Costa del Sol 29 December • 4 January 2022 Issue 1956

WHILE the Costa del Sol may not be known for its snowy weather, it will still be a white Christmas for many at Puente Romano’s winter wonderland Christmas market in Marbella, which has

extended its opening dates until Thursday, January 5.

With Reyes coming up, Father Christmas has now been replaced with the ‘Pajes reales’, the helpers to the three kings Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar, for children to visit ahead of the main event on Friday January 6.

Adults will also be able to enjoy the Christmas market’s many stalls.

With temperatures still unseasonable for winter, Puente Romano’s transformation into a snowy scene could be the perfect backdrop for a traditional festive treat.

Credit:

Puente Romano

WHITE CHRISTMAS: Puente Romano has transformed into a winter wonderland.

TURISMO Costa del Sol President, Francisco Salado, has delivered a cheerful Christmas message to the province’s residents, professionals, and visitors as the year comes to a close.

“We are coming to the end of the year. Our figures suggest that the industry has finally begun to recover.” Salado elaborated, “We are endeavouring to recover the number of international tourists visiting the destination at the level before the pandemic.”

Despite this, a report released last month by the Executive Committee of the Association of Ho ­

A bright 2023

CHEERFUL MESSAGE: Tourism figures on the rise.

tels and Entrepreneurs in the Costa del Sol (AEHCOS) found that interna­

tional tourists accounted for 65 per cent of the total hotel occupancy rate.

THE Lux Mundi, Fuengirola Ecumenical Carol Service was held on Sunday, December 18, in the Parish Church El Carmen y Santa Fe, Los Boliches.

This suggests that global tourism is recovering, which should positively impact the industry.

Salado said that the tourism industry in Malaga supports almost 120,000 families and 14,000 businesses, which shows how important it is to the province. Salado stated, “We must continue working toward boosting tourism and, in turn, generating employment,” praising “the constant strength of professionals in the sector.”

Salado concluded by saying, “We hope everyone’s dreams come true on the Costa del Sol in 2023.”

Oh Holy Night!

The eclectic congregation included international friends and residents of the Costa del Sol area who came together to pray and enjoy the carols.

The prayers were led by ministers from six different churches, the readings were made in nine different languages and the carols were

sung by TIMS, Camerata del Sol and the choirs from the Swedish, Finnish church and Virgen del Carmen y Santa Fe parish choir. The organisers would like to give thanks to all those from the community who came to support this special event of Lux Mundi and also for their generosity during the collection.

For more information about Lux Mundi or to book an appointment email: luxmundif@gmail.com or call (+34) 952 474 840.

Shutterstock.com/ Mikael Damkier

NIBS EXTRA

Big win

MALAGA receivesd a windfall from the El Gordo lottery, with €1.6 million going to the region. Four tickets, two in Malaga City, one in Villanueva del Trabuco, and one in Torremolinos, each bearing the winning first prize number 05490, were sold.

Ship docks

A REPLICA of the historic sailing ship Nao Victoria has docked in Malaga as part of a world tour honouring the 500th anniversary of the Magellen­Elcano expedition made by the Spanish sailing ship and will be open to the public until Sunday January 15.

NYE concert

THE New Year’s Concert will be held on Monday January 2, at the Príncipe de Asturias Municipal Auditorium at 8pm. It will be performed by the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra, which opens its 2023 tour with this concert. Admission is free until total capacity is reached.

Rising rents

MARBELLA is the fourth most expensive Spanish city to rent in, according to data collected by UVE Valoraciones. Rents have skyrocketed in tourist areas, with prices in Estepona, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas and Malaga City also becoming more expensive.

In memory

THE Estepona City Council, together with the Victims of Terrorism Association, have dedicated an emblematic space on the newly remodelled Avenida de Espana to honour, recognise and preserve the memory of victims of terrorism.

Secret Santa

MALAGA police have donated over 2.5 tonnes of food and toys for children in need at Christmas. Altogether, 150 children will benefit and enjoy a happier Christmas.

Christmas Lionhearts

THOSE La Cala de Mijas Lionhearts have done it once again as they put together special goody bags for 40 local families who needed a bit of extra cheer at this time of the season.

Bags containing a wide selection of gifts, food and drink were lined up outside the shop for local charity Caritas to distribute to the various families in need.

Apart from this, there were special boxes of gifts

for 30 children, shoe boxes containing the name and age of the child was includ­

Celebrate with us

CHRISTMAS is a time to get together and celebrate and Age Concern certainly know how to party, meeting up with old friends and making new ones is just part of the fun.

Age Concern now have four local weekly drop­in centres so clients don’t have to travel very far, covering Fuengirola, Mijas and Benalmadena, almost 200 clients recently sat down to a festive feast.

If you live in these areas and would like to join Age Concern please make a note of the following numbers.

If you would like to help, whether as an individual or business please call 711 019 711.

If you or a loved one needs help please call 652 537 615.

Age Concern wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

Credit: Roland

cording to their age.

This was the brainwave of Lions’ Julie Barry and Sandie Tavendale who oversaw the whole event with co ­ operation from Ange and the volunteers in the Lions Charity Shop.

Presents galore

THE director ­ delegate of Emabesa water company, Joaquin Villazon, donated a batch of cuddly toys and backpacks to be distributed to children during the Three Kings’ Parade.

ed on the outside. Inside there were lots of gifts for that particular child ac ­

The food and drinks were all donated by supporters and sponsors and special thanks must go to the ladies of Miraflores Golf who have been collecting items unceasingly throughout the year.

€2,000 bonus

THE Palo Alto Marbella residential community donated €2,000 to the Parroquia del Santo Cristo del Calvario Caritas branch in Marbella.

In addition to the financial aid, the representatives of Palo Alto also delivered a batch of hygiene and food products for babies that will be distributed among the neediest families in the city.

The donation was made at a ceremony held on Wednesday, December 21 at the Caritas headquarters and was attended by Matías Villarroel, development director of Palo Alto Marbella, and José Luís Traba García, director of Santo Cristo parish Caritas del Calvario, as well as volunteers from the charity.

All aboard

TRAVELLING with your beloved pets has become much easier, as Spanish rail operator Renfe has announced pet­friendly train services on its high ­ speed trains (AVE) between Malaga and Madrid.

It will allow pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets and birds (not poultry), to travel with their owners on four AVE trains on the Madrid­Malaga connection.

To avail of the service, pet owners must go to the Renfe AVE service centre in Atocha or the Maria Zambrano station in Malaga City at least 40 minutes before their departure to provide the relevant health documentation.

The rail operator will provide a cover and a mat for the pet’s seat, but the owner must bring a cleaning kit containing hygienic wipes, disin­

fectant, and anti­odour spray.

Pet owners can purchase tickets for the service up to 24 hours before the trip. Guide dogs and other support animals remain exempt from restrictions or ticket requirements.

“Emabesa is part of the Benalmadena society, and participates in all major events, as it did recently by donating toys to families at risk of social exclusion so that no child is left without toys this holiday season,” celebrated Villazon.

The councillor for Festivities, Pilar Ramirez, confirmed: “Emabesa has donated 500 beautiful cuddly toys and 600 backpacks to hand out on January 5 during the Three Kings’ Parade, a gesture for which we thank them once again for their collaboration with the Three Kings.

“We at Emabesa are delighted to once again be present at the Three Wise Men’s Parade, delivering these 500 cuddly toys to Their Majesties through Festejos to do our bit so that the children have even more excitement on that day,” said the manager of Emabesa, Pedro del Campo.

New Year wishes

2022 HAS been a year of rebirth for Spain’s economy and tourism industry following two years of the pandemic.

Tourists have returned in their millions while the theatres, bars and restaurants which had been hit by Covid are booming once again.

Spain also saw some of the biggest names in music flock to its shores, with Craig David, Simply Red, Simple Minds and Texas all performing this summer.

2023 is now set to be an even bigger year of boom and the Euro Weekly News would like to wish all our readers and advertisers a very happy and prosperous New Year ahead.

With love, The EWN family x

GOODY BAGS: Showing off the gifts outside the charity shop.

Accompany the Kings!

ACCOMPANIED by their royal pages, the Three Kings, Melchor, Balthazar and Gaspar will visit towns across the Costa del Sol for their traditional parade and this year, Mijas Town Hall has extended a special invitation to the children in the municipality to join them on their customary procession.

As usual, the parade will take place on Thursday January 5 from 5pm, however parents or guardians will have until Tuesday January 3 to enrol their little ones to accompany the Kings. Families will need to head to

the town hall or the mayoral offices located in either Las Lagunas or La Cala de Mijas to register.

The only stipulation regarding age is that participants must be between the ages of four and 12 and once the number of participants needed is met, no more requests will be processed.

Betty Henderson

MOTORISTS in Andalucia are preparing for changes as a renovation project gets underway to renumber kilometre markers on the A­7. The motorway, which lines the east coast of the country, is set for changes to kilometre markers to avoid duplication.

The scheme began back on Tuesday, October 11, and affects portions of the road from Almeria to Algeciras. The Ministry of Transport embarked upon the project to avoid duplication of kilometre numbers between sections of the road from its start in La Junquera in northern Catalonia to its end in the Andalucian city of Algeciras. The new system means that the road’s first kilometre is at its northern start, ascending towards the 1,122nd kilometre which is at its southern end point in Algeciras.

Various kilometre signs had

Shifting gears

to be changed in the south of the country including at Fuengirola, which changed from kilometre 210 to 1015, and La Herradura which changed from 305 to 960. The changes mean that businesses will need to update any address information which refers to the kilometre number markers which could confuse customers.

Residents should also take care to ensure that any visitors who may have been accustomed to the old system are aware of the new numbering convention.

Motorists took to Facebook over the Christmas holidays to remark on the changes and in some cases, express confusion about the decision. Others were dismayed about the

use of money, as the project cost more than €350,000, but authorities say the project is necessary to avoid confusion among emergency services and highway patrols.

The number changes date back to 2003 when sections of the older N­340 were connected with the current A­7 to create a faster nationwide highway. Kilometre numbers were not always updated, which resulted in the system which stood for almost 20 years, with some numbers duplicated throughout the country.

Cruise giveaway

CITY councils across the Costa del Sol have launched campaigns encouraging residents to buy locally this Christmas. However, they have yet to push the boat out quite so far as in Fuengirola, where a Mediterranean cruise is up for grabs.

As part of the campaign ‘In Fuengirola, your purchases come with prizes this Christmas’, councillor for Commerce Francisco Javier Garcia Lara said that the objective is to support the city’s economic fabric, promoting local establishments and boosting employment.

“This campaign aims to encourage sales

in local shops during the Christmas season with a prize draw in which participants can win a cruise across the Mediterranean for two people,” the councillor said.

The period to send receipts will be open until January 13, although only purchases made between December 5 and January 5 are valid for the prize draw.

Participants are advised to send a photo of their receipts and their details to navi dad@fuengirola.org for a chance to win this fantastic prize.

The raffle will be held on January 27 in the Royal Hall of the town hall.

Caring jumpers

December

mas jumpers to raise mon­

ey for Save the Children. The children, in turn, had to create a jumper, made out of pre­printed stickers, by kindly asking friends

and family to sponsor each sticker, which then completed a ‘caring Christmas jumper’.

The school managed to raise a fantastic €835 and would like to thank everyone for their generosity.

All the money raised will specifically help children that are victims of conflicts.

Save the Children has more than 30 years of experience in Spain to develop support programmes for the most vulnerable children.

Three Wise Kings.

Image: Fernando Estel, CC BY-SA 3.0

ON Wednesday,

21, the children and staff at the International School in Estepona wore their Christ

Kilometre numbers in the Andalucia section of the A-7 have changed to avoid duplication along the motorway.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Kokoo

Sunday openings

ON January 3, the Junta de Andalucia declared that Malaga Province had been recognised an ‘Area of Great Tourist Influx ’which will allow larger shops to open on 26 Sundays in the year.

This will be good news to shoppers in Benalmadena, Estepona, Fuen­

girola, Malaga City, Marbella Mijas and Torremolinos as well as parts of Manilva (Duquesa and Sabinillas).

Although the majority of Sundays will fall between June and September (plus some Monday public holidays), there will be full opening at Easter and December as well as between one and

two Sundays most months.

This decision means that shops with more than 300 square metres of space such as department stores and supermarkets may open on the agreed Sundays, whilst certain essential services such as fuel, bakers etc are not constrained by time or day.

Free meals for needy

ED 1908 - FEBRUARY

MIJAS restaurant La Pergola will be providing free meals to those in need on the Costa del Sol on January 29.

The famous restaurant will be offering 100 pasta dishes to help the Costa del Sol community.

Owner Tibbi Aquila said: “La Pergola is bringing some joy to the La Cala community!

“On January 29 we will do our #CHARITY Pick ­ Up Lunch for La Cala’s people in need!

“A warm meal for whoever needs it! We will prepare 100 pasta dishes!

“Please register your name and number of

meals you need with Christer Lagervall by sending him a message on Messenger (PM) or WhatsApp on +34 692 814 317.

“Also if you know anyone in need you can register and collect the food for

them.

“Pick up will be at La Pergola in Urb Las Mimosas #3 between 2pm and 4pm.”

For more information, visit www.lapergolala cala.com

WELCOME NEWS: Shopping centres may open on more Sundays.

Credit: Tyk CC

ED 1905 - JANUARY

BRINGING JOY: Tibbi and his team.

ED 1915 - MARCH

THE Costa del Sol and half of Spain were hit by ‘Martian skies’ from Monday March 14. The weather phenomenon, caused by Saharan sands swept across Spain, also saw ‘blood rain’ fall from the sky in many areas too.

The Costa del Sol was left with intense orange skies as Sahara dust left thick layers of sand on everything.

Social media has been awash with images of orange skies and dusty patios.

‘Martian skies’

Speaking to one publication, Francisco Martin, a meteorologist at Meteored commented: “The most affected areas are Murcia, Almeria, the Valencian Community, Madrid, the two Castillas and the Basque Country.”

Miguel Ángel Saz, from the University of Zaragoza commented: “This is a particularly intense episode. In the city of Murcia and other municipali­

ED 1918 - APRIL

BENALMADENA mayor Victor Navas helped celebrate the 30th anniversary of Cudeca Foundation at a ceremony held on Wednesday March 30.

Dr Marisa Martin, Chief Executive and Medical Director of Cudeca Hospice and co-founder with Joan Hunt, opened the event by explaining what this anniversary means: “Thirty years of caring in a very special way for more than 17,000 people with cancer and other advanced illnesses. Adding life to their days, as the Foundation’s motto says. Many lives touched and much life added.

“A project that in 30 years has received the unconditional support of the whole of

ties in the region, the levels of particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 and 10 microns that the World Health Organisation (WHO) considers healthy have been exceeded.”

A spokesperson for Aemet revealed: “The dust concentration is very high and, for this reason, the particles fall by gravity in a phenomenon called dry deposition. This is what in many cities in Spain

has resulted in a significant layer of dust on cars and also on the ground.”

Following the Saharan sand which swept across the Costa del Sol and much of the rest of Spain, the Euro Weekly News asked our readers on Facebook to send in their most spectacular images. Elizabeth Parker Gleeson sent in the amazing image of Mijas Pueblo on the front page.

Cudeca at 30

Malaga community, which generously sustains it, 2,150 regular donors, 900 volunteers, general donors, private companies, town councils, Malaga Provincial Council, Ministry of Health and Families, makes this palliative care project a reality.” It has become a national and international reference with 105 professionals, including doctors, nurses, auxiliary nurses and support staff, psychologists, social workers and physiotherapists.

Special mention was made of the resident expat community, especially the

British, who were the main and almost the only support in Cudeca’s first 15 years. The word ‘hospice’, the sunflower, so defining of Cudeca’s essence, are imported from the UK, the cradle of palliative care. Among the events that will celebrate this anniversary are the Cudeca Walkathon on May 28, a Scientific Conference on Paediatric Palliative Care and Volunteering which will take place in October and November, and a charity concert at the Cervantes Theatre in Malaga Capital on November 30.

SAHARA DUST: Left thick layers of sand on everything.

Largest cruise ship’s first visit

Best Chef Award

ED 1922 - MAY

MARBELLA chef Dani Garcia, who has three Michelin stars to his credit in his restaurants, is now in the running to become the world’s best solo chef in the kitchen.

This was announced on Thursday, April 28 by the organisers of The Best Chef Awards. The organisation makes a top 100 list of chefs annually, from which the winner is chosen.

Polish neuroscientist Joanna Slusarczyk, and the Italian gastronome Cristian Gadau, created this contest in 2017. It

aims to reward the actual chefs and not so much the restaurants, in the way that most other awards do.

First of all, the process consists of making a list of 200 pre­ candidates, 100 of them new, and selected by anonymous professionals in the restaurant sector. The other 100 are the same ones that participated in the previous year’s contest.

After this, the next step is to whittle the 200 down, to obtain the final top 100. This is achieved through an online vote, where both nominees and anonymous professionals can participate.

Obama in Malaga

ED 1928 - JUNE

THE largest cruise ship in the world is set to dock at Malaga port on Saturday, April 30.

The cruise ship will be visiting Malaga as part of a 14 ­ day luxury voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Spain’s Barcelona.

Malaga will be the ship’s first European port of call, bringing tourism to businesses and promoting Malaga as a fantastic destination to visit.

Wonder of the Seas comes complete

with 18 decks and has a maximum capacity of nearly 7,000 passengers. The ship can also boast of having nearly 3,000 cabins of different types.

According to Royal Caribbean: “The world’s largest ship, Wonder of the Seas, brings even bigger adventures to the award­winning Oasis Class.

With 22 restaurants and 11 bars as well as the most varied leisure options, the ship that will arrive this Saturday in Malaga offers as novelties an American southern style bar and another with panoramic views.

FORMER US President Barack Obama was in Malaga from June 14 till 16 appearing at the DES­ Digital Enterprise Show 2022, according to Spanish media.

Whilst attending the DESDigital Enterprise Show he said that: “Putin is a threat to European democracy.”

He described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “a wake­up call” for European stability and considered Russian President Vladimir Putin “a threat to European democracy”.

Obama, who recalled in his speech the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Spanish Civil War and the Cold War, said there

is now an area of peace and democracy which, with the invasion of Ukraine, there is an attempt to destabilise. “What Putin is doing, imposing himself on a small country in this way, is to flout democratic norms,” he warned.

Obama wanted to ac ­

knowledge the solidarity of the whole of Europe, including Spain, with the Ukrainian people. In fact, he alluded to the Obama Foundation, which he heads with his wife, and which seeks to create a network of committed young people.

WONDER OF THE SEAS: Is due to arrive in Malaga.

ED 1921 - MAY

BARACK OBAMA: Attended the DES Show in Malaga.

Busy times

ED 1931 - JULY

ACCORDING to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) for July, Marbella has registered the highest number of national visitors in the last 12 years, since 2009.

June closed with a total of 79,152 tourists staying in hotel establishments, of which 34,100 were Spanish and 45,052 foreigners. Laura de Arce, the general director of Tourism in Marbella, highlighted that “the drop in tourism in the years of the pandemic is already around 18 per cent, compared to 2019.

“That represents a very important recovery since in previous months these data ranged between an 80 per cent drop in the month of February 2021 and a 45 per cent drop in the month of June 2021,” she added.

Regarding international tourism, she indicated that “its recovery is slower, but its data is also improving compared to previous months, and, above all, to the previous year.

“The month of July now represents a drop of 33 per cent compared to 2019 and an increase of 130 per cent compared to 2020.”

Tourism from France continues to rise in July, as has been the case in recent months, as well as with visitors from the Netherlands and she added “numbers from Germany show a significant increase, approaching the levels of 2019. It is the British that offer slower signs of recovery, due to the restrictive measures that have been suffered in recent months.”

The occupancy rate by rooms in July also rose to 66.25 per cent, although this is still far from the occupancy rates of years prior to the pandemic.

ED 1936 - AUGUST

NEO the orangutan celebrated his first birthday at Bioparc Fuengirola on Thursday August 4.

Since he came into the world, Neo has had a close relationship with his mother, to whom he clung from the first moment and from whom he barely lets go.

He will maintain this closeness until he has reached his

Happy Birthday Neo

second birthday, although he will continue to take milk from his mother until he is four or five.

This special relationship makes Bornean orangutans one of the animals with the longest childhood in the animal kingdom.

Neo is one of four baby orangutans that have been

born at Bioparc as part of the zoo’s conservation programme and according to data from the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) the worldwide population of orangutans is just under 105,000, less than half the figure recorded at the beginning of the 1970s.

Brotherhood of firemen

ED 1938 - AUGUST

ON Thursday, August 18, posting on the official Twitter account of Benalmadena Town Hall, Javier Marin, the councillor for Citizen Security and Emergencies, reported the recognition that David Bañasco, the Benalmadena Fire Chief recently received in Madrid from the capital’s Brotherhood of Firefighters.

“It fills me with pride that the work of the Benalmadena Firefighters is recognised beyond our municipality. This arises thanks to the collaboration between the Fire Brigade of Benalmadena and Madrid, which also allows the exchange of knowledge and experiences between two bodies from very different places such as our town and the capital of

PROUD: Benalmadena and Madrid firefighters together.

Spain,” explained Javier Marin.

The councillor highlighted: “The value of emergency professionals from different parts of the country exchanging knowledge to enrich the work they do every day with the main objective of ensuring the safety of citizens.”

MARBELLA: Has seen an important recovery in previous months.

Credit: shutterstock

Credit: Twitter@BenalmadenaAyto

Ambassador’s Cudeca visit

ED 1940 - SEPTEMBER

THE British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, visited the Cudeca Hospice in Benalmádena on Monday September 5. He and his wife María Antonia Martín were given a guided tour of the building and met staff who recounted the history of the palliative care centre founded by British subject Joan Hunt, the only one of its kind in Spain, and explained the various care programmes. Cudeca, which cares for more than 1,700 people of many different nationalities every year, has home care teams, day care facilities, rehabilitation and physiotherapy services as well as psychological and social care professionals and an In­Patient Unit.

Mr Elliott was also introduced to several volunteers, who told him how they help to raise funds either in the charity shops or by organising events, or offer practical help at the hospice or by caring for patients and their families, and he learned how British volunteers had been crucial from the beginning, when Joan Hunt called on her compatriots for

help in raising funds for a hospice.

The tour of the installations then moved to the adjoining building, the recently inaugurated Yusuf Hamied Centre, headquarters of the Cudeca Institute of Studies and Research in Palliative Care, where Cudeca will train future palliative care specialists.

Joan Hunt, who died in June 2021, was awarded an OBE in 2002 for her work establishing a centre to care

for people with incurable and terminal illnesses, and the Ambassador, who later was due to present the same honour to the mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, commented that he was very sorry not to have met such a remarkable pioneer. He congratulated all the staff and volunteers for their work to maintain her legacy, and had high praise for the hospice itself and its beautiful surroundings.

Being Ballsy

ED 1946 - OCTOBER

ONE British Costa del Sol resident Clive Marks has been gaining a large following online after raising awarness over prostate cancer and encouraging men to go and get checked following his cancer battle.

Clive, 61, who lives in Calahonda, has reached thousands of people through his heartfelt, humorous videos and posts on Facebook sharing his journey from his diagnosis onwards. Now cancer­free, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, Clive wants men to take stock of their health too and is encouraging all men over 40 to go and get a test for the disease, which is almost as prevalant as breast cancer.

He told the Euro Weekly News: “In 2019 I suffered from Covid and struggled to fight off a chest infection. After heading back and forward to the doctor I finally had a PSA blood test which showed raised levels of prostate­specific antigen,” Clive confirmed. With no symptoms to speak of he was

lucky to have had the test.

“After quite a lengthy process, I finally sat down with my oncologist to discuss my options. I was fortunate to have caught the cancer early as blood and bone scans showed the cancer had not spread.”

Clive is now urging men over the age of 40 to have a PSA test. A simple blood test can save lives. Prostate­specific antigen (PSA) test, measures the level of PSA and may help detect early prostate cancer.

“Women have routine mammograms and cervical smear tests. A PSA test is the same.

“After the diagnosis, I was put on hormone treatment which I will continue to have for two years. The side effects are similar to a woman’s menopause or period, so this has made me very sympathetic to my wife!” Clive joked.

The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. But certain things can increase your risk of developing it, and the chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older.

Credit: Cudeca

Hugh Elliott, his wife María Antonia Martín and Cudeca representatives.

Presidents Charity Cup Early Xmas surprise

THE Rotary Club MarbellaGuadalmina held its inaugural President’s Charity Cup Golf Tournament on Saturday December 17 at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort to raise money for underprivileged children

in La Linea and Malaga.

Fine weather, enthusiastic golfers and a well­supported raffle resulted in €4,200 being raised.

This will be shared between Hogar Betania in La Linea, Las Lagunillas in Mala­

ga, and Cuidad de Los Niños Orphanage in Malaga.

Thanks to Jorge Querol from Los Flamingos Golf, participants enjoyed their afternoon on this picturesque course. This was followed by drinks and tapas and the prize­giving ceremony at the nearby Los Flamingos Racquet Club.

Golfers Oscar Eguren and Jorge Herrera won the bespoke first place trophy, which was provided by Ralph Brenk of Mara Collections.

The Rotary Club MarbellaGuadalmina would like to thank all the companies involved for their generous sponsorship of this charity event.

SANTA CLAUS visited QuironSalud Marbella Hospital early this year to surprise its youngest patients.

The Marbella healthcare centre has received four electric cars which will be used by its young paediatric patients who are due to undergo surgery. This surprise has been made possible thanks to the company Ataa Cars, who have helped Santa Claus deliver the vehicles.

The cars are a replica of real model vehicles that will be operated by the medical staff by remote control for the journey that children have to make from their room to the operating theatre or for a diagnostic test. The use of these cars in the hospital environment is a great improvement in the experience of young patients.

Doctor Adelaida Sanchez Bacallao

Resounding success

CLUB MED MAGNA Marbella has ended the year with historic occupancy results, with an average occupancy of 90 per cent during the summer of 2022.

The commitment and involvement of the French all­inclusive vacation group Club Med with its return to Spain at the hands of the new Premium resort Club Med Magna Marbella has favoured that, in the words of its President, Henri Giscard d’Estaing, “we have achieved our main objective: that the return of the chain to Spain after more than 20 years has been in less than a year a

resounding success of occupation and involvement with the local community.”

Regarding the prospects for next year, Giscard d’Estaing claims to face 2023 “with new projects and great enthusiasm.”

confirmed: “Our main objective is to make the child’s stay in hospital a positive and pleasant one when facing an operation. Their anxiety disappears the moment they get into the car because, from then on, they begin to perceive their situation as a game.”

Casino Christmas

ON Thursday, December 15, Casino Marbella celebrated Christmas in style at an event that brought together more than 150 clients and friends.

Guests enjoyed a magical evening filled with a great atmosphere, haute cuisine, live entertainment, gastronomy and lots of fun.

Under the slogan ‘This Christmas you are the star’, the Casino didn’t want to miss the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with its big family that has been growing year after year.

The perfect combination of live music by ‘The Vintage Experience’, the extravagant Showman, and the lighting by AG Events turned the night into a spectacular celebration that will remain in the memory of all the guests who attended.

The cars are replicas of real models.

Image: QuironSalud Marbella

Club Med Magna Marbella.

Phoenix rising

- NOVEMBER

AFTER the devastating fires last year that saw ADANA dog charity desperately evacuating 100 dogs in just three hours and which caused significant damage to fences, cutting off the shelter’s water supply system as well as totally destroying supply stores, ADANA is rising like the phoenix and will be holding its first festive Christmas Fair in two years.

ADANA needs your help and they are seeking volunteers for its fundraising event in Estepona on Saturday November 20. The Christmas fair will be packed with fantastic stalls selling festive gifts, face painting, home­made mulled wine and mince pies. Shoppers will be able to find excellent gifts while

enjoying the Christmas atmosphere. Father Christmas is also set to make an appearance to greet Christmas shoppers and children. Dogs up for adoption at the shelter will also be around at the fair for shoppers to meet.

Volunteers will help to support with setting up, packing away and running

the event later this month. The fair takes place from 10.30am until 4pm in the Palacio de Congresos in Estepona. There are also several spaces left for anyone wishing to run a stall.

Those wishing to volunteer can contact Nan by email for more information at: adanaevents@gmail.com.

Big reveal

ED 1951 - NOVEMBER

ONE of the most popular festive events in the calendar of most expatriates and locals alike on the Costa del Sol is the switching on of the Malaga Christmas lights, which takes place on Saturday, November 26 at 6.30pm.

Thousands of people make their way to Malaga just to see the Christmas lights, the 3D Video mapping and the light and sound show, that projects images onto the sides of buildings. This year, world famous Calle Larios will have a new decorative display designed exclusively for the city’s main street. The theme is heavenly angels, each measuring four metres tall with 12­metre trains, effervescent in the night sky.

The councillor for Festivities, Teresa Porras, explained that the big switch­ on will take place on Saturday this year, a day later than is customary. In Malaga, the switching on is usually held on the last Friday in November, coinciding with Black Friday.

Speaking about the new decoration that will be installed in Calle Larios, Porras said that it will be “more emotional, elegant and Christmasy.” He also recalled that the light and sound shows

have placed the city among the top European cities to visit at this time of year, as confirmed last year by the platform The European best destination.

In the midst of the debate on energy saving, the Fiestas Department has decided to reduce the time the lights will be on in the city by two hours every day.

This year the Christmas lights will be switched on from 6.30pm until midnight (weekends until 2.00am). The reduction will save €7,000 in electricity consumption compared to 2021 (from €21,000 to €14,000).

The council has also confirmed that this measure will reduce four tonnes of CO2 that will no longer be emitted into the atmosphere.

ADANA: Rising from the ashes.

ED 1948

MALAGA LIGHTS: Thousands will watch the big switch-on in the city.

ON Friday January 13, the magnificent El Olivo Restaurant in La Cala will be the venue for a lovely night of entertainment hosted by La Cala de Mijas Lion’s Club. After the Christmas and New Year celebrations, unwind with Dave Lee of the Rat Pack, singing all your favourite songs by Frank Sinatra or Ol’ Blue Eyes.

Customers can have a welcome drink, a three­course meal, and half a bottle of wine for just €35pp. The show starts

Ol’ Blue Eyes

at 7pm, and some fantastic raffle prizes will be won throughout the night. Tickets can be purchased in the Lions Club charity shop or through El Olivo’s website: http://elolivodelacala.com/en/home

La Cala Lion’s Club was established 25 years ago to assist the less fortunate, providing food for those in need, sup­

porting animal shelters, raising funds for medical or sports equipment for children in the community, and many more causes. For more information about their work, or to purchase tickets, please visit the Lions Charity Shop on Calle Torremolinos in La Cala de Mijas or get in touch by phone at 637 185 533.

vARE you still trying to decide your plans for New Year’s Eve? Don’t worry; on Saturday December 31, at La Sala restaurant in Marbella, there will be a glittering gala that will herald in the new year in style while you swing your tinsel all the way into 2023.

For just €99, guests may enjoy a wide selection of scrumptious canapés and a complimentary bar (with the exception of more costly spirits) from 8.30pm until 11pm.

After that, they are strongly encouraged to celebrate the beginning of the new year at the club.

As you say goodbye to the old and hello to the

new, La Sala’s selection of carefully chosen dishes, fantastic live music, and flawless service will make for an unforgettable evening.

Please call the restau­

rant on 620 152 963 or 952 814 145, or send an email to reservations@lasala banus.com if you would like to make a reservation.

Kings parade

SANTA CLAUS has come and gone, leaving behind gifts and memories that will

bring joy to children all around the world, including on the Costa del Sol.

Guided Tour

BIOPARC Fuengirola has planned many free, entertaining activities for children during this Christmas season to help them learn about nature and conservation.

Since the programme’s launch on Saturday December 3, it has included storytelling events, seminars, and competitive team activities for children. On Wednesday January 4, an exceptional guided tour is scheduled.

At 11am, the park’s educational team will lead visitors on a free tour that will fully immerse them in the Bioparc ecosystems, which are replicas of some of the most vital and biodiversity­rich regions on Earth.

Visitors will explore the meticulously created habitats these majestic species call home as they learn everything there is to know about the creatures that live in the park, including their habits, diet, way of life, and much more.

For more information please visit //www.bioparc fuengirola.es/nuevas­actividades­gratuitas­bioparcfuengirola­invierno or contact the Bioparc on 952 666 301.

Naturally, Christmas is not over in Spain until the Three Wise Kings, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar, arrive for their traditional parade through the streets.

In anticipation of their arrival on Thursday January 5, the town hall in Alhaurin de la Torre has planned an extra special day, including a superhero­themed party for children from 12pm in the Plaza de España.

At 5pm, the Three Wise Kings will begin their procession, accompanied by their royal pages, who will collect children’s letters to the nobles and offer traditional Spanish treats to spectators.

As the procession makes its way through the town, beginning in Barrio Viejo and ending at the Parque Municipal, onlookers are welcome to participate in the music, dancing, and celebration of this age­old tradition in Spain.

ENTERTAINING: Unwind with Dave Lee singing all your favourite Frank Sinatra songs.

LA SALA: Welcome the New Year in style.

Classical ballet

BALLET fans will be delighted to hear that the International Classical Ballet Company will be performing the renowned Swan Lake.

Swan Lake tells the story of young Prince Siegfried who falls in love with Princess Odette. Odette and her companions transform into swans under the spell cast by the evil sorcerer, Baron von Rothbart. Their days are spent gracefully gliding on a lake only to return to their human form at night.

MUSICAL fans will be pleased to hear the Tony ­ nominated musical theatre classic Godspell which has been transported from the 70s to 2022 under the superb production of Antonio Banderos is now showing in Malaga. The musical which is running until the end of January can be seen at the Teatro del Soho, C/Cordoba 13, 29001, Malaga.

Godspell opens in a place that could as well be a theatre warehouse as a ramshackle neighbour’s barnyard. Here we discover our characters, a young theatre company, performing a play for the audience. Everything is apparently normal, but both the play and the context in which it takes place will show us that it is not.

Godspell

Through each of the characters and their respective encounters with Jesus, we will revisit the Gospels of the New Testament, beginning a personal journey of no return.

And, at the end of the journey, when we feel that everything is over, that darkness floods everything, Godspell reminds us that there is hope, that everything starts again, and that out there there is a new passion.

For more information or to book tickets head to the website teatrodel soho.com , email info@teatrodelso ho.com or call (+34) 952 429 173.

Dinner for the donkeys

DONKEY DREAMLAND

Rescue Centre are holding a ‘Dinner for the Donkeys’ event at The Green Label restaurant at El Chaparral Golf Club on Friday January 20.

In association with The Green Label Restaurant at Chaparral Golf, and supported by Euro Weekly News, an evening of drinks, dinner and live music plus a raffle with some fabulous prizes donat­

ed by generous local businesses, will be enjoyed by all.

The evening will start at 7pm with a welcome drink, followed by a three­course dinner with wine or beer and a great raffle with fabulous prizes, with all profits going to support the donkeys, plus live music from 8.30pm.

Plus there will be an auction on the evening for an amazing Seafood Platter at The Vineyard Restaurant in La Cala de Mijas.

Tickets cost €45 with all profits going to Donkey Dreamland.

Pre­booking is essential at www.donkeydreamland.co m/greenlabel

The great classical ballets to the music of P I Tchaikovsky began their triumphal path in 1877.

More than 100 years ago Diaghilev’s company achieved international fame for the brand ‘Russian ballets’. The International Classical Ballet offers us its versions of these great classics with magnificent international soloists.

For more information or

ticket enquiries go to the website: www.teatrocer vantes.com or call (+34) 952 224 100.

The ballet will be performed on Friday, December 30 at 8.00pm at the Teatro

Cervantes, Calle Ramos Marín, S/N, Malaga, 29012.

The Cervantes Theatre is in the heart of Malaga City, a stone’s throw from the Picasso Museum and the popular Plaza de la Merced.

Encanto Musical Tribute

ON Sunday January 8, the performing arts group Factoria Musicales will present its enchanted adaptation of Pixar’s fantastic tale Encanto in Mijas Costa’s Las Lagunas Theatre at 6pm.

‘The Musical Tribute of Encanto’ is a captivating musical production with impressive staging, stunning lighting, unmatched fun, and a beat that will get you up and dancing.

Encanto tells the tale of a unique mountainous region in Colombia where magic truly exists. Unfortunately, a curse

has prevented Maribel, our protagonist, from experiencing the gift her entire family enjoys. Can Maribel find a way to end the curse with a sibling who can predict the future?

Tickets are available at the theatre in Las Lagunas or online at the La Factoria website.

Free admission is given to children under two who do not take up a seat, and parties of 10 or more can request a discount by emailing factorydi versity@gmail.com.

Magical Marbella

MARBELLA’S magical Christmas park is back and this year promises fun­filled festivities for children of all ages.

The wintry wonderland opened to the public on Tues day December 27 and will re main open until Sunday Jan uary 8.

Located in the Antonio Serrano Lima Sports Centre in Marbella town, children are invited to enjoy a jolly journey around the park on the Christmas train, or to pop their skates on for a whizz around the newly­installed synthetic ice rink, amongst other family friendly activities.

A Winter wonderland.

From Friday December 30, the park will be open in the mornings from 11am until 2pm, and evenings from 4pm until 8pm, with the exception of New Year’s Eve when it will not reopen for the evening.

The park will be closed on New Year’s Day and on Friday January 6.

MUSICAL THEATRE: Has been transported from the 70s to 2022.

Image: Teatro del Soho

SWAN LAKE: A classic love story told through ballet.

Image: Cervantes Theatre.

DONKEY DREAMLAND: An evening of drinks, dinner and live music.

El Lodge & Maribel welcome you to the Sierra Nevada winter season

Spain’s Sierra Nevada has had a great start to the 2022-23 winter season with one of the biggest snowfalls so far, creating good snow conditions on both the beginner slopes and the higher altitude pistes.

Maribel’s sophisticated ski and après ski

We’re also delighted to introduce you to Maribel, a destination for those with a taste for a lively après ski experience. Maribel, an alpine-style chalet with a spectacular mountain-view restaurant called Maribel’s, as well as a Nordic-inspired spa, ticks all the boxes. Its rooms and duplex suites have winter wonderland views, welcoming, alpine-inspired interiors and indulgent bathrooms with rainfall showers and spa baths. Maribel’s après ski dining offers seasonal classics and alpine favourites.

The elegant El Lodge

El Lodge Ski & Spa is nestled in the heart of this skiing and snowboarding destination. It’s a mountain retreat for skiing enthusiasts, but it’s also an elegant, and rather romantic base for those who simply want to enjoy the landscape and the après ski.

There are ski guides, a ski school for learners or those who want to improve, personal instructors and a prêt-a-porter equipment hire store. What’s more, one of the things that make El Lodge such a desirable ski station is that it is ski in-ski out. Guests can ski out directly from the hotel via the Maribel piste down to the main station, which is accessible from the Sun Deck. The gastronomy on offer at El Lodge is mouthwatering, and the Spa has a Massage Collection menu that includes a SleepInducing body ritual for profound relaxation. Not to mention it hosts the only outdoor, heated swimming pool in Sierra Nevada. When the Sierra Nevada mountains call to you, El Lodge and Maribel are waiting to give you the very best in alpine-style accommodation, gastronomy and spa experiences - make your reservations now at reservas@ellodge.com and reservas@maribels.com

We have two outstanding destination hotels in Sierra Nevada: El Lodge and its brand-new sister hotel, Maribel.

Queen by candlelight

LOOKING to shake off the humdrum routine of January and experience something just a little bit different this new year?

The search is over: on Friday January 13 at Malaga’s Maria Cristino Concert Hall, event company Fever will present a captivating candlelight concert featuring the music of the legendary rock band Queen, played in a way you’ve never heard it before.

All your favourite Queen classics, including ‘Somebody to Love’, ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, ‘Another One Bites the Dust’, ‘I Want to Break Free, and, of course, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, will be performed by the string quartet SingUs in this riveting show. The first show begins promptly at 5.45pm and again at 7.45pm on the same day, and will last for a total of 60 minutes (doors open 45 minutes before the show, and latecomers will not be admitted once the performance has begun out of respect for the musicians).

Tickets are on sale now for between €30 and €35 and they are selling fast, so head on over to www.feverup.com to get yours before it’s too late.

English guided tours

THE Museo Picasso Malaga is pleased to announce that the exhibition Picasso as seen by Otero will be extended until January 8, 2023. Originally scheduled to close on Tuesday, November 1, the exhibition has proved extremely popular among visitors, as it reveals aspects of the artist’s everyday life in the south of France.

Since July, the lower floor of Museo Picasso Malaga, which houses the temporary exhibitions, has been hosting a selection of around 50 photographs from the Roberto Otero Photographic Archive which are part of the Museo Picasso Malaga’s permanent collection. These pictures of Pablo Picasso at work or in

the company of his family and friends are on display alongside previously unshown material from the Roberto Otero Archive.

Museo Picasso Malaga offers its guided tours in English in which the participants, guided by a museum educator, explore issues such as the importance of Picasso and his contribution to the history of art.

Museo Picasso Malaga, Palacio de Buenavista, Calle San Agustin, 8, 29015, is open every day from 10.00am until 6.00pm.

For more information or to book a tour email info@mpicassom.org or call (+34) 952 127 600.

Passionate piano

THE remarkable Ludovico Musical Experience lands for the very first time at the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI in Estepona on Friday January 13 at 8.30pm.

Spanish artist Borja Niso will perform a 110­minute set for the audience including a renewed selection of his own songs and an eclectic collection of Italian pianist, Ludovico Einaudi’s music. Considered the greatest tribute to the eminent pianist in Spain, the Ludovico Musical Experience features an interactive piano performance with live vocals, choreography, and synchronised visuals.

The soul of the pianist (Cristina Gatell) and her inner voice (Alberto Collado) speak to the listeners, making for a personal and beautiful performance. Borja Niso’s tale is exceptional. At age 35, with no prior knowledge of piano or music theory, he discovered his passion for music, left his whole life behind, and began searching for his actual purpose: playing the piano and

Three Kings Gala

• December 30, U2 Tribute, 10.30pm, Pos Fuengirola

• December 31, New Year’s Eve Show, 7pm, Sea Grill Puente Romano

• December 31, New Year’s Eve Disco & Show with Boogie Wonderland, 8pm, Monaghans Fuengirola

• January 1, The Disclaimers - Rock Classics, 2pm, Monaghans Fuengirola

• January 1, Abee Willfly Live Music, 2.30pm, The Playwright, Marbella

• January 6, Three Kings Celebrations, throughout the day across Costa del Sol

MALAGA’S Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate its extraordinary Three Kings Gala on Sunday January 8 from 7pm at the FYCMA Auditorium in the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos in Malaga City.

Attendees will enjoy a wide repertoire of music, including some of the most mythical soundtracks of the last decades, as the orchestra pays homage to Walt Disney with beautiful renditions of ‘The Lion King’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’.

The Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Maestro Octavio J Peidro, will be accompanied at this extraordinary gala

by the voices of soprano Paula Ramírez Álvarez and tenor Vicente Bujalance Leal, who will perform songs from emblematic films such as ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Pocahontas’, ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Hercules’, ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.

The Three Kings Gala of the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra will merge the best music and fun for the whole family in a concert that will delight children and adults alike, and that has the collaboration of COPE Malaga. Tickets cost just €10 (€5 for those under 12s) and can be purchased directly at www.orquestafilarmonicade malaga.com.

FINISH off the year with some fun and fitness at the fifth edition of the San Silvestre Race in Torremolinos on Saturday December 31. Organised by the Sports Department of the local city council, this non­competitive event is familyfriendly and has a charitable cause. It is entirely free to sign up, but participants are asked to donate some toys or a kilo of non­perishable food, which will then be distributed to families in need.

Registration begins at 10.30am, and the

moving audiences through music. Don’t miss this phenomenal performance which is sure to put a skip in your step! Tickets start from €16 and can be purchased through the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI Estepona website at www.https://tafestepona.en tradas.plus.

Beyonce and Bruno

GRAB your dancing shoes and enjoy a tribute to the modern­day king and queen of pop, Beyonce and Bruno Mars, by the fabulous Johnny G and Melissa Carver.

Beyonce achieved fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the R&B group Destiny’s Child and then launched a hugely successful solo career.

Bruno Mars’s music is reminiscent of Prince or Michael Jackson. The throwback ­ inspired beats behind his hit tracks make his music stand out from everything else on the radio.

Teatro Salon Varietes, Fuengirola, is hosting the pop duo on Saturday, January 14, at 7.30pm and Sunday, January 15, at 7.00pm.

For more information or to book tickets head to the website: www.sal onvarietestheatre.com, email: boxoffice@salon varietestheatre.com or call (+34) 952 474 542.

The box office at the Teatro Salon Varietes, C/ Emancípación, s/n, Fuengirola 29640, is open Monday to Friday from 11.00am until 2.30pm and is open one hour before any show.

Fit Fun Run

4,000­metre race kicks off from Plaza Federico Garcia Lorca at 11am.

The only requirement besides the donations is to bring some Christmas cheer and spirit, have fun and dress up because you might be in with a chance to win prizes for best costume.

For more information, please visit the website at www.deportes.torremolinos.es.

Picasso exhibition.

Image: Museo Picasso Malaga

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Robbie in town

ED 1953 - DECEMBER

FANS of British pop star Robbie Williams will be excited to hear that the iconic artist will perform his one and only concert in Andalucia next year at the Marenostrum Fuengirola.

The former member of the pop group Take That, and well­established solo artist will be performing his top hits from the last two decades, including Angels, Feels, and She’s All That, at the event, which will take place on June 15, 2023.

The Marenostrum Fuengirola, with a capacity for 18,000 people and located just minutes from the beach, has been described as ‘one of the best’ outdoor venues in Europe by Fuengirola mayor Ana Mula, who announced the news of the upcoming concert on Facebook.

A pop legend, Williams has had an impressive career spanning 25 years, including more

than 85 million albums sold worldwide, three number­one albums in the United Kingdom, 14 number­one singles and the highest number of concert tickets sold in one day (1.6 million tickets sold on November 19 in 2005).

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting https://marenostrum fuengirola.com/eventos.

What a win!

ED 1953 - DECEMBER

A BRITISH grandfather got all his Christmases in one as he bagged a £2 million luxury Spanish villa in Marbella, along with £250,000 in cash for just £25 in a charity prize draw.

The stunning property, a three-storey, four-bedroom luxury villa in the popular holiday destination, was the main prize in a charity draw.

It comes mortgage-free and has had all its stamp duty and legal fees covered.

When Mark, a legal consultant, was delivered the news via video call, he said: “My wife doesn’t even know I entered the draw.”

The 57-year-old, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, had previously entered Omaze’s Million Pound House Draws nine times before but didn’t have any luck.

Mark told one publication: “I couldn’t believe it when Omaze called me to say I’d won the grand prize, I was out of the country with work so called my wife straight -

away - she was even more flabbergasted than I was as she had no idea I’d even entered.”

As if the villa wasn’t enough, Mark and his wife Deborah, aged 55, have also been given £250,000 in cash.

The couple, who have resided in their current home in Devon since 2019, will be swapping the south coast for the Spanish riviera for family holidays while they decide what to do longterm.

Mark continued: “The villa looks absolutely marvellous, I’m not sure what we’ll do with it yet - we’ll

probably keep it for a couple of years so we can enjoy family holidays there, I’ll be dusting off my trunks as soon as I’m back.

“I went to Spain 20 years ago for work but I have never been to Marbella - it looks lovely - I’ll have to brush up on my Spanish, but I do know how to order a beer.”

James Oakes, Chief International Officer at Omaze said: “We’re delighted that Mark has won his dream home and was able to contribute to this fantastic £800,000 raised for Teenage Cancer Trust in the process.”

ROBBIE WILLIAMS: Will perform in Fuengirola next June.

STUNNING PROPERTY: A lucky British couple have won a €2 million Marbella villa.

Credit: Omaze

New Year traditions from around the world

MANY cultures mark the New Year on December 31, but not all countries have the same traditions when it comes to seeing the New Year in.

Here the Euro Weekly News looks at some of the most interesting customs from around the world.

1. The Netherlands In the Netherlands many people enjoy deep dried dough called oliebollen in a tradition dating back to ancient Germanic tribes who thought that they would

protect them against a Germanic goddess named Pertcha.

2. Germany The Germans use their New Year’s Eve tradition to try to look at the year ahead with lead pouring. Using the flames from a candle, each person melts a small piece of lead or tin

and pours it into a container of cold water, with the shape predicting their year ahead.

3. Greece In Greece, many people hang onions from their doors as a symbol or rebirth and a way to encourage growth for the year ahead.

www.eurosatuktv.com www.eurosatuktv.com

GREECE: People hang up onions.

The

best New Year’s Eve party songs

New Year cocktails

THE festive period would not be complete without some yummy food to get the party going.

But when it comes to the drinks, how do you create a New Year’s classic that is both delicious and festive?

Here, the Euro Weekly News has put together some of the best cocktails to treat your guests this New Year’s Eve.

Spritz with a twist

If you like an Aperol spritz but want to try something new this year, why not try making an Italicus spritz with the addition of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and Champagne this year for a beautifully light cocktail?

Orange and basil fizz

Or for another sparkling and sophisticated cocktail this New Year, why not make an orange and basil fizz?

Made by mixing Cointreau and Angostura Aromatic Bitters, the cocktail is topped up with Champagne before being served with basil.

To make your party a little less

expensive, you can also use prosecco or cava instead of Champagne. Treat

5 steps to the perfect New Year’s Eve party

GETTING everyone together over the festive period is one of the best things about the season, but putting together the perfect New Year’s Eve party can be difficult. Here, the Euro Weekly News sets out the five steps to creating the perfect New Year’s Eve party this year.

1.

Guest list

Getting everyone you want to attend together and making sure that you have enough people to create a real party vibe is key, so take time to put together your guest list to make sure you invite everyone you want this year.

2. Food and drink

Making sure you have plenty of food and drink in will keep everyone happy, so get in all the classic favourites ahead of your party.

3. Directions and parking

Make sure everyone knows how to get to the party by sending out directions with your invitations or

AND DRINK: Get in all the classic favourites ahead of your party.

a few days before the party. Similarly, make sure there is enough space for everyone to park when they get to you by pointing out the nearest

public places they can park in.

4. Pick the right music Add to the party vibe with some classic songs.

5. Find a fun game Finally, to ramp up the festive feel, a fun game will make sure everyone gets involved.

FOOD

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Racist outburst

NORMALLY there is little overt racism in Danish broadcasting, but there has been a major upset after speaking during a TV2 broadcast, journalist Christian Høgh Andersen compared pictures of Moroccan players celebrating their win to a ‘family of monkeys’ for which the company has apologised.

THE NETHERLANDS

Fair cop

DUTCH police were intrigued when they saw an extension lead running from a Tesla electric vehicle to a lamp post in a street in the town of Oud-Beijerland. The owner who it is assumed wanted to save money was arrested and charged with stealing electricity.

BELGIUM

Accessory ban

THE region of Wallonia has passed a new law banning the use of any accessories believed to cause harm to domestic animals and this includes a number of different dog collars, both electric and spiked as well as small aquariums and goldfish bowls.

GERMANY

Cunning stunts

THE latest attention seeking stunt by German climate activists Last Generation was to chop the top off a 15-metre Christmas tree outside Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and then unfurl a banner that read: ‘This is just the tip of the Christmas tree’.

FRANCE

Still Smokin’

A SURVEY of 23,661 adults has revealed that 10.6 per cent of the population have used marihuana in the past 12 months and almost half will have tried it at some time. Surprisingly the average age of a user has risen from 25 to almost 33.

NORWAY

FINLAND

Donkey drama

POLICE in Lohja, southwest Finland were surprised to discover a donkey called Judit, without the Virgin or Three Wise Men, wandering through the town late at night, but she was returned unharmed to her sanctuary in time for her to take part in their nativity show.

IRELAND

Polar theft

CUSTOMERS and staff at vegan restaurant Cornucopia in Dublin were devastated when a large polar bear plush toy known for giving ‘free hugs’ was stolen by a masked man, but it has been recovered in return for €40 and a bottle of Prosecco.

ITALY

Super car

IN 2017 the Italian police were given a Lamborghini Huracan, which has a top speed of 300kmh and it is now mainly used to transport organs, with the latest activity being a 570-kilometre journey from Padua to Rome via Modena delivering two kidneys.

PORTUGAL

Supermarket swoop

TWO supermarkets in Vila do Conde (Oporto) have been temporarily closed down as goods on sale, reportedly worth €180,000, were not properly labelled in Portuguese, thus, according to the Food and Economic Security Authority, making it impossible for consumers to make an informed choice.

UKRAINE

Pope speaks

AT a General Audience at the Vatican prior to Christmas, Pope Francis said ”We think of the Ukrainian people this Christmas, without light, without heating, without what they need to survive. Let us pray to the Lord to bring peace as soon as possible."

SWEDEN

King ill

NORWAY’S King Harald V, now aged 85, has been in an Oslo hospital for several days with an infection, but has now been discharged and returned home to complete his recovery. In the meantime, Crown Prince Haakon has taken over his father’s duties.

Not a belieber

ALTHOUGH Swedish fashion retailer believed that it had correctly negotiated a licence agreement for a Justin Bieber clothing range, it has had to withdraw it after the petulant singer wrote “I wouldn't buy it if I were you” and later called it “trash”.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA ABHOUT time

Price gap

UK Energy Minister, Grant Shapps has written to retailers of diesel and petrol complaining that a recent report from the Competition and Markets Authority suggests that many, especially supermarkets, tend to push forecourt prices up far quicker than they bring them down.

Xmas cheer

A REPORT by Spanish group Business Insider calculates that this year, (based on prices from Carrefour, Lidl and Mercadona), Christmas dinner will be 13.2 per cent more expensive than 2021 averaging €114 for four people and will increase by nearly €30 for each additional person.

January sale

BRITISH retailer Matalan has revealed plans for its ongoing sale and after assessing bids received from ‘a number of interested parties’ it plans to discuss various options with them with the intention of making an informed choice by the end of January.

Flagship store

BARCELONA has been chosen by British clothing and sports company JD Sports to be the city in which it will open its flagship store of more than 2,000 square metres (in a building valued at €80 million which previously housed Disney and H&M) early next year.

UK Budget

THE next UK Budget, setting out the government’s tax and spending plans, will be held on March 15, 2023, the Treasury has announced. In a statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the Budget would also be accompanied by a forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Spain and bribery

BRIBERY of foreign officials is a fact of life, but according to the Organisation for Economic Co­operation and Development (OECD) Spain has an appalling record of dealing with it!

Since the OECD Anti­Bribery Convention entered into force over 20 years ago, Spain has successfully convicted only two individuals in one foreign bribery case and has not convicted a single company.

The 44­country Working Group has just completed its Phase 4 evaluation of Spain’s implementation of the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and related instruments.

The conclusion was that Spain continues to close cases prematurely.

Prosecutors have insufficient time to conduct their investigations and face challenges in deploying adequate investigative measures.

In addition to the issues described above, the report expresses concerns about the restrictive interpretation of

the foreign bribery offence by Spanish judges, the exceedingly short statute of limitations applicable to proceedings against legal persons, and how corporate criminal liability is triggered in practice.

Speaking exclusively to Euro Weekly News, a retired senior British company director explained that several years ago he had been invited to Nigeria to sign a contract with the country’s Central Bank but after arriving in Abuja found himself being stalled.

He eventually discovered that an attractive young lady who worked for a Spanish Government Agency had arrived and spent some time with a deputy Governor who inexplicably signed the very same contract with her organisation.

In fairness many forms of aid, especially to so­called ‘third world’ countries are tied up with terms which are beneficial to the political or economic benefit of the government granting the aid, which in itself is a legalised form of bribery.

Moderna UK deal

AMERICAN company Moderna partnered with the UK government on December 21 in a 10­year­partnership to produce vaccines and undertake research.

The company is to undertake mRNA research and development in the UK, and build a state­of­the­art vaccine manufacturing centre with the ability to produce up to 250 million vaccines a year.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay has heralded this agreement as NHS patients will have access to a UK­made supply of Covid19 jabs as well as cuttingedge vaccines developed for other respiratory diseases, such as flu and respiratory syncytial virus.

The partnership will create more than 150 jobs and further future­proof the UK

against potential pandemics, with patients to benefit from speedy access to the latest advancements in vaccine technology.

Developing vaccines on UK shores means it will be able to scale up production rapidly in the event of a health emergency, significantly boosting the NHS ability to respond to future pandemics.

Whilst a significant (cur­

rently unrevealed) investment has been welcomed by the UK government, there has recently been significant comment on social media about subsequent unexpected and unexplained deaths in the young, as possible side effects of the various untested ‘vaccines’.

The fact that Moderna will be running a significant number of clinical trials in

the UK and has also pledged to fund grants for UK universities, including PhD places and research programmes may be considered worrying by many.

The government contends however that by boosting the UK’s onshore vaccine manufacturing capability, Britain will be a step closer to becoming the leading global hub for life sciences.

NEXT year should see a new competitor for in home gym training companies when Portuguesebased BHOUT releases what it claims is the world’s first artificial intelligence enabled punch bag.

Launching initially in the UK and USA it has the added benefit of allowing those using it not only to compete with other owners, but if they are recognised of performing at a high enough standard, they can also become trainers and earn funds from their workouts.

The outside of the bag is made from organic material whilst the internal sensors calculate the power and location of each strike and transmit this information to the BHOUT’s internal brain.

UK rail fares

THE UK government has acted with the biggest intervention in its history to ensure rail fare increases for 2023 are capped at 5.9 per cent, 6.4 percentage points lower than the RPI figure on which they are historically based.

Fares will officially rise on March 5, 2023 and like last year, the government is freezing them for the entirety of January and February, giving passengers more time to purchase cheaper flexible and season tickets at the existing rate.

The government has aligned the increase to July’s average earnings growth thus more than halving the increase but also wants to see railway unions respond positively.

Economy shrinking

IT’S not good news for the British government or the Bank of England as latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the economy shrank by a greater amount than originally anticipated in the third quarter of 2022.

Although there is not a huge difference as the expected downturn of 0.2 per cent has been lowered to a final figure of 0.3 per cent, the ONS also revised down the figures for the first half of the year.

If this negative situation continues for a further quarter, as is expected, then Britain will officially be declared as being in recession.

is the amount that the President of Sabadell Bank, Josep Oliu, spent on December 20 to purchase one million shares in the bank that he heads.

MONEY TALKS: Bribery of foreign officials is a fact of life.

Credit: Lauren Hurley /Department of Health and Social Care

UNDERTAKING RESEARCH: Shaking hands on the partnership.

3I Group 1.322,50 1.325,50 1.314,50 148,40K

Abrdn 187,15 187,20 183,10 1,18M

Admiral Group 2.102,5 2.109,0 2.071,0 75,02K

Anglo American 3.241,5 3.256,5 3.194,0 407,53K

Antofagasta 1.546,00 1.550,50 1.530,50 75,92K

Ashtead Group 4.770,0 4.794,0 4.716,0 38,67K

Associated British Foods 1.587,0 1.592,5 1.565,0 92,62K

AstraZeneca 11.226,0 11.328,0 11.212,0 123,40K

Auto Trader Group Plc 521,20 525,60 520,00 218,06K

Aveva 3.216,0 3.218,0 3.214,0 37,28K

Aviva 446,50 447,60 444,20 429,89K

B&M European Value Retail SA409,30 413,90 408,30 171,44K

BAE Systems 851,00 865,80 849,00 1,18M

Barclays 157,76 158,34 156,64 1,92M

Barratt Developments 407,90 410,40 403,00 429,21K

Berkeley 3.850,0 3.868,0 3.817,0 41,94K

BHP Group Ltd 2.567,00 2.581,00 2.545,00 133,95K

BP 477,25 478,65 473,93 3,17M

British American Tobacco 3.328,0 3.333,0 3.311,5 191,30K

British Land Company 398,00 398,60 389,40 130,65K

BT Group 114,34 115,55 114,34 1,23M

Bunzl 2.772,0 2.790,0 2.756,0 45,09K

Burberry Group 2.021,0 2.028,0 2.019,0 338,85K

Carnival 576,0 581,4 571,6 158,66K

Centrica 96,20 96,32 94,56 2,08M

Coca Cola HBC AG 1.952,5 1.957,0 1.944,0 23,13K

Compass 1.935,63 1.940,50 1.923,50 231,18K

CRH 3.282,5 3.294,5 3.270,5 32,84K

Croda Intl 6.656,6 6.712,0 6.596,0 17,82K

DCC 4.091,0 4.104,0 4.068,0 16,32K

Diageo 3.654,0 3.673,0 3.635,0 343,37K

DS Smith 322,07 323,30 319,00 380,97K

EasyJet 343,80 344,10 336,30 280,73K

Experian 2.810,0 2.835,0 2.807,0 62,39K

Ferguson 10.295,0 10.345,0 10.235,0 81,94K

Flutter Entertainment 11.485,0 11.550,0 11.450,0 16,59K

Fresnillo 869,20 872,80 862,60 52,01K

Glencore 556,40 561,00 554,80 5,91M

GSK plc 1.454,04 1.463,80 1.453,00 488,93K

Halma 2.018,0 2.030,0 1.993,0 76,62K

Hargreaves Lansdown 853,80 856,40 840,40 75,63K

Hikma Pharma 1.541,00 1.570,00 1.535,00 84,87K

HSBC 511,60 513,10 508,90 1,55M

IAG 128,02 129,06 127,80 880,94K

Imperial Brands 2.083,00 2.091,00 2.072,00 159,24K

Informa 614,00 616,40 614,20 15,75K

InterContinental 4.742,0 4.760,0 4.717,0 50,40K

Intermediate Capital 1.143,50 1.148,50 1.129,50 35,53K

Intertek 3.999,0 4.016,0 3.978,0 52,96K

ITV 74,19 74,32 73,04 1,49M

J Sainsbury 220,48 221,86 219,60 122,33K

Johnson Matthey 2.098,0 2.119,0 2.085,0 25,06K

Land Securities 621,40 622,80 611,20 65,71K

Legal & General 251,49 252,70 249,60 1,29M

Lloyds Banking 46,18 46,34 45,86 7,10M

London Stock Exchange 7.160,0 7.204,0 7.152,0 33,23K

Melrose Industries 131,70 131,95 129,75 474,42K

Mondi 1.421,50 1.428,00 1.413,50 132,47K

National Grid 994,16 1.002,00 993,60 492,61K

NatWest Group 265,00 265,70 263,50 827,21K

Next 5.660,0 5.712,0 5.636,0 33,77K

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

Ocado 638,40 644,00 617,80 155,52K

Persimmon 1.243,4 1.249,5 1.230,0 150,85K

Phoenix 609,60 612,00 605,80 136,90K

Prudential 1.117,00 1.118,50 1.091,00 1,20M

Reckitt Benckiser 5.758,0 5.780,0 5.676,0 126,00K

Relx 2.298,00 2.315,00 2.296,00 304,06K

Rentokil 514,60 517,40 512,00 344,37K

Rightmove 515,00 517,20 512,80 26,29K

Rio Tinto PLC 5.795,0 5.814,0 5.753,0 214,68K

Rolls-Royce Holdings 91,66 92,47 90,86 3,69M

Sage 745,60 750,80 745,60 76,26K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.128,00 1.130,00 1.126,00 1,62K

Schroders 438,6 440,1 435,1 174,07K

Scottish Mortgage 724,02 726,40 716,00 344,94K

Segro 766,60 769,40 752,00 151,11K

Severn Trent 2.666,0 2.690,0 2.649,0 38,73K

Shell 2.360,5 2.362,0 2.343,5 888,55K

Smith & Nephew 1.108,50 1.114,50 1.101,00 241,39K

Smiths Group 1.598,50 1.606,50 1.589,00 58,22K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 10.705,0 10.740,0 10.540,0 0,74K

SSE 1.715,00 1.723,50 1.712,50 102,43K

St. James’s Place 1.099,00 1.102,50 1.086,50 86,05K

Standard Chartered 625,00 627,00 618,60 406,67K

Taylor Wimpey 103,65 104,55 101,90 2,59M

Tesco 227,00 228,43 225,40 631,91K

Tui 135,40 136,85 133,95 340,66K

Unilever 4.205,5 4.229,0 4.200,5 217,92K

United Utilities 995,00 1.004,00 992,80 160,01K

Vodafone Group PLC 84,09 84,60 83,76 13,84M

Whitbread 2.644,0 2.657,0 2.628,0 25,41K WPP 818,40 821,20 814,20 132,92K

3M 121,59 122,50 2,18M

American Express 145,31 146,70 142,72 2,82M

Amgen 265,26 266,17 263,19 1,92M

Apple 132,23 134,56 130,30 77,52M

Boeing 188,25 194,17 185,67 6,91M

Caterpillar 237,54 240,80 233,04 3,12M

Chevron 172,08 175,21 168,33 5,75M

Cisco 47,32 47,49 46,69 22,99M

Coca-Cola 63,34 63,59 62,65 9,62M

Dow 50,17 50,25 49,15 3,34M

Goldman Sachs 345,58 348,05 339,88 1,33M

Home Depot 316,12 316,40 310,73 3,06M

Honeywell 212,31 214,61 208,99 2,14M

IBM 140,88 141,44 138,62 3,33M

Intel 25,97 26,45 25,35 47,28M

J&J 177,03 177,51 175,34 5,70M

JPMorgan 130,66 131,30 128,41 8,60M

McDonald’s 265,77 268,12 263,65 2,36M

Merck&Co 111,24 111,68 110,21 8,37M

Microsoft 238,19 241,99 233,87 28,59M

Nike 116,71 116,82 114,06 17,02M

Procter&Gamble 152,19 152,41 150,88 5,90M

Salesforce Inc 129,19 129,54 126,34 9,97M

The Travelers 187,20 189,19 185,24 967,20K

UnitedHealth 527,09 529,01 521,63 1,85M

Verizon 38,31 38,32 37,37 26,50M

Visa A 205,06 206,65 202,13 5,69M

Walgreens Boots 38,44 38,46 37,56 5,87M

Walmart 143,48 144,98 141,93 4,35M

Walt Disney 86,67 86,73 84,69 15,45M

Most Advanced

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. +75.18% 177.748M

Liontown Resources Limited +31.91% 25,080

Alvotech +17.35% 836,376

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. +11.83% 26.913M

Topsports International Holdings Limited +9.22% 92,437

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. +8.93% 45.748M

PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk +7.89% 99,279

Toshiba Corporation +7.78% 231,781

Olink Holding AB (publ) +6.51% 135,674

Federal National Mortgage Association +6.25% 155,777

Akero Therapeutics, Inc. +6.09% 1.08M

Most Declined

Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited -16.90% 79,385

MP Materials Corp. -14.29% 7.393M

Saipem SpA -14.22% 60,999

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. -9.92% 1.424M

Tesla, Inc. -8.88% 205.38M

Atlassian Corporation -8.85% 4.558M

Lam Research Corporation -8.65% 3.177M

Teladoc Health, Inc. -8.54% 8.19M

Applied Materials, Inc. -7.84% 11.327M

Ameresco, Inc. -7.55% 167,587

Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V. -7.41% 100,302

BUSINESS EXTRA

Helping hand

LIBYA, which has suffered from civil war following the overthrow of President Gaddafi is looking to strengthen relationships with Spain and on Monday December 19 its Central Bank Governor travelled to Madrid for discussions about monetary policy with the Governor of the Bank of Spain.

Fewer shoppers

AS Christmas is one of the most important times of the year for retailers, a combination of freezing cold weather and rail strikes has meant that footfall in most UK high streets over the past few days has dropped dramatically, although it may boost online sales.

Recovery fund

SPANISH Economy Minister Nadia Calvino has confirmed that Spain will request a further €84 billion in loans and a €7.7 billion grant from the European Union Recovery Fund which means that if granted Spain will have received the entire amount offered by the EU.

Quotas agreed

FISHING in European waters has been a bone of contention for decades, going back to the so called ‘Cod Wars’ with Iceland and beyond.

In the run up to Brexit, several UK based fishermen sold their licences to Dutch and Spanish companies, but there is still a significant UK fishing fleet.

Despite disagreement on a number of matters, the UK has completed an agreement with the European Union concerning fishing quotas and the Spanish government has announced that it is very pleased with the results which allow its fishing fleets greater access to popular species in British waters such as hake and monkfish.

Cash is still king

A EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK (ECB) study released on Tuesday December 20 confirms cash is king and is still the most frequently used means of payment at the point of sale, but its share is declining.

According to the document on the payment attitudes of consumers in the euro area, cash was used for 59 per cent of point ­ of ­ sale transactions in 2022, down from 72 per cent in 2019.

It is the means of payment most often used for small ­ value payments in stores and for person ­ to ­ person transactions.

A majority (60 per cent) also consider it important to have cash as a payment option as consumers perceive cash as helpful to remain aware of their

expenditures, to protect their privacy and to allow transactions to be settled immediately.

At the same time, the trend

towards electronic means of payments has accelerated with the pandemic and many consumers now prefer to use elec ­

tronic payment methods.

The share of online purchases as a percentage of all euro area day ­ to ­ day transactions has increased significantly to stand at 17 per cent in 2022, up from 6 per cent in 2019.

For purchases at a point of sale, the share of card payments has grown by 9 percentage points to 34 per cent in 2022, with contactless payments now making up the majority of card payments.

Cards are considered faster and easier to use and are seen as reducing the need to carry large amounts of cash.

They are the most frequently used payment method for larger amounts and now account for a higher share of payments than cash in value terms.

Loan guarantee

EVEN though the Spanish government is one of the biggest borrowers from the European Union and has received hundreds of billions of euros from the Recovery Fund, it is still doing its bit to support Ukraine.

On Wednesday December 21, the World Bank announced its’ Health Enhancement and Life­saving (HEAL Ukraine) Project to improve and strengthen primary health care, address increased demand for mental health and rehabilitation services due to the war, restore and strengthen service delivery in hospitals that are facing capacity constraints and support capacity building for key health institutions.

King Charles banknotes

NEW King Charles III banknotes were unveiled by the Bank of England on Wednesday December 20 although they are unlikely to enter into circulation before 2024.

With the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it was clear that new coins and banknotes would need to be released featuring an image of the new monarch.

It is more than likely that preliminary designs had been drawn up before her death and indeed as they have to be approved by the Palace may even have been viewed by Her Majesty

and the then Prince of Wales.

Whilst coins have a long life, bank notes which are in constant use have a much shorter life span and are relatively expensive to produce, which is why the Bank of England decided to phase out paper notes and replace them with longer lasting polymer notes.

Rather than produce new designs for each side of the four notes that are currently in circulation, £5 ­ Winston Churchill, £10Jane Austen, £20 JMW Turner, £50 ­ Alan Turing, it has been decided to only change the design on

the side where the monarch’s portrait appears.

The King’s image will appear on the front of the banknotes, as well as in the see­through security window, but all other images will remain the same. The new banknotes will only be printed to replace those featuring Her Majesty that are worn or to meet any overall increase in demand for banknotes, a decision which is in line with guidance from the Royal Household, to minimise the environmental and financial impact of this change.

Funding for the project includes a €100 million loan, backed by a guarantee from the Spanish government.

Password sharing

IT has been common practice (rightly or wrongly) for people subscribing to online streaming services such as Netflix to share passwords with friends and families who they don’t live with.

In the past year, Netflix in particular, which has been losing market share, has made it clear that it will try to stop this from happening, although it hasn’t threatened legal action as yet.

The UK Intellectual Property Office has however told the BBC that although it no longer states on its website that such sharing is illegal, the position remains the same and legal action could be taken against anyone found to be sharing passwords.

POPULAR PAYMENT: Cash machines are the easiest way to obtain cash.

Credit: Salvador SV flickr

ALL CHANGE: The design of the new £5 note.

Credit: Bank of England

Detrimental onslaught

BECAUSE the British Labour party were so severely routed in the last election its supporters are totally aware the the only chance they have of winning the next ballot is if the country is brought to its knees.

Subsequently, one of the conspiratorial ways they are conniving to achieve this outcome is by instigating as much alarm and anxiety among its citizens as possible. The union bosses, who are utterly in league with the Labour hierarchy, are revelling in and wholly supporting the crippling strikes which are sweeping the country.

The media, especially the BBC are positively churning out disparaging reports, blaming the Conservatives for any depreciating state of affairs they can divulge; and periodically with monotonous regularity, they slot in Starmer or a documentary that delivers some kind of statement as to how the Labour party would improve the situation.

What the left exponents are en ­

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

deavouring to do is create a misinformed and disheartened populace that also considers the only way to rescue its beloved country will be to elect a different government.

The faceless money men truly don’t care. They actually wouldn’t mind a Labour government taking control.

They are fully aware that the economics of a party that has to satisfy such a vast array of cross sectioned supporters to attain enough votes is easy pickings that will subsequently earn them even more power and financial gain until the party once again finishes up in exactly the same way as it did the last time.

Consequently losing their position to yet another brand new right wing government that has to

spend their first few years struggling to rescue the country from the social and financial hole it has once again been plunged into. The one issue I do think is a mistake for the left is to nose dive the country into all this social and political confrontation too early.

Most of the present financial problems have been brought on by the Covid pandemic and the world energy situation. In 12 months or so they could all be straightening out. Are the conspiritors really confident enough to continue this detrimental onslaught for another two years? Probably.

Keep the faith.

Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Monday and Friday 1pm till 4

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OUR VIEW

A

CHRISTMAS THOUGHT

THAT’S another year almost over and having come out of two years of sporadic lockdown, no­one knew what it was going to be like.

Slowly but surely, for many, things started to take on a semblance of normality with international travel starting again and businesses (at least those that survived 2020 and 2021) being able to start trading once more.

For many of us, 2022 has been a tough but decent year although having lived through the epidemic which caused so much heartbreak and saw so many deaths, the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a total surprise.

Just when it seemed that the world could rebuild, this pointless act by the Russian President knocked so many back and surprised many of us, both for the fantastic support that governments have given to the Ukrainian cause and how individuals and communities have responded to offer assistance to refugees from the conflict.

People are so resilient and the sight of Christmas lights and trees in the Kyiv subway has been an example of how people manage to cope regardless of how bad things may be.

We still have conflicts in Syria and Yemen, but they have been overshadowed by Ukraine, although most of us simply live our lives and just have to be thankful that whilst we may be suffering financially from the backlash of the invasion, we don’t have to fear that we might be blown up in our beds.

So, here’s to a better year to come and a prayer for all of those around the world who are suffering the inhumanity of civil war, invasion or crippling poverty plus, of course, all best wishes to our advertisers and readers.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

BILL ANDERSON A PUBLIC SERVANT

I HOPE you have all enjoyed the Christmas festivities and are recovering as we approach the New Year. The month of January takes its name from the Roman God Janus. He is normally depicted as a two faced god: one face looking forward and the other looking back. It is a good time of the year to do exactly this. Living in the past is generally not a good thing, but learning from the past is most certainly a good thing.

The name of the god I ā nus (Janus) in Latin refers to an arched passage or doorway, and the 1st of January is like the opening of a doorway into a New Year. They say that life is too short to hold grudges and the New Year offers us the opportunity to leave these behind, to start afresh and to put

into practice all that we have learned from our mistakes. Unfortunately, we usually learn more from our mistakes than from our successes. But, this is what promotes our growth and adds to the slither of real wisdom that we all seek to accumulate.

On the other hand we need to be careful about what we leave behind for as American philosopher George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I ask you what have you learned from the past and how will it change

Political carousel

equalise with a year whose events sound like something out of the middle ages.

your life in the future.

Now, at the risk of contradicting myself I ease into the world of politics. Politicians rely on poor memory and in many ways they get away with it. In a legislature of four years, it seems strange that all the real activity takes place in the last six months. Why? Because they know you have a short memory and that has the effect of blanking out all of the gripes and discontent of the previous three and a half years.

In Mijas, for example, we have had three years of under spending and in the last six months they commit ALL of our accumulated surplus to new projects to the extent that we will be five million in debt if they all go ahead. Apparently, this shows how efficient they are in putting our money to good use.

Politicians are also past masters at making announcements, doing nothing and then getting double for their money by announcing it again. They count

on us not remembering that they announced this before, sometimes on more than one occasion, and didn’t move the project forward. I have always said that politics is a fundamentally dishonest business and often the theatre of politics is more important than the end result because it is all about hanging onto power and not about working in the taxpayers’ best interests.

So, do we remember or do we forget? I think remembering is always a better choice. Think of it as forgiving but not forgetting. We are moving into an election year and the promises will be flowing faster than the Niagara Falls in the rainy season. Also remember that promises are not actions but merely plastic carrots dangled on a long stick which suggest that if you keep us in power it will magically change into the real thing.

I wish you all a good New Year.

Always here to help

IT’S the end of another political year and one which will go down in history as tying in joint first place with 1834 for being the year with the most UK prime ministers.

To put that into context, in 1834 six farmers were sent to a penal colony for forming a trade union, the public displaying of executed bodies in chains was officially abolished, slavery was ended across the majority of the British empire, and the Poor Law was amended to prevent the ablebodied from receiving government help unless they went into a workhouse (if a workhouse was the government’s idea of help, I’d be interested to see what their idea of hindering the poor was, but anyway). Oh yes, and in the same year the Houses of Parliament also literally burnt to the ground.

So it comes as something of a shock that 2022 has managed to

In October, Liz Truss managed another first for the UK, taking the dubious honour of being the shortestserving prime minister after just 50 days in office.

And even in that short space she’d managed to see the death of one monarch after 70 years and the bringing in of a new one; something which goes some way to showing just what a year of total democratic change 2022 has been.

To be fair to the UK, it is far from being the only country in the world to currently be suffering something of a political rollercoaster.

Between the war in Ukraine and a former president of the United States facing criminal charges for the first time in the country’s entire history, it’s safe to say the world is having a moment of political upheaval.

If this is what making political history looks like though, then I think we can all agree it would be preferable if next year is one not to remember.

CHRISTMAS can always be a trying time for many people, all too often made harder due to loneliness and financial hardship. This was the case of Caroline, who came to the British Benevolent Fund, out of desperation on Christmas night, this time last year.

She had been given our details by the British Consulate and wrote to us describing her plight. She had given birth in Spain and found herself without resources.

Because the baby had been born in Spain she was required to register the birth here, had been unable to travel back because this process was ongoing ­ and it had already taken a month.

She was stuck in Spain with her newborn, but had no savings or funds to live off.

Her family wanted nothing to do with her and she had long exhausted the small amounts her friends had sent her. It was Christmas Eve, she was in a cheap hostal in a small room with a broken

bed, no heating and shared bathroom. It had cost her the last of her money, she would be homeless by Boxing Day, on the street in a strange place, alone with her baby.

She was terrified.

On Christmas Eve she got in touch with the BBF.

We were able to pay for her to move to a nearby hotel where she would have three hot meals a day, own bathroom and above all warmth over the Christmas period.

The hotel provided a cot and the staff found her additional warm clothing for the baby. But it didn’t resolve the issueshe still couldn’t travel and the baby registration could be some time off.

She was able to find additional help though the Con­

sular supported website https://www.supportinspain. info/ as well as the local town hall who were also able to speed up her registration.

With that completed, the Consular office was then able to issue emergency documentation for the baby as well as alert the airport care team and UK social services of her arrival. We got her and her baby home ­ but it had taken months and a heavy toll on Caroline. We could only help Caroline due to donations we receive. To help others please support us with a donation.

BETTER CHOICE: Do we remember or do we forget?

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

Up (down?) the Escher stairs

CASSANDRA NASH

PEDRO SANCHEZ’S recent tweaking of the Penal Code included a stowaway amendment slipped in to bypass the Opposition’s ongoing obstruction of measures for installing new Constitutional Court (TC) judges.

At present, judges with expired terms are not being replaced while a similar deadlock over renewing General Judiciary Council members is preventing vacancies from being filled. The same problem occurs with the Supreme Court.

No matter that the amendment had nothing to do with the Penal Code, as previous PP and PSOE governments both used the same ruse to camouflage urgent business in the past.

The PP and Vox applied to the TC to halt the reform as a precautionary measure before it reached the Senate for rubber ­ stamping on December 22. With six Constitutional judges known to be conservative (with a small ‘c’) the outcome looked like a foregone conclusion. And it was.

In a situation resembling Escher’s version of staircases, two of the Con­

stitutional Court judges making the decision had a vested interested in preventing the reforms from going through.

Pedro Gonzalez ­ Trevijano and Antonio Narvaez needed to be replaced last summer, but neither politicians nor the judiciary could agree on who should take their place.

The PSOE and UP parties lodged objections to Gonzalez­ Trevijano and Narvaez’s involvement in the TC’s deliberations on Monday December 19 as no ­ one expected them to fall voluntarily on their own swords to assist a government they are known not to support. As expected, their lordships ­ in this case sus señorias ­ threw out the objection.

At 10.30pm on December 19 the TC decided after hours of debate, and with the expected six votes to five, to halt the Senate vote on the amendment that could have expedited its renewal.

This was the first time in decades of post­Franco democracy that the TC has prevented the Spanish parliament from doing its job.

So who’s to blame? Sanchez for trying it on, or the Opposition for stopping him?

WATCH OUT - THEY CAN READ YOUR MIND!

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

‘know’ and wait, ensuring they get what they want. She once caught one of them ‘drawing’ sketches on the kitchen floor with muddy paws. But then he is a Labradoodle...

DOGS may be able to understand our intentions, according to university researchers studying how they (the dogs, that is!) reacted when denied food on purpose or accidentally. Dogs seemed smart enough to know when people were being ‘clumsy’ with their treats and when they were being ‘mean’ and wagged their tails accordingly.

Hardly news to anyone who’s lived with dogs as companions. Supposedly dogs can’t do maths. Try putting three treats in your pocket then only giving them two!

A pal’s dogs always look at her ‘soulfully’ when she attempts to break a treat in half and implies they’re only getting two. They just

It baffles me why a university needed to research a subject that anyone who’s owned a dog knows already. University departments are constantly doing studies, the answers to which are patently obvious. It’s almost an industry.

The research team are now involved in the following costly, but very important new research project: ‘Do dogs like chasing cats and squirrels?’

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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.

NoraJohnson’sopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

Nora’s latest thriller.

A fresh start for 2023

GOING into a new year is the ideal time to set some goals for a happier and healthier lifestyle. It’s a fresh start, making the perfect atmosphere to enter a new era of healthy living. Many people set resolutions related to fitness, but yours don’t need to be. Here we share some suggestions to change your lifestyle for the better, and they’re not difficult!

• Daily walk

Immersing ourselves in nature is one certain way to reduce the pressures and stress of daily life. Aim to take a walk into nature each day. Whether it’s just a fiveminute stroll some days or a three ­ hour hike on others, walking outside does wonders for your mental and physical health and what’s more,

it’s free!

• Eat fresh

Eating a fresh, healthy diet can quite literally change your life with incredible health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to reducing your risk of heart disease. If you’re looking for a lifestyle change, trying to eat fresher could be it.

And if you’re on the look­

out for a new hobby, why not try cooking and experiment with exciting new flavours and recipes.

• Indulge in self­care

From getting a massage to enjoying some yoga, there are plenty of types of self ­ care you can get into in 2023 that will leave you feeling more relaxed, with more energy.

Seasonal supplements

VITAMIN D is so readily available during the summer in Spain that many of us forget that we need to maintain our supply throughout the year. In fact, one report found that Vitamin D levels are higher among people in Nordic countries than Spain, because supplements are more popular during the winter.

What does Vitamin D do?

Vitamin D is a nutrient which our bodies need to absorb and maintain calcium and phosphate levels, which are vital for bone health. Vitamin D also performs an important role in reducing inflammation and could even slow growth of cancer cells.

How can I boost Vitamin D naturally?

Vitamin D can be difficult to boost naturally since it doesn’t naturally occur in many foods. Some foods contain small amounts of this nutrient including cod liver oil, salmon, and mackerel as well as certain foods which are fortified with Vitamin D including orange juice and milk. Vitamin D naturally occurs in the sun’s rays which is the easiest way to get your quota during the summer.

What about a supplement?

Health experts recommend taking sup­

Scientists recommend taking a daily supplement containing Vitamin D during the winter to maintain bone health while there is less sunlight.

plements to boost Vitamin D levels as it can be difficult to absorb naturally. A daily supplement or multivitamin containing up to 600 IU (international units) is the recommended dosage for people aged one year to 70.

Commit to a daily walk in 2023 to help reduce daily stress and unwind, and you could sleep better and feel energised.

Photo credit: Robert Kneschke / shutterstock.com

Photo credit: FotoHelin / shutterstock.com

Healthy hearing

HEARING loss is a natural part of ageing and while we can’t completely prevent it, there are some steps you can take to protect your hearing. Today we share some everyday suggestions from medical experts that you can use to maintain good hearing health.

• Avoid loud noises

It might sound obvious, but it’s crucial to protect your ears from loud noises if you want to maintain good hearing health. Exposure to loud noise is one of the top reasons for hearing loss. Keep the volume at a normal level when using headphones and consider using ear plugs or taking breaks from noisy settings.

• Stay dry

Ensure you are keeping your ears

dry, excess moisture in your ears can cause issues including blockages and painful ear infections. Protect yourself against this by drying your ears carefully after showering or swimming.

• Clean with care

Cotton swabs are no longer recommended for cleaning your ears as they can damage your ear drum and lead to lasting pain. Instead, consult your doctor for safe cleaning tips.

• Visit your doctor

Doctors are best equipped to deal with hearing issues and will be able to recognise serious issues quickly. Stay on top of your hearing health by attending regular check ­ ups and taking advice given by medical professionals to stop issues getting worse.

New Year goals

A BRAND-NEW year is nearly upon us, which means it’s nearly time to set New Year’s resolutions. Some of the most popular resolutions involve fitness, and while they’re infamously difficult to keep to, it is possible. Today we’re sharing some expert advice from health experts to help you set realistic fitness goals for 2023.

• Achievable goals

When setting goals it can be useful to think about why you’re setting them and to visualise your path towards them. Experts recommend visualisation as a technique when setting fitness goals as it can increase focus, confidence and dedication to exercising.

• Break down goals

While an extensive vision for your overall fitness can be

useful in the long­ term, in the short­term it can be overwhelming. Experts suggest making smaller objectives along the way which is more achievable and rewarding. It also allows the brain to release more dopamine, the ‘feel­good’ hormone.

• Healthy habits

It is very difficult to achieve your goals if you don’t change your daily habits to

accommodate them. This could mean that you set up your daily routine to supplement your fitness goals by fitting in a short walk each day.

• Positive mindset

Most importantly, set goals that you actually want to achieve. This means you are more likely to remain committed and achieve them.

Create mini objectives to help you achieve your overall fitness goals to stay motivated.

Photo credit: Fit Ztudio / shutterstock.com

Take regular breaks from noisy settings to avoid damaging your hearing.

Photo credit: Ground Picture / shutterstock.com

SAME RESPECT FOR ALL

LEAPY LEE obviously knows very little about the LGBTQ community and trans gender folk in particular. Just because a person grew up in a certain place at a time in history doesn’t make them an expert.

I am probably the same age and same history timeline but a different place, yes I am queer and yes lived in the 60s. We were called queer as an insult but are now able to claim this insult as our own which mitigates the abuse by media et al.

All trans folk want is the same respect as any other person. Nothing woke about it, this is about human dignity.

In terms of toilets that Mr Lee seems obsessed about, where is the problem.

We woman have cubicles and as a queer lesbian I would not preclude my trans sisters from using the cubicle next to me. I hope Mr Lee would not stop trans men from using the next urinal.

If he wants a proper debate using gutter press images and language I will oblige.

Helen Hallam Malaga

Too many people

THANK you Mr Brian Johnstone for your comment re population, I’ve been saying this for years and cannot understand why our educated leaders do not see the obvious underlying reason for most, if not all, of the country’s problems today ie demand exceeding supply.

The simple answer would be in my view to set a suggested maximum of two children per couple for the next 25 ­ 50 years. Of course there would be an outcry from most religious groups who would say that their god will provide, but I think that mother nature may disagree.

In my lifetime the world population has doubled, if it continues at this rate we are all in big trouble, just do the figures, Barry Nerja.

& Pauline Reading

Did you even vote

THE misogynistic comments that I have been reading on social media platforms about how it is unfair that a women’s footballer should win the BBC sports personality of the year award, instead of a male golfer or cricketer, is shocking. Beth Mead was voted to win this award by the public, I’m sure most of the people moaning couldn’t even be bothered to vote. Well done Beth Mead you are a credit to your country.

Tracey Hunter

Older views

I HAVE always been a fan of Leapy’s and find the columns refreshing, however times are changing as they always have done and our views are now becoming outdated and to some offensive.

My opinions are becoming to my children and grandchildren like my grandfather’s were to me when I was young, really embarrassing but they could get away with saying belligerent things because they were old and didn’t mean any offence (although they probably did mean to offend and knew they would get away with it).

It’s funny how life can go full circle and you turn into the relatives you swore you would never be like.

Raymond Barry

TV twaddle

THOSE of you who have access to UK TV, are you as disappointed with the twaddle that was on over the Christmas weekend as I am? I don’t know how many more times I can watch a repeat of a so ­ called Christmas classic like Home Alone and the magazine shows such as This Morning were no better, how many times do I need to see how celebrities make their gravy?

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.

Barry

C Green

HUMAN DIGNITY: Every person is entitled to the same respect as any other person.

Sing, sing, sing, sing LINDA

HALL

A SPANISH Christmas retains its Spanishness by lasting until Twelfth Night so there is still much to look forward to even though Nochebuena has gone, while Christmas Day, a national holiday, is no big deal anyway.

There are no Boxing Day blues here, with turkey still on the menu, berries beginning to shrivel on the holly, tinsel tarnished, pine needles on the carpet and December 26’s origins significance largely forgotten.

Who remembers that this was when employees received Christmas Boxes back when every little extra helped?

What’s more, the form and the date vary but it’s still the season when people in Spain look forward to their own Aguinaldo or Christmas tip.

Any time between mid ­ December and January 6, it is appreciated if you cough up for those who deliver your butano, put the letters in your postbox or perform a small but regular

service for you.

There’s no getting out of that, even now, but what you don’t see ­ or hear ­ are the children who, preceded by giggles, would sing a line or two of a carol before knocking on your door for their Aguinaldo.

Perhaps they no longer need the extra money or, more than likely, their parents don’t want them out of doors, singing to strangers.

The last time I had to deal with juvenile Aguinaldo ­ seekers, in the late 70s, was after the New Year but within the Reyes cut­off date.

The knock preceded the serenading and I opened the door to be confronted by two awkward ­ looking girls in their early teens who proceeded to sing.

Wanting to put them out of their misery and mine, I fished around in my purse and shoved a 50 ­ peseta piece in each hand.

This was a long, long time ago when money went a lot, lot further than it does today and they looked at me, looked at each other and to our combined relief made a quick exit.

Making positive changes

THE New Year is normally a time when many people begin to look at what they can do in the year ahead to make some positive changes.

These could be fitness goals, travel plans or even resolutions to make savings on your spending.

Picking the right resolution for you and your goals is what will help you to succeed! It needs to be meaningful and doable.

You need to plan an achievable goal and also plan for any setbacks that might happen - because they probably will and the way you deal with it will be key!

And if you need some New Year’s resolution inspiration this year, the Euro Weekly News has put together this guide to some ideas.

Fitness goals

Getting into shape is one of the most common New Year’s Eve resolutions, but if

you find that you often make a resolution to get fitter only to give up within a few weeks, try to make sure to set realistic goals this year and to venture into exercise slowly. Trying to do too much exercise after a long period of inactivity can be bad for your health and put you off your new fitness regime.

Saving goals

If cutting back on expensive spending is your priority this year, why not make a list of all your average monthly spending and identify costs that you could easily cut? You could also shop around for a cheaper super-

market to make regular savings on your groceries.

Social media goals

Another increasingly common goal is to spend less time scrolling on social media. A good idea is to install an app that tracks how long you have been on your phone or on certain apps and websites - this will give you a clear indication of how much time you spend online and the amount you would like to reduce it by. Social media is addictive, so instead of picking up the phone when you are bored or not busy, think of something else to do to take your mind off it.

Planning is key to achieving your goals.

Shuttertock.com/

Tikhonova_Marina

MARBELLA

MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING

IT’S been a really good year, not without its problems, but when do we ever not have a problem of one sort or another?

As the saying goes, it

A Joyous New Year

comes down to how we deal with it. I’m content by nature and love to smile but I’ve always put work and everyone else first, which takes its toll.

I, like most of you reading

this, will have spent our adult life working and dealing with the increasing number of responsibilities and obligations that a better positioned job and/or raising a family entail. It’s easy to get lost in mundanities and automation.

It’s become increasingly disheartening to realise that no matter how hard we try we can’t stop things from not going according to plan; we can’t stop problems arising and we don’t always have all the answers. Likewise, it doesn’t matter how many hours we work, there are always so many things left to do that the feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment become intangible. The overriding impression is that no matter what we do it is never quite enough and that is exhausting.

This past year I decided to take a different approach, in­

spired by ‘you can only save everyone else if you save yourself first’ and the Cos ta Women diary that required I choose a word for the year ahead to refer to daily for inspiration.

I thought about it, a lot. My first thoughts were ‘perseverance’, ‘consistency’, ‘success’, ‘achievement’, ‘truth’, but then I considered words that didn’t have anything to do with my work but with me, my life and the outcome I wanted to envi­

sion.

I finally chose the word ‘joyous’ because although it sounds a bit silly, as a stand ­ alone word, it’s meaning is quite intense, in a good way.

Things have to be going pretty well all round to feel truly joyous.

Each day I made a conscious decision to be just that; often having to really force myself to do things to get myself there, with a knowing that I cannot benefit from stressing about things I simply can’t control in my favour, by worrying.

I understand that every­

thing is energy and I know how drained I feel when I’m around negative people, so I was determined to keep my vibrations high enough to catch all the good things also going on in that joyous frequency.

I chose to work happy instead of hard, ensuring that I left time for myself to see my family and friends and time to just ‘be’. Time to think. What’s the point of throwing questions out to the ‘universe’ if we’re never quiet or ‘present’ enough to receive the answers?

I’m still working a lot but I really try not to overload any one day with too many commitments. I start my day knowing everything is turning out in my favour and so far, I’m delighted with the results. Perhaps you’d like to give it a try? 2023 here we come! A Joyous New Year.

UK Driving Licence Update

TAKING to Facebook on Wednesday, December 21, HMA Hugh Elliott delivered a message to those currently unable to drive in Spain on their UK licence.

HMA Hugh Elliott acknowledged that Brits living in Spain might be frustrated by the ongoing UK driving licence issue and issued a message to ease some worries.

“As we move into the festive period, I know that those of you who are currently unable to drive on your UK licence will be really anxious to know just when the final approvals are going to come through,” he said.

“So, let me tell you where we are. The agreement itself is done and, as you know, is now going through the final checks.”

He added: “Specifically, the situation is that on the UK side, the necessary authorisations are in place, pending resolution of some final points of technical wording. On which we are

waiting for Spain to get back to us.

“Once these checks are done, the agreement will go to Spain’s Consejo de Ministros (Council of Ministers) for political sign­off.

“Now of course this is a Spanish political process, so it’s outside of our control, but it is worth saying that our very clear understanding is that any international treaty must go through this process and we have been assured that it will be a smooth one.

“These meetings typically take place once a week and we and Spain are agreed on the need to finish these processes as soon as possible. So work will continue between Christmas and New Year and as soon as we have any news we will let you know,” he added.

“Now I know that it is disappointing that you are not back on the road yet. But I hope you take some reassurance from knowing how very close we are to concluding this process.”

Treating seasonal sickness

DEALING with colds and flus can be hard enough for humans, but what do we do when our pets get sick with seasonal illnesses?

Today we’re sharing some advice to help you to care for your dog when it gets sick, which will get that tail wagging again in no time!

• Warm and dry

The cause of most seasonal sicknesses is extended exposure to

Furry friends

cold and wet conditions. Combat this by keeping your dog in a warm and dry space while it recovers from sickness.

This could mean giving your dog a few extra blankets or using a lightly heated dog bed, but watch out for signs of overheating including heavy breathing or panting.

THE festive season is here, and there is so much to celebrate. But this can be a scary time of year for our furry friends, due to fireworks and lots of noise all around. Today we share some top tips from vets to help your pet stay calm and to keep anxiety levels low.

• Fireworks and pets don’t mix

Firstly, if you are going to celebrate in a place with lots of fireworks, it’s best to leave your pets at home. If you are planning to set off fireworks on your own property, ensure all windows and doors are closed before releasing them, or consider leaving your pet with a friend so your party doesn’t stress them out.

ONE of the best parts about the festive season is all of the delicious food options, but our pets don’t always feel the same way. Today, we’re sharing some top foods to avoid feeding your pets so you don’t ruin the holidays with unnecessary trips to the vets’.

• Chocolate

This festive treat contains theobromine, an ingredient which is known to be toxic to most cats and dogs. So, save your chocolate for yourself and store it in a sealed box out of reach for your four­legged friends!

• Grapes and raisins

If you’re participating in the popular Spanish New Year’s tradition, make sure you keep grapes well out of your

pets’ way. Grapes also contain toxins which can be poisonous to pets, causing kidney failure. Take care with raisin products too, including Christmas pudding and mince pies.

• Nuts

These snacks are a must at festive gatherings, but ensure your pets don’t go near them. As well as being a choking hazard for cats and dogs, some kinds of nuts, like macadamias can cause vomiting and hyperthermia.

• Cooked bones

Although bones aren’t toxic to your pet, they can be still be harmful. Cooked bones are liable to snapping which can scratch or get stuck in your pet’s throat, or cause tooth breakages.

• Hearty meals Regular, healthy meals and increased hydration can help your dog to recover from sickness by providing missing nutrients. Sicknesses like colds can inhibit your dog’s sense of smell, so try heating up their food in the microwave for a minute which can make it more fragrant and appealing.

• Lots of rest

Dogs already need lots of rest for their active routines, and even more so when they’re sick. Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to sleep and cut back on walks until they perk back up.

Seek professional advice if symptoms don’t subside after a week.

• Distraction works wonders

You can help to take your pet’s attention off fireworks by playing music or entertaining your pet with a fun game or activity that you know they like. Comfort can also help to keep your pet from focusing on fireworks, so ensure they are in a comfortable spot, surrounded by familiar toys and blankets.

• Consider medication

If you know that fireworks give your pet anxiety, consider going to the vet for some medication before the big day. Vets can prescribe medication to soothe nerves and calm your pet down.

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It’s important to continue to feed your dog as usual when they’re sick, the nutrients are vital for their recovery.

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FUENGIROLA, Myofascial Release. J Schaegen, specialised in treating neck, back & extremity disorders, 30 years in practice. 652 291 224 www.bodywork.es (301414)

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygatein sure.com (291234)

• AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER 3D THURS, FRI, MON,TUES: 16:45, 18:45 THURS: 17:45- SAT: 12:45, 14:05, 16:15 SUN: 18:45

• WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY TUES: 21:25

• THE WORST NEIGHBOUR IN THE WORLD TUES: 19:15

• PREY FOR THE DEVIL 20:35

• AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER THURS,FRI,SUN,TUES: 18:15, 21:45

SAT: 12:00, 16:00 MON: 12:00, 18:15, 21:45

• AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER 3D THURS, FRI, MON, TUES: 22:00 SAT: 11:30, 15:00 SUN: 21:30

•PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST

WISH THURS,FRI,SAT,MON, TUES: 17:20 SUN: 17:45

• A MAN CALLED OTTO THURS, FRI SUN, MON, TUES: 17:30, 22:10 SAT: 17:15

• WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY

THURS, FRI,MON,TUES: 15:30 SUN: 19:10

• SHE SAID THURS,FRI,MON, TUES: 17:40 SAT: 17:20

• PREY FOR THE DEVIL THURS, FRI, MON, TUES: 21:20 SUN: 21:45

Credit: Facebook/Red Dog

FURNITURE wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (301381)

BE PROACTIVE: Electric/ Gas fires, Wood Burning Stoves. Quality guaranteed. EnviroCare. All areas covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759. info@envirocare spain.com www.enviro carespain.com(301178)

LOCKSMITH emergency / appointment. Doors opened without damage, locks changed, patio doors and windows secured, 24 hour honest, fast and reliable service. Call Paul 657 466 803 (288129)

ENGLISH LOCKSMITHS, SECURITY & SHADE EXPERTS. FREE HOME SECURITY SURVEY. 636 770 865 / 952 660 233 WWW.SECU RITYOFSPAIN.COM CONTACT DAREN (294126)

VINYL WRAP

PROFESSIONAL garden services from Fuengirola to Estepona. All aspects of gardening and full maintenance and landscaping, free quotes, competitive prices. Contact Andrew 600 259 981 Andrew@ garden-professionals.com (295350)

IRRIGATION

IRIS-IRRIGATION and landscapes. TRENCHLESS NO DIG Irrigation installation, Cables, Fibre Optic, Electric & Lighting Cables. New Installations & problem-solving. Turf (supply

VINYL SOLUTIONS WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RENOVATE? Modern adhesive vinyl coverings in hundreds of styles and designs can renovate a tired kitchen, bathroom, wall panels, bedroom wardrobes, fridge doors. Turn a tired looking wood designed kitchen into a modern solid colour or metal-

SAN PEDRO. Sandra. Professional relaxing, tantric massage. Young, slim, work alone, unforgettable moments. Nueva Andalucia. 641 346 278

MATURE elegant lady. Offers tantric and other massage. Personal home visits. 687 387 680 (286295)tp3

RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress. Call Dany 603 202 758 (302579)

PURE RELAXATION in Nueva Andalucia with attractive independent masseuse. Tantric and other special massages in private apartment. For gentlemen and couples, with no rush attention to your needs 656 350 401

ENGLISH ELEGANT passionate lady in late 40s, gives a sensual massage in private apartment. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 680 177 569 (302312)

CASSIE. Mature English lady. Discreet and clean. 667 914 732 (FU 2842)

MASSAGE ! Outcalls everywhere in Costa del Sol! Gentlemen, ladies, couples are welcome! 604 256 336 (FU 2830)

IT’S TIME to try something different and very relaxed. Sara, elegant masseuse, I offer massage, tantric, sensitive, prostatic, authentic relaxation that will leave you floating on the cloud. . believe me spectacular! Very clean. I give and demand total hygiene! Let yourself go and you will discover the most hidden pleasures. Only by appointment. 650 237 145 (302347)

RIVIERA DEL SOL . Treat yourself to an Excellent Massage! Irina, Cuban masseuse, fun and spontaneous. Only when a massage is something more than a massage, and becomes a unique experience, with a mixture of smells, sounds, sensations, only then is when you enjoy the perfection of the exclusive massage. Ask for more information without obligation 951 274 723, 650 237 145 (302347)

TANTRIC masseuse in Calahonda. Cristal, expert in the art of seduction and tantric massage. Authentic masseuse who manages to transmit the physical and emotional pleasure with the 5 senses. Sensual tantric massage or body to body to perfection. Make an appointment. 650 237 145 (302347)

BUTTERFLY - Massage, is a space designed for people with high sensitivity, with a taste for body to body interaction, who enjoy the sensuality and magical trantric, to feel the warm hands of an attractive masseuse running through your body. Our masseuses have been chosen not only for their physical attractiveness, but also

for their sensuality and massage skills. Only by appointment 951 274 723, 650 237 145 (302347)

CALA DE MIJAS . Excellent professional masseuse with exclusive attention for people who want to change their routine and want to relax and live a relaxing experience. If you are looking for discretion and good treatment, here I am. I’m Noa and I hope you make your appointment as soon as possible because I am very requested. 650 237 145 (302347)

MY HANDS can transmit a very important message and make us feel connected. I will create a suitable atmosphere for relaxation and sensuality without noise, candlelight, soft music, nothing should disturb that moment. Before we start, all you have to do is relax, breathe slowly to free your body and mind... I’ll take care of the rest. Irina, qualified masseuse with many years of experience. Book your appointment. 650 237 145 (302347)

RIVIERA DEL SOL . I am Noa a simple and natural girl who hides among her shy appearance the best kept secrets of relaxing, descontracturante and stimulating massage. I am a specialist in eliminating your worries, muscular tension thanks to a depurative massage technique that I combine with a sensory capacity out of the ordinary. I massage both men and couples. 650 237 145. by appointment only (302347)

CALAHONDA. I am your ideal masseuse if you want to enjoy a massage, relaxing and sensual and want to try the sensations that this generates. I will use my hands and body with techniques of relaxation and mutual connection. Carla - 650 237 145 (302347)

THE BEST RELAXING MASSAGE CLOSE TO ELVIRIA Tantric massages. Come and enjoy today with us. Latin masseuses for men. Come and relax. Outcall, too 650 237 145 (302347)

NEAR ELVIRIA. Masseuse, elegant with a high dose of implication. Very special tantric sensory massages. I will make you feel very relaxed with a good massage. 951 274 723, 650 237 145 (302347)

MARBELLA CENTRE - the ideal place for relaxing massage in the city centre. Available 24h and prices from €50. For reservations and information call 620 366 817. (295192)

PROFESSIONAL MALE muscled masseur. Full-body relaxing, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. In/outcalls. WhatsApp me 607 595 906 (301288)

FUENGIROLA - Johanna Brazilian Mature Masseur. Relaxing Massages. Best relax guaranteed. Tel: 617.818.615 (302421)

ASIAN MASSEUR Massage relaxing & therapeutic, to release tension and stress. Fuengirola. Call 634 103 607 (301171)

LOS BOLICHES - Carolina Pretty Masseur, Relaxing Massage, Guaranteed relax634.703.111 (302421)

BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427 (302577)

FUENGIROLA. Japanese Shiatsu & Zen Ki relaxing and therapeutic massage. Excellent service guaranteed. Home Visits. WhatsApp for appointment 693 988 340 (302511)

WWW.LAILALYNCH1.COM

Heated pool, Jacuzzi and private bar. Inland private retreat with a full massage service. 662 913 428 (FU 2810)

FUENGIROLA. Amazing full body massage by spectacular blonde lady. 657 697 397 (FU 2776)

ESTEPONA. Susana, Latin Girl sculptural body, trained for deep relaxing massage. 697 705 304 (FU 2786)

BENALMADENA Costa by the windmill roundabout. Sabrina from N.Y. City Offers a full body massage, 50% off seniors, pensioners or retired. 658 336 295 Done in a heated room (FU 2847)

ASIAN wellness massage Nice area west Marbella. Guaranteed results. 623 554 233 or 623 594 698 (301500)

JESSICA 28, Estepona. Full tantric massage. High class service. Private apartment. 711 030 670 (302547)

THAI Benalmádena Costa. Body-body full massages. Hotels. Visits. Whatsapp 689 387 448 (MI 546)

ESTEPONA next to Cancelada, Kannika, Asian masseuse, complete relaxation, makes you

contented and more. 602 427 095 (FU 2838)

LAURA , RELAXING, TANTRIC, MASSAGE, PROFESSIONAL, 30, WORKS ALONE, DISCREET. SAN PEDRO - NUEVA ANDALUCIA. 641 346 278 (303005)

ESTEPONA . Laura majestic masseuse, very friendly, Deep body massage and stress relieve. 600 213 967 (FU 2845)

FUENGIROLA Paula 30 years old beautiful, soft sensitive massages, deep body relaxation techniques 641 244 707 (FU 2908)

BEAUTIFUL Ukrainian, slim, tall pasionate sensual massage luxury. Elviria. Marbella. 618 229 769 (MI 547)

FUENGIROLA. Russian blonde lady, professional Tantric massage. Whatsapp and Viber 613 818 042 (2831)

FUENGIROLA . Mia Just arrived Fuengirola, beautiful young masseuse. 603 366 841(FU 2841)

ORIENTAL attractive relaxing massues tantric, balines, thai, hilot. Villa Elviria. 679 126 231

JADE BRITISH lady offers satisfying massage service for gentlemen & couples. Private premises. Estepona area. Call 665 896 519 (302590)

FUENGIROLA. Centre Private place, 5 young beautiful masseuses. 603 366 841 (FU 2841)

BOLICHES CELINA independent! loving lady, very kind and sweet, lovely only for educated discreet respectable gentleman! Enjoy deep sensitive relaxing massages in private discreet apartment, excellent calm treatments, quite cosy atmosphere! Space specially prepared for your relaxation and comfort! ¡Demanding excellent hygiene particular! Only previous appointments: 11:30am / 6pm. 622 210 797 (FU 2843)

NEW FUENGIROLA Isabela 19 years, beautiful masseuse. 603 366 841(FU 2841)

FILIPINO MASSAGE CENTRE MARBELLA, where hearts of oriental professional massage , open daily. 660 578 171 (MI 549)

ASIAN TOUCH unique deep massage excellent relieve pain stress luxury service guaranteed. Elviria. 633 705 558 ( MI 551)

SHAINA professional mature masseuse, expert in relaxation massage at home or by appointment. Contact 611 341 222 (302596)

ORIENTAL full experience , soft tissue and hard massage, relieve pain stress. Elviria, Marbella. 604 143 788 (MI 554)

FILIPINA , balines, thai massage authentic proffessional, traditional massage , luxury, Elviria. Marbella. 679 126 231 (MI 553)

UKRAINIAN educated, spectacular hands, European massage. No rush. Marbella 604 428 812 (MI 552)

ASIAN Marbella traditional deep muscle massage antistress very relieving. 603 208 080 (MI 550)

FUENGIROLA . Relaxing massage made by alternative gender masseuse. Violeta Chiropractor. 660 867 374 (FU 2846)

SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA - Camilla Masseur 33 - private apartment - 603 804 443 (301495)

SHAINA Mature Relaxing and sensitive masseuse. Outgoing and incoming calls. 24 hours. Marbella Centre Tel: 611 341 222 (302601)

FUENGIROLA. Marisa, 38 years old, mature, all kinds of massages. Only Whats App. 631 659 408 (FU 2848)

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

CAR SERVICES

MOBILE MECHANIC will come to your home or work. Servicing, repairs, ITVs & diagnostics. Call Mick on 617 553 072 (301275)

ENGLISH bodyshop, fully equipped, Mijas Costa. No Job Too Small. 952 667 074 (302028)

WANTED

ALL CARS / Commercials wanted, runners or non-runners. Cash. Buyer collects. Transfer included. 605 109 796 (301158)

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

MISCELLANEOUS MOSQUITO SCREENS

ACE OF SHADES - Don’t let the bugs get you! Available in enrollable, slider and pleated. Large choice of colours including wood effect. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

MOSQUITO Screens for windows, doors and a high-quality sliding patio door screen. All finishes available. Quick service. All areas covered. Call Julian 655 825 931 (301104)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours, call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (295855)

MOTORING

FOR SALE

WANTED, wanted, wanted!! All cars, all years, all models… from exotic to classic. Spanish, English, Dutch plated. Call us on 951 977 329 or 606 647 597. (301127)

CAMPER VANS , CARAVANS, MOBILE HOMES, BOATS AND ALL PLANT, DIGGERS, DUMPERS, MOTORBIKES, CARS AND COMMERCIALS WANTED. BEST PRICE PAID, CASH TODAY, ANY REGISTRATION WITH OR WITHOUT PAPERS. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 (290739)

CAR , VANS BOUGHT WITH/WITHOUT PAPERS. CASH WAITING 678 808 837 (290739)

CARS , VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN/UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (290739)

CARS , VANS, ANY REGISTRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE/EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921 (290739)

WANTED CARS AND VANS, FREE COLLECTION, SAME DAY 685 524 921 (290739)

IMPORT / TRANSFER

CARS transferred, history checks, Imports and Embargo problems. Change of use and lost papers. Change your car to Spanish plates, simple efficient service. Cars bought and sold. Please call 678 808 837 Or email carsinspain@live.co.uk

NAUTICAL

INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. RYA VHF and Radar Courses. 636 444 929 (301483)

LAWYERS

byMarkSlack

THIS year my test car list has included numerous electric vehicles, whether self ­ charg ing, plug­in hybrid or full electric. It’s not surprising as manufacturers up the pace of their EV production with many announcing fully electric ranges with in a couple of years.

One of the main problems with EVs has, and in many cases remains, the higher initial purchase price when compared to equivalent specification models with combustion power. Part of this can be explained by the fact that any new technology, and despite electric vehicles having been around for many more years than people imagine it is new technology, takes time to embed itself.

With the advent of new EVs such as the MG4, the technology is getting ever more affordable and

ranges are increasing. Still not enough to match combustion powered equivalents though. The biggest issue is infrastructure, or rather the lack of it. In the UK it is frankly awful with few fast chargers and even the moderately fast 50kw units so few that you invariably end up having an excessive wait.

Although EV charging will never be as quick as fuelling a combustion car, more superfast chargers would reduce the time significantly enough to

make it convenient. That, along with pricing, is the main issue because convenience will lead to much greater adoption of EVs. Vehicle manufacturers have got their act together remarkably quickly, government now needs to do the same.

There have been many EVs on my driveway that have appealed, but the two that have personally appealed most come from BMW’s stable.

The MINI electric remains the most fun you can have in a battery

powered car. It possesses all the elements of a traditional hot hatch in terms of acceleration and handling. Priced from £29k, it’s only real drawback is the 145mile range. When you consider the MINI has been around for over 20 years, it’s a credit to BMW that it remains so competitive thanks to their careful evolution of the brand.

The second is at the other end of the scale in all respects; the BMW iX. It’s a real style statement that divides opinion, even the interior is more like a concept model. With prices starting from a shade under £70k it needs to be good and it delivers.

With a more useable, range of 253 miles the larger battery models will in theory take you to nearly 370 miles. If you’re thinking EV then whatever your budget, the options are growing.

WHAT a year 2022 has been for walking football. Malaga pipped the Walking Dead on the last day of the season to win the A team league, and the Walking Dead B,beat Malaga B on the last day to win the B league. The Walking Dead won the round robin final of the league cup. In April AC Benahavis and Malaga WFC went to the Copa de Europa in Portugal. Both sides acquitted themselves superbly. Benahavis fin­

The most liked 2022 Year review

ishing as quarter finalists and Malaga, semi finalists amongst some superb competition.

Malaga took a side to Morocco to compete against the national side in September, a memorable trip and the visitors presented a children’s home with a cheque to buy educational products.

Torrox Tornadoes, El Cañadon and Boca Seniors joined the league for the first time, and Nerja Utd rejoined

after leaving the league the year before as Nerja Nomads. The Euro Weekly News came on board as our main sponsor for the leagues, and Baha Irish Whiskey continue to sponsor our cup competition. El Cañadon finished runners up at the Torrevieja international tournament in the Costa Blanca. Molina also join the walking football family here, having now started their own team. On a sad note League stalwarts and former champions, Aston Viñuela left the league due to regular numbers being down. We hope that they return next season, bigger and stronger. Walking football in Spain is going from strength to strength.

For information on your local club, please visit walking footy.com on Facebook.

A POST on social media from Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi on Tuesday, December 20, be come the most­viewed of all time. The footballer took to In stagram following his nation’s World Cup victory over France on Sunday December 18. It has since received an incredible 64.5 million likes so far.

His follower count has also increased substantially, reaching 404 million. He still trails the 500 million that Cristiano Ronaldo has though, a figure the Portuguese achieved last week.

Messi’s post read: ‘WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!! I dreamed it so many times, I wanted it so much that I still haven’t fallen, I can’t believe it…’.

It continued: “Thank you very much to my family, to all who support me, and also to all who believed in us. We demonstrate once again that Argentines when we fight together and united we are capable of achieving what we set out to do.”

Previously, the record had been held by a TikTok video titled ‘the egg’, uploaded in August 2020 by Bella Poarch which hit 56.1 million likes.

Cristiano Ronaldo had another huge hit last month just before the Qatar World Cup started. He posted a Louis Vuitton advert showing him playing a game of chess with Messi. It racked up an amazing total of 41.9 million likes.

Lionel Messi with the World Cup.

Credit: Instagram Leo Messi