for a Halloween party that promises to be the talk of Algorfa!
Prepare to be mesmerized by a spectacular tribute to two of pop music’s biggest icons: Robbie Williams and Madonna! Our talented performers will bring their energy and charisma to the stage, belting out your favorite hits. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of “Angels” or you’re ready to strike a pose to “Like a
Prayer,” this is your night to sing along, dance, and celebrate the spooky season.
But the entertainment is just the beginning. We encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of Halloween by dressing up in your most creative, spooky, or glamorous costumes. To sweeten the deal, we’re offering free shots to anyone who comes dressed up! So, dust off those capes, practice your witch cackle, and get ready to party the night away. The best costume will even win a special prize!
The hotel will be decked out in a chilling, spooky theme, transforming our venue into a haunted wonderland. Imagine eerie decorations,
flickering lights, and an atmosphere that’s both thrilling and inviting. We’re creating the perfect backdrop for a night of unforgettable memories.
And the best part? Entry to the Hotel Algorfa Halloween party is absolutely free! That’s right, no cover charge, just a night of fantastic music, great company, and Halloween fun. So gather your friends, spread the word, and prepare for a Halloween celebration that will send shivers down your spine.
Don’t miss out on this incredible night. Hotel Algorfa is the place to be this Halloween! We can’t wait to see you there, dressed up and ready to party!
Iconic French actress Brigitte Bardot has been hospitalised, according to the country’s media outlets.
The lm star, 91, is said to have been there for three weeks with a ‘serious illness’ although no further clari cation has been made.
Brigitte was staying at her home in Saint-Tropez when she was admitted to a hospital in Toulon.
It has been claimed that she underwent surgery and is currently recovering and doctors will continue to monitor her condition.
Simon Cowell has revealed his absence from the Britain’s Got Talent auditions was because he fell down a ight of stairs.
The TV judge, 66, was unable to attend the rst two days of lming in Birmingham after he injured himself in the fall.
He reappeared on the third day of lming, after Stacey Solomon lled in on the panel, and sported a bruise on his forehead but no explanation was given.
However, Simon revealed the cause of his absence on Thursday during the auditions in Blackpool when a choir made up of ambulance workers took to the stage.
Sam Fender has won this year’s Mercury Prize for his album People Watching.
The singer, 31, toom home the presitigous award at the ceremony in Newcastle on Thursday, the rst time the ceremony has been held outside London.
The Mercury Prize is an annnual prize given to the best album released by a musical act from the UK or Ireland.
It was rst held in 1992 as an alternative to the BRIT Awards and the winner receives a cash prize of £25,000.
Pete Doherty showed o his slimmer physique as he posed with wife Katia De Vidas while attending the Yoroi premiere in Paris on Thursday.
The British singer, 46, ashed a gentle smile as he wrapped his arm around Katia.
Taking to the star-studded red carpet at Le Grand Rex in the French capital, the Libertine icon rocked his trademark suit with tie and a black fedora hat.
Millie Mackintosh and ex-husband Professor Green are ‘on their best terms in a decade’ after drawing a line under their toxic separation and subsequent divorce.
The former couple ended their three year marriage in 2016, and Green - real name Stephen Mandersonrecently con rmed they were back on speaking terms after nine years of silence.
The former golden couple of TV
Meanwhile director and musician Katia opted for a chic black blouse and grey denim, nishing o with dark patent leather boots.
Friends now claim the British rapper and his ex-wife - who has since remarried to her Made In Chelsea costar Hugo Taylor - have brushed any lingering resentments to one side for the sake of their friendship.
Health & Beauty
Dermatologists warn against TikTok trend of using baking soda
— not one ingredient.”
The Art of Hair: Colour, Highlights & the Perfect Cut
There’s something transformative about great hair. A new colour, a fresh cut — they don’t just change how we look; they change how we feel. In today’s world of endless creativity, hair artistry has evolved into a sophisticated blend of science, skill, and self-expression.
Highlights That Glow, Not
the date. By this time I knew I wasn’t interested in this guy, but if his wife was being cheated on, that was a different matter.
You tell me that you discovered this man was very much still married and purportedly happily, and so now you are asking me whether or not you should tell his wife. It’s a tough one.... if you were very close to the wife and could not live your life knowing what you know, I’d say tell her. However, you tell me that you worked with her, but didn’t know her personally very well at all; so, you do not have any real obligation to spill the beans. Rather if I were you, I would see if I could contact him directly with what you have discovered, and invite him to do the decent thing and quit cheating on his wife. Armed with the information you have you could tell him you are holding off for now, but may decide to tell your exwork colleague everything she needs to know.
I was recently invited to make up a party of four on a double date. When I arrived I was introduced to ‘Richard’, who looked famililar to me, but I couldn’t place him. We all sat down and ordered drinks, and as the evening wore on I realised where I knew him from; he was the husband of someone I used to work with. It was curious because I wasn’t sure if he was still married to the person I knew a few years ago. The friend who organised the date told me Richard had been previously married so I thought he must be separated or divorced, so I said nothing and continued with the evening. The next morning my curiosity got the better of me and I looked up my old work colleague on Facebook. Sure enough there were family photos of him looking as though he was still married but again, I reasoned that perhaps they’d had an amicable separation; although her status still said ‘married’. I decided to speak to the friend who arranged WRITE TO SARA IN CONFIDENCE. A PSEUDONYM WILL BE USED IF YOU WISH. SARA READS ALL LETTERS AND CAN GIVE A PERSONAL REPLY. EMAIL YOUR QUESTION TO SARA@ COSTABLANCAPEOPLE.COM OR SARA IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS, TELEPHONE 650 054 467.
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Gone are the days of stripy, highcontrast streaks. The modern highlight is soft, dimensional, and beautifully blended. Techniques like balayage, babylights, and foilyage have rede ned how we think about light and depth in hair.
“Today’s highlights are all about e ortless radiance,” says one top colourist. “We mimic what the sun naturally does — subtle shifts that bring hair to life.”
Baking soda, a common household ingredient, has become the latest viral skincare trend on platforms like TikTok, where users claim it can brighten dark spots, even skin tone, and clear acne. However, dermatologists warn that using baking soda on the skin can disrupt its natural pH balance and lead to irritation, dryness, and long-term damage.
Many social media users are mixing baking soda with water, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly to create DIY exfoliants that promise instant results. Yet experts caution that the immediate smoothness people report often comes from removing surface oils and dead cells — not from actual improvement.
“There’s little scienti c evidence supporting baking soda’s use for skincare,” said Dr. Pooja Sodha, associate professor of dermatology at George Washington University. “Skin health depends on genetics, diet, sleep, and consistent care
These hand-painted e ects add movement and texture, working in harmony with your haircut for that perfectly undone, just-backfrom-holiday glow.
Rooted in Style
Once upon a time, root regrowth meant a call to your colourist. Now, it’s a look of its own. With techniques like shadow rooting and root melts, stylists are embracing darker roots to create depth, contrast, and a more lived-in vibe.
The bonus? It’s lowmaintenance luxury — beautiful colour that grows out gracefully.
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, added that baking soda cannot penetrate deep enough to treat hyperpigmentation.
“It may temporarily brighten the skin, but deeper pigment remains untouched,” she said. Worse, it can sometimes worsen dark spots, especially in people with medium or darker skin tones.
When used on acne-prone skin, baking soda can cause more harm than good. “It dries pimples fast, but often leads to redness, peeling, and more breakouts,” Kopelman explained. Overuse damages the skin barrier, allowing bacteria to enter and increasing in ammation.
The problem lies in baking soda’s alkaline nature.
Dermatologists recommend safer, evidence-based alternatives such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or niacinamide, which gently exfoliate and support skin health without disrupting pH levels.
For anyone who has already used baking soda, experts suggest stopping immediately and using hydrating cleansers and moisturizers with ceramides, squalane, or panthenol to repair the skin barrier.
Ultimately, dermatologists stress that skincare success comes from consistency, not quick kitchen xes. Before trying viral beauty hacks, they recommend consulting trusted sources like the American Academy of Dermatology or a licensed professional for safe, e ective advice.
Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH that locks in moisture and keeps bacteria out. “Baking soda throws that balance o , stripping the skin of natural oils,” said Kopelman. Prolonged use can cause aking, burning, or chronic redness, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Think of it as the ultimate marriage of style and practicality.
Beyond Basic Colour
While soft, natural tones dominate the mainstream, bold colour is having a major moment too. From rich espresso brunettes to icy platinums and soft copper blondes, colour trends are getting more sophisticated.
Cutting with Character
A beautiful colour demands an equally brilliant cut. The right
shape enhances tone placement, adds movement, and elevates every look.
This season’s most-wanted styles include soft shags, lived-in layers, and the modern bob — each designed to complement natural texture and suit the individual. Stylists are focusing on personalisation, crafting cuts that move e ortlessly and grow out gracefully.
Science Meets Style Behind every stunning transformation lies expert technique — customised aftercare are now standard in top salons, ensuring that hair looks as healthy as it feels.
“The best colourists don’t just paint,” says one stylist. “They protect.”
The New Era of Hair Artistry In the end, hair isn’t just an accessory — it’s a statement. Today’s stylists are colour chemists, artists, and visionaries all at once. Whether it’s a subtle sunlit balayage or a dramatic platinum transformation, modern hair colour is about confidence, creativity, and connection.
After all, great hair doesn’t just turn heads — it tells a story.
The Silent Struggle: understanding cyberbullying and its impact on children and teens
A 10-year-old boy sits in front of his computer, tears streaming down his face as cruel messages ood his screen. What started as harmless online interaction quickly spiraled into a series of hurtful comments and targeted harassment. Unfortunately, he is not alone. He is part of the alarming 32% of reported cyberbullying cases in India— one of the highest rates among 24 countries surveyed globally. Yet, despite these disturbing gures, many still underestimate the devastating toll cyberbullying takes on the mental health of children and teenagers.
As young people become increasingly dependent on digital devices, their lives are lived more publicly than ever before. Every mistake or awkward post can be magni ed and ampli ed across social media, making children vulnerable to online attacks. The anonymity of the internet emboldens bullies, who exploit this space to ridicule, humiliate, or threaten others. What may appear as a eeting
“rude comment” to some can leave deep and lasting scars on a young, impressionable mind.
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying refers to the deliberate and repeated use of digital technology—such as smartphones, computers, or tablets—to intimidate, shame, or harm another person. It occurs across various online spaces: social media platforms, messaging apps, gaming communities, chat rooms, and even email. The digital nature of these platforms makes cyberbullying relentless; it follows victims home, invading what should be their safe spaces.
Some of the most common forms of cyberbullying include:
Spreading rumors or lies online, or posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone.
Sending hurtful, threatening, or abusive messages through chat apps or social media.
Impersonating someone to send o ensive messages or damage their reputation.
Sharing private or personal information to publicly humiliate or “dox” the victim.
Unlike traditional bullying, which often ends once the school day is over, cyberbullying is continuous—happening 24/7. Because digital footprints are di cult to erase, the harm can become permanent. Moreover, the covert nature of online harassment often prevents parents, teachers, and guardians from noticing what’s happening until the damage is already done.
The Psychological and Emotional E ects of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying a ects every aspect of a young person’s emotional and psychological health. Children and teenagers who face such harassment often exhibit sudden behavioral changes—becoming withdrawn, anxious, or unusually
upset over small issues. They might start to feel ashamed, humiliated, fearful, angry, or hopeless, emotions that can severely disrupt their daily lives.
Over time, persistent cyberbullying can lead to serious mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, social phobia, and chronic loneliness. Victims may also experience low selfesteem and feel a constant sense of worthlessness. Physical symptoms often accompany these emotional struggles— sleep disturbances, appetite changes, headaches, and stomachaches are common. Many begin avoiding social situations or activities they once enjoyed, retreating from realworld interactions altogether.
In the most tragic circumstances, cyberbullying can push children toward self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Because their developing brains are still learning to process emotions and regulate stress, children
and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to feelings of despair when faced with sustained humiliation or exclusion.
According to Dr. Himani Narula Khanna, Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrician and Adolescent Mental Health Expert, “Cyberbullying can profoundly a ect a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. For a developing brain, such large-scale public humiliation can cause long-term damage, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, confusion, shame, and even depression.”
Adults often underestimate this pain, dismissing online insults as “harmless jokes” or “part of growing up.” But for children still learning who they are, these attacks feel deeply personal. The scrutiny of the digital world adds enormous pressure during an already sensitive stage of development.
Nutrition, a key factor in the prevention of breast cancer
World Breast Cancer Day, commemorated each year on 19 October, shines a light on early detection and support for women facing an oncological diagnosis.
However, Dr Pilar Hernández, nutritionist at the Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, reminds us that “there is one aspect that remains largely overlooked, yet can also help us in prevention: nutrition.”
According to various studies, around 40 per cent of cancer cases could be prevented through healthy lifestyle habits. “It is not about assigning blame, but about becoming aware that what we eat every day in uences our hormonal health, the level of in ammation in our body, and our ability to defend ourselves against cellular damage,” Dr Hernández emphasises.
The specialist warns that the most concerning eating patterns are precisely those that have become normalised — such as excessive consumption
of ultra-processed foods, the constant presence of added sugars, diets low in bre and vegetables, and the intake of alcohol, even in small amounts.
“All of this creates an in ammatory environment that can disrupt hormonal balance and promote the accumulation of abdominal fat — a metabolically active tissue that produces oestrogens associated with certain types of breast cancer,” Dr Hernández underlines.
The Mediterranean Diet: A Protective Ally Against Cancer
In contrast to these risks, the specialist points out that the Mediterranean diet remains the eating pattern most strongly supported by scienti c evidence. “It is rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts, wholegrains and extra virgin olive oil, and helps to reduce in ammation and maintain stable hormonal balance,” she explains.
Among the foods she
recommends incorporating regularly are berries, tomatoes, broccoli, cauli ower, pulses, citrus fruits, oily sh, green tea and ginger. “There are no miraculous superfoods — only consistent habits that, day by day, protect our cells and strengthen the immune system,” adds Dr Hernández.
Weight control and regular physical activity are, according to the specialist, two other fundamental pillars. “The body doesn’t need perfection — it needs consistency. Moving every day and performing strength exercises help regulate hormones, reduce in ammation and preserve muscle mass.”
“Preventing breast cancer does not mean living on a diet; it means eating with purpose — returning to real food, to what is cooked at home. Taking care of yourself is not a trend; it is an act of self-love and a way of living better, inside and out,” concludes Dr Hernández.
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Spain rolls out ne traffic signs for safer, smarter roads
Spain’s long-awaited new tra c signs are nally appearing on roads across the country. Approved in July 2025, the rollout is now underway, beginning in urban areas and focusing on regions with Low Emission Zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones, ZBE) and areas promoting electric mobility. The update marks one of the most signi cant overhauls to Spain’s tra c signage system in decades, adapting it to re ect new technologies, environmental goals, and modern transport habits.
The Directorate-General for Tra c (DGT) and the Ministry of Transport have emphasized that the new signage will gradually replace outdated symbols to improve visibility, safety, and consistency across Spain and the wider European Union. These changes aim to make road travel safer and more intuitive for all users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
One of the most visible updates involves electric mobility. New signs now indicate the location of electric vehicle (EV) charging points, making it easier for drivers of electric cars to nd recharging stations quickly and e ciently. This measure supports Spain’s transition to sustainable mobility, aligning with national and EU climate objectives.
For those using personal mobility vehicles, such as electric scooters and hoverboards, the signs now feature clearer, standardized icons that show where these devices are allowed—and
where they are not. For instance, e-scooters are explicitly banned from pavements, interurban roads, and motorways, helping to reduce confusion and improve pedestrian safety.
In terms of road safety, several new warning signs have been introduced to address emerging risks. Drivers will now see alerts for wild animals, particularly wild boar, whose presence on roads has increased in recent years. Other signs warn of reduced visibility zones caused by fog or smoke, and some even indicate aerial tra c surveillance, reminding drivers that drones and helicopters may monitor speed and behavior from above.
Another key innovation relates to tra c management. Spain’s roads will now include markings for 2+1 lanes, a layout that provides two lanes in one direction and one in the opposite direction, alternating along the route. This con guration improves overtaking safety on secondary roads while reducing head-on collisions. Additionally, combined pedestrian–cyclist crossings have been redesigned for greater clarity and safety, helping all road users share space more e ectively.
According to the DGT, the new signage o ers multiple advantages. It enhances visibility through clearer shapes and stronger contrasts, adapts to modern mobility trends, and improves overall safety by re ecting current risks and technologies. Importantly, it
also ensures harmonization across Europe, making it easier for drivers from other EU countries to understand Spanish road signs without confusion.
Drivers and learners can consult the full catalogue of new tra c signs through the Confederación Nacional de Autoescuelas (CNAE) website. However, the DGT has con rmed that the new signs will not be included in theoretical driving exams until updated training materials are o cially released. This measure ensures that students have enough time to familiarize themselves with the latest changes before they are assessed.
As Spain’s roads continue to evolve, motorists are reminded to stay informed and alert. Even with improved signage, accidents and breakdowns remain a risk, and having reliable car insurance is essential for peace of mind. Generali Expatriates o ers 24/7 roadside assistance in English, as well as multilingual customer support. From 26 August to 24 November 2025, new car or home insurance policies paid by direct debit qualify for 10% cashback.
For full details, visit www. generaliexpatriates.es or call 913 42 25 49.
As the new signs appear across Spain, take the time to learn what they mean, stay alert behind the wheel, and drive with con dence—knowing you’re well informed and well protected.
CHURCH AND CHARITIES
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Sheerin’s Golf Society Lion Cup at Mar Menor
It was a fantastic day for our sponsor Lion Building Services sponsored by John Fairbrass.
The day started with the traditional full English breakfast in Sheerin’s, twenty-six players took part and the format was singles full handicap Stableford, alongside the singles we also played a team game called 3.2.1 with four players in each team scoring example hole 1 best 3 scores added together then on hole 2 best two scores added together then on hole 3 the best single score then keep repeating until hole 18 then add all the scores together to get the team score.
On arrival at Mar Menor we received the usual friendly greeting from the caddy master and his team with everything ready and waiting, the course was in reasonable condition because they had torrential storms a few days before which caused severe ooding in the area, the weather was blue sunny skies with a pleasant temperature of 25 degrees.
Between both groups four players came in with over 40 points the HCP Secretaries’ best friends are Kim Patrick and Joe Bell both on 42 points, John Collins with 44 points and the best score playing on his home course “Usain” John Bolt with
45 points. Team scores, which were very close, were as follows, “Team Amstel” 81 points, “Team Sheerin’s” 84 points, “Team Usain” 85 points, “Team Lion” 86 points, “Team Sea Captain” 87 points and the winning team was “Team Tom Tom” with 88 points. There were six nearest the pins, group A, hole 3 shared between Michael ‘ Kee e, Brian Gordon and Paul Owen, hole 10 Paul Owen, hole 15 also shared Andy Godfrey, Joe Bell, John Bolt, and Steve Gain, group B hole 7 shared between Brian Court and Steve Marr and holes 12 and 17 Kevin Quinn. Longest Drive on hole 1 went to Graham Lambie. The two’s pot was by Graham Lambie on hole 17 winning €15.00.
Thank you to John Fairbrass (Lion Building Services) for providing all the prizes, also thank you to Kellie, Katie and sta at Sheerin’s for the great hospitality.
The football card was won with West Ham by “Usain” John Bolt winning €40 and raising €40 for our charities 2025.
Photo shows John Fairbrass presenting the Cup to best score winner John Bolt and Team Tom Tom for the team match.
www.sheerinsgolfsociety.com sheerinsgolfsociety@gmail. com
San Miguel golf society at El Plantio
We were welcomed by a dewy start which delayed our tee time much more back in February with some “demanding interlopers” trying to squeeze into our tee times as “that was their time”. Anyhoo, didn’t happen today and we got off in a timely manner. We have many who enjoy this parkland course and many who don’t – personally I do. There were mixed messages about the course, some saying it was in good condition and others bemoaning it not to be –the consensus was that the greens were being top sanded which isn’t really great when top prices are being paid. It’s really an indicative moan of the courses overall -profit over good golf?
Nearly a full field of 46 teeing off with some noticeable absences due to slippages and falls last week in the wet weather - Daz and Martin we want you back to full strength very soon please!
We enjoyed the Autumn sunshine back on the terrace for the presentation with the following scores being recorded:
Gold: Peter Brammer (33 points)
Silver: Robin Eastman (35 points)
Bronze: Mick Pryke (36 points and Captain’s prerogative best score…..)
Two twos by Paul Lambert
and Lee Eastman. NTPs were Charlie Jackson (7th), Mike Stott (9th), Drew Niblock (14th) and Paul Lambert (18th). John Batterby (needing to retain his name somewhat in this paragraph) took the coveted McBride Bottle and Ivan Hanak took the most valuable football card prize with Norwich. Keep up to date with SMGS on our website www. smgs.org. **SPONSORSHIP
AVAILABILITY** If you are interested in sponsoring one of our games – please contact smgs91info@gmail. com to discuss further. We are proud to be supported by Michaela Schmidt at www.golf-hotspots.com
for all your golf travel requirements.
Next week we are at Saurines.
Winners pictured (wide angle lens ….seriously Interpol’s Most Wanted.) (L–R) Pat Dooley (Pbomber! But Welcome Back), Mick “El Capitan” Pryke (Bronze), John “love my McBride Bottle” Batterby, Greame “Pbomber2!” Millington, Lee “El Presidente” Eastman, Paul “missed his wife but had a Two” Lambert, Steve “I have no actual words why?” Webb, Robin Eastman (Silver), and finally Peter Brammer (Gold but mean with restaurant invites…). Good going all.
points for those voting against – about 500(5)
In addition; I object about alternative indicator(4)
Night object(5)
External appearance of ropes, say (5)
Court dunderhead in the trees(4)
It’s all right
1. Charming, maybe, but won’t charm everybody’s heart(7)
2. 100 having a sure winner in entertainment(7)
3. Part of 9 is nothing more than a prisoner’s room(5)
4. Getting everybody on a level at the end of the day?(7)
5. Go smoothly along with learner in the team(5)
6. Stop 100 getting relief(5)
9. Roar madly about box with instruments in it(9)
14. Make false claim about America being notedly harmonious(7)
15. Simultaneous discharges of missiles on court?(7)
Using only the letters in the wordwheel, take ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must contain the central letter and at least three others. Letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one nine-letter word in the wheel.
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so that every column, row and 3x3 square includes all the digits from 1 to 9
