Costa Blanca North 16 – 22 February 2023 Issue 1963

BENI-VEGAS

BENIDORM could be crowned Europe’s new stag and hen party capital this year, amid a bumper booking boom after Brits ‘stormed out the gates’ on the back of the Covid pandemic.

One firm has revealed bookings to the sunscorched Spanish resort have almost reached 2022’s levels by the end of January.

“If the trend continues, Benidorm will comfortably surpass the likes of Prague, Amsterdam and even Dublin to be the EU’s biggest stag and hen location, something that once

would have seemed unimaginable,” said Matt Mavir, Managing Director of Tyneside firm, Last Night of Freedom.

While Benidorm has always been relatively popular, it has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years.

British tourists seeking sun, sea and sangria.

And according to Matt, that’s been another major driver for stags and hens in the current climate. “The cost ­ of ­ living crisis has forced everyone to tighten their belts a bit, and stags and hens aren’t exempt,” added Matt.

Exclusive booking data supplied by the firm shows that last year, trips were up a staggering 700 per cent compared to 2018.

Over the years, the budget­friendly resort has become a playground for

The new Hollywood

LA VILLAJOYOSA joins the Hollywood club as it continues to be the focus of attention for large international film productions.

The Covenant, which is the latest film by British director Guy Ritchie has some scenes shot in the environment of the Villajoyosa reservoir and in the Amadorio reservoir dam.

The film also used other locations in the province of Alicante for a large part of the exterior scenes.

The Covenant has announced its release date in cinemas in the US for April 2023, with its release still to be announced in other countries such as Spain.

The film stars American actor, Jake Gyllenhaal, who was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2005 for his role in Brokeback Mountain.

BENIDORM: Has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years.

Image: Madrugada Verde / Shutterstock.com

THE town council of La Nucia has confirmed it will allocate €20,000 for the 2023 Street Cat Sterilisation Campaign.

The objective of this campaign is to control the feline colonies located around the municipality.

A group of 40 volunteers have already registered and they will altruistically participate in this campaign by transferring the cats to the veterinary clinics in La Nucia arranged for the sterilisation of the cats.

The town council has increased the budget item by €4,000 compared to 2022, to

Cat campaign

live in good hygienic conditions to avoid infectious diseases.

continue covering the needs of the campaign.

Among other works that the council are doing in a bid to control and help the feral cats in the area there will be supervision and maintenance of the areas so the felines can

DO you ever get bored waiting in a queue to be served in a shop or at the market? Monotony may well be a thing of the past as Benidorm City Council believes it has come up with a boredom cure for queuers! The Department of Commerce has launched a new reading animation campaign at the Municipal Market, Wait Reading ‘Espera Llegint’. Benidorm Council is not expecting you to wade through War and Peace, but a compact, light read.

Councillor, Lorenzo Martinez, confirmed: “The dynamics of the campaign are very simple. Participating establishments receive an exhibitor with a batch of books, which they make available to customers so that they can liven up

This campaign is coordinated by the Department of Animal Protection of La Nucia. For more information or if you can offer help, head to the headquarters in the Administrative Extension of Bello Horizonte, Calle Berlin 1, call (+34) 661 372 931 or email proteccionanimal@lanucia.es

Volunteers receive training prior to the start of the campaign.

Boredom cure

their waiting time by reading some of the works.

“It is about making that wait a more productive moment, dedicating that time to a habit as healthy for the mind and spirit as reading.”

Businesses interested in joining the initiative and having their exhibitor and batch of books can contact the Department of Commerce via email comercio@benidorm.org or by phone at 966 815 443, or with the Central Library at 965 855 098 or by the mail biblioteca@ benidorm.org.

Cats are being protected.

Image: Oxana Oliferovskaya Shutterstock.com

Prize path

THE Voramar Calalga coastal route in Calpe again received a Blue Flag from the Association of Environmental Education and Consumer Affairs (ADEAC) in recognition of the town hall’s efforts to maintain and promote the path. The award will be presented in Santiago de Compostela (Galicia) on February 24.

Family fun

ALFAZ’S Youth department and the Asociacion Dragon are organising a card game tournament for families and seven­year­olds upwards at 11am at the Casa de Cultura on February 25. Register with the Centro de Información Juvenil on 610 205 329 and 965 887 435, or email juventud@lalfas.com.

Pool time

CARLOS MAZON, president of the Diputacion provincial council confirmed in Teulada­Moraira recently that work on the municipal swimming pool would be finished in time for the summer. The Diputacion contributed €153,000 towards the cost of the pool located in the Ricardo Benavent sports complex adjoining the football pitch.

Parking offer

BENIDORM Town Hall, now directly responsible for the l’Aiguera car park, is continuing the previous discount offer, announced Mobility councillor Jose Ramon Gonzalez de Zarate. Spending a minimum of €20 in participating shops, cafes, bars or restaurants in the town centre brings with it an hour’s free parking.

Thick snow

STORM ISAACK brought three­metre waves to coastal areas as well as heavy rain that turned to snow on high ground. The Marina Baja’s Sierra Aitana, 1,400 metres above sea level, had a record 40­centimetre snowfall on February 8, with 20 centimetres for Montcabrer further inland in Sierra Mariola.

BENIDORM sprung into action to help support people in Syria and Turkey affected by the devastating earthquake which took place on Monday, February 6.

A whole host of community actions came together with the city council to announce a major collection effort of warm clothing and essential items to donate to victims of the earthquake.

All in the city region were encouraged to donate items to a collection which took place on Saturday, February 11 from 10am until 6pm in the Casa del Fester ‘Diego Cano Enguera’.

Speaking before the collec­

Helping hand

tion, city councillor, Jesús Carrobles,explained “Benidorm has always been known as a caring city, always ready to help those who need it most, and we know that the community will show their support in this collection of warm clothes and food to help those affected by this terrible event.”

The catastrophic earthquake was the biggest and the deadliest in the region since 2015. More than 21,000 deaths have already been recorded with more expected as an international rescue effort gets underway. Its location in Syria has complicated the humanitarian aid process.

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S

Droning in

BENIDORM is currently hosting new drone flight tests for use in transport within the European DELOREAN project.

THE NEW Pau II health centre in Alicante has begun the construction process.

The future health centre is increasing the Primary Care benefits to the citizens in an area of Alicante that has experienced a significant population increase in recent years due to the increase in construction in the area.

The area of influence of the centre will be around 16,620 inhabitants, a figure that could exceed 20,000 in the

New health centre

future because this residential area of the capital continues to expand.

The centre will be built on a plot ceded by the city council and access, both to consultations and to the ER and to the car park will be via Avenida Cardenal Francisco Alvarez. The estimated area of the centre is 5,500 square metres, to which must be

Cat colony care

CAT colonies in Villajoyosa have benefited from a council campaign to offer better healthcare and safety in the town. The council also announced it is improving public information on cat colonies with a number of signs installed around the town.

The council announced its action on cat colonies in an annual report released on Thursday, February 9. In 2022, the council successfully sterilised and provided basic healthcare including vaccination to more than 150 feral cats in two sterilisation campaigns.

The council said it must take action to control the growth of cat colonies including sterilising cats to prevent them from developing dangerous health conditions or posing a threat to other natural wildlife in the area.

As well as the council,

various animal rescue and welfare groups, including the Huellas Gatunas association and local vets have been working to care for the cats. The council thanked them for their support.

New signs have also been installed to offer the public more information about cat colonies and how they are cared for and how to interact with them.

added another 1,800 square metres of parking, and will involve an investment of €10.7 million.

The work is expected to be completed in 26 months.

The new health centre will consist of a ground floor and two upper floors, in addition to the parking area, with 56 surface spaces.

Top dog

EL CAMPELLO’s local dog trainer has now been classified as one of the top 10 trainers in Spain.

Melanie Fillol Serrano has been a dog trainer for more than seven years and is recognised by the ‘Seguritidos’ school of trainers in Madrid.

The trainer competes very successfully in mondioring with her three ­ year ­ old furry friend named Kai.

Mondioring is a complex sport that aims to show the skill of the handler, the training of the dog, the dog’s intelligence and the natural abilities the dog possesses.

Melanie has specialised in training protection dogs for gender violence and specific training for surveillance

services. Three years ago she began in the mondioring sport modality, testing the capacity of each dog in different situations without using accessories that could harm the dog and be dangerous to her physical identity.

The project seeks to lay the foundations for more ecological, safe, and intelligent urban air mobility through the use of drones. Benidorm’s councillor for Citizen Security, Lorenzo Martinez, confirmed: “We are entering a new phase of the project, complementary to the one that was already tested in our Urban Lab in April 2021.”

The councillor specified that “Benidorm, due to the high concentration of tall buildings that cause interference and errors in the reception of signals from positioning satellites, is ideal for testing the technology that is intended to be used in the immediate future for flights of drones that will allow the delivery of goods and the transport of people.”

DELOREAN is a project funded by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA).

Benidorm City Council and local organisations showed their solidarity with a collection for earthquake victims in Syria .

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento

Cat colonies in Villajoyosa are now marked with signs to offer the public more information.

Photo credit: Ajuntament de Vila Joiosa

The Arts Society Marina Alta

THE Arts Society launched its 2022/23 collaboration with CEE Gargasindi School in Benissa, in the Marina Alta, on November 16. 2022. Known as ‘Project Fish’ this is now nearing its completion. They have successfully fired over 150 ceramic fish produced by the students of the School. Each of the fish made from raw clay by the students was individually signed. A group of the Arts Society members then spent time with individuals and groups of students at the School, who have varying levels of disability.

The completed fish were then taken away and mounted on display boards and grouped to reflect swimming. The display boards will be in turn supported on wooden easels and exhibited at the School later this month.

The Society, together with CEE Gargasindi School, would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone and members of the Arts Society for their sponsorship and time given to this amazing project.

RUGBY fans will be pleased to hear that the Villajoyosa rugby stadium will host the women’s 15-a-side international rugby match between the national teams of Spain and Sweden on Saturday, February 25, at 5.00pm.

The Spanish Rugby Federation has considered that the Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium meets all the conditions to host this match. The city north of Alicante already has experience in holding international rugby matches, such as Spain versus South Africa and Spain versus Hong Kong a few years ago.

The national team is concentrated in the Hotel Allon Mediterrania in Villajoyosa, on

Spain v Sweden House of Borgia

the beachfront of the central beach, which is specialised in sports tourism, where numerous rugby teams are concentrated.

Tickets for the match are already on sale at a price of €10 and free for children under 16 years of age through the platform www.entradium.com.

This match is organised by the Costa Blanca Rugby Club, with the sponsorship and collaboration of the Villajoyosa Town Hall, Department of Education, Culture and Esports of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alicante Provincial Council and the Costa Blanca Tourism Board.

The course of true love never did run smooth

GANDIA’S links with a notorious family of Italian aristocrats is set to attract tourists to the town thanks to a new investment from the regional Valencian government.

Gandia Council said it will create historical tourism experiences focusing on the city’s link with the Italian House of Borgia in the announcement made on Wednesday, February 8. The Valencian government has granted an investment package of €160,000 which is €100,000 higher than their usual tourism budget for Gandia.

The funding was granted based on a proposal to improve historical tourist opportunities focusing on the lives and the legacy of the Italian Borgia family who settled in the region after the conquest of Valencia, where they were known as the Borja family.

The notorious family of Italian nobles had a colourful history including glamour, corruption, extra­marital affairs, murder, and a supposed penchant for poisoning.

The Valencian community first developed ‘La ruta de las Borja’ in 2007, a cultural route that takes participants around the most significant cultural sites in the family’s history.

Gandia is expected to use the money to invest in and develop new experiences on the route.

Villajoyosa stadium.

Image: La Vila Joiosa City Council

that true love is never easy and can incur difficulties. This expression derives from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 1598.

On your bike

FANS of cycling will be pleased to hear that the Valencian Community Women’s Cycling WeekVolta will take place between February 16 and February 19.

This year, the final and decisive stage will take place between Tavernes de la Valldigna and Gandia.

Gandia’s councillor for Sports, Lydia Morant, confirmed: “This year, the test will have the presence of the current champion of Spain, Mavi García, from Liv Racing Teq Find.

“The first stage will start in Sagunto and end in Valencia. The second day between Borriana and Vilareal. The third between Agost and Altea and the end of the party, between the towns of Tavernes and Gandia.

“Except for the first, which will be conducive to a sprint finish, the rest will have mountain passes that will add extra appeal to the spectator.

The Gandia route which will take place on February 19, will have a distance of 113 kilometres. It will end at Avenida de la Republica Argentina in Gandia and the arrival is expected around 2.00pm. The exit, from Placa Major de Tavernes, will be at 11.00am.

Fine Win For Under 16s

WITH no seniors game last weekend, the club focused on the S16s who entertained Les Abelles B in Denia on Saturday February 11.

Following a week of unsettled weather, it turned out to be a glorious day of sunshine and perfect conditions to play flowing rugby.

The Barbarians started off strong scoring within 10 minutes with tries from Marc (two) and Dieg, all converted by Winder.

Les Abelles then shot back with a fine try in the corner to reduce the deficit to 19­5.

Fine tries by Marc and Diego took the home side into half time leading 31­5.

In the second half, the home team continued to

THIS distinction is granted by ADEAC to coastal environments next to blue flag beaches.

The bay of Altea has recently been recognised as Sendero Azul, a distinction awarded annually by the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC) to paths and itineraries that have been transformed into valuable resources for interpretation and environmental education, close to beaches with blue flags or in inland territories.

pile on the pressure and further tries from Maya, Sam, Alejandro and Diego ensured the home team ran out winners 57­10.

The under 16s do not have a fixture this weekend but the Seniors play San Roque on Saturday afternoon in Denia at 4pm.

The Barbarians run Academy teams from under 16s to 18s through to seniors and welcomes everyone to come and join. Free coaching is available. Call Santi (Spanish) on 676 612 357 or Mac (English) on 609 646 349 for information.

Awesome Altea

Altea has the honour of joining 21 other municipalities in the region.

The councillor for Infrastructures, Diego Zaragozi, confirmed: “This is an important recognition that only a hundred trails in Spain have, one more example of the importance of valuing our trails and how caring for them with the incorporation of signage and explanatory and interpretive panels

make it an important educational resource and tourist attraction.

“The trail is very accessible, so it will give more visibility to the important natural spaces through which it runs, one more action for the promotion of our natural heritage,” concluded the councillor.

The Award ceremony will be held on Friday February 24 in Santiago de Compostela.

DENIA: The match featured the S16s v Les Abelles.

Javea Winter Triples

ANOTHER hugely successful Winter Triples Competition came to a conclusion on Saturday with a dramatic ending! This competition has been run annually for years and is supported not only by Javea bowlers but by teams from Benitachell, Bonalba, Calpe and El Cid and our Captain thanked them for their ongoing participation.

Each team plays 18 matches over the nine

Betty Henderson

weeks, yet the winners were not known until the final wood. With the very last shot of their final match the Calpe Skip, Bob McAllister, was trailing and needed to fire the jack into the ditch to secure the win and he did so!

The Calpe team of Alison and Alan Edwards, Lesley and Bob McAllister, Dave Osborne, Doreen Cornthwaite and Steve Upton were bottom of the table

GANDIA proved its dedication to gender equality on Wednesday, February 8 as the city joined the European project, ‘Women’s Legacy’. The project focuses on equality in education and highlighting the valuable cultural legacies of women’s lives as well as men’s.

The project has nine partners in four countries; Spain, Lithuania, Italy and Scotland, who will take decisive action to highlight the important value of women in society. The project aims to highlight the legacy of women in three fundamental areas of culture; music, literature and art. The nine participating regions will create educational resources to help teachers to

IF you love to sing and you haven’t joined Sonrisas Harmony, you are missing out. This multinational A Cappella Chorus was formed in September 2022, with 21 members. They have now increased by an astounding 11 new members.

In April, Sonrisas Harmony have been asked to take

Quake heroes

after four matches having picked up just one win. Their luck then changed and they won 11 of the remaining 14 matches to secure a well deserved victory.

Many of the competitors stayed to see the presentation of the Trophy and prize money to Calpe (see photo) and enjoy a ‘free’ drink from the host Club.

For further details please visit the Javea Green website.

Women’s Legacy

design lessons where equality is a focus. Teachers in each of the reasons who choose to participate in the programme will also be offered a 30­hour course.

Educational minister Rubén Trenzano explained Gandia’s reasons for joining the scheme, highlighting that just 7.6 per cent of figures studied in the local educational curriculum are women. Furthermore, 94 per cent of names in textbooks are men’s.

Trenzano added that 129 educational centres in the region will participate in the programme.

In harmony

part in the opening show to one of the biggest events on the European A Cappella singing calendar in Calpe.

May brings the celebration of King Charles lll Coronation, Sonrisas Harmony have a very special event planned and places will be

limited. If you would like to join Sonrisas Harmony, go along to the rehearsal any Tuesday 10.30 ­ 13.30 at Estribor Restaurant function room next to the arches, just off the AP7 junction: Los Alcazares Norte.

Tel Co­ordinator Lynda on 672 192 222 or visit www.sonrisasharmony.es.

TWO firefighters from Alicante Fire Service joined the GEA Volunteer Group to respond to the earthquake which devastated Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6. Rafael Arnau and Ángel Moratalla headed to Turkey on Wednesday, February 8.

The hero firefighters specialise in search and rescue and headed to Turkey with 10 other officers and a K9 support unit to provide support in the aftermath of the deadly quake which has claimed the lives of at least 21,000 people. Together, the group will help to free people from the rubble and to search for survivors.

Alicante City mayor, Luis Barcala said he had authorised rescue services to head to Turkey. Barcala also wrote to the regional government urging them to provide “all the human and material resources possible” given the need to “act with maximum speed and efficiency” in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

Arnau and Moratalla joined the national GEA Volunteer Group in Madrid before flying to Istanbul where they are cooperating with the Turkish government and humanitarian organisations including the United Nations.

PRESENTATION: Of the trophy and prize money to Calpe.

Moroccan in poor condition

A 41-YEAR-OLD man is in serious condition in a Madrid hospital after deliberately setting himself on fire in the Spanish capital on Tuesday, February 7. This was confirmed to the local press by sources from Madrid’s Municipal Police and Emergency Department.

The incident occurred in front of the Consulate of the Kingdom of Morocco on Calle Serrano and involved a male of Moroccan origin.

Several people who witnessed what happened called the emergency services. They said that the man had taken a plastic container from his coat

and sprayed the liquid it contained all over himself.

He proceeded to light himself with the flame of a cigarette lighter, clearly with the intention of burning himself alive. Bystanders rushed to

400,000

trees are to be planted throughout Malaga Province to balance its own footprint.

Rare discovery

ARCHAEOLOGISTS in the

Andalucian town of Utrera have rediscovered a staggeringly rare medieval Spanish synagogue, later used for seven centuries as everything from a hospital and home for abandoned children to a restaurant and nightclub.

The find makes the 14thcentury building one of the few valuable medieval synagogues that survived the aftermath of the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492.

References to the lost temple go back more than 400 years. In his 1604 Historia de Utrera, Rodrigo Caro, a local priest, historian, and poet,

described an area of the city centre as it had been in previous centuries, writing: “In that place, there were only foreign and Jewish people who had a synagogue where the Hospital de la Misericordia is now located.”

Caro’s claim was verified late last year when a team led by archaeologist Miguel Angel de Dios discovered the area of the Torah ark and prayer hall. “It was like deciphering hieroglyphs. Once we had that key, it all came together,” he confirmed.

Utrera mayor Jose Maria confirmed the significance of the “extraordinary” find was hard to overstate.

his aid and ripped his burning clothes off in an effort to save him. Another person grabbed a fire extinguisher and aimed it at the man, eventually extinguishing the flames.

The unidentified male was

Rental prices rocket

THE latest report from property platform, Idealista has found that home rental prices have soared to their highest levels ever in the first month of 2023. The data released on Friday, February 6, revealed that rent increased by an average of 1.5 per cent throughout the country.

Rent increases were the highest in Soria, which saw an enormous increase of 3.8 per cent in January, while Granada and Palma made up the top three with increases of 3.2 per cent and 3.1 per cent respectively.

Barcelona also saw one of the biggest increases in rent cost, of 2.2 per cent, reaching its highest ever figure. Rent in the country’s second biggest city now costs an average of €19.80 per metre squared per month.

At the opposite end of the scale, some areas did register a decrease in rent cost with it falling by 5.5 per cent in Cordoba, more than 2 per cent in Albacete and just over 1 per cent in Caceres.

subsequently transferred to the city’s La Paz Hospital by members of the SAMUR­Civil Protection after they treated him at the scene. He is reported to have suffered burns to 40 per cent of his body.

MADRID EMBASSY: The man suffered 40% burns to his body.

Angolan relations

Betty Henderson

THE Spanish royals left Angola on Wednesday, February 8 after making an ‘express visit’ to the southern African nation, hoping to open a new phase in relations between the two countries.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia arrived in Angola a day and a half earlier as they look to create bilateral agreements amid the shifting world order. Despite spending less than two days in the country, the royals packed in plenty of engagements including creating new business deals, conferences with President, João Lourenço and appealing for the end of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Spanish King also addressed the Angolan parliament in the capital of Luanda, speaking about the greatest challenges facing Africa toda.

Israeli alliance

THE President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso made a visit to Israel on Monday February 13, where she met with top ranking officials including the country’s President.

Meanwhile, Queen Letizia visited a maternity hospital with the Angolan First Lady, Ana Dias Lourenço where they saw the hospital’s latest policies to deal with health challenges including reducing HIV transmission to newborns with the ‘Born Free to Shine’ programme’.

Renewable Repsol

REPSOL has started producing electricity at its first renewable project in Castilla y Leon, named PI. Located in the provinces of Palencia and Valladolid, it consists of seven wind farms which will have a total installed capacity of 175 MW once completed.

The company has success-

fully completed the grid connection of the first wind turbines. These turbines, located at the La Serna wind farm in the town of Cigunuela in the province of Valladolid, are already feeding 100 per cent renewable energy into the grid on a trial basis.

Once the seven PI wind

farms enter commercial operation, they will produce 596 GWh of renewable energy per year, equivalent to the average annual consumption of 170,900 households, ie some 427,250 people, which is equivalent to more than the combined population of Valladolid and Palencia.

Ayuso broke away from the mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau’s decision to break ties with the middle eastern nation over its occupation of Israel.

Ayuso said that Colau’s decision does not represent either Catalonia or Spain, describing Madrid as “welcoming”.

Speaking with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, Ayuso said “We are not in a time where we should be breaking relations with anyone, particularly with a democratic nation like Israel.”

Spanish royals met with President and First Lady of Angola during state visit.

Photo credit: Familia Real Española (via Facebook)

Pensions is a topic dear to all our hearts. It represents a lifetime of professional effort, but also the rewards should be the fulfilment of that hard work to see us comfortably through our retirement years.

But it can be complicated, can’t it?

1) UK State Pension

To qualify for the full UK state pension you must have paid UK national insurance contributions for 35 years. Otherwise, provided you contributed for 10 years, the amount you receive is based prorata on how many years you secured. It is possible to make voluntary contributions to buy back six years to reach the 10.

If you are resident in Spain, your UK state pension is paid gross and taxed in Spain.

2) Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pensions

People who worked for UK companies long term often have traditional company pensions called ‘defined benefits’ or ‘final salary’, where the accrual of benefits is based on the number of years worked for the company and your final salary.

However, since they created a massive ongoing liability for com

UK pensions – 6 key things for British expatriates in Spain to understand

the UK).

Spain also applies an annual wealth tax. Although pension plans are generally listed as exempt from wealth tax, in 2019 Spain’s Directorate-General for Tax ruled that non-EU pension plans do not qualify for this exemption. Wealth tax therefore now applies to UK pension funds (from the point a member can take benefits).

pension created to receive monies from UK pensions when the owner has moved abroad. They can provide various benefits, depending on your situation and objectives.

Importantly, currently not all QROPS transfers are subject to the charge. If you live in the EU and transfer to an EU QROPS, it won’t be applied.

By

panies, these days employers often favour ‘defined contribution’ (‘money purchase’) pensions, where the financial commitment is quantifiable.

3) Taxation in Spain

Generally, if you are resident in Spain and have an NT tax code, your personal pensions are liable to Spanish income tax (only government service pensions are taxed in

4) The ‘lifetime allowance’

The lifetime allowance is the maximum combined amount you can accumulate in UK pensions (excluding state pensions). It is frozen at £1,073,100.

Any amount above the allowance is subject to a one-off tax charge of 25% if the excess is paid as a pension or the fund is transferred abroad, or 55% for lump sums.

It applies wherever you live.

5) QROPS

A Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme is an overseas

However, the 2021 Spanish Directorate-General for Tax binding ruling V2508-21 determines that unless a pension is either a Spanish pension contract or EU pension, a pension transfer from a ‘third country’ pension scheme to an EEA pension scheme is subject to a personal income tax charge on the fund value.

If you are still UK resident you could transfer to QROPS before you become resident in Spain and avoid the tax charge.

6) The ‘overseas transfer charge’

The UK introduced the overseas transfer charge in 2017 to deter people from transferring their pensions out of the UK for what the then Chancellor described as purely tax avoidance reasons.

If you move outside the EU within five UK tax years of making transfer, the overseas transfer charge may be applied retrospectively.

The bottom line is that pensions is an area that can be complex with some pitfalls not immediately visible and one to seek expert advice on.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.

You can find other financial advisory articles by visiting our website here www.blevinsfranks.com.

Brett Hanson, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

BARCELONA has officially recovered its population and has reached 1,656,725 registered people. These figures confirm that the city has broken the trend of the last two years.

The Municipal Data Office (OMD) shows that, in less than a year, the population registered in Barcelona has increased by 16,744 people, 1 per cent. This is revealed by the latest avail­

Broken trend

able data, which reach October 2022, and which evidence this stable and moderate upward trend, with the growth of one point compared to the last annual reading of the register,

made on the first day of 2022. The evolution of the population registered in Barcelona during the first 10 months of 2022 reveals two phases, one of initial decline with a minimum reached in

March, and one of subsequent recovery since then, which reaches the peak in October 2022, with 1,656,725 people registered. With regard to the population registered by nationality, no major variations are observed in relation to the previous months. At the beginning of October 2022, the Spanish population represented 76.8 per cent of the total resident population.

Neutral ground

Battery building

SPAIN is reportedly one of the final candidates being considered by Jaguar Land Rover as the company aims to expand operations to build more electric vehicles. Jaguar has committed to going 100 per cent electric by 2025 and needs infrastructure to support its pledge.

Switzerland prohibits the use of Swiss-made weapons in situations of conflict, including in Ukraine.

SWITZERLAND announced on Friday, February 11 that it would block Spain’s decision to send two Swiss­made anti­aircraft guns to Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invasion. The central European country said that this would break their centuries­long policy of neutrality.

The decision was announced on Friday after Spain submitted a request to send the weapons back in mid­January.

Switzerland’s policy of neutrality in conflict expressly bans the sale of Swiss­made products to be used in conflict scenarios, under its War Material Law. Any country purchasing weapons from Switzerland must gain permission before re­exporting them.

Switzerland has already blocked similar requests from other European countries including Denmark and Germany, but it is the first time it has happened to Spain. Last year, Swiss authorities moved to block a German export of Swiss ammunition for Gepard tanks and a Danish request to supply Piranha III battle tanks.

Despite Switzerland’s lengthy neutrality stance, the country has complied with the European Union’s economic sanctions against Russia, leading Russia to label Switzerland as a ‘hostile’ state since the beginning of the war.

The British car makers’ parent company, Tata, announced last month that the company was planning to expand battery building within Europe and India, but sources revealed on Friday, February 6 that Zuera in Zaragoza and Aragon could be chosen as locations for the new factory.

One of the sites was formerly considered as a location for a Volkswagen factory, and although it was not selected, it is considered a good strategic location for vehicle manufacturing. The final decision on the manufacturing site has not been made yet, but it is expected to depend on national and European incentives. If either of the Spanish locations are chosen, it would give a valuable boost to the automotive sector.

SPAIN’S Minister for Science and Innovation, Diana Morant, visited the Research Foundation of the Hospital Clinico de Valencia where she highlighted that in the period 2018­2022, the ministry allocated more than €480 million to research projects to tackle this disease.

Morant stated that the fight against cancer is a national priority for the government of Spain and pointed out that the largest amount of money invested in health

Cancer research

research is directed at this disease, which has a great impact not only on patients,

Pandemic recovery plan

THE Bank of Spain released its economic forecast for the pandemic recovery plan on Monday, February 6, saying that it predicts a direct GDP improvement of 1.15 per cent per year, which could rise to 1.75 per cent annually.

Economists at the Bank of Spain note that funding from the European Union would have the greatest impact on sectors related to digitalisation like the information and communication industries and technological services as well as the construction sector.

Increased productivity in the transport sector since material shortages have been resolved is also expected to have a positive knock-on effect. However, the Bank of Spain has warned that a skilled labour shortage could reduce the effects of the plan.

The plan was approved by the EU at the end of 2022, who have pledged €160 million to boost the country’s GDP by 3 per cent until 2031. Amendments to the plan still need to be approved by the EU before funding is granted.

but also on their families and their environment.

During her visit to the hospital, the minister visited the Immune 4 ALL project which aims to detect biomarkers that can predict the effect of immunotherapy on tumours with high mortality rates such as those involved in breast, ovarian, cervical, colon, biliary tract and liver cancer. Eight autonomous communities and nearly 1,600 patients are taking part in this project.

The minister also con

veyed the government’s commitment to promoting precision medicine, which combines healthcare and re

search through strategic pro

jects.

Supporting money-saving currency transfers for 20 years

1. Hi Peter, firstly, congratulations on your 20th anniversary with Currencies Direct! That’s an incredible achievement. Things have changed a lot over the last two decades, but what would you say have been the biggest changes for Currencies Direct?

Currencies Direct was established back in 1996, making it one of the first specialist currency providers in Europe.

Since then the company has experienced phenomenal growth, expanding across the world.

We now have branches across Spain (20+ and counting!) as well as branches in Portugal, the UK, South Africa, the US and India.

As the number of Currencies Direct branches has increased, so has the number of currency experts we employ to support our customers. In Spain alone we have a team of over 100, and watching our presence in Spain grow has been a pleasure.

As we’re always investing in our people and technology, our service offering has changed a lot over the years as we’ve adjusted to meet our customers’ changing requirements. A number of years ago we launched a market­leading online service and app, so while our customers can still come to see us in branch or give us a call, they also have the flexibility to manager their money on their terms and make 24/7 currency transfers.

While I’ve seen the number of currency providers increase during my time with Currencies Direct, we’ve managed to stay ahead of the curve by changing with the times and always putting our customers

first. However, one thing that hasn’t changed in the last 20 years is the unrivalled level of personal support we provide.

2. From an industry level perspective, what is the biggest change you’ve seen?

Brexit undoubtedly inspired a huge amount of change in our industry. The EU referendum and everything that followed created historic amounts of volatility in the currency market and extreme uncertainty for our customers.

Preparing for Brexit and the end of the transition period was a mammoth undertaking, but the measures we took (such as obtaining the required authorisation to operate in the EU from the Bank of Spain) meant that our customers experienced no disruption or loss of service.

3. How did Covid change your business?

Covid had a significant impact on all of us, but as a business our priority was to acclimatise to support customers as much and as safely as we could.

While we really missed being able to in­

teract with customers in person in our branches, we found many of our customers embracing our online service and app for the first time. The convenience of being able to check live exchange rates and make transfers 24/7 meant that our online service and app continued to be extremely popular even after restrictions were lifted.

However, we’re really enjoying seeing customers back in our branches again. There’s no substitute for real interaction!

4. In your opinion, what makes Currencies Direct different from other currency providers?

Factors like the exceptional exchange rates we offer, the fact we don’t charge transfer fees and our exclusive relationship with CaixaBank all help us stand out from the crowd, but it’s our individual account management and customer service that truly set us apart.

When customers register with us they’re assigned a personal Account Manager, a dedicated currency expert to work with them throughout their lifetime with our company. We take the time to really get to know our customers, understand their requirements and help them get more for their money. The success of this approach has led to multiple award wins (like MoneyAge Money Transfer Provider of the Year four times) and the highest TrustScore in our industry. We have an ‘Excellent’ five­star Trustscore on Trustpilot and thousands of wonderful reviews from happy customers, something which really means a lot to us.

5. Why have you been proud to work for Currencies Direct for so long?

Working for such a customer­centric company is a big source of pride for me, and I’ve really enjoyed playing a part in our evolution ­ it’s amazing to think of where we started to where we are now.

One of the best things about working for Currencies Direct has been working with such an incredible team. Without the dedication and exceptional performance of our employees the company wouldn’t have seen the success it has.

6. Looking to the future, has Currencies

Direct got anything on the horizon that our readers might be interested in?

We’ve actually got a very exciting development to share. In late March we’ll be introducing our customers to a better way to pay with the launch of our multi­currency debit card. Customers will be able to put funds in their EUR, GBP, AUD or USD currency wallets and spend seamlessly in over 200 countries.

They’ll also be able to withdraw money from ATMs and keep track of their spending in our app. We can’t wait to provide our customers with this great new service, and it marks another exciting chapter in our history.

7. Finally, how did you celebrate your anniversary?

I was taken out for a lovely meal and presented with a wonderful gift ­ a Spitfire experience for me and my son!

As Peter Loveday, Currencies Direct’s Managing Director of Southern Europe, is celebrating his 20­year work anniversary, we sat down with him to find out all about his time with the company and why he’s been happy to work with them for so long.

Frequently asked questions about buying and selling in Spain

WHAT taxes do I have to pay when selling a property in Spain?

In Spain, the vendor must pay the Plusvalia municipal (increase in value of urban land) and the Capital Gains Tax (difference between the acquisition value and the transfer value). However,

when the vendor is NOT a tax resident in Spain, both taxes present a series of specialities.

What happens with the Plusvalía Tax when the vendor is Non­Resident?

Usually, the person liable to pay the Municipal Capital Gains Tax is the vendor. However,

when the vendor is Non­resident, substitute taxpayer for the taxpayer (Art. 106.2 TRLHL). In other words, the obligation to pay the Plusvalia corresponds to the buyer. For this reason, the buyer usually withholds the amount of the Plusvalia from the sale price in order to pay it directly.

Is there any difference between the Capital Gains Tax of Residents in Spain and NonResidents?

Yes. On the one hand, residents in Spain will declare the gain in their Income Tax Return for the following year. However, Non­Residents must present their declaration within four months after signing of the deed of sale. Another difference is the tax rate applicable to each one. Residents pay between 19 per cent and 28 per cent. Non­residents are taxed at a flat rate of 19 per cent.

In addition to the above, when the seller is a Non­Resident, the buyer is obliged by Law to withhold 3 per cent of the price and pay it to the Tax Office.

What about the Property Tax

(IBI) and the rubbish bill?

It is common for buyer and seller to agree that these taxes are paid proportionally, according to the number of days that each one has been owner. Although it depends on each town hall, the IBI is usually paid at the end of the year (September­October) and the rubbish collection at the beginning of the year.

What happens with the Land Registry and the Cadastre? Do they always coincide?

It is usual for the Cadastre records and the Land Registry not to coincide, as they are different registers. The Cadastre is a purely administrative register, that indicates the location of the property, metres, etc. And it is used to calculate taxes such as IBI. The Land Registry, on the other hand, is a register of rights.

It indicates who is the owner, if there is any charge, mortgage, etc. When selling or buying a property it is very important to check both, to know the exact legal situation of the property.

What does the cédula of habitability or occupation licence consist of?

The regulation of the cédula de habitability or occupation licence was modified by Decree 12/2021 of 22 January, which introduced the so­called ‘responsible declaration’. This is a very important document in sales and purchases; and can be a source of disagreement between buyers and sellers. You can find more information on our website.

Offer, reservation contract, earnest money, purchase contract ­ what is the difference between them?

From the moment buyers or vendors sign a document, both assume legal obligations that they may not be aware of. At White­Baos Abogados we al­

ways recommend that no document (offer, reservation, deposit) should be signed without first being reviewed by a lawyer.

What about the sales authorisation that is usually signed with Real Estate Agencies?

It is advisable to indicate in the sales authorisation or mandate that the Agency will only receive its fees in the event that the sale is 100 per cent completed at the Notary’s office. Likewise, it is always recommended that the agency does not directly receive the deposit paid by the buyer, and that the seller himself signs the contracts with the buyers directly, by him or herself.

Who pays the Notary and Registry fees?

According to art. 1455 of the Spanish Civil Code, the costs of the first copy will be paid by the seller, and the rest will be paid by the buyer. But depending on the area, other customs may apply. For example, in the Marina Alta, the Notary fees are usually paid by the buyer. The costs of registering the change of ownership in the Land Registry will be paid by the buyer.

Dream jobs

A BRAND­NEW study completed by global financial service, Remitly, has revealed the most sought­after job in each country. And Spain’s most popular dream job might be a surprise to some.

In the report, Spain was the only European country to record an online role as the most popular dream job, with ‘online influencer’ being the top pick. By contrast, traditional jobs like ‘lawyer’, ‘firefighter’ or ‘teacher’ were the most popular dream jobs in most European countries.

The most popular dream job worldwide was ‘pilot’ with more than a million searches, followed by writer which saw more than 800,000 searches.

Baby otters

THE otter has reproduced in Spain’s Mogent River for the first time after more than four decades.

The Mogent River is in the north ­ east of the Iberian Peninsula, a tributary of the Besos, which runs through the province of Barcelona.

The new family group is made up of a female and two cubs, born in the summer, who already make daily trips accompanied by their mother. They will continue to do so until they reach approximately

one ­ year ­ old, which is the average age of emancipation of this species.

In recent years, individuals had been detected periodically in the River Mogent, a tributary of the Besos River, but they were otters who were passing through and who came from other areas.

Antoni Alarcon, Director of Barcelona Zoo, said: “This finding shows the relevance of the work for the conservation of habitats in order to preserve their biodiversity.”

NEW FAMILY: Two cubs were born in the summer.

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Leopard 1 tanks have been sent to Ukraine by Germany.

Film & TV

SPANISH fiction for film and television will have the largest representation in the European Film Market (EFM) to date. This year in Berlin, Spain is set to participate with more than 20 companies from the audiovisual sector.

The European Film Market is one of the three most important meetings for the international audiovisual industry. In 2023 it will celebrate its 35th edition from February 16 ­ 22 at various locations in the city of Berlin. The event will coincide with the 73rd edition of the pres­

tigious Berlin International Film Festival.

A total of 33 Spanish films will be screened at the festival by eight sales agents who, together with the nine film commissions, will make up EFM’s Cinema from Spain stand.

For the first time, Spanish content and serialised talent will be present at the Berlinale Series Market. Berlinale Series Market is held in cooperation with Berlinale Series, a section that offers a first look at the latest series productions from around the world.

Image: Barcelona City Council

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Betty Henderson

SPAI N’S foreign debt will fall below France’s in 2024 for the first time since 2012 according to the latest report from the International Monetary Fund, released on Wednesday, February 8.

The IMF’s latest economic forecast predicts that economic measures in Spain will cut foreign debt to 110 per cent of the country’s GDP by 2025. Meanwhile, France’s foreign debt is set to rise to 115 per cent of its GDP during the same period.

During 2023, the IMF expects that Spain’s foreign debt will fluctuate around 112.1 per cent,

Foreign debt falls

slightly above France’s which will hit 112 per cent this year. By 2024, Spain’s foreign debt is set to fall to just above 110 per cent while France’s will climb to 114 per cent of GDP.

The news is encouraging for Spanish economic ministers who are on track to bring foreign debt down more than 10 percentage points from around 120 per cent of

GDP, during the pandemic.

The IMF has also asserted its prediction that Spain will lead economic growth in the Eurozone in coming years.

Six arrested, seven to go

THE National Crime Agency and partners have renewed an appeal to help trace some of the United Kingdom’s Most Wanted fugitives.

Twelve months ago the NCA launched its most recent appeal to find 13 men on the run ­ all believed to be hiding in Spain or with strong links to the country.

In that time, six wanted men have been traced, arrested and are at various stages of the extradition and judicial process.

Today, the appeal ­ run in conjunction with independent charity Crimestoppers, Spanish law enforcement, and UK policing ­ is renewed.

The wanted men are: Heavily tattooed Jack Mayle, 31, on suspicion of supplying Class A drug MDMA and other drugs.

Asim Naveed, 31, and 6ft 2in tall, is accused of playing a leading role in a highly organised crime group (OCG)

that trafficked 46 kilos of cocaine into Wales.

Calvin Parris, 33, who has gold upper teeth, is accused of being a customer of Naveed’s OCG and selling cocaine on in Cardiff.

John James Jones, 32, of Ormskirk, Lancashire, is wanted for wounding with intent.

Callum Michael Allan, 24, of South Shields, is sought for 12 alleged offences.

Mark Francis Roberts, 29, of Liverpool, is wanted for alleged grievous bodily harm.

Alex Male, 30, of Westonsuper­Mare, is alleged to be

a regional distributor of drugs across the south west of England. He has links to Spain, Portugal and Turkey.

Steve Reynolds, NCA regional head in Spain, said: “Spain is immensely popular with British people who live and take holidays there, but it is not a safe haven for criminals.”

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or fill out an anonymous online form at Crime stoppers­uk.org. Callers in Spain should dial the freephone Spanish number 900 926 111.

FUGITIVES: The appeal for information has been renewed.

Drifters singer dies from cancer

THE Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Drifters singer, Charlie Thomas has died at the age of 85 from liver cancer.

The singer’s death was confirmed on Tuesday, February 7 by long-time friend Peter Lemongello Jr who said that the star had died at his home in Bowie, Maryland on January 31.

Lemongello said: “He was ageing, but he was active almost every weekend. Unfortunately, he went from being active to being at home and he started going downhill.”

The lead singer on hits including the 1961 hit ‘Sweets for my Sweet’ and the 1962 hit ‘When My Little Girl Is Smiling’,

160

Spanish workers were to take part in an airline strike every Monday between January 30 and February 27.

Thomas had been a member of the group for more than 60 years.

But despite the group’s popularity they only ever had one number hit, the all-time classic ‘Save the last dance for me’. Despite his age, Thomas toured with the group until the start of the pandemic which resulted in the closure of venues.

Comedy returns

IT was revealed on Tuesday, February 7, that Fawlty Towers, one of the most iconic British comedy series of all time, will return to television screens. The final episode of this classic 1970s show was last broadcast on BBC Two in 1979, more than 40 years ago.

Once again controlling the madcap comedy will be John Cleese, the show’s original star and co-writer. This time around, he will be joined by Camilla Cleese, his real-life daughter, according to a news source. The classic comedy revolved around the antics of Cleese’s manic character Basil Fawlty, a grumpy hotel owner in Torquay. In this reboot, Basil will meet his long-lost daughter and decide to open a boutique hotel. Brand new episodes will follow Basil’s attempts to deal with the modern world, with the 83-year-old comic genius explaining that the manic hotel owner will be relocating to a ‘small bijou hotel’ in the Caribbean.

Fawlty Towers consistently tops all-time British comedy lists despite only 12 episodes ever being recorded.

Singer, Charlie Thomas.

Image Debbie Wong Shutterstock.com

Newly announced prequel

By Peter McLaren­Kennedy

THE popular TV murder series Dexter is to get a prequel that will detail his path to becoming a serial killer.

The new series, which will be set in Miami, is entitled Dexter: Origins according to a report by a UK news source on Tuesday, February 7.

It is understood the show will start around the time he attended university and will focus on real cases from the period which will be portrayed as having influenced his decision to become a serial killer.

The series, which follows the life of forensic technician Dexter Morgan, became the most ­ watched Showtime series in 2021.

More vapes removed

ALL the leading supermarkets in the UK have confirmed they have removed some vapes from their stores over health fears. The vapes were banned after an investigation by the UK press showed the items to contain more nicotine than the legal limit of 2ml or 2 per cent strength.

A new series of Dexter: New Blood is also planned that will follow the emergence of his son Harrison according to Dexter creator Clyde Phillips.

There are other spinoffs to the series with The Trinity Killer with John Lithgow

in the lead role, a performance for which he received an Emmy for bestsupporting actor in a drama series.

The Dexter prequel is going ahead but there could be more if creator Clyde Phillips has his way.

Invited to Coronation

IT was revealed late on Friday, February 10, that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are on the guest list and will be invited to the Coronation of King Charles III in May, according to an exclusive report by a UK news source.

“They’re on the list and planning is well underway to make sure the proceedings run as smoothly as possible ­ without any drama,” a source told the news outlet.

After Harry disclosed Royal Family secrets in his recent best­selling memoir ‘Spare’, there had been doubts over whether his father would invite him to the massive event

in a few months’ time. The appearance of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could overshadow the occasion it was suggested by many.

Seating arrangements in Westminster Abbey are allegedly being done in such a precise way that Harry and his brother William will not be seen together.

The final guest list is expected to include around 2,000 names and should be confirmed in the next few weeks the source explained. Domestic and foreign royals will of course be on the list, along with world leaders and foreign dignitaries.

Sainsbury’s confirmed on Friday, February 10 that Elf Bar products are the items that were found to be unsafe, with the vapes no longer for sale. A spokesperson for Elf Bar has apologised claiming some batches were overfilled in error.

A Morrisons spokesperson said: “As part of our ongoing investigation into the legal compliance of Elf Bar 600 disposable electronic cigarettes with Trading Standards, we have made the decision to remove all flavoured variants from sale.

“The products will only be returned to sale once stock that fully complies with UK legislation becomes available.”

Elf Bar is one of the leading vape brands in the UK selling around 2.5 million Elf bars weekly.

DEXTER: The most watched series in 2021.

THE tireless work of law enforcement workers across Europe often goes unnoticed, but a new photo contest aims to recognise this. Europol’s Capture22 photo competition winners were announced on Friday, February 3 after months of deliberation by a jury.

Europol asks amateur photographers to contribute photographs that capture and illustrate the ways that police forces keep European Union citizens safe everyday in the contest..

The 2022 contest comprised three different categories: ‘Making Europe safer’; ‘Caring for the community’ and ‘On the road’.

Pedro Manuel Reis Valongo won the ‘Making Europe safer’ category with an image of a Portuguese police officer at a train station, demonstrating the steadfast presence of police in public spaces.

Capture22

Europe’s central police agency, Europol holds a photograph contest each year aiming to capture the hard work of law enforcement agents across the continent.

Ricardo Rueda Fernandez won the ‘Caring for the community’ category with a heartwarming image of a Spanish police officer helping a Moroccan citizen to the shore. A poignant image, it highlights the versatility of police work in the EU.The final category, ‘On the road’ was won by Romanian photogra­

THE scandal­hit Swiss bank, Credit Suisse, announced on Thursday, February 9 that it would cut bonuses for company executives as it records its worst financial year since the economic crisis of 2008. Clients withdrew their money in droves and company shares plummeted causing the company to record a staggering net loss of nearly €7.4 billion. 2022

pher, Florin Jugravu, depicting a police officer on duty in traffic in Bucharest. The photograph ‘encapsulates the frenetic nature of modern life and the reliability of police’. The winning entries will now go on exhibition in The Hague. The images can be viewed at: www.instagramcom/p/CoM78NVD1Zm/?hl=en

Bonuses cut

marks the second year the company has reported a loss after losing nearly €1.8 billion in 2021. The bank has been plagued with scandal since a 2022 court ruling that the Swiss bank helped the Bulgarian mafia to launder money as well as US hedge fund disasters.

Photo credit: Tobias Arhelger / Shutterstock.com

Amazing cocktails at The City Sports Bar

DO you enjoy a relaxing time, stunning views, great food and a fantastic pint?

Then look no further than The City Sports Bar in Benidorm, serving you the best drinks and space to enjoy a relaxing fun­filled day by the marvellous white beaches and the Mediterranean Sea.

The City Sports Bar offers you the ability to enjoy outdoor seat ing and catch the rays of the sun while enjoying a refreshingly cool pint or space to stay warm and cosy while enjoying a cocktail when the rainy and stormy nights appear in winter.

Home to the best drinks packages on the Costa Blanca North, you are guaranteed an affordable and cheerful day or night out at The City Sports Bar. Offering you stunning Instagramable cocktails, spirits

at fantastic prices and even the opportunity to win ice­cold Bucket offers!

Why go anywhere else when you have so much on offer and instore in one place and we haven’t

even started to talk about their music or big screens. You will find something for everyone at The City Sports Bar. Showing all Six Nations, Premier League, and live sporting events, where else would you want to watch the kick­off?

(pre­drinks) before a night out, playing all the best tunes that everyone can get up and dance to. Only expect the best and receive an elite service from their waiters and bar staff. The City Sports Bar’s

customer service is something so incredibly important and their customers mean the world to them, and their customers love them too. “Great music, fantastic time with the best environment and amazing cocktails. They also have a happy hour.”

Pet friendly, bring your fabulous pooch down while you enjoy watching the stunning sunset on the horizon on The City Sports Bar’s terrace. You will have no other choice but to order another drink and take in the amazing, welcoming ambience and chat with those around you. The friendly atmosphere is contagious and is a local to so many for a reason.

Wheelchair­friendly and toilet accessible.

Wine tasting & tapas

ON Friday February 17, Hereford Meat on Fire will be hosting a splendid wine tasting and tapas event. The evening is designed to give you a taste of the mouthwatering gastronomy that Hereford have to offer. They will also introduce you to their selection of premium wines from the stunning region of Ribera del Duero.

With experts on hand, Hereford will have a sommelier to guide you through the tasting, describing the unique flavours and aromas of six wines complemented alongside a range of six tapas for €40 per person.

Hereford look forward to welcoming you to their restaurant for an evening filled with amazing food and wine, with the tasting to be held in Spanish, English, Scandinavian, and German.

Hereford encourage you to book in advance as there are very limited spaces to this exclusive evening, which commences at 7pm in C.Conde de Altea, 36. To make a reservation, please call +34 966 580 716.

Musicals Tonight

SOUNDS FAMILIAR are putting the finishing touches to their latest musical theatre revue called Musicals Tonight. The staged concert of musical theatre will be performed at the new Teatre­Auditori in Beniarbeig on Thursday February 23.

The group are well­known for their musical theatre revues and this production continues that tradition with a wide range of musicals to ensure there is something for everyone.

The production features excerpts from My Fair Lady, Evita, Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret, Sunset Boulevard to name just a few and includes a section taken from the Monte Python show Spamalot.

The group will also be reprising a couple of their very popular songs from the musical comedy ‘Something Rotten’, which they first performed in 2019.

The cast will be sporting costumes for each of the

Enjoy

sections and some routines to go with the wonderful songs taken from these well­loved shows. So if you enjoy musical theatre then why not come along to Beniarbeig for an evening of tunes to keep your toes tapping.

Doors open at 7.30pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are €14 available on 965 581 483 or at https://www.philipashley.c om/boxoffice.php.

U3A Calpe JUGS

THE ladies of U3A Calpe JUGS (Just Us Girls) enjoyed another fine lunch on Thursday, February 9, at one of Calpe Port’s favourite dining locations, Restaurant Dracula. Twenty­two members both old and new, braved the rainy weather and were graced with the warmth of the Romanian­style restaurant, with both Romanian and Spanish specialties on the menu. The food was both fresh and tasty and the professional staff, who were no strangers to serving large groups, made the experience that much more enjoyable. Hats off to Dracula for a performance that was both hospitable and gastronomically pleasing! For more information please see U3A’s website at U3Acalpe.org or email jugslunch.u3acalpe@gmail.com

Treasure trove

JAVEA’S Royal British Legion are hosting a social event with an exciting twist. The group are gearing up to host their annual Car Rally Treasure Hunt on Tuesday, February 23.

The Car Rally Treasure Hunt is described as a day full of adventure, social fun and delicious food. Participants will meet at Paris24 in Javea at 10am in their cars, each being set off at 15 minute intervals on a slightly different map.

Participants will meet back up at the Bar Ca Macarella in Els Poblets for tapas and a quiz. There is no entry fee for the event but total costs are expected to be around €14 based on previous years.

For more information about the event including booking, the group ask guests to contact social organisers Claudina or Jay Cherry through their website: https://branches.britishle gion.org.uk/branches/javea/ branch­committee/ or the group’s Secretary by email:

Guests enjoy a tapas lunch at last year’s car treasure hunt event.

Cancer care quizzes

javea.secretary@rbl.commu nity.com.

Javea Royal British Legion provides support to former and current members of the British armed forces. More information about the group is available on their Facebook page: https://www.face book.com/groups/88059202

5400088/

Seen with fresh eyes

A UNIQUE photograph exhibition in Benidorm is encouraging visitors to look at the world in a different way. Photographer José Bravo is taking over the city’s public art spaces with a portrait exhibition which launched on Thursday, February 9.

‘Pequeñas invitaciones’ or ‘Little Invitations’ is José Bravo’s exhibition, made up of 55 portraits focusing on people as the protagonists. The photographer from Castellón explains he captured “moments at random” of his subjects in a variety of striking outfits and with diverse personal styles.

Bravo explained the goal of his exhibition saying he aimed, “to capture the details and moments offered by the environment and the society in which we live.” The unusual images “also invite us to consider the world with fresh eyes, free of prejudices and to discover more about ourselves.” Bravo added that he wants “us to reflect on our way of life and on how we communicate and relate to ourselves, with others and our surroundings.”

The exhibition is spread throughout the city’s six outdoor public art spaces and is free to visit.

CALLING all general knowledge whizzes! Cancer Care Javea has launched a new quiz night, taking place each Wednesday, and it’s all in aid of charity.

Participants are invited to exercise their minds and connect with friends at the weekly social event which began on Wednesday, February 8.

The quiz night takes place every Wednesday at the Inn on the Green in Javea, starting at 7.15pm sharp each week.

Quizmaster Peter Dunn is offering a varied quiz with entertaining questions to test guests’ knowledge. Guests will also have the opportunity to win fabulous prizes including a meal voucher with wine.

Entry to the evening costs €10, which includes a one plate dinner and can be purchased directly at the venue. Guests can bring their own team or join a table of up to six players.

All proceeds raised from the quiz nights will go towards the Lynwen Nursing Team, the organisation’s dedicated, professional nursing team, similar to Macmillan Nurses in the UK.

More information about the organisation and their vital community work is available on their Facebook page: www.face book.com/photo/?fbid=56 4960435674128&set=a.55 4640173372821.

STAT OF WEEK €257 billion

is the record-breaking amount paid to Spain’s tax authority Hacienda last year, just over 15 per cent more than in 2021, and outstripping a predicted 8 per cent.

BUSINESS EXTRA Ticket to ride FINANCE

Tighter belts

AS shoppers spent less and awaited increased energy bills, UK retail sales growth more than halved at the start of the year. The country’s total retail sales grew by 4.2 per cent last month compared with 11.9 per cent in January 2022, British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed.

Art lovers

SPAIN’S millennials born between the early 80s and mid90s are not investing in art, according to several Madrid auctioneers and dealers, accounting for between 3 and 4 per cent of sales. In contrast, their international counterparts accounted for 34 per cent of new buyers, London­based Christie’s said.

Lidl surprise

MARKETING data company

Kantar revealed that customers who habitually shop at Marks & Spencer, Waitrose or Sainsbury’s spent £120 million (€135.5 million) at Lidl last year. The equivalent of £10 million (€11.3 million), this rose to (£11 million (€12.4 million) in January, suggesting a new trend.

More jobs

THE number of workers working for Spain’s largest companies rose last year by 5.2 per cent compared with 2022, tax authority Hacienda revealed. Their salaries rose by 3.7 per cent in the largest increase recorded since 2008, but well below late December’s 5.7 per cent inflation rate.

Gone to waste

MILLIONS of pounds’ worth of UK energy vouchers have not been cashed as one in five homes with pre ­ payment meters have failed to redeem approximately 380,000 of them. The government urged energy firms to ensure that vulnerable customers received the help they were entitled to.

Nissan’s veiled message

THE “economics must work” if Nissan decides to make its new Juke and Qashqai electric vehicles in the UK.

Speaking to the BBC recently, Nissan’s CEO Ashwani Gupta said that Britain faced a challenge if it was to remain competitive in comparison with other car­making countries.

Manufacturing costs were higher than in other countries owing to higher energy bills and overall inflation, he pointed out, warning that lower costs were key to keeping the UK competitive.

Also prominent in making the UK attractive to car makers was continuing government support in the transition to electric vehicles, coupled to dependable supply chains, Gupta added.

Nissan is committed to producing the Leaf electric car’s successor at its Sunderland factory which employs 6,000 people. At the same time the CEO said that the company “needed to have the economics to justify it” when allocating production of the new Juke

and Qashqai models between its 44 plants worldwide.

Determining where to build the Juke and Qashqai will not be immediate, as the new models of these Sunderlandmade best­selling cars are not due until 2027­28 and decisions are usually made two or three years earlier.

Nissan recently secured approximately £100 (€112.5 million) in public money towards the £1 billion (€1.125 billion) it will invest in expanding a Chinese­owned battery plant adjoining the Sunderland plant.

Meanwhile, as the global car manufacturing is reshaped, the US is offering tens of billions of dollars in subsidies to the car industry and EU is expected to respond with its own enticements.

Hacienda blacklist ruling

RAIL tickets in the UK could soon be priced like airline seats, based on a demand­based system now being tried out.

Mark Harper, Transport secretary, announced recently that the cost of tickets on some long­distance trains on the East Coast line run by the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) will vary according to availability.

The state­run train company would eventually phase out return tickets across its network, dependent on a pilot programme determining whether to introduce this nationally, Harper said.

The current trial follows a successful scheme selling only single­leg tickets on some longer intercity routes including London­Edinburgh.

Game over

SPAIN’S Blacklist of tax

defaulters will henceforth name only those with definite, confirmed debts.

The Supreme Court analysed four cases before announcing a decision that will now set jurisprudence. Two cases arose from the alleged debts of public bodies, including the Social Security Fund. Two others were related to two businessmen who lodged an appeal against Spain’s tax authority, Hacienda, after they appeared on its notorious 2018 Blacklist.

In all four cases, the

New clients

SANTANDER’S online Openbank is making a €50 payment to the holders of new accounts opened before February 20.

Unlike other banks whose sweeteners depend on new clients paying in their salary, Openbank is asking them only to deposit a minimum of €1,000 before March 8 and to keep it there until March 31 when they receive the €50.

The bank emphasised that there was no charge for opening, maintaining or closing the new account, and standard transfers in euros were free within the European Union.

Supreme Court concluded that the Blacklist should name only those with confirmed debts. This was the first time that the tribunal had ruled on the scope and interpretation of Blacklists

referred to in Spain’s General Tax Law.

Legal sources explained that this latest decision questions the future of this type of list, although it appears that Hacienda has asked for time to study the decision and assess its implications and consequences.

According to these same sources, the Supreme Court’s decision was based on “overwhelming common sense” as it allowed taxpayers to exhaust all available options before they could be added to the

Cosentino fined

MULTINATIONAL marble company, Consentino, was ordered to pay €1.1 million compensation to five stoneworkers who contracted silicosis.

The company’s owner Francisco Fernandez Cosentino also received a sixmonth suspended prison sentence.

In a later statement he admitted providing insufficient information to a Vigo (Galicia) firm regarding the composition of Silestone, the company’s star surface composed of minerals, quartz and recycled materials.

This posed a “much greater health risk” to the five Vigo employees than natural stone, ruled judge Montserrat Delgado.

Accepting both the sentence and compensation, Fernandez Cosentino went on to say that the five affected staff members worked at a specific workshop.

Blacklist.

The tribunal’s decision also suggested that an affected taxpayer appealing against a Hacienda decision or demand could not be included while a case was ongoing, even if the debt was not paid.

This, the Supreme Court said, was the only way of ensuring that the Blacklist complied with the Constitution “and the right to honour and privacy”, bearing in mind that the alleged defaulter could later win an appeal after appearing on the list.

Unhappy staff

PERSONNEL at privatised air traffic control towers at 16 Spanish airports intend to continue stoppages each Monday throughout February.

The 162 employees work at airports in Alicante, Valencia, Ibiza, Sabadell, Vigo, Jerez, Sevilla, La Coruña, Madrid­Cuatro Vientos, La Palma, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Murcia, Castellon, Lleida and El Hierro.

In 2020 two companies, Ferronat and Saerco, paid the Spanish government €102 million to operate 12 of these airports for seven years.

The controllers decided to strike after negotiating the sector’s fourth collective bargaining agreement broke down in January.

The stoppages arrived at the same time as government plans to privatise the service at another seven control towers.

MICROSOFT’S acquisition of Activision was in question after the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) predicted harm to gamers.

The (CMA) already expressed concerns about Microsoft’s plans last year, but declared recently that the deal could adversely affect fans of video games.

The CMA has now published the provisional findings of its investigation into the Microsoft and Activision deal after deciding that this could result in higher prices, fewer choices, or less innovation for UK gamers.

The CMA suggested possible remedies that include Microsoft being forced to sell off Activision Blizzard’s business associated with the Call of Duty game.

Plenty space

MARK BOGGETT, Seraphim Space’s CEO, described last January’s failed Virgin Orbit satellite launch from Cornwall as “a slight setback.”

The UK, whose space industry currently supports nearly 50,000 jobs, remained a global leader, and was currently attracting more investment in space projects than any other country apart from China and the US, Boggett insisted.

Despite the Virgin Orbit setback, Boggett believed there was still “significant dry powder” by way of cash reserves that corporations and private equity funds were prepared to deploy for attractive investment opportunities in Britain’s space industry.

Photo credit: Nissan Global

ASHWANI GUPTA: Nissan CEO said company committed to producing Leaf model.

Photo credit: Zarateman

SUPREME COURT: Judges rule Hacienda may only name confirmed defaulters.

DOW JONES

Not so cheap

UK consumer association

Which? found that shopping at the big supermarkets’ convenience stores could add more than £800 (€902) to a family’s yearly food bills. Tesco Express charged higher prices, Which? said, and also found that Sainsbury’s Local outlets were more expensive for essentials.

On the payroll

ANTONIO GARAMENDI, president of Spain’s Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), is no longer registered as a self­employed ‘autonomo’. Instead Garamendi now draws an annual salary of €400,000, an improvement of 9 per cent on his income during his first term as CEOE president.

Not me

LIZ TRUSS admitted to a Spectator interviewer that cutting the 45p (88 cents) tax rate was “perhaps a bridge too far.” She also argued that it was not fair to blame her for rising mortgage rates and said she believed that there were other factors involved apart from the mini­budget.

Profits down

SPANISH insurance company Mapfre earned €29.5 billion last year with premiums growing by 10.8 per cent to €24.540 billion. Profits fell by 16 per cent to €642 million, owing to the impact of inflation, an increase in the number of accidents and ongoing drought in some regions.

On the road

CAR sales in the UK last month grew by 14.7 per cent compared to January 2022 with a total of 131,994 vehicles registered. The MG HS hybrid was the best­selling car while Nissan’s Qashqai ­ the UK’s mostbought new car in 2022 ­ fell to third behind the VW TRoc.

Recharging Britishvolt

Linda Hall

RECHARGE INDUSTRIES, an Australian company was named preferred bidder for Britishvolt which collapsed last month.

The company manufactured batteries for electric cars and would have built a £3.8 billion (€4.3 billion) factory near Blyth in Northumberland with government funding had it found investors. Instead, it went into administration.

As reported in the Euro Weekly News, Recharge Industries, an Australian start­up, showed an immediate interest in Britishvolt and outbid rivals for the company.

Recharge Industries put together an ‘aggressive’ package that revived hopes of going ahead with the £3.8 billion (€4.3 billion) gigafactory in the north of

England, which could supply UK­built electric vehicles without relying on Chinese materials. It would also provide 3,000 skilled jobs.

The Australian company, a start­up linked to the New York­based Scale Fa­

Russian exit

cilitation investment firm, overcame three other offers to become the preferred bidder and take Britishvolt out of the administrators’ hands.

Recharge will work simultaneously on rebuilding Britishvolt and the new plant while going ahead with its own plans for a battery factory in Geelong, the former car manufacturing hub in Australia.

Thanks to Australia’s mineral deposits, the proposed lithium­ion plant would not be dependent on China or Russia and risk supply­chain delays.

Recharge’s proposals to Britishvolt’s administrators, which stressed both strategic and diplomatic ties, also received backing from the British government’s trade envoy for Australia, the ex­English cricketer Ian Botham.

Spain’s desirable renewables

GOLDMAN SACHS announced the launch of Verdalia Bioenergy involving an investment of more than €1 billion in Europe’s biomethane sector.

The American multinational investment bank and financial services company will focus on ‘developing, acquiring, building and operating’ biomethane plants across Europe, contributing to the European Union’s decarbonisation agenda.

Verdalia will invest in early­stage development projects and larger operational assets and has already signed its first agreement, subject to regulatory approval.

Once given the go­ahead, Verdalia will purchase a portfolio of biomethane projects in mid­stage development in Spain, with a total capacity of approximately 150 gigawatts per year. Goldman Sachs is joining forces with Fernando Bergasa and Cristina Avila.

The former chiefs of Spanish electricity, oil and gas distribution company Redexis, they have a strong track record in the natural gas sector, Goldman Sachs sources said. Under their leadership, Verdalia aims to become a leading biomethane operator, starting in Spain and subsequently expanding across Europe, deploying more than €1 billion over the next four years.

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (BAT), which formerly dominated 25 per cent of the Russian market, intends to leave this year.

Following the Ukraine invasion BAT, which makes Rothmans and Lucky Strike, announced that it intended to leave Russia and would sell its operation there to a local partner. It is also making plans to transfer its unit in Belarus in 2023.

The group reported an adjusted profit of £12.4 billion (€13.9 billion) in 2022, an 11 per cent increase on 2021 thanks to demand for its e­cigarettes and oral nicotine products.

Glass ceiling

“We are excited to work with Goldman Sachs Asset Management and benefit from their investment experience,” Fernando Bergasa, Verdalia’s executive chairman said.

“Renewable gas will be a key tool to assist Europe in its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.”

BBVA and Turkey

TURKEY’s disastrous double earthquake puts more pressure on BBVA’s investments there.

BBVA is the owner of Turkey’s largest bank, Garanti, which has 972 branches and more than 21,000 employees.

Adversely affected by galloping inflation and the weak Turkish lira over the past 12 months, Garanti had a bad start to 2023 with shares devalued by 31.2 per cent since January 1. They fell by 6.57 per cent on the

Istanbul stock exchange the day after the earthquake.

Garanti is proving a headache for BBVA and in the 2022 financial year its Turkish subsidiary had a €324 million impact on results owing to hyper­inflation that had reached 64 per cent by the end of December. BBVA was counting on Garanti to generate neither profits nor losses for the group, but instead the bank improved on forecasts, with benefits of €509 million.

Fish on the menu

FISHING plays a minor part in the UK economy but featured prominently in the Brexit campaign to regain control of British waters.

In 2020, when Boris Johnson announced details of his new Brexit trade agreement with the European Union, he promised that Britain would catch and eat “quite prodigious quantities of extra fish.”

Fisheries minister Mark Spencer told

MPs in December 2022 that the country was 30,000 tons better off now that it was outside the EU, although fisheries biologist Dr Bryce Stewart from York University maintained that the government had overestimated the long­term impact.

Much of the benefit arrived in 2021 when 15 per cent of the EU’s overall 25 per cent share was transferred to Britain, with much smaller transfers due between now and 2026, Dr Stewart said.

THE Women Matter España survey by McKinsey & Company, found that women occupied few senior executive posts in Spain. After studying more than 45 companies with approximately 300,000 employees between them, the international management consultants found that the glass ceiling remained relatively intact.

Only 6 per cent of director general positions were filled by women in 2022, compared with the European Union’s 8 per cent.

On the other hand, Spanish companies had more female board members, with an average of 33 per cent against 31 per cent in the EU.

Nice earner

THE UK’s 4,185 speed cameras cost almost £29 million (€32.7 million) in maintenance over the last five years.

They also brought in £391 million (€441.7 million) in fines, according to research by the new and used­car comparison site Carwow.

Councils spent £3.2 million (€3.6 million) between 2018 to 2022, police forces paid £4.6 million (€5.2 million), and transport authorities, including Transport for London, spent a hefty £20.9 million (€23.6 million).

Many authorities willingly shared their costs for running their speed cameras with Carwow but others declined, claiming that this could affect maintenance negotiation in future.

Some police forces also preferred not to divulge speed camera numbers, citing crime prevention.

BRITISHVOLT: Australian Recharge Industries has revived its hopes.

BIOMETHANE PLANT: Goldman Sachs are investing in renewable energy.

Dangerous breeds

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

HEART rending photos last week of four­year­old poppet Alice Stones, savagely mauled and subsequently killed by a pet dog. How long is it going to be until the authorities realise that a number of canine breeds are actually no more adaptable to the living conditions of human beings than many dangerous wild animals?

To my mind the likes of Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Mastiffs, Rottweilers etc should be viewed in one place and one place only; the local Zoo.

In the last 10 years there have been 34 deaths in the UK due to dog attacks, many on children, with over 200,000 reports of dog bites in the last year alone! These are horrendous figures and the most tragic fact of all is that the majority of victims were extremely young.

Many of these tots, now scarred for life, have had their whole futures altered beyond redemption, simply because the two­legged animal that should be the most responsible of all, deems for some unknown reason to allow unpredictable, potentially life destroying four legged canines to share their homes. When are they going to recognise the devastation these animals are actually capable of?

I do actually shudder when I see photos, or postings of dangerous dog breeds, cuddling up or licking the faces (not too hygienic anyway!) of babies sometimes a few months old. One split second vicious snap and those faces could be gone or ravaged forever.

When is the government going to see some sense and ban certain dangerous breeds altogether? Personally I am myself a true dog lover. My beautiful pet is a cross between a Boxer and a Labrador and consequently quite big. You would find it hard to meet a more loving and faithful animal.

However I can quite honestly say that if my children were still young and living with me, the chances of my precious animal

actually sharing our home would be completely zero.

It’s time some of the parents who allow dangerous breeds to mix with their youngsters were locked up. Doing a bit of jail time in an environment which may very well contain only dogs that can tear you apart, may just bring them to their senses.

I do actually remember the last time I included dangerous dog owners in my weekly blurb; I almost had to run for the hills. Once again I await the slings and arrows of DDO’s with my usual full metal jock strap firmly in place.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

Just a quick final word here to those woke fantasisers, who seem to have completely lost the plot of our human existence with their paltry trans gendering pronouns and other misanthropic diversity nonsense; turn your hearts and minds to the true horror in our world; the suffering of the men, women and children, caused by war in the Ukraine and the disastrous earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Thank our true Spiritual Father it’s not you. Keep the faith.

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmasil.com.

ARMCHAIR DETECTIVES OUR VIEW

THE hunt for missing dog walker and mother of two Nicola Bulley is almost reaching the end of its first month and police are still making repeated calls for “armchair detectives” to stop hindering their investigation.

While interest in true crime has always held a fascination for the UK public, social media and the rise in Netflix cold case documentaries has only helped increase interest.

This poses important questions about the role of the press in solving crimes. Police have traditionally issued public appeals for information via the press, often with incredible results.

However, when does this go too far? Rather than providing useful information, in the case of Nicola Bulley, many people have used her disappearance as an opportunity to vent their own theories, criticise the police, or even further their own YouTube followings with videos shot from where she is thought to have gone missing.

Police have now issued a rare order preventing the latter behaviour, but how much of their time went into following spurious leads and tackling online misinformation rather than trying to find the missing mother?

More importantly even is the effect this has on the families involved, including Nicola’s small children, who are surely the most innocent victims in this tragic tale.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentative

New State-of-the-Art Ultrasound System

EURO CLINICA RINCON is proud to announce that it procured a new State­of­the­Art Ultrasound System from General Electric®.

To reliably produce high­quality images dayafter­day, patient­after­patient. This system covers a broad range of clinical exams so we can deliver even more timely and accurate diagnoses and reports to attending and referring physicians and their patients.

What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound uses high­frequency sound waves to create real­time pictures or video of internal organs or other soft tissues, such as blood vessels. Ultrasound enables healthcare providers to ‘see’ details of soft tissues inside your body without making any incisions (cuts). And unlike Xrays, ultrasound doesn’t use radiation.

This is one of the key diagnostic tests within ECR and various medical specialists use this technique, for example: Internal Medicine / Hematology, Obstetrics / Gynaecology, Cardiology and Urology.

What can Ultrasound detect?

Ultrasound has a variety of uses despite being most often associated with pregnancy. It can be ordered to investigate pain, swelling,

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By Clinica Britannia

or other symptoms.

Ultrasound is a standard part of prenatal care providing images of the fetus or information on the embryo’s viability and growth.

An abdominal ultrasound can help check for kidney stones, gallstones, liver disease, and the cause of stomach pain. Multiple still images are taken to represent the location, texture, and blood flow of each organ.

Ultrasound is also very good at looking at cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments to evaluate joints for fluid or inflammation. Called a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, these exams are often ordered for joint concerns, such as symp­

Telephone:

Want to get that perfect smile?

WE all have things we would like to change about our bodies, and for many of us this includes our smile, especially if we have teeth that are crooked, yellow, misshapen, or missing altogether. Many of us may find ourselves in need of restorative treatment due to injury, illness, or other issues that can impact our oral health and the appearance of our teeth.

Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a new unique digital dental treatment planning tool that could help give you a perfect dazzling smile within weeks at a more economical cost than you would imagine.

DSD strengthens a dentist’s diagnostic vision, enhances predictability, and improves communication between dentist

DSD is a new unique digital dental treatment.

and patient.

A treatment plan is completely based on a thorough analysis of the patient’s dental and facial proportions. Using videos, photographs, and teeth models, DSD dental teams can get a better sense of the relationship between the lips, gums, and teeth, as well as how they work

toms in the ankle, elbow, knee, shoulder, or wrist. For these exams the dynamic nature of ultrasound is an advantage for accurate diagnosis, since we can evaluate the area in question while it’s moving and watch as a patient performs the action causing symptoms. MSK ultrasounds may be requested on their own or in conjunction with an X­Ray to rule out a fracture.

How do I get an Ultrasound?

Once your doctor has identified the need for an ultrasound, Euro Clinica Rincon reception will schedule an appointment for you.

Some ultrasound exams require preparation before the exam. You will be provided with

preparation instructions before your exam.

What happens after my exam?

Your doctor will review your images and the report from the radiologist and discuss the next step with you, such as a treatment plan or the need for further diagnostic imaging or lab tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The International Medical Clinic EURO CLINICA RINCON opened its doors in the Rincon de Loix / Levante area of Benidorm in 1999. And since then it has treated thousands of tourists, holidaymakers, winter visitors and residents of Benidorm and the surrounding areas. Almost all medical specialties and services are available through this clinic. And they also offer a complete package of diagnostic tests, which are carried out within 24 hours of request ­ without waiting time. Their Out­Patient Clinic works together with all the hospitals in Benidorm and Alicante, so that you can have the peace of mind that your health is in the best possible hands.

together to create the perfect smile.

One of the biggest advantages of this amazing technology is that patients can see the smile preview before they begin the procedure. They can work with the dentist to modify colour, shape, and even the length of the teeth to create their ideal smile.

Make an appointment now with your Dentist to start on the road to achieving the smile of your dreams.

EURO CLINICA RINCON: Peace of mind that your health is in the best possible hands.

By Clinica Britannia

Express Service for all repairs

AT Clinica Britannia we are happy to offer our existing and new patients an Express Service for the repair of any type of Dental prosthesis ( denture ) within as little as one hour, due to our onsite laboratory and technicians. If you already have existing dentures and want them to look like new again, then why not have them cleaned and polished, we can make that happen whilst you wait.

Did you know that a completely new set of dentures can now be made within four days, allowing you to enjoy your NEW smile within record time, you could even have them made without interrupting

your vacation.

Now available is a new flexible denture, which is made of a material known as Nylon. This semi ­ flexible highquality material is almost transparent and can be made to mimic the natural colour of the gums, giving a completely natural look.

Thanks to the technological advances in the

world of dentistry, the materials used for the creation of dental prostheses has improved immensely, making them last longer, much more comfortable and easier to use.

For further information contact our Dental Team at Clinica Britannia who will be happy to answer all your questions.

Appointments Landline: 965 837 553 / 965 837 851 • 24H/365D Emergency Number: (+34) 607 255 755 • Opening

SEVEN superfoods can help to reduce anxiety.

Eggs are packed with Vitamin D, which the body needs to produce moodboosting serotonin and counteract anxiety.

Blueberries are rich in Vitamin C which reduces stress hormone, cortisol, and can help to banish feelings of anxiety.

Hummus contains tryptophan, needed to produce melatonin and serotonin, which should assist in dismissing anxiety.

Yoghourt’s probiotics ease an upset stomach, a classic anxiety symptom

Cafe con leche

SCIENTISTS recommend drinking coffee with milk, maintaining that this could be twice as good for you.

Coffee is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols and these have been shown to reduce inflammation, they explained.

Inflammation is the body’s response to outside threats that can range from bacteria, toxins, and trauma to extreme temperatures, all of which can injure body tissue.

Latest research in Denmark suggests consuming items rich in polyphenols like coffee, together with those packed with amino acids like milk, makes the antioxidants more effective when reducing inflammation.

when stress hormones interfere with the digestive system.

Peppermint tea, although caffeine­free, helps you remain alert throughout the day while its polyphenols reduce inflammation and lower anxiety.

Anxiety-busters Upset tummy

GASTROENTERITIS frequently hits more often in the winter because norovirus, one of its common forms, prefers cooler temperatures.

People can also pass on gastroenteritis without suffering from it themselves, or before their own symptoms have developed.

Although the illness can be more serious for infants, the elderly and those who are immunecompromised, most people will recover in a few days as the body fights off the infection and recuperates on its own.

Treatment involves

Salmon’s Omega­3 fatty acids can lessen inflammation in the body and, again, combat anxiety.

Last of all, chocolatepreferably dark ­ is rich in antioxidants but also offsets anxiety because it is linked to comfort.

drinking plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration although doctors reject the old standby of a fizzy drink that has gone flat, as the sugar only makes diarrhoea worse. Small amounts of bland food are also recommended.

Long Covid Burning issue

DOCTORS writing in the British Medical Journal’s Open Sport and Exercise concluded that golf was good for the health and “probably” better than Nordic walking.

Shortly afterwards, more experts described ways to burn calories without leaving the home.

Their recommended cold shower might not prove popular during Spain’s current cold snap and few women need to be told that housework is one way of working up a sweat.

HOUSEWORK: Burns excess calories.

Meanwhile, eating celery burns more calories than those consumed and chewing gum uses an extra 11 calories an hour, the investigators found.

A HARVARD study suggested that Long Covid rates could drop by half if people ate healthily and exercised.

Using data from more than 32,000 female nurses, scientists wanted to determine how underlying health dictated a person’s risk of fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath.

Those living healthily were nearly half as unlikely to suffer lingering symptoms after overcoming Covid. They also found that sleeping less than seven hours a night and a body mass index below 25 were the greatest risk factors.

DENTURES: You can have them cleaned and polished.

BLUEBERRIES: Vitamin C reduces stress and reduces anxiety.

150% shortage of medicine in Spanish pharmacies.

GOD BLESS YOU

HI Leapy

Due to Brexit, which I voted for and still wholeheartedly believe is the best option for the United Kingdom, I have to adhere to Schengen rules which is not a problem as my husband and I get the best of both worlds in our lovely homes in Javea, Costa Blanca and Weston Super Mare, North Somerset.

So that I don’t miss your weekly column I get the Euro Weekly online each week when I am in England.

Keep doing what you’re doing and God bless you for doing it

Best wishes

Julia

I need to retire

HOW amazing is it that we are part of the 71.6 million tourists that come along to Spain every year. I can remember coming to Spain when there were no real tourist attractions other than the beach, fishing huts and predominately all Spanish­speaking. I have been coming to Spain for the best part of 40 years and the only linguistic knowledge and ability that I have found to do me well is ‘la cuenta por favor’ and ‘cerveza’. The life over here is so much better, I am in in my 70s and still haven’t retired, but I know that I need to. Spain is calling my name and I know that I need to enjoy it before it gets too late. Three weeks in the sun in July isn’t enough, I need it and want it 24/7.

Need to retire

BYE BYE FLYBE

ry and Meghan are about to do next regarding Archewell. It says in their usual way of talking ‘the key pillars are building a better online world, restoring trust in information and uplifting communities.

We’ve rolled up our sleeves, opened our arms, and opened our hearts, creating connections through care and compassion’ ­ I think that is enough of that rubbish. How can they be for caring about mental health when they are causing so much in their own families? Poor Camilla has been targeted and used as a punch bag, all because Ginge’s father loved her. It was obviously OK for Meg to be married before.

Obviously that woman who went to Buckingham Palace looking to trap someone into being an alleged racist would never have done that without Harry’s stupid lie, that he later retracted, about the Firm being racist. That didn’t do a lot for the victim’s mental health. I guess only he and Megan’s mental health matters.

My main question this week is thoughdoes he realise what a major thing that was for the late Queen, allowing Harry and Meg to marry in church in pomp and circumstance, designer dressed in white, when she was a divorcee. What a favour the royal family did them. Charles and Camilla slipped away quietly and married. You cannot please that awful man.

Rant over. Sylvia

Thank you

David

IT is awful to see so many airlines go down the drain these days, so many livelihoods gone. I remember the first time I went on a plane it was to the Isle of Man to watch the TT. It was like a tin shack in the sky, and I was holding on for dear life. I felt like what I would imagine the motor cyclist most have felt like going around the track but a day prior and a further drop. The pilot’s name was even ‘scary’. That was something for the books.

With love, Mairie

Beaver access

HOW incredible, something positive and something the kids can learn now and watch before they fall asleep. Thank you, Euro Weekly , for putting these snippets of information in. You don’t know how much it helps.

Thank you! Jessica Rant

LEE,

Feijoo’s task

CASSANDRA NASH

THE Partido Popular is still revelling in the coalition government’s fractious parleying over its Guarantee of Sexual Freedom or “Only Yes Means Yes” Law.

Modifying the flawed text of Equality minister Irene Montero’s prize project betrays the PSOE­Unidas Podemos coalition’s differences which, with municipal elections in May and a general election in December, is just what the PP and Alberto Nuñez Feijoo need.

“We are here to offer reliability, maturity, a sense of state and a clear direction,” Feijoo declared on succeeding defenestrated Pablo Casado as the Partido Popular’s national secretary general. “My project is a project of understanding.”

These qualities were in evidence during his time as president of Galicia’s autonomous government where he had no trouble in notching up overall majorities in four successive regional elections.

Once installed in Madrid this didn’t prevent him from choosing the PP’s default opposition mode of anti ­ PSOE overstatements and doom­laden gener­

What interesting Breaking Views articles, thank you, Nora. Long may you write your amusing column for the Euro Weekly News . I always read it. Well done and keep it up!

Alex Walker

Slow down

over

I was just reading the report of what Har ­

UK car production has slowed down, that is not a surprise to me. It just feels like we are outsourcing more and more these days. Long gone are the days for many car producers and producers of ‘British’ products. It was something to see in its day. My father was a mechanic, and everything had to be so pristine and perfectly done. Even down to the shining of the chrome in places where it is least likely to be seen by a normal eye. The old car shows, show you a snapshot of what it was like, the human assembly line of what it used to be, and all the men in their blue boiler suits. My father looked so handsome in his. It seems so trivial these days, but these are the things that stand out for me. I wish we were able to have more British things, it makes you proud of where you come from. Obviously, these days it is easier to get things from abroad, but it was nice to relive a memory I haven’t thought about in a long time.

Yours, Sandy

alisations. Surprisingly, Feijoo, now 61, voted PSOE in his youth, joining the PP in 2002. The former Feijoo re­emerged on February 9 when the Constitutional Tribunal threw out the PP’s objections the 2010 Abortion Law which allows terminations on demand up to 14 weeks.

Feijoo immediately announced that 13 years later the correct decision had been reached and he respected the Tribunal’s decision. As he too had condemned the 2010 law this could have been political strategy, aware that abortion is a sensitive issue. And, having censured the way Pedro Sanchez’s government allegedly rides roughshod over the Constitution, he could hardly criticise the Tribunal.

Meanwhile, Feijoo has his own problems and, like Pablo Casado, must decide what to do with Vox, Santiago Abascal’s extreme right ­ wing party which wins seats municipally, regionally and nationally by hiving off PP votes.

Veer further right, stay put or shift to the centre to underline the party’s moderation? Feijoo has until May to make up his mind and decide which of his – and the party’s ­ multiple sides will show to their best advantage.

The reign in Spain

LINDA HALL

THE Spanish are not born monarchists but benevolently damn Felipe VI with faint praise by admitting that he “does his best.”

Nor is there a political divide, as even those who vote to the right are not necessarily royal groupies.

In Xativa (Valencia) where I now live, Felipe V’s portrait hangs upside down in the local museum because he set fire to the city in 1707 after it backed Archduke Carlos of Austria’s claim to the Spanish throne.

Interestingly, the portrait was reversed in the 1940s by a Franco ­ supporting mayor during the dictatorship. It has remained upside down ever since, during local governments of all colours and will stay that way until a Borbon king visits Xativa and apologises.

Felipe VI has not yet set foot there and is unlikely to do so. The same can be said for his self­exiled father, Juan Carlos I, who now lives a life of luxury in Abu Dhabi after blotting his copybook in multiple ways.

The interesting thing about Juan Carlos is that during the period when he helped to steer Spain through the transition to democracy, even republicans eventually became Juancarlistas, including the Communist leader Santiago Carillo.

Few could have foreseen when he was proclaimed king in November 1975 that Juan Carlos would uphold democracy and extricate the country from a military coup in February 23, 1981.

Everybody around at the time was relieved that he pulled it off for a variety of reasons. Apart from my own political leanings I was exceptionally glad as my husband was in Valencia, one of the coup hotspots where there were tanks on the streets. It was even worse for my Benidorm neighbours, a socialist lawyer and his teacher wife who were politically active and hurriedly burnt incriminating papers and books.

Juan Carlos, his reputation shot, might now resemble a florid Borbon in one of Goya’s more unflattering portrait, but every February we still have much to thank him for.

THE AGE OF LIGHT

What the universe has in store

HELLO my angels, this week is all about love, but not in the way you are all assuming, it’s all about self love ­ some of you may be in a relationship, just coming out of a relationship, or single!

Any situation you are in, what I am about to explain to you is very simple and anyone can start this today. “Ego says once everything falls into place i’ll find peace” spirit says “find your peace and everything will fall into place.” Every single one of us has an ego, this is something we build up over time. The ego can stop you from practising self love, it forms a barrier that stops anyone from enjoying this feeling. So remove the ego you might say and problem sorted? And this is exactly what I am going to teach you today.

Children are not scared to express their emotions, they are not scared to say what they think or what they feel, they live in the present moment. In the first part of our own personal inner growth, we try

to adapt to different people and situations to feel worthy and accepted. Our mind starts to work and our egos start to grow and begin to take control of our life and our thoughts. I have five ways to start you on your journey of self love:

1. Practise forgiveness and letting go.

“The weak can never forgive.”

The most powerful tool to learn to let go of our egos to make life easier is to practise forgiveness. We have to learn to forgive the people who hurt us and most importantly we have to learn to forgive ourselves. Accept, let go and keep moving forward. Forgiveness will open the windows to your soul, and remove the negativity to allow room for new happiness.

2. Practise honesty and being open.

The most important sentence I’ve ever heard, and I’m sure you’ve heard it too. “The truth will set you free.” Suppressing our emotions can develop depression and anxiety. Learn to say no to the things that dont add value in your life, and open your arms towards the things that do.

3. Surrender your need for control.

Break the fears and trust life! Don’t be scared to love. Take risks. Be curious. Explore. Do what makes you happy.

4. Enjoy silent moments with yourself.

Every day perform a selfless act of love, and enjoy giving without the expectation to receive.

5. Practise gratitude

“It’s not happy people who are thankful; it’s thankful people who are happy.”

Grateful people feel more love and compassion, take five minutes each day and write down three things you are grateful for every day and watch your life change.

Right, back to the card, ‘The Age of LIGHT’ you have been training for this for lifetimes, self love is the most important progression you are ever going to do for yourself and everyone of us can start today.

I challenge you to try this for one week and write in and let me know how you feel and you will see the positive changes unfold, your thoughts are powerful, what we think we become, I will be going more in to this next week!

If you would like to know more or have a reading please go to my website to book your own personal privet reading with myself you can find me on Instagram @theangelic.medium or visit my website. https://www.theangelicpsychicmedium.com sending lots of love yours Emma.

Oldest living dog

AS certified by Guinness World Records, a pooch on a farm in Portugal has become not only the oldest dog in the world but also of all time. At 30 years and 266 days old, on Wednesday, February 1,

Bobi received the outstanding accolade.

He replaced Spike the Chihuahua, who had only been crowned as the oldest canine in the world two weeks ago. Prior to those two, an Australian

cattle dog held the title for almost 100 years. Bluey died at the age of 29 years and five months, living from 1910 until 1939.

Bobi was born and raised on a family ­ run farm in the village of Conqueiros in Portugal’s Leira district, not far from the town of Nazare, famous for its huge surfing waves.

His owners ­ the Costa family ­ believe that the secret to Bobi’s longevity is the fact that he lives in the countryside, where they said he enjoys playing with their four cats.

The family dog obviously suffers the typical ailments that arrive with the onset of old age. He struggles to walk and has difficulties with his eyesight. His food needs to be soaked in water to remove any seasoning before he can eat it, as he shares the same meals as his owners.

Bobi also drinks a lot of water his family added.

Xilitol poisoning signs in dogs

IT’S regularly found in sugar ­ free chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamin supplements and other sugar­free products.

Xylitol can cause in dogs hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) because the dog’s pancreas will confuse it with real sugar and makes it release more insulin. The insulin then removes the real sugar in the body, leading to plummeting blood sugar levels.

The clinical signs that may appear are: vomiting, disorientation, lethargy, collapse, seizures and tremors and coma.

• The signs of poisoning can appear rapidly or be delayed, but you should never wait before seeking veterinary help; this can put your dog’s life at risk.

• If you suspect that your dog has eaten something containing xylitol, you need to get them to the vets straight away because it can be absorbed into the blood stream rapidly.

If the decrease in blood sugar levels is prevented or brought under control quickly, the prognosis is good, but delays in veterinary intervention can cause further complications, irreversible damage and increase the likelihood of xylitol poisoning becoming fatal.

Rabbit bonding

INTRODUCING rabbits who don’t know each other needs to be done carefully. Begin by building up the time they spend together gradually. Once they’re spending one to two hours together without problems, they’re ready to start sharing living space.

The best way is to neuter both rabbits before they meet. Male rabbits can take up to six weeks to become sterile after they’re neutered. Females shouldn’t be bonded with another rabbit immediately after neutering to reduce the risk of injury.

Side ­ by ­ side enclosures help the rabbits to get familiar with each other from a safe distance. Provide a barrier between their enclosures that still allows them to see and smell each other, and to lie side ­ byside.

There may be some unrest in the beginning. This is normal and may last about seven days. Prepare a neutral area separate from their enclosures. This area needs to be somewhere neither rabbit has been housed before. Have hiding

places and toys ready to put in the area, but leave it empty for when you first introduce them.

Once the rabbits are comfortable with the sight and smell of each other, they can be introduced for short periods in the neutral area.

Smart cats

A NEW study at a Japanese university is once again backing up the age ­ old cat lovers’ theory that felines are just as clever as dogs.

Forty ­ nine domestic cats were used for the study at Kyoto University, which tested their ability to remember which food bowl they had eaten out of after 15minute intervals.

The cats, reported psychologist Saho Takagi, appeared to remember exactly which bowls should still contain food, suggesting they had what is referred to as episodic memory.

“Cats may be as intelligent as dogs, as opposed to the common view of people that dogs are much smarter. Also, an interesting speculation is that they may enjoy actively recalling memories of their experiences just like humans,” the scientist said.

Bobi, the oldest dog of all time.

CLASSIFIEDS

CARAVANS

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CHARITY

El Campello Christian Community - Life and Family Sunday Service at 11am Bilingual (English and Spanish) at C/ San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello. For more information visit www.elcampe llochristiancommunity.org , email campellocc@gmail. com or call Juan Zúñiga - 686 203 183 (Spanish) or Sue Bishop - 610 639 426 (English) (233602)

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Isuzu D-Max - urban trend setter

byMarkSlack

AT a point not that long ago you would only have ever associated pick ­ up trucks

with builders, tradesmen and farmers. They would have been of a specification and look that made utilitarian seem sumptuous. How things have changed! Most now look rather smart, don’t

look like they’ve spent much time in the local building supplies yard or farm and can cut it on the style stakes with the best SUVs.

Manufacturers re alised that they were missing a trick and a pickup with good levels of standard equipment and a variety of optional hard tops and accessories can appeal to a whole new range of potential buyers. Add in the possibility of all­wheel­drive and the chance to carry five people, as well as a decent load bay and towing ability, and the appeal is obvious.

Isuzu have long been a ‘go to’ manufacturer for those wanting a comfortable, rugged and stylish pick­up. Good standard equipment with excellent accessory packs and options means the Isuzu D­Max range can cover every scenario from

building site to trendy wine bar. The range is essentially split into two halves, the business line­up and the VCross and Artic models and there are single, extended and double cab options. Prices start at €25,690/ £23,149 and peak at €56,058/£47,999.

Power comes from a fourcylicinder 1.9 ­ litre turbo

diesel that propels the Isuzu well for such a large vehicle. With an empty load bay the D­Max does bounce around on rougher surfaces but things are better with a weight in the rear. For such a large vehicle the D­Max is an easy drive and can be piloted through bends with much more aplomb than might be expected. Bouncy unladen

weight ride apart the other issue with the D ­ Max is noise. Pick ­ ups are never the most refined, but the D ­ Max does get rather vocal under acceleration, not helped one suspects by the modest engine size.

The build quality and equipment in the Max is excellent, and betters some cars, with an interior that lacks the ‘bolton iPad’ style touchscreen in favour of a neat built ­ in screen. Soft­touch materials are also evident and although some of the touchscreen functions look a little dated they all work very smoothly.

If you’re into your pick­up trucks, the Isuzu looks the part too. If you’re looking for something a bit different on the rugged transport front, then the D­Max can be a surprisingly sensible choice.

PICK-UP TRUCK: The D-Max is a surprisingly sensible choice.

Lawler moved out of ICU

JERRY ‘The King’ Lawler was moved out of the hospital ICU on Friday February 10 after massive suffering a stroke earlier in the week in Florida.

A post on Lawler’s official Twitter profile read: “Jerry is out of ICU and will return to his Florida home for outpatient rehab for his limited speech and cognitive skills. Doctors hopeful for full recovery and Jerry is looking forward to returning to his fans very soon. ­ Lauryn #LongLiveTheKing”.

WWE legend Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler is believed to have suffered a stroke on Monday, February 6. His friend ­ and fellow Monday Night Raw commentator ­ Jim Ross, revealed on Twitter that he had visited him in the hospital in Florida.

“I spoke very briefly with @JerryLawler tonight,” Ross tweeted. “He’s obviously weak but Jerry’s prognosis is positive, he needs our thoughts and prayers. #LoveYaKing,” he said.

The 73­year­old had apparently been staying at his Florida condo at the time of the incident.

Real Madrid Fifa Club World Champions

REAL MADRID are the Fifa Club World Champions for a record ­ extending fifth time after they beat

Al ­ Hilal 5 ­ 3 in the Moroccan capital of Rabat on Saturday, February 11. No other side in world football even comes near the incredible feat that Carlo Ancelotti’s team has achieved.

They were victorious for four consecutive years from 2014 to 2018 with the tournament being won by a European club on each of the last 10 occasions.

Los Blancos took an early lead in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

37% on consumer card spending on sporting goods, services and experiences went up in 2022.

through Vinicius Junior after 13 minutes. Federico Valverde doubled the lead in the 18th minute. The Saudi Arabian side reduced the deficit after 26 minutes thanks to a goal from the Mali international Moussa Marega.

Karim Benzema joined in after 54 minutes and the Uruguayan Valverde was on target again to make it 4 ­ 1 four minutes later. Former Fulham Luciano Vietto striker bagged a goal for the Saudi team ­ managed by former Oxford United boss

Ramon Diaz ­ in the 63rd minute to reduce Madrid's lead.

This was short ­ lived though when Vinicius added his second to make the score 4 ­ 2. Al ­ Hilal never really looked capable of winning this match and it was all over when Vinicius hit his second in the 69th minute.

vvVietto grabbed his second goal after 79 minutes to make it 5 ­ 3, but by then, it was too late, and means that no Asian team has yet won this trophy.

Real Madrid winning the Fifa World Club trophy.

Credit: Twitter@realmadridfra

AN argument in a Vienna café led to the shooting of the former Austria international and Feyenoord star Volkan Kahraman.

It is understood the 43year­old former professional met a friend for a coffee but that an argument ensued resulting in Kahraman being shot in the head.

A local news source said that the argument on Wednesday, February 8 ended when the shooter then committed suicide.

Although no motive for the shooting has been given, bystanders suggest that “jealousy” may be involved describing the atmosphere as “heated.”

Karhaman, of Austrian Turkish descent, was born in Vienna and is considered one of the country’s all­time greats. Feyenoord signed the youngster in 1995 while still playing for Austria Wienm, with his first team debut coming just two years later.

He played three times for Austria before moving on to other Turkish and Austrian clubs in the twilight of his career.

THE Premier Game Match Officials (PGMOL) called a meeting of all officials after a disastrous weekend in which major decisions changed the result of at least two matches.

According to PGMOL on Monday, February 13, Howard Webb both called the meeting but also the clubs to apologise for what they termed “human error.” As a result, both games finished a one­all draw affecting both clubs’ chances of taking the title and of securing European Championship places.

VAR operators at the Arsenal and Brighton matches were both acknowledged to have got it wrong.

The error in the decision in the Arsenal v Brentford match was put down to a missed offside with PGMOL saying: “VAR was looking to see if there was an offside and whether Ethan Pinnock had blocked off Gabriel in the build­up. He looked at the possible foul and decided there hadn’t been one and therefore referee Peter Banks hadn’t made a clear and obvious error.

“However, in the build­up to the goal, Christian Norgaard ­ whose cross Toney heads in ­ is in an offside position.

“The truth is that VAR didn’t fully investigate with the lines. The lines, simply, didn’t go down.

“And that counts as hu ­

SPORTS fans will be pleased to hear Europe’s famous passion for sport remains as buoyant and resilient as ever, with fans racing back to gyms and stadiums over the past 12 months according to the Mastercard Sport Economy Index 2023.

The survey of over 11,000 Europeans reveals that more people attended live sporting events and regularly exercised in 2022 than they did in 2021.

The region’s enthusiasm for sport also translated into a significant increase in consumer spending across the sector. Analysis shows that consumer card spending on sporting

man error. Had the lines gone down the goal would have been disallowed for offside.”

Fans will be waiting to see what action PGMOL takes against premier League referees after another disastrous weekend of VAR decisions.

Former Austrian star shot dead Disastrous weekend decisions Thriving sports

goods, services and experiences was up 37 per cent in 2022 compared to 2021.

Over the past 12 months, the digital footprint of sport continued to rise, with more than six in 10 (61 per cent) Europeans stating that technology was a major lifeline in how they enjoyed favourite events.

The top five ways in which Europeans enjoyed sport in 2022 were: to follow events on social media, watch multiple matches at once, experience a sporting event via VR, watch esports competitions via streaming platforms, and listen to sporting podcasts.

KAHRAMAN: Shot in the head.

ARSENAL VAR DECISION: Was termed “humour error.”

Image Arsenal News Channel