Costa Blanca North 15 - 21 December 2022 Issue 1954

BOXING BRILLIANCE

RESIDENTS of La Marina were treated to a spectacular and very professionally organised night’s entertainment with 12 amateur boxers and their handlers travelling from all over Ireland to take on local talent.

The evening was held in Balearia’s Multiespai L’Androna overlooking the Port of Denia on Friday, December 9, with 12 boxers that had travelled from all over Ireland making the trip.

To kick the evening off Brennan displayed some of the local young talent with two very capable eightyear ­ olds being put through their paces with their trainer.

That was followed by a presentation of two cheques each valued at €7,500, the proceeds of the evening, being handed over by Aart Jan Dross to Extiende Tumano and APAD. The two excellent charities are involved in helping the needy and in

caring for dogs respectively.

A four ­ course meal was then served to the 100 or so guests who had booked for dinner, whilst the remaining 150 or so spectators were able to buy drinks, snacks and sandwiches.

Whilst dinner was being served the fun began with the boxers pitting their skills in what turned out to be very evenly matched bouts. The spoils were shared between the local and Irish boxers, with the highlight of the evening being the win by Aymara Comargo in her first ever bout.

Aymara’s brother, a promising professional, was killed not long ago when he was knocked off his bicycle. That death led his father Marcelo and Paddy Brennan to set up the boxing club in Denia.

A fantastic evening that was very professionally put

together and which it is understood will feature in a Channel 4 documentary. Congratulations has to go to the boxers, handlers and referees first and foremost.

But we all look forward to the team of Aart Jan Dross (owner Basta and Fuego), Mladen Garcevic (Oasis gym), Marcello Carmargo (Trainer) and Paddy

Brennan MBE (Paddy Brennan Promotions) bringing us more spectacular entertainment.

The Irish team.

Credit Peter McLaren-Kennedy

Christmas competition

IF you own a business or shop in the northern area of Alicante, join in with some festive fun and take part in the Christmas decoration competition which is offering a total of €1,600 in prizes.

Three prizes will be awarded in each of the two categories ‘Best shop window’ and ‘Best shop front or market stall’: first, second and third prizes are

€300, €200 and €100 respectively. In addition, two prizes of €100 will be drawn out of a hat among the remaining non­winning businesses.

The business with the highest score among the first two prizes will also receive a special prize of €200 for a service or advertising campaign. Shops wishing to participate must register by calling the North Zone Em­

ployment and Training Centre ‘El Tossalet’ on (+34) 965 930 338.

The councillor for Project Coordination, Antonio Peral, explained: “The aim of the competition is to encourage the creativity of shopkeepers in the presentation of their establishments over the Christmas period to attract customers while contributing to the special festive atmosphere.”

Make a Smile

THE Santa Claus bike ride around Moraira may have been rained off on Sunday December 11, but that didn’t stop the Free Spirits Harley Davidson Club from donning their bright red suits and white beards and celebrating. There were also quite a few elves, large and small at the event.

It might have been cold and wet outside, but there was a fantastic atmo ­

sphere inside the Moraira Harley Bar on Sunday morning.

Members brought piles of gifts to brighten up Christmas for 130 local children in care through the marvellous Make a Smile Children’s Charity. What’s more, all the money taken by the bar for the teas and coffees ­ a whopping €215 ­ was also donated to this worthy cause.

Future sounds

RESEARCHERS at Alicante University are using AI to transcribe, digitalise and publish musical scores. The €130,000 project funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation will recover Spain’s musical heritage and make it accessible from any electronic device.

Lovely landscape

AN information panel has been installed in Avda de Europa to alert visitors to the beautiful local scenery, Cap d’Or and the coastal terraces. Teulada Moraira has now been recognised as a ‘Landscape of regional relevance’ by the Ministry of the Environment.

Collared

lizards

FOUR collared lizards have been born at Terra Natura Benidorm. This is the first time this species has reproduced in the park. The female laid nine eggs, from which the four hatchlings were born. They can now be observed inside the Terraceratops restaurant.

Ho, ho, ho!

ON December 22 and 23, from 5pm to 9pm, Santa and his elf will be at the El Portal shopping centre in Ondara, bringing the magic of Christmas. Children are invited to hand deliver their letters and tell Santa what they hope will be under the tree this year.

Christmas chicas

CHICAS AMIGAS held their annual Christmas lunch last week in their now traditional venue, the Olive Tree Restaurant, Moraira, who always look after the Chicas very well. Secret Santa gifts were handed to ‘Santa’s elves’ on arrival, who later scurried round to distribute them matching gift numbers to raffle tickets.

Bizum scam

THE Guardia Civil is warning users of Bizum ­ a banking app that enables you to transfer up to €500 with your mobile phone ­ to watch out for a scam that could clear out your bank account in seconds.

A man lost €9,000 with the ‘reverse Bizum scam’. He offered a bicycle for sale on a second­hand goods platform for €100. The thief, supposedly interested in the bicycle, contacted him and stole €9,000 thanks to the scam, whereby the offender guides the victim through the bank’s app to accept the ‘reverse Bizum’ re­

quest and make enough transfers to clear their bank account. There are many other cases of people who lost large amounts of money through Bizum. All the cases follow the same pattern: they are carried out through the offer of a second­hand item on sales platforms. The Guardia Civil arrested two men in Murcia for this crime, and in November, they caught another man in Sevilla, known as the ‘Bizum scammer’. So, watch out, don’t fall for the scam, protect yourself and don’t accept Bizum requests from strangers.

Most of the ladies had a delicious traditional Christmas meal complete with turkey and all the trimmings. Everybody went home quite late after having had a very enjoyable time. Good food, good company, and it’s Christmas time, what more could you want? Many thanks once again to Lynn for making it happen.

More buses

DENIA Town Council has announced a plan to make the town’s bus transport network more convenient and sustainable, providing more routes and making it easier to get to the town’s hospitals without experiencing parking issues. The council aims to reinstate the line to La Pedrera hospital, extending the network, while providing a more frequent service and a more extensive timetable.

It is now inviting the public to contribute comments and proposals before finalising the project. The main innovation will be the addition of

a minibus service to La Pedrera that would operate both in high and low season, but which would only run from 7.45am to 3pm. There will also be a Marina Salud Hospital minibus, with a circular line along Patricio Ferrández and Miguel Hernández, as well as a bus to the Baleària maritime station. Denia Town Council will put out an invitation to tender to provide the service for 10 years with a €9.5 million budget, one condition of which will be that the contractor will provide the service with sustainable vehicles.

Trolley dash

ALICANTE is offering to help carry your Christmas shopping with 100 free mini shopping trolleys in the Municipal Market.

The initiative has set up supply points for plastic shopping trolleys, like those found in supermarkets. The trolleys, which have been purchased by the town hall, have a capacity to hold up to 75 litres and will have a security system so that they cannot be stolen.

The hope is that the trolleys will make shopping easier by helping shoppers avoid carrying heavy bags and enable quicker movement around the market.

Trolleys will be distributed at various points at the market, lifts and the car parks.

Security needed

RESIDENTS and representatives of Xaló Town Council are demanding that the Guardia Civil in the town should have at least one night patrol. A group travelled to the Provincial Council in Alicante on December 11 to demand more security in the municipality of Xaló and inland towns in general.

The number of law enforcement officers in the inland villages has fallen drastically in the last 10 years and the Guardia Civil has a basically symbolic presence. In the case of night­time calls to the Guardia Civil, officers have to travel from Moraira or Calpe.

In recent days there has been a very significant increase in burglaries in this area. In response to the unease in the town, the council has announced a series of measures that include increasing the number of Local Police on duty, particularly at weekends.

An intensive surveillance and tracking protocol has been established on local roads, and a private surveillance service has been hired. The possibility of installing CCTV is also being analysed.

XMAS LUNCH: Good food and good company.

Image: Chicas Amigas

BEES are endangered, and climate change and heavy rain have cut this year’s honey production in half, but some have found a haven in the Montgó natural park. Local beekeepers association Apicultors Montgó is working in the park to protect and conserve these essential creatures and create a profitable, sustainable industry. This non­profit association

Buzzing bees

in the Marina Alta consists of nature and bee lovers who share their knowledge of the bee world to produce highquality honey, pollen, royal jelly and wax with the Montgó as its brand and image. The idea is not to distribute their

MORE than 80 per cent of children have asked for pets for Christmas this year. However, giving pets at a time when toys are also being given as gifts can send a mixed message.

Once again, the Official Association of Veterinary Surgeons of Alicante is tweeting about the dangers of giving animals as gifts without thinking through the implications. Despite all the warnings, according to the Affinity Foundation, more than 50,000 dogs and cats will join Spanish households this holiday season. Without realising it, we are treating animals like objects or toys, even if we explain to the child that the animal is a new member of the family.

products through supermarkets, but to offer a km­zero option to restaurants and gourmet stores.

There are fewer than 100 beekeepers in the Marina Alta, 20 of whom are Apicultors Montgó members. While

some have just one hive, others have up to 500.

Since many are elderly or retired, they would love to welcome new, younger members. That’s why they work with universities, schools and businesses to develop honey tourism and tasting and spread the word about apiculture. More info at https://www.apicultorsmont go.com/en/asociacion.

Pets are for life

Naturally, the best route is to adopt from a shelter that follows a protocol to ensure that the animal is not treated as a gift and that the people are suitable in terms of lifestyle, needs, resources, time available or expectations.

In addition, the whole family must be in agreement. A dog or cat is a member of the family, and the decision must be consensual. This means talking about it, discussing it, sharing responsibilities and making a commitment together.

New skyscrapers

SPAIN’S Transport Ministry has given its seal of approval to a plan to build 20 skyscrapers in Benidorm at a cost of €570 million.

The ministry has a positive opinion of the plan for the Ensanche Levante area of Benidorm, which will include several 20 ­ storey hotels in the Levante district. The development will cover almost 575,000 square metres and include a 62,000 ­ metre public park.

The area will be directly connected to the N332/AP­7 entrance, 900 metres from the Avenida de la Comunidad Europea, meaning that further studies are required to determine how the current road network will need to be modified.

The ‘development interest group’ behind the project, which includes most of the landowners, has long wanted to transform a currently run­down area into the ‘golden mile’ and is now beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Almost two­thirds of the development will consist of hotels, as well as 1,563 holiday homes and 782 residential apartments. Valencia’s government has already confirmed the development is compatible with the Territorial Strategy of the Valencia Region approved in 2011.

Christmas School

JUGGLING work and family responsibilities during the holidays can be difficult, but this year, parents of three to 12-year-olds in La Vila can use the Christmas School Programme at the Mare Nostrum school.

The programme will be held in the morning between December 23 and January 4, from Monday to Friday, and registration is free for people registered in La Villajoyosa.

The educational programme is designed to help working parents over the holiday season and ensure that the town’s children are occupied with enjoyable, recreational activities.

The school will be open from 7.45 to 3pm and children will be able to bring lunch with them to eat with their friends.

To register, visit www.trokolo.com/lavila joiosa. For more information, please visit the municipal website of the Department of Education http://www.la vilajoiosa.com/educacio.

Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. The children will be divided up into groups by age and the activities will be supervised by a team of professional monitors who will organise fun and recreational activities tailored to each age group, all with a Christmas atmosphere.

Last match until January

THE Teulada-Moraira Fishing Club recently visited section B3 of the River Jucar in neighbouring Valencia Province.

“I was on Peg 2 and did not get a bite all day until the last 30 minutes and ended up with the best fish of the day,” said club secretary Jeff Richards. “Temperatures started at 14 degrees at 9am but got warmer as the day went on, eventually reaching 19 degrees with water temperature at 15 degrees.”

The water was clearer than on previous outings and there were two dry nets out of the nine competitors.

Best total weight of the day of 11.9 kilos on Peg 22 went to Peter Shephard with Paul Hall in second place (9.6 kilos) and Ray Turvey (7.3 kilos). Jeff’s best fish

of the day weighed in at 4.2 kilos.

Club members caught a total of 42 kilos and 20 fish, of which 19 were carp with one small crucian carp.

“This is our last match until January,” Jeff said. “Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to everybody, see

DENIA’S Centre for Tourism Development hosted a presentation of 13 food science projects last week. These included ways of consuming seaweed, growing fortified rice, using date stones, making mayonnaise with pineapple cores, and cooking with food cells. The Centre for Mediterranean Gastronomy - Gasterra (which provided €30,000 in funding), Alicante University and Denia Town Council are backing these innovations.

you in 2023!”

For further information about the Teulada-Moraira Fishing Club contact Frank Povey on 966 490 338 or frankpovey1@gmail.com.

“We are a very friendly club and always happy to welcome new members,” Jeff said.

Futuristic foods

nutrient-rich yet rarely used ingredient for her project. She recommends eating only due to its high iodine and heavy metal content.

Meanwhile, Adrián Montalt from the Algarve University in Portugal focused on the natural and responsible use of the sea, presenting a report comparing the nutritional properties of wild sea bass and sea bream instead of those bred in captivity.

The sea, its resources, protection and future are a magnificent source of inspiration for researchers. Teacher Soledad Prats chose three species of local seaweed - an abundant,

Another study consisted of maturing wine in an underwater winery in Denia Port. Researchers are now devising underwater curing processes for cheese, ham and cured meats. A new round of investigations will start within the next few weeks.

LATE ARRIVAL: Jeff Richards with his best fish of the day.

Photo credit: Jeff Richards

Festive weekend

TEULADA MORAIRA is looking forward to an exciting weekend on December 17 and 18.

The Christmas Market in Teulada on Saturday and Sunday is always fun. Opening hours are from 10am to 2pm and from 5pm to 9pm on December 17; and on Sunday, December 18, from 10am to 2pm and from 5pm to 7pm and will be located in Avenida Santa Catalina and Plaza de la Constitución in Teulada.

Get up early and take part in the traditional Christmas swimming race from

Moraira to the El Portet Beach at 10.00am. From 6pm to 7.30pm, Father Christmas will be parading around the streets of the town and accepting letters in the Church square. In the evening, at 7pm, the International Ballet Company will perform ‘Swan Lake’ in the Auditori Moraira, and the day will end with a Christmas Concert by the Coral Teuladina in the Moraira Church.

On Sunday, Father Christmas will be in the Town Hall Square in Teulada from 11am to 1pm and the Cor la Senieta will perform in the Moraira Church.

Making Christmas Special

ON Monday December 12, the gifts and selection boxes from the amazingly generous people of Pinar de Campoverde were picked up by the orphanage and taken on their way ready for the children on Christmas Day.

Each year, Overseas Stores (Iceland) places trolleys by the tills in the store for people to place donated selection boxes and other Christmas sweets. The Shoe Box gift appeal is organised by Beryl Aguado, assisted by Portobello Walking Football Club and Campoverde Church.

This year there was a record 381 sweets (mainly selection boxes) and around 150 gift boxes. This is a tremendous amount and we can only imagine the delight of the children on Christmas morning.

Thank you to everyone involved: Andrea and the staff of Iceland for persuading so many people to put something in the trolley; to Beryl for organising the Gift Box Appeal; to Celcius Hair and Beauty for being a drop­off point for the Gift Boxes; and to everyone who donated.

Campoverde Church in the Community is delighted to take part and support the community in helping those less fortunate than us.

FULL OF FUN: The Christmas market is just one of the many activities available.

Shutterstock.com/Roman Babakin

A TOTAL of 50 people in Benidorm have asked to be tested to find out whether they are geniuses at the annual Mensa Congress taking place in the town until Sunday.

Four-hundred gifted people from all over Spain are participating in this Mensa congress, which is administering free tests to find extremely smart people over the age of 14. The test is also available through the website https://www.mensa.es/c ms/test/ram2022.

Mensa membership is open to people who achieve a score within the upper 2 per cent of the general population on an approved intelligence test that has been properly administered and supervised. That is the only condition for membership.

This non-profit association has more than 2,000 members in Spain and seeks to promote intelligence, the good use of intelligence for the benefit of others, as well as a stimulating social environment among its members and encouraging intellectual exchange through conferences, discussions, publications and specific interest groups.

Beach on the map

PADDLE surfing fans were in their element when the Postiguet beach triumphantly hosted the Alicante SUP Open APP Tour, a paddle surfing event within the APP World Tour, the world championship of this sport, from December 9 until December 11.

The competition was the penultimate in the circuit that has already passed through Santa Monica (USA), London, Busan (South Korea) and Paris and will end in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).

Athletes from more than 15 countries took part in the event, including the USA, Peru, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, France, Italy, Hungary and

Belgium. In addition, Australian commentator Travis Grant, an athlete who has won the Molokai Oahu four times (one of the toughest SUP Race events) was also present. Head of the Alicante City & Beach Tourist Board, Mari Carmen Sanchez, confirmed: “Ali -

Bright idea Javea cares

cante was the setting for this world championship event, which puts us on the international paddle surfing map. Alicante has the perfect infrastructure and climate to host international sporting events that boost sports tourism and have an impact on de-seasonalisation.”

JAVEA Town Council has said it has put in place measures after becoming extremely concerned and sensitive to the needs of its vulnerable residents, particularly those who need support to be able to continue living a decent, safe life in their own homes.

The town also has a remote assistance service for elderly residents who are provided with a device or controller that they can use to call for help in case of an emergency with the touch of a button. This will trigger a check and if necessary, a family member or medical assistance will be sent. In addition, the council provides a home help service for elderly residents that provides help with personal hygiene, cleaning, food and other tasks has also been allocated €400,000 for next year.

Social services also runs a municipal programme called RADARS that detects vulnerable cases and people at risk of isolation, particularly people from other countries without family or support networks.

• Diagnostic imaging and ultrasound Rx

• Clinical tests and serological tests, internal medicine, parasitology

• Soft Tissue Surgery and Traumatology

• Ethology, behavioural disorders and animal behaviour

• Physiotherapy, acupuncture, custom recovery and Healing touch

• Ophthalmology

• Dentistry and dental surgery & more

• Import - Export

PADDLE SURFING: World championship held in Alicante.

Image: Alicante City Council

NEXT year, Alicante plans to incorporate a further 23 zero ­ emission electric buses.

As for the recharging infrastructure, the new contract provides for the execution of both the connection and the chargers needed to recharge all of the 42

Going greener

electric buses. In addition, the installation of photovoltaic panels in the bus depots is also envisaged for the self ­ supply of energy during the day.

The city council also

aims to build a green hydrogen refuelling station that will include its own system for the production and generation of clean energy for mobility.

The council’s project, HyVus, pursues the application of renewable hydrogen as a vector for the decarbonisation of large ­ scale heavy vehicle mobility. The project ranges from the generation of clean energy (photovoltaic) to the selfproduction and supply of hydrogen and the transformation of fleets for the traceability of green certificates of renewable origin.

HyVus has set itself the objective of positioning Alicante at the forefront of European cities with an innovative solution for its public transport, as well as the territory of the Valencian Community as a national reference in the roadmap of green hydrogen in Spain.

Fascinating sight

DISCOVER the cultures of Senegal through the eyes of photographer, filmmaker and Senegalese activist Ahmed Dame Ndiaye. His exhibition ­ Espejismos (Mirages) ­ is open to the public until January 8, 2023 at the Soler Blasco Archeological Museum (Plaça dels Germans Segarra 1, Javea).

While you are there, check out some of the other exhibits, such as a bronze replica of the famous Iberian ‘Treasure of Xàbia’ discovered in 1904, the original consisted of finely worked gold and silver pieces. There is also a fascinating underwater archaeology room with numer­

ous finds from the Javea coastline.

The museum is housed in one of the town’s most symbolic buildings, the Palace of Antonio Bañuls. The palace dates to the first half of the 17th century and its magnificent façade is made of the local ‘tosca’ stone. There are 13 exhibition rooms displaying remains from prehistory to medieval times.

During the winter, the museum is open from 10am to 1pm and from 5pm to 8pm and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10am to 1pm. Closed Mondays. More info at mvsev.xabia@ gmail.com.

Circus in town

THE art and colour of the circus go beyond language barriers. Add circus fun and excitement to the holiday season with ‘El Circo Encantado’ by El Circo Italiano. It was founded in 1958 by Claudio Rossi and is one of the most outstanding circuses in Europe.

Its shows are famous for using advanced technology: a raised stage, amazing sets, and an image projector bring the show into the 21st century. This troupe has been touring towns and cities all over Spain and

thrilling with its talent and creativity since 1980. The company transforms the usual atmosphere of the circus into a thrilling, fantastical world where nothing is as it seems. Around 100,000 spectators see this circus annually to rave reviews. The circus is already in town and will be here with one or two daily performances until Saturday, January 7 at Av Dr Rico, 21, 03005 Alicante. Prices start at €12. Tickets are available from https://www.elcircoencantado.com/gira.

Christmas Camp

CALPE’S education department has organised a Christmas Camp to keep the kids busy and help working parents during the holidays.

The traditional Christmas workshop is a brilliant place for children to get together and have fun in a safe space, happily occupied with activi­

ties such as games, art, music, drama, English and handicrafts. The registration period is open until Tuesday December 20 at the Punt Jove Calp in Plaza Constitución, or write to educa ción@ajcalp.es for more details.

The camp costs €32 per week and will take place in the Azorín school with two turns: from December 27 to 30 or from January 2 to 5 , both from 9am to 2pm.

A special appeal

THE Campello Christian Community, Life and Family Church became deeply involved in providing and delivering food to vulnerable people in El Campello and surrounding areas at the height of the Covid19 emergency situation.

The organisation has continued to provide the service beyond the pandemic and due to soaring energy bills and inflation, many people are finding it a struggle to survive, making this food bank a lifeline.

The organisers aim to provide basic foodstuffs, but with Christmas on the horizon they would like to be able to include some extras for these people in need.

If you would like to donate food or money to this worthy cause, please call or send a WhatsApp to Cesar Valle on 671

THE Valencian government has launched a campaign to urge young people to be careful with their digital information and ensure they know the dangers of technology and how to protect themselves. More than 250,000 cybercrimes are committed in Spain annually, and to demonstrate this, ExperinZ, a fake company published a prize draw on social networks, enticing youngsters to take part by offering them a free experience in the Va­

FOOD

157 811 for information. Likewise, if you are in desperate need of support, please call the same number for details.

Pastor Juan Zuñiga and his wife Patty of El Campello Christian Community Life and Family Church would like to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Read before accepting

lencia region. The prize draw was designed along the lines of typical contests on social networks. To take part they were asked for their Instagram accounts plus those of three friends and to accept some rules that contained a problematic clause. The clause said that ‘by accepting these terms and conditions of use, the

participant approves and allows the digital deletion of his/her Instagram account, as well as the accounts of the three users he/she has decided to tag’. The project, which urges young people to ‘read before accepting’ and ‘think before posting’, is complemented by a manual of good practices that young people can download.

BANK: Provides a lifeline for many.

Registering for Spanish Local Elections - A Simple Guide

WHO can vote in Spanish local elections?

NB. there is no automatic right to vote in Spanish local elections for non­Spanish residents. You need to register your intention.

EU citizens: Simply go to your local town hall with your passport and ask to register. You should be on the Padrón to do this. They will give you the form and do the registration on the spot.

Non­EU citizens: Only countries which have a reciprocal arrangement with Spain can stand and vote in Local Elections. IF you come from a country which has a reciprocal agreement with Spain for its citizens. These countries are currently: Bolivia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Korea, Ecuador, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago.

There are conditions:

1. You need to be on the Padrón (Municipal Register)

2. You must have had legal residence in Spain for at least three years

3. You need to complete the form to register on the voters’ roll (available at your Council Offices)

4. You need to register before January

15, 2023.

Remember to take your TIE/Residencia document, and your passport with you. If your TIE is Temporary ie for five years, please try to bring with you something that will demonstrate that you have been resident for at least three years: maybe a photocopy of your original Green Paper Residencia.

Forms can also be downloaded from my website, complete at home and taken to our local town hall for registration. https://billandersonmijas.es/vote­inspanish­local­elections/

You may receive an invitation to register from the Oficina del Censo Electoral. If you do, you can simply tick the ‘Yes’ box and post it back, Freepost.

If you don’t receive this, you must register in person at your local town hall. A form must be completed for each person who wishes to register.

You have the right to vote in these elections. Don’t let others decide who will spend your money from May 2023. Get registered and you make the decision.

The above information has been provided by Mijas councillor Bill Anderson.

CHRISTMAS is nearly here, but what are the chances of a white Christmas this year? And where are the coldest places in the country?

The first snow recently fell in several Spanish National Parks and mountainous regions, and experts

A White Christmas?

from Aemet weather agency announced on Thursday, December 8 that they believe snow could return to low altitudes this year.

Heavy rains across the country in recent days

could turn into frost in some areas of the country including the Pyrenees where temperatures are expected to drop to a cool ­ 6ºC to ­ 8ºC. Snow could then fall in inland regions

including Asturias, Palencia, northern Madrid, southern Cantabria, La Rioja, Huesca, Ávila, Cáceres, Navarra, and Lleida.

The coldest places in Spain have also been named and include La Torre de Capdella, in Lleida, Reinosa in Cantabria, Vega de Liordes in León, and Calamocha in Teruel. In Vega de Liordes, tem ­

peratures in the past have dropped to a staggering low of up to ­35.9ºC, while

the other towns have recorded lows colder than ­24ºC.

Quality of life

A SPANISH city has attracted global acclaim as it was named the world’s best city to live in for expats. The annual report revealed Valencia pipped Dubai and Mexico City to the post to take top place on the list.

The report was created by global expat network, InterNations and is based on several different indicators, including the quality of life, happiness of residents, beauty, and amount of green spaces. The platform selects and ranks the top 50 cities each year for foreigners to live or work in. Evidently, there is no shortage of

beautiful places in Spain, and this year’s list reflected that, with three Spanish cities making it to the top 20. Madrid came in at fifth place, while Barcelona was ranked the 14th best city in the world to live in. This year’s top 10 was made up by Dubai, Mexico City, Lisbon, Madrid, Bangkok, Basel, Melbourne, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore.

Interestingly, American cities did not make an appearance until the 12th position on the list with Miami, and no British cities made it to the top 20.

Betty Henderson

WHITE LANDSCAPE: Snow is already returning to mountainous regions of Spain, including Palencia.

Photo credit: Ana del Castillo / shutterstock.com

VALENCIA: The south-eastern Spanish city was named the best city in the world for expats to live and work.

Photo credit: Alexey Fedorenko / shutterstock.com

Humanitarian aid hoax Unconventional entry

A DRUG smuggling operation was busted by Spanish Guardia Civil officers with traffickers disguising marihuana as aid for Ukraine in an attempt to transport it around Europe. Police made various arrests in the Andalucia region after receiving a tip­off about Ukrainians storing marihuana in an apartment in Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol.

The discovery led to a string of international arrests including Ukrainian, Spanish, German and Moroccan nationals.

During Operation Marlin, police officers made 11 arrests for various crimes including drug trafficking, electricity misuse, possession of weapons and belonging to an organised criminal gang. They also seized more than 109kg of vacuum packaged marihuana at the address.

The operation had seen the gang package drugs in cardboard boxes and use vans registered in Ukraine to carry the drugs towards the north of the continent. The Ukrainian vans travelled in convoy, posing as aid workers carrying humanitarian supplies for Ukraine to avoid scrutiny at border controls.

A PARAGLIDER has perplexed authorities in Melilla after entering the Spanish enclave by air and seemingly disappearing. A person crossed the border fence between Morocco and the Spanish overseas territory by paragliding over it at the beginning of December.

By ­ standers saw the paraglider enter over a fence while driving on a ring road on the outskirts of Melilla in the evening at around 6.15pm and notified police. Melilla’s representative to the Spanish government released a statement saying, “Police

forces were immediately deployed to the area but were unable to locate the migrant.”

A short video was released on social media showing a paraglider with a white parachute crossing the two parallel border fences and apparently landing in a forested area nearby. The limited description means that police were unable to identify the migrant’s nationality.

If successful, the event would be the first time a migrant entered the territory using the unusual method of transport. Melilla has been at the centre of

migration controversy in recent years with the Spanish Foreign Ministry recording arrivals of at least 1,155 undocumented migrants between the start of the year and Saturday, October 15.

Challenge and contest Wills and acceptance and adjudication of Inheritance Deeds in Spain. Forced heirs. Inheritances of foreigners in Spain

OUR practice has been able to help numerous clients to successfully contest Wills in Spain, by establishing the invalidity of inheritance deeds signed here before a Spanish

notary. For a lawyer to determine whether it is legally possible to help a client to contest a Will or inheritance, the following is essential:

1 ­ Determine the law applicable to the succession or inheritance

Although it is intended to challenge or try to annul a Will or inheritance in Spain, it will not always be achieved based on Spanish law. Therefore, it is necessary to determine first, which is the law applicable to the succession, according to the European Regulation 650/2012. Depending on the applicable law, the grounds for challenge may be different.

Thus, for example, Spanish, French, Belgian law, provide for a series of compulsory and forced rights or hereditary reservation, in favour of children, spouses, etc. If these are not respected, the will and inheritance could be challenged and annulled. Other laws such as English, Scottish, provide certain rights for people who

are dependents of the deceased. German law provides for a right of credit in favour of certain relatives, who can in some cases, claim against the heirs.

In the case of Spaniards, it is simpler, but for the inheritances of foreigners in Spain, it is essential to determine if their national law or the law of their habitual residence will apply.

2 ­ Spanish law. Preterition of forced heirs

Spanish law states that the descendants of the deceased are entitled to 2/3rds of the assets of the inheritance. Ac­

cording to article 808 of the Civil Code (CC). If the will has not left sufficient provision in their favour, this omission, known as PRETERITION, may result in the total or partial nullity of the will.

3 ­ Possibility to Rescind and Cancel the inheritance deeds

In addition, in the event that an inheritance deed is signed, omitting the forced heirs, this notarial deed could even be terminated or declared null and void, according to article 1080 of the CC, if it could be shown that it had been signed in bad faith.

Conclusion:

If you wish to challenge, contest or annul a Will or an inheritance related to Spanish assets, and especially if the deceased was a foreigner (ie not Spanish), it is essential to

determine the law applicable to the succession and the possible reasons for challenge it.

Even if the inheritance deed had been signed before a Spanish notary, the nullity or resolution of the same could be requested, in some cases, such as the preterition of forced heirs or nullity of the Will due to lack of correct procedures.

If you want expert advice on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us. At White­Baos we are experts in court claims related to wills and inheritances. We will study your case and offer you expert advice.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, it merely conveys information related to legal issues.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) - White&Baos Tel: +34 966 426 185 • info@white-baos.com White & Baos 2022

All Rights Reserved.

Stretching streets

YOU may have noticed that Spain has some impressive Roman architecture, including a large network of long, straight roads. And a new online map launched on Wednesday, December 7 has shed some light on the country’s longest roads.

The longest road in Spain is not in fact in either of the largest cities, but in the Murcian town of Cartagena. Here the Gran Vía de La Manga del Mar Menor stretches to an impressive 19 kilometres. The lengthy road was actually constructed in the 1960s to link

up new developments at Cartagena with San Javier and at nearly 20 kilometres long, along a coastal peninsula, it is quite a feat of engineering. The second and third longest roads in the country are both located in Barcelona, the Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanas at 13 kilometres long, and Calle València. The northern city is known for its long streets and hosts 13 of the 20 longest streets in the country. However, Madrid does make fourth and fifth place on the list with its 10 kilometre long streets Calle Alcalá and Calle Azalea.

Property prospects

Betty Henderson

SWEEPING changes are expected in the Spanish property market in 2023 according to a new report. The report released by property portal, forecasts a good year for home buyers next year.

The report used data collected by the Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios, on a ‘Property barometer’, and predicts changes based on stabilising inflation, but expects the property sector will still be defined by the

ONE of Spain’s biggest political parties, the Partido Popular is embarking on a major marketing change as it looks to make changes to its image. New leader of the conservative party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo will drop the Spanish flag on the party’s marketing material.

The party announced the changes on Thursday, December 8 as it begins to streamline its image in the run­up to regional elections next May. New leader, Feijóo is attempting to distance the party

2023

prices are expected to fall after two consecutive years of rising. Another report by Bankinter forecasts gradual falls in property value of around 3 per cent in 2023. The adjustment could be triggered by lower household savings and higher mortgage costs.

be a better time

After a record year of property sales with 610,000 sales, numbers not seen since 2008, experts predict sales to fall by 13 per cent in 2023 before stabilising.

Branding break

from its past and restore electoral confidence after disastrous election results in recent years. The changes include removing the colours of the Spanish flag from the brand’s logo, a seagull, switching it to a more simple blue and white design, distancing the party from nationalism. The current design has been in place since the

party was led by Pablo Casado in 2003. The party will also drop the focus on the ‘popular’ term within its name, focusing instead on its initials ‘PP’ to stop the party being associated with populism.

Changes have already seen the party change its Twitter handle from @popu lares to @ppopular to highlight its initials.

global economic situation. The report highlights that

could

to buy property, as house

ACROSS EUROPE: Property sales and costs are set to fall slightly next year as inflation is stabilised.

Photo credit: No-Mad / shutterstock.com

EU travel requirements

Peter McLaren­Kennedy

ALL travellers to the EU from the UK will require to make use of the ETIAS authorisation system, which comes into force at the end of the year.

ETIAS is not a visa, but is rather more akin to the American system, but an electronic system that will allow Schengen member countries to better control movement in and out of the EU.

The system is being introduced primarily to allow the EU to better control its borders, but will also bring about the consistent application of the rules:

• Reduce procedures and application times

• Improve the management of EU country borders

• Assist in detecting and decreasing crime and terrorism

• Impede irregular migration

• Reinforce the visa liberalisation policy of the EU

But most of all the EU believes that the new system will make travelling to the EU less of a hassle and a much safer experience for everyone.

ETIAS Requirements for UK Citizens

Currently UK citizens do not require any prior approval or visa to visit the EU, however, ETIAS changes that with a quick application required prior to travel. The application will take only a few minutes to complete, will cost the equivalent of €7.00 and will be valid for three years.

The fee will only apply to those aged between 18 and 70.

Duration of stay and moving around Europe

The ETIAS system does not change the current policy that restricts the visit of non­EU residents to 90 days in any 180­day period.

Once approval has been given you will be free to enter and move

around Europe for business, tourism and medical reasons. It will also allow you to use Europe for transit whilst travelling.

Please note it does not give you the right to work, to live or to overstay the 90 days.

If you do overstay you could be fined, deported or refused entry in the future even if you broke the law

unintentionally.

Applying for an

ETIAS?

You will need to visit the official website or make use of the mobile application once it becomes available. There you will you need to complete the application, which asks for basic information such as name, address and passport details.

The process, which should take less than 10 minutes to complete, should result in your receiving authority to enter the EU within a few minutes of submitting your application.

Please remember that your application could be denied if you have a criminal record, pose a danger to society, have provided fraudulent information or pose a threat.

Entering the EU

As before you will need to be able to show a valid passport on entry (issue for no more than 10 years and have three months remaining at the time of your intended departure) and your ETIAS authorisation.

You may also be asked why you are travelling to the EU and whether you have the financial means to support yourself.

BORDER CONTROL: New system will allow better control of movement in and out of the EU.

Border Force strike

PCS, the Public and Commercial Services Union, said on Wednesday, December 7 that staff will strike for eight says starting on December 23 and finishing on New Year’s Eve.

All airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham will be affected, effectively bringing to a halt immigration and passport checks.

Border Force staff join other PCS members from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Highways Agency and others in downing tools over the Christmas period.

Mark Serwotka, the union’s General Secretary warned the strikes could “escalate” unless the government came to the party, adding that there was a prospect of coordination of unions representing Border Force staff.

It is estimated around 1,00 staff will be involved in the strike, however, that number could increase significantly should other unions join the strike.

The Border Force strike is not expected to result in the closure of airports but could result in significant delays for passengers, should its go­ahead.

Talented actress tributes

HI-DE-HI star Ruth Madoc has died upon being hospitalised last week after a fall that resulted in her requiring surgery. The star was in Torquay starring in a pantomime at the time of the accident.

Her death was confirmed by her agent on Saturday, December 10.

In Torquay to perform in a Christmas pantomime version of Aladdin the former Hi­de­Hi! star had been forced to quit the show after her fall.

The talented actress was best known for her role as Gladys Pugh in the 80’s holiday camp sitcom, but as her agent Phil Belfield of Belfield & Ward

Ltd said, she was “one of a kind and a unique talent loved by many. It is with much sadness that we have to announce the death of our dear and much loved client Ruth Madoc.

“Ruth passed away on Friday December 9 while in hospital following surgery for a fall she had earlier in the week, which led to her withdrawing from panto in Torquay.

“Thoughts are with her daughter Lowri, her son Rhys and all of her family.”

The Hi­de­Hi actress will be long remembered not only for her iconic role in the series, but also for her film and many stage appearances.

Tattoo damage

A WOMAN of Jamaican heritage who is now resident in Belfast in Ireland, has lost her sight after having the whites of her eyes coloured in by a tattoo artist.

Despite having issues when the first eye was tattooed, a local news site said on Saturday, December 10 that she went ahead and had the second coloured.

Thirty ­ two ­ year ­ old Anaya Peterson is a big fan of body modifications but this time it has gone badly wrong. She had her first eye done in July 2020 and despite some complications went ahead with the second one some five

months later.

Satisfied with the handy work she was appalled to find some months later that her eyes began to swell and she started to lose her vision. A visit to the doctor confirmed her worst fears, that she would need an operation to save her sight.

She has now been diagnosed as having a high risk of developing glaucoma, current and progressive vision loss.

The tattooing of her eyeballs is irreversible as is the damage, which means that she will be blind in 30 to 40 years if not sooner.

Ruth Madoc.

Credit Talent Agent Belfiedl and Ward Ltd

Preparing for war Zest for speed kills

A MILLIONAIRE , the founder of Maximuscle, with a zest for speed was killed trying to prove to the world that he had created the fastest Porsche

motorcar.

A coroner in York (England) recorded a conclusion of misadventure on Friday, December 9 saying that Zef Eisenberg, 47, had

died after taking his hand off the steering wheel to deploy the car’s parachute.

Attempting to record the highest speed over a mile, Eisenberg took one hand off the wheel resulting in him losing control of the car. According to those who saw the accident, the car took off “barrelling, rolling and spinning” before coming to a stop some 500 yards down the road. He was travelling at 244 mph at the time.

A spokesperson for Motorsport UK, Jamie Champkin, said that Eisenberg could not have survived given the forces involved in the crash. He said: “The car became airborne very quickly, it travelled 513 metres before coming to a rest.”

The crash is not the first with Eisenberg having survived a high speed motorcycle crash at the same venue that resulted in him having to learn to walk again.

THE army in the UK is preparing to ‘go to war’ as strikes look set to bring large parts of the country to a standstill over Christmas.

Troops are believed to have begun training on Friday, December 9 at Gatwick and Heathrow airports as the Border Force Agency prepares for the strike set to take place from December 23.

With more than 75 per cent of the force due to walk out along with ambulance drivers and support staff, some 600 military personnel are foregoing Christmas to step into the breach.

A further 700 civil servants are said to also be in training to fulfil a variety of roles that will keep essential services running at a very busy time of year.

Speaking to troops at an RAF base Prime Minister Rishi Sunak thanked military personnel for stepping in and missing their Christmas.

As the UK prepares to ‘go to war’ unions confirm that rail workers, bus staff, roads staff, baggage handlers, Royal Mail employees, nurses, driving examiners, civil servants, ambulance staff and teachers will all strike at one time or another over the festive season.

easyJet autumn 2023

EASYJET, Europe’s leading airline, announced on Wednesday, December 7, that its flights for autumn 2023 were now on sale and available to book. Seats across tens of thousands of easyJet flights between October 1 and November 30, 2023 are available.

Dates including October half term are now available to book at low fares across the entire European network, at easyJet.com and via the Mobile App.

easyJet serves 21 UK airports, offering over 463 routes to over 120 destinations from the UK to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa with low fares available to book now.

ZEF EISENBERG: Maximuscle founder killed trying to prove he’d created the fastest Porsche.

Zefg Eisenberg - Twitter @BionicRoboRia

IN a hearing at the Old Bailey, the American woman who admitted to killing 19year ­ old Harry Dunn by careless driving outside a US military base in Northamptonshire in August 2019 avoided jail.

A judge handed Anne

Sacoolas an eight ­ month suspended sentence, which means she will not go to prison.

Sacoolas admitted that her vehicle struck the young man’s motorcycle while driving on the wrong side of the road. She plead­

THE UK’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is talking tough, promising to introduce tough new laws to put an end to what he called “unreasonable” union strikes and walkouts.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, December 7 said: “If union leaders continue to be unreasonable, then it’s my duty to take action to protect the lives and livelihoods of the British public.”

The statement came after Border Force staff announced that they would take industrial action over Christmas in a dispute over pay and working conditions.Downing Street has spoken of minimum service level restrictions being introduced, such as they have in Spain, but despite saying speed and urgency was critical no legislation has been forthcoming. Furthermore, there has been no in­

MPs have told parliament that BP should donate its ‘wartime profits’ to Ukraine of face a special windfall tax.

MPs from both sides of the house also told the government during a debate to put pressure on the government to force BP to leave Russia altogether.

BP has a 19.75 per cent stake in Rosneft, one of Russia’s largest and most important oil producers. The company had said that

Scot free

ed guilty to causing Harry Dunn’s death by careless driving. Her two young chil­

Tough laws

dication of what the legislation might look like, making it unlikely that it will be tabled before the Christmas holiday season.

With the “right to strike is a fundamental British liberty” former ministers have said that this is an area fraught with difficulties, complications and sensitivities. Frances O’Grady, General Secretary for the TUC, said that the government wants to make it harder for working people to win better pay and conditions.

BP warning

it would divest of its interests in Russia soon after the invasion of Ukraine, however, it has so far not reduced its interests in the country.

The debate took place after Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge raised an urgent question on the matter. Opening the debate she said: “It is utterly

shameful that a large, publicly listed British company profits from the sale of oil that is funding Putin’s war.

“BP must either voluntarily donate the entirety of its Russian dividends to the reconstruction of Ukraine, or the government must take action to force them to do so.”

dren were in the back of her car at the time of the incident three years ago.

Following the crash in Northamptonshire, Sacoolas was granted diplo­

matic immunity due to her work with the US intelligence agencies. Originally, she had claimed her husband was a diplomat, but her real occupation was later revealed.

Police investigators questioned her after Sacoolas returned to America. During the interview, she allegedly said that as he lay

dying, Mr Dunn asked her for help and ‘made a comment that he was driving on his side of the road’.

“It was when I got my kids to the side of the road that I realised what happened. It wasn’t until that point that I realised that I had driven on the American side of the road versus the UK side,” she continued.

Fun run

THE fifth San Silvestre fun run, a non­com petitive race, will take place on Sunday, De cember 18 at 7pm in La Villajoyoso. The family race will be held to promote family sports and will run through the centre of town, starting and finishing in Calle Colón, in front of the Tourist office in the Xalet Centella.

To fill the event with Christmas cheer, the streets will be full of music, coloured lights and decorations to make it a festive occasion. There will be prizes for the oldest runner, the best individual costume and the best group costume.

If you would like to take part, registration is free of charge at the Marta Baldó sports centre office before Thursday December 15. For more information, call 966 508 460 from 9am

The streets will be full of music.

to 2pm and from 5.30pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Language exchange

ARE you struggling to learn the lingo? Do you need to practise your Spanish?

The best way to learn is to practise with native speakers who in turn can practise their English with

you.

With free entry there is no excuse not to join the international community for a Language Exchange, Intercambio de Idiomas, on Tuesday evenings at

7.00pm at the Robin’s Irish Pub on Calle Virgen del Socorro, 66, 03002 in Alicante.

For more information pop in to the bar or call (+34) 632 777 678.

• December 15, 6pm, Christmas Carols, Brew Rock

• December 16, 4pm, DJ Mitchell Verberne, SAGA, Moraira

• December 16, 7pm, Pre-Christmas Dinner, Stray Sod Irish Bar, Centro Commercial La Fuente

• December 17, 7pm, Christmas Party, El Castillo

• December 19,20 and 21, 5.30pm, Cookie decorating for kids, House of Culture, L’Alfas

• December 23, 1pm, Christmas buffet and acts, Jax, Albir

• December 31, Stevie Spit, Welcome to 2023, The Picton House

NO-MAD, a success

About the owner

NO-MAD’S owner and manager Mike Munier is from Purmerend in the Netherlands. He has just turned 30, but already has enormous experience in the hospitality industry. Mike had his first taste of the catering sector while working at Zero Zero Altea aged 21, spending the summer season in the resort and staying at his parent’s apartment. For several years he travelled back and forth between the Netherlands and Albir, working in Spain and the Netherlands, and combining his studies with working in management and hospitality. All this has given him the skills and vision he needs to manage a staff of 10 and offer high ­ quality food and service.

Mike chose to open his great venture in Albir, attracted by the lively yearround atmosphere and based on all the good times he has enjoyed in the area. All he needed was the perfect location to make his dream of owning a restaurant come true, and it didn’t take long for him to find what he was looking for in Avenida del Albir, 20. Fast forward to 2022 and this ambitious young restaurateur has completely renovated and upgraded the premises, taking over the adjoining restaurant to add more outdoor space and decorating everything to the highest standards. There are now 130 seats outside in the upper and lower terraces as well as a sunny, glazed indoor area. The kitchen has been extended and glazed screens, a canvas awning and plenty of space heaters make dining outside a pleasant experi ence for most of the year.

Big screen

Mike is especially proud of the enor mous 320 x 180 cm screen installed on the wall of the lower terrace, which has to be the best place in Albir to watch the Formula One races, the World Cup, the Champion’s League and the European Cup while enjoying some tapas and drinks or a meal. If you’ve been looking for somewhere to meet your friends and watch the football, all the matches are on at No ­ Mad until Saturday December 18.

s story in Albir

is a top choice for lovers of contemporary international cuisine in of regional wines, served by a cheerful, obliging young team, and ing, noon or night.

The menu

With an international menu featuring dishes to please everyone, No­Mad, a stylishly decorated restaurant with a laid­back atmosphere, is popular with locals and holidaymakers of all nationalities. With a chic décor enhanced by tropical plants, trendy furniture and clever lighting, No­Mad is a pleasant place to be at any time of day.

Join the locals who pop in to start the day with a coffee and a bite from a short but tempting breakfast menu. A selection of dishes are available from 10.00 to 12.00 and includes favourites like Granola mix with yoghurt and berries and toast topped with everything from traditional tomato to guacamole and serrano ham and fried eggs with sausage. Later in the day, indulge in a delicious sandwich (don’t miss the Holy Cow Baguette with roast beef, poached pear and parmesan or the chicken BLT) and a smoothie.

Lunch can be as light and casual or indulgent as you like. No­Mad’s starters include classics like tomato soup for vegetarians and Thai soup with prawns, chicken and mushroom and mussels with ginger, coriander and coconut milk. There are also chicken, tuna, salmon and falafel poke bowls as well as a selection of salads, including the ever­popular Caesar, goat cheese, smoked salmon varieties.

As evening falls, the atmosphere is refined, with diners enjoying traditional cocktails and the restaurant’s signature meat. Treat yourself to a Black Angus entrecote or some succulent chicken sate. You won’t be disappointed. The fish dishes on the menu are all served with fresh vegetables and include grilled Norwegian salmon and sole a la Meunière. During the winter months, the kitchen tends to close fairly early, at around 9.30, but during the summer, food is served until later. Mike stresses that this is a restaurant rather than a bar.

For those of you with a sweet tooth there are wonders like cheesecake with berries, Dutch apple pie, Dame Blanch and dark chocolate coolant with white chocolate syrup and ice cream.

The restaurant also offers a takeaway service. Just call your order in in advance and pick up your delicious food to enjoy at home.

Treat yourself to the Christmas Menu at NO-MAD

No­Mad is looking forward to Christmas with its friends and clients before it closes for a few days for some final upgrades to the facilities.

FESTIVE OPENING TIMES

December 24: open from 10.00 to 16.00. Music with Mei de la Cruz from 13.30 to 15.30.

December 25: open from 12 noon. Available menu and lunch menu. From 17.00 menu only. Music with Mei de la Cruz from 13.30pm to 15.30pm.

December 26: open from 10.00. Full and Christmas menu.

December 31: open from 10.00. to 16.00.

January 1: Open from 12 noon

Mike has put together a Christmas Menu featuring some special dishes which you can order on December 24 until the restaurant closes at 16.00. It will be open all day on Christmas Day with a full menu until 17.00 and the Christmas Menu only for the rest of the day. The Christmas Menu is as follows: start with a glass of cava and then enjoy bread with aioli and tomato, vegetable cream soup with crunchy ham and a selection of cured meats and red shrimp. Choose between lamb chops with garnish or grilled turbot for your main course and finish with an assortment of turron sweets and Dutch apple pie with ice cream and whipped cream for €59.

There will be live music (chill­out, background music) courtesy of Mei de la Cruz from 13.30 to 15.30 on both days.

On December 31 the restaurant will close at 16.00 and will open again at 12.00 on January 1.

Mike and his team look forward to welcoming you to No­Mad at Avenida del Albir 20. For more info and reservations call 865 815 832.

Patient sabotage

AN elderly German woman has been arrested after she repeatedly switched off her roommate’s ventilator because the sounds it made annoyed her. The 72­year­old is being held on attempted manslaughter charges after being arrested on Tuesday, November 29.

In the alarming incident, the woman reportedly switched off the neighbouring patient’s ventilator after becoming annoyed by the sound that it made at a hospital in Baden­Württemberg, near Mannheim.

Although staff explained that the machine was vital for the other patient’s survival,

she proceeded to switch it off for a second time the same evening. The other patient, a 79­year­old woman survived the ordeal but had to be revived by staff.

Police in Mannheim released a preliminary report saying the woman “felt disturbed by the sounds coming from the oxygen device,” which resulted in her switching it off at around 8pm. After being warned about the dangers by hospital staff, she switched off the ventilator for a second time at around 9pm.

The woman is being held in prison while investigations into the matter continue.

Price breakthrough China threat

AN agreement with Poland is set to end days of deadlock between EU countries over a price cap on Russian oil. EU members are seeking to cut Russian profits from the oil industry by using alternative sources and through measures including a price cap.

EU members agreed to a price cap of $60 per barrel on Friday, December 2 after Poland gave its support to the measure. Polish ambassadors to the EU wanted the price cap to be as low as possible, and were conducting research into

applying a price cap at 5 per cent below market value.

The EU price cap comes into effect this week, but will be reviewed in January and every other month afterwards.

However, the move has been called futile by thinktank CSIS since a price cap of $60 is higher than cur ­

rent Russian oil prices of $52 per barrel. Oil industry experts estimate that Russia makes a profit of around $40 to $50 per barrel of oil, and the creation of an embargo could hit the Russian economy hard.

Other international groups including the G7 are creating their own embargo conditions.

Hero’s welcome

THERE has been global recognition for Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky as he became the latest Person of the Year in Time Magazine Announcing the decision on Wednesday, December 7, the American publication praised his courage in leading his country’s resistance to Russian invasion.

Each year, the magazine makes its selection of a person thought to have had the greatest influence on the world during the past 12 months. Zelensky joins notable past recipients of the title including Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, and Winston Churchill.

Zelensky was selected for this year’s title thanks

to his determination to stay and fight, rallying Ukrainians to remain steadfast in the face of the Russian invasion.

Time Magazine highlighted his decision to turn down evacuation offers, calling it “fateful”.

The ‘Spirit of Ukraine’ was also named in the title, which editors described as being the Ukrainians who have “fought behind the scenes” since the April invasion.

Time Magazine’s editor, Edward Felsenthal, described this year’s choice as “the most clear ­ cut in memory.”

Other finalists this year included the US Supreme Court, Iranian protestors, and the Chinese President, Xi Jinping.

ITALY is home to the greatest number of unofficial Chinese ‘police stations’ in Europe according to a new report by Safeguard Defenders, a Spanish civil rights organisation. The report, released on Monday, December 5, found 11 police outposts have been established in Italy.

European commentators believe that the police outposts are used by Chinese authorities to monitor Chinese nationals living abroad and sometimes take action to silence dissidents or deport them to China.

The 11 stations in Italy are located in cities including Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Sicily. The human rights group says they have proof of harassment and intimidation, including a factory worker who was returned from Italy to China after 13 years of residency, who has since disappeared.

An earlier report by Safeguard Defenders identified 54 such police outposts, but its latest report alleges to have found a further 48 stations. After the initial report, more than 12 countries launched investigations into the stations.

Meanwhile, China dismissed the findings saying the network are ‘service stations’ which assist Chinese citizens abroad with paperwork and other residency matters.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Museum first

THE Workers Museum in Copenhagen which has been documenting working conditions of Danish employees over the past 150 years is the first Danish museum to ever be awarded The Council of Europe Museum Prize for its chronicling of the development of the Danish labour movement.

THE NETHERLANDS

Crafty idea

IN order to meet Dutch requirements to reduce the amount of nitrogen emissions at Schiphol airport and to do this without reducing the number of flights taking off and landing, the owners have purchased several local cattle farms which will be closed and cows removed.

BELGIUM

Nouveau decree

IN order to ensure that tourists are able to take photographs of heritage buildings during 2023 which has been declared Brussels Art Nouveau Year, no vehicle will be allowed to park in front of any of the nominated buildings in the capital.

GERMANY

Sweet Santa

WITH the celebration of St Nicholas in Germany on December 6, chocolate manufacturers had been working flat out to produce chocolates and miniature Santas with a total of 169 million going on sale (5.6 per cent up on 2021) according to manufacturers association BDSI.

FRANCE

Emily in Paris

HUGELY successful Netflix series Emily in Paris returns for a third series and Lily Collins, daughter of musician Phil Collins travelled to Paris to join other cast members for the unveiling of the series which is due to hit screens worldwide from December 21.

NORWAY

Big Brother

IN order to combat the threat of terrorism, the Norwegian government will allow the police intelligence agency PST to store all comments written on public platforms such as social media for at least five years even though this has attracted considerable criticism from human rights groups.

FINLAND

Independence Day

FOR the first time since 2019, Finns were able to gather to celebrate Finland’s Independence Day on December 6, although events were smaller than usual in order to try to ensure that there was no sudden increase in the number of cases of Covid-19.

IRELAND

Special honour

IRISH rock band U2 were invited to Washington DC on December 4 to receive an award from the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for lifetime artistic achievements and although Bono was almost unrecognisable, the Edge wore his trademark beanie hat.

ITALY

Xmas favourite

FOR the first time, Rome has been named as the number one European city that travellers from the UK want to visit over the Christmas season according to The Mirror reporting a survey conducted by easyJet airline thanks to the religious events, street lights and romance.

PORTUGAL

Not feasible

PLANS for the construction of a revolutionary naval platform which would be almost completely unmanned but using AI and robots to launch drones, submarines and missiles have fallen flat as despite a €100 million budget, no company has been able to offer a viable proposal.

UKRAINE

Goose cooked

POACHERS in the UK in the Middle Ages received some very drastic punishments but a video on social media showing Russian troops shooting geese for their meal also shows the Ukrainian response which involved heavy shelling of the house that the Russians were occupying.

SWEDEN

EU Presidency

MOST countries are pleased to have the opportunity to act as EU president for six months and try to promote their concerns, but when Sweden takes over on January 1, it is more likely to have to be a mediator whilst the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues.

Travelling over Christmas: How to pack

THE holiday period is nearly upon us, and what better time to travel to be with family or friends. But Christmas can be tricky to pack for, as bulky jumpers, Christmas presents and big coats seem to become mountains in your suitcase. But all is not lost! There are still some packing tips and tricks that can save you space and time.

First things first, make a packing list. This can seem tedious, but it can help to prevent any last minute stress later on. Think about your destination and how long you are staying to avoid bringing too much!

Secondly, roll your clothes. It might seem more logical to fold your clothes, but rolling can reduce their size for tshirts, trousers, skirts and light jumpers. However, for bigger jumpers and delicate items, folding is a better option.

Dress smart. If you have to take a flight to your Christmas destination, it could be

Rolling your clothes in your suitcase can save space, leaving you free to bring even more things.

useful to wear your heaviest coat instead of trying to squeeze it into a suitcase. Choose Christmas presents wisely. If you have to travel, consider giving your loved ones tickets for a show, vouchers or ordering your gifts directly to your destination to avoid having to carry too many things.

How to reduce stress as a host over the holiday

THE Christmas period is one of the most exciting times to show off your hosting skills, surrounded by people you love. But if you’re feeling the pressure of hosting, we have just the thing for you. Here we share some top tips and tricks from seasoned hosts to help you to reduce festive stress.

Make a plan

This will help to ensure nothing gets forgotten. Your plan doesn’t

The best plants to decorate your home

THE most magical time of year is nearly here, and that means it’s time to bring some festive cheer into your home. With just two weeks to go until Christmas, we share some merry and bright Christmas plants which will dazzle in your home!

Poinsettia

This vibrant Christmas plant is hugely popular in Spain during the festive period, and for good reason! Poinsettia, which hails from Central America, is easy to care for and is a jolly addition to any space over Christmas.

Holly

Another Christmas classic, holly is the perfect feature in a wreath or any other kind of festive flower arrangement. The English variety is the most popular Christmas choice with bright red berries and rich green leaves.

Mistletoe

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bunch of mistletoe! Aside from the tradition which called for a kiss for every berry picked, this plant brings a unique festive touch into your home with its unusual bright green leaves and snowwhite berries.

Amaryllis

This exotic-looking plant is bound to impress your guests over the holiday season. The flowers need lots of light to bloom, but when they do, their beautiful petals will steal the show in any flower arrange ment!

need to be precise, but if you have a general idea about timings, it can help to keep everything on track.

Create a budget

One of the most stressful things about a party can be the financial burden. Your party doesn’t need to blow the bank, instead take advantage of supplies you already have, garden foliage for decorations, and borrow cutlery and crockery from friends.

Ask for and accept help

Hosting a Christmas party or dinner can be a stressful experience. Guests don’t want to see you stressed, so ask for help when you need it. Draw on your friends’ skills and your party will

Photo credit: Boyloso / shutterstock.com

HAVE you ever wondered the top Christmas songs of all time? Today we bring you five Christmas favourites so you can crank up the volume and soak up the festive spirit!

1. ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey

This 1994 upbeat Christmas tune has rapidly become a staple on every festive playlist. The song has topped charts for the last three years, proving its enduring popularity.

2. ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham!

This 1984 classic tells the heart-wrenching story of an unrequited love at Christmas time, with an epic 80s music video to go with it, full of jazzy knitwear.

3. ‘Fairytale of New York’ by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl

This folk ballad has also become a Christmas staple. The song covers despair, hope, heartbreak, and love in a four minute emotional rollercoaster.

ONE of the most exciting things about Christmas is all of the tantalising smells wafting around, conjuring up the warm fuzzy Christmas feeling. But how can you make your home also smell as festive as it looks?

Today we’re sharing some of our favourite tips on how you can make your home smell

Tips and tricks to make the perfect festive wreath

A CHRISTMAS wreath is the ultimate symbol of the festive season, welcoming Christmas into your home from the front door. And making your own wreath is easier than you think! Here we share some top tips on how you can make the perfect wreath for your home.

Use a frame

Expert wreath makers and florists can fashion a wreath out of just about any foliage. But if it’s your first time or you don’t have so much time, using a frame can help to give your wreath some structure and keep it neat.

Create a theme

‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band Aid

4.

This magical Christmas tune from Bob Geldof and Midge Ure’s charity campaign to fight famine in Ethiopia rapidly rose through the charts and remains popular today.

mas’

by Bing Crosby

Five top festive songs of all time Make your home smell like Xmas

like Christmas.

Christmas candles or diffusers

One of the simplest ways to make your home smell like Christmas is by lighting a festive-themed candle. There are so many candle choices, especially at Christmas, so choose a scent that smells like Christmas to you. Some favourite fes-

This 1942 classic is also the bestselling record of all time. The more traditional Christmas tune evokes beautiful memories of a winter wonderland and has certainly passed the test of time.

tive scents include pine, cinnamon, fresh vanilla, or nutmeg.

Stovetop potpourri Add oranges, cloves, cinnamon sticks, pine needles, ginger, or whatever festive scents you have around the home to a pot of water. Allow it to simmer and the festive scents to permeate through your home.

Christmas baking

Another guaranteed way to make your home smell great over Christmas is to try your hand at some baking. Whether it’s cookies, gingerbread men or any other festive baked goods, baking brings an amazing scent to your home, and a delicious treat to munch on afterwards!

Before you get to work, decide on a theme for your wreath. Then, get outside and start collecting materials like pine cones, moss, small branches, and holly leaves. Collect more than you think you will need, so you have plenty of choice later on.

Add embellishments

While simple, natural wreaths have their own beauty, adding some light decorations to your wreath can be a classy touch. Red ribbons are a great idea if you have any red festive foliage in your wreath. Other embellishments such as pine cones, cinnamon sticks or baubles can also look fabulous on your wreath.

Photo credit: Ralf Liebhold / shutterstock.com

Wham!’s 1984 classic is a mustlisten to put you in the festive spirit.

BUSINESS EXTRA Price pledge FINANCE

Gloompig

GREETINGS CARD supplier Moonpig which allows people to order cards online which are then dispatched by post, often from Guernsey, is having to reduce its 2023 sales forecast down by £30 million to £320 million due to the cost­of­living crisis and Royal Mail strike.

Foreign workers

ALTHOUGH Spain continues to have significant numbers of unemployed, there are still shortages of skilled workers in some industrial sectors so, in a change of government policy, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, José Luis Escrivá has said that employers may recruit from abroad.

Merchant bankers

FLEXING its post Brexit muscles the UK government is rescinding many of the restrictions introduced through the EU following the banking crash of 2008 in order to allow Britain’s financial market to be more competitive and banker’s bonuses are now uncapped as an added incentive.

El Gordo

THIS year’s El Gordo Christmas lottery in Spain will have more numbers than last year with 180 distributed throughout Spain rather than last year’s 172 and according to one mathematician quoted in Espansion.com, chances of winning the top prize are one in 100,000.

Coal power

WITH the current very cold weather in the UK, demand for electricity has increased dramatically and in case it is greater than available supply, the National Grid has instructed power station operator Drax to put two coal fired plants on standby.

STAT OF WEEK €2.85 billion

UK mortgage support

THE UK government turned to Martin Lewis for advice as he was invited to a high ­ level meeting which included major mortgage lenders and the Financial Conduct Authority on December 7.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt is obviously very worried about the impact that the cost­of­living crisis and subsequent increase in base rates by the Bank of England will have on consumers, especially those with mortgages.

Generally speaking, for home owners, their largest monthly outlay involves repayment of mortgages and any increase coupled with the inexorable rise in the price of energy could potentially be crippling for the average family.

At the meeting, lenders committed to help all their customers by:

a) enabling customers who are up­to­date with payments to switch to a new competitive, mortgage deal without another affordability test.

b) providing well­timed information to help customers plan ahead should their current rate

be due to end.

c) offering tailored support to those who start to struggle with payments which will vary by lender, but may include extending the term of the mortgage to make monthly payments lower, a short­term reduction in monthly payments or accepting interestonly payments for a period where appropriate.

d) ensuring highly trained and experienced staff are on hand to help where needed.

The government said that it would make support for mortgage interest easier to access and those receiving universal credit may be able to receive help with their mortgage interest payments after three months.

Mortgage lenders, the FCA and the government will continue working closely together to ensure that the mortgage market works well for all homeowners, in particular those facing financial difficulty.

Wholesale digital currency

THE Bank of Spain is considering the launch of digital currency and has invited involvement in a feasibility study by financial institutions and technology solution providers.

Since before the pandemic, the Governor of the Bank has warned individual investors of the danger of investing in cryptocurrency and whilst some made significant fortunes, especially when profits were untaxed, others have made considerable losses.

The bank does however recognise that there may be a distinct advantage for a Central Bank to be able to make digital transfers of its own created currency.

It has decided, separate to any research being undertaken by the European Central Bank for the creation of a digital euro, that it wants to investigate the possibility of improving the efficiency, speed and security of whole­

sale transactions using its own digital currency.

In addition, this study can help quantify to what extent Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDCs) can contribute to adapting these channels to the needs and demands of a

growing digital society.

This study is therefore focused on three main areas: (i) simulating transactions involving CBDCs funds transfers; (ii) trialling the integration of a CBDC with the settlement of financial assets; and, in addition, (iii) analysing the potential advantages and disadvantages of a CBDC vis­a­vis traditional processes, procedures and infrastructures.

Those organisations who wish to cooperate with the Bank will have until January 31, 2023 to submit their proposals and apart from being able to show their ability to take part, must also agree to treat all of their work as completely confidential.

SPEAKING at a PSOE rally in Barcelona on Sunday December 11, where he was supporting the candidature of Jaume Collboni in next year’s Barcelona City elections, Presidenr Pedro Sánchez made one important pledge.

He said that he plans in 2023 to combat the real consequences of the war in Ukraine as they affect the ordinary people of Spain and one area that he intends to concentrate on is ways in which to combat the rise in food prices.

He said, “At the end of this year, when we approve the new aid package for people, the middle class and workers, we are going to incorporate mechanisms to contain the evolution of food prices.”

Santander fined

ON December 9, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced it has fined Santander UK Plc (Santander) £107,793,300 after it found serious and persistent gaps in its anti­money laundering (AML) controls, affecting its Business Banking customers.

It explained that between December 31, 2012 and October 18, 2017, Santander failed to properly oversee and manage its AML systems, which significantly impacted the account oversight of more than 560,000 business customers.

Santander had ineffective systems to adequately verify information provided by customers about the business they would be doing.

Ukraine aid

WITH Hungary consistently vetoing plans for the European Union to give financial support to Ukraine the other members had to be creative in pushing through this aid.

On Saturday December 10, it was agreed that aid amounting to €18 billion would be given to Ukraine during 2023 by circumventing the need for the funds to be guaranteed by the EU as each of the 26 states would give their own individual guarantees.

This has all come about because the EU won’t approve Hungary’s recovery plan and has threatened to freeze €7.5 billion that Hungary needs if it doesn’t rescind some of its allegedly undemocratic internal decisions.

is the cost to be shared by the European Union, France, Portugal and Spain to create the green hydrogen corridor (H2MED) which will eventually supply 10 per cent of the EU’s hydrogen needs.

COST-OF-LIVING: Martin Lewis offered his advice.

Digital currency attracts Bank of Spain.

3I Group 1.338,00 1.348,00 1.330,00 244,57K

Abrdn 186,00 193,30 185,88 408,77K

Admiral Group 1.994,0 2.004,0 1.975,0 72,87K

Anglo American 3.238,5 3.346,5 3.238,0 609,65K

Antofagasta 1.434,00 1.460,50 1.429,00 114,49K

Ashtead Group 4.916,0 4.971,0 4.915,0 65,97K

Associated British Foods 1.644,0 1.658,5 1.637,0 258,32K

AstraZeneca 11.346,0 11.388,0 11.266,0 212,78K

Auto Trader Group Plc 563,00 563,40 557,20 390,73K

Aveva 3.200,0 3.204,0 3.199,0 57,39K

Aviva 443,60 446,30 443,00 634,73K

B&M European Value Retail SA408,00 411,50 406,50 705,07K

BAE Systems 823,20 832,40 820,00 695,01K

Barclays 157,50 158,20 156,64 3,88M

Barratt Developments 406,70 408,50 403,60 613,04K

Berkeley 3.807,5 3.841,0 3.782,0 52,75K

BHP Group Ltd 2.612,00 2.626,50 2.596,00 282,84K

BP 456,95 463,45 455,05 9,76M

British American Tobacco 3.288,5 3.334,0 3.284,0 526,07K

British Land Company 395,60 398,90 393,70 366,76K

BT Group 113,00 113,80 112,50 2,88M

Bunzl 3.014,0 3.025,0 2.985,0 54,08K

Burberry Group 2.142,0 2.147,0 2.120,0 93,57K

Carnival 659,3 661,0 651,6 54,82K

Centrica 92,02 93,46 91,96 1,81M

Coca Cola HBC AG 1.986,5 1.993,5 1.970,5 51,53K

Compass 1.914,00 1.925,00 1.900,00 379,94K

CRH 3.232,0 3.245,0 3.207,0 176,02K

Croda Intl 6.830,0 6.838,0 6.722,0 3,68K

DCC 4.291,0 4.313,0 4.246,0 58,95K

Diageo 3.754,5 3.781,5 3.729,0 535,40K

DS Smith 325,30 327,30 313,00 1,43M

EasyJet 377,30 380,70 376,60 318,56K

Experian 2.914,0 2.926,0 2.881,0 100,37K

Ferguson 10.300,0 10.320,0 10.165,0 4,63K

Flutter Entertainment 11.985,0 12.055,0 11.950,0 29,76K

Fresnillo 864,80 893,00 860,20 130,14K

Glencore 542,20 556,00 539,80 8,43M

GSK plc 1.462,40 1.484,20 1.456,40 989,95K

Halma 2.092,0 2.094,0 2.069,8 12,30K

Hargreaves Lansdown 853,80 861,80 853,20 156,73K

Hikma Pharma 1.511,50 1.530,00 1.505,00 64,95K

HSBC 494,12 497,50 494,65 1,83M

IAG 132,94 136,00 132,88 1,63M

Imperial Brands 2.059,00 2.071,00 2.049,00 541,34K

Informa 628,00 631,00 622,20 423,96K

InterContinental 4.938,0 4.948,0 4.863,0 67,25K

Intermediate Capital 1.175,00 1.182,00 1.163,00 126,08K

Intertek 4.100,0 4.113,0 4.057,0 30,51K

ITV 74,46 75,30 74,28 1,41M

J Sainsbury 226,60 227,70 225,30 1,03M

Johnson Matthey 2.069,0 2.079,0 2.047,0 16,05K

Land Securities 622,00 627,00 614,80 193,31K

Legal & General 253,30 254,20 252,50 1,19M

Lloyds Banking 46,00 46,40 45,99 16,82M

London Stock Exchange 7.366,0 7.432,0 7.336,0 117,18K

Melrose Industries 127,60 129,05 125,90 1,70M

Mondi 1.492,00 1.497,00 1.471,00 254,04K

National Grid 1.022,00 1.026,00 1.020,00 865,74K

NatWest Group 261,80 262,90 259,80 2,42M

Next 5.882,0 5.908,0 5.810,0 43,11K

Norilskiy Nikel ADR 9,10 9,10 9,10 0

Ocado 695,20 698,80 681,00 293,27K

Persimmon 1.281,5 1.285,0 1.267,5 116,41K

Phoenix 602,00 605,60 601,80 141,32K

Prudential 1.078,50 1.082,50 1.061,50 971,35K

Reckitt Benckiser 5.866,0 5.892,0 5.846,0 156,09K

Relx 2.343,00 2.362,00 2.319,00 490,26K

Rentokil 536,40 539,00 532,00 265,19K

Rightmove 550,80 552,80 546,40 228,19K

Rio Tinto PLC 5.810,0 5.895,0 5.768,0 527,43K

Rolls-Royce Holdings 93,65 93,71 90,82 7,68M

Sage 781,40 785,00 779,40 229,38K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.155,50 1.160,00 1.154,00 2,21K

Schroders 453,2 454,7 450,0 246,42K

Scottish Mortgage 773,54 784,00 770,60 403,39K

Segro 802,16 806,60 793,40 208,16K

Severn Trent 2.732,0 2.756,0 2.728,0 41,46K

Shell 2.289,0 2.314,5 2.279,5 2,85M

Smith & Nephew 1.105,50 1.108,00 1.100,00 472,99K

Smiths Group 1.621,00 1.625,50 1.604,50 83,64K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 11.005,0 11.020,0 10.830,0 142,85K

SSE 1.700,50 1.709,50 1.697,00 133,26K

St. James’s Place 1.131,50 1.140,00 1.129,00 220,76K

Standard Chartered 594,40 597,20 590,40 550,90K

Taylor Wimpey 103,65 104,05 102,65 1,57M

Tesco 229,70 231,30 229,30 3,07M

Tui 144,75 146,75 143,35 651,38K

Unilever 4.160,0 4.165,5 4.134,5 95,48K

United Utilities 1.037,39 1.047,37 1.037,00 15,55K

Vodafone Group PLC 86,30 86,55 85,70 15,06M

Whitbread 2.628,0 2.637,0 2.599,0 97,26K WPP 836,10 840,40 833,60 228,59K

3M 126,00 129,44 3,79M

American Express 154,12 156,42 153,45 1,62M

Amgen 285,57 286,59 283,74 1,75M

Apple 142,65 143,52 141,10 61,77M

Boeing 179,08 184,88 178,61 6,63M

Caterpillar 230,92 232,50 229,54 2,18M

Chevron 173,54 176,40 172,03 7,95M

Cisco 48,99 49,20 48,62 15,96M

Coca-Cola 63,81 63,85 63,35 9,88M

Dow 50,56 51,43 50,31 3,81M

Goldman Sachs 358,08 362,59 356,05 1,96M

Home Depot 324,09 324,52 318,55 3,47M

Honeywell 213,35 214,59 212,21 2,17M

IBM 147,78 149,15 147,37 2,66M

Intel 28,44 28,60 28,07 28,36M

J&J 177,20 177,47 176,34 4,79M

JPMorgan 132,88 132,98 131,43 8,85M

McDonald’s 273,39 273,57 270,62 3,02M

Merck&Co 110,85 111,02 110,12 7,17M

Microsoft 247,40 248,74 243,06 22,54M

Nike 111,36 111,49 108,46 6,12M

Procter&Gamble 151,32 151,38 149,01 5,14M

Salesforce Inc 130,13 131,46 127,02 15,07M

The Travelers 187,72 189,21 186,97 848,62K

UnitedHealth 547,92 551,29 543,78 2,26M

Verizon 37,10 37,24 36,87 19,52M

Visa A 209,10 210,30 207,75 4,89M

Walgreens Boots 40,90 40,97 40,40 3,59M

Walmart 148,78 149,27 148,14 4,50M

Walt Disney 92,55 93,43 91,67 9,31M

Most Advanced

Melco International Development Limited +102.28% 17,731

Universal Robina Corporation +32.33% 26,000

DiDi Global Inc. +24.10% 34.704M

Wynn Macau, Limited +23.10% 60,515

Alibaba Health Information Technology Litd +22.55% 23,200

Prometheus Biosciences, Inc. +22.35% 4.447M

Wynn Macau, Limited +21.46% 28,105

Ping An Healthcare and Technology Co. Litd +21.21% 63,600

Ciena Corporation +19.96% 10.71M

GDS Holdings Limited +16.87% 2.466M

FIT Hon Teng Limited +15.95% 29,795

Most Declined

Oi S.A. -50.00% 100,006

Chart Industries, Inc. -12.45% 3.83M

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc. -11.57% 4.69M

Green Thumb Industries Inc. -11.43% 919,108

Lincoln National Corporation -10.86% 8.922M

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. -10.20% 1.067M

Lenovo Group Limited -9.40% 74,870

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. -9.20% 423,019

Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. -6.73% 1.897M

Avery Dennison Corporation -6.54% 1.303M

Embracer Group AB (publ) -6.54% 40,000

BUSINESS EXTRA

Not allowed

FOLLOWING complaints from those receiving an email promoting a fruit beer created by Scottish Company Brewdog which claimed ‘One of your five a day’, the UK Advertising Standards Authority has banned this wording, even if it was supposed to be ‘tongue in cheek’ as Brewdog claims.

Low rates

A REPORT by American investment company Morgan Stanley suggests Spanish banks are unlikely to increase interest on deposits for individual account holders as they appear to have plenty of cash available to lend and are increasing rates to generate profits.

Prices down

WHILST the cost of living keeps rising, UK house prices saw their biggest drop in 14 years in November, falling 2.3 per cent according to Halifax which is considered one of the most accurate pointers to the market.

Oil shortage

IT’S not just fuel oil that is seeing price hikes but due to a particularly poor harvest in 2022, the price Spanish olive oil in all its qualities has reached record highs and due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, sunflower oil prices have also risen.

West Africa

CONTINUING its ‘love affair with Africa, the Agency for International Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) worth €1,496,000 with ECOWAS on December 6. The Economic Community of West African States is a regional political and economic union of 15 countries located in West Africa with a combined population of almost 350 million. This MOU is intended to help support Gender, Agriculture and Sustainable Energy in the Region.

Second hand temptation

BEWARE temptation to buy second­hand electrical goods online as Christmas during a cost­ of­ living­crisis is the ideal time for unscrupulous traders.

This advice from James Farmer, director of the Appliance Recycling Group in the UK is just as relevant to those of us living in Spain.

“Appliance poverty is a real issue, and the cost ­ of ­ living crisis means people are being forced to find new ways to save money,” he said. “When their washing machine or fridge breaks, they have no choice but to look for a quick and cheap replacement online.

James said sites like eBay had systems in place to protect buyers, but others were not so robust.

Facebook Marketplace in particular is a huge draw for people looking for bargains. It does have measures in place for users

First UK Freeports

GOVERNMENT approves first UK Freeports in a bid to generate business as few significant trade deals have been signed since Brexit.

The Freeports becoming fully operational on December 7, is according to the government, a major milestone in its mission to level up communities across the country and will help spread opportunity and drive economic growth.

Each of these Freeports in Plymouth, Solent, and Teesside will now receive up to £25 million seed funding and potentially tens of millions of pounds in locally retained business rates to upgrade local infrastructure and stimulate regeneration.

Freeports are special areas within the UK’s borders where different economic regulations apply and they essentially exist outside its borders for tax purposes.

They are not a new idea and the famous Cinque Ports created in medieval time were effectively Freeports and Britain still had a number until they

were abolished in 2012, although one still exists in the Isle of Man.

Businesses in Freeports can take advantage of tax incentives, unlocking muchneeded investment and bringing high quality jobs in industries of the future to some of the nation’s most overlooked communities.

The Levelling Up Ministry says that combined, the first three Freeports are expected to bring millions of pounds in investment and thousands of highly skilled

jobs, turbocharging local economies and benefiting the whole of the UK.

Parliamentary Under­Secretary of State Dehenna Davison said when announcing the formal approval:

“We are taking full advantage of the freedoms of leaving the EU and these Freeports will generate prosperity and spread opportunity throughout the UK by driving innovation and throwing open our doors to trade with the world.”

to report scammers and fraudulent posts, but people are still falling victims to unscrupulous sellers.

Always look for a picture of the item in situ ­ if it’s a fridge or washing machine it should be pictured in a kitchen or utility room. Pictures of the item outside or in a garage should ring alarm bells.

Don’t buy an appliance based on a photo; ask to see the appliance on a video call. A photo cannot indicate whether that appliance is capable of working.

Don’t fall for an offer of free delivery. Ask to collect the item, even if you are unable to. By engaging the seller, you have an address. When engaged, scammers will often tell you that the item is sold once you press for more details.

Don’t pay cash ­ a credit or debit card, bank transfer or PayPal is best.

Corruption crackdown

FOR a territory with a similar population to the town of Perth in Scotland, Gibraltar does, without doubt, enjoy an extraordinary influx of money from various quarters.

For decades there have been rumours and often unproven accusations, of corruption and there is no doubt that many have, over the years, managed to build impressive property portfolios.

Now, the government has decided to set up an independent Anti ­ Corruption Authority with apparently sweeping powers of investigation and protection for whistle blowers and this will be debated in Parliament with the opposition being promised the possibility of having the bill strengthened if appropriate.

It will be retrospective so there may be some sweaty palms although sometimes, in a small community, it’s not what you know, but who you know.

Legal loophole

ALTHOUGH Spain is one of its busiest European markets, according to El Periódico de España, holiday rental organisation Airbnb paid just €286,337 tax in Spain in 2021 and in the past 10 years total tax paid amounts to €1.15 million.

Much has been made over the years that certain countries such as Ireland offer special tax rebates to international companies locating their headquarters in such countries and this has been the legal loophole that Airbnb took advantage of.

Its Spanish subsidiary is only responsible for marketing and advertising so that the bulk of profits made end up in Ireland, although it is anticipated that new European wide rules will soon close this option.

PROTECTING BUYERS: Take note of where the appliance is.

Credit: Carlos Lindner Unsplash

TRADE DEALS: New Solent Freeport.

Credit: Solent Freeport Twitter

LEAPY LEE

OTHERS THINK IT

WITHOUT question, the news media from most major TV channels is absolutely running riot with derogatory and depreciating reports attacking the Conservative government.

Headlines are positively bursting with accounts of strikes that are causing chaos; people’s homes dripping with leaks and mould, thousand waiting for NHS treatment and attention, derogatory reporting on cost of living crisis and finance, and never ending plans of rescue from a future Labour government.

It’s all quite unbelievably left wing strategy to depict the country and its society falling apart under the present government.

Recently a report dropped into the anti ­ government media like an early Christmas present.

A black woman calling herself Ngozi Fulani complained that she had been racially insulted at a Buckingham Palace function by an elderly member of the Royal staff. Apparently she had been asked

It never ends

‘where she really came from’.

This could have meant nothing more than where her ancestors originated.

To this woman however the remark was slam dunk, and didn’t the media love it. Every TV news channel, particularly the BBC, screamed headlines concerning this ‘poor woman’ who headed an African domestic abuse charity organisation being racially insulted by one of the royal household.

No doubt by the time you read this article you will have learned her original name was Marlene Headley. The charity she represented was paying her £65,000 a year. She was a supporter of Meghan Markle and Black Lives Matter.

The next day social media, including Nigel Farage and even a number of black correspondents, ran a complete rampage over her allegations and accused her of plotting every move.

This second day of emerging news should have been plastered

over every news report on national TV. But was it? Of course not. Obviously under instruction from ‘upstairs’ the British media dropped the story of her name change like a ton of bricks. After all it didn’t run akin to their woke propaganda and leftie equivalence at all.

Rather than inform their viewers of something that simply didn’t adhere to their media narrative; they quickly reverted to pumping out their whole package of infested antigovernment rhetoric, all contrived to win Labour the next election. Never ends.

Keep the faith

Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon and Fri. 1pm.

BE ALERT OUR VIEW

ALTHOUGH Christmas is the ‘Season of Goodwill’, it’s also the time when scammers and crooks can take advantage of people buying for Christmas and Three Kings.

Whilst children (and quite a few adults) love the thought of Christmas trees surrounded for days by wrapped presents, there are also plenty of burglars around the world who are dreaming of the same thing.

There will be a lot more value in your property over the Christmas period than any other time of the year so it is worth while checking your home insurance policy to ensure that in the unfortunate event of a break­in that the loss of your goods is covered and keep receipts to prove what you have spent.

In addition, if you have locks, shutters or burglar alarms make sure that they are in use as if your property is obviously well protected, the burglar could well decide to give it a miss. This is not to say that you are likely to be a target, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

The same goes for online scammers and Amazon has issued a general warning about the ways in which these scammers will try to trick you into giving them financial information, often purporting to be sending information from major companies.

Again, be alert in case you receive an unexpected email or call from a company regarding an order that you have supposedly placed and never give bank or credit card details in response and you can always check your orders separately with the company that the scammers claim to represent. Have a great and safe Christmas and New Year.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

Agony of arthritis Winter skin

COLD weather and cool winds aggravate dry skin conditions so moisturisers and cold creams are a must during the winter season. In the cold weather it seems as if overnight our skin goes from being nourished and plump to dry and cracked.

ARTHRITIS is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint which can affect people of all ages, but can particularly affect people at this time of year. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis often develops in people in their mid­40s or older and is more common in women and people with a

family history of the condition, but, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with other jointrelated conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is less common than osteoarthritis. It often starts when a person is between 30 and 50 years old. Women are more likely to be affected than men.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system tar­

gets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling.The outer covering (synovium) of the joint is the first place affected. This can then spread across the joint, leading to further swelling and a change in the joint’s shape. This may cause the bone and cartilage to break down.

People with rheumatoid arthritis can also develop problems with other tissues and organs in their body.

“In the winter, there is naturally less moisture in the air due to the environment and abrasive conditions, like the wind. Indoor factors like central heating can also decrease the moisture level of the air,” explains Dendy Engelman, MD, a boardcertified dermatologist in New York City.

“This makes it harder for the skin to maintain its natural protective oils, which act as a barrier against environmental aggressors. As a result, moisture gets pulled from the skin, leading it to become dry and cracked.”

By Clinica Britannia

GET an instant boost to your smile in as little as just one visit with veneers. These thin shells of ceramic act like false nails to your teeth, bonding to the front of the tooth. Ideal for treating unsightly, cracked, or discoloured teeth or to close gaps between teeth. Veneers can dramatically alter your entire smile, restoring confidence quickly.

Straighten your teeth to give you that perfect smile with adult invisible braces. These discreet solutions can act in as little as 10 weeks.

Now with leading technology, complex procedures such as white fillings, dental crowns, bridges, inlays, and veneers can be done in a single appointment, making treatments quick, effective, and hasslefree.

Professional tooth whitening is one affordable way to transform your smile and release your inner sparkle. Whether you choose the in­house or take­home system you will have a whiter and

Keep moisturised.

brighter smile within no time.

Finally get a brighter, cleaner, and healthier smile that restores your confidence with the Flash pearl cleaning system. Stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and more are easily removed by gently abrading off stains and plaque without damaging enamel, restoring your smile to its former glory.

Amazing treatments that can have you smiling with confidence in time for the New Year

PEARLY SMILE: For an inner sparkle.

Image:

Agony with arthritis.

Image: JPC-PROD/Shutterstock.com

Acupuncture relief Festive reactions

AS the festive season is upon us, many are making sure they look their best for family and friends with beauty treatments including dyeing our hair.

If you are reaching for the bleach (or similar) this Christmas though, be aware of some basic tips to avoid falling prey to common allergy problems found with hair dye.

Hair dyes contain ingredients that can irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction and anyone who uses permanent or semi­permanent hair dye could be at risk of a reaction.

with a particular substance.

The substance may either be an irritant, directly damaging the skin, or an allergen, triggering an allergic reaction that affects the skin.

Many permanent and some semi­permanent hair dyes contain a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is a known irritant and allergen and darker coloured dyes contain higher levels of PPD.

Fine needles are inserted into parts of the body.

ACUPUNCTURE is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes.

Acupuncture is often seen as a form of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM).

Western medical acupuncture involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles.

This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain­relieving endorphins. It’s likely that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture.

A course of acupuncture usually creates longer lasting pain relief than when a single treatment is used.

Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an

energy, or ‘life force’, flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’).

Practitioners who use acupuncture in the traditional way believe that when Qi does not flow freely through the body, this can cause illness. They also believe acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi, and so restore health.

Some people are prone to a skin reaction called contact dermatitis which means their skin may become red, dry, scaly, bumpy, blistered, or irritated when they come into contact

It is advised to always carry out a patch test before using a permanent or semi­permanent hair dye, this usually involves dabbing a small amount of the dye solution behind your ear or on your inner elbow and leaving it to dry. If you develop any irritation or feel unwell after the patch test, do not use the product.

By Clinica Britannia

Cosmetic options

WITH Christmas and the New Year being just a few days away, I would like to give myself an early gift of smoothing out my facial wrinkles to look more youthful in the festive photos, can you give me some advice?

Dermal fillers are one of the most popular, cost ­ effective cosmetic treatment options available, with results seen immediately.

In your youth, your skin is like a rubber band, that gravity can pull as hard as it wants to, and nothing will happen.

But that’s not the case as you age, gravity pulls on your skin, causing it to stretch, with

that stretched skin, over time forming fine lines and wrinkles.

Just imagine a balloon, when it’s full of air, it looks nice and smooth, but as it deflates, wrinkles begin to form.

Dermal fillers work by refilling the balloon, helping to dissipate lines and wrinkles, giving a more youthful and

radiant appearance.

Fillers are also specially designed to interact with your body in a very special way, encouraging the release of collagen.

This collagen then goes on to help your body rejuvenate, leading to healthier and fresher looking skin with longer lasting effects.

Make an appointment with a reputable Aesthetic Specialist, to advise on what treatment is best for you.

DERMAL FILLERS: Help to dissipate wrinkles.

Hair dye reactions.

Image: Leonardo da/Shutterstock,com

Image: Vadiar/Shutterstock.com

Phoenix Retreats: Alcohol, drug or behavioural problems?

HAS your life become unmanageable?

Are you seeking help for your problems?

Are you concerned for a loved one?

If the answer to any of the above is YES, then we can help.

Not all people suffering with an addiction or behavioural problem can take the time out to go into residential treatment. The Phoenix Day Care programme offers a very effective, flexible and affordable solution.

Phoenix Programmes now offers a unique course of treatment for alcohol, drug and behavioural problems. The programme will provide a 360º change in your ways of thinking, your behaviours and a new way of life.

The course is delivered over 15 working days ­ three weeks using a day care model.

We are happy to provide options for local accommodation (to suit

your budget) if needed.

Here at Phoenix Programmes, we don’t believe that any two individuals have exactly the same problem and so, therefore, the courses that we offer are tailored to suit each of our client’s specific needs.

The courses are delivered in our private San Pedro treatment centre in an easy, casual environment. Using a mixture of lectures, group discussion and practical activities to deliver the message that change is possible. Each course is structured

into phases:

1. An introduction for our clients to identify the exact nature of behavioural problems

2. Identifying the problem and working through a process to bring about change

3. Implementing the process for change and working together to identify triggers which may lead to old behaviours and block continued progress into a new way of life

Our Senior Addiction Therapist, Chris Spencer, has 30 years of experience in delivering courses across the world to people from all walks of life, and is an internationally qualified alcohol and drug addiction therapist.

“Here at Phoenix Programmes we believe that recovery is to be enjoyed, not endured.”

Chris Spencer, Senior Addiction Therapist

Mistletoe and holly

LINDA HALL

AFTER moving to a small inland city in Valencia Province some years ago I was surprised to see the local florist selling sprays of mistletoe early in December.

“Will it last until Christmas?” I asked.

“Oh it’s not for Christmas,” she answered. “You hang it behind the door for good luck on Santa Lucia’s day on December 13. That’s after you’ve taken down last year’s and burnt it at dusk.”

After decades in Spain, always on the coast, this was an entirely new one on me. But to be on the safe side, because you can never have too much good luck, that’s what I did then and do now.

Investigating ­ in other words I asked Google ­ I found that the custom’s ostensibly Christian links were as pagan as all other solstice­equinox customs.

Before the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, December 13 coin ­

cided with the winter solstice, so it was the same old story that revolves round the return of light after the darkest winter days.

There was certainly no mistletoe on view in Madrid where I spent my first Christmas in the late 60s.

The celebrations bore no resemblance to those I was familiar with, and plain white lights strung in the city trees were the only noticeable Christmassy concession.

To tell the truth, it was beautiful, if austere and ­ forgive the pun ­ light years away from gaudy Regent’s Street.

Next time around, now with a months’ old baby, I was relieved to remain on the coast and to my joy found that the weekly mercadillo was selling holly, which I used to decorate our flat, along with a tiny pine we illicitly cut down in the campo. I also added a holly sprig to the bow I’d fixed to our front door.

“Oh look,” I heard a neighbour say as he walked past. “That’s mistletoe, the foreigners always have it at Christmas.”

It was a nice try, anyway.

A DANISH and Norwegian home concept has been making waves in the world of home and design. Hygge is a Nordic concept that means an overall feeling of comfort, cosiness and contentment.

Hygge isn’t specifically a design trend or a self­care concept, but rather a general way of life. As the winter months are upon us and days are shorter, the hygge way of life is more appealing than ever. Here we share our favourite hygge tips of how to make home a happy space.

Add candles ­ As well as bringing a sense of warmth into our homes, the glow and

Hygge way

Ozerova / shutterstock.com

Make a cosy corner and decorate with textured blankets and candles to welcome the concept of hygge into your life.

aromatherapy from candles can offer feelings such as comfort, cosiness or romance.

AS the winter approaches and we spend more time indoors with friends and family, now is the perfect time to add some cosy touches to your living space. Here we share some top tips on how to make your living room cosier.

Make sure that your living space is properly insulated against wind and cold. A rug or a pair of curtains is the perfect first step to getting a warm living room and layer a few different textured blankets and cushions on your sofas to give your living room a cosy feel.

Keeping a nice scent in your living

Photo credit:

Cosy corners ­ Creating a little nook in the corner of your room is a perfect way to welcome hygge into your home. Add cushions and blankets and it will be the perfect space to enjoy a warm drink, read a book or talk with friends.

Simplicity is key ­ Keep a warm, neutral colour palette in your living space and don’t go overboard with decoration. Hygge is all about contentment and ease, keep only things that make you happy.

Cosy space

room can help you and your guests feel more relaxed. Opt for a vanilla, or a Christmas themed scent like cinnamon. Try burning some incense or oil and your whole living space will be transformed.

Simply arranging your furniture in a way that is conducive for conversation between you and your guests is an ideal way to make your living room more appealing.

Alena

RABBIT LOVER

LEAPY, always love your articles. You seem to know everything that is going on. What about this strange idea of the Spanish to ban keeping pets that have been kept by children for many years. Rabbits and guinea pigs are amongst them. I have never heard of an invasion of guinea pigs, obviously turfed out by their owners when bored with them. They wouldn’t last five minutes what with all the feral cats about. And tame rabbits don’t get on well if they escape.

What is the government going to do, knock on every door and demand the children hand over their beloved pets for slaughter? I hope this is not the case. Are they foreseeing dangerous mad rabbits taking over Spain.

When you see all the abandoned dogs in shelters and useless owners that allow them to crap all over pavements and park areas, surely cutting down on dog ownership would be more useful. Rabbits do not usually maul their owners or attack strangers ­ only in Monty Python of course.

Do you know the truth of this?

Veggie view

their new lives but still feel the need to stir the pot about the past.

Andrea, Alicante

Different tone

Leapy, I always enjoy reading your columns, I find them so refreshing however controversial. Must say though that I found the tone of last week’s column about Diana Dors rather sad, for such a wonderful friendship to turn so sour and to then have to deal with the loss of a friendship and at the same time deal with anger at the betrayal.

H Moore

Bleak sales

Sylvia

I love reading your column Nora, I find you write with such open sincerity and I enjoyed reading your latest column ‘Dinner parties from hell.’ I am vegetarian and have been for over 30 years and it was simply a food choice, yes I may be reducing my carbon footprint and alleviating my part in animal cruelty, which is obviously an added bonus, I will not however force my choices on other people or make anyone feel bad about the choices they make. Thank you.

G Farran

Royal fuss

I have been hearing about the release of the new Netflix series re Harry and Meghan and I am just wondering if I am the only one who couldn’t give a hoot for either of them and certainly wouldn’t want to waste several hours of my life watching them portray themselves as victims. I don’t understand why people proclaim to be so happy with

The Black Friday/week sales were more like the bleak sales, it was either overpriced goods reduced to an average price or goods reduced in price that nobody would want to buy or would only fit a size 50 (UK 141/5) feet.

All the hype about the sales weeks before to be sorely disappointed, and to top it off you get stuck in traffic on the way to the shopping centre, then there is nowhere to park and when you do eventually finish your shopping, all the restaurants are full so there is nowhere to have a coffee or a bite to eat. Only winners here are the shops.

Fed up consumer

Giving time

Following the sacking of Eddie Jones I can’t believe anyone would be thinking of getting rid of Gareth Southgate after England’s impressive performance in the World Cup.

In an age of social media, we’re far too quick to judge people based on their latest result instead of their overall work.

We need to give professionals more time to be good at their jobs and show what they can really do.

Letters should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com

Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

Mr E Jenkins

TAME RABBITS: Wouldn’t last five minutes outside on their own.

The ways of domestic abuse

SARAH was a 23 ­ year ­ old girl who had moved to Spain to be with her Spanish partner who she had met on a girls trip away a year earlier. She was sure this was far more than a holiday romance, but the real thing.

She was looking forward to a life with him.

Very soon she realised that something was wrong. The reality did not match the life story he had told her but she persevered sure that this would soon right itself.

They lived in a family apartment far from anywhere she could relate to. She knew no one, spoke no Spanish and soon found herself isolated and lonely.

The only people in her environment were her partner and his family.

She wanted to go out, she wanted to meet other people, but there were always reasons why she couldn’t.

He became jealous and possessive, checked her

phone daily and closed all her social media accounts claiming they were “harmful to their relationship”she relented, but wanted out.

He insisted on being there for any calls to her parents who were by this stage very concerned.

The break point came when he took her phone.

She packed her bags and prepared to leave. She wasn’t sure how or when but one afternoon when the apartment was empty she took her chance and did just that.

She took a bus to another town and flagged down a passing police car. The officers took her to a shelter

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

and were able to contact her family and contacted the British Consulate who referred the case to the BBF.

The family were desperate for their daughter home and safe but had no money.

The BBF was able to arrange a grant to provide her with essential items, bus ticket to the airport and flight back home.

Her parents were waiting at the airport ­ a family reunited.

Sarah is now back on her feet. She wrote to say thank you. She feels she had a lucky escape.

Many don’t.

More of the same

CASSANDRA NASH

POLITICIANS of all breeds are public servants whose salaries are paid by the public.

That same public now wants them to get on with their job of running the country ie Spain, and would appreciate a constructive, not destructive, Opposition.

The Opposition in Spain is, basically, the Partido Popular with Vox on noisy vocals, and there are PP voters who are weary of Alberto Nuñez Feijoo’s prophecies of doom.

When Feijoo took over from Pablo Casado as the PP’s secretary general last April, there was relief all round.

He was the regional president of Galicia, with an overall majority and a reputation as a moderate, non ­ confrontational politician.

The same could not be said of Casado, who came off worst in an almost personal battle with Isabel Diaz Ayuso, regional president of the Madrid Community, a woman whose political career he had nurtured and promoted.

Combative Casado was defenes ­

trated to considerable satisfaction from his own party and the PSOE, governing in coalition with Unidas Podemos.

But Feijoo has left behind the moderation and middle ­ of ­ the road style that brought him so much respect in Galicia. He is currently warning that Spain is experiencing its “worst institutional moment” since the 1978 Constitution, ignoring the failed 1981 coup d’etat or the Catalans’ UDI of October 2018.

There has been none of the meeting the government halfway that was hoped­for and expected when he left Santiago de Compostela for Madrid.

Instead, Feijoo is promising, once the PP is in power, to repeal the Sedition Law, the Trans Law, the OnlyYes ­ Means ­ Less Law, the Abortion Law, the Labour Law and the Animal Welfare Law amongst others.

He has also stated that there is no need for a Vote of No Confidence in Pedro Sanchez because the electorate will hold one when they vote in May 28’s local elections. And regardless of Feijoo’s other jeremiads, the jittery government knows that in this instance he’s 100 per cent correct.

TV SUBTITLES - FAKE OR FACT?

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

they were not going out for broadcast. They had also written the disappointingly accurate: “Weather rain everywhere.” Better to stick to weather forecasts, then?

IN these challenging times as the cost­ofliving crisis deepens, at least TV subtitles have a way of helping us to stay cheerful...

Following an earlier blunder on its News, Sport and Weather channels that quoted Jeremy Corbyn praising Prince Harry and ‘Hezbollah’, rather than ‘Harry and his brother’, the BBC apologised after a message appeared on the news channel saying: “Manchester United are rubbish.”

The text mistakenly popped up on the news ticker at the bottom of the screen during a tennis update.

The culprit, it later transpired, was a trainee who was being shown how to write stories on to the ticker, believing that

The general consensus was that this was a lucky escape for the BBC, with the former presenter Simon McCoy saying: “This could have been so much worse.”

Like when the caption confused two stories: one concerning David Davis’s resignation from Theresa May’s cabinet and another the rescue of schoolboys trapped in a flash flood. The caption read: ‘Brexit Secretary Resigns: Eight people remain inside the cave’. Nuff said.

Nora’s latest thriller.

Nora Johnson’s 11 critically acclaimed psychological crime thrillers (www.nora­johnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, paperbacks, audiobooks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

NoraJohnson’sopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

OVER many years Neater Heaters have become the first choice of many expats living in Spain.

Behind our stylish Scandinavian designs are a modern state­of­the­art convector heater that can match any on the market for economy and efficiency, and beats all the serious competition hands down on price.

The real secret of these heaters is the computer­age technology in the form of extruded aluminium in the construction of the heating element. This material and the design creates a huge surface area for heat transfer, which means more air can be heated for less cost.

Neater Heaters use convection principles and are designed so that the electricity you put into the heater is converted to heat as cheaply as possible. When you turn on the heater the element warms up rapidly and heats the air around it, this air rises and draws more cold air into the heater. Because the element is extremely efficient and is designed to have a huge surface area, a

large quantity of air is heated very quickly. If your room has the correct sized heater it will take about 20 minutes to warm up from cold, after which the heater eases off and works at about two thirds capacity, (de­

and economical, but as you would expect from a Scandinavian product, they are extremely stylish and practical. There is a model

that will suit anyone, from the BEHA, (Bluetooth option or Wi­Fi option) and the NEO Fi, so that you can control your heaters easily via a Wi­Fi app but still being able to control them manually if preferred, or the trendy original style Neo with digital controls and a choice of colours and if you are limited for wall space, then available for purchase are factory designed feet to enable the heater to be freestanding.

However, a few years ago we went one stage further and added the Turkish made Vigo heater. This heater shares the design technology and ethos of the current Neater Heaters, but it has two differences: The Vigo comes with a carrying handle, wall bracket, and feet included in the price; The larger Vigo models take up less wall space and go up to 2.5kw. They also have a digital display that indicates the reduced wattage that the heater regulates once the room has reached desired temperature, thus saving more money through reduced running costs.

IT truly is the most wonderful time of year. And what better way to spend it than with your furry friends? But Christmas can also be a dangerous time of year for pets with unexpected decorations, trailing wires and lots of guests around.

Take these tips to keep your pet safe and happy throughout the festive season.

Decorations

Decorating your home is one of the most exciting parts of Christmas. But as a pet owner, you should

take extra care to ensure that your decorations are pet­friendly. Many decora­

tions can look like toys to pets and can lead to accidents from curiosity. Supervise your pet while in the living room or keep them away from small decorations that could cause choking or strangling.

Electrical cords

Lots of holiday decorations need extra electric cords, and they seem to be everywhere in the Christmas period. Keep cords out of your pet’s mouth by taping them to walls where possible and unplug them when you’re out of the house.

Distraction

Christmas is a very social season, but this can also be an overwhelming time for our pets. Distraction is your best friend to keep your pet calm and happy. Try introducing your pet to a puzzle toy and ensure your pet gets its usual exercise.

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Veterinary Minimally Invasive Surgery

OVER the last few years, advancements have been made in surgical procedures that make them safer and easier for patients. Minimally invasive surgery has become the standard for many procedures traditionally done with an open technique.

SAFER: Only small incisions.

Only small incisions are required to open up the abdomen, thorax or other areas. Its main drawback is the cost of the equipment and instruments and specialisation of the surgeon.

There are many benefits of minimally invasive surgery:

1. Smaller incisions: The dog and cat can return to normal activity because there is not so much risk from opening the wound.

2. Increased Accuracy, Decreased Risk of Complications: The advanced instruments used in these procedures also allow for more delicate and complex work to be done correctly.

3. Less pain.

4. Shorter Recovery period.

THE Christmas period is one of the most popular times for pet owners to get a new addition, but it can be nervewracking to introduce your new pets to each other. Here we share some top tips and tricks on how you can introduce a new kitten to your older cat to ease the adjustment process and have a calm atmosphere in your home.

Prepare your home

Make sure your home is ready by introducing its items, such as feeding bowls and toys before bringing it home. This gives your older cat the chance to get used to the new additions and limit overwhelming feelings.

Calm your cat

For older, particularly single cats, it can be difficult to adjust to having a new kitten in the house, leading to unwanted behaviours such as hissing, scratching or other out­of­character actions. Pe experts recommend talking to your vet if you are nervous about how your cat will react to a new addition at home.

Encourage interaction

Gently encourage your pets to spend time together. This will develop a stronger bond between your pets and more comfortable atmosphere in your home.

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ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

SINCE first emerging from the Rover car company in 1947, as a prototype with a central driving position, Land Rover has been synonymous with off­road prowess. In fact the last Defender still owed much to its immediate postwar cousin.

Of course today the talk is still all about Defender, but this time in its newest form. Which brings me neatly on to talk about a completely different Land Rover!

The Discovery Sport, although having a trendy, upmarket image, is in today’s terms reasonably affordable.

Prices for the range start at €41,306/£34,480, and if that seems somewhat less than cheap, well I have recently been driving a Toyota RAV4 that’s listed at €40,477/ £35,500.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Electric assistance and in Hybrid Electric assis­

Facts at a Glance

The other thing that surprises with the Discovery Sport is a lead­in model with two­wheel­drive. More SUVs come in two ­ wheel ­ drive than four nowadays, but a two­wheel­drive Land Rover still comes as a surprise.

My particular Discovery Sport was the aforementioned lead­in model with

two ­ wheel ­ drive, turbocharged 2.0­litre diesel engine and manual transmission.

The easy way to tell a Sport from a standard Discovery is not only the size but the Sport doesn’t have that, to some, rather annoying offset rear number plate. The Sport comes with both petrol and diesel options along with Mild

The lead ­ in Discovery Sport may come at a surprisingly affordable price but of course, by the time you’ve ticked some option boxes the price can climb quicker than a Land Rover up a mountain. It’s far from difficult to add well into four figures purely on optional extras..

That said the standard, although it is rather more than that, specification is pretty decent with heated front seats, auto lights and wipers, heated and powered door mirrors, auto dimming rear view mir­

• Model: Land Rover Discovery Sport D165 FWD

• Engine: 2.0-Litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel developing 165PS

• Gears: 6-speed manual

• Performance: 0-100 kmh (60 mph) Petrol 9.8 secs

• Maximum Speed Petrol 201 kmh (125 mph)

• Economy: Petrol 6.38 l/100km (44.3 mpg) WLTP

• Emissions: Petrol 167g/km Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

rors, dual zone climate control, cruise control, front and rear parking aids, tyre pressure monitoring system and Android Auto and Apple Car Play. As one would expect there’s also a panoply of safety kit and a myriad of other standard features.

Reliability has to be mentioned as there’s much talk about the lack of it with Land Rovers. While I know people who have had issues, equally I

know many that have experienced no issues whatsoever. Despite my Discovery on having power to the front wheels it felt highly effective and confidence inspiring. Inside the Land Rover it’s a very nice place to be, a mix of modern tech and quality materials. Good power delivery, smooth gear changes and decent handling are the hallmarks of what is an impressive machine.

Hybrid

DISCOVERY SPORT: A mix of modern tech and old fashioned quality.

New campaign

THE Mini is getting into the Christmas spirit with its heart­warming ‘Driving Home for Christmas campaign’. The instantly recognisable car brand has partnered with children’s charity, SOS Children’s Villages, which supports children living in poverty, war and hardship.

For its Christmas fundraising campaign, Mini released its own video to Chris Rea’s classic Christmas tune, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’. In the touching video, people of all ages and dogs are shown getting into the Christmas spirit and making their way home for Christmas.

The song was chosen as it captures the festive feeling of being surrounded by love and family, a feeling many children affected by hardships long for. The choice of song also has an

added meaning, singersongwriter Chris Rea actually wrote the song in a Mini while driving home for Christmas 44 years ago.

The campaign is aiming to raise a huge total of €50,000 which will be used by SOS Children’s Villages in its work in more than 130 countries globally to support children by looking after them in safe

and supportive environments.

The iconic car brand first collaborated with the charity earlier this year with a campaign in April to spread love and compassion among children affected by the war in Ukraine in neighbouring Poland.

The video is available at: https://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=B2we7JdB7iY

OWNING a sports car is an ambition for many people, and when they look into the costs of running one, it remains a distant dream. But a new list has revealed the most affordable, fun sports cars to run in Spain, based on fuel economics and maintenance costs.

Toyota GR86

This model by the Japanese car manufacturer reaches the top spot on the list due to its excellent fuel consumption rate. With a fuel economy rate of around nine litres per 100km, the car is efficient.

Ford Fiesta ST

The limited edition Fiesta ST also made the list thanks to its incredible fuel economy of around 6.6 litres per 100km, and low price, starting at around €25,000. Its 200 horsepower engine also guarantees an exciting boost of power when driving.

Mazda MX­5

This model has become the best­selling convertible car in the world, thanks to its incredible gearbox, powerful engine and lightweight driving. The

Efficient ride

car also boasts an impressive fuel economy at just seven litres per 100km.

Abarth 124 Spider

This Italian ­ manufactured car uses the same platform as the Mazda

MX­5, ensuring a sleek design. However, its turbocharged engine guarantees an exciting ride for car lovers. It similarly has a decent fuel economy rate at 7.1 litres per 100km.

Photo

MINI: The iconic car brand have launched their ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ charity campaign to help support children across the globe.

Break a leg

THE FC Bayern and German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, has broken his leg in a skiing accident putting paid to the rest of his season.

Neuer broke his leg and had to undergo an operation that has meant a miserable end to a disappointing season for the German captain.

He told a national news site “While I was trying to clear my head while skiing, I suffered a fracture in my lower leg. It pains me to know that the current season is over for me.”

Bayern wished their leader a rapid recovery and said that the operation on his leg had been successful. They also confirmed that he would be out for the rest of the season. This after a disappointing end to the World Cup with a shock defeat.

Rugby poor form

EDDIE JONES has been sacked as head coach of England’s rugby union team ­ just nine months before the start of the team’s World Cup campaign.

The 62 ­ yeartralian, who coached England to the fi nals of the last Rugby World Cup in 2019 and three Six Nations titles, was sacked following a review of his team’s recent run of poor form during the autumn internationals.

England won just one game out of four in the series and were embarrassingly defeated by Argentina at Twickenham for the first time in 16 years last month, in their open

New team principal for Ferrari

FRENCHMAN, Frederic Vasseur, 54, has been named as Ferrari’s new team principal, the current boss of the Alfa Romeo/Sauber team, will replace Mattia Binotto on January 9.

Fifty­three­year­old Binotto, who has been with the team since 1995, had resigned, according to a statement issued by Ferrari.

Andreas Seidl, 46, ex­McLaren team principal will join Sauber in January as Vasseur’s replacement, as the team build up to Audi’s takeover in 2026.

Vasseur will be charged with turning Ferrari into a team capable of winning the world championship.

Ferrari chief executive officer Benedetto Vigna said: “Throughout his career, Fred has successfully combined his technical strengths as a trained engineer with a consistent ability to bring out the best in his drivers and teams.

“This approach and his leadership are what we need to push Ferrari forward with renewed energy.”

Restoring national pride

FOLLOWING Spain’s loss to Morocco in the round of 16 of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, manager Luis Enrique was relieved on Thursday, December 8, from his position by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. His replacement has been named as Luis de la

Fuente, the current Under21 national coach.

The board of directors had a deadline of Monday, December 12 before which they had to approve the appointment of a new coach.

Luis de la Fuente, will now step up to manage the senior men’s side.

As a player, he made his debut as a left­back for Athletic Bilbao. He also played for Athletic Club, Sevilla FC and finally retired at Deportivo Alaves. He won two league titles in the First Division, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup, all with Athletic Club.

At the age of 61, Luis de la Fuente faces one of the most important positions of his coaching career as the Spain coach. After the World Cup defeat, he now has to rebuild the national team and restore the nation’s pride in its football team.

ing game.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU), announcing Jones’ dismissal in a statement on Tuesday December 6, said the team’s forwards coach, Richard Cockerill, would take over the ‘day­to­day running’ of the team.

Jones won three Six Nations titles during his seven years in charge of England including a Grand Slam in 2016 ­ as well as two series wins in Australia, an unbeaten run of 16 matches and an Autumn Nations Cup.

He leaves his post with the highestever win ratio (73 per cent) of any England coach.

The next Rugby World Cup will be held in France, between September and October 2023.

Eddie Jones sacked as England’s Rugby Union Team head coach.

Shutterstock.com/ atsportphoto

Neuer broke his leg while skiing.

REPLACEMENT: Ferrari has a new team principal.

ENGLAND and France contested the fourth quarter­final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup on, Saturday, December 9.

Didier Deschamps named an unchanged side for the game after Sunday’s last­16 win over Poland. Gareth Southgate also kept the same lineup that disposed of Senegal in the previous game.

Aurelien Tchouameni put France in front after 17 min­

Jordan Pickford.

In the 52nd minute, there was no disputing a penalty as Aurelien Tchouameni turned from hero to villain as he took Bukayo Saka out with a very clumsy challenge on the Arsenal Winger.

Harry Kane stepped up to face his Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris and smashed the penalty kick past him to level the scores. Kane’s

Ousmane Dembele missed a golden opportunity in the 69th minute, but after 78 minutes France had the lead again. Olivier Giroud was on hand to convert a fine pass from Antoine Griezmann, giving Pickford no chance.

A big moment arose in the 81st minute with a further England penalty, Kane had the chance to become the outright top scorer for England, but somehow lofted his

sulting in France holding out

The French team won.

Credit: Twitter@equipedefrance