Costa del Sol 19 • 25 January 2023 Issue 1959

ASTONISHING GENEROSITY

FOLLOWING her interview in the last edition of the Euro Weekly News , Kay Millington has told the EWN she been flooded with offers of support and donations for her animal charity, including one astonishing donation of €1,000.

Rescued Paws Spain

charity owner Kay had sat down with the EWN to discuss her work helping local cats and dogs through her own organisation, her work with Triple A, and her appearances on monthly radio show Animal Talk on TRE radio.

Credit: Kay Millington

Credit: Alan Boardman

KAY MILLINGTON: Has been rescuing cats in Marbella for 10 years.

ALAN BOARDMAN: Has generously donated €1,000.

from Front page

Community at its best

The resulting interview has now led to record success for Rescued Paws Spain with one extremely generous reader, Alan Boardman from Mijas, getting in touch to donate €1,000 after reading the article.

Kay told the EWN: “The response to the article has been incredible. I was contacted by Alan Boardman who runs Mijas Walking Tours after he saw the article. Every two months he donates all the monies to a charity, they have chosen Rescued Paws Spain for the next one in April/May.

“I’ve also been contacted by several people who want to volunteer in the cat house at Triple A where I work and my rescue page has received a record amount of views in only a few days, which is fantastic.

“The support of the community has been overwhelming.”

To learn more about Kay, who has personally fostered more than 80 cats over her 10 years living in Marbella and her work, visit her charity’s Facebook page at Rescued Paws Spain.

Blooming marvellous

By Lucy Chamberlaine

FUENGIROLA’S town council is pulling out all the stops to guarantee the comprehensive renovation of its natural park is as innovative and sustainable as possible.

Some of these innovations include a Sustainable Urban Drainage System known as SUDS and photovoltaic panels, which will illuminate the park by converting thermal energy to electricity. According to Mayor Ana

Mula, “the innovative drainage system will optimise water usage in the park, nourishing the new plant species that will be planted for the enjoyment of all Fuengirola residents.”

After the restorations, Fuengirola’s natural park will include more than 12,000 square metres of green space, including a BBQ and picnic area, a children’s play area, zip lines, huge slides, and an event square.

“Part of our promise to the community has been to promote green areas in our town as well as improve the existing ones,” Mula explained.

“We have developed vertical gardens in Miramar, Los Boliches­Las Chozas, and Los Pacos; reformed playgrounds in Juan Pablo II, Spain, Fantasy, and Los Niños; and revitalised recreational spaces like the coastal path and Sports Mountain.”

Golden oldies Streets ahead

A GROUP in Mijas dedicated to assisting older expatriates has resumed meetings for the year to continue its work addressing the needs of residents.

Local council members, neighbourhood associations, and other Mijas residents attended the first meeting of 2023, which occurred on Wednesday January 11 in the Mayor’s Office in La Cala.

Multiple languages are spoken during these gatherings.

The objective is to assist older international inhabitants who might require assistance, but lack the language abilities or support networks to obtain it.

“Mijas is home to many foreign residents, many of whom are retired or elderly individuals who may need some assistance at times, such as with paperwork, and these services exist for that purpose, to provide a high standard of living to all residents,” explained councillor for Foreigners Arancha Lopez.

Councillor for Social Services Hipolito Zapico said, “There are many cases where people come here to retire and find themselves struggling to adapt and to manage day­to­day issues.

“Thanks to the collaboration of the associations, we can assist them and give them a solution to their problems.”

ROADWORKS currently being carried out in Nueva Andalucia are expected to be completed next week, according to the Marbella City Council.

The work, which involves paving more than 33,000 square metres of road surface in the area, is part of an “ambitious plan” for the entire municipality that has a budget of €3 million, according to Mayor Angeles Muñoz.

“In recent years we have made a great effort to maintain the pavement of our streets, both in urbanisations and in neighbourhoods, and in this

case we are focusing on some of the longest streets in Nueva Andalucía, such as the avenues of the Prado or Girasoles,” explained the mayor.

“The works are the result of planning with districts and the community to prioritise the areas and streets requiring the most urgent action,” Muñoz continued.

“We have made a big difference in the safety of drivers and pedestrians and in the quality of life of the people who live there because the new pavement absorbs more of the noise that cars make when they drive.”

On the culinary map

FOLLOWING the signing of a cooperative agreement between the local government and the Ibero­American Academy of Gastronomy, Estepona’s town council has set its sights on the town becoming the Costa del Sol’s gastronomic capital. The partnership between the two entities aims to promote Estepona as a premier tourism destination that offers visitors from all over the world topnotch culinary, commercial, and cultural experiences. Mayor José María García Urbano signed the agreement on Friday January 13, accompanied by the Academy’s president, Rafael Anson, and used the occasion to emphasise the many features already in place that put Estepona on the map. Among them, he referred to Estepona’s status as the ‘Jardin de la Costa del Sol’ (Garden of the Sun Coast), due to its elegant squares and gardens and its charming streets of white houses adorned with colourful flowers.

With 21 kilometres of beautiful coastline and a gastronomic tradition that specialises in fresh, local seafood, it is difficult to imagine the town failing to achieve its objectives.

KAY: “The support is incredible.”

Flowers in bloom.

Image: TeunSpaans, CC BY-SA 3.0

Keep it down Covid-19

THE presence of the Kraken variant of Covid­19 in Gibraltar was confirmed last week by the Department of Public Health. The department has stated that the variant is unlikely to be responsible for the recent increase in cases, but it has warned that another wave of infections may occur.

Minute of silence

A MINUTE of silence was observed on Friday January 13 by members of Marbella’s town hall, representatives from the Security Forces, and local residents in memory of Natalia, a Colombian woman who was tragically murdered by her ex­partner this month.

Masks back

THE Junta de Andalucia has recommended the use of masks once again in crowded indoor spaces. On Tuesday, January 17, the Andalucia government also advised those infected with Covid to wear a mask, as well as recommending hand washing and other preventative measures following a rise in cases.

Get active

FUENGIROLA’S town council has organised a new hiking route to promote outdoor activity and exercise for senior citizens. The seven­kilometre session will take place on Saturday January 21 and will start and finish at Pedro Cuevas Square in Los Boliches. It will also include a tour of the Sendero del Mar.

Books, books, books

MORE than 2,500 new books have been added to the existing collection in Benalmadena’s municipal libraries. Novels, encyclopaedias, comics, and foreign language books are just some of the categories now available in the town’s two libraries..

THE legendary San Cristóbal hotel will reopen in the summer of 2023 under the name Óbal Urban Hotel.

After a complete refurbishment and an investment of more than €6 million, the historic hotel in Marbella is entering a new phase.

The 110­room city hotel has been upgraded to four stars and is being relaunched by the familyowned Solvento Group holding company.

TORREMOLINOS is backing business this new year with a number of financial grants in place for local commercial establishments.

As part of a project to further the commercial, economic, and social growth of the municipality, an impressive €45,000 in subsidies will be given to various enterprises throughout

With mouthwatering gastronomy and shining its light to tourism, the Óbal hotel aims to be ­

come and return as a local and regional hotel reference once again.

The new hotel is taking

shape with a good taste of design and decoration, the hotel will be a joy to see when opened.

Growing from 100 to 110 rooms, the expansion has also called for a gym, a massage room and restaurant ‘Alameda’, which will serve Mediterranean cuisine, market, and local products and with touches of traditional Malaga cuisine. It will also have a 360º Blue Sky Bar, a rooftop with swimming pool and more!

Backing business

Torremolinos. These grants are not aimed solely at supporting local business owners; however, but on promoting those enterprises with important projects or services which improve the social fabric of the town itself.

For instance, one of the requirements for receiving a grant is that the recipients must utilise the funds for a defined goal that supports an activity or purpose of societal interest or value. In other words, the goal must further the common good.

One such enterprise is the Association of Merchants of Torremolinos, which is collaborating on the development of a project which will provide free Wi­Fi throughout the commercial area of the municipality all day every day without limits.

THE town hall of Mijas is taking action against noisy mopeds and motorcycles in the area by putting in place more controls and penalties for two­wheeled vehicles that make too much noise.

According to Mayor Josele Gonzales, the town hall has hired an approved engineering firm to provide technical support and work alongside the Local Police to implement the noise regulations.

Local Police will have the authority to immobilise two­wheeled vehicles in breach of the noise regulations and sanction the drivers, a measure that aims to dissuade drivers from using non ­ compliant vehicles.

ESTEPONA’S plans to develop an emblematic tourist space in the town will be presented at the International Tourism Fair in Madrid by Mayor Jose Maria Garcio Urbano this week.

The ambitious urban sustainability project, conceived by Malaga architect and urban planner Salvador Moreno Peralta, is already underway with the remodelling and pedestrianisation of a large landscaped boulevard connecting the town centre to the promenade.

In addition, a new public space is being developed next to the renowned Mirador del Carmen, which will house a large library and study area, a music conservatory, an auditorium, and an

exhibition room that will open with artwork from the Carmen Thyseen collection.

The mayor has indicated that this initiative, which will be completed in the coming months, will be the last step in Estepona’s urban and tourist revitalisation, putting the town at the vanguard of destinations that are committed to quality of life, sustainability, and the well ­ being of its citizens.

WINTER blues were soon dissipated after the La Cala Lions event for Ol’ Blue Eyes. Nearly 100 supporters enjoyed a great evening listening to Dave Lee from the Rat Pack singing old favourites from Frank Sinatra. The event was held at Restaurant El Olivo, with the food and service being exceptionally good. The occasion was organised by Social Secretary Dave Greenwood, who was happy to announce €1,250 was raised on the evening, helping those in need. President Wynson Beswick thanked everyone for supporting the event together with their sponsors.

Other special occasions to keep an eye out for are February 15, La Cala Lions Childhood Cancer Awareness Dayspecial luncheon at La Sierra Restaurant at 12.30pm, featuring Mark Connor and trib­

ute music from Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley, Cerrado del Aquila Golf, €35 per person.

Childhood Cancer is one of the initiatives of Lions International ­ together with Sight First, Diabetes, Environment and Hunger.

“This plan will not only have an effect on people who are penalised by the controls, but will also work as a dissuasive measure for anyone who currently has a motorcycle or moped and knows that it does not comply with noise regulations,” the mayor explained.

“These checks will be carried out for six months and will be random,” he concluded.

HISTORIC HOTEL: Is being upgraded to four stars.

An ambitious project.

Babies born in Bioparc

By Lucy Chamberlaine BIOPARC

Fuengirola celebrated the arrival of three baby blue monitor lizards which hatched successfully in the zoo last week.

Following an incubation period overseen by the herpetology department, three of these exotic lizards hatched, making the Bioparc the only conservation centre in Spain that has managed to reproduce this species.

The blue monitor lizard, considered one of the most beautiful reptiles in the world, was first discovered in Indonesia in 2001. Unfortunately, by 2014, the species was already considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

According to the most recent information about these reptiles in the wild, illegal hunting has nearly wiped them out of their natural habitat, which is why breeding programmes and conser­

vation work carried out by institutions such as Bioparc are so important.

Luckily, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria advises the park on how to best guarantee the survival of their new arrivals.

“These little ones will be with us for a year, but then they will be assigned to another European zoo,” Milagros Robledo of the herpetology department explained.

Short story winners

TWO aspiring authors have been crowned winners of the Specsavers Ópticas short story competition.

Eight ­ year ­ old David Adsuar Vélez from Guardamar and 14 ­ yearold Inés Peiró López from the Malaga region impressed the judges with their creative and imaginative stories and have been awarded a prize and gift for their respective schools.

The judges were very impressed by the level of the entries, and com ­

mented, “The overall standard of the entries was very good. We were pleased to see short sentences and a natural rhythm, as well as combining realism and fantasy in an effective way.”

They were particularly impressed with the two winning entries. The winner of the Junior Category was David Adsuar Vélez, with his story ‘The Crystal Ball’.

The winner in the Senior category was the story by Inés Peiró López entitled ‘Future’.

Training plan

ON Monday January 16, the mayor and employment councillor gathered to meet and talk about the issue of 165 unemployed persons currently in Fuengirola. In the meeting they discussed the Training and Employment Programme, along with six vocational training programmes that have been granted through the Youth Now Plan which is financed by the regional entity. Within these vocational training courses 90 of Fuengirola’s unemployed residents can enrol.

Fuengirola is currently experiencing its best un ­

employment data since 2008 and has continued to recover the activity levels gap that were prior to the pandemic. By taking part in these programmes, it gives those who are unemployed a basis to go from and promote job creation.

From the beginning of the Youth Now Plan, this has allowed the municipal administration to hire over 110 people between the ages of 18 and 30.

Through the Fuengirola Town Council Municipal Employment Exchange more than 300 residents of Fuengirola have found a job in the last year.

Showing kindness

AS the weather progressively gets worse it is important to keep the homeless in mind. Pappys Kitch on Bonanza Square, Benalmadena, on Tuesday January 17 was forced to close due to the bad weather.

However they encouraged those in Benalmadena if they saw anyone

homeless or anyone walking around or families with not much, to tell them that there would be a nice hot meal waiting for them at Pappys Kitch.

Emphasising they prepare fresh food every day it was better to help out than it was to throw out and they encouraged others to do the same!

Inés Peiró López visited Specsavers Ópticas in Fuengirola to collect her prize and was delighted to have been chosen as the winner. Her school, Sagrada Familia El Monte FESD in Malaga, will also be receiving a donation of €200.

Find out more about Specsavers Ópticas by visiting www.specsavers.es

Changing times

THE Euro Weekly News would like to wish every success to Ashley Clarke of EU Insurance Direct, who has taken over the company, as owner Wendy Codd enjoys a very well­deserved retirement after an incredible 18 years heading the business.

The company explained: “You may realise… that Wendy has been reducing her hours at the office over the past year and having set up EU Insurance Direct in 2005… is finally stepping back.

“Having spent the last few years ensuring staff are fully trained and having Ashley who has been with EU Insurance for almost 10 years now, we are delighted to confirm that she will be taking over the office.

“We are confident that Ashley and the staff are more than capable of continuing with the same level of service provided by EU Insurance.”

The Euro Weekly News would like to congratulate Ashley on taking over the office, which we know will continue to go from strength to strength.

Blue monitor lizard.

Image: Bioparc Fuengirola

Petanque court reopens

By Lucy Chamberlaine

FOLLOWING extensive repairs, the Marbella City Council has reopened the petanque courts in Las Chapas with an international tournament attended by 50 players from all over the world.

The Erik’s Plan Court has undergone changes that include expanding the number of tracks from seven to nine, adding a three­metre­wide path to link with the restrooms and storage building, and putting up a new surrounding fence and entrance gate.

Additionally, new LED lighting has been installed, and the area beside the entrance has been conditioned to facilitate parking and maintenance services.

Speaking about the occasion, Mayor Angeles Muñoz noted that the competition “takes place in an area where there is a particular affection for this sport.

“A day like today brings together a lot of people from all around the world, and the city council’s registration drive emphasises the firm commitment

made to upgrade the facilities.”

Around 15,000 individuals call Las Chapas home,

with nearly 50 per cent of them being of foreign descent, according to Muñoz.

Wellness trend

MARBELLA will host a global wellness congress this year as part of the seventh World Wellness Weekend, an event in which 140 countries participate and which has reached 19 million people since its inception. The international event, which was founded in 2017, intends to encourage a weekend of free activities linked to healthy eating, exercise, restful sleep, massages, and treatments. Additionally, open days will be held to promote the industry. Participating in the event for the first time last year, Marbella was celebrated as the destination offering the greatest number of activities, including a total of 337 free programmes over three days, according to the Director General of Tourism, Laura de Arce.

“This initiative is very much in line with the ideals we wish to promote as a top destination for health and wellness,” de Arce explained.

The latest edition of the World Wellness Weekend will be announced this week at the FITUR International Tourism Fair in Madrid.

It’s children’s play

LA PATERA park on Calle Juanar in Marbella has reopened to the public with more than 1,700 square metres of open space including a children’s

play area, rest and recreation areas, trails, and cutting edge LED lighting.

At the inauguration of the newly reformed park last

Transport boost

THE city council of Marbella plans to remodel the bus stop in front of the Costa del Sol Hospital’s outpatient facilities to make waiting more bearable for passengers and to improve traffic flow.

Three new canopies will be installed at the stop to provide shelter from the sun and rain when conditions are very harsh, and benches will also be installed for the comfort of people waiting.

Demolition of the bus stop’s pavement to make way for buses to collect passengers has already begun, and new kerbs have been installed to define the waiting space on the platform.

Councillor for Works, Diego Lopez explained that the large medical centre’s bus stop, which is currently exposed to the elements, will be given “much greater cover from harsh weather” once the repairs are complete.

He went on to suggest that once the work was done, the traffic would flow better and be safer for drivers and pedestrians.

week, Mayor Angeles Muñoz explained how the “previous facilities had become obsolete and residents in the area have long been seeking a more modern, greener space for recreation.”

The lack of lighting in the park, which Muñoz specifically mentioned, had been one of the main concerns for the neighbourhood. This issue has since been resolved by the installation of LED lighting throughout the area, which has the added advantage of “significantly reducing CO2 emissions,” according to the mayor. The project, which had a budget of €800,000, was partially financed by the European Regional Development Fund, which provided 80 per cent of the funding within the framework of Spain’s Multi region Operational Programme 2014­2020.

Image:vecinos de Benimámet aficionados a la fotografía, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

PETANQUE COURTS: Have undergone many changes.

Antarctic research

THE 36th Spanish Antarctic Research Campaign is hosting 26 scientific projects, in which more than 230 people are participating, including scientists, technical and logistical support staff.

The projects cover disciplines as diverse as glacier dynamics, invasive species, rock biometeorisation, volcano geochemistry, penguin ecology and biogeography.

The oceanographic research vessel (BIO) Hesperides will develop a project focused on the atmosphere-ocean relationship of aerosols, in addition to providing logistical support to several of the scientific projects being developed at the bases, one of them on benthic ecology that includes diving activities.

In addition to the Spanish projects, in which scientists of other nationalities are participating, logistical support will be provided to projects in Chile, Germany, Portugal, Canada and Colombia.

The Hesperides is currently

Image: Spanish Government / Science and Innovation

THE Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, will receive 225 Ukrainian soldiers and combatants who will receive training in Spain over the next few weeks, at Torrejon Air Base in Madrid.

Ukrainian soldiers

Scientific projects.

providing logistical support to three scientific projects that need to develop their activities in the environment of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Several projects are expect-

ed to develop their activities in non-permanent camps, mainly in the Byers Peninsula international camp maintained by Spain on Livingston Island, a two-hour sail from the BAE Juan Carlos I.

THE world champion shooter and marksman

Jorge Ballesteros has died aged just 39 according to the Spanish Federation of Olympic Shooting (RFEDETO).

The Federation confirmed the death of the national policeman and the most successful shooter in Spanish history, on Wednesday, January 11.

In addition to winning the world championship achieved in 2017, he also won three European championships, six Extreme Europe Opens and 17 Spanish championships.

The cause of death is unknown and is cur-

Of the total number of Ukrainians arriving in the country, 198 soldiers, mostly mobilised civilians with no previous military experience, will take part in a basic combat training module to be held at the Toledo Infantry Academy.

They will be accompanied by seven other troops who will participate in support tasks for the contingent.

This is the second batch of Ukrainian personnel to be trained at this centre, following

Shooter dies at 39

rently under investigation after he was found injured inside his car outside the shopping centre of La Vaguada (Madrid).

He was transferred to the hospital where he passed away.

The Federation said that Ballesteros came from the most distinguished family of shooters and represented Spain a little over a month ago at the World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand.

a first module held between November and December for 64 troops.

The other 20 Ukrainian military personnel will take part in a basic course to familiarise them

with the Hawk anti-aircraft system, of which Spain has donated six launchers to Ukraine. This two-week training will take place at the 74th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment in El Copero (Sevilla).

The Toledo Training Coordination Centre is designed to provide training for rotations of around 400 Ukrainian military personnel every two months.

THE tourism sector had a lot of catch up work to do last year, after two years of pandemic restrictions affecting holidays across the globe. And the Spanish air travel sector stepped up to the plate, nearly recovering pre­pandemic figures in some cases.

According to data collected by AENA (the body which manages many Spanish airports), Ryanair was far and away the most popular airline in Spain in 2022, transporting more than 45 million passengers.

The Irish budget airline’s closest competition came in the form of Spanish Vueling, carrying 27.1 million passengers. Another Spanish carrier, Iberia occupied third place on the list with a total of 25 million passengers in the last year.

While nearly all airlines recorded figures below prepandemic levels, one airline took the biggest hit. Norwegian lost 64 per cent of its passengers in the last year.

On the other hand, as the fastest growing airline in the Spanish market, Wizz Air is on a rapid trajectory to success, with a 47.2 per cent increase in usage.

Plane sailing

SPANISH authorities announced the arrival of the first Spanish people repatriated from Syrian refugee camps on Tuesday, January 10. The country has become the latest to repatriate its citizens who have family links to Islamic State fighters from war-torn Syria.

Shopping spree

DESPITE a difficult economic forecast for some areas of business, one sector that has not suffered so much is the supermarket industry. And one supermarket chain is set for even more prosperity in 2023.

Aldi announced a huge boost in its Spanish operations on Thursday, January 12, with the opening of 50 new supermarkets in the next year. The German supermarket giant has made the decision on the back of a successful 2022 when it expanded its presence in Spain by opening 40 new branches.

More than half of the new shops are set to be built in Madrid, Andalucia, Catalonia and the Valencian Community, responding to demand. Other new shops will also be located in strategic locations including the Canary Islands and the north of the country. The brand will also open its first shop in the Spanish enclave of Melilla.

With the new shops, the supermarket is on track to have nearly 450 shops on Spanish soil by the end of 2023.

Direct combat with IS on the ground ended around four years ago, but family members have remained in Syrian refugee camps since. Authorities announced that a flight had landed at a Madrid airbase carrying two women and 13 children with Spanish nationality.

The women were taken into custody and will face judges at the highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional in due course.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the women, so it remains unclear whether they were previously wanted, but they could face charges of collaboration with a terrorist organisation.

The children were immediately taken into

Facing justice

shutterstock.com

Madrid’s social service system.

Spain follows several European countries in repatriating their citizens including France and the UK who had resisted calls to re-admit people who had previously left for Syria. Dire conditions exist in Syrian refugee camps.

Scorching statistics

IT’S official! 2022 was the hottest year on record for Spain. Data released by the Spanish national weather agency, Aemet on Wednesday, January 11 also revealed that the year was one of the driest ever seen in the country.

According to data from 52 weather stations in mainland Spain, 50 recorded record yearly temperatures. The only places that didn’t see record annual temperatures were Sevilla airport and Huesca, although both places came close to breaking their records. The Canary Islands were the only region that consistently did not break temperature records. Elsewhere, many towns and cities broke temperature records for days, months, seasons, and the whole year. Despite heavy rainfall in some eastern regions in March and April, western regions in autumn and most of the country in December, the rest of the year was extremely dry. In fact, several regions suffered from drought during the summer due to prolonged lack of rainfall.

Malaga is the most visited town on the Costa del Sol.

BUDGET AIRLINE: Ryanair dominated the Spanish market.

Credit: Markus Mainka / shutterstock.com

Photo: mehmet ali poyraz /

Village in Galicia on sale

AS featured on the Idealista portal, an entire village complex has gone on sale in Galicia, in northern Spain, for less than the price of a regular house in Madrid or Barcelona.

As a result, three houses that were built more than a century ago in the town of Trabada, belonging to the Mariña Oriental region of Lugo, can be purchased for just €160,000.

The largest of the three properties in this tiny village has a total area of 300m². Next comes the home with 280m², and finally, the third property has 140m².

Trabada is located very close to the iconic Camino de Santiago, and is not far from the provincial border between Lugo and the Principality of Asturias. It is also close to the coast

and numerous touristic places such as Playa de las Catedrales.

In addition to the three houses, the complex contains a 25,000m² plot that can be segregated. Other features of the village include its two 100­year­old granaries, a fountain, a cellar, a stable and a stone oven.

Spain’s food markets tops

EXPLORING local cuisines is one of the most incredible ways to understand different cultures.

This is why local food markets in Europe are always some of the best places to include in itineraries, as they give an opportunity for travellers to experience hundreds of fresh products, local delicacies as well as exotic ingredients. With so many incredible op­

tions to choose from, a new list by Musement has ranked 50 of the most popular markets photographed, and posted on Instagram, across Europe.

Two Spanish markets have made it to the top of the list. La Boqueria, Barcelona, with the second highest mention. This market is one of the most pop­

ular attractions in the city. It has over 300 stalls with incredible colours, exotic smells and great food.

San Miguel Market in Madrid, took the seventh place in the rankings. Known as an iconic gastronomic market, over 10 million people visit this place every year.

New email scam warning

INTERNET users in Spain need to be aware of a new email scam that impersonates Social Security and can subsequently infect your device.

The Internet User Security Office (OSI) warned on Friday, January 13, of a campaign of fraudulent emails that are circulating which impersonate the Social Security Electronic Office. The scam has the usual heading of ‘Last notice tax settlement’.

In the main text of the email, it informs the recipient that there is a non ­ payment of tax assessments on their part. The sender then guides the reader to a link where they are told they can download a report generated by the Immediate Supply of Information (SII). When this link is clicked, it purportedly directs the victim to a website where a file can be downloaded.

These scam emails can be identified by the fol ­

BE ALERT: Fraudulent emails are circulating.

lowing characteristics:

• Misspellings, formatting errors and bad wording of the message and subject.

• The sender’s email is not official and may have endings like ‘br’ (eg: belonging to Brazil) instead of the official ‘es’ that the email should end with.

Colder forecast

STRONG winds, cold temperatures, and snowfall were expected to arrive this week, with the polar wave forecasted to last for the next few days.

The weather across Spain was set to drastically change, as the polar wave was expected to bring significant snowfall and drop the mercury.

The recent updates by the state meteorological agency (AEMET) suggest that the polar cold will not only cause snow in the mountains, but also at medium and low levels of altitude.

Starting from Sunday, January 15, the fast­moving weather front was to result in widespread rainfall, and also ample snowfall, which could finally help open several closed ski slopes across the region.

While most of northern and western Spain will witness rainfall, it was to be less likely in the east and south.

Credit: CeltStudio/Shutterstock.com.

Credit:

Idealista.com

SPAIN recovered a whopping 85 per cent of its pre­pandemic air passengers in 2022. The latest data released by Turespaña national travel agency on Wednesday, January 18 revealed that 80 million passengers arrived in the country in 2022.

Data in the report differed from month to month, but one of the surprises was the apparent recov­

Travel mania

ery of winter travel with more than 5.7 million passengers arriving in Spain in December, returning to 95 per cent of pre­pandemic levels.

The news comes after a year

when travel restrictions due to the pandemic were finally dropped and the tourism industry began its recovery.

Minister for Travel and Industry, Reyes Maroto expressed optimism

Recovery recommendations

THE Bank of Spain is calling for a budget increase for ‘Sun, Sea and Sand Tourism’ in a new report released on Wednesday, January 16 which aims to re­

cover pre­pandemic numbers of tourists.

The report was curated by economic analysts a week before the annual FITUR Tourism

Abortion measures scrapped

A CONTROVERSIAL package of anti­abortion measures launched by the far­right party, Vox has been struck down in the central Castilla y León region by conservative leaders from the Partido Popular.

Leaders from the Vox party, who are currently in coalition with the Partido Popular in Castilla y León proposed several ‘pro­life’ measures which would require women seeking abortions to be offered a 4D scan, a chance to hear the foetal heartbeat and a psychological appointment.

Although women would be permitted to turn down the services, the move was considered by opposition parties and members of the public as an encroachment on women’s rights by pressuring women out of abortions.

The measures would have come into effect from Monday, January 16, but were knocked back by Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, the regional leader of the Partido Popular, Vox’s coalition partner, who said “Doctors will not be forced to do anything and women will not be forced to do anything.”

The socialist national government had already condemned the measures and threatened a review in a constitutional court, but now the measures will not go ahead.

Fair which is being held in Madrid on Wednesday, January 18. The report aims to recover tourism figures from 2019, when Spain recorded the arrival of 83.7 million tourists, only behind France and the USA.

Economic analysts are concerned about the lack of postpandemic recovery within the British and German markets, who are increasingly choosing cheaper locations such as Turkey which haven’t been as affected as western European countries by spiralling inflation rates. Reduced spending power from the fall of the British Pound’s value was also highlighted as an issue causing concern.

To deal with these issues, the Bank of Spain has recommended renovating current tourism facilities and attractions in well­established, popular tourism destinations, highlighting the safety of Spanish destinations, and acting quickly to implement more environmentally­friendly policies within the industry to comply with EU regulations.

for a great year ahead thanks to the figures saying, “We saw this with the excellent employment figures that were released yesterday, with record numbers of people employed in the tourism sector, and we’re seeing it today in these fantastic passenger arrival figures which show the strength of the sector and point towards a record year in 2023.”

Inmate escapes

ALTHOUGH his freedom only lasted a matter of hours, an inmate managed to escape from Valladolid prison on his third attempt in the last six months. He was recaptured by the Guardia Civil as he attempted to make his way to Valladolid’s Villanubla airport.

Santiago GS was convicted of domestic violence for mistreating his parents. The 34­year­old had a restraining order in force against him from his family. He also reportedly has a history of assault on police officers.

As revealed to a local newspaper, the prisoner made his bid for freedom on Sunday, December 18. He scaled a six­metre (20ft) concrete wall and somehow managed to get through the barbed wire on the top. From there he jumped into the parking area below.

His absence was not detected until after dinner, at around 7pm, when the warders did their

HEALTH workers organised a major protest in Madrid on Sunday January 15, demanding an end to cutback and privatisation of healthcare in the region.

Tens of thousands of people marched to the centre of the Spanish capital stating that the conservating regional government is destroying the public healthcare system.

rounds to close the cell doors. Santiago GS was eventually picked up later in the evening.

According to union sources: “They arrested him 10 kilometres from the jail, near the Villanubla airport. He had a fractured and wrist, and was transferred to a hospital in Valladolid where he underwent surgery.”

Health workers protest

People dressed in white coats walked the streets banging drums and chanting “Cutting public health is criminal.”

The protest was organised after primary healthcare in the autonomous community has been facing major pressure due to lack of staff or re­

sources, for several years now. Due to this reason, areas such as hospital emergencies are now overwhelmed with patients in several hospitals.

The protesters claim the regional government favours private health and is trying to dismantle the public system.

Spanish airports recovered 85 per cent of their passenger flow. Photo credit: Ivo Antonie de Rooij / shutterstock.com

PRISONER: Had to evade the barbed wire.

Credit: ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock.com

MOVING to another country requires some patience and agility. Major adjustments. And to grease the skids of that adjustment, finding service providers who have local expertise is essential.

Gestorias are experts in all things administrative in Spain. Every expat needs to secure a gestor when they arrive in their chosen city ­ to assist with tax filing, real estate purchases and more.

But there are other experts, and post ­ pandemic they are more difficult to come by.

When we moved into our home, we noticed right away that it needed some repairs. And not just a few little things. When we

I Got A Guy

flushed the toilet the porch light dimmed. Sometimes it turned off the TV or rebooted the internet. My genius husband did a thorough inspection and diagnosed the problem, almost immediately.

‘We have an electrical problem.’

I rolled my eyes. ‘You think?’

Then, I did what I always do, I drove into town to a local place where, surprise, locals gather. And I started telling my tale of woe. This wasn’t easy, because my Spanish is not where I need it to be to live in Spain. We do what we can, and I find people want to help. Finally, someone knew

someone whose cousin had a friend. They took my number down and promised I would receive a WhatApp message from this person.

Bada bing, bada boom ­ I got a guy. Believe me when I say that you need a guy in Spain. Someone who can do plumbing and electrical. Who can repair roof tiles and mysterious leaks of every variety. And most importantly, who answers when you call. Well, when you WhatsApp, because you have to use Google translate.

At last we were ready for winter. Flushing the toilet doesn’t dim the lights anymore because I got a guy!

Village victory

IT’S no secret that Spain is one of the most exciting destinations for tourists, but the United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation recently selected three towns for its ‘Best Tourism Villages’ ranking, more than any other country.

The list, released back on Tuesday, December 20, selected Rupit in Catalonia, Alquézar in Aragon, and Guadalupe in Extremadura for recognition in its prestigious list of best villages for tourism. The towns selected must meet a tight criteria and assessment from an independent Advisory Board on aspects including sustainability, health and safety, governance and cultural and natural resources.

All three of the Spanish towns have rich medieval histories, striking architectural characteristics, and have branched out in rural tourism in recent years to offer experiences including wine and food tours, camping opportunities and outdoor activities.

The most recent rankings selected 32 towns from 18 countries for the award. Representatives from the towns are invited to collect a prize at a global awards ceremony in Saudi Arabia from Monday, February 28 to Tuesday, February 29.

What info is held?

A NEW website has been launched that allows residents in Spain to access all the information the government holds.

According to a post by Moncloa on Saturday, January 7 the new website, carpetaciudadana.gob.es also provides access to all departments within the administration.

Users of the site can check their information, carry out procedures and submit requests. Access is also made available to ongoing consultations, pending notifications, notices and alerts.

To access the site and your information you will need a @Clave pin, which you can now also obtain through a video call. To find out more you can:

• Visit the Cl@veInformation portal.

• Call 060.

• Or leave a message at Inbox.

If you have studied in Spain you will also be able to access all your nationally registered qualifications through the site.

The new site makes contact with the government a whole lot easier. There is a useful FAQ and a chatbot to help you.

The medieval town of Alquézar has been chosen .

Photo: Jorge Argazkiak / shutterstock.com

Dinner for the Donkeys

By Lucy Chamberlaine

DONKEY DREAMLAND, a charity dedicated to caring for rescued donkeys on the coast, is holding its very first ‘Dinner for the Donkeys’ to raise much needed funds for the ani mals in need.

Euro Weekly News will proudly sponsor the event, which will be held in The Green Label Restaurant at Chaparral Golf this Friday January 20 at 7pm.

For just €45, guests will enjoy a welcome drink, a three ­ course meal with wine or beer, live music performed by Alexandra Avery, and a raffle, including some fabulous prizes that have been kindly donated by local businesses.

€10 from each ticket, and all profits from the raffle, will go towards supporting the donkeys.

Bookings must be made in advance, and your food must be pre ­ ordered,

so that the restaurant can provide the best possible service.

Book a table at www.donkey dreamland.com/greenlabel , or if you prefer not to book online, contact in fo@donkeydreamland.com or telephone 640 111 651 or 677 752 703 to arrange a meeting to make your reservation.

Celebrating 10th anniversary

ON Friday February 17, Age Concern Fuengirola, Mijas and Benalmadena will be hosting a celebratory Gala Dinner to celebrate its 10th year and thank all who have contributed to their success. The event is being held at The Green Label Restaurant, El Chaparal Golf, proudly sponsored by Euro Weekly News.

Age Concern receives no financial support from National, Regional or Local Government. They provide help that is needed through their own efforts and the invaluable support of businesses and individuals along the Costa.

Many Age Concern cients experience unplanned hospital stays. For family and friends, it is often a difficult task to prepare for loved ones to return home safely.

At Age Concern they offer an equipment loan service. Recent fundraising efforts have enabled them to add a hospital bed to their inventory and they don’t want to stop there.

Age Concern now wants to continue to raise funds to acquire a patient lift. A patient lift enables caregivers to easily move those who have limited mobility to and from a bed, wheelchair, shower or toilet without equipment like this; some individuals will find it very difficult to return home.

To help Age Concern raise these vital funds they would like to invite you to consider a sponsorship contribution to help support their Gala Dinner Fundraising Event.

The Age Concern Gala Dinner will commence at 7pm with a red carpet, drinks reception of cava and canapes with live music from Abee Willfly, followed by an evening of fantastic entertainment from Ollie Hughes whilst you enjoy a gourmet three­course meal, complemented with free flowing, wines, beer, and soft drinks of your choosing throughout the dinner.

Tickets are still available, and all raffle prize and auction prize donations would be very gratefully received.

See Star Wars free

STARTING on Saturday January 21, families, children and Star Wars fans will have the opportunity to see Star Wars characters in person. The Legion 501 Spanish Garrison visits the Aeromuseo in Malaga with an important mission to donate blood.

All memorabilia, data and objects are found in the four buildings that make up the museum and with a restored historic aircraft visiting the museum is the best way to learn the history of aviation in Malaga.

With the Star Wars element added in and the families, fans and children having free entry, they are welcome to take as many photos as they like and those who are willing to donate blood will receive an aeronautical gift.

Girls and boys can imagine being pilots and let their imagination run free while being able to interact with the 501 legion, characters from The Mandalorian and droids from the saga.

One man and his dog

NEXT up at the Salón Varietés theatre is a hilarious comedy about one man and his dog, Sylvia.

The love for his four­legged friend, who is played by a young actor, causes all sorts of strife and funny moments, especially as we can hear the inner thoughts of the dog!

Contains amusing but at times adult language. Book online at salonvarietes.com or call 952 474 542 . The show runs from January 25­29!!

GALA DINNER: Tickets for this event are still available.

DONKEY DREAMLAND: Dedicated to caring for rescued donkeys.

Croquette Contest

BARS and restaurants in Alhaurin de la Torre are once again competing for the coveted prize of best croquette, an initiative promoted by the town council following great

success in previous editions.

Throughout this week, customers are invited to rate each participating establishment’s take on the quintessential Spanish

snack. Voting will close this Sunday, and the business with the best user rating will receive the ‘Trophy for the Best Croquette in Alhaurín de la Torre 2023’.

Around a dozen businesses are participating in the week ­ long campaign, which kicked off on Monday, and customers can vote for their favourite croquette by scanning a QR code on posters that have been distributed among the various locales.

The main objective of the contest, besides winning the sought after trophy of course, is to stimulate the local hospitality industry and the town council has encouraged all residents to take part in the campaign and support the many high ­ quality eateries in the area.

For more information and a list of participating businesses, please visit https://comercialh.com/se manadelacroqueta/.

A Vintage collection

Glückmann.

ON Friday January 27 to Sunday January 29 the most important Classic, Vintage and Collection Veat the FYCMA. The event is paying homage to Enrique Glückmann Maldonado, one of the most influential and important people in the development of the Malaga engine.

Starting on the Friday at 7pm there will be a stand dedicated to Glückmann. Found in the main Pavilion of the FYCMA a tribute will be given and consist of the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for the career of the former driver and now Glückmann Racing team leader.

Fans will also be able to enjoy a talk from Enrique, recalling his long career.

An unconditional lover of the motor world, he began to write his story back in 1975. Starting out in the world of karting, where he would debut in the Andalucian championships he then transferred to a single seater, his true passion, leading him to be runner up in the well­known Formula Ford 1600, in 1986.

From the steering wheel to leading his own team to victory, Glückmann Racing in 1998, this is a tribute very much deserved.

Art in Estepona

AN exhibition featuring artwork by Brazilian artist Acacio Costa debuted on Monday January 16, and will be on display until Wednesday February 1 in La Casa de las Tejerinas in Estepona.

The 38 ­ piece show is free to view and open to the public Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 8pm in Room 1 of the museum on Plaza de las Flores, and on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm.

Acacio Costa, a native of Rio de Janeiro and a professional engineer, has been painting for al ­

most 40 years, drawing inspiration from the outdoors and the natural world.

He primarily paints landscapes, but he has also experimented with still life, portraits, and animal subjects.

He took part in exhibitions at the Casa de Las Tejerinas in Estepona in 2015 and the cultural centre ‘El Palillero’ in Cádiz in 2004.

Costa was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but has been a resident of Andalucia since 1997, first in Cadiz and now in Estepona.

Rock on

AMERICAN ROCK PUNK, a trailblazing tribute show to rock legends such as Nirvana, Green Day, and The Offspring, returns to La Sala Trinchera in Malaga on Saturday February. 4

Kicking off at 10pm, the concert, which has already rocked audiences in multiple venues across Spain, will transport guests to the heady days of American punk rock music, performed by seasoned musicians, including, for the first time, the band Black Limos, a Foo Fighters tribute band guaranteed to knock your socks off.

Tickets for the concert can be bought for €13 now at the shops Superskunk and Disaster on Malaga’s Calle Granada and Calle Cordoba, respectively, or at the doors on the night for €16.

The Sala Trinchera concert hall in Malaga is on Calle Parauta. If you like great music and great sound, this is a must­visit venue.

For more information about American Rock Punk or other events planned at the hall, please call +34 619 494 993.

Girl Power

THE only Spice Girls tribute band to perform in Spain are back in The Cazbah Live Lounge in Mijas Costa at 9pm on Friday February 17 and is not to be missed.

Girl Power promises to deliver a lively show jampacked with hits not just from our favourite five but with fantastic cover versions of pop songs from other famous divas, including Destiny’s Child, Little Mix, Girls Aloud, and the Pussycat Dolls.

Costume changes, creative choreography, and scintillating solos are all on the cards for this nostalgic tribute show.

Tickets can be prebooked at Eventbrite for €10, or purchased for €15 at the door on the nightcash only.

The Cazbah Live Lounge is located on Avenida de Rota in Mijas Costa.

Enrique

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.

Private health preferred

PRIVATE health insurers signed on nearly half a million customers in 2022 as NHS struggles persist.

According to a local news source on Monday, January 9 the three largest companies BUPA, Aviva and Vitality all benefited. Between them they took on around 480,000 new patients.

News of delayed operations, bed blocking and overcrowded accident and emergency departments have all contributed to the swing towards private health. Although many obtain private health insurance as part of their employment package, an overwhelming number are said to have made the decision on their own.

Aviva said it added a further 100,000 customers during the year taking its total to 1.1 million, with a spokesperson saying: “We have noted many individuals considering private health insurance for the first time, including signifi­

cant interest from younger age groups who traditionally would not have viewed private health insurance as a priority.

Bupa has said they added a similar number of customers taking their patient base to 2.4 million.

Vitality performed the strongest adding 180,000 new customers taking its tally to just under one million. A spokesperson said that demand had jumped by more than 20 per cent.

Services at a standstill

ROYAL MAIL has said that a cyber incident affected their international services and was prohibiting them from despatching items abroad.

According to a news source on Wednesday, January 11 Royal Mail said it was facing severe disruption to its international export services. The company said that a “cyber incident” had affected the service, but no further details were given. A statement issued by the company said: “We are temporarily unable to despatch items to overseas destinations. “Some customers may experience delay or disruption to items already shipped for export.

“Our import operations continue to perform a full service with some minor delays.” An investigation into the problem is underway with external experts having been called in to assist. Issuing an apology to customers, Royal Mail said that it was doing everything possible to get the service back and running as soon as possible.

A Boozy Englishman

THE Only Fools and Horses star Nicholas Lyndhurst has landed his first role since the death of his son, with the actor to play a boozy Englishman in a reboot of the American hit show Frasier.

Now 61, Lyndhurst will play the mischievous and boozy university professor Alan Cornwall alongside the show’s star actor Kelsey Grammer. The two appeared recently together in a play.

Lyndhurst had not acted since the death of his son Archie from a brain haemorrhage back in September 2020, he was just 19 at the time. Speaking about

his death Lyndhurst said: “Lucy and I are utterly grief­stricken.”

The reboot of Frasier will see the star of the show move to a new city, with new challenges to face and new relationships to forge.

According to a local news outlet on Saturday, January 14 the show will kick off with “Frasier has re­entered the building!” Lyndhurst is the first actor to be announced for the Frasier reboot with no other names mentioned as yet although filming is believed to have already started.

Challenger tanks for Ukraine

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to tell him that the UK will supply 12 Challenger tanks to help the country drive out the invading Russian forces.

The news on Saturday, January 14 was welcomed by the Ukrainian forces who have struggled to gain the upper hand with equipment that is inferior and often outdated.

Russia has reacted to the news by saying that the UK wishes to prolong the war as it struggles to gain the upper hand both in the physical and propaganda war.

The announcement also comes days after a number of European countries said they would do the same if the decision to supply more sophisticated attack equipment was done collectively.

With the UK having made the first move oth ­

ers are expected to follow with Russia expected to make a big push in the coming days to try and reassert itself in the war.

It is not known how

soon Ukraine will receive the new tanks, with a significant amount of training being required to operate the sophisticated weaponry systems.

Andrew Tate assets seized

THE National Agency for the Management of Seized Assets in Romania is said to have taken possession of assets worth more than €3.7 million belonging to Andrew Tate.

According to a news source on Monday, January 16 more than 29 moveable assets along with sums of cash were taken into custody over the weekend following raids on a number of properties. The assets include a number of luxury vehicles and watches.

The goods removed from homes in Bucharest are said to have been transported to a safe storage facility.

Tate, who appeared in court last week, lost an appeal challenging his 30-day arrest warrant with the judge saying he and his associates should remain in custody whilst the investigation continued.

Romanian police say they are continuing their investigations and are building their case against the Big Brother contestant. Tate, who has a considerable following on social media, is wellknown for misogynistic remarks and hate speech.

million visitors, Barcelona is the most visited city

Private healthcare.

A World Record

AS announced by Guinness World Records on Friday, January 13, Prince Harry’s controversial, tell­all memoir ‘Spare’ has become the fastest­selling non­fiction book of all time. It reportedly shifted a massive 1.43 million copies during its first day on sale in the UK, US, and Canada.

This record was previously held by Barack Obama for his fourth book in 2020, titled, A Promised Land. It sold 887,000 copies on its release day.

‘Spare’ was launched in the US with a print run of two million copies, and a second print run has now been scheduled in order to meet the huge demand. These superlative sales figures for Harry’s book are made even more impressive when considering the fact that it was leaked five days early in Spain.

This meant that most of the revelations contained in the pages ­ including details of Harry’s drug use and a fight with his older brother Prince William ­ made global headlines days before the book officially hit shelves on January 10.

UK weather warning

THE Met Office issued a yellow weather warning on Monday January 16 for large parts of the UK with flooding expected, along with snow and temperatures as low as minus 10.

With the colder temperatures ice was to be expected across all four nations making driving conditions treacherous. It added that snow was expected in London, the South East and Scotland.

Operations were said to be underway to control the flooding but that more flood warnings were in place with more rain expected throughout the country.

Few places are expected to escape the cold with the Highlands in Scotland dropping to around minus 10 and major cities like London, Cardiff and Edinburgh all seeing temperatures fall below zero.

Public transport was also likely to be affected.

Authorities asked residents to take care and to limit travel where possible with flooding, snow and temperatures as low as minus 10 likely to affect roads and public transport adversely.

UK police manhunt

By Imran Khan

A MANHUNT is in progress to find the suspect responsible for a mass shooting in north London, after a seven­year­old was critically injured along with five others.

According to eyewitness reports, the shooting took place after the victims were leaving a funeral service, held for a British­Colombian cancer victim Sara Sanchez, and her mother Fresia Calderon.

The shooter opened fire outside the St Aloysius church on Phenix Road, across the Euston railway station.

Police say the shooting took place at 1.30pm on Saturday January 14, adding that the man jumped out of a car, in front of the church. He then started shooting, as soon as white doves were released by the family and friends of the deceased.

Authorities in London are calling this incident one of the worst mass shootings in London, and now believe that the shoot­out may be related to someone who was a guest at the funeral. They also said that the incident seems like a revenge attack.

The four women injured in the attack are aged 21, 41, 48, and 54, and were accompanied by two children one aged six and another 12.

Seal pups spotted

A RECORD numbers of seal pups have been spotted along the North Sea coastline this winter according to reports. Specifically, along a five­mile stretch between the Norfolk villages of Waxham and Winterton­on­Sea, close to 4,000 have been recorded.

As experts pointed out, this demonstrates that environmental conditions in that part of England are sufficient for supporting a healthy seal colony, as reported by a local news outlet.

Compared to three years ago, when a total of 2,069 seal pups was counted, this year’s number totals almost double, standing at 3,796. It is not just the pups that are present in large numbers, as around 1,169 adult seals have also been spotted along the coastal area.

Signs of a healthy colony.

Credit: Twitter@Winterton0nSea

Never to be freed

“It is a sign of a healthy colony. It’s down to the fish, at the moment the North Sea is providing enough fish for thousands of seals and this is a nice place for them to come ashore and do their breeding”, said Peter Ansell, the chairman of Friends of Horsey Seals.

Norfolk is known as an important breeding ground for grey seals. It is estimated that close to 50 per cent of the world’s population inhabits British coastal waters.

A news source reported on Monday, January 16 that Raab told Denise Fergus that his reform bill would see people like Venables never freed.

Having spent another Christmas without her son, Fergus said that keeping reoffenders like Venables in jail: “Would be historic.”

The news comes as Professor Paul Britton, the forensic psychologist who worked on the case in 1993, shared details with Denise that she had not heard before.

Speaking to the Mirror she said: “For 30 years there were lots of details about James’s death that I have wanted to avoid, but I finally felt strong enough to hear it.

Venables is a persistent re­offender who is currently serving a new sentence. Raab is said to be included in his reform bill “two strikes and you stay in.”

Venables and Thompson were convicted of murdering James 30 years ago after they took the two­year­old from a shopping centre in Liverpool.

MASS SHOOTING: Took place after a funeral service.

By Peter McLaren­Kennedy JUSTICE Secretary Dominic Raab has told the mum of murdered toddler James Bulger that his murderer Jon Venables may never be freed under his new parole plans.

Fake doctor in the NHS

A FAKE doctor, who presented forged medical degrees, was paid around £1.3 million (€1.47 million) working for a number of NHS Trusts across the UK.

Manchester Crown Court heard on Wednesday, January 11 that Zholia Alemi had worked as a doctor in the UK for more than 20 years after claiming she was a graduate of the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

According to a news source, she was described by prosecutors as a “most accomplished forger and fraudster.”

A court spokesman said: "To put it bluntly, the defendant is a fraud. While she held herself out as being a doctor, she was utterly unqualified to do so.”

Charged on 13 counts of fraud, Alemi denies the charges. Alemi, aged 60, is also charged with three counts of obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception, two counts of forgery and two counts of using a false instrument.

Firefighters’ diagnosis Has he not learned

By Peter McLarenKennedy

DOZENS of firefighters involved in saving the lives of Grenfell Tower residents and in bringing the blaze under control are reported to be suffering from cancer.

An exclusive press report on Friday, January 13 found that a number of those involved in fighting the fire which killed 72 people have been diagnosed with rare forms of cancer.

With some cancers taking up to 25 years to appear, firefighters are concerned that many more may begin to present symptoms and that many will die long before their natural life ends.

But it is not just the firefighters who are at risk with the possibility that many residents will also suffer the same fate.

Those involved in the disaster have called for health screening after around a dozen were discovered to have cancer. Many of the firefighters were over ­ exposed after running out of air

18.5

on upper floors or being caught in smoke ­ filled rooms for between six and 10 hours. Around 1,300 firefighters were involved in the blaze but it is not clear how many have been overexposed.

PRINCE HARRY has said he has enough material to write a second book prompting some to ask “has he not learned” from the fallout of the first book. A local news source wrote on Saturday, January 14 that the Prince had said the manuscript for his book was twice as long and had to be edited down. As a result, he had plenty more material, some of which he had avoided using for fear his family would never forgive him.

Among the bits edited out

THE comedian Johnny Vegas has been diagnosed with ADHD which he says explains a lot about him and his past behaviours.

Speaking on UK TV on Wednesday, January 11 the 52­year­old said he was diagnosed after Sue Perkins suggested he be tested.

He said: “A lot of things now make sense. It’s that sense of disorganisation and doing basic tasks. Everybody has an element of it ­ it’s how strong your filter is, I think.

of the original 800­page script were things he said he did not want the world to know, let alone his family. The book has been a bestseller across the globe with people eager to read the gossip about the royal family, however, in the UK sales have been slow.

The Royal family’s silence has helped to maintain their dignity and charm with the British population, with fans coming out in their droves to meet family members over the past week.

Explains a lot

“When you don’t have a filter at all, very simple things become very time­consuming. It’s just, I suppose, how your brain organises itself.”

ADHD in adults is known to affect their ability to cope with stress. They often have difficulty keeping focused and can feel restless and impatient.

Vegas says the condition has made him who he is and believes the “chaos helped him to be a better stand­up.”

GRENFELL TOWER: 1,300 Firefighters were involved.

Image John Gomez / Shutterstock.com

billion streams, The Spotify top music artist in Spain, 2022, was Bad Bunny

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

JOSHUA M GREENE is a popular lecturer on Holocaust history and the spiritual quest, and a brilliant, entertaining communicator. A former instructor at Hofstra and Fordham Universities, Greene is the recipient of numerous awards for his historical biographies and documentary films.

The author is brave enough to tread where many others wouldn’t with a se ries of books surrounding Holocaust sur vivor memoirs. His latest book ‘Unstop pable’ is an epic biography about Siggi Wilzig that reads like a modern ­ day David­and­Goliath adventure. This story details how a Jewish teenager survived the Holocaust and later went to America where he built an oil and banking em pire.

Regarding the book, the author said: “Siggi B Wilzig, born Siegbert Wilzig, was a survivor of the Holocaust. While Ameri can teens were socialising in ice cream parlours, Siggi, as a young boy, suffered antisemitic attacks by Nazi hoodlums for being a Jew. At the age of 16, he, along with members of his family, was deport ed to the darkest place the world has ever known, Auschwitz.

“Siggi used his wits to stay alive, pretending to have trade skills the Nazis could exploit to run the concentration camp. After two death marches, he was

Unstoppable

Greene added: “He arrived in New York at the age of 21, with only $240 and no formal education beyond grade school. On arrival, he made three vows: never to go hungry again, to raise a Jewish family, and to speak out against injustice. He earned his first dollar in America shovelling snow after a fierce blizzard. After labouring in toxic sweatshops, he became a travelling salesman.

“From these humble beginnings, he ultimately became president, chairman, and CEO of a New York Stock Exchangelisted oil drilling company. He then took over and grew a full­service commercial bank listed on NASDAQ to more than $4 billion in assets. Siggi rose to the heights of these historically antisemitic industries and became one of the most successful businessmen in postwar America.”

Siggi B Wilzig’s Astonishing Journey from Auschwitz Survivor and Penniless Immigrant to Wall Street Legend can be found on Amazon along with Joshua M Green’s other books.

This interview and the interview in edition 1958 with Bea Franklin are part of a series the Euro Weekly News is running in the lead up to Holocaust Memorial Day. The headline of the interview with Bea Franklin should have read ‘Holocaust­era survivor’ instead of ‘Holocaust survivor’.

liberated from the concentration camp Mauthausen in 1945 at the age of 19. After being nursed back to health, he went

to work for the US Army Counter­Intelligence Corps hunting Nazis, a service that earned him a visa to America.”

The entrance to Auschwitz concentration camp where Siggi was a prisoner for almost two years.

Image: Joshua M Greene

King of Greece War on wine

THE former king of Greece, Constantine II has died at the age of 82. Representatives announced he passed away in a private hospital in Athens after suffering from a stroke on Tuesday, January 10.

King Constantine was born in 1940 to Princess Frederica of Hanover and Prince Paul. The family has links to many European royal families, including Constantine’s second cousin King Charles III of the UK, through his uncle, Prince Phillip, the Danish and Spanish royal family, through marriage.

Constantine acceded to the Greek throne in 1964 and as a young king and Olympic gold medallist in sailing, he was originally popular. However, his direct involvement in the country’s political system, including bringing down a popular prime minister saw him lose support.

The remainder of his reign was marked by other turbulent events, until he was eventually ousted in 1973 by a dictator.

TREASURE hunters were sent into a frenzy as the Dutch National Archive released a map showing a supposed route to a trove of valuable objects buried by Nazi soldiers in the

Constantine spent 14 years in exile, mainly in London.

Despite the country becoming a republic and very low public support for a monarchy, standing at around ten per cent, Constantine still called himself king and his children princes and princesses, to wide public disapproval.

Lost loot

country. The map was released alongside other archive material on Tuesday, January

3. Four retreating Nazi German soldiers supposedly buried mounds of treasure including

ITALIAN wine experts have railed against a ruling by the European Commission giving Ireland permission to publish grave warnings about alcohol on wine bottles. The decision announced on Thursday, January 12 went ahead despite backlash from eight EU member states. Irish authorities announced the measures in June 2022 which will see health warnings placed on labels on alcohol products including wines, beers, and spirits. The labels will warn consumers

By Peter McLaren­Kennedy

AN early morning fire in a bus shed has left the city of Utrecht without transport.

According to a local news source on Friday, January 13 a fire at the bus parking centre Westraven saw as many as 15 buses destroyed.

To make matters worse the fire and the resulting damage

about the effects of alcohol on the liver, for pregnant women and cancer risks. Although Ireland is not a main importer of Italian wines, the Italian Agricultural Association, Coldiretti are concerned about the “dangerous precedent” saying “it risks opening the door to other legislation capable of negatively influencing consumer choices.” Government agricultural ministry representative, Luigi

D’Eramo, similarly expressed concern at the measure, saying that drinking wine and beer should not be compared to other harmful practices like smoking, or stronger alcohol like spirits. D’Eramo highlighted the significance of wine in historic Mediterranean culture and added the labelling decision “risks damaging a leading sector of our agriculture and food system”.

City without transport

has meant none of the buses unaffected by the fire have been able to leave the facility. Although the fire, which is thought to have started around 4.50am, was put out by 7.30am the level of devastation made it difficult to as­

sess the damage. Emergency services confirmed that no one appeared to have been injured in the blaze. A police spokesperson has confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire in the bus shed will be undertaken.

coins, diamonds, watches, and jewellery in ammunition trunks as they fled advancing allied forces. Experts believe the treasure was buried in the countryside around 30 kilometres south­east of Utrecht in May 1945. The recently released map features a distinctive ‘x marks the spot’ in a location supposedly at the base of a poplar tree, 80 centimetres underground. With a modern value of around €18 million, the stakes are high, but experts believe it is unlikely anyone will locate it, since so much time has passed and looting was common. Repeated efforts to uncover the treasure, including a 1947 attempt with one of the original soldiers proved unsuccessful, and the precious goods likely remain buried.

Trains to France

IN response to public demand, RENFE high­speed trains from Spain to France look set to make a return.

Before the summer of 2023, the Spanish national operator RENFE wants to once again operate trains from Spain to France on the routes Madrid ­ Marseille and Barcelona­Lyon.

Following the start of the pandemic, the high ­ speed trains on these routes were discontinued. Before the pandemic, they were jointly operated by RENFE and SNCF based on a commercial agreement which came to an end in December last year.

SNCF has decided they want to discontinue their agreement and so RENFE are aiming to restart the train service on its own.

The start of commercial operations in France will happen in two phases. In the first phase, there will be services on alternating days, with the possibility of six weekly circulations between Madrid ­ Marseille and Barcelona­Lyon. In the second phase, there will be services every day of the week, with two trains per direction on both routes, with a total of 28 trains weekly.

Spain and Portugal

CASTILE-LEON in Spain and the north and centre of Portugal are set to intensify their relationship. The aim is to create a space for collaboration that transcends national, regional and institutional borders, involving the different actors of cross­border cooperation.

The aim is to achieve greater coordination and articulation between the entities working in the border area and the public authorities in charge of administering a specific territory.

Portugal–Spain relations describe relations between the governments of the Portuguese Republic and the Kingdom of Spain. The two states make up the vast majority of the Iberian Peninsula and as such, the relationship between the two is sometimes known as Iberian relations.

The news comes not long after Spain and Portugal confirmed their commitment to putting forward a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

The best-selling cars in Spain were the Hyundai Tucson, Dacia Sandero, SEAT Arona, Toyota Corolla and VW T-Roc.

The former Greek monarch was godfather to Prince William, he was also a distant relation.

Photo credit: William & CatherinePrince And Princess Of Wales (Via Facebook)

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Electric fleet

DENMARK’S electric car fleet has increased considerably during 2022. The number of electric cars in the country shot up 70 per cent to over 112,000 compared to figures from 2021. The government say Denmark’s roads will need to become significantly greener if the country wants to achieve its ambitious CO2 emission goals.

THE NETHERLANDS

Union support

PEOPLE across Europe were asked how they would vote in a hypothetical referendum on whether or not their country should remain in the EU in both 2016-2017 and 2020-2022. In the Netherlands, the proportion of people saying they would vote to leave fell 8.4 percentage points to 13 per cent.

BELGIUM

Bye bye Brussels

LOW-COST carrier Ryanair has confirmed it will not reopen its base Brussels-Zaventem (BRU) ahead of an increase in operating costs for airlines operating out of the airport. Rumours had circulated that the base, closed in October 2022, could be reopened for the summer season.

GERMANY

German migration

THE number of people in Germany with a so-called migration background continues to rise. A government report noted changes due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The latest government figures reveal that in 2021, the number of people living in Germany with a so-called migration background stood at 27.3 per cent.

FRANCE

School uniforms

BRIGITTE MACRON, France's first lady, has said that she believes making school uniforms mandatory could help tackle social inequality among French students. She said students would also save time in getting dressed and money, which would not be spent on branded clothing.

NORWAY

Shellfish by-products

NORWEGIAN whitefish and crab supplier Hitramat is building Europe's first facility to process by-products from shellfish. The 1,000-square-metre facility will be built in partnership with Norwegian biotechnology company NutriShell. Hitramat processes 4,500 metric tons of crab annually, which accounts for about 70 per cent of all crab landed in Norway.

FINLAND

Wind power

FINLAND’S wind power capacity increased by 75 per cent last year. A total of 437 new wind turbines were put into operation in 2021, which resulted in an increase in wind power capacity of 75 per cent. Finland now has 1,393 wind turbines producing a combined power of 5,677 megawatts.

IRELAND

Export high

RAMPANT food price inflation saw the value of Ireland's food, drink and horticulture exports increase by 22 per cent last year, reaching a record high of €16.7 billion. Food and drink exports are up €3 billion in 2021 and almost 30 per cent on prepandemic levels, according to Bord Bia's Export Performance and Prospects report 2022/23.

ITALY

Medicinal cannabis

THE Italian army, which continues to hold a monopoly over medical cannabis production, has announced plans to dramatically ramp up production this year. On December 30, 2022, General Manager of the Defence Industries Agency Nicola Latorre announced that the army planned to increase its production by 75 per cent compared with previous targets in 2023.

PORTUGAL

Plane dash

A DELIVERY driver abandoned his van filled with parcels and with the engine running so that he could catch a flight from Schiphol Airport last week. Airport cameras caught the delivery driver checking in for a flight shortly after abandoning his parcels and delivery van.

UKRAINE

Logistics hub

UKRAINE will consider a proposal from the Federal Republic of Nigeria to build a logistics hub intended for grain and food product deliveries. There are discussions about the possibility of establishing cooperation and expanding trade relations between the two countries, namely creating a logistics hub for regular grain and food product deliveries.

SWEDEN

Rare elements

EUROPE’S largest known deposit of rare earth elements - key for the production of electric cars - has been discovered in Sweden’s far north, Swedish mining company LKAB has confirmed. LKAB said the newly-explored deposit, found right next to an iron ore mine, contained more than one million tonnes of rare earth oxides.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Big gamble

THERE’S a fundamental rule in gambling and betting, never spend more than you can afford to lose. A frustrated gambler in Spain, of Romanian origin, is going to lose a lot more than he spent following a judge’s order that he pays for two slot machines he damaged in a gambling hall.

Residency route

ON January 12, the British government said that a small number of people who had obtained ‘golden visas’ for rich investors might have obtained their wealth through corruption or other illicit financial activity. The government scrapped the visas last year, which had offered a route to residency for those investing at least £2m (€2.25m).

Footie finances

FOOTBALL’S Spanish Super Cup is a lucrative venture for all four teams who participate. Barcelona and Real Madrid will reportedly get base payments of €2.8m, while Valencia will earn €1.7m and Real Betis will receive €750,000. There is also €1m up for grabs for the runners­up and €2m for the champions.

Coffee change

CONSUMER champion Which? says that if saving money is at the top of your list of New Year’s resolutions, then kicking your daily takeaway coffee habit or switching to a cheaper supermarket brand is a great way to cut down on outgoings.

Cash usage

CASH usage increased for the first time in 13 years in 2022, according to data from Nationwide, as Brits responded to the cost­of­living crisis by budgeting with physical money. “For the first time in years we are seeing a natural rise in cash withdrawals,” confirmed the bank.

STAT OF WEEK

New crypto forum

FIVE associations have come together to form a new alliance ­ the UK Forum for Digital Currencies (UK FDC) following a rise in the popularity of crypto currencies.

Members include the City of London Corporation, Digital Pound Foundation, The Payments Association, TheCityUK and UK Finance. The aim of the alliance is to develop better policies, practice and regulation around digital currencies.

Digital currencies have been gaining rapid momentum over the past few years and have the potential to change how society thinks about and uses money. While there are risks, the UK FDC recognises this growing interest and the adoption of new forms of digital money across the globe and how it will open many opportunities for the UK to remain competitive in Fintech, while leading financial innovation with the right regulatory framework.

By combining the expertise and ex­

tended network of the five associations, the group will seek to enable a safe and secure environment for innovators to grow and attract international investment into the UK, while also helping to create a constructive bridge between the associations representing both incumbents and the emerging players in the sector.

The group will aim to mitigate the actual risks and alleviate the perceived

risks through education and the ability to advocate for appropriate policy and proportionate regulation.

The group will also take the lead in facilitating discussion and engagement between the UK’s existing financial services industry and the crypto industry, to help to reduce barriers between them and increase mutual understanding of this complex area within financial services.

Electric vehicles ‘unsuitable’

AS from 2030 no new petrol or diesel cars will be sold in the UK but, according to new research, more than two­fifths (44 per cent) of homes in the United Kingdom are actually unsuitable for electric vehicle ownership.

Even so, this year has seen Battery Electric Vehicle registrations up 38 per cent, in the last 12 months.

Still, those without garages, driveways or dedicated parking may see themselves as excluded from making the move to driving more sustainably, with no obvious place for that vital electric car charging point.

Lloyds Bank mortgage data shows that around 30 per cent of people applying for a mortgage do not have a garage or

space for a car. While the government has recently brought in new laws for housebuilders which require them to ensure any new ­ build homes, workplaces and supermarkets have an electric charging point installed, the data does suggest that many people will remain unable to

charge an electric vehicle at their place of residence.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, therefore, homeowners with a private driveway are the most positive about their homes’ suitability for a greener vehicle, with over half (55 per cent) confident they would be

able to make provision to charge an electric car.

Away from home, the charging infrastructure in the UK is improving, with the latest data showing there are over 36,000 charging points at over 21,000 locations across the UK. However, many rural areas remain charging black spots.

Rising debt

THE financial accounts of the Spanish Economy which were published on Wednesday, January 11, show that the consolidated debt of companies and households in Spain amounted to €1,674 billion in the third quarter of 2022.

In terms of gross domestic product (GDP), the ratio indicates a significant increase in debt to 128.6 per cent, compared to 142.5 per cent in September 2021, standing slightly below the figure of 129.3 per cent in December 2019.

Tourist spending

THE total expenditure by international tourists visiting Spain in November stood at €5.387m which is 43.2 per cent more than in November 2021 when it was €3.761m.

Figures released by Spain’s Institute of National Statistics this month show that the average daily expenditure per tourist stood at €1,241 which is an annual increase of 10.9 per cent.

The average daily spend increased by 16.1 per cent to €165.

Cost of living

NEARLY 12 million pensioners in the UK are eligible for a £150 or £300 Cost of Living payment, which should have been paid into accounts by last week. The money forms part of the Winter Fuel Payments scheme, which began in November last year.

Those over the State Pension age are eligible for the payments, which are an annual benefit paid to every eligible UK household.

Takeaways are the most common ‘luxury’ that almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of Brits plan to slash their spending on.

NEW ALLIANCE: Five associations have joined together.

3I Group 1.422,00 1.423,50 1.396,50 1,23M

Abrdn 203,40 206,00 201,30 1,49M

Admiral Group 2.190,0 2.201,0 2.165,0 183,44K

Anglo American 3.563,5 3.634,5 3.555,0 642,55K

Antofagasta 1.740,50 1.795,83 1.735,00 55,52K

Ashtead Group 5.006,0 5.098,0 4.997,0 163,77K

Associated British Foods 1.792,5 1.818,5 1.790,5 173,44K

AstraZeneca 11.654,0 11.662,0 11.468,0 340,20K

Auto Trader Group Plc 557,60 560,80 550,20 533,92K

Aveva 3.219,0 3.220,0 3.218,0 216,14K

Aviva 449,80 454,40 448,70 1,30M

B&M European Value Retail SA432,50 437,60 431,80 514,12K

BAE Systems 834,82 839,20 830,00 1,44M

Barclays 178,46 179,96 176,94 13,76M

Barratt Developments 450,70 453,00 447,70 1,21M

Berkeley 4.390,0 4.419,0 4.365,0 53,40K

BHP Group Ltd 2.799,00 2.849,00 2.791,00 305,79K

BP 483,52 486,50 482,55 7,40M

British American Tobacco 3.132,5 3.176,5 3.107,5 879,50K

British Land Company 430,30 434,50 429,20 413,52K

BT Group 128,18 129,55 127,55 2,81M

Bunzl 2.968,0 2.976,0 2.953,0 117,15K

Burberry Group 2.253,0 2.266,0 2.215,0 351,47K

Carnival 740,2 760,2 738,2 172,77K

Centrica 97,00 98,58 95,02 2,15M

Coca Cola HBC AG 1.918,0 1.927,5 1.896,5 279,84K

Compass 1.920,50 1.926,50 1.907,00 678,88K

CRH 3.668,0 3.687,5 3.649,0 181,37K

Croda Intl 6.976,0 7.056,0 6.938,0 41,43K

DCC 4.497,0 4.608,0 4.487,0 76,42K

Diageo 3.672,5 3.681,5 3.635,0 1,01M

DS Smith 346,90 349,30 345,80 1,16M

EasyJet 427,80 434,00 417,00 2,43M

Experian 2.890,0 2.898,0 2.847,0 146,96K

Ferguson 11.195,0 11.370,0 11.200,0 48,16K

Flutter Entertainment 12.390,0 12.500,0 12.170,0 93,27K

Fresnillo 932,80 972,40 928,80 245,65K

Glencore 552,60 556,40 543,30 14,44M

GSK plc 1.436,40 1.440,60 1.427,20 346,07K

Halma 2.113,0 2.120,0 2.093,0 102,63K

Hargreaves Lansdown 928,40 935,80 913,13 87,27K

Hikma Pharma 1.709,50 1.716,00 1.696,00 45,71K

HSBC 589,50 594,60 584,20 8,03M

IAG 153,84 157,32 151,74 18,23M

Imperial Brands 2.044,00 2.061,00 2.033,00 610,51K

Informa 650,20 652,40 646,00 827,21K

InterContinental 5.390,0 5.424,0 5.356,8 22,96K

Intermediate Capital 1.305,50 1.329,50 1.290,00 230,15K

Intertek 4.289,0 4.307,0 4.267,0 35,74K

ITV 78,55 80,04 77,60 4,37M

J Sainsbury 240,34 247,10 240,07 497,81K

Johnson Matthey 2.213,0 2.218,0 2.183,0 79,80K

Land Securities 697,80 699,40 690,20 353,91K

Legal & General 260,30 261,90 259,70 5,70M

Lloyds Banking 49,73 49,94 48,76 42,32M

London Stock Exchange 7.420,0 7.520,0 7.396,0 110,36K

Melrose Industries 151,80 154,00 150,90 11,60M

Mondi 1.485,00 1.506,00 1.478,00 196,84K

National Grid 1.034,00 1.042,00 1.028,50 1,34M

NatWest Group 294,40 294,90 288,00 5,67M

Next 6.542,0 6.636,0 6.540,0 64,54K

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

Ocado 747,40 771,80 742,00 469,99K

Persimmon 1.398,0 1.413,0 1.384,0 895,64K

Phoenix 630,00 635,20 628,60 342,32K

Prudential 1.282,50 1.299,00 1.268,50 1,46M

Reckitt Benckiser 5.958,0 5.992,0 5.950,0 166,02K

Relx 2.365,00 2.378,00 2.354,00 46,71K

Rentokil 521,60 525,40 521,00 939,10K

Rightmove 549,00 551,00 544,80 35,62K

Rio Tinto PLC 6.216,0 6.329,0 6.201,0 595,59K

Rolls-Royce Holdings 107,50 108,35 104,18 13,81M

Sage 769,80 773,80 768,20 212,29K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.220,50 1.230,50 1.217,50 2,87K

Schroders 464,8 471,8 464,9 320,02K

Scottish Mortgage 766,00 779,20 764,00 859,93K

Segro 845,20 859,00 844,40 571,86K

Severn Trent 2.761,0 2.793,0 2.750,0 123,79K

Shell 2.437,5 2.452,0 2.433,5 2,18M

Smith & Nephew 1.150,81 1.163,50 1.146,00 619,10K

Smiths Group 1.652,50 1.654,00 1.637,50 112,66K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 11.470,0 11.555,0 11.435,0 9,20K

SSE 1.671,50 1.677,70 1.662,35 125,09K

St. James’s Place 1.251,50 1.261,50 1.239,00 626,52K

Standard Chartered 703,20 709,40 698,80 1,01M

Taylor Wimpey 113,20 113,60 111,80 11,96M

Tesco 244,80 249,60 244,20 810,40K

Tui 170,15 174,75 168,45 3,41M

Unilever 4.200,0 4.211,5 4.185,5 57,32K

United Utilities 1.039,50 1.048,50 1.032,00 190,20K

Vodafone Group PLC 91,64 92,46 91,53 22,13M

Whitbread 3.023,0 3.070,0 3.018,0 263,89K WPP 920,40 925,60 916,20 408,03K

3M 129,35 129,82 1,83M

American Express 154,92 155,75 152,40 3,24M

Amgen 270,92 272,65 268,89 1,45M

Apple 133,41 134,26 131,44 71,23M

Boeing 214,32 214,92 207,37 8,19M

Caterpillar 255,07 257,38 251,01 3,88M

Chevron 177,08 178,37 175,90 6,88M

Cisco 49,00 49,43 48,85 14,24M

Coca-Cola 61,21 62,18 60,97 13,85M

Dow 58,52 58,80 57,50 7,31M

Goldman Sachs 369,94 370,10 362,57 2,09M

Home Depot 329,87 332,21 326,71 2,48M

Honeywell 215,98 217,22 212,38 2,96M

IBM 145,55 146,66 144,52 2,71M

Intel 30,29 30,38 29,47 28,86M

J&J 174,00 174,71 172,80 4,26M

JPMorgan 139,49 140,86 139,22 10,77M

McDonald’s 266,69 269,92 266,19 1,93M

Merck&Co 111,77 112,10 110,03 8,91M

Microsoft 238,51 239,90 233,56 27,17M

Nike 127,89 128,46 126,46 8,36M

Procter&Gamble 149,81 151,73 149,52 7,47M

Salesforce Inc 149,60 149,82 143,94 11,64M

The Travelers 191,99 192,75 189,69 761,05K

UnitedHealth 495,67 498,73 485,22 3,72M

Verizon 41,81 41,95 41,12 16,96M

Visa A 223,62 223,81 220,61 4,26M

Walgreens Boots 36,66 37,41 36,62 5,95M

Walmart 144,81 146,42 144,39 4,15M

Walt Disney 99,81 100,63 97,57 19,74M

Most Advanced

Andrada Mining Limited

+8,650.00% 111,700

Telecom Italia S.p.A. +26.12% 265,295

Relay Therapeutics, Inc. +20.72% 2.739M

Luminar Technologies, Inc. +11.20% 10.216M

Revolution Medicines, Inc. +11.12% 1.345M

Globalstar, Inc. +10.69% 6.02M

Sage Therapeutics, Inc. +10.62% 852,708

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. +10.32% 5.27M

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. +9.86% 32.191M

American Airlines Group Inc. +9.71% 96.442M

MercadoLibre, Inc. +9.34% 1.132M

Most Declined

Logitech International S.A. -16.86% 5.045M

AMTD Digital Inc. -14.85% 4.598M

CureVac N.V. -14.40% 2.262M

Warner Music Group Corp. -8.81% 4.551M

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. -6.06% 941,987

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. -5.95% 798,801

PS Business Parks, Inc. -5.84% 102,100

Bio-Techne Corporation -5.14% 2.441M

Illumina, Inc. -5.05% 2.484M

Ubisoft Entertainment SA -4.83% 37,081

TAL Education Group -4.80% 5.762M

BUSINESS EXTRA

Stock market

THE Spanish stock market traded a staggering €28.3 billion in equities in December 2022, up 1.7 per cent year on year and 0.8 per cent more than in the previous month. The effective trading volume in 2022 totalled €362.1 billion, 4.2 per cent less than in 2021.

Eurozone dip

EUROZONE bond yields dipped on January 12, ahead of a wave of new debt issuance, bringing a slew of bond auctions, with Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Norway all scheduled to sell new debt of varying maturities. This week alone has already seen around €30 billionin new issuance from eurozone governments.

Imagin that

IN just three years, Imagin, the lifestyle and digital services platform launched by Spain’s Caixa Bank has been able to offset 452 tonnes of CO2, collect more than 21 tonnes of plastic from the sea, plant 340,000 trees and mobilise 9,500 digital volunteers to collaborate in solidarity causes through digital channels.

Licence refund

THOUSANDS of families across the UK could be owed a £159 TV Licence refund ­ if you’re eligible. The controversial public TV funding fee has been in place since 1946 and since expanded to the colour TV Licence in the 1970s, followed by recent rules surrounding online streaming.

Stock market

THE Spanish stock market traded a staggering €28.3 billion in equities in December 2022 which was up 1.7 per cent year on year and 0.8 per cent more than in the previous month. The effective trading volume in 2022 totalled €362.1 billion, 4.2 per cent less than in 2021.

Targets for net zero

NEW data from Time Finance has shown that half of the UK’s small and medium ­ sized enterprises (SMEs) are anticipated to invest in sustainability in 2023 as pressure mounts for businesses to cut their carbon emissions in line with the government’s 2050 Net Zero targets.

Exploring the financial support businesses will need to achieve their sustainability ambitions, the survey found that 50 per cent said that businesses will invest more time and money into a greener strategy following COP27 and its stark reminders of the fight against climate change.

Time Finance is sharing

its data ahead of the anticipated announcement from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) detailing the

Property prices

TOWNS and cities in the United Kingdom with the strongest house price growth saw their average property value increase by more than £50,000 (+15.2 per cent) over the last year (up to November 2022), according to new data from Halifax.

York saw the highest property price inflation of any town or city in England and Wales during 2022, growing by +23.1 per cent (£69,648) over the course of the last year. Since March 2020, average house prices in the historic city have risen by +41.9 per cent from £261,183 to £370,639 (£109,457).

Woking, with its good links to central London, saw the biggest increase of any town or city in cash terms in 2022. The cost of buying a home in the desirable commuter town leapt from

£493,299 in 2021 to £586,925 in November 2022, an increase of £93,626 (+19.0 per cent).

The question being asked is whether London is falling out of favour with house buyers? While house prices in London have increased at a slower pace (+7.2 per cent) than other parts of the UK, prices in the capital are still comfortably the most expensive in the country at £596,667.

No London boroughs appeared in the top growth areas for year ­ on ­ year house price increases. The popular residential district of Islington saw a rise of only +0.4 per cent over the year, among the lowest in the country. However, properties in the area still had a large average price tag of £712,843.

“The

nesses, to work with them to ensure they have access to the most beneficial forms of finance to enable investment.

“We can clearly see that businesses have a strong commitment to the sustainability agenda, made all the more pressing following COP27. What we need to do now is ensure that businesses have access to the finance they need to bring these plans to life.”

Despite the widespread ambition amongst businesses to improve sustainability, the survey also found that more than 40 per cent of those surveyed believe affordability will be a barrier to green investment.

Retirement annuities

NEARLY one million (990,000) UK pre­retirees, those aged over 55 and still in work, are considering annuities for the first time in preparation for their retirement, according to research from Legal & General Retail.

One in six people approaching retirement but still working (16 per cent) are looking at the product due to improved rates against the backdrop of rising living costs. This is in addition to the 828,000 (14 per cent) of working over 55s who had always planned to buy an annuity in retirement.

Aside from the improvement in rates, people considering an annuity are drawn by the stability of a guaranteed income and the assurances the product offers in a volatile market.

Reliant on credit

A SURVEY of 2,180 UK adults, carried out by the Money and Pensions Service, shows that 23 per cent have relied on credit or money from family and friends to buy food in the last three months. The same number have done so for electricity and gas.

Around half of them (43 per cent for food, 53 per cent for utilities) said they’d never had to do this before.

Similar numbers said they’re relying on borrowing to meet the cost of their rent or mortgage (17 per cent, 52 per cent for the first time) and paying off other forms of credit (21 per cent, 41 per cent).

outcomes of its Net Zero Review, the results of which are expected to give businesses clearer direction on their path to Net Zero.

Ed Rimmer, CEO at Time Finance, said:

role of alternative finance is to understand and facilitate the growth ambitions of busi­

A greener strategy.

Strong growth. Guaranteed income.

Image: Neil Lang / Shutterstock.com Image: enciktepstudio / Shutterstock.com

DO you find it odd to witness a continuing run of strange faces popping up all over the TV when British strikers kick in to action?

Well don’t. These previously unobserved, shadowy individuals, are the illustrious Union representatives, or General Secretary ‘leaders’ who emerge from the woodwork (or their luxury villas on the Costas) whenever they have an excuse to show themselves in public and present some sort of reason for receiving their huge incomes.

Doing ‘what’s right’ for their members, earns these people vast amounts and they are happy to keep the strikes going for just enough time to ‘reach agreement,’ as long as it doesn’t interfere with the lives of Riley they enjoy when things are ‘running smoothly’. Their salaries, (all paid for by their members), are truly mind boggling.

Far too many to go into, I’ve selected just a few examples. The two General Secretaries of GMB (British Trade Union) share £263,000 per year. Francis O’Grady GS of the Trade Union Congress receives an annual income of £152,000. Mick Cash! GS of the National Union of Rail Maritime and Transport earns £137,000. Christina McAnea,UNISON (Public service workers) £140,000.

It doesn’t end there. The so called ‘remunerations’ that most of these ‘leaders’ are also awarded are colossal. Chaand

Lining pockets

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

Nagpaul, General Secretary of the British Medical Association receives a salary of £180,000. Last year he also received a remuneration of £203,000 (Six times what an NHS doctor earns!), awarded to ‘cover times he spent away from his practice!’ It simply goes on and on.

Most of the people who hold these positions are of course Labour supporters (far more lucrative). Incredible when you learn that the Labour Party considers anyone who earns over £70,000 is on the rich list! You really couldn’t make it up.

Heaven help the strikers, who are simply being used by these individuals as fodder to support lifestyles and bank balances, incomes that are actually in total excess of most members of parliament.

One of my readers remarked recently he considered my views ‘old fashioned,’ all I can say is thank the Lord for that! His published letter actually accused me of claiming minorities should not be allowed

to voice their concerns. That of course is totally misconceived rubbish.

What I do find disgraceful is the way minorities are openly allowed to shout their opinions from the roof tops, while majorities are afraid to publically voice their concerns in case they are accused of ‘offending’ ­ or even arrested. Give me a break.

As for Harry Whinger, I truly don’t have time for this spoiled, imbecilic, spouse controlled husband, who has no idea of the challenges of real life. I do however feel parts of his book may have painted a Taliban target on his back. His security outlay has probably just hit the roof ­ or should have done!

Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com. Expatradioscotland Mon and Friday 1pm till 4.

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HEIR APPARENT? OUR VIEW

PUTIN is reportedly set to nominate his chosen heir this year following months of speculation over his health and internal fighting at the top of Russian politics.

Apparently, rather than risk being toppled, Putin wants to hand over power to an heir apparent before retiring to his £1 billion ‘palace’ on the Black Sea, according to his former speechwriter Abbas Gallyamov.

This palace reportedly boasts a 16­storey underground bunker which has been compared to Dr No’s lair and reportedly awaits Putin so he can live out his golden years worryfree while his heir handles the chaos left by the Ukraine war.

In the running are reportedly his trusted underlings, the mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

The move is reportedly due to the mood against Putin in Russia being too tumultuous for him even be able to rig another presidential election with certainty.

Putin’s apparent fears come from the rise in popularity of the chief of his private army of mercenaries, Progozhin, and the sledgehammer he and his troops reportedly bludgeon defectors and enemies to death with. Abbas claims Putin sees an ending similar to that of Gaddafi unless he lines up his replacement soon. This alleged uncertainty, even by Putin, over his fate shows just how much his war in Ukraine has undermined stability, not just in Europe but globally.

Where does this leave the war however? With Putin unlikely to ever give up and publicly admit defeat, will it be left to his successor to negotiate some sort of peace deal? Only time will tell.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

DON’T TELL US WHAT WE WANT!

I FULLY accept that when politicians are in government they sometimes have to make decisions for the greater good, regardless of whether we are happy with those decisions. But, in local government these are exceptional rather than routine occasions. Sure they may need to take steps to make the coffers balance, increasing local taxes which, let’s face it, no one is going to happily agree with.

However, in the last week or so there has been a lot of coverage of the new park which Mijas plans to build. Of course, it will have to be bigger and better than anything else around, but that’s a vanity thing. What bothers me is that ‘someone’, somewhere decided that this is not only what we need, but it’s something that we want. The papers have quite understandably picked up on this spectacular new project with all its bells and whistles, but did anyone ask the people of Mijas if that is

what they want? Actually, no they didn’t, and it wasn’t even in the electoral plan of the ruling party. There were lots of things that were, 15 promises in fact, which have not seen the

light of day, but we are going to have a new park. Wow!

Thirty ­ three million euros have been set aside for this project, a good chunk of which is accounted for by compulsory

Fully booked

SALLY UNDERWOOD POLITICAL ANIMAL

SO Boris Johnson’s going to be releasing a tell­all book about his time as prime minister is he? Well that should be interesting.

For someone whose personal life has made almost as many headlines as his professional one, I wonder just how in depth this autobiography will be?

As a journalist and a man who has already published no fewer than 11 books, Boris is certainly qualified to write what should be an entertaining read. But the bigger question seems to be, is now really the time to release a memoir of the Covid period?

With the economy and NHS still struggling with the fall­out of the pandemic and the word ‘partygate’ still ringing in the ears of many, how receptive is anyone going to be to Johnson’s latest book?

Should the rollercoaster ride of Matt Hancock’s last few months ­ riding high

on surprise I’m a Celebrity success before poor sales of his own Covid diariesalso not serve as a parable to any politician thinking of doing the same?

The policital diary/autobiography is hardly something new. But what most of the more successful tomes seem to have in common is that they were released quite some time after their authors left office.

Johnson, as well as only having been prime minster until just four months ago, is also still a serving MP. In contrast, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron had left parliament completely before releasing their own equivalents.

As well as the timing, the release also raises questions over the issue of MPs’ second (and sometimes third and fourth) incomes, a topic which doesn’t do much to draw politicians closer to the public’s bosom.

And with Boris predicted to make a rumoured $1.2 million to write about a topic that is ­ to say the least ­ divisive, the public seem unlikely to take a kinder view to politicians doing the same any time soon.

purchase of two plots. All of this while we have an immense resource which used to be called the Hipódromo or Racetrack which is decaying week by week. The powers that be decided that they would rather use a plot called the ‘Drowning Zone’ El Ahogadero instead. The clue is in the name: it is in a flood zone!

As a former CEO of several companies in the UK I understand what is meant by ‘Opportunity Costs’. This basically means that if you use your personnel or financial resources for one thing, you lose the possibility to use them for other things. You can’t have your cake and eat it.

So, what could these €33 million have been used for? €10 million would have built a municipal residence for the elderly. This was one promise made pre the 2019 elections. With an ageing population this seems like a reasonable project, but we will have a park.

The same sum could have built 600 VPO (Low cost housing), another promise made pre 2019. In an area where housing prices have gone through the roof forcing many young people and couples to live with parents, it seems like a good option. But we will have a park.

Another €17 milllion has been committed to a parking facility in the Los Santos area of Las Lagunas working out at €80,000 per parking space: more than the cost of a VPO house. I am sure that residents of the urbanisations will feel that this is good use of their money when they are struggling to get the potholes repaired on their main roads or waiting for weeks to get street lighting fixed. And meanwhile, parking in Mijas Pueblo remains chaotic during the high season.

I’m not a fan of politicians deciding what we want or need and turning a deaf ear to our petitions while they march to the beat of their own drum.

The law kicked in

THE British Benevolent Fund exists to help those Britons in Spain who face extreme financial hardship ­ whether they live in Spain or come on holiday.

Some 18 million Britons visit Spain every year ­ the vast majority have a great holiday ­ but some go very wrong and a holiday in the sun quickly turns into a seeming nightmare.

One such incident happened just a few weeks ago.

A family with two teenage children took their first overseas holiday since before the pandemic with an all­inclusive holiday package of accommodation, meals and flights ­ they used their modest savings to treat themselves ­ the father was about to start work after a long absence.

What they didn’t know was their 13­year­old daughter had been ‘chatting’ with a ‘friend’ who it turned out was a man in his 40s who had travelled from America to meet her.

On the first night the daughter left to go for a walk by the

beach alone. She didn’t return.

The anguish of the parents can only be imagined as they went from bar to bar, street to street and combed every beach to find their daughter.

The police were called and the search widened to cover the whole region with a priority one investigation.

In the early hours of the morning the Guardia Civil had tracked their daughter with a man to an apartment close by.

He was arrested and the daughter taken to hospital.

The relief of the parents was short lived after the truth that she had met him voluntarily.

And the law was about to kick in. The presiding judge ordered the parents to court along with their daughter.

The consulate did all they

could to help them in their distress but they had no choice but to appear in court.

However by doing so they would be missing their return flight and had barely enough means to feed themselves let along pay for additional accommodation.

Working with the consular offices the BBF paid for this and their flight back to the UK.

The man remains in custody awaiting trial.

Visit www.britishbenevo lentfund.org or contact olaf. clayton@britishbenevolent fund.org on how you can help. make the difference.

Credit: Shutterstock.com

GOVERNMENT DECISIONS: Not always what the public want to hear.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

WELL, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

Liebestod is considered by many, Morse included, as one of the greatest recordings ever.

Pristine plant pots

KIRSTY YOUNG’S appearance on a special Christmas Day edition of Desert Island Discs she presented for 12 years (pushing 14 years writing thrillers and this column now, so you’re in excellent company, Kirsty!), reminded me what people have often let slip. How sometimes, in an absent­minded moment driving to work or between meetings, they’d choose their own personal Desert Island Discs.

Whereas the soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf infamously chose only her OWN recordings when interviewed, Inspector Morse (remember him?) would have preferred the Norwegian, Kirsten Flagstad whom he regarded as THE greatest 20th century Wagnerian soprano. Her performance in Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde: Prelude &

In fact, I can’t forget the picture of recording with Flagstad painted by fellow opera singer Dietrich Fischer­Dieskau. He said the orchestra would play, and Flagstad would be knitting away until she heard her cue. She’d put her knitting aside, stand up, let loose with the most incredible high notes, beautifully sung, and then she’d sit down, pick up her knitting and keep going until her next entrance.

“Knitting for grandchildren!” Fischer ­ Dieskau explained, his eyes shining.

So, which eight discs would YOU choose?

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.

NOW that the holiday season is over, many of us are thinking about getting back into our gardens. Today we’re showing you the best way to clean ceramic plant pots in your garden so you can get ready for the planting season ahead.

Brush off

The first step to clean a plant pot is by sweeping off any big pieces of dirt. If you skip this step and get water on your plant pot, the dirt will become much more

Jana Loesch / shutterstock.com

Prepare your plant pots for all your spring planting projects by cleaning them up.

stubborn and difficult to remove. Use a brush to dust off dried and loose pieces of soil.

WE all know how to clean, but how should we keep our cleaning equipment clean and in the best condition to clean our homes? Today, we’re sharing our favourite cleaning tips so you can keep your cloths, sponges, and brushes sparkling clean and ready for action!

Cloths

Microfibre cloths can be handwashed or machine­washed. For best results, wash at high temperatures with detergent ­ no fabric softener as this can hinder the bacteria­killing process. Clean bathroom cloths by soaking them in a solution of baking powder and water, avoid machine washing to prevent infections.

Soak

If you want to bring your plant pot back to its natural colour, soaking is a crucial step. Fill a container with enough water to cover your pot, and add one part vinegar to three parts of water. Soak your pot for 30 minutes, and dirt should slide off.

Wipe down

The last step is the easiest. Take a sponge and some soap, brush over your pot until all dirt is gone and your pot will be ready for planting!

Clues for cleaning

Sponges

Scrubbing sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria due to their warm temperature and moist conditions. Avoid infections by replacing them every one to two weeks.

Brushes

Brushes need some special attention since they pick up the nastiest dirt in your home. Start by shaking out your brush outside, then use an old comb or tool to pull dust out of the bristles. Next, soak your brush in a bucket of water and detergent for five to 10 minutes.

NoraJohnson’sopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

Nora’s latest thriller.

3 Foods for a better sleep

IF your New Year’s resolution involves getting better quality sleep, we have just the thing for you. Recent research by ex perts at Best Mat tress Brand has re vealed the three foods you need to be eating to get a better night’s sleep.

As complaints of insomnia increase globally, researchers took on the project to in vestigate solutions to the issue. Today we’re bringing you the three foods that you should try to start 2023 feeling well ­ rested and energetic!

1. Tart cherries

The studies revealed that tart cherries have higher concentrations of melatonin than other foods, a hormone that promotes healthy sleep. Consuming two cups of tart cherry juice decreased time

to get to sleep, increased overall sleep time, and resulted in less awakenings during the night.

Kiwi

Kiwi is well ­ known for its numerous health benefits, thanks to its high content of nutrients and antioxidants and nutritional value. The fruit is also being credited as inducing sleep quicker.

Its high antioxidant, folate and serotonin content mean eating a kiwi an hour before sleeping can help you fall asleep faster.

3.

Benefits of a foam roller

IT can be difficult to stay motivated with fitness with our busy lives, getting injuries and other commitments. But today we’re sharing a piece of equipment that will transform your fitness routine and leave you feeling ready to take on the world. The foam roller will soon be your best friend!

What is it?

A foam roller is a cylinder piece of equipment coated with foam and sometimes a textured surface which is used on muscles after a workout or as part of a stretching routine.

Banana

As well as being a delicious bedtime snack, bananas contain valuable nutrients which improve sleep quality. Eating a banana boosts tryptophan, serotonin, magnesium, and potassium which all contribute to a great night’s sleep.

Foam rolling works by relaxing tension in tissue surrounding muscles, helping the nervous system to relax your muscles.

What are the benefits?

The primary benefit of foam rolling is reducing muscle pain. Foam rolling can

ease sore muscles and reduce inflammation. Physiotherapists also believe foam rolling could help to increase range of motion and mobility when used with static stretching.

Another benefit of foam rolling is as a stress reliever. Like other methods of stretching, foam rolling can

be a way to relax by releasing tension in muscles, leaving you feeling more mobile. When should I foam roll?

Physiotherapists recommend adding foam rolling to your stretching or yoga routine, particularly after exercise. Its relaxing qualities mean it’s the perfect evening activity before bed.

FOAM ROLLING: A great way to ease inflammation and muscle pain all over your body.

As well as being refreshing, drinking a glass of tart cherry juice can increase your overall sleep time.

Photo credit: stockfour / shutterstock.com

Photo credit: artem evdokimov / shutterstock.com

Try to stop smoking

Vitamin A boost

VITAMIN A might not be your first thought when looking for a vitamin to protect against seasonal sickness like colds and flus, but health experts say it is crucial to immune system health during the colder months.

What does Vitamin A do?

Also known as retinol, Vitamin A is often associated with vision, but this important nutrient also has plenty of benefits in building your immune system’s defences and keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy.

STOPPING smoking is one of the most popular goals going into a new year, but it also one of the hardest goals to achieve. But the good news is it’s absolutely possible to quit smoking and to feel so much healthier!

Today we’re sharing tips from people who have successfully stopped smoking to help you get started!

1. Know your reason

If you try to stop smoking without knowing why you want to, chances are your heart isn’t in it, and it will be

easy to break your goals. The first step in stopping smoking is finding your reason to stop. It could be to cut your chances of lung cancer or to protect your children.

2. Make preparations It’s true, some people swear by going ‘cold turkey’, but for most smokers this will just cause painful withdrawal symptoms. Instead plan to cut your nicotine intake in advance.

3. Nicotine replacement

It’s likely your body has become hooked on

nicotine. If you’re finding it impossible to come off cigarettes, look into alternatives like nicotine lozenges, patches or even prescription medicine.

4. Support system

If you’re serious about stopping smoking, you need a solid support system around you. Tell friends and family about your decision and try to create distractions, but avoid triggering scenarios where you’ll feel tempted to smoke.

This vitamin is valuable for the immune system as it is used in the creation and for the function of white blood cells which fight off infections.

How can I boost Vitamin A naturally?

Vitamin A is present in plenty of dietary staples including cheese, eggs, liver, oily fish, milk, and yoghurt.

Other foods to boost your Vitamin A supply include fruits and vegetables like kale, carrots, Swiss chard, squash, carrots and nectarines. These sources contain beta ­ carotene which our bodies convert into retinol.

What about a supple ­

ment?

Health experts recommend consuming 700 micrograms of Vitamin A per day for men and 600 micrograms for women. If you feel you can’t get that

through your diet, you can take a supplement tablet. However it’s important not to take more than 1,500 micrograms per day, as this could weaken your bones.

FIND A REASON: If you’re committed to stopping smoking, the process will be much easier.

Photo credit: Andrey_Popov / shutterstock.com

82

Spain is the country with the third highest life expectancy in the EU after Italy and Sweden.

FREE PARKING!

FREE parking in Torremolinos! Who would have thought we would have seen the day and it has spots for people that need mobility and have motorcycles too. Whoever thought of the idea well done! Nothing infuriates me more thinking that I have the perfect parking spot, just for a motorbike to be plopped right in the middle of a space. The fact that they have also said about redoing pavements and drainage is great to hear too, rain is bad enough but when you step in a puddle by accident and get soggy shoes well that’s one way to really “dampen” my day!

Stewart Brown

Morgan Freeman

Who would have thought that Morgan Freeman would have been spotted in Mallorca of all places! We had just visited that restaurant two days prior to his spotting. We are in absolutely disbelief that we couldn’t see him. Regenald our pup would have been so happy to see him. There is a perfect spot for that one­day photo we will hopefully get another time on the mantelpiece. We hope you had a fab time, Morgan! The food was delicious.

Roger McKinnon

About time!

There is nothing that aggravates me more than litter and in particular cigarette butts and the fact that the companies are now going to be forced to clean it up, even better! It’s a bad habit and more needs to be done to stop with smoking in general. The €1 billion could be better used and spent elsewhere, hopefully to put more playparks around the place! More needs to be done for the youngsters.

Rosemary Higgins

Happy Birthday

Well, that article on Sabangau has just made my day, the Bioparc is one of the places we love to visit as a family and to finally know some of the names of the animals and now the tiny orangutang’s birthday, even better. My daughter, Susy, is writing Sabangau a birthday card as we speak. Thank you EWN for the 10 minutes of silence and to keep Susy occupied!

Melissa, Fuengirola

Positive thinking

The exclusive article on the holocaust survivor was such a great read and her secret to longevity

being ‘positive thinking’ I think is something we should all do more of. We don’t know how lucky we are, we all have our troubles, but I think we should take her advice and try and implement more positive thinking into our day to day lives. Ninety­eight and still looking fabulous, I’ll take all the advice!

Felicity Morgan

Back to normal

Back to normal and hopefully it stays that way, it has been so great the last year just being able to do what we used to do. Ok we still must wear masks on public transport and in the pharmacies, but in comparison to what it once was I’m happy to comply. This was the first Three Kings’ parade since everything, and it was so lovely to have everyone come together and feel like a community again.

Vanessa Kidd

Men and beauty

As a man that suffers with acne it was great to read the skin care article and how to best get into a routine when looking after your skin and how to add it into your lifestyle without it being too complicated either. Does anyone else feel the same?

Pleased, James

Editor’s letter

I live near the hospital Costa del Sol Marbella which is where my husband was admitted to yesterday about 11am via Helicopteros’ amazing service they offer. I was allowed to visit my husband at 8pm last night. I saw him in the ICU area. I spoke with the doctor in their observation area who told me they would take a scan on his head as he had fallen and I was to return to the hospital at 1pm today to speak to a doctor about the results of the scan and other issues in his chest (infection). However I left the hospital about 9pm and at 2.30am I was awoken by someone banging on my apartment door. On opening the door there was my poor husband in a wheelchair being delivered back home with only a hospital gown and a sheet on!! He was freezing and terrified! This is appalling behaviour to any human let alone one out of an ICU bed and into an ambulance and back home with a VERY uncomfortable vehicle! This should NOT happen to any person or dog!!

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.

Lynda Woodin

MORE PARKING: Very welcome news for residents and visitors.

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

ALTHOUGH it happened about 30 years ago, the image still brings me a snigger of amusement. In a supermarket in Buckinghamshire I saw two young men, probably in their early 20s, each pick up a cucumber and start fencing with each other in the aisle.

It reminded me of my old eccentric friend Monty Fry who was always amusing, never boring, but sometimes embarrassing or frustrating company. I recall him banging impatiently on the door of a restaurant loo which had been occupied for at least seven minutes and shouting “We know you’re in there! Come on out with your hands up” The reaction of customers was mixed.

People who break the accepted social rules are often ‘special cases’ who seem oblivious to the reactions of others. Or perhaps they relish the embarrassment or bewilderment they

ODD BEHAVIOUR

cause. Not only are we all very different, but so are our perceptions of what is socially acceptable and, of course, so are our senses of humour.

About 60 years ago I attended a wedding in Oxfordshire which didn’t really go to plan. The best man has several responsibilities, but the most important is to ensure that the bridegroom remains sober and fit for the wedding day. On this

occasion, the groom managed to lead by example at the bachelor party the night before.

Having downed six pints of Morrell’s ale and several Glen Grants, he had to be hauled out of bed the next day and was unable to stand up. As a result, he had to be carried into the church and down the aisle like a side of beef by his best man and three other ‘pallbearers’. His father propped him up for

Thrifty tips for 2023

WITH the world in a difficult economic position, many people are concerned about money management in 2023. But

the Bank of Spain released a handy list of five tips to help people take control over their financial situations this year.

Sensational spring getaways

SPRING is one of the best seasons to spend in Spain, thanks to the warming temperatures and guaranteed blue skies. It’s never too early to start planning your spring getaway, so we’re bringing you some of our favourite picks within the country, so you don’t have to blow the budget!

Menorca

This island paradise is the perfect destination for spring travels, before the masses of tourists arrive. Although it might be too cold to swim, take advantage of the quiet streets to discover more on this beautiful island.

Sevilla

This Andalucían city captures the essence of Spanish tradition, and what better time to visit than the spring, when the city is buzzing with activity from its Feria de Abril traditional fair and Semana Santa Holy Week parades. The spring temperatures make the city a delight to wander through, with the sweet smell of orange blossom wafting from the trees.

Ávila

This scenic city in Castilla y León is the perfect romantic destination during the spring. Explore the city’s historic ruins and soak in the beautiful landscape while dining on the city’s delectable cuisine.

1. Keep a safety cushion

Firstly, the bank recommends keeping a small safety cushion of savings in case financial trouble does strike.

2. Watch the pennies

Secondly, cut back on small expenses, or look for cheaper alternatives, as they can add up to several hundreds of euros in a whole year.

3. Retirement expenses

Retirement is more costly than many of us think, commit to saving enough to maintain a high standard of living in retirement.

4. Financial awareness

Start 2023 with an analysis of your current financial situation. Know your source of income, employment plans, keep track of debts and plan for expenses.

5. Responsible spending

The bank’s final piece of advice is to spend responsibly. This doesn’t mean giving up all of your pleasures, but just taking more care. Compare prices in different shops, or wait for sales before splashing the cash.

the actual ceremony. It was so difficult for me to suppress my laughter, although his bride managed it easily enough. The marriage lasted less than three years.

There are those who attract people by their personality, by their actions and by their words. They can be raconteurs of interesting or amusing experiences and anecdotes. Others are completely bland with the

charisma of a dead earwig.

Eccentric behaviour is harmless enough. What is of greater concern is odd behaviour resulting in harm to others. Take a bow, Kim Jong ­ un. The power ­ crazed egoism of one man results in complete suppression of an entire nation as well as a threat to the stability of Japan and South Korea. On a larger scale, it was the same with Hitler and Stalin, then it was Idi Amin, Pol Pot and Mugabe and now we have Putin.

There has always been the deadly combination of power and evil. Frequently, power does much more than corrupt; it can and does spread cruelty, suffering and destruction on a massive scale.

This is surely why no political system will ever work successfully unless it is tied to Christianity. Quite simply: “Love the neighbour as thyself.”

AGEING FABULOUSLY

JO SINTES specialises in Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Coaching and has lived in Spain for around 35 years with her UK routes in Cheshire. Jo landed in Spain in the 80s having wanted to get a round the world ticket but struggling to raise the funds to do it. She came to Spain to work as a Travel Rep. She spent many years living in Madrid before moving down to the Costa del Sol.

Jo’s business, Ageing Fabulously, works primarily with women to help to bring balance back into their lives by helping them to keep their stress levels low, get their bodies moving (she avoids the word exercise as it scares many people) , getting the right amount of sleep, and getting the right amount of ‘me’ time.

Jo explains how our lives have become busier

with all the tools we have to make our lives easier, but how we allow these tools to control us rather than the opposite.

Weight control is a common factor when people get older and Jo is clear that it is not all about calories, but also about the eating habits we develop with busy lives, where many don’t feel they have the time to shop, prepare and cook. It is more about the quality of the food we buy which is often highly processed, bulked up with chemicals which our bodies then don’t know how

to metabolise leading to many health problems.

Jo is a big fan of ‘eating at home’ as we know exactly what has gone into the food. The same applies to buying highly processed foods from the supermarket.

Jo does a lot of her work online making herself available without boundaries. She can be contacted via her website: https://www.ageingfabu lously.com/

The full interview can be heard on You Tube.

https://youtu.be/KLd NGU3cdvc

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

Odd behaviour by eccentrics can be funny - unlike odd behaviour by powerful egoists. For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

photo creditslivingstingy.blogs and canadianmanufacturing.com

MARBELLA MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING

I’VE never spoken about vulvas before, let alone in a television interview, but not only did we talk about them in tonight’s new Marbella Now, I found myself quite

Tonight Marbella Now

enthralled. Internationally renowned psychologist, sexologist, journalist and author Isabella Magdala has even written a book about them. ‘Tu Vagina Habla’ (your vagina talks) is only available in

Spanish at the moment but is already a worldwide hit, encouraging women to acknowledge their own bodies with proven benefits for doing so. Isabella Magdala writes regularly for publications such as Cosmopolitan and also works directly with individuals and couples, simultaneously helping lift the stigma from topics that we should all talk about freely but we daren’t. I have invited Isabella Magdala to join ‘Marbella Now’ every other week so that we can cover personal issues that may otherwise not be addressed.

It’s only by talking that we can hope to free ourselves from self­imposed taboos that lead to unwarranted feelings of shame or guilt. Subjects suggested by her clients for this segment include erectile disfunction, libido and the hormone cycle and on the psychological side, validation in the role of

self­esteem, how to overcome being ‘the victim’, conscious leadership, how to navigate difficult people at work and how to implement boundaries as just a few examples.

If there’s something you’d like her to broach, please do let us know.

I also chat with Cristobal Garré, councillor for Marbella Town Hall and president of the new Rotary Club Puerto Banus. The Gala inauguration of this new Rotary Club was an amazing success with over 200 people gathering to support the 80 founder members.

Rotary’s stated mission is to ‘provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through [the] fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders’. With Cristobal and Remedios Nieto del Rio at the helm I can but imag­

ine how effective their efforts will be. Cristobal also talks about his role in the town hall which takes up 99 per cent of his time, comprehensible as he is responsible for the Nueva Andalucia area as well as delegate for Economic Development and SMEs, Employment, Innovation and New Technologies. He is very personable too so please do contact him for support in your ventures.

Cristina López is my CIT Marbella visitor of the week and is a qualified nurse who has worked in the Hospital Costa Del Sol for over 20 years. She has now also trained as a beautician, combining her medical knowledge and experience with the latest aesthetic treatments to help ensure we don’t ‘overdo it’ or have it done wrong.

Filip Bovin of ‘Edufication’

You can watch this show also online or on catch up from my web.

actively promotes online personalised education for all students and has just renewed a partnership with a Finnish University who are embracing the benefits of his system. He brought with him Irina Viitala of ‘Wannado’ who explains her company of virtual assistants to cover almost anything you need, now expanding this successful business launched in Finland here to the Costa.

Tonight at 11pm on RTV Marbella.

THE first­ever custom­built for leisure caravan, the Wanderer, has received a UK Engineering Heritage Listed Status Award. The Engineering Heritage Awards were established in 1984, the awards recognise pioneering engineering artefacts, locations, collections, and landmarks. The iconic Wanderer provides continuity from the earliest origins of the pastime through to today. While technology has progressed and caravanning has become a far more socially­inclusive activity, the essence of what Wander­

Custom-built

er was able to facilitate ­ access to the great outdoors for leisure, comfort and in safetyis as true of a modern caravan as it is of this 1885 one.

Today’s caravan owners would still recognise many aspects of the fundamental design as being as relevant today as they were 130­plus years ago. Although periodic restorations have been carried out, the Wanderer remains fundamentally as originally

built, and largely original in terms of structure, fixtures and fittings. Where parts have had to be repaired or replaced, this has been done sensitively, with original components being reused (eg original wheel hubs were used in rebuilt wheels). As such, the look and feel of the original design has been carefully retained and continues to give a faithful impression of the concept when new.

ICC chooses Spain

THE

the host country.

International Camping Congress (ICC) is a gathering of camp and outdoor education professionals from around the world. It is organised every three years and brings together both academics, researchers and practitioners alike. It aims to share practical experience of camps, the latest research on youth development and new industry trends. It also celebrates and presents the culture and history of

Founded in 1987, ICF is a worldwide association of camp professionals who share their enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment to the camp experience. There have been 12 Congresses spread over 40 years of ICF history. Previous Congresses have been held in Canada, the United States, Australia, Russia, Mexico, Hong Kong and Turkey.

In 2023, this historic and international event will be held for the first time in Spain, in the province of Tarragona from October 4 until October 8.

Caravanning and Leisure

WITH more to offer than you can imagine, discover the exciting world of caravanning at the Provincial Caravanning and Leisure Time Exhibition.

The exhibition is being held over two weekends at IFA, N ­ 340, km 73103320 Elche (Alicante) from February 10 to 12 and 17 to 19.

Visit the 30th edition of the most important caravanning trade fair in the Mediterranean and the

second most important in Spain.

Attending the exhibition will be the main brands in the market, displayed in an area of 13,564m2 for the caravanning sector attendees, as well as a wide variety of choice and offers on second ­ hand vehicles. You will also have at your disposal a large accessory store to tune up your caravan or motorhome.

Don’t forget to visit the

more recreational area of the exhibition: campsites, tourist offices and holiday offers, leisure activities, stands with a variety of articles and the presence of food trucks, which offer a varied gastronomic offer.

Camping Caravanning, a lifestyle in contact with nature.

For more information or to buy tickets head to the website: / www.cara vaning­alicante.es/.

International Camping Fellowship has cho

sen Spain’s PortAventura Convention Centre for the celebration of the International Camp

ing Congress 2023

EXHIBITION: Offering a wide selection of second-hand vehicles and accessories for sale.

Image: IFA Alicante

How to identify fur balls

ALTHOUGH weather has been milder this winter than in previous years, many of us are still suffering from colds, and the same is true with our pets. But it is sometimes difficult to tell when your pet is sick, and when it is suffering from a different issue.

Coughs aren’t as common in cats than other pets, so it’s normal to be a little concerned if your cat

is coughing, but don’t panic! Today we’re running through some advice from a vet to help you tell the difference between fur balls and a cough in your cat.

Fur balls

Cats spend most of the day grooming themselves, so fur balls are the most common cause of coughing. Coughing from fur balls normally comes in dry, short

AS if we need more reasons to love them, scientists say that having a pet can considerably improve your quality of life! Today, we’re sharing five proven ways that your furry friend makes your life even better.

1. Company

Having a pet in your home means you are never alone, pets can help to relieve feelings of loneliness and depression. Interacting with your pet stimulates your social and communication skills.

2. Stress

relief

Ever felt more relaxed after playing with a cat or walking a dog? You’re not alone, a scientific study at an American university revealed that stress hormones were significantly reduced after spending time with a pet.

3. Social benefits

Being a pet owner places you in a community of fellow animal lovers, giving you an opportunity to make friends with something in common! If you have a dog as a pet, taking it for a walk can help you to meet new people.

4. Self­esteem

Another study in the US found that children with pets read aloud more confidently after caring for a pet. Pets’ happy, non ­ judgemental attitudes can help us to feel comfortable in ourselves.

5. Responsibility

Finally, as a pet owner, you’re responsible for your pet’s well­being. Having a pet can make you more respectful of the environment and give you new skills.

bursts with your cat hunching over to vomit out the fur ball, before returning to normal. Similar symptoms are also visible when your cat consumes other foreign objects by mistake, like grass or dust.

Infection

Coughs can also be caused by bacteria or viruses. These coughs usually present along with other symptoms including mucus, sneezing, teary eyes. In more serious cases, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and a fall in energy are sometimes seen, in which case you should visit your vet.

Give a dog a bone

DOGS and bones are a combination as classic as bread and butter, but did you know that bones can actually be harmful for your pet’s health? Today, we are sharing vet ­ approved tips to help you keep your dog safe while enjoying a favourite snack.

Be aware

Firstly it is crucial to be aware of the risks of giving your dog a bone. Bones can break and get lodged in your dog’s throat, so brittle bones should be avoided.

Bones can also carry nasty bacteria which can give your dog an infection, so it is important to choose a fresh bone for your dog, or freeze it to avoid infections.

Portion control

Controlling the size of your dog’s bone is crucial. Bones that are too

small like chicken bones should be avoided, but lamb or beef bones are ideal. It is also important to give your dog raw bones with some meat still on the bone to avoid creating a choking hazard.

Healthy habits

Dogs should always be supervised when chewing a bone, and should be encouraged to bite a bone rather than putting it all in their mouth. If

you have any concerns, consult with your vet before giving your dog a bone.

Animal blessings

Betty Henderson

A FASCINATING Christian holiday in the last week saw thousands of people living in Spain take their pets for blessings. People all over the country took part in special events with their pets to mark Saint Anthony Abbot’s feast day.

Who is Saint Anthony Abbot?

This saint, known as Sant Antoni or San Antón throughout Spain is known as the patron saint of animals, despite being lesser­known than Saint Francis.

How did people celebrate?

Lots of cities and towns throughout the country held festivals in honour of their pets during the last week to mark the religious holiday on Tuesday, January 17. Activities included public animal blessings by priests, huge pet parades and farmers market stalls.

traditionally receive blessings, on San Antón’s feast day.

AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy. The family company that cares. Installation and repairs. Quality machines. Ecosense movement sensors supplied and fitted from 100 Euros. For other energy-saving products visit www.coolandcosy.es. 952 935 513. We are Junta de Andalucia authorised installers as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017). On the Costa del Sol since 1993 (1296179)

QUALITY Air Conditioning Installations. Economical to use, & silent in operation. 26 Years installation history in Spain. EnviroCare. All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759 info@envirocare spain.com www.envirocare spain.com (301178)

MR COOL - Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Sales & Service - Call Christian +34 629 527 587 or Nick +34 618 678 853 – www.mrcool.es (302027)

AWNINGS

ACE OF SHADES – All colours available. Urbanisations catered for, electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast.

Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design T1(101730)

SUNSHINE AWNINGS/ BLINDS Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs. 25yrs on the coast. 680 323 969 / 952 199 640 (302055)

BLINDS

ACE OF SHADES - Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Roller, Wooden blinds, various colours available, also blackout blinds. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceof shades.design (101730)

BLINDS, awnings, mosquito screens, curtains, vast choice. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (294242)

SOLAR BLINDS

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@solar shadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (292919)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

JIM’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Bathrooms/kitchen reforms, repairs, plumbing, carpentry, painting, tiling, maintenance. Give us a call no job too small. 692 207 799 / 645 559 423 (302457)

www.handymanservices.es Electrician, plumbing, construction, painting. Innovation. ROT deduction for Swedish, Sotogrande to Marbella 648 712 530 (302411)

GENERAL BUILDER , Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician, plumber, carpentry.

Reasonable prices. 635 913 885 (References available) (302414)

SWINGLES CASAS SL. For all your building needs. Visit www.swinglescasas.com for more details or call 635 999 765 / 666 960 262 (295953)

PLUMBING & GENERAL BUILDING All your plumbing needs. Bathroom, kitchens, tiling & painting. Benalmadena based, travel no problem. Glen 669 073 773 or Paul 642 098 115 (302310)

RELIABLE Quality work, 21+ yrs experience. Need Remodel, Reform, or Refurbish. Kitchen, Bathroom. Floor tile.waterproofing. Painting. Counter top epoxy refurbish.Installation services. Maintenance service fix price.Commercial & Residential. RAMIN +34 635 204 123.INFO@HAWKSMBD.COM (302493)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

METALWORK

NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Fencing, repairs & alterations. Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 19yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder. Call/WhatsApp 655 040 648

HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS , FULL OR PART CLEARANCE. ALL FURNITURE WANTED, WE PAY MORE. TEL 634 324 914 OR EMAIL house clearanceman@hotmail.com (301282)

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

WELL-established and thriving pet transport business for sale. For more info, please contact info@petchauffeur.eu (302549)

BUSINESS FOR SALE BUY & SELL

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM Buyers & Sellers of quality furniture. Top prices paid. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (302036)

GAS BBQ with stand & cover. Gas Bottle included. €75 634 302 691 (302690)

WE BUY vintage antiques, designer clothing & accessories. Good rates paid. Discretion assured. 613 822 572 / +447778 422 305 (302627)

CAR HIRE

ALH RENT A CAR – SHORT & LONG-TERM RENTALS FROM €15 A DAY. INSURANCE INCLUDED IN OUR PRICES. www.alhrentacar.com - TLF: 638 846 909 or reser vasalhrentacar@gmail.com (295923)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

CARS, Vans, Bikes wanted. Any Reg, Anything Considered Call or WhatsApp 687 049 592 (301470)

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)

ports low-income families and the homeless in the community. These items can be dropped directly to our charity shop Tienda Solidaria: Av. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 4, San Pedro de Alcantara, alternatively, call us to arrange collection on +34 711 006 961 (295137)

service 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 or email acservs@outlook. com (290739)

CONEJO CLEANING & Property Management. Est. over 25 years. Rentals management, one-off cleans. New Property set up service. Wendy 635 630 370 / 952 964 407 www.conejoclean ing.com (302025)

BLOCKED DRAINS? Leak detection, CCTV survey, root removal, Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com (292976)

gardening and full maintenance and landscaping, free quotes, competitive prices. Contact Andrew 600 259 981 Andrew@gar den-professionals.com (295350)

IRRIGATION

VINYL WRAP

COLLECTIVE CALLING are urgently requesting donations of clothing, homeware & furniture, so if you are having a House Clearance, Please call us for FREE COLLECTION. We sell good quality items, which then sup -

CHIMNEY SWEEP. Clean reliable professional. All types, special price for more than one. Chris 608 337 497 (296265)

APEX CHIMNEY SERVICES , professional chimney sweeping and smoke testing. NACS Qualified. Clean and efficient Tel: Bob 696 320 202 (301300)

STARLIGHT Cleaning Services. All types of cleaning. Any size of property. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. Deep Clean for Bars & Restaurants. We also do a professional Chimney Sweeping service. 682 636 451 www.starlight-spain.com

CLEARFLOW – Unblocking, CCTV inspection, repair and installation. Tel: 630 200 600 / 952 885 661. www.desatoroscle arflow Facebook: DesatorosCle arflow (301154)

ELECTRICAL TYPES of work undertaken Malaga to Marbella & Inland Frank Tel. or Whatsapp 650 561 629 (302309)

IRIS-IRRIGATION and landscapes. TRENCHLESS NO DIG Irrigation installation, Cables, Fibre Optic, Electric & Lighting Cables. New Installations & problem-solving. Turf (supply and laying). Garden constructions. Tree surgeon. Clearing. Astro Turf (Free Quotation) 676 747 521 (301097)

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 metallic look without painting or replacing. Work carried out on site with 10 year warranties Contact Ian 644 546 176 for design brochure and samples. (293467)

BENALMADENA Elim Family Fellowship. Elimfamilyfellowship. com or call 951 912 525 or 952 446 627. (10011)

CALAHONDA: Encounter Church (Elim), Family church with kids’ activities, Iglesia San Miguel, Sundays 4.30pm, Rev. David Hodgson, 695 115 496 (10012)

THE Ark Christian Church. We meet at The Ark Christian School, Calle Río Darro 2 y Plaza Juncal, 29651, Mijas Costa (the road behind the Mijas Aquapark) on Sundays at 11.00am. Pastor, Andrew Seale Tlf 682 713 491 www.thearkspain.com (293850)

RAINBOW Pinturas . English Painters & decorators. All aspects. Interior/exterior, private residential, commercial & communities. Spraying: door, kitchens & furniture. Light construction. Call/WhatsApp: Daniel: 628 066 308 www.rainbowpin turas.com (302039)

ATD DECOR. British Painter. 30 Years’ Experience. Punctual. Great Rates. Call for free quote. 603 132 783 Facebook: @ATD DecorMalaga (302412)

MARBLE FLOOR (2.50€/m2) WHY PAY MORE. WE CLEAN, CRYSTALLISE, SEAL THEN POLISH YOUR MARBLE TO HIGH GLOSS, NON-SLIP. PROFESSIONAL GUARANTEED, FAST SERVICE. 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. ALSO REPAIRS DAMAGES TO MARBLE, CLEAN AND SEAL TERRACOTTA TERRACES, CO VERS ALL COSTA DEL SOL. TEL: 671 244 683 (295522)

ELECTRIC GATE/GARAGE

DOOR automation repaired. Free, no obligation quotation. Call Colin - 636 394 641 (302074)

HOT TUBS new used, bought, sold, hired. Also move & repairs. Used good Hot Tubs for sale. 691 973 131 / +44 7836 379122 (302313)

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet, upholstery cleaning, 28 years’ experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable

DOMESTIC Appliance repairswashing machines, fridges, cookers, ovens, water heaters, gas / electric, professionally repaired. Christian 608 337 497 (296265)

WASHING MACHINES, Ovens, Boilers etc. All work guaranteed by ex Zanussi technician. Reliable rapid service. Joe 609 345 096 (302458)

MARBLE FLOORS polished high shine non-slip. Fast Service Reliable, family-run business. TERRACOTTA CLEANED and sealed. No job too small. Cleansol 10am – 10pm 7 days all areas. 952 930 861 / 607 610 578 Discount code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

MARBLE POLISHING, CRYSTALLISING, LASTING, HIGH SHINE. REGRINDING, RESTORATION OF SALTY, DEAD FLOORS. 27YRS EXPERIENCE. RELIABLE. REFS AVAILABLE. CYRIL. 645 840 199 (302550)

ELECTRIC GATES /Garage Doors. Intercoms/access control systems and replacement remotes. New installs and repairs. For all your electric gate and garage door requirements call us on 605 356 469/952 786 178. The Garage Door Co & 2 Way Gates. tgdc @hotmail.co.uk www.2way gates.com (294202)

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM furniture wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (302036)

Red Dog Cinema, Puerto Banus

• STRANGE WORLD SAT,SUN: 12:30

• THE AMAZING MAURICE MON,TUES,WED,THURS,FRI: 17:15

SAT,SUN: 12:00 AND 15:00

• OPERATION FORTUNE: THE GREAT HOAX EVERYDAY: 19:15

• AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER 3D MON,TUES,WED,THURS,FRI: 17:00

ANTHONY’S ANTIQUES JEWELLERS AND PAWNBROKERS IS NOW BUYING ALL TYPES OF WATCHES AND JEWELLERY IN ANY CONDITION, ALSO, SILVER, ANTIQUES AND THE UNUSUAL. WE BUY, WE PAY MORE, WE PAY CASH. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL ANTHONY ON +34 609 529 633 (296440)

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931 (301104)

CHIROPRACTOR

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.abbeygateinsu re.com (291234)

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)

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

20:30 SAT,SUN: 11:30, 15:00, 18:30, 21:00

• SINGING IN THE RAIN MON,TUES,WED,THURS,FRI: 17:00

SAT,SUN: 15:00

• THE ESTATE MON,TUES,WED,THURS,FRI: 17:30 AND 19:30

SAT,SUN: 15:15 AND 19:10

• PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH EVERY DAY: 17:15

SAT,SUN: 12:00, 15:15

SAT,SUN: 11:30, 15:00, 18:30

• AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER 2D MON,TUES,WED,THURS,FRI: 19:15

SAT,SUN: 17:00 AND 20:30

RED DOG: The cinema has lots of English film times.

Credit: Facebook/Red Dog

FURNITURE wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (302036)

PROFESSIONAL garden services from Fuengirola to Estepona. All aspects of

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

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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 2875)

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, decontracting 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)

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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)

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

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 relax - 634.703.111

BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427 (302620)

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

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

WWW.LAILALYNCH1.COM . Heated pool, Jacuzzi and private bar. Inland private retreat with a full massage service. 662 913 428 (FU 2849)

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 complete caress body massage. 50% off seniors, pensioners, retired. 658 336 295 (fu 2876)

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)

ESTEPONA next to Cancelada, Kannika, Asian masseuse, complete relaxation, makes you contented and more. 602 427 095 (FU 2857)

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

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)

FUENGIROLA. Russian blonde lady, professional Tantric massage. Whatsapp and Viber 613 818 042 (2869)

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

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 2853)

FUENGIROLA. Marisa, 38 years old, mature, all kinds of massages. Only WhatsApp. 631 659 408 (FU 2868)

NEW Fuengirola Salome 19 y.o., beautiful, brunette, massages and relaxation, 631 862 272 (FU 2872)

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

BOLICHES CELINA independent loving lady, kind, beautiful affectionate only for educated discreet respectable gentleman! Enjoy deep sensitive exciting relaxing massages in private discreet apartment, quite cosy atmosphere high satisfaction! Excellent calm treatments! Demanding excellent hygiene! Appointments 11am/6pm 622 210 797 (FU 2860)

ORIENTAL slim professional massage anti stress hard, soft massage relieving Marbella 603 257 690 (MI 556)

FUENGIROLA Centre. We are 4 beautiful friends, masseuses, new in town. 631 862 272 (FU 2872)

NUEVA Andalucia: Valery, Portuguese, mature, blond, sweet unique sensual massage. Independent. 685 221 959 (FU 2873)

SAN PEDRO BEACH. RELAXING AND SENSITIVE MASSEUSES WELCOME YOU IN A PRIVATE AND DISCREET PLACE. YOUNG AND PLEASANT. WITH APPOINTMENT. EASY, PRIVATE PARKING. TEl.. 666 194 079 - 674 679 757 (302631)

NEW . Melisa, blonde, 23 y.o., Beautiful, massage and rela xation. 631 862 272 (FU 2872)

MASSAGE and fun!! Genuine trained male tantric masseur. 602 098 606 (FU 2870)

MARBELLA . Karina ts, 29, Brazilian masseuse feminine blonde. Whatsapp 667 846 464 (FU 2871)

ESTEPONA Lady, Full Body Massage. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Private apartment. 686 792 992 (301469)

MARBELLA Experienced mobile Masseuse. Therapeutic, & Relaxing massage for your body and mind. Call Monik 686 740 661 (302625)

SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARACamilla Masseur 33 - private apartment - 603 804 443 (302661)

FUENGIROLA. Thai body massage. Hawaiian, Balinese, Sonia 40, independent 657 697 397 (fu 2835)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

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)

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)

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@aceof shades.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)

FOR SALE

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)

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/TRANSFERS

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 (290739)

INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER

LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (301483)

help offered, including donations of food and blankets. Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736. Our website is www.ace-charity.org where you can view all the dogs in our care. (93320)

If you would like to know more about rehoming, please call 653 257 875. Visit our website www.sos-animals.org or please phone Sandy on 952 385 923 or 666 814 056 if you would like to make a donation or help in any way. (93317)

MALE/Female Viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly all areas. Mixed trial packs available. Delivery or mail order available 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com

SOLUCIONES RAPIDAS - We will Paint your apartment in maximum 2 days. 640 350 479 (301298)

ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see on www.adana.es. Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, available from 10.00am until 2.00pm.

UK & IRISH Passport renewals including photos. Complete Service. Cath’s Cards. 952 885 759. www.cathscards.es (295683)

ANIMEX Foundation offers free will upgrading when leaving something for abandoned animals. Contact animexfounda tion@gmail.com or call 692 166 434 now for this absolutely free service (288287)

PLUMBING . Leak detection & blocked drains. Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.COM

Costa del Sol Property for sale. All areas / all budgets / all types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008 Email info@intermarbella.com (295509)

STARLIGHT PROPERTY . All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. 689 819 592 www.starlight -spain.com (301262)

ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual, various colours available including wood effect, we also offer a repair service. Make your home more secure! Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

POWERFUL MAGIC MAN 30 years experience in voodoo dolls, black & wihte magic. ring back love? remove all negativity & bad spirits? etc.result in 24h. 626 502 803

COCKROACHES, ANTS, insects, fleas, mice, rats, wasps, termite specialists. Fumigations, bars, restaurants, houses, etc. Sanitary department officially registered certificates. Serving the coast since 1985. Only legal English owned pest control company on the coast. If you want the best then phone N.P.S. Paul 676 700 370 (1296213)

ARCH - The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses, registered charity 8448, the Centre is open to visitors every Sunday from 9am until 2pm. Working closely with the Spanish authorities, we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and abandoned horses and donkeys. Come and meet our current rescues, learn about our work and how you may be able to help. Run solely by a small team of dedicated volunteers, the Centre is located between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin in Comm. de Viña Borrego behind Venta Miralmonte. For more information and directions see our website www.horseres cuespain.org, our Facebook page Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos or tel. 610 845 491 or 656 935 613 (93322)

WELL-established and thriving pet transport business for sale. For more info, please contact info@petchauffeur. eu (302549)

KENNELS

CAT & DOG World Kennels and Cattery. 952 112 978 / 630 197 435. www.catanddogworld.com (302565)

SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public at weekends from 10.00 to 5.00. Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at any time. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel. 608 258 950 info@sepeonline.net www.sepe online.net (93321)

SELLING UP?? Why not give us a call and let us give you an honest and realistic valuation of your property. List with us and let us take the stress out of selling your home. No sale no fee!! English agent on the ball with clients waiting. Please call 685 524 921.

LONG TERM RENTALS

AVAILABLE and also wanted. Super prices. Apartments, townhouses, villas, fincas, shops, offices, bars, restaurants. Coast & inland. Tlf 679 111 522 (301480)

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.COM Costa del Sol Property Long Term Rentals All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422 UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@intermarbe lla.com (295509)

ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (294242)

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS All Languages. 952 789 204 Mobile 654 613 094 sanpedrotransla tions@gmail.com (301426)

ACE CHARITY ‘El Refugio’ in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average 275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the town hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any

SOS ANIMAL REFUGE we have dogs, young and old looking for homes. Some of our dogs have been with us for some time and would love to find a cosy spot to curl up in and a knee on which to rest their heads. If you have room in your heart and home we would love to hear from you. We do not put our dogs to sleep - no matter how old, they are safe with us. For day to day needs and to pay for veterinary care, we much appreciate the support we receive. We desperately need items to sell on our market stall to help raise funds and are happy to come and collect. So, if you are having a clear-out, please contact us on 605 227 155.

THINKING of selling your property or interested in a current valuation? We have clients actively looking for properties from Torremolinos to Calahonda. List with us and let us sell your property. Call Joe 626 864 683

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.COM

Costa del Sol Property Sales & Long term rentals wanted. All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@inter marbella.com (295509)

15 CUBIC metre van returning to the UK 2nd February 2023. Space available each way. Tel. 639 928 090 (295249)

MAN AND VAN

MAN & VAN, 20€ ph. Removals, Rubbish & House Clearances. Paul 634 112 677 (291430)

2 MEN, Van €30 p hour. House Clearances & Storage. 651 081 610 (301134)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (293486)

STORAGE, Storage, Storage. Man & Van Services. Call/Whatsapp 690 155 340 (302418)

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL REMOVALS AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 1/2 DAY FROM €90. FULL DAY FROM €175. WE ALSO PROVIDE A FORTNIGHTLY DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE TO UK AND EUROPE (INCL SCOTLAND). WORLDWIDE SHIPPING TO USA, AUSTRALIA, ETC AND FULL STORAGE FACILITIES. TELEPHONE (0034) 952 578 507 OR (0034) 637 892 278 / EMAIL garymoveit@yahoo.co.uk (301295)

JDS EURO TRANSPORT & REMOVALS - Regular trips throughout Europe. Call or WhatsApp Julian 0044 7884 908 929. See Facebook Page for recommendations (301271)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (293486)

PROTECT your villa in the Marbella region against illegal occupation. Your premises will be checked twice a week, you will receive messages & photos. 609 524 882 (302618)

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, 28 years’ experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable. 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 acservs@outlook.com (290739)

CARPETS AND SOFAS cleaned. Reliable, fast service. Family run. Cleansol 952 930 861 / 607 610 578. 10am - 10pm 7 days, all areas Discount Code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

SOLAR Hot Water heating: FREE HOT WATER. 26 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality guaranteed. 952 663 141/ 670 409 759 info@envirocare spain.com www.enviro carespain.com (301178)

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290739)

WWW.INMOANDALUZ.COM. Bargain inland properties for all budgets, fincas, village homes, apartments and vi llas. Legal building plots. 952 491 609 / 685 514 835

STORAGE

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (293486)

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for Large Glazed Areas to Reflect Heat / Glare And Stop Furniture Fading And Still Keep The View. Save Heat in The Winter to Improve Your Living Environment. ian@solar shadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (292919)

CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosannacarmella8@gmail.com (301301)

Electric & Gas Water Heaters. Quality Installations. 26 years installation history in Spain. EnviroCare. All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759 info@envirocarespain. com www.envirocarespain. com (301178)

POOL MAINTENANCE, & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona & inland areas. 678 791 495 / 951 536 389 www.sparklenri pple.net (291440)

SWIMMING Pool Heating Pumps, Pool Covers, Rollers, Filtration Systems. 26 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality Guaranteed. 952 663 141/ 670 409 759 info@envirocarespain. com www.envirocare spain.com (301178)

WESTARPOOLS . Pool construction, renovation, repairs and heating. 619 246 372 / www.westarpools.com (301120)

DREAM Windows & Building Services UPVC windows & doors. High quality at great prices 15yrs on the coast. All work guaranteed. Also offer Aluminium windows, Mosquito screens, Persianas, Glass replacements, shower screens & much more. Call us on 619 604 562 dreamwindow1@outlook.com

WINDOW TINTING

MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal. Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts. Stop fading, heat & glare. 958 496 571644 546 176 ian@solarshadetint ing.com (292919)

TRADITIONAL WINDOW CLEANER Give your windows and doors that professional finish at affordable prices. Call Chris 604 871 121/ 952 561 607 (302562)

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)

BMW iX - controversial and daring!

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

WHEN BMW launched their rather futuristic, and not uncontroversial iX, the Marmite looks certainly drew a fair share of haters from the car Twitterati.

While some loved it many took the op posite view. With such a brave stylistic decision it’s nice to see that the iX has gained much praise, and deservedly so in many respects.

While the exterior style may still polarise opinion the spacious feeling interior garnered almost universal approval from the start. Unsurprising since it’s a premium, clean and modern design. I’m not a fan of the trend for digitalisation

systems. You still have to dive into menus to operate most functions, but it manages to make life much simpler than most and it becomes familiar remarkably quickly. Seat controls are on the door panels and buttons, rather than traditional

On the road the iX handles remarkably well considering it’s a large and heavy car, and even though my test model was the smaller battery pack it still produces mighty impressive acceleration. It’s also a very quiet and refined car,

FUTURISTIC iX: A pretty special and rather daring vehicle.

expensive before you even begin to look at options.

The range starts from €82,533/£69,905 and it’s not difficult with options to tip the €118,070/£100k mark. Indeed the top iX model starts at €134,499/£119,225. Opening the doors and the rear tailgate may go some way to explaining that price level as you can see the carbon fibre structure of the iX.

Will people buy it? De ­

spite the somewhat limited range on the entry model, manufacturers must despair at the lamentable public EV charging infrastructure, and that high price tag, this is an immensely driveable, likeable and impressive machine. I suspect it will always be a limited sight on our roads but one which has already started to attract more admirers and as halo cars go the iX is pretty special and rather daring.

Facts at a Glance

way of road or wind noise. If there is a problem, it is two­fold; range and price. The smaller battery has a quoted range of up to 262 miles, which in reality means a limited long ­ distance ability, but in larger battery form the range is much more useable at 380 miles.

Price is probably more of a factor in that the iX is very

• Model: BMW iX xDrive40 M Sport

• Engine: Li-lon 71 kwh battery – 326PS

• Gears: Automatic

• Performance: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 6.1 seconds/Maximum Speed 199 km/h (124 mph)

• Range: up to 262 miles

• Emissions: 0 g/km (WLTP)

• Price as tested: €86,076/£72,905

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

The Classic & Sports Car Club

First Car Run!

probably know that the Classic Car Club has now evolved into the Classic & Sports Car Club of Andalucia. In this form, the Club had its first car run to set things off for the new year. Organised by Ian and Carol Giles, the Club enjoyed a successful lunch last Tuesday at La Sierra Restaurante in Cerros del Aguila and then an amazingly successful car run on the following Saturday.

Cars gathered at Venta El Tunel, just across the Pantanos near Malaga, to enjoy a social chat over bacon sarnies and coffee and a chance to look the beautiful cars.

Numerous Porsches, Jaguars, Mercedes including a Pagoda, MGBs including a V8 version, Mazda MX5, Peugeot 205Gti, a stunning Spanish built ‘Hurtan’, a Chevvy Camaro and the most amazing V8 Chevvy pick­up truck that would win any car show or Concours D’Elegance!

The route left the Pantano around 11.00am and headed up through the west side of the Montes de Malaga into Casabermeja. From there, cars took the road to Villanueva de la Concepcion before climbing up the famous Torcal with its amazing rock formations and incredible views. On the very top of the Torcal the organisers had arranged a stop

to take in the views and enjoy a complementary glass of Cava!

After circulating the Torcal from West to east cars came down through to Alora and a coffee stop at Los Caballos near Pizarra. Suitably refreshed the cars headed for Mijas and then to la Cala de Mijas. Here a superb lunch was enjoyed at the famous ‘Olivia’s’ in La Cala where food

Five second-hand cars that pass Spain’s low emission zone rules

was cooked by executive chef and TV celebrity, Steven Saunders. Cava was served on arrival and live music kept the fun atmosphere going. All members reported firstclass food and service.

The Club always has a lunch on

the first Tuesday of the month at La Sierra Restaurante in Cerros del Aguila and follows that with a car run and lunch on the next Saturday. The next events are Tuesday February 7 and Saturday, February 11.

Safest cars on the road

SAFETY is a driving factor behind many motorists’ choice of vehicle. But how do you know which model is the safest? Each year, Europe’s independent car safety body, Euro NCAP, tests the most popular cars on the market. Today we’re bringing you the analysts’ most recent findings, including their ‘Best in Class’.

Electric car

SPAIN’S rapid decision to implement low emission zones in cities and large towns has left some drivers feeling caught off guard.

But today, we’re bringing you five secondhand car options that are still allowed to enter urban areas.

Fiat Tipo (LPG)

Fiat Tipo models on the second­hand market tend to have fairly low kilometre counts, are versatile and comfortable. Starting at €7,000, the car is great value for money.

Opel Astra (LPG)

Starting at €10,000, this model is highly ranked for performance, comfort and its value at around €8,000. With a 1.4 litre engine, the car is ideal for round­town purposes.

This Romanian brand offers several LPG models from the Sandero to the Duster and Lodgy. The cars are versatile, appealing to different motorist profiles.

Toyota Auris HSD

If you’re after a slightly more environmentally­friendly option, a hybrid car could be for you. This hybrid model is nearly 10 years old, but is comfortable and reliable. Many are available around €5,000, but experts recommend checking the batteries before buying.

Toyota Auris HSD Second Generation

This slightly newer model starts at around €6,000. Although it has more advanced technology, still check the battery condition.

As well as being the safest electric car, the Tesla Model S was also ranked the safest sedan picking up safety score of 94 per cent in tests.

Family car

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 similarly stood out with an excellent adult safety rating of 97 per cent and 87 per cent for children thanks to its advanced driving assistant technology.

Small car A surprise on the list, Great Wall Motors’ Ora Funky Cat impressed in safety tests with a 92 per cent safety rating, surpassing several industry heavyweights.

Small SUV

The Tesla Model Y snapped up the ‘Best in Class’ award thanks to its incredible safety score of 97 per cent. The

car, which was the most popular new car sold in Europe last year, was also ranked the best small SUV by the body.

Off

road

Another relatively unknown car took first place in this category. The Wey Coffee 01 was described as being ‘well­equipped’ and obtained an impressive 91 per cent safety score.

CAR RUN: Just some of the beautiful cars that took part.

Dacia Sandero (LPG)

Photo credit: Fingerhut / shutterstock.com

The Toyota Auris hybrid model is a highly-ranked car which is affordable secondhand and passes Spain’s tightening environmental rules.

INDUSTRY NEWCOMER: The Chinese Great Wall Motors company achieved top points in European safety tests with its Ora Funky Cat model.

Photo credit: VanderWolf Images / shutterstock.com

It’s a knockout Football transfer news

BRITISH social media sensation­turned­boxing star, KSI secured victory in the ring once more in a bout against fellow YouTube personality, FaZe Temperrr on Saturday, January 14. KSI soared to victory with a first round knockout during the match.

Brazilian ­ born Temperrr stepped up from the undercard at the last minute to replace Dillon Danis in the planned Misfits Boxing bout after Danis pulled out just two weeks before, citing a lack of training.

The cruiserweight crossover fight was held in Wembley Stadium, in London with a passionate crowd including TV star, Louis Theroux showing up to support KSI.

Temperrr landed a few shots, but KSI came through in the first round with a right hand and left hook to put him on the ground. As Temperrr failed to answer the count, the knockout was awarded to KSI after just two minutes and 19 seconds.

Boxing commentators applauded Temperrr for stepping up to the challenge but also remarked that “it’s time” for KSI to fight opponents at a higher level as it’s becoming “a mismatch”.

The win brings KSI one step closer to a highly­anticipated clash with another YouTuber, Jake Paul.

THE 22­year­old Ukrainian international, Mykhaylo Mudryk has joined Chelsea FC from Shakhtar Donetsk.

In the latest transfer news from the English Premier League, 22­year­old Ukraine international Mykhaylo Mudryk has completed his move to Chelsea FC. After seven seasons playing for the top Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, the winger moved to Stamford Bridge for a reported £88.5 million.

Mudryk’s signature had been wanted by bosses in another part of London where Arsenal appeared to be firm favourites to sign the talented young player. Chelsea are said to have outbid Mikel Arteta’s club to land him at the last minute.

He underwent a medical on Sunday, January 15, before signing on the dotted line to spend the next seven seasons with Graham Potter’s side.

A mouthwatering £100,000a­week deal was apparently of­

fered to the player by Todd Boehly’s outfit. As a result, Mudryk becomes the secondmost expensive transfer in the club’s history.

Graham Potter is struggling to get results with his side this sea­

son with the Blues languishing well below the top six in the table. This latest signing will give him some hope of turning things around and also shows he has the support of those who matter.

Directors told to stay home

EVERTON FC said that their directors were told to stay away from Saturday’s game citing a “credible threat to their safety.”

The announcement came on Saturday, January 14 with fans planning a protest following last week’s loss and recent dismal performance.

The club said that security advisors told Chairman Bill Kenwright, Chief Executive Denise Barrett­Baxendale, Chief Finance and Strategy Officer Grant Ingles and Non­executive Director Graeme Sharp to stay away from the ground and the area.

A statement by the club said: “The board members received the instruction following malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence received by the club and increasing incidents of antisocial behaviour ­ including targeted physical aggression ­ at recent home matches. This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club ­ never before has our entire board of directors been ordered not to attend a match on safety grounds.”

Without a win since October, fans are said to be furious and had planned a sit­down protest at the ground. The club was due to play bottom of the league Southampton.

Captain Cristiano

CRISTIANO RONALDO is set to put on the captain armband for a friendly match between an allstar Saudi Arabian side and PSG today, Thursday, January 19. The fixture will be the player’s debut and first international test with players from his new league.

Ronaldo will captain an all ­ star XI, consisting of players from Al ­ Nassr and Al ­ Hilal as they take on French team Paris Saint Germain, who are currently on a tour of the Middle East.

After announcing his move to the Saudi team at the end of December, Ronaldo has not yet had chance to show off his skills in a new league.

The match will see the Portuguese star take on his long ­ time rival, Lionel Messi, in his first game since signing for Saudi team Al ­ Nassr. Ronaldo often came up against

the now World Cup champion in matches in the Spanish La Liga when they played for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Saudi officials from AlHilal are reportedly

drawing up an offer for Messi, hoping to resurrect the years ­ long rivalry between the two players, but Messi is expected to remain at PSG.

4.0

100million euros, Pedri is the leading national football team player in Spain as of Nov 2022.

Ukrainian footbller Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Credit: Wikipedia - By SoccerStart - Own work, CC BY-SA

KSI: Secured victory in the ring once more.

Photo credit: KSI (Via Instagram)

RONALDO: To play his debut match with his new team.

Photo credit: Cristiano (Via Instagram)

It’s a knockout

BRITISH social media sensation­turned­boxing star, KSI secured victory in the ring once more in a bout against fellow YouTube personality, FaZe Temperrr on Saturday, January 14. KSI soared to victory with a first round knockout during the match.

Brazilian­born Temperrr stepped up from the undercard at the last minute to replace Dillon Danis in the planned Misfits Boxing bout after Danis pulled out just two weeks before, citing a lack of training. The cruiserweight crossover fight was held in Wembley Stadium, in London with a passionate crowd including TV star, Louis Theroux showing up to support KSI. Temperrr landed a few shots, but KSI came through in the first round with a right hand and left hook to put him on the ground. As Temperrr failed to answer the count, the knockout was awarded to KSI after just two minutes and 19 seconds. Boxing commentators applauded Temperrr for stepping up to the challenge but also remarked that “it’s time” for KSI to fight opponents at a higher level as it’s becoming “a mismatch”.

The win brings KSI one step closer to a highly­anticipated clash with another YouTuber, Jake Paul.

THIS week saw a return to action in the Euro Weekly News Walking Football Leagues and BAHA Whiskey Cup competition after the festive layoff.

BAHA Whiskey Cup

The BAHA Whiskey Cup competition, which sees its third year of sponsorship, has so far been played in two round­robin sections, east and west, with the winner of each playing the second placed team in the opposite section at home. This has resulted in the following semifinal games, these to be played in the near future:

Malaga v Nerja Utd Competa v (still to be decided)

Malaga have already cemented their top place in the west section by beating AC Benhavis 5 ­ 3 at home last week. This was a challenging contest between two well­organised teams, with Malaga controlling the majority of the play with a solid defensive display and some good goalkeeping. They will play Nerja Utd, who finished in second spot in the east section, in one semi ­ final. However, games are still being contested to decide who plays Boca

And we’re off!

Seniors Competa, who head the east’s round robin group, in the other semi­final. Watch this space!

Leagues Torrox Tornadoes 3 v 1 Nerja Utd

In the Euro Weekly News Over 60s League, Torrox Tornadoes got revenge for recent cup results by beating Nerja Utd 3 ­ 1 at home. A well­spirited and lively game

saw some good passing and well­timed movement, along with energy and controlled, competitive effort. Only one converted penalty for running was awarded, along with three well­taken goals, the last of which sealed the match for Torrox with a 30 metre lob, which turned out

100

to be the last kick of the game! Well done to both sides for providing such an entertaining fixture!

Don’t forget…… ……you can find out more up­to­date information concerning all our Costa clubs by accessing Facebook walking footy.com.

million euros, Pedri is the leading national football team player in Spain as of Nov 2022.

WALKING FOOTBALL: Has now returned to action after the festive period.