Costa de Almeria 22 - 28 December 2022 Issue 1955

Linda Hall

AS 2022 draws to a close, the Vera and District Lions Club held their third annual Jingle Bells Ball.

The event at the Irish Rover in Mojacar was a complete sell­out with 130 people attending, all of whom were more than ready to make the evening a sizzling success.

The raffle table groaned with an amazing array of prizes, the entertainment schedule was packed with a myriad of musical delights and the dance floor was never empty.

“People may not be aware how far the Lion’s arms and resources have stretched in order to assist individuals and other charities,” the club’s president, Zoe Rylett told the Euro Weekly News afterwards.

“I would like to extend roaring thanks and gratitude to all the supporters who have donated items or their valuable time and talents, be it supplying specialised equipment,

supporting someone with a serious illness or keeping the food bank stocked to help feed 1,400 families,” Zoe explained.

“Our continuous aim is to ensure that we are able to improve the lives of others in our local communities,” she added.

The jingle bells will eventually drift off for another year, but the Vera and District Lions Club committee are already

planning an action­packed monthly event schedule for 2023.

“The San Agustin children’s home in Vera relies heavily on the Lions and with the amazing amount of €2,100 that was raised at the Ball, we can supply the children with winter coats and track suits,” Zoe said.

Any amount left over will kick­start the funding that the Lions need in order to under­

take major renovations at the home. Constructed in 1872, and originally a hospital to attend the sick and the injured who worked in the Sierra de Almagrera mines, the building needs considerable attention.

Further information about the Vera and District Lions Club can be found on the www.veralions.com website or email the zoerylett@gmail. com email address.

Flamingoes return home

FLAMINGOES and other wading birds are gradually returning to the Las Salinas salt beds in the Cabo de GataNijar national park.

They have been seen feeding in pools there for the first time since Las Salinas dried up last June after spring rains damaged the infrastructure that fed seawater into the salt beds.

Speaking to the Spanish media on Thursday December 15, Aranzazu Martin Moya, the Junta’s delegate to Almeria, described the birds’ habitat as “controlled” and said that repairs to the conduits would be completed by January 2023.

A day later, a meeting of the Cabo de Gata­Nijar park’s board of governors heard that work was progressing well.

“Only 12 metres of piping remain to be cleared of obstructions before we reach the sea,” said Joseph Perez, technical director of the salt­extraction concessionary Union Salinera.

ROARING SUCCESS: Raffle table at the Vera and District Lions Club Jingle Bells Ball.

Photo credit: Vera and District Lions Club

Free florals

THE Parque de las Familias was the final destination for the free poinsettia give away which has seen Almeria City Council hand out 15,000 plants.

The mayor of Almeria, Maria del Mar Vazquez, together with the councillor for Environmental Sustain­

ability, Margarita Cobos, were at the park on Saturday, December 17, as children, young people, the elderly and families waited eagerly and patiently to collect their plants in the long queue that formed at

midday. Fortunately the crowd were accompanied by sunshine.

The mayor expressed her “satisfaction and joy” at “having shared with hundreds of people from Almeria this tradition which accompanies Christmas in our city and which the town hall has been repeating for more than ten years.”

This year double the number of plants have been distributed free of charge. A total of 15,000 Christmas plants have been distributed, 5,000 of them to shops and neighbourhood associations.

ALMERIA has shown its fidelity and loyalty to Spain at the Swearing­in of the Flag for civil society held in Las Almadrabillas on Sunday, December 18.

The event is organised for civilian personnel to commemorate the Centenary of the imposition of the Collective Military Medal to the Infantry Regiment La Corona by HM King Alfonso XIII for the deeds carried out in the African War, after the Disaster of Annual.

Honours were paid to those who gave their lives for Spain, the Song of the Legionary was sung and two Spirits of the Creed, ‘Spirit of Discipline and of Friendship’ were recited, followed by a parade on foot in front of the presidential tribune by the participating units.

During the military parade, 600 citizens publicly and individually expressed their commitment of loyalty to Spain and the Spanish people by pledging or swearing,

Scouting sing song

THE Scout group, 106 Del Saliente, held a Christmas Carol concert at Charlottes Grill Bar in Albox on Friday December 9.

The concert was held free of charge with the All Aloud Community Choir performing festive favourites, a col­

lection was held at the end of the evening with a total of €273 raised in aid of the Scouts Club.

The Scouts would like to thank everyone who helped to arrange this event and would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas.

Flag loyalty

through the symbolic act of kissing the Flag, before the National Ensigns of the 3rd ‘Don Juan de Austria’ Tercio of the Legion based in Viator (Almeria) and the 4th ‘Alejandro Farnesio’ Tercio of the Legion based in Ronda (Malaga).

HONOURS PAID: At the Swearing-in of the Flag.

Image: Almeria City Council

CAROL CONCERT: Singing all the festive favourites.

CREDIT: Deborah Eagland.

NIBS EXTRA

NIJAR hopes to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for Three Kings’ parades. As the town covers such a large area, there will be 19 processions on January 5, ensuring that every child can see the Three Wise Men who will bring their presents later that night.

Not yet

RESPONDING to an appeal by environmentalist group Greenpeace, the Supreme Court ruled out ordering the immediate demolition of the El Algarrobico hotel in Carboneras as its 2003 planning permission was still in force. The legal arguments that led to the decision would be announced shortly, tribunal sources revealed.

Ooh la la

JAVIER AURELIANO GARCIA, president of the Diputacion provincial council announced during a Cadena SER radio interview that direct links between Almeria and Paris would begin in 2023. There will be flights to and from the French capital each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between April and October, he revealed.

Bittersweet win

FOLLOWING M ojacar’s Christmas lights win, residents in the Levante area have received fraudulent text messages offering the chance of winning Ferrero Rocher bonbons. Almeria’s Guardia Civil confirmed that this was a ‘phishing’ con, but said so far there were no reports of victims having fallen for the scam.

Big honour

RADIOLOGIST Martin Garcia Perez from Albox is the only Spanish specialist, and one of the very few Europeans, to be admitted to the Presidents Circle of the Radiological Society of North America ( RSNA). The appointment was announced during the annual conference that was held in Chicago last November.

MOJACAR has won Ferrero Rocher’s Juntos Brillamos Mas ( We shine more brightly together) competition.

All of the municipality’s Christmas illuminations this year will be provided by the international chocolate firm after the town fended off seven rivals, all chosen for their charm, cultural richness, gastronomy, and hospitality.

“We are beside ourselves,” Mojacar’s mayor Rosa Maria Cano told a radio interviewer.

“This is the result of all

Lighting up

the people and institutions that backed our candidature and made this possible. We have so much to thank them for,” Cano said.

Bronze for Vera On parade

The mayor also explained that Mojacar residents had canvassed for votes as though it was an election. In fact, the votecatching trek lasted for more than a month, she said, pointing out that this was even longer than a political campaign.

On Thursday December 15, the new Christmas lights were switched on.

Dining dames

ON Wednesday, December 14, 18 members of the Dames of Turre met at Miraflores Restaurant for a festive lunch.

A very festive three­course Christmas menu was served and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. After lunch a free

raffle was drawn with seasonal prizes donated by club members.

The President of the club then thanked the committee for organising the event and wished all the members a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

We hope you never need it, but this Christmas the Euro Weekly News would like to remind all readers of Spain’s emergency

Festive fashion show

VERA’S beaches have been recognised for their smokefree zones.

Beaches councillor Pedro Salas received the certificate in the Bronze category from Jorge del Diego Salas, director­general of the Junta de Andalucia’s Public Health and Pharmaceuticals department.

Salas was attending a conference focusing on Andalucia’s Smoking Plan, held at Antequera hospital in Malaga Province, where 134 gold, silver and bronze certificates were awarded to bodies responsible for introducing smoke­free zones.

Vera joined the regional government’s Smoke­free Beaches campaign in 2019, when the town hall banned smoking in some zones on the municipality’s four beaches.

“So that services’ employees, beachgoers and members of the public have full access to information about the smoke­free zones, details are available at all tourist information points,” the councillor added.

FASHIONISTAS headed to Almeria to showcase the latest trends ahead of Christmas. The show on Thursday, December 15 at the Mercado Central gave shoppers some last minute Christmas shopping inspiration.

Models took to the cat walk in a variety of daz zling designs by local de signers, to the delight of the audience. The colour ful event always catches the eye of Christmas shoppers, giving local businesses a much­needed push in December. This year local businesses participating included Nieves Pérez Boutique, Lola Ruiz, 50 sombras de color, Lyubasha Kyleshko, Le Petit Bewbé, and Al Alba.

The ‘I Love Shopping’ fashion show has become a staple of the city’s festive celebrations, and is now in

its ninth year. The event is organised by Navarro Pasarela with support from the city council and aims to promote local businesses in the run­up to Christmas and highlight the incredible work from local designers.

“The town hall hopes to encourage healthy habits with this initiative, improving health and quality of life for residents and visitors while increasing environmental quality and improving the image of Vera’s beaches,” the councillor explained.

EWN Xmas wishes

AFTER a busy year, the Euro Weekly News would love to wish a very merry Christmas and happy New Year to all our readers and clients. We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone for their loyalty, which keeps us the most popular people’s paper throughout Spain year after year.

Now is a time to remember how lucky we are to be part of this caring community of English­speaking residents in Spain.

Not everyone will be spending this Christmas surrounded by friends and family however. If you are alone this Christmas we are sending our love.

And for those of us lucky enough to be with our loved ones over the festive period, let us all remember our neighbours and the vulnerable in our community.

With much love at Christmas, The EWN family x

SHINING BRIGHTLY: Mojacar’s Christmas illuminations provided by Ferrero Rocher.

Photo credit: Twitter La Voz de Almeria

COLOURFUL CATWALK: Models showed off the latest local designs at a seasonal fashion show in Almeria.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Almería

Everyone enjoyed the lunch.

Image: Dames of Turre

Green Christmas

ALMERIA wants to make a difference to the planet this Christmas, and is set to host a climate themed San Silvestre athletics challenge on Sunday, December 25. Athletes are encouraged to dress up in climate change themed costumes for the running race.

The San Silvestre sporting challenge is returning to Almeria for its 14th edition, on Christmas Day. The event will get underway from 7pm and will see up to 2,000 participants take to the streets for the two lap, six kilometre route through the city.

Launching the event on

Linda Hall

Tuesday, December 13, councillor for Sports, Juanjo Segura highlighted the aims of the challenge, “In this event, our passion for sport is brought together with the joy of Christ­

mas, through festive and themed costumes.”

The event has been organised by a partnership between the city council and local sports club, Aqueatacamos.

Off the menu

A VALLADOLID court has ordered an Almeria City restaurant to return €7 to diners who were charged for bread.

Pabli Gerboles and six friends had eaten at the restaurant in August 2021 and when the €236.20 bill arrived they saw there was a €7 charge for bread which they had neither ordered nor eaten.

As it happened, Gerboles is not only a lawyer, but is a member of the FACUA consumer association’s legal team. On his return,

FACUA’s Castilla y Leon branch contacted the restaurant, asking for the reimbursement of the €7, pointing out that there was no reference to the charge for bread on the printed and online menus.

Failing to receive a reply, the association started the legal proceedings that resulted in the Valladolid verdict, which stated that the Almeria restaurant had to return the €7 plus interest.

The council launched its sporting challenge, encouraging residents to dress in climate change-themed costumes.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Almería

THE traditional Festival of the Nine Lessons brought together the Catholic and Anglican faith in Mojacar on Saturday, December 17.

It has become customary in Mojacar’s Christmas celebrations, for these two most important religious communities of the town, to come together for the Festival of the Nine Lessons, a mass centered around the readings of the Book of Genesis, performed in Spanish and English, as well as an exchange of traditional carols from both cultures.

The celebration was officiated by the Parish Priest of the Catholic Church of Santa María in Mojacar, Víctor Manuel Fernandez, and the Anglican Minister of Costa de Almeria, Alwyn Carter. As usual, the meeting was held in the Parish Church of Santa Maria in Mojacar and was attended by the Spanish and British Catholics and Anglicans, who celebrated together the days of Advent, the prelude to the most important days of the year.

A Helping hand

ALMERIA City Council showed some seasonal solidarity in a visit to a local charity on Thursday, December 15 as they got stuck into a Christmas campaign, fighting hunger.

National organisation, Manos Unidas has opened a pop­up charity shop at Paseo de Almería, 73 which will remain open until Saturday, January 5. The shop stocks a

variety of fairtrade and artisan products from all over the world which will make perfect Christmas gifts while helping to alleviate global hunger.

José Juan Moreno, local President of Manos Unidas, thanked the mayor for her visit saying “She has helped to raise the profile of our charity which works to help the needy.”

Manos Unidas is a national NGO which works in more than 60 countries worldwide on development projects. With more than 6,100 volunteers, the charity has 721 active projects working to help more than 1.5 million people. Locally, the charity has more than 100 volunteers, some of whom are set to man the new charity shop over the festive period.

Christmas cheer

CHILDREN in hospital in Huercal­Overa received a special festive visit from volunteers from the Scrats Levante agricultural union. Volunteers including ‘Drilo the crocodile’ brought cheer to paediatric wards during the morning visit on Thursday, December 15.

The volunteers made the visit to the Hospital La Inmaculada as part of their community support action. As well as putting smiles on the children’s faces, the volunteers also distributed toys and gifts

to make their Christmas hospital stay more comfortable.

After giving out the gifts, volunteers dressed as a crocodile and a Christmas elf put on a song and dance performance bringing some festive cheer to the wards.

The local council thanked the union for its efforts in bringing Christmas joy to the hospital and their kind donation of gifts. They also wished all at the hospital and the children a merry Christmas and fast recovery.

Image: Mojacar City Council

Health centre petition Merry

VILLARICOS residents’ association, Existimos, is petitioning to have their primary care health centre reopened.

“They have been neglecting us little by little and now they’ve left us without medical attention altogether,” declared Antonio Collado, speaking to the Spanish media on behalf of Existimos.

“Before, a doctor would come some days each week, but now there is no doctor at all,” Collado said. “We have been abandoned for three months, especially the elderly who have to go 15 kilometres to see a doctor.”

The health centre in Villaricos, which is Cuevas del Almazora’s coastal area, has been closed since September, Collado said.

“The service started to become precarious months ago when the doctor came once or twice but now, even if you’ve been given an appointment, they ring to tell you it’s been cancelled because there’s no doctor.”

Existimos is now collecting signatures, asking the region’s SAS health service to reopen the Villaricos centre as a “matter of urgency.”

Pump it up

THOSE who enjoy outdoor fun on wheels will be pleased to hear the mayor of Almeria, Maria del Mar Vazquez, officially opened the first pump track circuit on Sunday, December 18.

With an investment of almost €50,000, this new sports facility comes in response to the municipal commitments to the neighbourhood of La Goleta and for fans of bikes, skates and anything with wheels.

The mayor confirmed: “Almeria now has a sports facility adapted to the needs of many young people from Almeria who are fans or practitioners of sports on wheels such as cycling, skateboarding or skating. We ask you to enjoy and take care of this new space.”

This track, the first in the area, occupies an area of approximately 1,500m², and with a multi­purpose design, will allow use to all ages, regardless of their level of skill.

A LOCAL cultural group is set to launch its fourth photography magazine in an eye­opening series that covers fascinating historic scenes in Almeria and shots taken by Almerian photographers. The Desencuadre Photography Collective launched a new edition of its RevistaD magazine on Thursday, December 15.

The 80­page issue features several fascinating portfolios by other international photographers. The last edition for 2022 also features an interview with 77­year­old French photographer, Bernard Plossu whose work featured in the Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía in 2018.

An exhibition also got underway on Tuesday, December 13, showing some photography work by members of the group. The ‘Traditional Trade and Artisans of Almeria’ exhibition features fascinating snapshots of artisan and tradi­

ALMERIA City Hall reassured drivers that despite introducing a Low Emission Zone (ZBE) nothing will change on January 1.

Speaking to the Spanish media, city hall spokeswoman Ana Martinez Labella and Maria del Mar Garcia Lorca, Mobility and Public councillor, explained that although city hall has defined a ZBE, this would not affect the public.

In compliance with EU directives for municipalities with more than 50,000

tional craft in the region such as ceramics, as well as long established businesses in the city in the hospitality and service sector.

The group is a cultural organisation that works in Almeria to inform residents and visitors about the city’s rich history and to encourage involvement in the arts.

Photography features Don’t panic

inhabitants, city hall has marked out a ZBE, an area extending westwards from Calle Reina which excludes the Paseo de Almeria and Via Parque, although access controls cameras will be installed in the latter.

The councillors emphasised that nobody would be obliged to change their vehicle or acquire a special sticker. Nor would there be any restrictions.

VERA Town Hall is preparing another edition of its Shopping Vouchers campaign in collaboration with Almeria’s Chamber of Commerce.

“City hall does not want the obligatory ZBE to have a negative impact on residents or those from adjoining areas,” Garcia Lorca said.

Almeria will go lightly on contaminating vehicles for several reasons, municipal sources have said, principally because of the excellent quality of the capital’s air and an absence of pollution.

More vouchers

“This is one of Andalucia’s most successful commercial revitalisation initiatives,” declared Vera’s mayor Jose Carmelo Jorge Blanco.

Vera launched its first shopping voucher campaign last Christmas, allocating €100,000 to the innovative scheme. Owing to its success, the town hall launched another €100,000 edition between April 29 and May 20 to boost lo­

cal businesses before the start of the summer season.

This Christmas, the town hall has allocated €200,000 for issuing the €20 vouchers which are expected to generate sales of €800,000 the mayor said.

Each €20 voucher costs €15 to acquire, as Vera’s town hall will reimburse participating business with the €5 difference when purchases are made. Consumers first need to register on the www.alcomercio.es website, after which they will be entitled to download a weekly maximum of 10 vouchers.

Sports Awards

ALMERIA’S Cervantes Theatre has been the venue for the celebration of the Andalucia Sports Awards, organised by the Andalucian Regional Government.

The event was attended by the mayor

of the Council on Saturday, December 17.

During her speech, the mayor expressed her pride and recognition of “the strength of sport in Almeria in many different disciplines and the extraordinary growth of Andalucian sport at the national level, especially highlighting the role of women’s

sport and the relevance that adapted sport is gaining.”

Almeria’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Arturo Bernal, remembered Javier Imbroda and announced that as a posthumous tribute the Award for the Sportsman with the Best Academic Record will bear his name.

of the city, Maria del Mar Vazquez, the councillor for Sports, Juanjo Segura, and several other members

An exhibition by the Desencuadre Photo graphy Collective on traditional artisan practices is on show in Almeria.

Photo credit: Antonio Segura (Via Facebook)

Are you sure you have escaped UK taxation? You may be settled in Spain but if you spend time in the UK each year or retain property there, you could still be treated as UK tax resident, making your worldwide income and gains liable to UK income and capital gains taxes.

The UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT)

The SRT determines your UK residence status for tax purposes. Assessing your position is not just about counting days spent in Britain; you need to work through the following three tests in order. (All references to ‘years’ mean a UK tax year and a ‘day’ means where you are present at midnight.)

1. Automatic overseas test –you are treated as not resident in the UK if you meet any of these conditions:

• UK resident in one or more of the previous three years, and present for fewer than 16 days in

The UK tax residence test and expatriates

UK if you meet any of these conditions:

• Present in the UK for 183 days or more that year.

• Only or ‘main’ home is in the UK – available for 91 consecutive days and actually used for at least 30 that year.

• Work – working in the UK at least 40 days in the year.

• Substantial visits – spending 90 days+ in the UK in either or both of the two previous years.

• Favoured country – spending more days in the UK than any other single country (only applies to ‘leavers’).

ceptional circumstances’ to be disregarded, but only where you have no choice and circumstances are unforeseen and beyond your control

Generally, you are treated as tax resident in one country or another, but it is possible to be dual-resident in both the UK and Spain under the respective domestic laws. While the double tax treaty offers protection from paying tax twice on the same income, you may still be liable for taxation in both countries, so take advice.

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

sent for fewer than 46 days in the current year.

• Work overseas full-time with no more than 30 days spent working in the UK and present for under 90 days that year.

• Work full-time in the UK for any period of 365 days with no significant break (subject to conditions).

3. Sufficient ties test – if your residence position is not determined under the first two tests, the next step is to consider your connections to the UK.

• Family – spouse/minor children resident in the UK.

This works on a sliding scale –the more ties you have with the UK, the less time you can spend onshore without becoming UK resident; the fewer ties, the longer you can spend there before UK residency applies. The number of days varies depending on whether you are an ‘arriver’ (non-UK resident in any of the previous three years) or a ‘leaver’ (UK resident in any of the previous three years).

This is just a summary of the rules, which are detailed and highly complex – take specialist advice to establish where you stand. Wherever your liabilities lie, a tax planning review could let you take advantage of legitimate arrangements to minimise taxation while meeting your obligations.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to

Good enough

Kelli Field

AMERICANS are the kings of capitalism. Consumers extraordinaire. I knew this. But it wasn’t until we moved to Spain that I realised the Olympic ­ level consumers we truly were.

Living in the US, we always bought the latest and greatest of everything. We knew when the new electronics or fashions would be released because we were bombarded with advertising, and we were ready to buy without thinking about it.

Moving to Valencia, something immediately struck us as different. Where was the advertising? There were ads on bus shelters, subway stations, and shops. A few on local TV. But nothing on the scale of the US.

My husband noticed it first. We no longer knew

about the latest and greatest of everything. And those products wouldn’t hit Spain until long after the US, anyway. Sometimes, years. Suddenly, we stopped buying things we didn’t need.

Our life ­ long consumerism hit a bump in the road. We barely recognised each other. One morning, he looked at me across the breakfast table with a creased brow.

“I want to want something, but I don’t know what it is. What would I buy?”

I was feeling the confu ­

sion, too. I had shipped nine boxes of shoes and three boxes of handbags from the US ­ now wearing none of them. I didn’t need another bag or a new pair of Louboutins.

“I don’t need anything, either.’ I whisperedhardly recognising myself.

Our quest for the newest products soon turned into settling for good enough. And we are better people for it. But, sometimes, I still strap on the Louboutins and a Louis Vuitton bag and go to the grocery store in rural Galicia just for fun.

Spectacular success as the Euro Weekly News and British Chamber of Commerce join forces for festive fun

ON Friday December 16, the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain and Euro Weekly News joined forces to host a stunningly fantastic evening at the Sea Grill, Puente Romano Hotel Marbella.

With glorious views of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, the sun setting on the horizon, and the hum of festive music in the background, guests arrived dressed to impress.

Mingling among the Christmas decorations, guests caught up on a successful business year while making new contacts from across the Andalucian business community.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Spain was established in 1908 and is one of the largest foreign chambers of commerce in Europe while also being the only independent British Hispanic trade association in Spain and with over 300 member companies and regional offices across Spain and the UK.

With speeches given by British Chamber of Commerce Vice President Derek Langley, Euro Weekly News publisher Michel Euesden, Euro Weekly News Sales Director Benjamin Wickham, and Euro Weekly News online editor Sally Underwood, guests learned how much passion and care goes into both the Chamber and the Euro Weekly News.

Derek Langley said: “The Costa del Sol and Andalucia is currently one of the fastest growing regions and is continuing to grow with dynamism and growth in the area. As a leading member of the European chambers, we have a very powerful network in Spain as

well as also very well respected and strategic business partner with businesses across all the UK and Spain.”

Proud sponsor of the event, Michel Euesden said: “The one thing I can’t tame is the passion I have for the Costa del Sol, one year ago today we were all on Covid passports, the hospitality, and finance sectors were worried. We were all worried. We would have been broken in spirit if we had continued the way we were, but that’s what made us different.

“And the difference is that we had passion, we had a passion for our business, we have passion for the future, and we have a true passion for this cause and with that passion, I want to say to you to have an amazing Christmas. We have all survived something that we never thought we would have imagined. We’ve dug deep and we’re all still here today.

“Our passion makes us do extraordinary things, that passion means we don’t look at the clock, and that passion means when a client calls, we jump, that’s what having passion means to me.”

Presentations of bouquets and special gifts were handed out for the dedication of the hardworking team of both the Chamber of Commerce and of the Euro Weekly News.

Networking was done at its finest, in luxury, class, and style. As Derek Langley said it was an “eat, drink and be merry night” and the perfect way to end the business year.

MARK PADDON Building Surveyor has investigated gas explosion cases in Spain for leading insurers. Here is his advice for property owners to keep safe:­

When it comes to gas, a moment of carelessness can literally destroy a building and lives.

The force of a gas explosion should never be underestimated. If a quarter of your standard sized gas bottle (from a heater or hob) discharged into your home, the explosion could destroy the whole house and even a larger building (if in an apartment block).

The main reasons for gas escape in Spanish homes, other than simply leaving an unlit gas appliance on, are

as follows:­

Poorly secured flexible gas pipe ­ Most of us are familiar with the orange flexi pipes which fix to the ribbed metal pipe on the regulator and appliance. It is important that the pipe slides over all ribs and this is impossible to do unless you dip the end of the pipe in a cup of hot water before pushing it on. There must also be a jubilee clip securing the pipe around the ribbed area. Gas pipes have an expiry date on them, if ignored the pipe can perish and crack.

Pipe wear and tear where not sleeved through walls/ floors:­

Buildings can move slightly through thermal or sea­

sonal ground movement or issues such as subsidence. Gas pipes must run freely via the structure through a larger sleeve, otherwise a few years of movement can finally fracture a metal pipe.

Pipe joint leaks:­ A good gas fitter will test all joints with a foamy solution eg of washing up liquid and water, to see if bubbles appear, but MOST DON’T TEST! If this test has not been carried out, leaks could well occur from day one.

Ventilation: ­ All rooms, stores or voids that house gas appliances should be adequately ventilated to the outside of the house with an airbrick. Check that these have not been blocked in any way.

IF YOU SMELL GAS: Do not turn any lights on! Open the closest window/door and leave the building, telling all others to do the same. Do not gather outside the building, move a safe distance away. Call the emergency services. If you have any doubts about gas safety get an authorised installer to check your installation.

Gas Safety Aware Sports central

THE popularity of sports in Spain is no secret, and a new report has revealed the extent of the country’s physical activity. The Sports Habits Survey 2022, released on Thursday, December 15, found that six in 10 people in Spain engage in regular physical activity.

The survey, which was partially funded by the Spain’s Department for Sport, investigated sporting habits among the country’s adult population and found positive results. Weekly physical activity stands at 52.5 per cent, an increase of nearly four percentage points since the pre ­ pandemic figures in 2015.

Results differed by age and gender, the report found that young people and men are the most likely to exercise regularly.

The most popular form of sporting activity in the country was shown to be hiking, with more than 30 per cent of respondents ex­

A new report found that the majority of Spain’s population exercises weekly, with cycling as the second most popular sport.

pressing their love for the sport. Cycling, gym activity, swimming and running

were the other most popular sports during the last year.

Too much wine

A DRUNKEN priest who collided with five vehicles on a street in the city of Valencia blamed his drunken state on wine he had consumed during a mass he had celebrated shortly before the accident happened.

The incident occurred on Saturday, December 10, in the Monteolivete neighbourhood of the city. Sources close to the investigation said that when Local Police officers breathalysed the man after the accident he produced a result 0.54 mg/l of alcohol in his blood.

As reported on Thursday December 15, by a local news outlet, the priest was fined and four points were withdrawn from his driving licence.

Eyewitnesses from commercial establishments near the accident scene reported that the priest regretted the events and the damage he had caused.

Photo credit: kovop58 / shutterstock.com

WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE

THE 2023 local elections are fast approaching, being held on Sunday, May 28. These elections hold tremendous importance and the result will impact every resident. That’s why it is essential to vote.

But, why should you vote?

1. It’s your right. No voting is giving up your voice. All foreigners resident in Spain who are citizens of the European Union have the right to vote in Municipal Elections and also non­EU foreigners resident in Spain whose respective countries allow Spaniards to vote in these elections, under the terms of a Treaty (British Citizens and others).

2. Every vote matters.

Elections have consequences. You have the power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family and your community.

Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about: affordable housing, education, local taxes and economic issues, sports, environmental and social protection, tourism, beaches, etc. Low turnout means that local issues are decided by a limited group of voters.

3. It’s your money. Everybody in our community pays taxes. Voting is your chance to choose how your money is going to be used.

4. It is an opportunity for change. If you don’t like how things are going, this is your

time. There might be issues affecting you in one way or another. If you are not satisfied about what is happening in your community, change it.

EU citizens who have never voted must register before 30.01.2023. Non­EU citizens (British citizens) must register before 15.01.2023.

If case of having the cl@ve (Spanish digital access for bureaucratic processes) you can register through the Online Registration Form.

Alternatively, you can fill out the form available on the same web page under the name City Hall Registry and hand it in to the City Hall.

Remember, YOUR VOTE DOES MATTER.

Recovering well

Peter McLaren­Kennedy

DATA released by UNWTO (the World Tourism Organisation) which monitors tourism around the world on Monday, December 19 showed that international travel is making a comeback. According to the figures provided by the organisation world travel is changing with many popular destinations failing to recover quickly, whilst others have made a full recovery.

The UK is one of those that has struggled to recover its former glory with successive bad news having had a negative impact on its tourism trade. Business is down some 36 per cent on pre­pandemic figures largely driven by the negative news, but perhaps more so by the loss of two of its largest markets.

By comparison Spain’s numbers are down just 16.5 per cent. Americans have since the pandemic changed the pattern of their travel according to industry insiders, which has pushed the UK down the list of places to visit. Whereas in the past historical connections and the royals were a major attraction, these have been replaced by more exotic destinations like Mexico. China has also yet to reopen its borders for outbound travel and that has cost the UK dearly.

Prior to the pandemic China accounted for the second highest numbers of visitors to the UK, bringing in more than £1.7 billion in spend. Spain on the other hand has seen a far quicker recovery with both the industry and the government quick to promote what the country has to offer, abroad. Add to that the responsiveness of a tourism sector keen for business, one that was willing to offer good deals, reasonable prices, excellent facilities and a wonderful variety of destinations.

IN September, the Euro Weekly News exclusively revealed the news that Pirates of the Caribbean, Downton Abbey and The Crown star Kevin McNally is set to film upcoming blockbuster Musketeer in Marbella.

Ahead of filming, the EWN this week sat down again with the Alister to discuss his other latest project, Stonehouse, set to be ITV’s must­watch series over the festive period.

Following the bizarre real­life story of John Stonehouse, the Labour minister who attempted to fake his own death in 1974, the three ­ part drama features McNally as prime minister Harold Wilson as he handles the fallout for his cabinet. Spooks stars Matthew MacFadyen and Keeley Hawes also star as Stonehouse and his wife Barbara as their ill­fated plot unravels spectacularly.

“When I read it I adored the script and when I watched the first episode a few weeks ago I was very pleased that they’ve brilliantly managed to achieve the balance between genuine jeopardy and very high comedy,” McNally told the EWN.

“Matthew McFadyen is beautiful in it. He’s one of the best ac

Actor Kevin McNally talks Pirates of the Caribbean, politics, and ITV drama Stonehouse

tors in the country and maintains the jeopardy of Stonehouse brilliantly.”

This is the second turn for McNally as Harold Wilson after playing him in ‘Legend’ alongside Tom Hardy. Kevin said: “It was lovely playing him again.

“The very clever writer of Stonehouse has given Wilson a bit of an arc in this series from being on top as new prime minister to his later years when there

tive abilities.”

Speaking about the parallels between the 1974 plot and the UK’s current state of politics, Kevin explained: “I was thinking a lot while playing Wilson how easy it is to get dragged into the quagmire of politics and not be able to get out.

“It makes you think, if you don’t pay your mortgage you lose your house but if you’re a banker or politician and you

your job.”

Next up on the star’s work diary is a new series of the popular Alex Rider teen spy franchise which he begins filming in January. He told the EWN: “I’ve got a great part as a likeable baddy and I’m looking forward to it immensely.”

After a 50 ­ year acting career, McNally told the Euro Weekly News he also has plans to make his directorial debut after making

pandemic, to much critical acclaim. Now looking at scripts for two films, he explained he will make both into shorts with a view to directing one as a feature length film.

In a boost for Spain’s own film industry, McNally also told the EWN the script for Musketeer, in which he stars as Porthos as he gets the trio back together, is now ready ahead of filming in Spain.

Other big names are also slated to be appearing in the film.

Watch Stonehouse on ITV1 on January 2, 3 and 4 at 9pm UK

STONEHOUSE: A new three-part drama starring McNally. NEW SERIES: McNally is appearing in a new ITV drama.

HOLLYWOOD STAR: Kevin in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Credit: ITV Credit: Shutterstock.com/Featureflashphotoagency

Credit: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Here to stay

THE so­called 90­day rule that restricts the number of days any foreigner or non­resident can spend in the Schengen area of Europe, has become an issue since Brexit.

For Brits who own homes in Spain or who were used to spending their winters on the Mediterranean coast, the 90­day rule has become an issue.

But it is not just the Brits who are unhappy, with Spain’s Secretary of Tourism, Fernando Valdés, recently saying that the restriction “goes against the interests of Spain.”

He said: “It is in the country’s interest to lobby and convince the EU to make an exception.”

However, the likelihood of any exemption or change to the rule is very slim. The Schengen area consists of 26 member

countries all of whom have agreed to allow free movement within their borders and any change to the rules would require the agreement of all members.

By all accounts there is little appetite for changes to this rule which would effectively allow those Brits that Spain wants to stay longer, to freely move throughout all 26 countries. Whilst there is value for member states like

Spain and Portugal, others stand to gain little from any change. They are, however, said to have valid concerns about any relaxation in the rule. The new ETIAS visa system that is being introduced next year is designed to ensure those who visit the Schengen block do so legally and that they do not outstay their welcome.

Perhaps in time it could be used to effect changes that will favour Brits.

Admissions for flu are increasing

HOSPITAL flu admissions have overtaken Covid­19 admissions in the UK for the first time since the pandemic began back in early 2020.

Figures released by the UK Health Security Agency on Friday, December 16 show that the rate of flu admissions had risen to 6.8 per 100,000 (6.6 per 100,000 for Covid­19) for the week to December 11.

Perhaps of most concern is that the rate of flu admissions has surpassed the number of any week over the last four years, with Dr Conall Watson, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, saying: “Flu is now circulating widely and we have seen a sharp rise in the rate of hospitalisations for flu this week, particularly among the under­fives and over­85s.

Health officials are once again calling on those who are eligible and most susceptible to take up the offer and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Our TV picks

CHRISTMAS is always a great time for family get ­ togethers with good food and company followed by some great TV.

Once your Christmas lunch has had time to settle, ITV will be thrilling audiences in the new year with its latest three­part series ­ now a festive staple and always a ratings winner. Starring Matthew Macfadyen, Keeley Hawes and Pirates of the Caribbean star Kevin McNally, Stonehouse follows the intriguing tale of former Labour MP John Stonehouse who faked his own death in 1974. The series airs January 2, 3 and 4 on ITV1 at 9pm UK time.

For more behind the scenes gossip from the show, watch out for the Euro Weekly News’ exclusive interview with the show’s star Kevin McNally on page 19.

There usual reruns of family favourites will also be gracing our screens, so here is our top picks for your TV viewing this Christmas.

Among these the premieres of Trolls 2 World Tour (BBC 1 ­ December 23, 1.45pm UK time), Farmageddon, A

Shaun the Sheep Movie (BBC1 ­ Christmas Day, 1pm UK time) and 1917 (BBC 1 ­ December 27, 9pm UK time). There is of course always the soap Christmas specials on December 25 (Eastenders, BBC1, 9.25pm UK time, Coronation Street, ITV1, 7pm UK time, and Emmerdale, ITV1, 6pm UK time).

Channel 5 is also getting in on the act with classic favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at 3.10pm UK time on Christmas Day. Netflix has a whole new range of Christmas movies and series that are worth watching including Falling for Christmas with Lindsay Lohan and Operation Christmas Drop, based on a real­life story.

Series wise there is Elves, a classic gremlin tale and Nailed it! Holiday! a Christmas themed home baking competition.

Amazon Prime goes with a load of reruns including the Holiday, Love Actually and Bad Santa 2.

On Spanish TV there is a good mix of series including The Rookie (also on Netflix) as well as Nightmare in the Kitchen on Mega.

SCHENGEN VISA: To be introduced next year.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Smart yeast

BY altering the sex drive of yeast, researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a portable plastic device with a yeast cell biosensor in it which, with the use of a mobile phone, can detect cannabis in suitcases or in the bloodstream in 15 minutes.

THE NETHERLANDS

Royal rumpus

REPUBLICAN organisation Republiek has taken out a lawsuit against King WillemAlexander claiming his role in the legal system breaks the European Convention of Human Rights, as judges and lawyers must swear allegiance to the king and his portrait hangs in all Dutch courts.

BELGIUM

Brussels celebrates

THE central Brussels skyline will be lit up by fireworks again to welcome in 2023 as the display was suspended during the pandemic meaning that it has not taken place for the past two years, so promises a spectacular and thrilling return.

GERMANY

VAT deferred

AT the last moment and without any explanation, the German government has bowed to pressure from tour operators and is deferring until January 1, 2024 its proposed new rules for non-EU tour operators who will be required to collect VAT on bookings.

FRANCE

French letter

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron has announced (whilst wearing a face mask on advice from medical practitioners) that in a bid to try to reduce the number of unplanned or unwanted pregnancies, condoms would be made available for free in pharmacies for 18to 25-year-olds.

NORWAY

Shocking news

THE incentives to purchase electric vehicles in Norway have dropped so much that national e-car association Norsk elbilforening has announced it can no longer recommend that Oslo residents buy an electric car, after the council tripled some charging costs to compensate for rising electricity prices.

FINLAND

Chair overboard

THE 25-year-old managing director of a Finnish construction company was filmed throwing furniture over the side of a cruise ship egged on by cheering colleagues and his excuse was that he had been drinking for 12 hours, so he has been sent a bill for €1,000.

IRELAND

Not perfect

FOLLOWING the decision by the CRLG body to suspend 44 judges of Irish Dancing competitions for alleged ‘fixing’, the BBC has decided to scrap a partly filmed documentary called Point Perfect, which was intended to highlight the positive role of dancing in the Irish youth community.

ITALY

Xmas resolution

ALTHOUGH hookers are normally found in rugby football teams, the incorrigible former Prime Minister and owner of Monza FC Silvio Berlusconi told guests at a Christmas dinner that if they do well in Serie A, he’ll send a busload of prostitutes to their dressing room!

PORTUGAL

Tragic loss

FRIENDS and family of Romeu and Louise de Almeida have been mourning their loss in the recent St Helier building explosion. The couple had lived in Jersey for the past 10 years forming part of the 7,031 residents born in either Portugal or Madeira.

UKRAINE

Song of hope

AKQA a digital design agency founded in London and with offices around the world has teamed up with Ukrainian artist Mariia Shub to produce a digital Christmas card based on the Ukrainian folk song Little Wing, with participation of the Kyiv Children's Choir Shchedryk.

SWEDEN

Chimps shot

FIVE chimpanzees managed to escape from their enclosure at Furuvik Zoo in Gavle on Wednesday December 14 and it was decided in order to protect human lives that rather than risk using anaesthetic darts, it was best to shoot dead four, whilst the fifth simply returned home.

BUSINESS EXTRA Joint award FINANCE

Block bots

IF you keep receiving telephone calls from unknown numbers that often start with a 9, then hang up if you answer then it is probably a ‘bot’ calling to see if your line is active. It is possible to block these numbers on both Android and iPhone.

Retail sales

ALTHOUGH perhaps not really bad news as yet, the UK Office of National Statistics has revealed that high street retail sales dropped by 0.4 per cent in November and despite Black Friday, online sales suffered even more with a 2.8 per cent decline.

Bah Humbug

WITH Christmas and Three Kings coming, it’s not unusual for friends and distant relations to give small gifts of money to children so that they can then save up to purchase something special, but technically any such gift should be declared in Spain for tax purposes.

Shocking figures

ELECTRICAL retailer Currys has cut its profit forecast after recording a pre­tax loss of £17 million for the half year ended October 29, 2022, down from profits of £45 million the year before, blaming weak performance outside of the UK and discounts offered by competitors.

Christmas box

EMPLOYEES of Inditex, Spanish owner of some of the world’s favourite fashion brands have become used to a rather tasty Christmas bonus and this year they will receive a recycled cardboard box stuffed full of edible and drinkable Spanish goodies worth around €200.

STAT OF WEEK €10 billion

Virgin Atlantic experiment

THE first net zero transatlantic flight will take off from the UK next year, with Virgin Atlantic receiving UK government funding to fly across the ‘pond’ using solely sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

In 2023, one of Virgin Atlantic’s flagship Boeing 787s, powered by Rolls ­ Royce Trent 1000 engines, will take off from London Heathrow and make the journey to New York’s John F Kennedy Airport ­ a journey made by thousands of people for business, family and leisure every week. But this will be no ordinary journey.

When fully replacing kerosene, SAF can slash lifecycle carbon emissions by over 70 per cent compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.

This flight is expected to be fuelled by SAF made primarily from waste oils and fats, such as used cooking oil. The use of 100 per cent SAF on the flight, combined with carbon removal through

biochar credits ­ a material which traps and stores carbon taken from the atmosphere ­ will make the flight net zero.

The government claims that not only will SAF be key in decarbonising aviation, but it could create a UK industry with an annual turnover of £2.4 billion by 2040 and will support up to 5,200 UK

jobs by 2035.

SAF is more expensive to produce and in the long run there may not be sufficient waste material to fuel all flights out of the UK, but the government will introduce an SAF mandate requiring at least 10 per cent of jet fuel to be made from sustainable sources by 2030.

Donald Trump collector cards

DONALD TRUMP NFT collector cards sold out in 12 hours after 45,000 were put on sale priced $99 (€93) each.

Trump supporters were waiting for a promised ‘major’ announcement on Thursday December 15 and most thought that he would reveal the name of his running mate in the 2024 Presidential election.

This however wasn’t the case as he announced the release of a selection of non ­ fungible tokens (NFT) showing Donald Trump in a series of poses as superhero, golfer, politician, hunter, cowboy, astronaut and much more.

NFTs are created using the same type of programming used for cryptocurrencies but they are normally used to depict

art as they are not considered cryptocurrency.

On the website offering the NFTs for sale, there

were several special offers so that the more that were purchased, the better the incentive, one of

which promised a personal dinner with the president.

In his announcement on his Truth Social media platform, Trump explained that the NFTs are “very much like a baseball card, but hopefully much more exciting,” adding that the cards “would make a great Christmas gift.”

Although happy to promote the sale of the cards which certainly make him look very slim and netted around $455,000 (€427,000), a statement on the site selling the cards went to some pains to distance itself from the president saying that he didn’t own the site although he has licenced his image to the company promoting the cards and funds raised would not be used for political reasons.

THE CEO of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Luigi Ferraris and José Bogas Galvez, CEO of Endesa, received the 2022 Tiepolo Award in Madrid on December 12.

Since 1996, this award has been celebrating the achievements of successful Spanish and Italian entrepreneurs and their important contribution to the strengthening of economic and trade relations between the two countries.

The award was presented by the Spanish Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto who said that the Tiepolo Award “is an example of the close economic relations” between Spain and Italy.

Cash delivery

MANY small towns and villages particularly in rural Spain have seen the closure of banks and post offices making it increasingly more difficult for individuals to obtain or deposit funds.

Correos Cash is a service being offered by the Spanish Post Office which not only allows customers of certain banks to obtain cash (with no additional charges) from post offices but money can also be delivered to the home.

By using its team of more than 6,000 rural postal staff, customers can request cash through their bank’s app, order money which will be delivered by the postman (or woman) during their rounds.

SPANISH civil engineering company Prointec, part of a consortium with two other Spanish companies, Aertec and Airia, has been awarded a contract by airport management company Aena, initially worth €25 million.

The Spanish government Airport Regulation Document (DORA) established conditions that oblige Aena to offer a quality service and with sufficient capacity to meet demand during the five­year regulatory period (2022 to 2026) and to develop an efficient service which is sustainable in the long term.

These companies will develop the necessary programmes to meet the requirements of DORA at some 12 regional airports.

in total is the amount that American investment company Goldman Sachs has now confirmed that it has pumped into Spanish groups Santander, BBVA and Iberdrola.

Credit: Bill Abbott flickr

Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 will undertake the first net zero flight.

3I Group 1.296,00 1.335,00 1.295,00 355,69K

Abrdn 182,40 189,25 182,35 3,35M

Admiral Group 2.015,0 2.049,0 2.012,0 372,91K

Anglo American 3.095,5 3.121,5 3.065,0 1,74M

Antofagasta 1.448,50 1.468,50 1.425,50 682,48K

Ashtead Group 4.759,0 4.873,0 4.732,0 594,27K

Associated British Foods 1.552,5 1.573,0 1.550,0 353,37K

AstraZeneca 11.102,0 11.366,0 11.062,0 1,46M

Auto Trader Group Plc 536,00 551,20 536,00 1,12M

Aveva 3.210,0 3.214,0 3.207,0 41,64K

Aviva 435,60 446,00 435,50 11,89M

B&M European Value Retail SA406,30 411,90 404,60 2,70M

BAE Systems 834,00 846,40 827,40 4,00M

Barclays 154,24 155,74 153,84 54,83M

Barratt Developments 397,10 410,60 396,60 1,67M

Berkeley 3.776,0 3.876,0 3.772,0 363,23K

BHP Group Ltd 2.502,00 2.528,50 2.489,50 34,34K

BP 457,50 468,25 456,30 28,41M

British American Tobacco 3.257,0 3.312,0 3.231,5 2,14M

British Land Company 389,80 400,30 387,90 1,32M

BT Group 112,57 114,70 112,50 10,32M

Bunzl 2.850,0 2.924,0 2.819,0 44,43K

Burberry Group 2.039,0 2.079,0 2.033,0 700,77K

Carnival 612,0 622,4 606,4 281,41K

Centrica 91,72 92,90 91,54 8,89M

Coca Cola HBC AG 1.921,0 1.943,5 1.915,5 227,80K

Compass 1.897,00 1.909,00 1.889,50 1,98M

CRH 3.154,0 3.213,5 3.138,5 616,36K

Croda Intl 6.708,0 6.880,0 6.634,0 204,03K

DCC 4.114,0 4.240,0 4.110,0 232,49K

Diageo 3.610,0 3.690,0 3.589,0 2,49M

DS Smith 310,59 314,30 310,40 1,81M

EasyJet 355,05 365,10 354,60 1,01M

Experian 2.849,0 2.911,0 2.824,0 1,03M

Ferguson 10.185,0 10.320,0 10.120,0 169,97K

Flutter Entertainment 11.375,0 11.635,0 11.340,0 234,67K

Fresnillo 852,40 853,20 828,20 421,72K

Glencore 530,00 536,10 524,20 20,72M

GSK plc 1.428,40 1.448,20 1.419,40 3,80M

Halma 2.081,0 2.128,0 2.072,0 425,81K

Hargreaves Lansdown 852,40 877,80 850,00 502,79K

Hikma Pharma 1.503,98 1.520,00 1.491,50 223,96K

HSBC 489,70 496,30 481,00 18,75M

IAG 131,12 134,06 130,90 6,17M

Imperial Brands 2.031,00 2.059,00 2.028,00 1,33M

Informa 607,20 618,80 604,40 1,96M

InterContinental 4.811,0 4.897,0 4.808,0 299,36K

Intermediate Capital 1.162,50 1.193,00 1.155,00 529,78K

Intertek 3.963,0 4.045,0 3.933,0 176,31K

ITV 69,49 73,72 69,40 11,31M

J Sainsbury 217,20 221,60 217,20 4,08M

Johnson Matthey 2.072,0 2.113,0 2.063,0 214,78K

Land Securities 620,40 639,00 616,40 965,77K

Legal & General 246,80 254,10 246,50 22,53M

Lloyds Banking 45,11 45,63 44,88 75,13M

London Stock Exchange 7.306,0 7.460,0 7.258,0 452,57K

Melrose Industries 124,95 126,45 123,90 4,12M

Mondi 1.413,00 1.431,50 1.414,00 45,17K

National Grid 1.004,50 1.019,00 1.000,50 4,02M

NatWest Group 259,05 260,70 258,50 6,96M

Next 5.614,0 5.756,0 5.608,0 223,07K

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

Ocado 649,40 661,20 640,00 903,94K

Persimmon 1.218,0 1.262,5 1.217,5 526,35K

Phoenix 595,20 612,60 595,00 1,13M

Prudential 1.045,00 1.068,50 1.043,50 3,23M

Reckitt Benckiser 5.686,0 5.758,0 5.676,0 775,94K

Relx 2.301,00 2.327,00 2.286,36 41,43K

Rentokil 513,40 531,40 512,80 2,73M

Rightmove 527,80 541,40 527,80 1,62M

Rio Tinto PLC 5.628,0 5.700,0 5.584,0 1,66M

Rolls-Royce Holdings 87,63 89,42 86,53 17,11M

Sage 772,40 783,80 767,80 902,47K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.123,50 1.131,50 1.117,50 5,23K

Schroders 440,9 454,0 440,5 1,09M

Scottish Mortgage 744,20 755,80 739,40 1,80M

Segro 757,40 801,60 756,80 2,91M

Severn Trent 2.701,0 2.741,0 2.683,0 387,57K

Shell 2.254,5 2.325,0 2.242,5 8,13M

Smith & Nephew 1.086,50 1.103,00 1.080,00 1,01M

Smiths Group 1.590,50 1.611,00 1.585,00 1,45M

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 10.860,0 11.140,0 10.845,0 100,19K SSE 1.698,50 1.724,00 1.690,50 1,32M

St. James’s Place 1.102,00 1.127,50 1.095,50 1,84M

Standard Chartered 614,40 618,60 605,60 3,00M

Taylor Wimpey 100,25 104,00 100,00 5,26M

Tesco 222,10 225,70 222,10 22,79M

Tui 134,00 138,06 133,07 175,15K

Unilever 4.117,0 4.173,0 4.073,0 2,45M

United Utilities 1.019,50 1.038,50 1.012,00 701,55K

Vodafone Group PLC 84,52 85,94 84,26 46,04M

Whitbread 2.593,0 2.666,0 2.581,0 336,02K WPP 801,60 813,60 801,00 1,34M

3M 122,38 125,08 3,19M

American Express 150,22 152,28 146,47 4,10M

Amgen 266,14 271,12 263,45 3,14M

Apple 136,50 141,80 136,02 96,27M

Boeing 183,72 187,98 181,28 5,26M

Caterpillar 230,66 232,93 227,72 2,88M

Chevron 171,04 171,37 168,05 6,85M

Cisco 48,15 49,05 47,74 19,16M

Coca-Cola 63,11 63,89 62,49 11,76M

Dow 49,53 50,56 49,36 6,11M

Goldman Sachs 349,83 356,11 347,94 2,90M

Home Depot 327,60 330,02 323,37 4,96M

Honeywell 208,97 213,72 208,03 3,14M

IBM 142,36 148,98 141,58 6,64M

Intel 27,15 28,00 27,12 45,27M

J&J 177,49 179,84 176,40 6,91M

JPMorgan 130,10 132,08 129,05 11,93M

McDonald’s 271,73 274,38 269,21 2,65M

Merck&Co 109,63 110,77 109,23 9,78M

Microsoft 249,01 254,20 247,34 34,98M

Nike 108,51 109,62 107,73 7,30M

Procter&Gamble 151,11 152,00 149,74 6,82M

Salesforce Inc 130,44 134,12 129,68 10,72M

The Travelers 183,57 185,91 182,94 1,20M

UnitedHealth 527,68 534,07 525,47 2,73M

Verizon 37,77 38,34 37,66 32,82M

Visa A 207,91 211,82 206,82 10,72M

Walgreens Boots 39,53 40,28 39,33 5,59M

Walmart 145,36 146,42 143,63 5,76M

Walt Disney 90,49 93,12 90,11 14,43M

Most Advanced

Akbank T.A.S. +6.82% 15,312

Agricultural Bank of China Limited +5.01% 25,700

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. +4.98% 813,799

Lennar Corporation +4.64% 116,821

LGI Homes, Inc. +4.49% 311,319

CLP Holdings Limited +4.34% 33,000

Cytokinetics, Incorporated +4.08% 1.723M

Most Declined

TransAlta Renewables Inc. -17.95% 47,340

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. -16.01% 76,195

Roblox Corporation -15.76% 39.946M

PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk -13.82% 70,124

Pilbara Minerals Limited -13.30% 554,465

AMTD Digital Inc. -11.94% 357,502

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. -11.78% 197,746

Liontown Resources Limited -10.84% 22,800

Megacable Holdings, S. A. B. de C. V. -10.65% 31,200

Super Micro Computer, Inc. -10.51% 1.662M

Western Digital Corporation -10.10% 10.835M

BUSINESS EXTRA

Saw it first

ALTHOUGH only recently announced, Frasers Group, (the company whose main stakeholder is Mike Ashley, former owner of Newcastle Football Club) continues on its acquisition path, taking over online fashion company I Saw It First for just £1 and debts in July of this year.

Folding phones

HAVING seen the success that Samsung is having with promoting its folding mobile phone, two Chinese companies Oppo and Xiaomi have now made it clear that they intend to restyle and relaunch their own folding phones in Europe in 2023 to capture some of the market.

Inditex grows

SOME worried that after a change of top management, Spanish multinational clothing company Inditex would see profits slump, but it has now reported a 19 per cent growth in sales to €23.1 billion in the first nine months of 2022 and gross profit of €13.5 billion.

UK bank rate

THE Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2 per cent inflation target and in a way that it believes will help to sustain growth and employment.

At its meeting held on December 14, but not announced until the following day, the MPC voted by a majority of 63 to increase Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points, to 3.5 per cent.

Two members preferred to maintain the Bank Rate as it stood at 3 per cent, whilst a third member wanted to increase it by 0.75 per cent.

Spanish trade deficit

THERE’S good and bad news for Spain’s international trade with the announcement of record exports and imports at the end of October.

Spanish merchandise exports were up 23.6 per cent at just under €320 billion but at the same time, the value of imports outpaced exports, rising 38 per cent to €380 billion for the period January to October 2022.

Secretary of State for Trade, Xiana Méndez said on Thursday December 15, “In a complex international context where there is a slowdown in world trade, the Spanish foreign sector continues to show dynamism and trade flows remain at high levels.

“We must continue adding so that our sector abroad is ever broader, more and more companies are exporting and that exports are of greater added value. “The interannual

Soaring mortgages

SOARING mortgage rates could see house prices plummet and with the announcement of a further hike in UK interest rates to 3.5 per cent, KIS Finance has been looking at how this ninth consecutive rise since last December could hurt the housing market.

The UK economy is currently reeling from a barrage of problems. With inflation running at 10.7 per cent and the cost­of­living soaring, households are under extreme pressure.

KIS argue that in the normal scheme of things, the Bank of England would usually reduce interest rates in a recession to try to stimulate growth.

Similarly, in times of high inflation they would use the same form of monetary policy to raise interest rates, to control inflation by reducing spending.

However, the economy is currently in the challenging situation of facing

both high inflation and a recession at the same time.

The Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) is forecasting a record ­ breaking 4.3 per cent drop in disposable incomes per person, the largest fall since the Office of National Statistics’ records began in 1956.

Recent data has shown that one in four mortgage customers have seen their repayments increase every six weeks since De­

cember 2021, with those on variable rate or tracker mortgages being the first to feel the impact.

House prices are already being affected, with the average annual increase in house prices falling in November to 4.7 per cent from 8.2 per cent the previous month.

At the same time Zoopla have reported a 44 per cent decrease in demand for housing since the mini ­ budget which saw interest rates soar.

than that achieved by France (20.5 per cent) and Germany (14.6 per cent).”

At the end of the day however, to have such an enormous and regular trade deficit can not be good for the Spanish economy and whilst there is plenty of money sloshing about thanks to the EU Recovery Fund, it will eventually run out and repayments of part of the Fund which was made as a loan will have to be made.

One bright spot is that the October monthly deficit of €6.8 billion was less than the previous month thanks to a fall in energy prices.

Interestingly, despite all of the hoo ­ ha about the difficulty of trade for the UK following Brexit, imports to Spain from Britain grew by 21 per cent whilst sales from Spain stood up by just 10.7 per cent.

Spanish success

Speaking about her appointment Ms Serrano said, “I am passionate about brands, the consumer and the fashion industry, and throughout my career developed the skills and experience to win in this increasingly competitive market.

The opportunity to lead the iconic Calvin Klein brand and unlock its full potential across the world is a dream come true. I look forward to working with Stefan (Larsson, CEO of parent PVH) and the PVH and Calvin Klein teams to propel the next chapter of growth for the brand.”

NI trade

OFFICIAL trade data on the Northern Ireland Protocol has disproved claims about its negative impact on flows between Northern Ireland and Britain according to a statement by Sinn Féin.

Its spokesperson explained that the Northern Ireland Economic Trade Statistics (NIETS) recorded the value of trade between the north and Britain during the first year of the post­Brexit agreement.

It showed sales between Britain and the north increased by 7 per cent in 2021 and new research from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) shows the £14.45 billion in sales between Britain and the north last year was £1 billion more than both 2020 and 2019.

growth of

Spanish exports between January and October was higher

DYNAMISM: Xiana Méndez spoke about trade flows remaining high.

Credit: Secretary of State for Trade Twitter

MALAGA born Eva Serrano who has spent more than 20 years with Inditex, ending up as President for China is to move to become Global Brand President of Calvin Klein from March 2023.

HOUSING MARKET: Showing signs of the times.

Credit: Stephengg

flickr

AS an ol’ Bayswater lad of the 60s, I can categorically state that Trans gendering and diverse sexual preferences are not merely a phenomena of the 21st century. This whole merry gambit was actually labelled in the late 40s and 50s, when those who practised it were known as Transsexuals or Transvestites.

In those days the drag queens and ‘female impersonators’ were, in the main purveyors of fun and frolics (how can we ever forget the outrageous antics of the highly talented Danny LaRue?).

Well it’s not the same anymore is it? We are now asked to accept and regard as ‘the norm,’ and are made to feel we are in some way unfairly victimising another minority group if not.

Why should I now be made to feel bad because I don’t actually agree with three and four ­ yearolds being taught transsexualism? Or object to gender free toilets, which are making young children so embarrassed they would rather

The norm

wet themselves than visit the loo?

The thing that truly sticks in my craw is the fact that minorities are allowed to shout their beliefs and opinions from the rooftops, while those of the majority are chastised for merely stating their opinion.

One victim of this one ­ sided attitude was a lady named Maya Forstater, who lost her job after questioning the UK government plans to let people choose their own gender.

She had stated that in her opinion ‘sex is a biological fact and is immutable; therefore Transgender people cannot change sex’. The employment tribunal judge deemed that her view was not worthy of respect and ‘may even constitute unlawful harassment of trans people’.

Now whether she was right or wrong is irrelevant, this is not about homophobia. This woman had been sacked merely for expressing her firmly held views. Once again it appears that free ­

dom of speech is only reserved for those who hold minority status.

In fact, after this tribunal decision, even author JK Rowlings came out in support of this woman, despite predictably becoming the victim abuse on social media.

Delighted to report that Ms Forstater has finally won her claim that she was unfairly discriminated against. Yaay, does this mean the traitorous woke brigade are at last becoming routed? Don’t hold yer breath. By the way, where have all the global warming brigade got to?

Have a great Christmas. Remember whose birthday we are celebrating. And always Keep the faith.

Love Leapy.

Leapylee2002@gmail.com.

IS CASH KING? OUR VIEW

THERE is no doubt that more and more people find it convenient to pay with debit cards for small transactions and generally speaking most business seem to be comfortable with this even though they do have to pay an element of commission and wait for payment to be received.

In many ways, this suits large organisations better as their risk of theft either by staff or robbery as cash is transported to banks is greatly reduced.

For smaller businesses however, there seems to be a groundswell of preference for payment by cash as it is immediate and saves bank charges as well as making ‘cash flow’ more immediate.

In Spain, the government has upset the European Union by passing a law which means that it is illegal to make a cash payment of more than €1,000 for any service provided by or involving a professional company.

Clearly this is to cut down on the so­called black economy where work is undertaken without charging VAT or declaring the income for general tax purposes, in addition, it makes it just a little more difficult for money launderers to dispose of cash.

On the other hand, there is another law that means that all businesses are required to accept payment in cash up to the allowed level.

Some want to see a cashless society, but no matter how honest you are, not everyone wants to have ‘big brother’ recording every transaction they may make as they see this as yet another example of government snooping.

Hopefully the day will never come when cash disappears completely.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

safe with guidance from Liberty Seguros

JUST as we all have medical check­ups to make sure we are in good health or take our cars for an MOT to make sure they are road ­ worthy, we should also check our homes regularly to safeguard ourselves against unforeseen events and to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Lotti Lundstedt, from Liberty Seguros offers us some tips on how best to avoid damage to our homes and shares with us the popular home insurance covers for properties in Spain:

“The most common claims are those caused by water damage. As a general rule, we always recommend closing stopcocks ­ even if you are only going to be away for a short period of time.

“What’s more, there are other small actions that can be taken to prevent unintended damage too. From not using the toilet as a waste bin, to protecting drains with filters, unblocking drains as

soon as you come across a blockage, preventing damp by maintaining good ventilation throughout the home, checking pipe joints and making sure there are no leaks coming from the cistern or dripping taps. These are all simple but effective ways to keep your home protected all year round.”

Nevertheless, in the case of damage caused by water, Liberty Seguros home insurance policies do offer extensive cover. Policy

holders can rest assured that expenses incurred with regard to locating the damage are covered, as is the repair and/or replacement of damaged parts within the confines of the home.

Home insurance policies with Liberty Seguros also cover the breakage of pipes ­ even if there is no actual damage caused by the leak ­ and excess water consumption can be claimed for up to €1,000 per claim each year.

Lotti Lundstedt continues: “In

recent years ­ and as a result of climate change ­ extreme events which cause significant damage to homes have become more and more common. With this in mind, coverages that include damage due to atmospheric, meteorological, geological or seismic phenomena such as landslides, subsidence or floods are in high demand.

“At Liberty Seguros we have taken this into account and with our optional ‘Accidental All Risks’ cover, all of these scenarios are covered ­ even if they are not actually considered ‘extraordinary’ under current legislation.”

Lundstedt also explains that one of the most asked questions is whether locks and keys are included in Liberty Seguros home

policy. She reveals: “Our Liberty Seguros home insurance policy includes a complete assistance. We will actually send a locksmith out to you if you find yourself locked out by accident, and of course, you are also covered for locksmith services if your keys are lost, stolen or broken, or even if the lock has been rendered useless due to an attempted burglary, or other.”

Liberty Seguros believes that whilst it’s not compulsory by law, having a home insurance policy that is adapted to YOU is essential for your peace of mind. It’s for this reason that Liberty Seguros makes it as easy for you as possible to adapt your home policy to meet your REAL needs.

What’s more, with Liberty Seguros there are more than 300 expat agents and brokers that are available to assist you with faceto­face advice in your OWN language.

LIBERTY SEGUROS: The expat’s preferred insurer in Spain.

Happy holidays

LINDA HALL

WHAT’S the difference between December 24 and December 25?

The answer to that is still ‘A Spanish Christmas’ although it is steadily catching up with everybody else’s.

These days Christmas starts with the Constitution Day and Inmaculada national holidays on December 6 and 8, which get people in the right mood, building up a nice head of steam for Nochebuena.

Nochebuena is still the night when families get together, eat too much, and drink too much, although to my knowledge they no longer sing carolsmuch jollier than northern Europe’saccompanied by somebody rubbing a pencil up and down a bottle of Anis El Mono. It had to be a cut ­ glass Anis El Mono bottle, because no other bottle produced the right sound.

There are presents now on Christmas Eve instead of waiting until Twelfth Night on January 6 so that everybody, especially children, gets double rations.

Then there are those Christmas invaders, the poinsettias. Look for a hyacinth or a cyclamen after the first week of December and all you can get are poinsettias.

Native to Mexico and Central America they were around in Spain long before they appeared at Christmas, often in the gardens of those who went to the Americas to make their fortune or at least retire in some kind of comfort to their hometowns.

The original name is now overlooked and the plant is invariably identified as the Flor de Pascua, which summons up another invader because even in the extremely conservative non ­ coastal city where I live, you are wished Feliz Navidad as often as Felices Pascuas or Felices Fiestas.

For that we can thank Jose Feliciano’s Feliz Navidad which came out in 1970 and whose hypnotic chorus is gradually choking out every other greeting.

Interestingly Felices Fiestas means the Happy Holidays that makes so many people get their tinsel in a twist each Christmas. But if the Spanish can say it, why can’t we?

Second chances?

SALLY UNDERWOOD POLITICAL ANIMAL

FOLLOWING the news that David Cameron is set to take a job teaching politics at a university at a university in Abu Dhabi (yes really), it got me thinking about all the possible jobs for former politicians.

To be fair to Cameron it’s only a threeweek gig, but it did inspire me to take a look at all the weird and often very unexpected things some of our former elected representatives end up doing.

There’s the eternally­mocked Lembit Opik who instead of choosing a career as the third member of the Cheeky Girls (you can almost hear Simon Cowell cursing himself for that missed opportunity), went straight into stand­up comedy after losing his seat in 2010.

His foray into being funny was admittedly short­lived but an unexpected twist of political fate nonetheless.

And of course, who during the 2008 financial crash could have predicted seeing former chancellor of the exchequer Ed Balls dancing to Gangnam Style just a few

years later?

Of course much is already said about the former politicians who go into astonishingly lucrative roles in after dinner speaking and other careers that most normal people wouldn’t consider, well, work.

Tony Blair, as well as establishing a foundation which seeks to bring peace to the Middle East, seems to have been able to make life fairly comfortable for himself with an estimated €50.3 million personal worth made from a mixture of advisory roles, book writing and speech making.

Boris Johnson is already said to have made €1 million from just four speaking engagements since his term as PM came to an abrupt end in September.

Given that being an MP in and of itself simultaneously qualifies you for almost everything and absolutely nothing though, is there such a thing as a really appropriate job for a former MP?

Of course, the ones who started life as a doctor, lawyer or other profession/trade can simply slot back in where they left off. But what about the ones who’ve only ever known politics? Where do they go?

I’m sure the general public would have some suggestions.

Villa Almagra near Huercal-Overa

NEW & EXCLUSIVE LISTING TO VOSS HOMES

A larger than average, recently decorated, lovingly presented, two bed, two bath villa of approx 112m2 plus conservatory with H&C air con, 6m x 3m swimming pool and carport on a private walled and gated, easily managable garden of 400m2 for sale in the popular area of El Saltador, Huercal­Overa.

Five mins drive to San Francisco village with amenities and just five mins drive to the thriving, traditional market town of Huercal­Overa with numerous shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, sporting and leisure facilities etc, 25 mins drive to the safe, sandy beaches of San Juan de Los Terreros, 35 mins drive to Mojacar.

Villa Almagra is on the edge of a medium sized villa development popular with both expats and the Spanish community and is surrounded by lovely countryside and is ideal if you like country walks or safe cycling. Some of the furniture may be for sale.

Access to the property is via an electrically opening gate onto the gravelled drive way for three cars and a single car port. A wall nicely

separates the drive way from the garden and swimming pool area. The 6m x 3m pool is slightly raised with steps making it easier to enter and is surrounded by attractive artificial grass and floor tiles adding colour to the low maintenance garden.

On both sides of the villa pathways take

where you will find a block built storage shed with electricity connected and is ideal for tools, bikes etc and a mature orange tree.

Back at the front of the villa is the covered, fly free conservatory which looks over the pool and makes an ideal inside / outside, sec­

ond living and dining room. From here there are two access doors into the villa. One door takes you in the spacious living room with H&C air con, ceiling fan and for the cooler months there is a super efficient, pellet burning fire. To the right of the living room an archway takes you into the dining area and large fitted kitchen with plenty of worktop and storage space. A low wall separates the two rooms. Also in the kitchen is a door leading back out to the front conservatory.

From the living room another archway takes you to the bedrooms and bathrooms. The huge main bedroom has H&C air con, ceiling fan, lots of built­in wardrobes and an ensuite shower room. The guest bedroom also has H&C air con, ceiling fan and fitted wardobes. Next to the guest bedroom is the guest shower room.

Voss Homes is a British family­run business with offices in the thriving market town of Huercal­Overa and the village of La Alfoquia (Zurgena). We are the main selling agent for the Huercal­Overa, Zurgena, La Alfoquia and Taberno area.

VILLA ALMAGRA: Recently decorated with lovely garden and pool area.

Sally’sopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

Health and wellness trends

THE New Year is nearly here which means many of us will be thinking about making resolutions to improve our health and wellness.

Today we’re sharing three of the most exciting health and wellness trends that are tipped to be huge in 2023, and fortunately for us all, they’re easy to pick up!

Functional fitness Internet analysts have seen a sharp uptick in people searching for terms including ‘mobility stretching’ and ‘posture

improvement’, suggesting that this kind of fitness, to make our daily routines more comfortable is about to become huge. Fitness experts have also noted an increase in people seeking to build fitness to assist in their daily routines.

Emotional expression

More and more people are looking for creative ways to express their emotions and deal with the pressures of having an online presence. Creative emotional expression is set to be huge in the wellness industry

next year with more people expected to take up journal writing, musical and art activities for emotional expression.

Personalised wellness experiences

With so much information available out there, health experts are seeing an increase in people seeking personalised wellness advice. Some websites now provide popular services where clients fill in a survey about their habits to receive customised advice on vitamins and supplements to take.

Functional fitness is expected to be a huge health trend in 2023, as people seek to make their daily routine more comfortable.

Festive hair care

Ditch the blow dryer when you can to get healthier hair during the winter.

DECEMBER brings several hair woes. Between cold and windy weather drying out your hair and hats crushing your hairstyle, it can be hard to deal with your hair during the winter.

But all is not lost, here are some tips from hairdressers so you feel and look your best for all of your festive social events this season!

Hydration

Getting luscious locks starts within. Ensure you’re getting enough hydration throughout

the day and your hair will show the results.

Cut back on washes

During winter weather the prospect of a warm shower is very tempting, and by all means go for it, but don’t wash your hair every time you shower. Washing your hair frequently can strip it of its natural oils which are needed to keep your hair looking healthy and feeling fresh.

Wear a hat

Although the thought of a hat crushing your style and

making your hair frizzy is frustrating, hats are necessary during December to protect your hair from dry air which causes breakages and damages.

Air dry hair

Frequently blow drying your hair makes your hair brittle and dry. Fight this by letting your hair dry naturally, it will appear more healthy and shiny. Factor this in to your routine by planning hair washes for evenings instead of mornings.

Photo credit: Kues / shutterstock.com

DESTROYING OURSELVES

POLLUTION: We are not doing enough to address the problem.

GIANT windmills, electric vehicles, Stop Oil, Insulate Britain, Extinction Rebellion and Greta Thunberg all do their best, but are unable to address the real problem.

This is that our planet is overpopulated and pollution will increase as it grows, causing demand for new products which have to be manufactured to satisfy the populous.

Unfortunately we are inexorably destroying ourselves as we drift into oblivion.

Also we all know that the principal polluters are China, Russia, India and the USA, with Britain being a very minor contributor.

Merry Christmas to all, Brian Johnston, Benalmadena

Loving Leapy

Couldn’t have put things better myself. Well said.

Shirley Hunt

Not just for Christmas

After reading the article last week Pets are for Life, I am gobsmacked. It would be interesting to know out of the 80 per cent of children that ask for a pet for Christmas, how many actually get one. I mean what are parents thinking when they agree to buying a pet as a present, I understand that you don’t want your children to be disappointed at Christmas, but please first consider the massive amount of time, dedication and love any animal needs!!

Victoria Green

Stella job

I read the articles week in week out about the local councils winning awards for clean beaches or glass recycling, I just hope that the recognition is passed down to the men and women who work so hard day in, day out to keep our

streets and beaches clean. You do a stella job. G McConville

The rain in Spain

Sick to death of hearing people complain about the rain and the cold weather, it has been around ­5 back in the UK and seems like it rains every other day. The resevoirs are filling up and in Spain we are blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Give it a rest.

M Sinton

World Cup widow

Hate football, I usually find it totally underwhelming and boring. Thought I would be relegated to watch TV in the bedroom while the hubby watched the World Cup in the living room, this was true for the best part but wow did I enjoy the final. I found it thoroughly entertaining and a little nail biting as I always want the under dog to win. So pleased for Argentina.

Simon Thomas

Supporting the nurses

I am a resident in Benidorm but I just wanted to say how I support the nurses with the strike action in the UK. How they put their lives on the line through the pandemic is just commendable and that is what we should be doing now. Our clap of appreciation was a great gesture at the time, but now nurses need to know that they are supported. It is not just salary increases, why shouldn’t nurses get discounted petrol, hospital parking, free university tuition fees etc. It takes a certain type of person to be a nurse, not everyone is cut out for it, so for those who do make it surely the government should make it rewarding for them. These people save lives.

Harry Hunt

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.

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

PRINCE WILLIAM’S godmother and ‘Ladyin­Waiting’ to the late Queen was forced to resign after repeatedly asking a Hackneyborn woman of African descent, Ngozi Fulani, where she came from. The way she grilled this invitee to a royal reception, demanding to know “where she really came from,” was at best ignorant and at worst racist.

However, if the Queen’s ‘Waitress’ had shown a genuine interest in Fulani’s history, she could simply have asked “In which country did your ancestors live?” ­ obviously, by leading up to it and not out of the blue. The way we say things is of paramount importance if we don’t wish to be misunderstood or to cause offence.

Often the misuse of words and expressions is downright clumsy. “Does your wife mind you taking me out for a drink?” she asked. “Not at all. But she probably would if you were more attractive.”

One of my favourite euphemisms was the one used by a barrister acting for a serial Peeping­Tom. “My client has an enquiring mind.” This emphasises how the choice of words or phrases can affect the reality of a situation. For example, so many Conser­

vative ministers blindly follow their former dishevelled leader, in saying “I’m very proud of our achievements …”, when their disastrous legacy is there for all to see. Why can’t they say “I’m ashamed of our record but we’ll try to do better?”

There are several ways of talking down to people. Those with a reasonable academic education may choose to use less common or even obscure alternative words in order

to sound ‘superior’. Frequently, the word selected for effect is less appropriate than the everyday one. Examples are ‘attenuate’ (for diminish or weaken) and ‘asseverate’ (for affirm or confirm).

Those who have read 18th century classic literature may favour quaint expressions such as ‘forsooth!’. In its extreme it could produce ‘Henceforth methinks ‘tis perchance a solecism’. Even more pompous

are those who introduce Latin phrases into a conversation, no doubt to flaunt their privilege of a public school education. If it’s necessary for them to use phrases such as ‘ergo’ and ‘per se’, why don’t they try speaking in Italian?

When I was young the interrogative ‘f**k’ was taboo in most circles. Even ‘damn it; I’ve lost the blasted thing’ was too blasphemous for many people. In this situation, my father would say “confound it; I’ve lost the blooming thing.”

The irritating words “your call is important to us” and “we take this matter very seriously” are not just meaningless but extremely tactless in the context of poor service and gross negligence.

Finally, a couple more ripostes. “To be honest with you, I dont think you are up to it.” “Why would you want to be honest?” and “You have an outdated taste in clothes.” “Your flies are undone.” This latter works wonders ­ whether true or false.

WHEN YOU GO SHOPPINGGO LOCAL!

David Worboys’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors

Whether serious or in jest, we need to be careful about how we say things.

HELP! ARE YOU GUILTY TOO?

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

A YOUNG man arrested at Windsor Castle with a crossbow on Christmas Day last year was charged under the 180­year­old Treason Act (introduced under Queen Victoria after two men fired at her in the space of two days in 1842. It created a new offence that’s less serious than high treason, the punishment for which was death).

Well, what about other ancient UK laws that have never been repealed ­ even though statutes may have rendered some obsolete?

Among the weirdest are the ones banning you from eating mince pies on Christmas Day. Guilty as charged, m’lud! But if you lock me up, you’ll have to imprison at least half the UK

population too...

Other bizarre laws still in existence include a ban on firing a cannon close to a house, the use of any slide upon ice or snow, or driving cattle through the streets of London. But a pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants!

Finally, it’s illegal not to tell the tax man anything you don’t want him to know, but it’s perfectly legal not to give him information you don’t mind him knowing (umm, yeah. I think I’ve got that).

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

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

Misappropriation misstep

CASSANDRA NASH

PEDRO SANCHEZ is currently tinkering with the Penal Code.

For starters, the crime of Sedition will be downgraded to ‘aggravated public disorder’, bringing Spain out of the Dark Ages and into line with European legislation.

That this benefits the now­pardoned leaders of Catalonia’s Proces towards independence is not coincidental. It also satisfies Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) whose parliamentary support the PSOE­UP coalition needs at every turn.

Spain’s right­wing, unhappy with the Sedition tinkering is still less happy about redefining misuse of public funds. This again assists Catalonia’s pro­independence leaders who were also imprisoned for using public money to achieve their goals.

Interestingly, there are PSOE and Partido Popular politicians who would benefit in cases where misappropriation did not personally enrich the misusers.

The Opposition oppose every government measure on principle and the Right predictably criticised the move, but so did PSOE grandees and the barons who head regional governments.

No matter that Spain’s Defence minister

Margarita Robles insisted on television that the reform was not a backward step in fighting corruption. “Enrichment will not be accepted at all,” she sternly declared.

Earlier, Emilio Garcia Page, PSOE president of Castilla­La Mancha and unenthusiastic about the Sedition move, maintained that the Spanish want a government that has no truck with crimes ‘directly or indirectly’ related to corruption.

The PSOE secretary general for Madrid, Juan Lobato, said there could be no joking with public money while Juan Espadas preferred to ‘remain cautious’, according to sources close to Andalucia’s PSOE leader.

“Misappropriation is, in any of its forms, corruption,” argued Javier Lamban, PSOE president of the Junta de Aragon who invariably questions Sanchez’s plans and policies.

On Monday December 12 Sanchez guaranteed that no Proces leaders would be let off the hook for using public cash to fund the unauthorised referendum of October 1, 2017.

Meanwhile he is uncomfortably trying to keep everyone happy while pleasing noone. Sedition might belong to the Dark Ages, but corruption belongs to the present.

NoraJohnson’sopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

Nora’s latest thriller.

Seasonal sicknesses

Pet presents Merry

WITH two years of the pandemic behind us, we’re used to taking steps to reduce our own risk of infection, particularly against seasonal sicknesses and colds, but how can we protect our pets? Today, we’re sharing some top tips to help keep your pet healthy during the winter.

Staying warm

Just like humans, cats and

Make

Travel checklist

TRAVELLING is a crucial part of the Christmas period for many people, but it can sometimes be difficult when travelling with a furry friend. Today we share a checklist to help you prepare to travel with your pet, while keeping them safe and comfortable.

Pet friendly transport

This is a crucial first step. If you are travelling with a pet it’s important to make arrangements that are pet friendly. When booking train tickets, you can book a space for your dog. If travelling by plane, make sure to book a cabin place for cats or dogs or a place in the hold for other animals or larger dogs, if the airline allows it.

CAMPING in cold weather has its own unique charm, once you get past the practical issues of staying warm and dry. Whether it’s your first camping experience in December, or you’re a winter camping pro, take a look at these tips to help you make the most of this special experience.

Choosing a pitch

During the winter, its best to choose a flat patch of land to pitch your tent on. This way you can avoid water pooling at your door. Sheltering your tent from the wind using natural or manmade barriers is also a smart choice to stop the wind in ­

Legal requirements

Certain means of transport require particular documents when travelling with pets. Make sure you bring any certificates of vaccination and insurance that could be needed before leaving for a trip.

Comfort first

Travelling can be a scary experience for your pet, which can cause out­of­character behaviour and anxiety. Help your pet by ensuring they have been fed and have enough water during your journey. If you get the chance to give your pet a short walk during your journey, take it. This can help to reduce anxiety. Taking a familiar toy or blanket can also help to calm nerves.

Weather proof

dogs feel the chill as the weather takes a turn for the worse. Take care not to cut your pet’s fur too short, it’s a necessary form of protection against the elements.

In some cases an extra coat is appreciated, but take care not to let them overheat, our four­legged friends can’t regulate their body temperature in the same way we can.

Keep an extra eye on elderly pets, puppies and kittens as they can’t regulate their temperature so well.

General health

The best way to care for your pet’s health is to keep up a healthy routine and diet. Keep up daily exercise, but take extra care in cold or rainy weather. Visit your vet regularly, especially if you’re concerned about sickness.

Daily habits

Observe your pet during the day. Are they spending more time in a warmer part of the house? If so, this could be a sign that you should move their bed to a warmer place.

YOUR pet is a part of your family, which means at Christmas, you might want to get them a gift. Even if you don’t get your pets gifts, why not try one of these unique gifts for your dog walking bestie or cat loving relative?

Treat dispensing toys

These toys are the perfect gift for a pet with lots of energy, it’s a great source of indoor fun during the winter. Treat dispensing toys come in all shapes and sizes including balls, wheels, and interactive puzzles, offering an engaging challenge to every cat and dog.

Subscription service

This idea is a little bit different and is sure to delight any pet lover or pet in your life. Subscription services have become more and more popular in Spain in recent years, and offer varied, exciting gifts each month. Monthly gift boxes contain surprises including fur care products, pet toys, vitamins and delicious treats.

Pet bed

This practical gift is an excellent option for pet owners that regularly travel, or pets who like to sit in multiple places around the house. Pet beds are completely customisable to match furniture in your home, using different fabrics and textures, or with unusual features such as anxiety relieving stuffing or foldable designs.

Take extra precautions such as sheltering your tent on winter camping trips to ensure it stays warm and dry.

terrupting your sleep.

Staying dry Getting soaked through is a guar­

anteed way to disrupt your camping trip, leaving everyone miserable. Take extra precautions on winter camping trips to ensure you stay dry. Camping experts say overpacking is a better option than running out of dry clothes, so bear this in mind packing your clothes. A few extra pairs of socks are well worth squeezing in to keep your feet dry.

Warming refreshments

Whip out your coffee maker for a winter camping trip. A hot coffee in the morning is the perfect motivation to get you out of bed. The caffeine content will also boost your energy levels on cold winter mornings.

sure your pet has a cosy place to sleep during the winter to avoid colds and seasonal respiratory problems.

Photo credit: Gladskikh Tatiana / shutterstock.com

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PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

LOCAL ANGLICAN (C of E) church services at Mojacar Los Llanos Del Peral and Alhambra. Communion every Sunday in Mojacar at 11am. Communion at Los Llanos every Sunday except the last Sunday in the month when there will be Prayer and Praise all at 11am. The services that were being held in the South American church Albox have now returned to the chapel and Communion is held on the second Thursday of the month at 11am. Priest in charge Rev Canon Alan Bennet telephone number 680 243 436. For further information, please go to The Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Calida web page. Or contact Tony Noble 950 069 103. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021)

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Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

VOLVO’S high ­ tech march towards electrification includes mild ­ hybrid and plug­in hybrid that offer a more practical solution to those who currently find pure electric isn’t for them. For those that want it there are also an increasing number of all tric Volvos.

The V60 is Volvo’s mid­size estate and despite the popularity of SUVs, Volvo estates are still in demand, and for good reason. Forget any sign of utility because although these are load carriers (not in the same league as the square box Volvos of old, but still pretty good) they are also packed with luxurious touches.

Standard fare across all models are such things as auto­dimming mirrors, auto lights, high beam assist, auto wipers, keyless start, cruise, electric and power­folding door mirrors, leather, heated front seats with electric adjustment and lumbar support, heated wiper blades, dual ­ zone climate control

and as you would expect from Volvo there is a plethora of standard safety kit.

Prices start from €47,467 (£41,330) and my test model was the T6 AWD Plus €58,499 (£50,935). Power comes from a 2.0­litre fourcylinder unit mated to an eight­speed automatic gearbox and all­wheel­drive for

any kind of weather. With added electric power the V60 propels its rather large frame to the benchmark 100 kph (62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds and a maximum of 112 mph.

Gear changes are smooth, the refinement is excellent and the V60 has an air of unruffled calm even when doing 112 kph (70 mph UK limit) on a motorway. It’s one of those cars that you feel could take you from one end of the country to the other and you would emerge with no aches or feeling in any way jaded.

In pure electric mode, the Volvo can take you 87 kms (54 miles) so enough for a

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 AWD Plus

• Engine: Petrol electric hybrid - 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol

• Gears: 8-speed automatic

• Performance: 0-100 kmh (62 mph) 5.2 seconds/Maximum Speed 180 kph (112 mph)

• Economy: 0.8l/100km (353.1 mpg) WLTP

• Electric only range: 87 km (54 miles)

• Emissions: 18 g/km WLTP

The model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

commute, but whether you’re running a pure EV or a hybrid you really do need a home charging point to make EVs a practical proposition. If you opt for a plug­in version of the V60 then you can charge it from 0 to 100 per cent off a home charger in five hours, less if you find a fast charger.

The interior is modern and minimalist but at the same time has a look and feel of a luxury car rather than a premium one. It’s an object lesson in how light interiors can look so classy, yet remain practical.

In case you haven’t already gathered, I liked the V60, I liked it a lot!

VOLVO V60: In demand and for very good reason.

Motoring accessories

THE first ice and snow of the season arrived to mountainous regions of Spain a few weeks ago, but in the last week, the cold weather has begun to bite elsewhere.

Today we bring you three essential accessories that every motorist needs this winter season, especially if you’re headed to a mountainous area.

Windscreen scraper with brush

This tool is your best friend for removing ice from your windscreen over the winter, choose a double ended tool with a wide scraper for ice on one end and a brush for frost on the other.

It might take some patience, but a durable scraper with a frost brush is much more effective than quick remedies like pouring hot water on your windscreen which damages the glass and leads to

long­term woes.

Antifreeze

Having this liquid in your car can save you in a pinch. Antifreeze helps your car’s engine to regulate itself in extreme temperatures and is a must during the winter.

Windshield cover We tend to associate

windshield covers with the summer, when we want to keep our cars out of direct sunlight, but they are also a valuable piece of kit during the winter.

Windshield covers act as a blanket for our cars, protecting them from the worst of the weather, and saving you a job.

Photo credit: Krasula / shutterstock.com

ANTIFREEZE : An essential piece of motoring kit for wherever you’re travelling over the winter.

Position untenable

BERNARD LAPORTE, the World Rugby vice­president and France rugby president has been convicted by a French court for corruption and has been given a two­year suspended prison sentence.

Laporte, who said on Wednesday, December 14 that he intends to appeal his conviction, remains president of the French Rugby Federation.

Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad was also given an 18month suspended sentence and fined along with Laporte. The two were found guilty of an illegal conflict of interests, influence peddling and four instances of passive corruption.

Many have called on Laporte to step away from rugby just nine months before France is due to hold the 2023 World Cup. They say his position is untenable, however, his appeal could take as long as 2024 to be heard which means that he is unlikely to step down.

Following the news of the conviction, New Zealand rugby instigated an investigation into the sponsorship deal they have with French construction company Altrad. The insinuation is that Laporte had a hand in the deal.

Neil Hallet, the former All Black, has been asked as an expoliceman to investigate the case and to report his findings. Hallett, a former detective inspector in the New Zealand police, is expected to report before the end of January.

Sir Bill Beaumont, the World Rugby chairman, will take on Laporte’s committee duties whilst the investigation takes place.

The timing could not be worse with ongoing investigations into Qatar and the bribery of European Union MEPs and FIFA officials.

World Cup winners

FOR the first time since 1986, Ar gentina are the world champions in football. After a pulsating match in Doha’s Lusail Stadium, in which the 2022 Qatar World Cup final went to penalties, the South Americans won on penalties.

Inspired by their enigmatic captain Lionel Messi, the game looked to be all over until France made an incredi ble comeback in the closing stages of the main 90 minutes. Their talisman, Kylian Mbappe proved why he is the successor to Messi’s title as one of the best players on the planet when he notched a hat trick. After extra time and with the score 3 ­ 3, it was time for the dreaded penalty shoot out, this being only the third time that a World Cup final had been de cided by penalties, the two previous finals being in 1994 and 2006.

Argentina beat France 4­2 to take the title and many will say it is a fit ting end for Lionel Messi, finally lift ing the one trophy that had been missing from his incredible haul during his glittering career as it draws to

a close.

The Argentinian government declared Tuesday December 20 a Na ­

tional Bank holiday so that the whole country could celebrate their sporting heroes return.

Credit: EWN