Costa Blanca North 26 January – 1 February 2023 Issue 1960

WALK FOR AKIRA!

DOG-WALKING volunteer

Lee Harker is embarking on a 240 kilometre walk from Moraira to Valencia and back to raise money for the Akira Angels project launched to convert land into a training and rehabilitation centre. The walk is from January 30 to February 4 and Akira dogs will join him part of the way.

“I’m doing it is because I love dogs ­ all animals, just dogs the most! It’s my passion to help as many dogs as possible,” said Lee. “If I won the Euromillions, I’d build the world’s best dog shelter.

“In the meantime, I’m doing this walk for the new centre. I appreciate it’s an expensive time of the year

with bills going up, so if you can’t donate, I would appreciate it if you could share my GoFundMe page with as many friends as possible.”

Lee’s GoFundMe page is here: Fundraiser by Lee Harker

Akira receives donations and holds fundraising events to cover running costs, but Akira’s Angel, a fundraising initiative to extend the shelter’s facilities, has its own website, https://akira­angels.org.

Culture against bullets

A TOTAL of 32 Ukrainian women who have lost a relative in the war are participating in a psychological rehabilitation programme in Calpe for women who have lost relatives or been attacked or kidnapped in the war in Ukraine. The programme is organised by NGO ‘Cultura contra las balas’.

The women are spending two weeks at La Fossa beach participating in activities supervised by psychologists, therapists and volunteers. They have had spa treatments, excursions to Alicante and Novelda, and tasted the town’s cuisine at local hotels and restaurants. The Red Cross also took them on a hike through Calpe’s salt flats.

This project is possible thanks to groups and residents that have selflessly taken part.

The NGO plants to repeat the programme with children in March.

LEE HARKER: It’s his passion to help as many dogs as possible.

Arts Society Marina Alta

THE Arts Society Marina Alta will hold its 2023 Annual General Meeting on February 2 at Salones Canor Teulada.

The meeting will be followed the first presentation of the new season. Doors

open at 9.30 for registration, the AGM beginning at 10.15, with the presentation beginning at 11.00am.

Speaker Brian Healey will present ‘The Extraordinary Talents of John Singer Sargent’. John Singer Sargent

was an American expatriate artist, considered the ‘leading portrait painter of his generation’ for his evocations of Edwardian­era luxury.

Few artists can match the achievements of this American artist who trained in Paris and spent much of his life depicting the world of the Belle Époque.

His style is uniquely his own, impressionistic and realistic at once, flamboyant and spontaneous with a bravura and exactitude reminiscent of Velasquez and Van Dyck.

Sargent is buried in the Brookwood Cemetery in Woking, UK, with many other artists including Gustav Von Franck, Alfred William Hunt and Rebecca West.

For details of membership opportunities please contact Maggie at b.marinaalta@ theartssociety.org or for more information David at ch.mari naalta@theartssociety.org. Website: theartssociety.org/ marina­Alta

ON Wednesday, January 18, the TeuladaMoraira Fishing Club met to fish section B2.

The best fish of the day and biggest fish of the winter league so far weighed in at 6.875 kilograms, caught by Mick Owen.

There was a total catch of 17 fish with a combined weight of 37 kilograms, 10 of which were caught by two fishermen.

The final results for the day were: first place, Steve Hartwell who caught six fish weighing in at 12.35 kilograms. In second spot was Graham Sewell with four fish and a combined weight of 10.975 kilograms. Catching one fish weighing 6.875 kilograms put Mick Owen in third place. Richard Horsley followed in fourth place with two fish weigh­

Fishing Club

The best fish.

ing 5.65 kilograms and Ray Turvey who caught two fish weighing 4.35 kilograms.

The next match is on Wednesday, January 25. For further information contact Frank Povey by email: frankpovey1@gmail.com, or by phone on (+34) 966 490 338.

Activities for U3A

ON January 23, U3A Marina Baixa held its 16th Annual General Meeting at the Casa de Cultura in Alfaz del Pi. U3A Marina Baixa offers several groups, and have a few activities arranged for February. On February 3, the Strollers have a walk along the Punto de Cavall near the Rincon de Loix in Benidorm.

On Tuesdays, the Computing and Technology group meet at the Casa de Cultura and on Thursdays, the Craft group meet at Albir Social Centre next to Mercadona, as do the Chaps, Chats and Coffee, who meet

at Godoy’s Restaurant next to the market car park in Albir. On Thursdays, the Petanca group enjoys an afternoon in the Eucalyptus Park.

On February 13, there will be a picnic in la Cala, and on February 24, the Wine and Dine Group will be at Transylvania in Albir.

Membership costs €10 per year. The next meeting is on February 27 at the Casa de Cultura, Alfaz del Pi, at 11.00am. To make new friends, why not go along? For more information, contact the Secretary on 965 845 803 or 615 745 366 or email u3ambsec@gmail.com

Field upgrade

CALPE’S football field is being upgraded at a cost of almost half a million euros, partly with a grant from the provincial government in Alicante. Approximately 7,000 sqm of damaged artificial turf are being replaced, and the drainage system upgraded. The work will take approximately two months.

Postage stamp

THE 50th anniversary of an iconic building in Calpe ­ La Muralla Roja ­ is commemorated on a postage stamp available from January 26. The stamps are expected to be extremely popular with collectors.

Packaging tax

A NEW tax on non­reusable plastic containers took effect on January 1. Companies that manufacture nonreusable plastic containers or make EU acquisitions or imports of this type of product above certain limits are subject.

Tourism guide

BENIDORM Council and the Platform for People with Physical Disabilities have published a Digital Guide to Accessible Hotels. The document reflects the sector’s commitment to providing an accessible tourist experience for everyone.

Taxi!

DENIA City Council is granting eight new taxi licences to meet demand during the peak season in response to numerous complaints and to ensure there are enough vehicles permanently on duty.

Young voices

HAVEA has organised a forum from January 27 to 29 for young people aged 16 to 30 to debate policies and express their views. The discussions will take place in the Youth Space in Ca Lambert. They will be divided into three sessions: youth, health and emancipation.

APASA dog blessing

THE Asociación Protectora de Animales in Javea, APASA, welcomed the local parish priest to its facilities on Sunday, January 12 to bless the dogs currently in its care. This was also a fundraising opportunity for APASA and featured music with Charly, a raffle, a barbecue, smoked trout, and the usual fantastic cakes. These were all donated, and according to attendee Pauline Kershaw, they were “out of this world.”

Members of the public were invited to bring their own animals along to the kennels for a blessing. The atmosphere was lovely, making this a busy and well­sup­

LAST year was the hottest north Costa Blanca, and figures released by Alicante University and the Valencian Meteorological Association (AVEMET) show a clear trend to increasingly higher temperatures.

There were 130 nights classified as ‘tropical’ in the Marina Alta. Nights are considered tropical when the temperature is above

Hotter than ever

20 degrees Celsius. The weather station on the Montgo in Denia logged 130 tropical nights in total last year, fifth highest figure in the region. Five other towns in the Marina Alta had over 100 tropical nights in just one year: Pego (121), eight of

Just Us Girls

the stations in Javea (the one in the old town suffered 119 tropical nights), Calpe (with 118), Verger (114).

During the day, maximum temperature of over 32 degrees that make going outside unpleasant were common, in fact the

Pego weather station registered 89 of these scorchers.

The change is a threat to people’s health, and may cause a shift in the economy or peak holiday season, with tourists choosing to travel during cooler times of year.

It’s not a weed

THE Valencian government and local councils are working hard to protect the posidonia seaweed that keeps the Mediterranean that laps our coastline stay crystal clear.

The Nautical Tourism Association of the Marina Alta met with the nautical tourism association of the Marina Alta last week to discuss the Posidonia Decree approved last summer and the new Buoys plan.

where the council manages the buoys, and the Environment and Tourism Departments are also involved.

Another subject discussed at the meeting was the mapping of the seabed so that navigators know where there is posidonia and do not drop anchor in these areas.

Shopping night

THE Akira charity shop in Moraira is making space for new items, so on Thursday, February 9, for one night only, everything in store will be up for grabs with a fantastic 50 per cent discount.

The charity is currently working extra hard, raising money to pay for new facilities to keep the dogs it supports happy and healthy, so not only will you be getting a bargain, you will also be helping to improve the life of our best friends now and in the future.

You’ll find clothes, gifts, shoes, household goods and much more. The only goods not included in the half price sale are items of furniture. So come down to the Akira charity shop at Avenida del Portet 19, Moraira and snap up some great buys to freshen up your wardrobe.

While you are there, why not ask the staff about opportunities to walk some of the dogs up for adoption, and other ways you can help with this worthy cause?

The Akira Animal Sanctuary is on the La Pedrera industrial estate in Benissa. For more information call 657 689 567 or write to akirashelter@aol.com.

JUGS

For

The Ministry has analysed the current situation on the coast of the Valencian Community and prepared a detailed inventory of the existing buoys and areas frequented by recreational boats and identified the Marina Alta as the busiest areas, with too few buoys to protect the precious posidonia meadows.

It is a complex yet essential process involving local, regional and national administrations. They find the model used in Javea most efficient,

ported event, and the organisation would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support.

The priest visited the kennels, blessing the dogs, who received some treats, which were much appreciated!

PARISH PRIEST: Blessed the dogs currently in the care of APASA.

U3A Calpe JUGS (Just Us Girls) dining group dived straight into 2023 with a delightful lunch at Restaurante El Escorial in Calpe. A total of 21 Ladies met on January 11 to celebrate the New Year and toast their health. The service was flawless and the group’s two new leaders, Mary Lynn and Karen, were joined for an excellent meal by recent past leader Anita Sanchez and her predecessor, Valerie Wetherald. Everyone had a marvellous time!

is a popular ladies’ dining group now led by Karen Flack and Mary Lynn Seaby, who have combined their energies. Jugs meet for a ladies­only lunch every second Thursday at different venues each month.

more information about the group, write to jugslunch.u3acalpe@gmail.com or call Karen on 689 103 590.

Karen, Mary, Lynn, Maureen.

Anita and Lynne.

Jaguar Enthusiasts Club

THE Jaguar Enthusiasts Club finished December with a masquerade ball on December 10 and a traditional Christmas lunch on December 15. These events made the end of the year memorable and members now look forward to 2023.

Thursday, January 19, saw 57 people in their Jaguar cars converge from all areas of the Costa Blanca and Murcia. The Club finally finished up at the restaurant La Herradura in Los Montesinos for lunch. A good day was had by all.

If you are a Jaguar owner and would like to join the JEC please contact Mike Brook by WhatsApp or call (+34) 640 866 711. The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club Spain is a group of Jaguar enthusiasts living in Spain.

THE Akira charity shop in Moraira is making space for new items, so on Thursday, 9 February, for one night only, everything in store will be up for grabs with a fantastic 50 per cent discount.

The charity is currently working extra hard, raising money to pay for new facilities to keep the dogs it supports happy and healthy, so not only will you be getting a bargain, you will also be helping to improve the life of our best friends now and in the future.

You’ll find clothes, gifts, shoes, household goods and much more. The only goods not included in the half price sale are items of furniture. So come down to the Akira charity shop at Avenida del Portet 19, Moraira and snap up some great buys to freshen up your wardrobe for 2023.

While you are there, why

AKIRA shopping night

not ask the staff about opportunities to walk some of the dogs up for adoption, and other ways you can

help with this worthy cause?

The Akira Animal Sanctuary is on the La Pedrera in -

dustrial estate in Benissa. For more information call 657 689 567 or write to aki rashelter@aol.com.

Spain vs Sweden

RUGBY fans will be delighted to hear the Spain versus Sweden Rugby European Women’s Championship Final is being held at Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium.

The event is set to take place on Saturday, February 25, at 5.00pm. Tickets for the game are €10.00 for adults, whilst those under 14-yearolds have free entry.

Obtain your ticket at www.entradium.com under rugby games.

The game will be covered by TVE Teledeporte.

Facilities at the ground include bars, a DJ and music, food stalls, a catering area, a souvenir

shop and free parking.

Anyone wishing to head along to the game will find Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium situated at Carretera El Pantano, Villajoyosa. Just take the motorway AP-7 exit Nº 66. At the first roundabout head for the mountain. It is about 1km from the motorway exit nº 66. Or take the Villajoyosa by-pass, and take the middle exit, at the first roundabout, bare right towards the motorway entrance and at the second roundabout bare left towards the mountain.

If you need more information please contact Ignacio Davila by email: ignacio.davila@ctaa.net or call (+34) 608 068 208.

LUNCH: A good day was had by all.

Image: Jaguar Enthusiasts Club

Surfing in La Nucia

LA NUCIA will soon have Spain’s first wave pool for surfers that will put the town on the map. The pool will have 20 types of waves and will be a training facility which will attract thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. The project was announced at FITUR, the International Tourism Fair in Madrid, and has caused quite a stir at the world’s leading tourism event. It will be the country’s first surf park in Spain and a major tourist attraction.

The 70,000 square metre facilities will be built this year by Wavegarden and are expected to open in summer 2024. As well as a large lagoon, there will be a surf school and surf shop, restaurants, coworking areas, accommodation for athletes and a multifunctional building with a gym, fitness room, yoga room, etc. When fully operational, it is expected to receive 200,000 international visitors per year.

Surfing has been an Olympic sport since the Tokyo Games in 2020. The first surf park in Spain is a strategic project for local, provincial and regional tourism, sport and the economy and will be an important part of the ‘La Nucia, City of Sport’ project.

Traveller’s tales

NOT only is Javea U3A’s auspicious Travellers’ Tales group leader Angela Chantry a great organiser and speaker, but an outdoor fan with masses of energy and a passion for walking, as her latest presentation proved!

Members returning to the Javea Players’ Studio for the January Travellers’ Tales meeting enjoyed a New Year drink and nibbles before being entertained by Angela’s talk, entitled ‘The Greek Peloponnese and Athens’.

Angela previewed her presentation by explaining that it was an illustrated account of her two-week walking and sightseeing holiday with her daughter, Becky. That proved to be

something of an understatement, her ‘holiday’ consisting of days of long, often challenging treks up and down rugged mountainsides, along railway tracks still used by trains and changes in climate from bright sunshine to freezing cold snow!

However, her springtime ‘jaunt’ satisfied Angela’s passion for history and reminders of the civilisations of the past. Angela and Becky’s adventure included visits to ancient monuments, museums and caves as well as the most famous landmark of them all: the Acropolis in Athens.

For details of U3A events and how to join, visit the website u3ajavea.com.

L’Alfas wins quality badges

THE open-air Villa Romana de l’Albir Museum and the Tourist Info of the Paseo de las Estrellas by the sea on the Racó de l’Albir beach have just been awarded quality badges from the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality at tourism exhibition FITUR in Madrid.

The Roman ruins museum is in Boulevard de los Musicos 28, Playa Albir, and contains the ruins of a Roman villa thought to have been occupied between the fourth and sixth century AD.

The museum opened in 2011 and is an

opportunity to see one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Roman baths in the Valencian community. The hot water heating system can still be seen, as well as a Mausoleum where the family were buried. It is a free activity and a must for local history buffs and tourists. The entire visit is accessible for people with impaired mobility and for children in prams. For groups with over eight people, ask about the availability of the guided visit service and book by email (museovillaromana@lalfas.com).

JAVEA U3A: Angela Chantry and Tony Dearie.

Image: Javea U3A

30,000 people demonstrated in Madrid against poor health services.

Legal aid in Javea

VALENCIA’S regional government has opened a legal aid or ‘Justiprop’ office in Javea offering a free legal assistance and guidance service.

Housed in the municipal offices of the Justice of the Peace (Carrer D’Avall, 39), the service’s legal professionals will provide citizens with free legal advice and information.

The office is fully equipped with the necessary technology, and private facilities to ensure confidentiality.

For the time being, it is only available on Thursdays from 10am to 2pm and by appointment only. Citizens can book a slot on the municipal website citaprevia. ajxabia.com or by calling at Social Services.

At the moment, the Justiprop office is offering information on access to justice, mediation, assistance to crime victims and protection of rights, consultations

about public or private resources for protecting and defending legal rights and in­

terests; formalities with Civil, Commercial and Property Registries and advice and

guidance to avoid legal disputes, and the feasibility of claims.

Fishing for visitors

VILLAJOYOSA Council is attending Spain’s biggest tourism exhibition in Madrid, IFEMA, promoting fishing and seafood and its countless other attractions.

As well as the sun and the beach, the town council is promoting Moors and Christians festivals, its age­old fishing traditions and culture, and outstanding local fish and seafood dishes.

The tourism department has noticed growing interest from visitors in the town’s history and a desire to eat zero­kilometre seafood and produce.

Most people here have a relationship with the sea, which is so important to the town’s culture and economy.

Villajoyosa’s tourism and fisheries councillor believes that promoting fishing and a reputation for great seafood is a commitment to sustainable tourism and a circular economy for the town, and hopes that many more

Promoting traditional trades.

people will visit to try the fresh fish and seafood on offer.

Also, in collaboration with a local art gallery, the town is promoting traditional trades related to the fishing industry, such as the nets once woven by local women to support the fishermen’s families.

FOLLOWING the passing of the world’s oldest person that title now belongs to Spaniard Maria Branyas, who is currently 115.

According to a news source on Wednesday, January 18 the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) confirmed the sad passing of Sister André (Lucile Randon) on Tuesday January 17 at the age of 118.

Branyas, who is a resident

of Santa Maria del Tura in Olot, was born on March 4, 1907 in San Francisco after her Catalan family moved there in 1906.

At the age of seven, they returned to Catalonia where she lived through two world wars and the Spanish civil war.

Although she is confined to a wheelchair Branyas is strong, having overcome Covid­19 in 2021.

She even has a Twitter account under the name of Super Àvia Catalana (@MariaBranyas112) and where a sentence states: ‘Soc vella, molt vella, però

No masks on public transport

A FINAL decision has yet to be taken but it seems masks will no longer being required on public transport in Spain from February.

Local experts are said to

have endorsed the removal of face masks on buses, trains and planes but not in health centres. It is understood the delay in making a decision is down to the open­

Organ donation

SPAIN continues to lead global organ donation figures which has helped Spain nearly recover its prepandemic transplant figures. The country recorded a 13 per cent increase in transplants completed during the last year in figures released on Thursday, January 19. The country has one of the highest organ donor figures in the world with 46.3 donors per million residents, well above the European average of 19.3.

After more than a year of pandemic disruption, organ transplants got back on track in 2022, growing by 13 per cent to 5,383 operations coming close to 2019 figures of 5,449. Approximately 15 transplants were carried out every day in the country. Spain also has an excellent bone marrow register with nearly 500,000 donors available.

Announcing the figures, Minister for Health, Carolina Darias said, “These figures represent a success that is shared by all of society and health professionals and place us in a position of excellence worldwide.”

ing up of China and the lack of solid data from the country’s authorities.

Sources close to the Ministry of Health told a news source on Wednesday, January 18 that a decision had already been made to remove the requirement from March. They added that the situation in China had unfortunately delayed any announcement.

Covid­19 is under control in Spain and experts have said that whilst they are supportive of the move, caution was needed until the China situation was clearer.

1

no idiota’ (I’m old, very old, but not idiot).

A daughter of a journalist from Pamplona who worked for the American magazine Mercurio, she married Joan Moret a Llagostera doctor in 1931.

Twitter Maria Branyas

Spaniard is oldest in world

Betty Henderson

Employment expectations

Betty Henderson

INTERNATIONAL job portal, LinkedIn has revealed the fastest growing job markets in Spain and the positions expected to be most in demand in 2023 in an annual report released on Wednesday, January 17.

The professional networking platform looked into the 25 employment positions that have increased the most during the last five years and analysed the current job market to come up with a list of ten professions expected to boom in 2023.

The positions identified were:

Sales specialists

Cybersecurity analysts

Photo credit: G-Stock Studio / shutterstock.com

No more

THE European Commission has informed Spain and Portugal that the extension of the ‘Iberian exception’ cannot go beyond December 2023.

Employment platform, LinkedIn expects sales specialists to be most in demand in 2023.

Releasing the report, the Editor of LinkedIn News in Spain, Maria Valero explained that the platform’s goal is to help to steer professionals in the right direction and find long-term career options.

Gas cylinder price drops

AS published on Monday, January 16, by the Official State Gazette (BOE), the maximum price of a butane gas cylinder was reduced by €0.92. A bottle of gas should now cost €17.66.

The maximum sale price of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) is reviewed bimonthly

on the third Tuesday of each month, by resolution of the General Directorate for Energy Policy and Mines.

This revision is calculated based on the cost of raw materials (propane and butane) in international markets and also takes into account the cost of

transportation and the evolution of the euro-dollar exchange rate.

As a result, the revision, either upwards or downwards, is limited to 5 per cent and the excess or defect in price accumulates, to be applied on subsequent occasions.

It was brought into force as a temporary measure to help both nations with their energy costs. The expiry date agreed upon was the end of this year and needs permission from Brussels to be extended further.

This information was reiterated during a meeting on Wednesday, January 18. According to media sources, the deadline of December 2023 was only a ‘suggestion’. Wednesday’s meeting was the first contact at the political level to address an agreement. This must now be worked out among the technical teams of Madrid and Lisbon.

80 Million

SPAIN received more than 80 million international air passengers in 2022 (80.4 million), the Spanish government confirmed on Wednesday, January 18.

In December, passengers from international airports reached 5.7 million, which means that 95 per cent of pre­pandemic passengers have been recovered.

For the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, these figures show that “2022 has been the year of the recovery of our tourism. We have seen it with the excellent employment figures with a record number of members in the tourism sector.”

In terms of volume, the United Kingdom was the leading issuer of passengers in December (1,158,536), representing 20.1 per cent of the total share of arrivals, followed by Germany with 726,697 (12.6 per cent share) and Italy, with 532,877 (9.3 per cent)

Good practices

PEOPLE struggling with their mortgage repayments in Spain will be pleased to hear that financial institutions have widely subscribed to the modification of the Code of Good Practices for vulnerable households.

This means they have adhered to the new Code approved by the government, which includes a wide range of measures that will enable up to one million households to see their mortgage burden alleviated.

The measures included in these codes are aimed at alleviating the financial situation of families affected by the rapid rise in Euribor, es-

pecially those vulnerable or at risk of vulnerability, preserving financial stability.

The implementation of these measures will facilitate a more gradual adaptation of households to the new interest rate environment.

Households with an income of less than three and a half times the IPREM (€29,400 per year) and a recent increase in the mortgage burden of at least 30 per cent will be able to benefit from these measures. For all these cases, financial institutions must offer an extension of the repayment period of up to seven years, with the possibility of a 12-month freeze on repayments.

“NATURE trails allow visitors to explore the countryside to discover nature and enjoy Spain’s food products,” confirmed the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, when discussing the network of Spain’s nature trails.

He confirmed that nature trails are an option that satisfies many of the current demands for active and sustainable tourism. They allow people to enjoy leisure and promote well-being, they also generate economic activity and business in rural areas.

Nature trails

and Food’s stand at the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid 2023 ( FITFUR), where the department held a series of activities to publicise the tourist attractions offered by the Nature Trails and the Foodstuffs of Spain.

Image: Irina Stutz / Shutterstock.com

DISCOVER NATURE: Promoting leisure and well-being.

Luis Planas visited the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries

Firm commitment

SPAIN and France have reaffirmed their firm commitment to energy cooperation.

In the framework of the 27th Spanish-French Summit, held on Thursday, January 19, in Barcelona, Spain and France reaffirmed their firm commitment to cooperation in energy matters.

They paid special attention to the ongoing reform of the European Union’s electricity market and the promotion of interconnections between both countries, in order to increase resilience and security of supply.

Both countries will work on their proposals for reforming the European electricity market so that they converge in a common position with the aim of approving the new model by 2023. They will also study the construction of a new power line between the two countries, taking advantage of the underwater route of the H2med hydro-duct between Barcelona and Marseille.

The minister highlighted the quality and variety of Spanish food and the interest of the public and international tourists generated by the campaign entitled ‘The richest country in the world’.

During his visit to FITUR, Luis Planas also received the Excelencias Award, granted to the Ministry for this campaign to promote Food from Spain.

MORTAGE PAYMENTS: Aim is to help vulnerable households.

Image: Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation / Spanish Government

million in box office sales for Puss and Boots, the cat from Andalucia.

NYC & Madrid

MADRID and New York are making progress on the implementation of a tourism promotion agreement. On Friday, January 20, the second day of the International Tourism Fair (FITFUR) in Madrid, Madrid’s councillor for Tourism, Almudeno Maillo, met with the heads of Marketing and Business Development of New York City.

At the meeting the foundations were laid to strengthen the joint promotion of high­impact tourism and gastronomy, sharing the strengths of both cities in these segments.

New York and Madrid will also collaborate on policies on which both destinations are already working intensively: decentralisation and product diversification. The cities, which have been twinned for 41 years, will also forge closer ties in the cultural and entertainment fields.

Madrid and New York

have a lively and long­lasting friendship that has flourished in recent years as Spain and the United States become more connected than ever. Though their official sis­

ter­city partnership was established in 1982, their relationship began in the early 1900s with the arrival of Spanish sailors at the port of New York.

Air traffic controllers strike

NEW strike action has been called in Spain’s aviation sector. On Wednesday, January 18, air traffic control members of the Usca (Air Traffic Controllers Union) and CC OO voted to go on strike, as reported by a local news source.

Vueling cabin crew members of Stavla are already conducting action, while maintenance technicians at Air Nostrum also called for strikes which were to begin on Monday January 23.

This latest strike will affect the personnel working in the privatised control towers of 16 national airports. Industrial action will take place for 24 hours, every Monday, on January 30, February 6, 13, 20 and 27.

The airport control towers affected will be those in, A Coruña, Alicante­Elche, Castellon, Cuatro Vientos, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Ibiza, Jerez, Lanzarote, La Palma, Lleida, Murcia, Sabadell, Sevilla, Valencia and Vigo.

As announced by both unions in a statement, a decision has been made because of the ‘failure of the negotiations’, with 162 air traffic control workers involved in the action. They declared that negotiations with the business association APCTA had broken down.

differences

WHEN discussing inheritances and wills, one of the elements that often cause confusion is the differences between heir and legatee in Spain. An heir is someone who inherits the deceased’s estate as a universal succes­

sor. In other words, the heir inherits all the assets, but also the debts. On the other hand, the legatee is only entitled to receive the specific assets given by the deceased in his or her will. A painting, a car, a house, etc. In today’s

article we try to answer the most common questions raised by this subject.

Is it true that the heir is liable for the debts of the inheritance, even with his own assets, and the legatee is not?

In principle, yes. Legatees are never liable for the debts of the inheritance with their own assets. However, the situation of the heirs is different. It all depends on how they accept the inheritance. In case of an unconditional acceptance (‘aceptación pura y simple’) the heir will be liable for all debts, even with his or her own assets.

Is there a way to prevent this from happening?

Yes. If the heirs have concerns about the debts that the deceased may have, they have a tool to ‘protect themselves’. We are referring to the acceptance of the inheritance with ‘benefit of inventory’. This form of acceptance, regulated in article 1010 of the Civil Code, must be executed in front of a no­

tary, and allows the heir’s own assets to be ‘protected’.

Can a legacy be detrimental to the legitimate rights of the heirs?

Some countries such as Spain, France, Belgium, etc. establish what is commonly known as the ‘reserved portion of the estate’, ‘forced share’, etc. This portion of the estate of the decease is reserved, by law, to certain heirs (parents, children, etc). In Spanish law, this share is 2/3 of the deceased’s assets, and must always be respected. Any legacy that prevents the heirs from receiving this share, won’t be valid and will have to be reduced or an ­

nulled.

What happens when the asset to be handed over to the legatee has a mortgage?

As explained above, one of the differences between heir and legatee in Spain is that the latter is not liable for the debts. What if the legacy is, for instance, a mortgaged property? Is the legatee forced to pay it? The answer is still NO. In principle, the mortgage debt must be paid out of the estate, and it is up to the heirs to take care of it.

If the heirs don’t pay the debt and the bank repossesses and auctions off the property, the legatee can claim against the heirs. The legatee can also claim against them if he or she voluntarily decides to pay the debt.

What happens to legacies when the estate has more debts than assets?

This will depend, to a large

extent, on the way in which the heirs have accepted the inheritance. As explained above, in cases of unconditional acceptance, the heirs would be liable even with their own assets. However, if the heirs accept the inheritance with ‘benefit of inventory’, the legacy would only be handed over if all debts have been settled first.

Conclusion.

The economic, financial, and personal implications of a misplanned inheritance can be very significant. At WhiteBaos Abogados we are experts in Inheritance Law. If you have any doubts about the differences between heir and legatee in Spain, need assistance on how to draft your will, or require legal advice in an inheritance process, do not hesitate to contact us. We will study your case and offer you expert legal advice.

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

What are the main

between heir and legatee in Spain? What are the rights and obligations of each? Deed of acceptance and adjudication of inheritance. Legal advice.

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

BARCELONA has now joined AstraZeneca’s ‘Inspiring Cities’ project to raise awareness of the importance of air quality in cities.

On Thursday, January 19, AstraZeneca and Barcelona City Council announced that the city will join the ‘Cities that Inspire’ platform. It is a collaborative initiative that seeks to raise awareness of the importance of air quality in respiratory health.

With this project, the pharmaceutical company, together with leading scientific societies and respiratory patient associations, aims to inspire the development

Air quality

of municipal initiatives to improve air quality.

Barcelona City Council has signed the contract to build a healthy future for all.

This collaborative initiative is part of the 2030 Agenda’s drive for the city and seeks to raise awareness among municipalities, health professionals and the general public about the problem of air quality and its influence on people’s health and quality of life.

The higher the Air Quality Index (AQI) value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.

Just one more thing

By Peter McLarenKennedy

THOSE who have been unable to exchange their UK driver’s licence for a Spanish one will be pleased to know the final agreement is with the Spanish government for signing.

An update provided by the British Embassy last week said the final agreement had been sent to the Consejo de Ministros for approval.

Ambassador Hugh Elliott confirmed on Wednesday, January 18 that it was now a case of

waiting for the agreement to be approved and signed. But he said that is out of the Embassy’s hands. With all the legal

checks completed on both sides, the Embassy does not expect any hiccups.

Once the document has been approved and

WHEN Spain announced it had a budget of €62 million to help finance projects that contribute to the green agenda it received a pretty good response!

The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition received 64 applications for aid for projects that contribute to the naturalisation of Spanish cities, increasing both biodiversity and ecological connectivity in urban environments.

The initiative has a budget of €62 million, where the selected projects will be financed up to 95 per cent, with grants of between €2 and €4 million.

This offer was open to city councils in provincial capitals, autonomous cities and municipalities with more than 50,000

signed there will be a formal exchange of notes with the Agreement coming into force once it is published in the BOE (state bulletin).

The Embassy has recommended that people book to get their psicotécnico test in place, without which you will not be able to exchange your licence.

The test consists of an eye test and a reaction test, which is to check that you are able to keep the vehicle on the road and you are able to respond to situations.

Yes, please

inhabitants (also in groups with other entities and neighbouring municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants).

Proposals have been received from cities in 16 autonomous communities and one autonomous city.

LICENCE EXCHANGE: Final agreement almost ready.

Excellent data

FANTASTIC news for Spain as, according to Customs declared trade data, Spanish merchandise exports grew by 23.6 per cent in the period JanuaryNovember 2022 compared to the same period the previous year, reaching €357,111 million, a record figure.

With regards to imports, they rose by 35.8 per cent to €420,714 million, also a record high.

In volume terms, exports increased by 4.2 per cent, as prices, proxied by Unit Value Indices, rose by 18.6 per cent. Imports increased by 8.4 per cent, as prices grew by 25.2 per cent.

The year­on­year growth of Spanish exports between January and November (23.6 per cent) was higher than that recorded in the EU­27 (21.8 per cent) and the euro area (22.0 per cent)

On Thursday, January 19, the Secretary of State for Trade, Xiana Mendez, pointed out, “November saw an upturn in exports, which grew more than imports in a context of a global slowdown in trade.”

SCIENTISTS have made a gruesome discovery in Valencia, identifying the ‘Angiostrongylus cantonensis’ parasite in two species of rat in the city, which can cause meningitis in humans.

The grim discovery was announced on Monday, January 16 and marks the first time the parasite also known as ‘rat lungworm’ has been detected in continental Europe. Researchers are concerned about

Parasite detected

the health risks posed to the public by rat lungworm as it can attack the nervous system.

Infection is not common but the parasite can be spread to humans through raw or badlycooked meat or other foods including lettuce.

Win for Iberdrola

IBEDROLA who has its official headquarters in Bilbao, Spain, has been selected as one of the most sustainable utilities worldwide.

The company headed by Ignacio Galan is also one of the top 25 companies in the world in this ranking.

In order to compile the ranking of the 100 most sustainable companies in the world, more than 8,000 listed companies were analysed.

Iberdrola has incorporated the Sustainable Development Goals into its business strategy and sustainability policy, and is a benchmark for its direct contribution to the global goals, highlighting its contributions in the field of energy and climate change.

The company focuses its efforts on the provision of affordable and clean energy (goal 7) and climate action (goal 13), while contributing directly to ensuring clean water and sanitation (goal 6), has increased its investment in R&D&I activities (goal 9), promotes respect for the life of terrestrial ecosystems (goal 15) and works to build partnerships to achieve the goals (goal 17).

Researchers from the University of Valencia studied 90 sewer and black rats, finding the parasite in 9 per cent of the specimen. Researcher, María Teresa Galán encouraged the public to be mindful of food hygiene but to remain calm.

Until now the parasite has been limited to tropical and subtropical zones. Researchers believe the new emergence could be due to climate change.

Photo credit: Carlos Aranguiz shutterstock.com

3,000 there are more than 3,000 beaches in Spain, spanning over 7,500kms.

The ‘rat lungworm’ parasite has been discovered in both sewer rats and black rats in Valencia.

Chefs for Children

Betty Henderson

NEARLY 50 master chefs are coming together to provide cooking classes for sick children in Spain, to help them learn about healthy eating in a fun way.

The national initiative will be held in the prestigious town of Benahavís in the south of Spain this year, on Monday, April 24.

This year’s edition of the ChefsForChildren initiative is being organised in collaboration with the Fundación Pequeño Deseo. 47 of the nation’s top chefs, many of them Michelin starred chefs will give top class culinary classes to sick children, showing them how to create nutritious but delicious meals in a fun, relaxed setting.

The children will then work alongside the chefs to create a gourmet menu that will then be served at a dinner gala with guests invited by the children at the luxury five star Hotel

Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort in Benahavis.

The Fundación Pequeño Deseo was created back in 2002 with the aim of making sick children’s wishes come true. Since its creation, they have granted more than 6,000 wishes to children with serious and chronic illnesses.

Missing after avalanche

TWO Basque mountaineers have been missing since Thursday in Patagonia on the border of Argentina and Chile.

A local news source reported on Saturday, January 21 that a rescue operation had yet to get underway due to weather conditions in the area.

Authorities said with each passing hour the chance of finding them alive reduces with the pair some 3,405 metres above sea level where conditions are said to be very dangerous.

The pair, Iker Bilbao (29) and Amaia Agirre (31) were believed to be descending. But minutes after arriving at the base of Fitz Roy an avalanche of snow buried them before dragging them to the bottom of a crevice.

The peak is understood not to be particularly high but conditions are ‘extremely difficult’ because of the ice.

A third mountaineer Josu Linaza, (31), raised the alarm after managing to save himself.

Families and friends of the mountaineers missing are hopeful that they will have survived the avalanche and can still be rescued.

Account sharing ends

STREAMING giant, Netflix is to crack down on account sharing, and in Spain this is expected to have a colossal impact on the company’s fortunes. Figures suggest that more than 60 per cent of users in Spain use shared accounts.

The American company has voiced its opposition to password sharing and intention to change the system for several years now, but a new announcement on Thursday, January 19 said that account sharing will be a thing of the past from the end of the first quarter of 2023.

The measure has been tested on the Latin American market, and saw thousands of people cancel subscriptions. Netflix recognised it was an unpopular measure following the pilot scheme, but is looking for more ways to clamp down on password sharing as they estimate 100 million users watch through shared accounts globally.

Netflix is also seeking to boost its revenue, and believes a new account model will achieve this.

Some of the nation’s top Michelin starred chefs come together to provide culinary workshops for children each year.

Photo credit: ChefsForChildren (Via Facebook)

By Peter McLaren­Kennedy

Teachers set to strike

THE National Education Union (NEU) told a UK news source on Tuesday, January 17 that the threshold required to take strike action had been reached after balloting its 300,000 members.

NEU, the largest education union, said its members were looking for a “fully funded, above­inflation pay rise.”

A statement issued by the union said nine out of 10 members voted to take strike action and that teachers were not prepared to ‘stand by’ and see the education service ‘sacrificed’ due to ‘a toxic mix of low pay and excessive workload’.

Agency staff and volunteers will be free to cover classes for the walkouts, which will take place on February 1, 14 and 28 and March 1, 2, 15 and 16. The strikes are expected to affect 23,000 schools across England and Wales.

With the country already hard hit by the largest number of days lost to strikes in more than a decade, the news that teachers are to strike for seven days will be met with frustration and despair.

THE EU has said it is to delay the implementation of its new border checks in a boost for British holidaymakers.

Boost for British holidaymakers King Charles’ Coronation

Image Policia Nacional

According to a UK newspaper on Saturday, January 21 the decision was taken over fears that the new checks would result in significant delays and long queues.

Originally planned for introduction in May, officials are now saying the new target date is December, when photos and fingerprints will be taken from visitors to the bloc as they do in the US.

Travel agents are said to be enjoying record bookings with holidaymakers keen to escape the cold, the misery and the illness that has blighted the UK in recent years.

Travel disruptions in the UK are also believed to be one of

the reasons for people travelling abroad, as are the lower costs of holidaying in the Mediterranean and elsewhere.

ABTA, the travel agent body, has conducted research that suggests travel agents are expecting a bumper 2023. IATA, the Inter­

national Air Transport Association, has also said the move is welcomed.

Although Brits are considering more exotic holidays, the EU remains the number one destination with Spain, France, Italy and Greece being named among the top five.

Mr Blobby auctioned off

FANS of Noel Edmond’s House Party will fondly remember Mr Blobby, the pink and yellow dotted monster who regularly interrupted the show, who is being sold in an online auction.

The rare piece of nostalgia has attracted a lot of interest with bids already having passed £17,000 (€19,400) despite his rather tatty appearance. Photos posted on the auction site show the costume to be well­worn.

Anyone interested in bidding for the costume can do so on Ebay, however, it’s not the one that appeared on the actual TV show. Instead, the auction

lists the item as follows:

“Mr Blobby ­ an original BBC costume from the mid ­ 1990s. This was made by the BBC’s costume supplier for an overseas version of Noel’s House Party. Unfortunately, before it could be delivered the overseas show was cancelled and neither the broadcaster or the BBC’s production team wanted itso it sat in my office until a move meant it came home with me some years ago.”

Why sell Mr Blobby now, well apparently the owner is moving house so the character needs a new home too.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE officials on Friday, January 20, revealed plans for a spectacular concert that will be staged at Windsor Castle on May 7 to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. The star­studded show will ‘light up’ Britain they insisted.

The show will take place one day after Charles is officially crowned as King at Westminster Abbey on May 6. A host of British pop and rock icons will perform to entertain the nation on this incredible royal occasion, according to a news source.

A display titled ‘Lighting Up The Nation’ is planned as a ‘centrepiece’ during the concert. It will feature famous landmarks across the nation being lit up with ‘projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations’ beamed onto them.

BBC Studios has been tasked with organising the stunning Coronation weekend event, which will be broadcast on BBC One. A public ballot will be held for members of the public to win one of the thousands of concert tickets that will be available.

A NEW study has found that ethnic segregation in England and Wales is at its lowest rate ever according to data collected in the 2021 census. The data released on Tuesday, January 17 suggested that there are more people from different ethnic backgrounds living next door to each other than ever before. Study author, Dr Gemma Catney says that the research contradicts the common notions of ‘difference’ and ‘division’ in society. Researchers on the study used data on ethnic diversity which shows how

many people from different ethnic groups are living in each area as well as residential segregation data which shows the likelihood of different ethnic groups living next to each other or in the same area. The ethnicity data collected in the 2021 census was released in November 2022 and showed some of the results from the nationwide survey which was answered by more than 24 million households.

Researchers say the news shows that the UK is becoming more tolerant.

CONTRARY to popular belief, most dinosaurs were plant eaters, although they are all descended from a carnivorous ancestor. Earlier this year, museum scientists tracked the evolution of early dinosaur herbivores using CT scans of their skulls. Reconstructing the jaw muscles and measuring the bite force of these animals shows surprising variation in eating styles among the first herbivorous dinosaurs. The skulls of early dinosaurs are helping scientists at the Natural History

Museum and the University of Bristol understand how some of the earliest herbivores may have evolved different ways of eating plants. Much is already known about how different dinosaurs consumed their food, but relatively little is understood about how they evolved their preferred eating styles.

Senior author and palaeontologist at the Museum Professor Paul Barrett confirmed: “If you want to understand how dinosaurs diversified into so many different types so ef­

fectively, it’s critical to learn how they evolved to feed on such a wide variety of vegetation in so many different ways.”

120,000

more Argentines to apply for Spanish nationality after Spain opens a path to citizenship for those who fled in the 70s.

BRITISH children paid a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in a survey conducted by Oxford University Press to find the ‘Word of the Year’ for 2022.

The results of the survey were published on Tuesday, January 17, with the most popular word chosen by British children being ‘Queen’. The vote saw 4,000 children between age six and 14 from across the UK share their thoughts on a word to represent the last year.

When asked about the word ‘Queen’ children associated it with feelings of pride as well as sadness and loss for the country’s longest reigning monarch, who passed away in September after more than 70 years on the throne.

Oxford University Press also revealed that Queen Elizabeth II was a popular choice in separate surveys about the country’s most

famous people completed in recent years, so the 2022 ‘Word of the Year’ being ‘Queen’ came as no surprise, particularly as children reflect on her legacy.

The words ‘happy’ and ‘chaos’ followed in the top positions of this year’s survey.

Multicultural society Royal respect Vegetarian dinosaurs

British children chose ‘Queen’ as a word to represent 2022.

David Walliams’ replacement

BRUNO TONIOLI is to replace David Walliams as the host of Britain’s Got Talent with the filming of auditions said to start next week.

A UK newspaper said in an exclusive on Tuesday, January 17 that the 67­year­old former Strictly Come Dancing star will join Simon Cowell on the show. The two are said to be good friends.

An official announcement is expected within a few days but newspaper sources reveal that: “Tonioli has all the right experience and his famous exuberance will go down a treat. He and Simon have long hoped to work together so this has proved the perfect opportunity. Everyone’s very excited.”

Tonioli, who remains a judge on the American version of Strictly ‘Dancing with the Stars’, was initially replaced by Anton du Beke on the British show after completing 17 seasons.

Although he is based in Los Angeles his is popular with local audiences for his excited responses, energetic waving, humour and passionate verdicts.

Photo credit: Fred Duval / shutterstock.com

British actor missing

A HIKER missing for five days in freezing south Californian San Gabriel Mountains has been revealed to be British actor Julian Sands.

The British actor was named on Thursday, January 19 as the hiker who was reported missing in the San Gabriel Mountains. The 65 ­ year ­ old was last seen on the evening of Friday January 13 in the Baldy Bowl trail area.

At risk from avalanches, and operating in freezing weather, search teams have been scouring the region for more than five days for the married actor.

On Wednesday January 18, drones and helicopters were drafted in due to the ground conditions becoming too treacherous.

Julian’s son Henry has reportedly travelled to join in the search operation. Todd Burleson, the

founder of Alpine Ascents International is also on the scene. His disappearance had been known to family and close friends, but only revealed publicly on Thursday.

Sands is known as a keen outdoorsman and has a home in North Hollywood. He has spoken in the past about climbing mountains all over the world and his love of the ‘wonderful outdoor lifestyle’.

Grand Tour series ends

AMAZON won’t be renewing the contracts for Clarkson’s Farm and the Grand Tour when the current series comes to an end according to a US entertainment site.

It is understood that once the current commissions run out Jeremy Clarkson won’t be rehired to do any more work for the video streaming site following his statements in a UK newspaper regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Although there has been no official confirmation from Amazon, however, a virtual press conference on Monday January 16 to promote Clarkson’s Farm was cancelled.

With the fallout from his newspaper column yet to settle down, Clarkson has “fuelled the fire” by writing to Prince Harry only. The couple said that he had failed to address them both in his email, which many believe was a cop ­ out when he should have done the mature thing and picked up the phone.

Clarkson’s current commissions with Amazon will see his show continue into 2024, but privately the company is saying it will no longer use him or his series in the future.

London costs a whole lot more

LONDON’S Mayor Saddiq Khan confirmed that London had just got a lot more expensive with the largest hikes in council tax and public trans­

Britain’s Got Talent for pets

SIMON COWELL is said to be planning a pet version of Britain’s Got Talent after the success of the one­off show featuring magicians last month.

A UK news outlet reported on Wednesday, January 18 that Cowell is really keen on animals and in particular dogs. A source told the newspaper that “Simon has long been a fan of the animal acts on Britain’s Got Talent, so nobody was surprised when the notion of a furry friends special was raised.

“Ultimate Magician proved there’s an appetite for these spectacular showcases, so why not? There’s a couple of ideas on the table, but the animals are leading the way at the moment.”

Cowell is understood to be looking at ways to keep the format fresh and relevant after 16 years, with the announcement of Bruno Tonioli the first change in the judging line­up in nine seasons.

Craig Revel Horwood has said that Tonioli would be the perfect judge for an animal version of the show saying “I think he’d be wonderful to get that energy back on the telly.”

port costs in more than a decade.

Speaking on Wednesday, January 18 Khan said that bus fares will increase by an average of 5.9 per cent whilst council tax bills will rise 9.7 per cent. Tube fares will also increase by 6.7 per cent, although the level

of increase is dependent on the zones travelled.

There is more bad news for Londoners with the temporary ban on free travel for the over 60s that was introduced during the pandemic, becoming permanent from Wednesday. That will, according to a local news source, raise an extra £40 million a year.

The increase was criticised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, however, Khan said he was forced by the government to mirror the 5.9 per cent rise in national rail fares and to increase his share of council tax by the maximum allowed. The extra funds raised will be used mainly to fund the Met Police and London Fire Brigade.

JULIAN SANDS: Missing in South Californian mountains.

Credit:

Transport costs to rise.

LANCASHIRE Police on Friday, January 20, issued British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with a fixed penalty notice. It comes as a result of the Conservative Party leader being spotted not wearing his seatbelt in a vehicle.

Unfortunately for Sunak, a clip recently

Sunak’s fixed penalty notice

posted on Instagram while he was in Lancashire promoting his levelling ­ up funding appeared to show that he was not wearing a seat belt. It was immediately

picked up by viewers who questioned why it was alright for him to not wear his belt, as reported by UK TV.

The prime minister subsequently apologised for

what he described as a “brief error” of judge ­

ment. This is not Mr Sunak’s first run ­ in with

law enforcement in the UK. He was previously fined by the Metropolitan Police for breaking the rules during the coronavirus lockdown.

70 on overturned bus

A DOUBLE-DECKER bus overturned in Somerset causing a significant number of injuries to the 70 passengers on board.

A UK news source reported on Tuesday, January 17 that emergency services were on the scene.

It is understood the bus was taking workers to the nuclear power station Hinkley Point C, near Bridgwater and that a motorcyclist was also involved in the accident.

Avon and Somerset police said that there were multiple injuries but no fa ­

talities, with the bus having overturned around 6am. Although investigations have yet to be completed it is understood there was an incident involving the motorcyclist and the bus.

The road is the main entry point to the power plant as it is between the M5, Minehead and Exmoor. According to authorities at the station access to the plant is currently closed.

Authorities had warned of icy and slippery conditions on the road, with more than 100 accidents across the UK in around five hours in one night.

Miss Wales in crash

By Peter McLaren­Kennedy DARCEY

Corria, the Miss Wales entrant in the recent Miss Universe competition, was seriously injured in an accident on her return home.

A local news outlet reported on Saturday, January 21 that the 21­year­old was involved in a serious crash which closed the M4 for several hours.

She is said to have been hospitalised with a broken pelvis and two breaks to bones in her neck.

The beauty from Barry who won last year’s Miss Wales competition is due to compete for the Miss World title in May, with her family hopeful that she will have re­

covered in time.

A spokesperson for Miss Wales said: “Event organisers at Miss Wales, as well as her family, are hopeful and confident that she will still be able to do this thanks to the incredible team of medics at UHW and her own personal determination.”

The first person of colour to be crowned Miss Wales in the competition’s 70 years, Corria is actively involved in the Criminal Justice in Wales Anti­Racism Delivery Plan called Together Stronger.

Darcey Corria - injured.

Trade increases

GOOD news for Italy as it has reported a favourable trade balance in the latest official report.

On Wednesday, January 18, Italy’s National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), reported that Italy recorded a cyclical growth of 3.9 per cent in its exports, while imports decreased by 1.4 percentage points in November 2022.

According to the report, this positive trade balance is mainly due to the increase in sales to non­EU markets, which rose by 8.3 per cent, while those to the European Union (EU) area remained unchanged.

Between September and November last year, exports grew by 1.3 percentage points and imports fell by 2.6 per cent.

Bye bye Boeing

AIR FRANCE KLM and its subsidiary Transavia were always loyal Boeing customers, until Tuesday, December 17. At the ordinary board meeting the Air France KLM consortium announced the purchase of 100 Airbus aircraft, with 60 additional purchase options, for the two Dutch­based airlines, KLM and Transavia (the latter also with operations in France).

The 100 aircraft with firm purchase options are 100 A320neo (some 321s are also in the package), the latest model of the popular European aircraft for the two Dutch carriers, Transavia and KLM. Some of these aircraft will also be used to expand Transavia France’s fleet.

At the same time, the French group is signing a letter of intent for the purchase of four A350 freighters, with a further four as options, all for Air France. Ben Smith, the group’s chairman, said: “These purchase orders position our group on the path to improved service and reduced CO2 emissions. This is a major step that will allow us to operate the best aircraft available.”

Mystery theft solved

AN Israeli woman has been hailed a hero in Greece after she discovered the identity of a thief who had been stealing luggage from a local airport for the past seven years.

Budding Miss Marple aka Felice Ross helped the police solve the case as she used the earphones in her stolen luggage to track the suitcase which lead them to the culprit.

Felice confirmed: “I remembered the earphones can be located, and when I tracked them

online, I found them in Peristeri, a suburb west of Athens. I then saw them moving back and forth from there to the airport over the next few days.”Ross then contacted the police in Athens who began to investigate. From the information she gave them the police raided a property where they discovered 19 luxury bags, several watches, 47 mobile phones and assorted electronic equipment, 35 cigars, jewels, and cash in various currencies.

Burst boom bubble

WILL the e ­ car boom in Germany come to an end in 2023?

Germany has risen to become the largest sales market for new e­cars after China. But sales could soon halve, a new study predicts.

The boom in electric cars in Germany could soon come to an end.

The growth of pure electric vehicles (BEV) and plug ­ in hybrids (PHEV) is already slowing down noticeably.

The growth rate is currently at 4.5 per cent after 73 per cent in the previous year. In 2023 and 2024, the market is even expected to shrink significantly. This is the forecast of the CentRE Automotive Research (CAR) in a new study.

According to the study, sales of pure electric cars and plug ­ in hybrids will halve in the next two

years. Instead of 720,000 new cars with batteries, the industry will only be able to deliver 484,000 vehicles in 2023 and only 363,000 units in 2024.

The market share of electric cars, measured in terms of new registrations, could plummet from currently 27 to 12 per cent.

E-CARS: Growth is already slowing down in Germany.

15% the Spanish apple market has grown within the last year.

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Report by Peter McLarenKennedy

ACCORDING to an Italian news source on Monday, January 16 Gina Lollobrigida, the darling of Italian cinema had died. Born in Subiaco on July 4, 1927, she was 95 years old. One of the most important actresses of her generation, together with rival Sophia Loren, she helped create the image of the Italian diva who had transformed from a sex symbol into an international star.

Her family were furniture manufacturers who lost everything during the Second World War. As a result they moved to Rome where she enrolled

€4,951

per ton to €5,348 per ton Olives’ spike in price between November 28 and December 19.

at the Institute of Fine Arts. She put herself through college by drawing charcoal caricatures and posing for some photonovels under the pseudonym of Diana Loris.

She acted along with some of the greatest names in cinema including Yul Brunner, Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis before retiring in the 90s. The award-winning actress received the David di Donatello for Lifetime Achievement in 1996 and in 2006 a special recognition on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Silver Ribbon trophy of which she had been the first winner in 1956.

Covert operation

BULGARIAN officials announced that the country covertly provided weapons and military equipment to Ukraine in the early stages of the Russian invasion in a statement made on Wednesday, January 18.

The statement came as a shock to many as the eastern European nation had long been perceived as pro-Russian. The former Prime Minister, Kiril Petkov, who is now in opposition, said his administration had provided desperately-needed ammunition and diesel fuel to fighter troops in Ukraine after the Kremlin ordered an invasion in February 2022.

Petkov and his former Minister for Finance,

Assen Vasilev said they provided 30 per cent of ammunition and 40 per cent of diesel used by Ukrainian troops at some points during spring 2022.

The men told the extraordinary revelations alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba in an interview with a German newspaper. Petkov explained the move was done in secret due to the pro-Moscow sympathies of many politicians in Bulgaria, including coalition partners.

The deliveries were not provided directly from Bulgaria, but were sold to NATO or Ukrainian intermediaries.

Blacklist demand

MEMBERS of the European Parliament have called for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, the IRGC to be blacklisted in Europe in a statement on Wednesday, January 18.

The news comes after the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen called for the IRGC to be classified as a terrorist organisation.

European politicians have been facing increasing pressure to take action in the wake of brutalities committed in Iran, particularly against women and women’s rights activists since 22year-old Mahsa Amini was

killed by the force last year. Violence against protests has been escalating since. Several politicians have expressed concern that such a move against the IRGC would dampen hopes of resurrecting the 2015 nuclear arms deal with the country.

Iranian officials reacted to the news with hostility, saying they would designate EU armies as terrorists in response.

MEPs only have an advisory role on such matters but the call is thought to be a key demand in ongoing sanction talks.

Avalanche death

A 45-YEAR-OLD British woman died during a hiking trip on the Argentière Glacier in Mont Blanc.

According to the French Police in Chamonix, a specialist high mountain search and rescue was sent to the location, after they were alerted by a guide at 5pm on Saturday January 14.

Authorities also sent a rescue helicopter, along with a doctor to the site of the incident.

Reports suggested two people hiking with the woman were unharmed, while the woman was found dead under the snow.

A statement by the mountain rescue unit, cited on UK TV, said that several attempts were made to revive the woman, but it was unsuccessful.

GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA: The darling of Italian cinemas.

Image Matteo Chinellato / Shutterstock.com

Eurovision fever in Benidorm

THE artist who will take the baton from Chanel as Spain’s representative at the Eurovision song contest 2023 will be chosen at Benidorm Fest from January 31 to February 4.

Eighteen hopeful performers from different musical genres, some already established and successful (including some who have already participated in the European Song Contest) will battle it out with talented new artistes on the Spanish scene, many of whom are almost unknown. Just like last year, the festival will be divided into two televised semi­finals ­ each with nine performancesand a final, which will be decided by the jury and the spectators. The first semi­final will be on January 31, and the second on February 2. The final, which will decide who will represent Spain in Liverpool, will take place on Saturday, February 4.

On Friday, there will be a free concert featuring Soraya Arnelas, Marta Sango, Gonzalo Hermida, Ronela and WRS, Romania’s representative at the last Eurovision Song Contest at the Tecnohito in Benidorm. On Tuesday and Thursday there will be screens to watch the semi­finals and the final in different parts of the city of Alicante.

Parade, the circus of the brave

Family fun in Teulada

TEULADA is ready to celebrate its traditional and extremely popular Sant Antoni festival on January 27 and 28, with culture, activities and fun for everyone. The festival is organised by the Teulada Town Council in collaboration with local associations and groups.

On Friday, January 27, at 6pm, the festival will begin when the traditional pine tree for the bonfire of Sant Antoni will be carried from Santa Catalina Avenue to the town hall square. On Saturday, January 28, at 12.00, carts and animals will gather in the town hall square, then parade to Plaza La Creu for the blessing of the animals at 1pm. In the afternoon, at 5.30pm, there will be a ‘Devils Mask’ workshop in the town hall square, followed by snacks and chocolate for attendees.

The Font Santa de Teulada dance troupe will perform at 6.30pm, and at 7.30pm the bonfire will be lit while a choir sings. To round off the celebrations, the Teulada 2023 Sant Vicent Ferrer Fiestas Commission has organised live music from 8pm, followed by a disco with DJ Sergio Pérez.

Sausage fest in Benichembla

DON’T miss this puppet show full of circus fun, magic and music! Uncle Pepe and Chochotte the clown are a couple of comedians who arrive at the town square and set up their small circus tent, but all the artists in the company have disappeared. His only attraction is a little elephant named Babar, who wants to be an artist but is afraid of humans and doesn’t want to perform. The artists need to improvise to keep the show on the road and persuade the elephant to make them enough money for food.

The show is inspired by the circus world of yesteryear and is a touching work full of vitality and humour for all audiences.

With music by Erik Satie (1866­1925), Francis Poulenc (1899­1963) and Igor Stravinsky (1882­1971), this show is a delight for adults and children alike.

The performance will take place on February 19 at 12.00. For tickets, visit palaualtea.es, the Casa de Cultura box office or two hours before the performance at the Palau Altea box office.

THE Vall de Pop Tourism Business Association has announced the venue for its popular Sausage and Traditional Product Festival. This benchmark event to showcase local delicacies will be held on March 5 in the village of Benichembla. This is the 11th edition of an initiative organised by ATEVAP that combines a festival with gastronomic activities.

During the lunches organised, dozens of kilos of the most prestigious sausages and cold meats produced in the valley are distributed, as well as wines and other gastronomic products. One popular local product that many visitors may not be familiar with is the ‘figatellà’, a small oven­baked burger or meatball typical of the Valencian region and Mallorca that is a great favourite with everyone. In addition, there will be live music, workshops and a charity raffle.

A show full of circus fun and magic.

IF you are looking for an evening of good light­hearted fun in celebration of the life and works of Rabbie Burns, the great Scottish poet, then put a note in your diary for today, Thursday, January 26.

The Ermita de San Josep (on CV745 near La Fustera) is having a traditional celebration of the life and works of Rabbie Burns commencing at 6.00pm.

Robert Burns, also known familiarly as Rabbie Burns, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide.

There will be a traditional haggis supper with dessert, a

Rabbie Burns

CONCERTS Costa Blanca has announced its next opera excursion to Les Arts, the Valencia Opera house. The performance will take place on March 7 at 7.30pm. A limited number of tickets are available, which cost €117 including coach transfers.

Don Giovanni is an opera in two acts with music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to a libretto by Italian Lorenz Da Ponte. The story is an old Spanish legend that blends comedy, melodrama and even supernatural elements. Don Giovanni is a young, arrogant and promiscuous noble who abuses and disgusts all the other

Don Giovanni

characters until he finds someone he is unable to abuse or outwit.

The Palau de Les Artes Reina Sofia is a leading international venue for theatre, dance, opera and music. The building has four separate halls boasting state­of­the­art equipment.

For tickets, write to info@costablanca.com stating your name, the number of tickets, pickup point, email address and contact telephone number. Payment is by bank transfer.

tot of whisky for the toast followed by much dancing and laughter! A refreshments bar will also be provided.

It is planned that there will be some very worthy attempts at performing some of the traditional Scottish country dances including the Dashing White Sergeant and the Gay Gordons, if you can’t remember how they go, instructions can be provided!

Admission is by ticket only. To reserve your ticket please email x19x02x98x@yahoo. co.uk or phone (+34) 607 706 904. The ticket price is €15 and the event is being organised to raise funds for the Costa Blanca Anglican chaplaincy.

VILAGAME Party 2023

VILLAJOYOSA Town Council has organised the VILAGAME Party 2023 to entertain local high­tech fans. The event will take place on February 10 at the Casa de la Joventut and will have a Gaming Zone with PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles, Mobile Zone, Simulator Zone, and VR Zone. There will be tournaments from the main video game franchises and the organisers will provide QLED 4K televisions, PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles. This is not the case for mobile phones, tablets, computers and portable consoles such as Nintendo Switch, but there will be a space for portable games for players who want to bring their personal consoles.

Youngsters of all ages can enjoy activities featuring video game competitions such as FIFA 23, Fortnite, Just Dance, Clash Royale, Rocket League, Brawl Stars, Roblox... among others. There will also be virtual reality, driving simulators and other classic video games.

The event is free. To register for tournaments, see https://logrodesbloqueado.com/villajoyosa­gameparty­23, or contact the Villajoyosa Youth Department at 966 810 338, or on the second floor of C/Fray Posidonia Mayor, 30) every morning from Monday to Friday.

Manga and Japanese culture

THE Youth Department at Benidorm City Council is organising a trip to the Manga and Japanese culture exhibition to take place at the exhibition and trade fair centre in Alicante on April 15 and 16.

This Manga Event in Alicante will be an opportunity to see exhibitions, musical performances, merchandising, a martial arts exhibition, gastronomy and contests, among other programmed activities so book now and don’t miss out!

The organised trip costs €10 and includes trav­

el and entrance to the Hall. The Department is selling 110 tickets for the excursion, and everyone interested can now go along and register at the Youth Information Centre.

The trip will depart from beside the metal palm tree in Avenida 9 de Octubre at 9am and will arrive back at 6pm. Unaccompanied minors will be allowed if they have parental consent.

If you would prefer to make your own way, tickets are available from www.smalicante. com/. Prices range from €9 to €16.

The Scottish poet.

Image: Duncan Andison / Shutterstock.com.

CAPRICE Ladies Choir proudly present their latest concert entitled ‘One Moment in Time’.

Now that Christmas is over what better way to start the New Year than with a concert to look forward to.

Their first concert of 2023, will be on Wednesday, February 8, starting at 7.30pm, in the Salon Blau, Casa de Cultura in Calpe. This concert is in support of Caritas.

Their first concert is swiftly followed by an event on Saturday, February 11, starting at 5.00pm at the Centro Social, Xalo (the old Black Apple). This concert is in support of the U3A Vall de Pop Goodwill Team.

Concert Caprice

Three-part harmony.

As always Caprice will be singing a variety of songs in three ­ part harmony with something to appeal to everyone, including the song which gives the concert its name One Moment in Time.

Tickets for the concerts are €12 and available from the

musical director, Aileen, on (+34) 696 514 613 or from choir members.

Tickets for the Calpe concert on February 8 are also available from Margaret & Elena’s Card and Bookshop, Galerias Mar Azul, 9 Gabriel Miro, Calpe.

Benissa’s Medieval Fair

THE Medieval Fair in Benissa this weekend will be an excellent way to brighten up what is set to be a chilly January weekend. Packed with music, atmosphere, crafts and gastronomy in the town’s picturesque old town, there will be plenty to amuse kids and grown­ups alike.

Visitors are invited to wrap up warm from January 27 to 29 and take a trip back through time to the Middle Ages to experience themed music, atmosphere, crafts and gastronomy.

This year, the fair will include new musical performances, an even more genuine atmosphere and a selection of craft and gastronomy stalls that will immerse visitors in times gone by.

According to local mayor Arturo Poquet, the event is expected to attract thousands of people over the weekend to the town, boosting local businesses and supporting the craftspeople who sell their wares on their many stalls.

Image: Caprice Ladies Choir

Asthma link to gas

By Imran Khan

PEOPLE using gas cookers in their kitchens, increase the risk of their children developing health problems, according to a new report.

A study compiled by the NGO CLASP, the European Public Health Alliance, and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, suggests gas cookers are breaching air pollution limits in homes.

The data gathered for the report suggests people

Report on cooking gas.

who cook using gas, without proper ventilation, are at major risk. This is due to the build ­ up of nitrogen dioxide, which constantly exceeds the European Union pollution standards as well as the World Health

Organisation’s air quality guidelines. The study also found that gas ovens produce huge quantities of carbon monoxide. This is considered extremely dangerous and can cause major lung­related problems.

In 2022, the report states that more than 700,000 cases of child asthma in the EU, were linked to cooking gas.

Estimates state that more than 100 million homes in the EU are dependent on cooking gas.

Mo-pedding in the Netherlands

WITH the new year came a new rule in the Netherlands. All moped riders must now wear a helmet, this law also applies to passengers and you risk a €100 fine if you are caught not wearing one.

A moped can drive a maximum of 25 kilometres per hour and has a blue licence plate.

In Amsterdam, the helmet requirement for moped riders is not new. Since April 2019, moped riders have been required to

wear helmets while driving on the roadway within the A10 ring, but as of the new year, they are also required to wear a helmet while riding on bike paths and outside the A10 ring.

Since the helmet requirement for moped riders was introduced in Amsterdam, the number of accidents involving a moped rider has dropped significantly. The government expect the national helmet requirement to make traffic even safer.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Price halt

HOUSE prices have fallen at their fastest rate in more than a decade in Denmark, one of the most expensive property markets in Europe. According to Eurostat, in the third quarter of 2022 Denmark's house prices fell by 3.8 per cent.

THE NETHERLANDS

Electrification rise

PASSENGER car sales in the Netherlands decreased in December and in the full year of 2022, but electrification continues to rise, reaching very solid levels. According to EV Volumes' data, 15,757 new plug-in cars were registered in December, which is roughly 32 per cent less than a year ago.

BELGIUM

No smoking

THE number of smokers in Belgium decreased for the second year in a row from 2021 to 2022. According to a survey by the Foundation Against Cancer, 24 per cent of Belgians reported smoking daily or occasionally last year, compared to 29 per cent in 2020 and 27 per cent in 2021.

GERMANY

Tidy turnover

TURNOVER in accommodation and food services in Germany rose by a whopping 47 per cent year on year in 2022 in real terms despite high inflation. The Federal Statistics Office confirmed the news on January 19. “The sector benefited from the easing of pandemic restrictions,” they said.

FRANCE

Top spot

FRANCE regains the top spot as the bloc’s main electricity provider. Following a record year for electricity imports, the relatively mild weather and the relaunch of nuclear reactors, France started 2023 by exporting more electricity to its neighbouring countries than it imports.

NORWAY

Enigmatic history

ARCHAEOLOGISTS in Norway claim to have the world's oldest rune stone with inscriptions up to 2,000 years old that date back to the earliest days of the enigmatic history of runic writing. “They may be the earliest example of words recorded in writing in Scandinavia,” the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo said.

FINLAND

Travel Fair

THE Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs was present at the Matka Nordic Travel Fair, held at Messukeskus in Helsinki from January 19 until 22. The government confirmed that Finns are again interested in travelling abroad after being grounded during the pandemic years.

IRELAND

Brilliant BloodBox

STUDENTS at Sutton Park School in Dublin have been named winners of the 2023 Self Help Africa/Irish Aid Science for Development award. They developed BloodBox, a portable diagnostic device to diagnose diseases including malaria. The device allows blood samples to be tested for disease with 94 per cent accuracy.

ITALY

Italian transfer

HUNGARIAN low-cost airline, Wizz Air, will withdraw its base in Bari, Puglia region, effective February 16. The move was confirmed by Wizz Air in a press release, where it confirmed the two Airbus A320 aircraft will be transferred to their largest bases in the country, Milan/Malpensa and Rome/Fiumicino.

PORTUGAL

Portuguese connection

PORTUGAL'S Infrastructures has set 2025 as the date to finish the section of the new Evora-Elvas railway line, which will connect Badajoz with the Spanish network and put into service a direct Madrid-Lisbon train with a travel time of five hours instead of the current nine hours and two transfers.

UKRAINE

Economic opportunities

THE war may still be ongoing but looking to the future, Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of the transportation company Uber, has recently visited Ukraine to imagine how the company might eventually operate after peace is established. His interest lies in the economic opportunities that it might create.

SWEDEN

Cleaning crows

IN exchange for food, wild crows volunteer to pick up cigarette butts from the streets of Sodertalje in Sweden. According to the Keep Sweden Tidy Foundation, 62 per cent of all litter is cigarette butts and more than one billion of them are left on the country’s streets each year.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Rice pests

COYPUS, non ­ native otters from South America, are one of Catalonia’s most recent invasive species. They are also causing problems in the traditional rice­growing area of Ampurdan (Girona) where growers asked the regional government to intervene to save this year’s crop.

Less good

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF), believes that 2023 may be better than expected for the global economy, as positive figures ease predictions of worldwide recession. The outlook is less good for Britain, predicted to have the G20’s lowest 2023 growth.

Argos goes

ARGOS will close its 34 stores in Ireland in late June. Recent accounts for its Irish operation showed a pre­tax loss of €13 million in 2022 and the company maintained that the investment required to modernise operations there was inviable.

Tax blow

SPANISH multinational Telefonica’s Peru subsidiary lost its long­running multi­million tax dispute against the government in Lima regarding tax declarations made between 1998 and 2005. The Supreme Court in Madrid ordered the company to pay €790 million compensation, its largest­ever fine.

Royal bounty

KING CHARLES announced that profits from his £1 billion deal leasing six offshore windfarms off different sections of the British coast would be used for the “wider public good.” This follows Charle’s reference to the cost­of­living crisis in his Christmas speech.

STAT OF WEEK €900 million

Bankinter gets there early

LAST year was good for Bankinter, with a pre­tax result of €785 million and a 46 per cent increase.

With a net profit of just over €560 million, a 28 per cent increase on 2021, Madrid ­ based Bankinter reached its 2023 profit target a year early, enabling the bank to overtake its pre ­ pandemic results.

Last year’s showing was especially encouraging, as 2021’s figures still included four months of income from Linea Directa, whose segregation from the bank was announced in 2020. This also converted Bankinter shareholders into the independent, publicly ­ traded insurance company’s shareholders.

Return on Equity (ROE) stood at 12 per cent, compared to 2021’s 9.6 per cent while only 2.1 per cent of Bankinter clients defaulted on loans, despite the worsening economic environment.

“All these figures are amongst the best at European level,” the bank pointed out.

The bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio, a measure of

its solvency rose to 12 per cent, comfortably above the minimum 7.7 per cent requirement that the European Central Bank established for Bankinter in 2023.

The bank’s Spanish investment portfolio increased by just over 5 per cent, six times more than the sector’s average growth, according to Bank of Spain figures an ­

nounced last November. Outside Spain, this rise was still more evident, with a 15 per cent increase in Portuguese investments while lending doubled in Ireland.

As of December 31, 2022, the total assets were €107.5 billion, similar to the previous year’s, with credit investment to customers up by 9 per cent to €74.2 billion.

ICONIC British bootmaker Dr Martens announced that unseasonably warm weather had affected sales, prompting the company’s second profit warning in two months.

Problems with US warehousing including a bottleneck at the new Los Angeles distribution centre had also hit profits, together with higher costs and complications arising from strikes at Felixstowe port and Netherlands staff shortages.

It now foresees full­year profits not exceeding £260 million (€297.8 million), amounting to £26 million (€29.8 million) below its original predictions.

Holidays up

PACKAGE holidays and air fares to the UK’s favourite holiday destinations have rocketed, according to consumer association, Which?

A week in a Greek hotel will set you back by 30 per cent more than in 2022, although Spain, Italy and Turkey remain more competitive with rises of around 20 per cent.

Those visiting a second home or preferring to arrange their own holiday over Easter will pay up to 51 per cent more to fly to Spain, although it could cost an extra 71 per cent to travel to Greece.

Which? found that hotel prices have gone up by an average 10 per cent in Europe and 23 per cent for those going further afield.

Extra lessons

FRENCH­OWNED Schneider Electric recently rejected claims that it had acquired the Cambridge software giant Aveva “on the cheap.”

Aveva, which provides software used to design major industrial projects as well as products that assist in running factories, was founded in 1967 and pioneers technology used in industrial design.

Britain’s Business Secretary, Grant Shapps gave the €10 billion deal the go ­ ahead in December when Schneider, which already owned 59 per cent of Schneider, acquired the remaining 41

per cent.

A month earlier, Aveva shareholders had okayed the acquisition despite worries that Schneider

would indeed be benefitting from a cut­price deal. Originally agreeing to pay £31 (€35.5 a share), representing a 40 per cent premium on Aveva’s then trading price, this was increased to £32.25 (€37) with a 47 per cent premium, precisely to dispel investors’ concerns.

The French company paid what chief executive Jean­Pascal Tricoire described as “a very rich premium” for the British company while talking to the UK media at the World Economic Forum in Davos. At the same time he stressed Schneider’s commitment to ex­

isting jobs.

Tricoire also batted away misgivings regarding Schneider’s links to China via the company’s joint venture, founded in 2007, with Delixi Electric, a Chinese conglomerate. Opponents to the deal maintained that this could endanger Avevaowned technology.

“Most of what we do is 100 per cent Schneider,” Tricoire insisted. “The digital arm of Avea is operating in China on its own,” he was quoted as saying, suggesting that there would be no change in the current situation.

FORTY­SEVEN per cent of Spanish families are paying for out­ofschool tuition.

Of these, 46 per cent have children attending state­run schools.

This burgeoning market accounts for an annual €1.7 billion, according to the Esade Centre for Economic Policies, which found that parents paid an average of €270 per child.

The same survey revealed that the Community of Madrid spends more than any other region, with an average of €350 per pupil.

No longer restricted to the welloff, the practice has spread to all types of households, with 30 per cent of families saying that they were prepared to cut down on other extras if necessary.

is the amount that Spanish households could save on energy bills by reducing their amount of contracted electricity, as each unneeded kilowatt costs between €2.4 and €5.8 per hour.

BANKINTER: CEO Maria Dolores announced good 2022 results.

JEAN-PASCAL TRICOIRE: Chief Executive of Schneider Electric.

3I Group 1.450,00 1.450,50 1.423,00 176,83K

Abrdn 203,50 203,80 200,80 292,46K

Admiral Group 2.103,0 2.120,0 2.098,0 29,88K

Anglo American 3.573,0 3.615,5 3.573,0 130,63K

Antofagasta 1.727,50 1.753,00 1.727,50 86,14K

Ashtead Group 4.954,0 4.960,0 4.920,0 32,04K

Associated British Foods 1.824,0 1.832,0 1.818,0 64,93K

AstraZeneca 11.288,0 11.444,0 11.288,0 10,13K

Auto Trader Group Plc 577,27 578,20 571,40 149,28K

Aveva 3.219,0 3.231,0 3.219,0 0

Aviva 437,60 439,80 436,40 184,66K

B&M European Value Retail SA434,70 436,40 432,90 21,25K

BAE Systems 849,80 850,60 842,80 414,91K

Barclays 178,34 178,86 177,60 2,09M

Barratt Developments 448,40 449,30 444,90 166,10K

Berkeley 4.201,0 4.209,0 4.185,5 0,40K

BHP Group Ltd 2.773,00 2.808,00 2.776,27 17,99K

BP 478,90 482,75 478,60 2,17M

British American Tobacco 3.103,0 3.120,0 3.100,5 195,42K

British Land Company 436,60 437,30 434,40 74,66K

BT Group 128,05 129,20 126,80 871,08K

Bunzl 2.920,0 2.924,0 2.897,0 21,96K

Burberry Group 2.326,0 2.336,0 2.310,0 108,28K

Carnival 736,8 737,6 724,2 82,67K

Centrica 97,43 98,32 97,40 1,30M

Coca Cola HBC AG 1.906,6 1.925,0 1.904,5 9,52K

Compass 1.911,80 1.911,50 1.891,50 107,60K

CRH 3.607,5 3.632,0 3.601,5 58,68K

Croda Intl 7.047,9 7.060,0 6.926,0 22,74K

DCC 4.465,0 4.470,0 4.434,0 43,49K

Diageo 3.659,5 3.685,5 3.652,5 187,10K

DS Smith 347,20 347,80 344,00 738,48K

EasyJet 441,60 442,70 437,30 146,75K

Experian 2.960,0 2.959,0 2.941,0 4,47K

Ferguson 10.945,0 10.990,0 10.885,0 19,43K

Flutter Entertainment 12.470,0 12.485,0 12.360,0 17,92K

Fresnillo 932,40 937,20 921,80 101,26K

Glencore 568,70 574,80 567,90 3,60M

GSK plc 1.414,48 1.421,80 1.412,40 288,72K

Halma 2.110,9 2.111,0 2.095,0 2,93K

Hargreaves Lansdown 877,40 878,20 861,00 192,64K

Hikma Pharma 1.700,50 1.705,00 1.683,50 7,47K

HSBC 588,50 590,10 587,10 1,57M

IAG 161,02 161,78 160,30 2,11M

Imperial Brands 2.052,00 2.056,00 2.047,00 118,97K

Informa 663,26 666,40 660,20 82,03K

InterContinental 5.618,0 5.640,0 5.580,0 43,04K

Intermediate Capital 1.258,50 1.260,00 1.250,50 10,07K

Intertek 4.299,0 4.310,0 4.277,0 9,20K

ITV 77,62 77,82 76,80 894,47K

J Sainsbury 242,50 243,70 242,20 354,73K

Johnson Matthey 2.141,3 2.151,2 2.141,3 0,49K

Land Securities 699,00 701,40 694,20 91,57K

Legal & General 255,10 255,60 253,60 481,77K

Lloyds Banking 49,09 49,24 49,03 5,42M

London Stock Exchange 7.488,0 7.544,0 7.450,0 29,18K

Melrose Industries 145,15 147,10 145,00 3,85M

Mondi 1.491,50 1.501,00 1.489,50 116,79K

National Grid 1.040,00 1.042,50 1.034,00 230,36K

NatWest Group 295,60 296,30 294,70 667,70K

Next 6.388,0 6.424,0 6.376,0 8,07K

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

Ocado 713,22 719,40 705,20 146,75K

Persimmon 1.382,3 1.390,5 1.378,0 28,00K

Phoenix 625,40 625,80 622,00 46,25K

Prudential 1.300,00 1.317,00 1.286,50 340,20K

Reckitt Benckiser 5.850,0 5.856,0 5.822,0 0,81K

Relx 2.365,00 2.376,00 2.360,00 195,02K

Rentokil 500,40 503,80 499,90 632,45K

Rightmove 566,80 567,60 561,20 202,82K

Rio Tinto PLC 6.207,0 6.269,0 6.200,0 171,37K

Rolls-Royce Holdings 105,46 106,06 104,22 4,49M

Sage 756,20 757,00 749,60 91,56K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.250,50 1.251,50 1.246,50 1,64K Schroders 468,5 470,5 466,0 167,75K

Scottish Mortgage 741,80 744,80 739,60 614,92K

Segro 829,60 830,80 820,00 96,02K

Severn Trent 2.838,0 2.844,0 2.808,0 64,34K

Shell 2.380,4 2.403,0 2.378,5 833,11K

Smith & Nephew 1.142,00 1.143,50 1.130,00 189,56K

Smiths Group 1.705,84 1.714,50 1.703,00 24,72K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 11.425,0 11.435,0 11.345,0 4,41K

SSE 1.730,98 1.761,00 1.716,50 558,25K

St. James’s Place 1.237,89 1.239,50 1.227,00 34,98K

Standard Chartered 700,00 706,40 699,00 361,19K

Taylor Wimpey 114,45 114,45 113,05 768,35K

Tesco 249,50 249,60 248,60 526,43K

Tui 187,50 188,11 183,97 241,80K

Unilever 4.065,0 4.084,0 4.050,0 416,45K

United Utilities 1.050,00 1.054,00 1.040,50 67,93K

Vodafone Group PLC 90,65 90,86 90,12 7,83M Whitbread 2.996,0 3.000,0 2.965,0 25,27K WPP 915,80 921,80 913,00 116,04K

3M 118,43 122,29 4,84M

American Express 146,85 148,00 144,20 3,82M

Amgen 262,03 263,52 260,92 2,09M

Apple 135,27 136,25 133,77 57,70M

Boeing 207,09 209,67 204,82 5,76M

Caterpillar 245,75 251,25 244,30 4,88M

Chevron 179,00 179,95 176,16 5,79M

Cisco 46,46 47,05 46,39 18,99M

Coca-Cola 59,72 60,64 59,71 14,82M

Dow 56,60 56,99 55,85 5,00M

Goldman Sachs 350,75 352,16 345,52 3,06M

Home Depot 310,88 321,34 310,63 5,26M

Honeywell 200,66 204,38 200,22 4,53M

IBM 140,62 142,23 139,75 4,80M

Intel 28,42 28,75 28,24 36,63M

J&J 169,53 171,28 168,71 6,90M

JPMorgan 134,75 135,90 133,59 13,03M

McDonald’s 263,58 269,14 263,53 2,81M

Merck&Co 109,90 110,18 108,10 6,75M

Microsoft 231,93 235,52 230,68 28,18M

Nike 124,53 125,44 123,61 5,18M

Procter&Gamble 142,42 146,22 142,24 12,36M

Salesforce Inc 146,41 146,68 143,16 7,01M

The Travelers 184,04 184,42 182,23 1,45M

UnitedHealth 484,36 486,39 477,39 4,41M

Verizon 40,06 40,28 39,47 24,80M

Visa A 220,41 221,52 217,50 4,81M

Walgreens Boots 35,41 35,75 35,35 6,16M

Walmart 138,83 141,52 138,79 5,77M

Walt Disney 99,08 99,45 97,12 10,78M

Most Declined

Olink

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. -16.95% 1.625M

Sunnova Energy International Inc. -12.65% 6.971M

Enphase Energy, Inc. -10.92% 6.22M

Kuaishou Technology -10.68% 213,741

ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. -10.65% 13.818M

SunPower Corporation -10.44% 5.26M

Sunrun Inc. -10.39% 9.146M

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. -10.32% 1.767M

Super Micro Computer, Inc. -10.16% 4.91M

Rumble Inc. -9.97% 1.392M

BUSINESS EXTRA

Simple sums

BRITAIN’S chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s use of a cup of coffee to explain rising inflation was ridiculed for maintaining that a coffee now costs ‘almost £3 (€3.4)’. Both economists and consumers pointed out that a medium latte already costs £3.25 (€3.71).

It’s a gas

SPAIN expects to produce 20 per cent of Europe’s green hydrogen by 2030, revealed Enagas. The partly publicly­sector company, which operates and owns the country’s gas grid, also plans to invest €4.8 billion in distributing the renewable gas inside Spain.

Branches pruned

LLOYDS and Halifax has announced future branch closures in England and Wales due to begin in April and continue in June. Lloyds Banking Group which owns both, intends to bring the shutters down on 22 Lloyds and 18 Halifax branches.

Count your blessings

A KPMG report on Spain’s Episcopal Conference revealed that the Church in this country generates an annual €32.5 billion.

Property accounts for most of the wealth, complemented by companies, universities, schools, hospitals and the financial assets of investment funds. Banks like Santander and CaixaBank provide experts with a comprehensive knowledge of the Church’s finances while orders like the Jesuits, Augustinians and Marists usually manage assets via private bankers and fund managers. One of these, Portocolom, recently revealed more than half of the €1 billion financial assets they advise on belongs to religious orders. “Some possess assets amounting to €2 million, but others have more than €50 million,” the source said.

Sweeping statements

Linda Hall

SIR JAMES DYSON dismissed the British government’s approach to the economy and business as “stupid” and “short­sighted.”

Writing recently in the Daily Telegraph, the Dyson tycoon whose estimated fortune of €23 million was initially based on cordless vacuum cleaners, maintained that growth had become a “dirty word” since Rishi Sunak took over as Britain’s prime minister.

Dyson, who was a committed Brexit supporter, claimed that the government believed in its ability to impose “tax upon tax” on companies

under the impression that penalising private industry was one way of winning votes.

“This is as short ­ sighted as it is stupid,” Dyson warned in the Telegraph. “In the global economy, companies will simply choose to transfer jobs and invest elsewhere.”

Sir James also voiced unease at the working­from­home policies introduced when the Covid pandemic was at its height. The government had yet to succeed in convincing employees to return to the workplace after having told them to stay home to prevent infection from spreading and avoid overloading an already

overloaded NHS, he said.

The measure had damaged Britain’s work ethic, he insisted, while little had been done to emphasise the importance of face­to­face collaboration, shared culture, mental health, productivity and output. The government had also neglected the training of young, new employees, which Dyson said was vital for the success of both businesses and employees.

Britain was capable of shaking off its “Covid inertia”, he added, but declared that things could be turned round only if fast­growing companies were allowed to thrive there.

Nice work

TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY ­ ONE Spanish bankers were amongst 1,957 European bankers who earned more than €1 million in 2021.

European Banking Authority figures revealed that the number of highly paid bankers throughout Europe had increased by more than 40 per cent from the 1,383 employees listed in 2020.

It also pointed out that the best­ paid banking jobs have decamped from London to other EU capitals following Brexit, as the EBA statistics logically ex ­

cluded those working in UK. In contrast, before Britain’s EU exit, its bankers were routinely listed amongst Europe’s top earners.

According to the EBA, the increase in Europe’s €1 million ­ plus earners was the result of booming profits from investment banking “together with further relocations of staff after Brexit from the UK to the EU” as well as an overall increase in salary levels.

Seventy per cent of the high earners were employed by banks operating in Spain, France and Italy,

the EBA said.

The single highest ­ paid banker was an unnamed Spaniard who, the EBA disclosed, had earned between €14 and €15 million, describing it as a “significant amount of variable remuneration” corresponding to severance pay.

This was also 466 times more than the country’s average salary.

A further three bank employees, who worked in Spain, France and Germany respectively, each took home between €13 and €14 million in 2021.

HOUSEHOLDS are still trying to cut down on energy bills as Spain and the UK endure another cold snap.

This prompted the Daily Mail’s money experts to examine whether putting on an extra jersey was cheaper than turning up the thermostat when the thermometer plummets.

Assuming that people feel chilly once an indoor temperature drops below the World Health Organisation’s recommended 18 degrees, the investigators found that an extra layer really makes a difference.

Putting on another winter woolly will save a family an annual £250 (€285) at present, they said, adding that this would rise to £300 (€342) after the British government readjusts its energy price guarantee in April.

Wrap up! Interesting bank offer

HOPING to attract more business, CaixaBank will pay 5 per cent interest to clients domiciling monthly salaries that top €2,500.

Some strings are attached, as the offer applies to clients agreeing to pay in their wages to CaixaBank for the first time and will affect the first €5,000 of their bank balance for two years.

Clients earning €2,500 a month or more will also be offered the chance of swapping the interest for a 50 ­ inch television, while those on €1,200 can opt for a 32­ inch LG model.

They will also need to meet other requirements, including three regular standing orders and making three credit card purchases each quarter.

GOVERNMENT CRITIC: Sir James Dyson questioned Rishi Sunak’s policies.

Photo credit: CC/The Royal Society

TOP EARNERS: Spanish bankers are amongst Europe’s best paid.

Photo credit: Pixabay/Wilfried Wende

I HAVE always been convinced that the British sense of humour has been one of our most commendable and enduring assets. Through the horror of two World Wars and all the disasters and conflicts that have beset us over the years, the Brits have always managed to find some way to raise a smile out of even the most tragic circumstances.

The skill of our comedians and cartoonists is such that their humour never sets out to undermine these situations, merely eases their seriousness by lightening the mood and in doing so allows those affected to hopefully surmount their problems more easily.

The British sense of humour, sometimes indefinable and unique, has always been a bit of a mystery to the rest of the world and often something that most foreigners simply can’t get their heads around. Some years ago, I wrote that whatever the terrorist or our enemies can throw at us nothing will ever rob us of our most commendable and enduring gift, our humour. Well I was wrong.

At the time of writing that particular piece we weren’t being strangled by the despicable, destructive, and downright traitorous yolk of the PC brigade. Not content with changing their fellow citizens from a nation that prided and flourished through its policies of oratory freedom into a herd of sheep, watching

Truly disturbing

name but a few. Many contain racist humour, but they are glaringly noncontemptuous, simply frivolously humorous.

every word they say and almost frightened to open their mouths in case they offend somebody, this utterly superfluous bunch of time and woke wasters have finally managed to turn their attack on one of the most dearly loved jewels of our culture, our purveyors of comedy. Subsequently most comedians are simply not funny anymore.

Jokes that retain reference to classism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, xenophobia or Islamophobia are just not allowed on public platforms. For the new breed its ok to repeat appalling swear words, or even undermine white culture, but step out of line against a minority and you can bid your career goodbye.

One TV channel I tune into actually presents (with a large cautionary notice) a wonderful selection of early brilliant British comedy shows. ‘Benny Hill’ ‘Till Death do Us Part’ ‘Hale and Pace’ to

What I find truly disturbing about this whole PC farce is just how far this Orwellian situation is allowed to go. Another bunch of them have now issued guidelines instructing schools that eightyear­olds be taught that all genders can have periods ­ to avoid... wait for it. ‘Offending girls who identify as boys’! Well, frankly if I had my way, I would prosecute these morons for child abuse. Unfortunately, as a member of a majority, nobody is allowed to listen to me!

Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon. Fri. 1pm till 4.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

The origin of this proverb is uncertain but it is common in many cultures. It is often used to express the importance of teaching someone how to do something, rather than just doing it for them.

OUT IN THE COLD OUR VIEW

THIS week’s freezing temperatures in Spain have reopened the argument for bringing back the Winter Fuel Payment for British expats. The scheme, which offers up to £600 for help with heating bills, was withdrawn for British nationals living outside of the UK in 2015, a move which wasn’t seen as particularly controversial by those in the UK who see the Spain as balmy temperatures all year round.

Those who actually live in Spain know the reality is very different however, with temperatures inland and particularly in the mountains often dipping into the minuses in winter.

Expats who spent tens of years of their lives paying in to the National Insurance system were justifiably angry with the turn of events when the news was announced. Now, plunging temperatures combined with soaring electric costs have brought this issue into the spotlight once again.

Expats are by nature, people who have paid taxes for many years before then asking for very little in return from their governments when they retire, in either health or social care. Given that the number of expats worldwide is estimated at 5.5 million and soon set to have UK voting rights for life though, the British government might like to remember the importance of the looking after of all its citizens, not just the ones living in Britain.

By Clinica Britannia

DAO deficiency

BLOATING, constipation, or regular problems with headaches? Then you could be suffering with a deficiency of your DAO enzyme.

DAO deficiency occurs when there is an alteration in the metabolism of food histamine, in other words, when for some reason there is a significant deficiency in the functional activity of the main enzyme in the metabolism of histamine.

The imbalance between ingested histamine and the histamine released from the histamine storage cells, leads to histamine accumulation in the plasma of the blood,

Bloating, constipation and headaches are symptoms.

triggering the occurrence of adverse effects on health.

In healthy people, histamine taken with food is degraded quickly by Diamine Oxidase (DAO) enzyme, but people with low functional DAO activity have the risk of suffering histamine intolerance.

Unlike food allergy, the occurrence of symptoms is not linked to the intake of specific food; not only can it be related to a wide variety of food with different histamine contents, but symptoms can also occur even after the ingestion of products with low histamine levels.

Contact your GP now for further investigations if you are suffering from:

• Migraine or vascular headaches.

• Constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, or regular bloating.

• Dermatological disorders such as dry skin, atopy, or psoriasis.

• Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Health is wealth

NO doubt you have heard it over and over, but your health is vital to your overall happiness and well­being. Your body is one of the only things that will accompany you through your whole life, so it is crucial to take care of it. Today we bring you some fun exercises that you could add to your routine if you want to make a change in 2023.

Swimming Swimming is the ultimate exercise if you’re after a low impact, full body workout. Swimming can also improve flexibility and endurance while building muscles.

Hiking

Living in Spain, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by incredible, varied landscapes, and the best part? Discovering more is free! Hiking is the perfect way to improve your fitness while reconnecting with the great outdoors.

Kayaking

Another excellent way to combine your interest in nature with exercise is kayaking. Plenty of coastal areas in Spain offer incredible kayaking opportunities in tranquil waters so you can get your fitness in without getting bored of the same old scenery in the gym.

Dancing

Dance is an amazing way to target muscles that ordinary workouts might miss while having a blast. Try an organised dance class such as Zumba or salsa, or even head to the dance floor with friends to burn some calories while having a laugh.

Seasonal supplements:

PROBIOTICS are a type of live bacteria and yeast that are great for your digestive system. Our bod ies need probiotics all year round, but they are particu larly important at this time of year when stomach bugs go round and as our bodies try to readjust too a normal eating routine after the holiday sea son and all its fes tive goodies.

What do probiotics do?

Probiotics ‘feed’ the good bacteria that naturally occur in your body, that are needed to keep your digestive system working. Probiotics help to maintain a balance of good bacteria in your body to fight off infections, digest food properly, create vitamins, and absorb medicines.

are vital during the winter as they help to keep your digestive system running despite seasonal stomach bugs.

Luckily, probiotics are naturally present in lots of food sources, or are often added to improve nutritional scores. Popular choices include yoghurt, buttermilk, cottage cheese, fermented cabbage, and sourdough bread. The variation in types of foods containing probiotics mean that you can easily get them into your diet at each meal time. What about a supplement?

How can I boost probiotics naturally?

Dietary supplements can also help you to increase your body’s good bacteria. Supplements come in the form of pills and capsules that can be taken alongside your meals or in powder form. Nutritionists recommend consuming around 10­20 billion CFUs per day for optimal gut health.

KAYAKING: An exciting way to immerse yourself in nature while getting a full body workout.

Probiotics

Photo credit: Jacob Lund / shutterstock.com

Photo credit: Andrii Zastrozhnov / shutterstock.com

By Clinica Britannia

“Should I get dentures?”

Living with missing teeth is not a viable option for most people, as it causes them embarrassment when smiling or talking, inhibiting even the basic daily activities, and unfortunately negatively affecting how others perceive them.

You may think you can hide a missing molar, but a missing front tooth will cause your confidence to take a beating. But also, importantly if a gap is left, the other teeth will shift position causing them to become misaligned, changing the natural shape of your face.

Dentures are custom made artificial replacements for missing teeth, if made correctly they will look and feel completely natural. With proper fitting dentures you will have no problems chewing food, talking, or smiling confidently.

When an accident happens and your

dentures break or fracture and you can no longer use them, this is cause for an emergency just like any other tooth emergency and need to be treated by your Dentist as just that, ‘An Emergency’. It is essential to research and find a Dental practice with qualified helpful staff that can offer an express repair service, very often even allowing you to have your dentures fixed while you wait, so you don’t have to go without them for very long, eliminating any unnecessary embarrassment.

Natural beauty tips

FROM premium skincare products to strict diet regiments, we all know there are a multitude of ways you can enhance your natural beauty, but you can also do this for free! Today we’re sharing four tips on how you can maximise your natural beauty without spending a penny!

Get outside

Fresh air works miracles for our health, making us feel better inside which will radiate from us. It’s easy to take going outside and simple outdoor activities for granted, but they can be truly nourishing for our bodies and spirit.

Sleeping beauty

Sleep is vital for our minds and bodies. Getting at least eight hours of sleep per night in a well ­ ventilated room does wonders for our skin and helps us feel well ­ rested and energetic. It’s not called beauty sleep for nothing!

Improve your posture

How you sit and carry yourself says a lot about your self ­ confidence. Focus on how you sit and stand, aim to lift your shoulders back, lift your head and engage the muscles in

€1.5

your core.

Hygienic habits

Experts recommend rinsing your body at least once a day to stay healthy and looking your best. Take care of your skin by washing your face often to stop dirt clogging your pores which can leave your skin looking dull.

Lift libido levels

IT’S natural for your libido, or sex drive to fluctuate over time. Many age and environmental factors can affect your sex drive, but did you know there are some ways that you reinvigorate your sex life. Today we’re suggesting three natural ways that you can boost your libido, and what’s more, they’re nearly all free.

Aphrodisiacs

These libido enhancing foods can be traced through the ages to ancient Rome, Egypt and of course Greece, with the goddess Aphrodite. And for good reason as scientists do believe there are some foods that can increase your sex drive. Pistachio nuts, the fenugreek plant, and saffron are all proven to increase libido while several studies have also suggested oysters, chocolate, pomegranate and red berries to have similar results.

Quality sleep

Feeling tired is the biggest mood killer possible. Getting enough, good quality sleep is also vital if you want to boost your sex drive and energy levels. Feeling wellrested can also help to boost testosterone levels in men.

Healthy lifestyle

Regular exercise helps in every aspect of our lives, including our sex lives. As well as improving cardiovascular health and general mood, exercise can also improve our self­esteem and improve self­image making it easier to get in the mood and build a better sex life.

Focusing on good posture can help you to come across as more confident and let your natural beauty shine through.

Photo credit: fizkes shutterstock.com

billion, a 50 per cent increase in public investment in health service, PERTE.

Find a dental practice with helpful staff.

A tricky one

CASSANDRA NASH

TENS of thousands protested in the centre of Madrid on January 21, demanding the resignation of the president of Spain’s PSOE­Unidas Podemos government, Pedro Sanchez.

Supporters and voters of the Partido Popular (PP), virtually extinct Ciudadanos, and far­right Vox were there to voice support for ‘Spain, the Constitution and Democracy’.

According to the organisers, half a million protesters poured into Plaza de Cibeles. The central government’s delegation to the Madrid region put the number closer to 31,000, but either way a very large number of people were crammed into a plaza more often associated with tumultuous Real Madrid victory celebrations.

Sanchez was visiting Valladolid, capital of the Castilla y Leon region, at the time. This gave him the opportunity of declaring that anyone wondering what life would be like under a hypothetical PPVox coalition need look no further than Castilla y Leon where the PP governs thanks to Vox, whose votes were re ­

warded with a regional vice­presidency for Juan Garcia Gallardo.

To the discomfort of regional president Alfonso Fernandez Mañueca, not to mention the PP’s national leader Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, Garcia Gallardo recently decided that it would be a good idea if doctors made women intending to terminate a pregnancy between six and nine weeks to first hear the foetal heartbeat.

The PP groans were almost audible. The party was mindful of the influence that abortion exerted on the US midterm elections and the trouble that plans to scuttle the existing abortion law caused Mariano Rajoy’s government, prompting the exit of its architect, Justice minister Alberto Ruiz Gallardon in 2014.

Feijoo kept his mouth diplomatically shut, although his silence spoke volumes, while Mañueco hastily assured Castilla y Leon¡s doctors and women that nobody would force anybody to do anything.

With elections in May and December all parties have a great deal to say. But the PP will presumably tread with extreme care to avoid losing votes once abortion enters the conversation.

THE British Benevolent Fund is the charity of last resort ­ it provides financial assistance to those Britons in Spain in dire straits and who have no other recourse. We deal with the worst that life can throw ­ and try with the aid of volunteers to find a solution.

Domestic abuse continues to be a major driver of our cases with women, many in long term relationships taking the step to leave abusive and damaging environments.

One such case involved Anne, a married British lady with four children ­ one day she walked into a police station in her hometown near Malaga and filed a report against her husband of a decade for repeated domestic abuse including multiple physical assaults and rape stretching back many years.

She had endured enoughwhich she had done for the sake of keeping the family together ­ on the day she went to the police the husband had attacked one of the kids ­ that was it. Anne had no money, and no family member could help, but she was determined to protect the children.

A fresh start

The police took action as well as alerting social services who in turn alerted the British consulate. Together with the town hall the lady and her children were provided emergency accommodation as well as offer of a longer term protected tenancy apartment.

The BBF was able to help pay for her moving expenses and ensure that utilities were connected and paid for the first three months in addition to paying for some white goods and children’s items. It was enough to give her a new fresh start in a safe environment for her children.

Anne was one of over 30,000 victims of domestic abuse in Spain ­ we are only able to support her and wom­

en in similar situations with your support and donations. Every penny makes a difference. If you would like to support our work with a donation please visit our website or contact me olaf.clayton@british benevolentfund.org.

LINDA HALL

A RECENT New York Times article revealed that 56 per cent US residents wouldn’t use the word gypsy owing to its often­negative associations. There are fewer reservations about the word in Spain although strangely you now see fewer immediately identifiable gypsies around.

This certainly wasn’t the case in the late 80s when I worked as secretary to a Benidorm businessman. The word businessman is an overstatement as he had lost his moneymaking knack to the extent that I had to send marble samples by express courier to the United States, which played hell with the petty cash. He lived in fear of his mistress, his estranged wife and three grown­up daughters, two of whom should have been called Goneril and Regan ­ not that the third was any Cordelia.

A very beautiful young gypsy started to visit the office, which opened on to the street, asking for money. We always gave her something and she dropped in regularly until she was heavily pregnant, later returning, sometimes toting the child. She was always taciturn and it required persistence to learn her name, which she claimed was Maria, but possibly chose at random owing to its anonymity.

Eventually my boss did a runner and I saw no more of Maria until I was walking along Benidorm’s Avenida del Mediterráneo a year or so later. Somebody bumped into me and something brushed my shoulder­bag, the sort

Don’t say that!

with a flap and no zip.

It was the lightest of gossamer touches but enough to warn me to feel inside it as I was overtaken by the person who’d jostled me. The purse was gone and a few paces away were two young gypsies, one of them Maria, no longer so slim or beautiful but still recognisable.

Furious and fuming because I was pretty hard­up at the time I shouted after her, “After all the money I gave you in the past now you go and take mine!” In fact I’d never given her all that much, but Maria turned and looked at me coolly over her shoulder and said something to her companion who, rapid as a fish darting through water, slipped something into her hand. It was my purse and Maria casually returned it with neither smile nor change of expression.

I was so astounded that all I could manage was an inappropriate “thank you” as the pair accelerated rapidly along the pavement. On telling Spanish people this 100 per cent true story most receive it sceptically as another instance of Brit invention and inclination to romanticise gypsies.

But it happened, and it happened to me.

They, like many others, also say that giving money to beggars only encourages more beggars but I still feel begging must be a tough way to survive. Anyway, I did what I believed was right at the time and I got my purse back.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

Helping

THEY do say that life comes round in cycles, and the team at Neater Heater are inclined to repeat a phrase that Derrick Trotter might say: “It’s Deja­vu all over again, Rodney.”

Neater Heater started life in the last cost of living crisis after the world’s economies were crashed by the banks in 2008. Primarily looking for ways to heat their kids’ bedrooms Richard and Tony had both decided separately on electric heaters.

However, when shopping around they discovered that the ones on offer were either very expensive to buy, but not too expensive to run, or were very cheap to buy but cost a small fortune to run. One thing they all had in common was that they were not very efficient. This story is told in detail on their website www.neater heater.es, but the gist is that through luck they discovered a Norwegian convector heater that they could import at a reasonable cost and was cost effective to run.

It enabled them to heat a room for less money. It is not a magic solution, it is a so lution borne of efficiency and effectiveness. It is like buying a more efficient car when petrol prices go through the roof.

More things holiday hotels still get wrong

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

SMALL wardrobes that assume all guests wear mini dresses. Insufficient hangers. Safes too small for a laptop in supposedly business hotels.

Hairdryers in the bathroom, not the bedroom. A ‘desk’ which could so easily double as a dressing table if only there were accessible plug sockets and a mirror. And the only mirror with enough light to shave or apply make ­ up above the washbasin. Result?

Ending up with a hernia squeezing between basin and toilet so you can get near enough to see what you’re doing!

Additionally, paperthin walls, made worse by connecting doors so you can hear your neighbours’ every

cough, sneeze, snore and more (oops!). Useless hotel room doors, with little sound insulation so you’re woken at 4am when the party crowd roll back in discussing their evening loudly as they stumble through the deserted corridors. Plus there are invariably insufficient sun loungers ­ you shouldn’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to nab one by the pool.

Room service menus consisting only of overpriced stodge drowning in fat, cheese or cream, apart from maybe one or two token veggie items that sound totally unappetising. Try sticking to a post­Christmas diet on that lot...

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.

heaters from the ferreteria near him, but he wasn’t happy with them. He thought they were defective as his electrics frequently tripped when he was using them. He then called Neater Heater and told them the size of the rooms he wanted heating. Both small bedrooms at 9sqm.

He was provided with two 600 Watt heaters. When fitting these heaters Tony and Richard looked at the small ferreteriabought heaters and saw that they were each 2,200 Watts. In total 4.4 kilowatts. Geoff said that they just about took the edge off the cold. (He also only had a 5kW allowance, so when he put the kettle on the electrics tripped). Anyway, his bedrooms are warmer now, his electrics no longer trip, and he is saving 3.2 kilowatts every hour! In fact, possibly more as Neater Heaters have thermostats to further reduce consumption.

Neater Heater ­ Letting your money go further.

NoraJohnson’sopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

Nora’s latest thriller.

your bills with a Neater Heater. They had a customer ­ let’s call him Geoff. Now Geoff had bought a couple of small oil filled

XWORD LOVERS

I JUST wanted to let you know that the crossword is one of my favourite things to do during the week, I go down to a little bar in the port, order myself a beer and a tapa, bring the dog along with me, enjoy the sun and relax while keeping my brain occupied with the crossword. Sometimes the hubby will come along but he’ll put something in pen rather than pencil and of course it’s wrong! When he does that though he orders me a dessert to make up for it so we can excuse it... sometimes.

Vanessa, Marbella

Great expectations

of £600 an hour). Most of these top dogs have no problem donating millions to the Tory party, but can’t find a little extra to pay their employees, it is easily understandable whose side the government is on and why the huge gap in equality is a main reason behind the unrest why these workers are on strike. Union bosses regardless of their income are fully behind the people they are paid to represent not using them as fodder, it’s time loopy Lee living on the back of his one hit wonder for years turned his little arrows in a different direction.

Ramon Osborne, Los Alcazares

Right again

AGAIN you’ve got it right in my view Leapy. Previously you said about some people stating their rights, overlooking that rights go hand in hand with ‘responsibilities’ and with regard to union demands you only have to remember that when ‘steam traction’' finished in September 1968 the unions wanted the ‘firemen to accompany the driver in diesel and electric locomotives, well that’s progressive thinking for you, well said Mr Lee.

Benidorm

I TOTALLY agree with Nicole, owning or working in the hospitality industry is a completely different kettle of fish. Having worked in hospitality for years nobody tells you when you first start or probably knows what it is like unless you have done it. The aching legs you get after a shift, trying to keep going and smile while you’ve already done 10 hours and have another two hours at least to go to close. Shout out to all the people that work in hospitality you are angels and deserve more credit. Sinead,

Astonishing generosity

WOW! How incredible is it that Alan Boardman donated €1,000 to Kay Millington’s cause. It is amazing to see the community do what it does and rally around someone who is doing a good deed. I can’t wait to hear more about this. Congratulations young lady and I wish you the best of luck!

Kelly, Fuengirola

Unstoppable

AND that’s just exactly what Siggi Wilzig is, to read such a story and to see how he came from the bottom all the way up to the top is incredible. His book is in my basket just waiting for me to hit buy. Just imagine yourself doing what he did. What he had to go through, it is the most amazing story and I can’t wait to read more about it. Thank you for bringing light to this, he is an inspiration and I think this could help a lot of young people today if they picked up the book too.

Martyn, Costa Blanca South

Loopy Lee

I REALLY despair at the utterly ridiculous right wing comments made week after week by loopy Lee. This time it is the bosses of the trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party and their pay grade, but to say they are using the nurses, ambulance drivers and everyone else on strike as fodder to line their own pockets is absolute rubbish. Yes we all agree that many at the top are overpaid, but why not pick on the ones at the top that are causing the strikes, many hundreds of CEOs pay themselves in excess of 100 times the average British worker (I read recently where the owner of a betting chain pocketed the equivalent

Best seller

Barry & Pauline Reading Algarrobo

MORE like can it get any better... and now we’re probably going to get a part two and round two of the Harry waves all over again. I will say though that I am glad that it is more about him this time rather than Meghan. I just think that some things are better left unsaid or for private conversations and not for the world to know. I can never look or think about Elizabeth Arden ever again. So much for my new Christmas presents... grrr.

Bailie, Coin

Truly selfless

I CAN’T believe that these selfless firefighters who fought the Grenfell Tower blaze are suffering such an awful thing like cancer. Not enough is done for these men and women who put their lives out on the line every day. To think they have saved so many lives just to have this happen. I wish them only the best and if they can recover, a very speedy recovery.

Jeff, Manilva

Electric vehicles

I JUST don’t know what to think about them, they don’t make any noise, I never see any charging ports for them and whenever I am in one it doesn’t have the same feeling as a diesel or unleaded car. I’m not surprised that they have been deemed as unsuitable. I don’t think we are ready for them yet; we don’t have the facilities for them, and the charging stations are also known to be very expensive. I think I will stick with my wee diesel, it has done me the world of good and I have had the car for over 10 years now.

Thanks, Tony

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.

Taking care of our pets’ eyes

IT is important not to neglect the eye health of dogs and cats as it can lead to a serious loss of their visual ability.

Owners must be vigilant and recognise the symptoms of impaired eye health. These are the most common symptoms:

Redness of the eyes.

Eye discharge

Swelling eyelids.

Cloudy appearance of the eye

Signs of pain: eyes closed, scratching the face

Recognise the symptoms.

Signs of anxiety or hesitation when in new places

Your dog stumbles with objects and suddenly does not want to go up or down stairs or jump on furniture, which he normally did.

It is important to visit the vet regularly and especially if you observe any of these signs.

RETIREMENT is an exciting stage in life, and some of us enjoy some companionship with our extra free time!

A pet can be the perfect friend to make some new memories with, but how can you choose the perfect pet? Today we’re sharing a list of pets that are ideal for retired people.

Bichón frisé

These affectionate dogs are well ­ known for their tranquil and obedient nature. Their charm and beauty mean you won’t have a shortage of admirers on walks and their plush coat makes for great hugs. Their small size also makes them perfect dogs for urban living.

Corgi

The late Queen Elizabeth’s favoured breed of dog, corgis make the perfect pet for retired people. Strong, athletic, and full of beans, corgis need lots of exercise which means plenty of walks, which is perfect if you’re planning for an active retirement.

Persian cat

Animal allergies

LIFE with allergies to animals can be tricky, especially when pets are added into the equation. Today we’re bringing you some top tips on how you can still be a pet owner and animal lover when living with allergies.

1. Clean environment Most of the allergens from our pets come from their fur and skin cells. Keeping the surfaces in your home clean can help to keep your allergies at bay. Allergy experts recommend using a vacuum cleaner rather than a brush to keep allergens out of the air. Clean pet blankets regularly also as they transmit allergens easily.

2. Clean pet

You can also start at the source by keeping your pet clean! Bathing your pet once a week can stop shed skin cells from entering the air. Consult

Pets for

These majestic cats are elegant to look at and their sweet nature means they make the perfect companion for retirees who plan to spend time

around the house. These cats love to sprawl out in a sun­kissed spot and gentle affection.

Fabulous fish

If you are after a lower ­

maintenance pet, fish are an excellent choice. Their vibrant colours and fascinating movement also makes them an enchanting and calming pet.

credit:

Photo

your vet for pet­appropriate shampoos and soaps.

3. Boundaries If a member of your household is allergic to your pet, it’s crucial to keep the pet out of their bedroom at the very least.

4. Medical options

If you are an animal lover that suffers from allergies, it could be time to look into antihistamines or other medical options like a nasal spray that will enable you to spend time with furry friends without the constant urge to sneeze.

Ducato win Salou award

FIAT Professional Ducato has been awarded the prestigious ‘Best Motorhome Base Vehicle 2023’ ahead of its well ­ known competitors, continuing its winning streak. For the 15th time in a row, the readers of the German specialised magazine ‘ Promobil’ have voted again for the successful model from FIAT Professional.

The annual readers’ choice of the German magazine has represented an important reference point and a major benchmark for the trends in the field of leisure vehicles for more than a quarter of a century, thus confirming the importance of this award.

This prestigious prize stands out, confirming the trust customers

have in FIAT Professional Ducato as the ideal base for their leisure vehicle: the several variants of the FIAT Professional Ducato serving as the basis for motorhomes were designed and developed together with the largest European motorhome manufacturers.

The cornerstone of

the model’s successful streak is the strategy of designing the vehicle as a platform for add ­ ons right from its development stage.

Ducato has always offered modularity, carlike driveability and versatility, features whichin brief ­ have ruled its achievements together with constant innovations.

CAMPING & Resort Sanguli Salou in Tarragona on Spain’s Costa Dorada has won the Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB) Camping of the Year 2023 award under the new category of Best Family Campsite near the Sea.

The award was issued by the ANWB, a Dutch association dedicated to mobility, tourism and leisure since 1883, has more than four million users.

More than 1,800 campsites from all over Europe were considered for this award. To select the winners, independent inspections

Adapting to market trends.

were carried out at all the tourist establishments during the summer of 2022. These inspections assessed the sanitary facilities, grounds, swimming pools, leisure facilities,

WITH 2023 bringing a focus on exploring further while spending less, the Caravan and Motorhome Club UK has launched its 2023 driving training courses to help tourers make the most of the great outdoors.

Whether you are new to caravanning, motorhoming and campervanning, or a seasoned tourer who just needs a refresher, the Club makes sure you feel comfortable and safe in your vehicle before you head out on your holiday adventure.

Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing and Membership Services at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said, “We are

SALLY UNDERWOOD POLITICAL ANIMAL

WELL it’s safe to say it hasn’t been a good week for the Conservatives.

Between Rishi’s fixed penalty notice for not wearing a seatbelt, Boris’s £800,000 loan controversy, and Zahawi’s seven­figure tax payback, the Tories are not currently having the best time of things.

Two of these controversies are now subject to reviews, while Rishi has accepted fault in the seatbelt incident.

While this certainly doesn’t look like a great time for politics, as one columnist recently pointed out these scandals are somewhat tame compared to some of the UK’s historic political controversies.

Let’s start with possibly the most shocking, the Thorpe Affair. It’s hard to contemplate now the idea that the leader of a major political party might end up being tried for murder, but in 1979 that’s exactly what happened in the case of Liberal Party leader, Jeremy Thorpe.

While he was eventually acquitted, the stain of being accused of attempting to have his former lover killed was ­ fairly understandably ­ enough to end his career.

shops, and restaurants.

Since its inauguration, Sanguli Salou has known how to evolve and adapt to the trends and needs of the market; for almost half a century it has maintained its essence and has become a point of reference for European tourism.

The lodges and tents of Africa, or the new villas of the Mediterrania, are just some examples of the different themes that can be found throughout the resort.

Manoeuvring skills

delighted to help new and old tourers alike to journey safely while making the most of the great outdoors through our driving training courses in 2023.

“Touring holidays are more popular than ever and people are taking to the open road as they look to holiday for less. Launching a variety of new locations this year this provides course participants with flexibility on where to learn or refresh their skills before setting off on their touring adventures in the UK and Europe.”

Low expectations

After that, the faked death of former Labour MP John Stonehouse has also got to be up there in terms of political scandal. Quite incredibly, Stonehouse lived in Australia under an assumed name for six weeks after faking his drowning in Miami before being caught. Of all things, he was eventually brought in by police who initially suspected him of being Lord Lucan in a spectacular piece of bad timing for Stonehouse.

And who could forget the Profumo affair, in which War Secretary John Profumo managed to have an affair with a woman ­ Christine Keeler ­ who was simultaneously having it off with a Soviet spy.

Compared to murder and the spilling of state secrets, the seatbelt issue at least seems pretty tame.

Why is it that politicians seem to attract so many scandals though? Maybe it’s the old adage about power corrupting. Or maybe it’s just that at the end of it all it turns out that politicians are just normal human beings, with the same temptations, flaws and foibles as everyone else. The difference here perhaps is simply that the stakes are so much higher.

Any wayward politicos might be wellserved to remember that.

Sallysopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

AWARDED: Best Motorhome Base Vehicle 2023.

Image: Southtownboy Studio / Shutterstock.com

Image: Sanguli Salou

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VIAGRA

Dacia Sandero continues to shine

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

WE continue to see low price entrants into the car market, but one which is still making headlines and making progress is Dacia.

Part of Renault, Dacia was originally a Romanian company building models like the Renault 12 under licence from the French manufacturer in the 1960s.

Renault took a majority stake in 1999. Fast forward and we now have a modern, keenly priced range including a much acclaimed new seven­seater.

Our focus for this test is the Sandero which in second­generation guise continued to win praise. In both looks and the drive it feels like a more expensive car than is actually the case. There are cheaper non­tactile interior plastics, as one might expect at this price point, but in Expression

trim as tested the standard equipment list is generous.

Material trim adorns the fascia, keyless entry, power door mirrors, Bluetooth with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, cruise control, navigation, air conditioning and powered door mirrors, auto wipers, rear parking camera and sensors all come in the price of

€14,817/£12,995. This makes it somewhat of a star in the affordable price league. The Sandero range has an additional trim level of Expression priced from €15,957/£13,995.

There is just one engine size ­ 1.0­litre, three­cylinder ­ in three different power outputs including an LPG bi ­ fuel version. The turbocharged power 90 hp unit develops a much more

useable power and the LPG bi­fuel 100 hp. A CVT automatic is offered along with manual gears.

The Sandero looks good and with the 90 hp power unit it drives well and feels perky under acceleration, easily keeping up with traffic on A­ roads and motorways. There’s the characteristic thrum from the three­cylinder engine, but it really is a refined and smooth drive. My driving

week involved a lengthy journey as well as commuting and the Sandero proved comfortable and very economical.

When you look across the board, in purely price terms, at the range of cars available to buyers, the Sandero offers keen pricing and the back ­ up of a large dealer

network plus generous equipment. Many will doubtless dismiss the Sandero as rather ordinary in a market where brand snobbery still carries so much weight. It’s most definitely transport, rather than a car enthusiast dream, but nonetheless it’s a car that wholeheartedly deserves the praise that has been directed its way. Unlike earlier versions this latest model should be more durable and desirable on the second hand market.

Facts at a Glance

Model: Dacia Sandero Expression TCe 90

Engine: 0.9 turbocharged, 3-cylinder, petrol developing 90 hp

Gears: 5-speed manual Performance: 0-100 kmh (62 mph) 11.7 seconds/Maximum Speed 175 kph (111 mph)

Economy: 5.3 l/km (53.3 mpg) WLTP Emissions: 119 g/km

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

LATEST MODEL: Looks good and drives well.

Money saving motoring

JANUARY can be a taxing time for your wallet, especially if you own a car. With more journeys than usual due to the cold weather and increasing costs of running your car it might be costing you extra. Today, we’re bringing you three top tips to stop your car from breaking down and becoming an even bigger burden on your wallet this January.

• Steady upkeep

If your car is already suffering from mechanical issues, you’re bound to run into more problems. Avoid ending up with a huge bill further down the road by paying attention to your car’s maintenance. Regularly check your car’s interior and exterior condition, together

with oil and brake fluid levels.

• Efficient driving

Another sure fire way to take better care of your car is by driving efficiently. This means accelerating and braking gently where possible and keeping a steady speed. This will do wonders for your engine health and stop you from needing to refill fuel and replace tyres so often.

• Plan ahead

If you want to save money on your vehicle, plan journeys before heading out of the house so you can research the most efficient way to get there. Planning can also help you to find the cheapest locations to refill your car.

Smart Skoda drivers

AN amusing new study has found that Skoda drivers have a higher IQ than drivers of any other car brand. The study, completed in the UK by Scrap Car Comparison surveyed more than 2,000 drivers across the country with an IQ test.

Smart Skoda drivers displayed an average IQ score of 99, in keeping with perceptions of Skoda drivers as sensible and practical on the roads. Skoda drivers ranked an impressive six points above the average IQ recorded in the study, of 93.70.

Other intelligent drivers include Suzuki drivers who came in second place with a similarly higher IQ of 98.09, and Peugeot drivers who ranked in third place with an average IQ of 97.79. Mini and Mazda drivers completed the top five with average IQs of 97.41 and 95.91 respectively.

At the other end of the

scale, Land Rover drivers collected the unfortunate crown of drivers with the lowest average IQ score of 88.58. The other two bottom places went to Fiat drivers with an average IQ of 90.14 and BMW drivers

with 91.68.

The study also looked into car colour, finding that white car drivers have the highest average IQ, suggesting that driving a white Skoda might well be a hallmark of a brilliant mind!

Photo credit: Mvelishchuk shutterstock.com

Astounding coup

THE big transfer news on Friday, January 20, was that Arsenal are reportedly hoping to lure Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga to the Emirates on loan. The London club’s Spanish coach Mikel Arteta is seeking reinforcements to his midfield for the second half of the season, according to the UK press.

The signing of the young Frenchman would be an astounding coup for the current Premier League leaders if it can be pulled off. Earlier on Friday the Gunners announced the capture of Leandro Trossard from Brighton.

Camavinga has found himself languishing in the pecking order at the Bernabeau behind Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, and Tino Kroos since arriving at the club in a big ­ money move.

He joined in a lastminute move from Ligue 1

Flintoff near to quitting

outfit Rennes in the 2021 transfer window.

The talented young player would no doubt relish the opportunity of firstteam playing time should he move to England.

In their bid to land a first title since 2003, Arsenal are currently five points clear of their nearest rivals, reigning champions, Manchester City, with a game in hand.

THE Ocean Race started in Alicante on Sunday January 15, where tens of thousands of spectators cheered the boats off on their way to the first stop in Cape Verde.

Aarhus in Denmark is among the eight ‘stop­overs’ in this year’s sailing. Aarhus is the third last stop and the first Danish host city in the 50­year race history.

Between May 29 and June 8, the top ­ tuned racing boats dock in Aarhus.

Ahead lies an extremely de ­

TOP GEAR presenter and former England cricketer Freddie Flintoff is said to be near to quitting the show after suffering ‘psychological trauma’ following an accident in December.

Flintoff was airlifted to hospital after crashing at the show’s test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, in what friend Piers Morgan said “a pretty serious crash.”

At the time Morgan told

Race history

manding round­the­world voyage. Two different boat classes compete with five crews in the IMOCA class and six boats in the VO65 class.

The IMOCA class takes the trip

TalkSPORT: “I’m told he’s going to be OK which is great news.

“He’s had surgery and is recovering now and we’ll have to wait and see.”

But now friends have told a news source as reported on Saturday, January 21, that the star is seriously rethinking whether he will return to the series which is currently under investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.

around the world. And the VO65 class takes part in the newly established The Ocean Race VO65 Sprint Cup, which includes the stages Alicante to Capo Verde, Aarhus to The Hague, and The Hague to Genoa.

The hosting of The Ocean Race is a new event highlight for Aarhus to cement the city’s position as an event city of international level.

In connection with the many significant international sailing events, Aarhus has worked closely with Sport Event Denmark.

Bid to purchase Man Utd

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE, the richest man in Britain, on Tuesday, January 17, confirmed his intention to launch a bid to purchase Manchester United football club. After 17 years as the owners, the Glazer family is known to be looking for a buyer for the iconic Old Trafford club.

As chairman of the INEOS chemical group, Sir Jim is well placed to join the bidding. The famous Theatre of Dreams was put up for sale last November by its American owners. All bids must initially be registered with the American Raine Group bank,

which is in charge of handling the sale.

The announcement sees the British businessman become the first official bidder to formally confirm an interest. A spokesperson for Ratcliffe told a UK newspaper: “We have formally put ourselves into the process.” He already owns Ligue 1 club Nice, in France.

This is not his first attempt to take over a Premier League outfit. Last year he was involved in negotiations to buy Chelsea FC, only to be outbid by American businessman Todd Boehly, who ended up paying in ex­

Money League

WHILST football fans think about goals and wins, Deloitte has published the Football Money League 2023. This is the annual analysis of club revenue in the world of football, including key aspects such as commercial revenue and fan attendance.

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are positioned within the Top 10 of the list, in second and seventh position respectively, with both clubs significantly increasing their revenues compared to the previous analysis.

Real Madrid has experienced 11 per cent revenue growth, while FC Barcelona has increased its revenues by 10 per cent compared to the previous year.

Real Madrid is positioned for the fifth consecutive year among the top three clubs. The revenues of both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona account for 21 per cent of the €6.3 billion generated by the 10 most important clubs in the study.

Within the Top 15 of the report, Atletico de Madrid stands out, in position 12 and with a significant increase in revenue of 18 per cent. This has allowed them to climb up one position, and position themselves at the same level as Juventus and only €40m from the Top 10.

cess of £4 billion for the Stamford Bridge club. It is believed that the Glazers will hold out for at least £5 billion.

“Manchester United plc, one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announced today that the Company’s Board of Directors is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club,” read a statement released last year confirming that the club was going on the market.

It continued: “The process is designed to enhance the club’s future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalise on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.

“As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company,” it added.

“This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the longterm success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders,” the statement concluded.

Ratcliffe however is bound to face competition from other corners of the globe.

The BBC said that it is also investigating the accident although a spokesperson for the show said that the correct precautions had been taken.

A statement issued read: “Our primary concern is and has been for the welfare of Freddie ­ as well as the Top Gear team. All health and safety procedures were followed on site and the incident is now being fully investigated, in line with standard policy and practice.”

The show has been involved in accidents before with former presenter Richard Hammond ending up in a coma. Following that accident, more precautions were taken but accidents still do happen given the nature of the show. While December’s accident is not the first for Flintoff since he began working on the programme, it is by far and away the most serious.

Eduardo Camavinga.

Credit: WikipediaBy Fotografías Archimadrid.es

Another Premier manager sacked Ing permanent transfer

FRANK LAMPARD was sacked by Premier League outfit Everton on Monday, January 23. After a dismal first half of the season, the club finds itself languishing just above the relegation zone in 19th spot.

The 44­year­old former England star has been at Goodison Park since replacing Rafa Benitez in late January 2021, having previously been in charge of Chelsea. Lampard performed a small miracle as he steered the Toffees to safety last season when they had looked odds­on to go down to the Championship.

Everton have picked up only one point since the restart after the World Cup, a draw against the reigning champions, Manchester City. They also lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup.

After the 2 ­ 0 defeat at West Ham on Saturday January 21, Lampard’s position really looked untenable. He had a meeting with the club’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright. Kevin Thelwell, the club’s director of football, was also present, and it was decided to let the manager go.

A search will now take place to find the next coach but meantime, Leighton Baines ­ who currently looks after the Under 18s ­ will reportedly control the day­to­day matters at Goodison Park, along with Paul Tait, the Under 21 head coach.

WEST HAM have completed the signing of proven Premier League striker Danny Ing on a permanent transfer from Aston Villa.

The England international has joined the Hammers from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee until the summer of 2025.

All paperwork was submitted ahead of the midday deadline for the player to be eligible for their Premier League fixture against

Everton at London Stadium and the Club expected to receive formal confirmation on January 20.

The 30­year­old, who will wear the number 18 shirt for the Hammers, said: “I’m really excited to join West Ham United.”

Manager David Moyes said: “I’m really pleased to add Danny to the squad.

“We’re looking forward to integrating him into the group, as we go into a busy

period in our season.”

Ings, has 68 Premier League goals to his name in 188 top ­ flight appearances.

After splashing out a cool £25 million (€28.5 million)

on Chris Wood, Premier League high­flyers Newcastle are ready to allow the striker a move out on loan despite only joining the Magpies 12 months ago from Burnley.

Bike stolen ahead of race

ONE of the brightest prospects in cyclocross and on the road, Shirin van Anrooij, has reached out to her social media followers after one of her bikes was stolen ahead of the penultimate round of the 2022­23 UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Benidorm.

Twenty­year­old Shirin van Anrooij, a Baloise Trek Lions rider who also represents Trek­Segafredo during the road season, reached out to her followers on Twitter and Instagram, revealing that the bike was taken from a car park used by her team while she was reconning the Costa Blanca resort’s course, which is making its debut as part of cyclocross’s elite series.

“Important ­ Today my bike was stolen from the parking at the Benidorm World Cup,” she wrote. “Please let me know if you saw it or know something.”

The missing bike, a blue Trek Boone with SRAM Red eTap AXS, was the subject of a forensic investigation last month following rumours that Baloise Trek Lions’ cyclocross riders were racing with shift­brake levers that weren’t current generation SRAM Red.

Despite the theft, Dutch Shirin van Anrooij headed to the race in Benidorm to take on her rivals for ‘cross supremacy Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse, as well as world champion Marianne Vos ­ off the back of three consecutive wins since the end of December.

WEST HAM: Have signed up striker Danny Ing.