Axarquia 22 - 28 December 2022 Issue 1955

SEASONAL giving took centre ­ stage at Axarquia Animal Rescue’s annual Christmas lunch. The group held a charity lunch on Wednesday, December 14 which raised a staggering €580 thanks to the generosity of guests.

The group held a Christmas lunch at Bar Samba in Torre del Mar which was well ­ attended by members of the community who showed up for a fabulous social afternoon of fundraising, musical entertainment and catching up between friends and new members.

The money raised during the Christmas lunch will be equally divided be­

tween two local campaigns, for the Benajarafe branch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

campaign and for the group’s own neutering project for local street cats.

The Christmas spirit continued to shine brightly in the AAR community this week too with a raffle at Trapiche Market on Tuesday, December 20. The enormous Christmas hamper containing an exciting array of international Christmas goods including British tea, Christmas crackers, candy canes and whisky, was won by a delighted Sam Britton­Beese.

The money raised at the festive events will support the AAR in their animal care operations over the festive season, rescuing animals and providing comprehensive care until they find loving forever homes.

A HUGE 180­strong congregation gathered for a seasonal charity service at Nerja and Almuñecar Anglican Church. The congregation enjoyed thought­provoking readings and heartwarming carols during the service on Wednesday, December 14.

The church took to Facebook to thank the community for coming along despite the rainy weather, as well as the CoraXalia choir for a wonderful performance. Director Eusebio Pita oversaw a harmonic, multi­part performance of well­loved Christmas Carols during the mass which was thoroughly enjoyed by the whole congregation. The church also held a charity collection during the mass.

TORROX has welcomed Christmas in style at its biggest event of the year, Migas Festival. More than 40,000 people came together on Sunday, December 18 for a day packed full of traditional events celebrating the town’s rich cultural heritage and cuisine.

The traditional Migas dish was the star of the show during the all­day celebrations. Some 40,000 people from across the country packed into the historic town centre to taste the dish and a variety of local tapas prepared especially for the event, paired perfectly with local wines.

Migas is a local dish which was traditionally prepared for labourers in the fields. The ingredients vary from town to town, but Torrox’s contains

semolina to make the distinctive breadcrumb taste, meat and eggs.

The sun shone brightly on revellers who tucked into the culinary delights and enjoyed traditional

music all afternoon.

Torrox mayor, Óscar Medina, addressed the crowd in Plaza de la Constitución saying, “Today, all in Torrox are proud to show the world who we

are, welcoming but straightforward people, just like our Migas.” Medina added, “Migas brings together the two pillars of our land, agriculture and tourism.”

The church took part in a special evening of prayer for Ukraine on Wednesday, December 21. The online event was held by the Diocese in Europe Anglican Church organisation and saw Anglicans across the continent pray for peace in wartorn Ukraine, following the Russian invasion in February.

Nerja and Almuñecar Anglican Church are also set to host a Christmas Day mass for any Anglicans spending Christmas in Nerja at 12pm on Sunday, December 25.

SEASONAL SERVICE: Some 180 worshippers enjoyed Christmas readings and carols last week.

Photo credit: Nerja and Almuñécar Anglican Church (Via Facebook)

ENORMOUS HAMPER: Raffled to raise much-needed funds.

Bigger than ever

TORRE DEL MAR’S biggest event, Weekend Beach Festival, is set to be back even bigger than ever in 2023. Huge musical stars including Maluma, Kiko Veneno, and Fangoria will grace next year’s line ­ up for the popular music festival.

Local mayor, Jesús Pérez Atencia announced the line ­ up on Friday, December 16 alongside organisers saying, “These massive headliners will undoubtedly bring huge numbers of people to our town.” He highlighted the festival as an event which places Torre del Mar on the international map, particularly with global performers such as Maluma.

Atencia thanked organisers for their choice of Torre del Mar to host the event, referring to “the significant economic impact” of the event. Last year more than 135,000 music lovers celebrated a love for music at the festival. The four ­ day music festival will return to the beach town on July 5 until July 8 next year, and will bring a whole host of revellers to the region to enjoy the music and local attractions. Tickets have already gone on sale for the event which is expected to sell out.

Fundraising running

RUNNERS in Almuñécar are in for a festive treat with the San Silvestre Run on Thursday, December 29. This year’s event has two different disciplines, appealing to runners of all ages and abilities.

The San Silvestre race is a staple of the Christmas calendar, offering athletes a chance to challenge themselves while getting into the festive spirit. In a festive twist, participants won’t compete for the fastest speed, but for the best costume!

Two events will take place on the day with a children’s race from 7pm and the adults’ 3.5 kilometre race from 8.30pm. Runners are set to follow a scenic coastal route which also stretches up to the town’s Castillo de San Miguel.

The fun run is also a charity event, raising much­needed funds for the local branch of the AECC

cancer association. Councillor for Sports, Luis Aragon thanked organisers from Sexitano Athletics Club saying, “This event was launched over a decade ago and is bouncing

back after being held virtually during the pandemic.” Places for the run have already gone on sale, with organisers aiming to beat last year’s total of 550 participants.

Winning window display

TOWNS in Almuñecar put on dazzling displays for the town’s annual Christmas window display contest, but it was local furniture business ‘Tropimueble’ which took the victory.

The competition has run for the past four years, and aims to find the best dressed window in Almuñecar. The winning window display must be related to Christmas and have been displayed since Monday, December 5, when

the competition began.

This year, judges announced their decision on Saturday, December 17, crowning Tropimueble as the winner. The shop, which is located on Avenida Costa del Sol, received top scores from judges thanks to their spectacular festive display which included hanging stars, plants and unique handmade decorations.

Second place was awarded to garden shop, Flamboyán, while

the third place went to boutique shop, Arullo. Tropimueble won a giant Christmas hamper, packed with festive goodies, from the local council who organised the event, while the other prizewinners including Eva Medina Hairdressers won smaller hampers.

The decorated windows will remain on display until Friday, January 6, offering shoppers plenty of time to check out their seasonal goods.

Packed calendar

LUX MUNDI has announced another packed programme of prayer and social events for the remainder of the festive period and into January.

The association will round up their festive celebrations with an early New Year’s celebration on Friday, December 30. Guests are invited for a ‘Lucky Grapes’ ceremony at 12pm at their centre in Torre del Mar, to raise a toast to 2023. Tickets cost €3 and are available from the centre.

Lux Mundi’s popular excursions also return in January. The association is holding a trip to Gibraltar on Thursday, January 12, allowing visitors to take advantage of the post­Christmas sales and exciting attractions in the British enclave. Tickets cost €18 for association members or €20 for guests.

The group’s usual schedule will also continue throughout January with a Spanish practice group, an arts and crafts club on Wednesdays and coffee mornings each Friday.

UNBEATABLE SCENERY: Runners in Almuñecar will enjoy a festive challenge at the San Silvestre fun run on Thursday, December 29.

Photo credit: Marlene Vicente shutterstock.com

NIBS EXTRA

Leisure bliss

A BRAND new forest park in Rincon de La Victoria gives visitors a chance to enjoy the town from a different perspective, with plenty of trails. With a surface area of 15,000 metres, the park is the perfect break from urban life.

Fruits of labour

ONE local agricultural giant is aiming to repeat its harvest success last year, after selling approximately 9,000 tons of fruit and vegetables including mangos, avocados and sweet potatoes. The season will rely on good weather conditions.

Real deal

TOWNS across Axarquia have been transformed into scenes from Bethlehem as groups have come together to stage scenes of Jesus’ birth in living nativity scenes. This year saw living nativities in central Nerja, Velez­Malaga and an atmospheric mountainside account.

Action plan

THE Association for Tourism in Axarquia has announced its biggest budget ever for 2023, of €171,000. The body will focus on promoting gastronomic tourism in its action plan next year. Other areas of focus will include eco­tourism, and cultural tourism.

Road repair

DRIVING in the Axarquia region is set to get more pleasant thanks to a highways improvement project which will firstly target the A­7 between Nerja and Frigiliana. An investment of €226,000 will cover road resurfacing at various problem points.

Info appeal

THE National Police have launched an investigation into the robbery of a safe from the AMIVEL Association for the Disabled which took place during the early hours of Saturday, December 17, in Velez Malaga.

Winter warmers

THE Christmas spirit shone brightly at a delightful charity initiative in Torre del Mar on Tuesday, December 20. The town opened its own ‘solidarity wardrobe’, to ensure everyone in the town has enough clothes and essential items over the holidays.

The initiative has been created by a collaboration between a whole host of local charities including the Human Association of Malaga (ASHUMA), Encantados shelter, Solidarios del Mundo, local volunteers for the homeless, Valeriana, and Corazón

Blanco animal shelter. The wide cooperation between the organisations means they are able to pool their re­

sources to have an even greater impact.

Volunteers from ASHUMA explained their goals with

the project, “The purpose of this wardrobe is to provide clothes to people and families at risk of social exclusion.” The project also aims to collect toys for families with limited financial resources so that nobody goes without a special seasonal treat this Christmas.

Jesús Pérez Atencia, VelezMalaga Deputy Mayor also made a trip to see the collection drive and showed the council’s support for the scheme on Tuesday morning. Donations can be made on weekdays between 11am­1pm and 5pm­7pm.

Magical Christmas Village

CHRISTMAS got off to a magnificent start in Almuñecar with the opening of the town’s Christmas village on Saturday, December 17. Crowds gathered to soak in the festive atmosphere and enjoy a vibrant array of attractions and seasonal snacks.

The Christmas village brings festive magic to the town, particularly for children with plenty of attractions including games stalls

and bouncy castles. There is family fun for all ages too, with a huge variety of seasonal sweet treats.

Speaking at Saturday’s launch, councillor for Culture, Alberto Garcia Gilabert described the attractions on offer in the village and invited locals and visitors to get involved, “We hope our Christmas Village has something to appeal to everyone.”

Local residents can also enjoy fabulous

discounts at the Christmas village after more than 10,000 discount vouchers worth 50 cents each were released to businesses in the town. The vouchers can be used in exchange for rides in the park or other Christmas products.

The Christmas Village is located opposite the Río Verde children’s park and is open each afternoon of the holiday period, until Sunday, January 8.

Seasonal solidarity

THE community has come together at a local school for a Christmas fundraising fair, in aid of a local food bank. San Miguel primary school launched their charity Christ mas fair on Monday Decem ber 19, which lasts until Friday, December 23.

The Christmas market is rais ing funds for Nerja Solidaria food bank over the festive period through the sale of handmade gifts and Christmas treats, created by children at the school and their families.

Gifts on sale include unique lanterns and candle holders, Christmas tree decorations and gift baskets. All of the proceeds raised will be donated to Nerja Solidaria, providing much­needed support to help families over Christmas.

The market has been held in

the school each day, from 9.15am until 10am and from 1.15pm until 2pm. Members of the school community are manning the stalls.

Humanitarian funding help

VELEZ­MALAGA continues to stand in solidarity with Ukraine with further funding for people affected by the war living in the area. The council announced a further €37,000 in a new support package for Ukrainian residents on Thursday, December 15.

Víctor González, councillor for Social Rights and Equality, announced the funding, saying the council has already provided financial assistance to 111 Ukrainian families in the region, through emergency grants and vouchers.

The council have also funded two Red Cross projects providing social assistance to Ukrainians living in Velez­Malaga and direct emergency aid on the ground in Ukraine.

The latest funding package will also be partially allocated to emergency Red Cross action in Ukraine, providing humanitarian assistance and essential aid. Part of the funding will go towards local projects by the Red Cross to help Ukrainians who fled the war.

González explained, “The war in Ukraine has caused so much suffering, it has forced thousands of people to leave their homes in search of safety and protection. It is our duty to help these people in their time of need.”

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

KEEPING WARM: Stacks of clothes have already been donated to Torre del Mar’s charity wardrobe.

Photo credit: Tenencia de Alcaldía de Torre del Mar (Via Facebook)

Sustainable success

NERJA is set to receive a major investment in the local tourism sector, to increase opportunities for sustainable tourism. The funding package, totalling €5 million was announced by the regional government on Wednesday, December 14.

Nerja mayor, Jose Alberto Armijo, welcomed the announcement during a press conference called by the regional government last week, “This is excellent news, this investment is a reason to keep working towards a sustainable tourism model, which is key to Nerja.”

Armijo also detailed some of the planned uses of the funding saying it will be used for preservation of local cul­

FUNDING BOOST: Sustainable tourism opportunities are set to increase in Nerja.

tural heritage, developing sustainability, improving energy efficiency, advancing digital tourism marketing, protecting local natural resources, and maintaining the town’s competitiveness as a destination for tourists.

Nerja is the only town on the eastern Costa del Sol and Axarquia region that will ben­

efit from this funding package. Armijo thanked stakeholders in the tourism industry including spokespeople for local residents and sustainable tourism experts for their assistance in helping Nerja to land its bid for the funding. The funds have been allocated from the EU’s Next Generation scheme.

Festive hampers

CHRISTMAS came early for 110 families in Nerja who received festive gift hampers thanks to a charity campaign.

A host of local people came together to hand out the Christmas baskets on Monday, December 14. The campaign was organised through a collaboration between Nerja Solidaria food bank, the local council and La Caixa bank, to ensure that nobody in the area goes without festive cheer over the Christmas period.

The Christmas baskets contained a variety of emergency food supplies and festive products. The local branch of La Caixa Foundation donated a whopping €6,000 towards the festive food hampers.

Reason to recycle

THE community in VelezMalaga is getting behind a new initiative to raise awareness about recycling and to increase use of recycling facilities. The local Department for the Environ­

ment launched its ‘Give lift to the planet’ 2022 campaign on Friday, December 16.

The campaign focuses on recycling electronic equipment and has been

launched for the past three years in time for Christmas to encourage locals to recycle old electronics when upgrading to the latest models. Electronic waste is collected during the scheme and either reused, or parts of it are recycled.

The campaign has already been well ­ received by the community, particularly since information points went up in shops and shopping centres in the local area.

Announcing the initiative at a press conference, Deputy Mayor Jesús Pérez Atencia explained, “We are committed to making Velez ­ Malaga a more sustainable and eco ­ friendly town with initiatives like this.”

Councillor for the Environment, Antonio Ariza also spoke about the benefits of the scheme, “We encourage the whole community to get behind this initiative, 90 per cent of electronic material can be recycled which means we can avoid extracting new materials.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Nerja

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

Gas Safety Aware

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 seasonal 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.

Confidence-building course

A LOCAL life coach is set to give an exciting personal development course in Torre del Mar. Dovi Requena’s Confidence and Self­Esteem Building course is entirely taught in English, and will run from Thursday, January 12.

The eight session course has a maximum of 10 places to provide in­depth, personalised advice and training on confidence and self­esteem. The course is designed to help participants make the changes they want to see in their personal and professional lives.

Course leader, Dovi Requena has more than 30 years of experience in teaching, as well as counselling and life coaching qualifications.

The course will be held on Thursdays from 10am until 1pm at the Lux Mundi Centre on Avenida Moscatel in Torre del Mar and costs €195 for

the full eight sessions. Contact Dovi Requena at: dovirequena7@gmail.com or by WhatsApp on: +44 7779 421064.

Roman reveal

RINCON DE LA VICTORIA celebrated a historic milestone on Monday, December 19 with the official launch of its ancient Roman Villa Antiopa. The estate dates back to the third century AD, and offers a unique insight into the town’s abundant history.

New meets old at the completely renovated site which offers hi­tech interactive activities for guests including audio­visual material, virtual reality systems, and screens to bring the Roman Empire closer for visitors. The museum is also accessible with material in several languages.

The museum boasts an impressive collection featuring 142 pieces including columns and household items and furniture. There are also 13 mosaics including a spectacular tile design depicting a Greek mythological scene featuring Satyr and the villa’s namesake, Antiope.

The site is the town’s first museum, which was highlighted by mayor, Francisco Salado at the opening, “It’s a unique cultural site, there is no other museum like this in the whole country.”

The development is sure to bring even more scientific and tourist interest to the town.

Best of business

ENTREPRENEURS in Nerja

the creation of wealth and opportunities in Nerja.”

Ángela Díaz, the councillor for Economy and Finance congratulated businesspeople from the 29 companies which make up the BNI Lidera group for their success in the last seven years. She added her thanks for the vital work the organisation does to stimulate business and create jobs as well as the knock­on effects for the whole local economy.

Díaz added, “We encourage you to continue on this path, contributing to

Business Network International Lidera is a local community of businesspeople which promotes networking opportunities for professionals living and working in Nerja. During November, the network created more than 700 opportunities and generated €2.1 million within the local economy. Through online initiatives and in­person social mixers, lectures and business meetings BNI Lidera aims to boost members’ business contacts and promotes the exchange of ideas. Its system also helps businesspeople to find new clients, based on recommendations from other local businesspeople.

Experienced local life coach, Dovi Requena is set to boost locals’ confidence with a self-esteem building course.

Photo credit: Confidence Building Course (Via Facebook)

received a special reception from the local Depart

ment for Trade and the council to cele

brate the seventh anniversary of the Business Network International group, on Wednesday, December 14.

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 conse ­

quences. 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

Image Ivan Berrocal/Shutterstock.com

Travel making a comeback.

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.

Perhaps the main reason is that Spain is open for business, whereas the UK is looking less so.

Peter McLaren­Kennedy

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 was some doubt about his cogni­

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 mess up, you don’t always lose

Kelli Field

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 his first ever short film during the

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 time.

AMERICANS are the kings of capitalism. Consumers extraordinaire. I knew this. But it wasn’t until we moved to Spain that I realised the Olympic­level 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 ready to buy anything. Moving to Valencia, something immediately struck us as different. Where was the ad­

vertising? There were ads on bus shelters, subway stations, and shops. A few on local TV. But nothing on the scale of the US. 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 life­long consumerism hit a bump in the road. We barely recognised each other. One morning, he said to me, “I want to want something, but I don’t know what it is. What would I buy?”

I was feeling the confusion, 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 them. “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.

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

Merry

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.

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.

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

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.

McConville

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.

Life after loss

THE death of a life partner is traumatic enough, sometimes made far worse by financial worries.

Peter and Gillian had been married for 30 years when they moved to Spain after retiring.

They both found a new life with new friends and enjoyed new hobbies. He learnt fishing and she learnt Spanish.

One spring morning Peter went fishing in the mountain streams that were full from the previous weeks rain.

Gillian called his mobile when he didn’t arrive to help prepare the lunch, they had planned that day at the house, but he didn’t answer.

She was beginning to worry when her phone rang ­ it was Peter’s number calling.

She immediately picked up and was about to speak when a voice asked in broken English if she knew a person called Peter.

It was the ambulance

crew who had first arrived at the scene ­ Peter had had a massive heart attack whilst driving home. He had been taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Gillian was too numb with shock and disbelief. Her Peter was gone.

As Gillian started to deal with her loss it was clear that Peter’s finances had not been well managed, he owed significant amounts and had no life or funeral insurance.

Their savings had gone into the house and the small pension would not cover the bills.

She borrowed for the fu­

neral and had no money left over for the thousands of euros of debt that had accumulated.

She took the decision to sell the house and downsize and buy a small one bedroom apartment for herself. Even after selling furniture and other belongings she was still short for the removals.

She was put in touch with the BBF to see about helping with the removal costs to her new home, which we were able to do.

Gillian still lives there today and has a new life.

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?

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

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.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

NoraJohnson’sopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

Nora’s latest thriller.

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.

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Southgate to stay Merry Christmas Merry

AFTER last week’s Baha Whiskey Cup victory over the Walking Dead,Malaga WFC again hosted them, this time in the Euro Weekly walking football leagues.

The double header ended in honours being equal. Malaga 50 winning 4­1 and the Walking Dead 60 edging their game 3­2 in two excellent games in the rain. Many clubs had their Christmas functions last week, and I am sure many more will be doing so this week.

It’s time to sit back and reflect on what has been an excellent year for Walking Football here in Spain.

Two of our teams getting to the late knock out stages at the Copa de Europa in Portugal, first visit of a side outside Africa to Morocco, thousands raised between the clubs for good causes.

All the clubs involved in walkingfooty.com would like to thank the Euro Weekly News for their continued support of our sport and also Baha Irish Whiskey.

As a new year dawns make 2023 a new start, get involved in Walking Football.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

GARETH SOUTHGATE has allegedly made up his mind that he will stay on as the manager of the England men’s football team.

Gareth Southgate will remain as manager of the England men’s international football team. The news was revealed exclusively on, Saturday, December 17, by a UK news publication, and tweeted @JBurtTelegraph by Jason Burt, the publication’s Chief Football Correspondent.

The 52 ­ year ­ old will apparently inform FA bosses of his decision before Christmas to make himself available to coach the national team in preparation for Euro 2024. It is believed that he was convinced to stay after meetings with the players.

His future as boss of the Three Lions had been up in the air following the recent World Cup defeat in the quarter ­ finals against France. He asked for some time to think his future over and now the decision has been made.

While England did not disgrace themselves against the current holders, many were left frustrated by the fact the Three Lions were unable to overcome one of the top nations in the business end of the World Cup. However, Southgate is reportedly keen to give it another go as manager of the national team.

Image Walking football