Axarquia 23 Feb – 1 March 2023 Issue 1964

SENIOR SUCCESS

REGIONAL authorities from the Diputación de Malaga have select ed Torrox as an excellent destina tion for older tourists. The authori ty announced on Tuesday, February 14 that it would fund 2,500 places on trips to towns in cluding Torrox for residents above the age of 65.

The scheme will offer elderly people living in towns with less than 20,000 residents and less pub lic transport options the opportuni ty to visit the town in Axarquia on a trip with all expenses paid. The scheme aims to allow older people to develop new experiences be yond their own towns and strengthens connections with other towns in the region.

As well as Torrox, participants can choose to visit Ronda, Antequera, Marbella and various other destinations on the Costa del Sol. Regional government representative, Francisco Salado announced

the scheme saying it is part of the Plan Against Loneliness in the Elderly which was created in 2019, but suspended from 2020 due to the pandemic.

Those interested in taking up places on the trips must register at their town halls or directly with the Diputación de Malaga before Saturday, February 25.

FRENCH car manufacturer Citroën’s Velez ­ Malaga representative, Citroën Ausol, signed a major deal with two Velez ­ Malaga business organisations on Friday, February 17, aiming to speed up the modernisation of businesses in Axarquia.

The Presidents of the ACEV and ACET business networks in Velez­Malaga, Fernando Lisbona and Antonio Sebastián Pastor came together with the manager of Citroën Ausol, Eugenio Noguerol, to sign the agreement.

A CHURCH organisation in Velez ­ Malaga has been running a campaign to collect donations and essential aid items for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey at the beginning of February, and there is still time to donate.

The Cofradía del Huerto y los Desamparados de Velez ­ Malaga Catholic brotherhood have been accepting donations for those affected by the earthquake in both Syria and Turkey. Donations collected by the group will be sent to the affected areas through the Asociación Andaluza de Ayuda al Refugiado Palmira, an NGO formerly created to provide

aid due to the Syrian Civil War.

After accepting donations last weekend, the brotherhood is accepting donations from Thursday, February 23 until Saturday, February 25 at their headquarters on Calle Luis de Rute, 14 from 5.30pm until 8.30pm. The collection is focusing on items including hygiene products, powdered milk and tinned food that does not contain pork.

As well as providing earthquake relief, the Asociación Andaluza de Ayuda al Refugiado Palmira supports refugees in settling into host countries and promotes human rights and peace in Middle Eastern countries.

In the deal, Citroën Ausol pledges its backing for the more than 500 businesses that make up the ACEV and ACET business

networks. Businesspeople from the organisations will be eligible for discounts on a range of Citroën Ausol products and services including used vehicles, new vehicles, spare parts and repair services.

The deal was created as part of a plan to increase sustainable transport use and improve access to digital services and products in Velez­Malaga.

ACEV and ACET are both business organisations in Velez ­ Malaga affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce in Malaga.

Driving the future Donation drive

They provide support to businesspeople in the region, promote their activity and represent their local businesses on a regional and national scale.

Betty Henderson

Representatives from ACEV and ACET business networks sign a deal with Citroën Ausol dealership to help modernise business in Axarquia.

Photo credit: ACEV - Asociación de Empresarios de Vélez-Málaga (via Facebook)

Members of a Velez-Malaga Catholic brotherhood spread goodwill through humanitarian gestures including a previous foodbank campaign.

Cofradía Huerto y Desamparados (Vélez-Málaga) (via Facebook)

VISIT TORROX: Elderly residents in the Malaga region will get the opportunity to visit destinations including Torrox as part of a senior tourism scheme.

Photo credit: Grenzlandstern / Wikimedia Commons

Carnival costumes

THE carnival spirit filled the streets of Torrox on Saturday, February 20 as locals and visitors packed into the Plaza de la Constitución for an afternoon of music and entertainment. Prizes for the best cos-

tumes were also handed out. Partygoers were dressed in creative costumes from cartoon characters to fairies and mythical creatures for a series of parades through Torrox before a costume awards cere-

Bee Eater Walk

Betty Henderson

mony and music festival.

The first prize for group costumes went to a group entitled ‘Gold and honey’ whose vibrant costumes had taken inspiration from a beehive. The individual prizes went to ‘Dios Anubis’ dressed as the Egyptian God and ‘De Otra Planeta’ a lifelike alien.

Alongside the presentation, ‘The Crumbs’ brass band provided lively musical entertainment as well as Pop FM radio station.

Town mayor, Óscar Medina thanked carnivalgoers for getting into the spirit.

THE Sexi Senderistas walking group have released their latest calendar of walks for the upcoming spring season. The group holds regular guided hiking trails that allow locals and visitors to discover new places and get active while raising money for charity.

The first upcoming walk is the ‘Bee Eater Walk’ led by Sarah on Sunday, February 26.

The walk is a 9.4-kilometre trail covering fairly easy terrain on 4x4 tracks near to La Herradura and is expected to take around four hours to complete. The linear trail is nicknamed the Bee Eater walk by Trevor as walkers have often reported sighting Bee Eater birds along it.

Hikers will enjoy a lunch spot at a rocky outcrop called Peñon de los Castillejos on the site of a hundreds-year old defence garrison, the Castillo de Jate which boasts beautiful views

CYCLISTS are gearing up to take on a mountain biking challenge which is set to take place around Almuñecar on Sunday, March 12.

The BTT XCO Navarí cycling challenge is part of the Circuito Provincial de Granada mountain biking championship and will see avid bikers take on a series of challenging uphill and downhill trails around the Parque Mediterráneo, much of it with scenic coastal views.

Various different age categories will be

over the Río Miel valley.

Walkers are asked to give a donation to Valle Verde Animal Rescue to participate. A sign-up link for the event is available online: https://walkingroup.com/ join/1674558067. The group has two more hikes planned for March. More information is available online: https://walkingroup.com/ #gsc.tab=0.

Mountain biking mission

available for competitors of different ages to test their skills.

Announcing the event at a press conference on Thursday, February 16, organiser and Club Nazarí President, Álvaro

Manzano thanked businesses for sponsoring the event and explained the format of the event.

Manzano said the race has been de-

signed to test mountain bikers of all ages, “from promising youth talent up to veterans in the Master 60+ category who are aiming for highest sporting goals including these regional champion titles.”

The event will begin at 10am in the Parque Mediterráneo, where spectators are welcome to cheer cyclists on through the tough challenge.

The Sexi Senderistas walking group tuck into a well-deserved lunch on a previous hillside walk.

Photo credit: Sexi Senderistas (via Facebook)

NIBS EXTRA

Charity space

A PERFORMING arts organisation in Axarquia and Costa del Sol is seeking a new charity partner to support at their events. TAPAS performing arts society needs some storage space measuring three metres by five metres in return for their support.

Vegan hamper

THE Under Dog animal rescue charity has congratulated a local woman who won their Valentine’s Day contest. Lizzie won a vegan hamper packed with delicious artisanal food and drinks and unique handmade products. Proceeds from the raffle went to the charity.

Tree terror

ENVIRONMENTALISTS in Torre del Mar expressed their outrage at recent vandalism to several trees in the town. GENA environmental organisation criticised the action they describe as ‘deliberate’ which aimed to kill three Australian oak trees located on Calle Rioja.

Singing stars

A NEW fun and social choir, Corama continues to welcome new members at its weekly practices held on Mondays at 5.20pm at the San Apóstol church in Torre del Mar. More information is available by email: cora ma2022@gmail.com.

New location

A LOCAL animal rescue charity is settling into a new location. MJM Animal Rescue opened a new charity shop on Calle del Río in Torre del Mar. The charity also recently launched an appeal for new volunteers.

Drought plan

A MAJOR drought relief project began in Rincon de La Victoria on Monday, February 20 to improve water supply for residents and agriculture developments. The project is split into six different phases to complete the work quickly.

A POPULAR gastronomic adventure is set to arrive in Torre del Mar from Friday, March 3. A tapas trail will be held throughout the month until Sunday, March 26 with 20 different restaurants and bars offering delicious dishes during the month.

The deputy mayor of Torre del Mar, Jesús Pérez Atencia launched the event alongside local ACET business representative, Juan Antonio Pérez saying that local restaurants are aiming to serve a staggering 40,000 during the event.

This year’s event is the 11th edition of Torre del Mar’s tapas trail and it has become a popular tradition among local residents and visitors. During the event, guests can enjoy selected dishes at participating restaurants for a discounted price, sampling expertly crafted recipes, quality local ingredients and incredible wine pairings.

Pérez thanked the council for their support in organising the event saying,

ONE street in Torrox is going back to its artisanal roots with a new traditional mosaic tiled floor, crafted by a local traditional ceramics workshop.

Calle Salvador Muñoz in the heart of Torrox is returning to its former glory with a new mosaic tiled floor.

Torrox mayor Óscar Medina visited the works to clear the street’s current stone flooring as diggers moved in

Tapas trail

“This is a great way of getting groups of friends and families together to learn more about the great experiences on offer in Torre del Mar. This year we have

more participating businesses than last and we have brought the event back to the off ­ season to give an off­ season boost.”

73 STORIES IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION

Going down memory lane

THE community in Nerja has shown its dedication to supporting refugees from Russia’s war in Ukraine since the invasion began a year ago and the local council showed its support is here to stay with the announcement of new financial aid for the Red Cross on Wednesday, February 15.

Local councillor for Social Services, Daniel Rivas met with representatives from Nerja’s branch of the Red Cross to announce the latest package of aid for Ukrainian refugees who have been resettled in the area.

The package grants an additional €400 per

on Wednesday, February 15. Medina expressed his support for the scheme saying, “We want to revitalise the historic centre, and make it the cultural centre of our town.” The project will reinstate the original mosaic tiled flooring of the street as part of a tourism pol­

icy to maintain tourist interest in the town and preserve its historical origins. The new tiled design consists of an intricate pattern flanked by cobblestones. Medina also highlighted other renovation projects aiming to improve the appearance of the town

including the striking umbrella display in Plaza de la Constitución, reforms to the central market and restoration of the La Almedina fountain.

The updates aim to modernise Torrox’s appearance but remain in keeping with the town’s rich history.

Mosaic maintenance Refugee relief

month to the organisation per refugee and an additional €100 for child refugees living in the area.

Rivas thanked the regional government for subsidising the grants and congratulated the Red Cross on its hard work which is allowing Ukrainian refugees living in poverty to live dignified lives after being forced to flee their homeland.

To access the aid, Ukrainian refugees must meet a series of social and economic criteria which can be checked by visiting the Red Cross’ headquarters located on the ground floor of Nerja Town Hall.

It’skicking off

THE mayor of Torrox, Óscar Medina laid the first stone in the construction of a new football stadium in a nearby town. Medina was there to see construction get underway in a football facility in El Morche on Tuesday, February 14.

Medina described the day as “historic” as construction began on the Antonio González football facility, which has been a dream for football fans in the town for years. He added that the new site was “going to change the future of our area,” giving children and adults a new space to practise sport and enjoy social activity, as well as host important league competitions.

The Antonio González football pitch will be located in this new sports facility, the Santa Rosa Sports Complex which will boast a spacious under­

ground car park, leisure and sports facilities and huge green areas. The work has a budget of around €5.5 million and is expected to be finished by the end of this year.

ONE local town is appealing for historical photos to create a photographic journey through time. The council in Canillas de Aceituno announced their campaign on Thursday, February 16, saying it wants to build a photo bank and exhibition of the town throughout history. The photo project is an ambitious historical initiative to document the town’s appearance throughout time as well as its unique culture, traditions and events. Photos can be from any time during history and will be used by the council to create a digital and print resource of the town’s history. Historical photographs can be sent digitally to: ayuntamiento @canillasdeaceituno.es The council asks for the images to be of the highest resolution possible and senders to supply their name and contact details. Photos can also be presented at Canillas de Aceituno Town Hall until Friday, March 31.

11TH EDITION: Authorities announced the new tapas trail event in Torre del Mar with 20 local businesses taking part.

Photo credit: ACET Empresarios Torre del Mar (via Facebook)

Hospital enhancement

AN expansion project is set to double some consultation spaces in Hospital Comarcal de la Axarquia. The regional government awarded the contract for the expansion work to Construcciones

Sánchez Domínguez (SANDO) on Wednesday, February 15.

SANDO construction company are tasked with extending several spaces in the hospital over the next 13 months which is how long the €3.1 million contract runs for. The major expansion project includes the construction of two new buildings for non­healthrelated issues including a chapel, meeting area, cafeteria, visitor and staff lounge.

The move of these services to other buildings means that existing hospital spaces can be used for direct healthcare ser­

vices, including the paediatric wing whose space will be doubled. Accessibility will also be improved in the project with a new street level accessible entrance. Once complete, new lifts will be in­

International club events

Betty Henderson

NERJA International Club has announced a bumper programme of events for the next month, with plenty of exciting activities and opportunities to meet new people and learn more about other cultures.

The club is holding a quiz night in their clubhouse on Calle San Juan, 42 on Wednesday, March 15. Quizmaster Nick Miller will test guests’ knowledge with a fun quiz on a variety of general knowledge topics. The quiz will get underway from 7.30pm, teams will consist of four players, but can be made up on the evening.

The club has also organised a tapas tour on Tuesday, March 7 around four bars in the

town and a ‘Taste of Ireland’ theme night which will take place on Friday, March 24.

The group are also appealing for new volunteers to support in organising and running events and activities as they are losing out on volunteers due to residency issues. Potential volunteers can speak to Pauline or Linda at the club or get in touch by email: clubinternacionaldenerja@outlook.com

More information is available on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CIDNERJA?__cft __[0]=AZVsYqanHRRLcoKmLGZ0Sjz3aM_EM 0uVlxxiVm7m7_rpagGOacFmXbhESVR ZoXLVxdGdZFrjQslcKPILbK__rrRPDk_94DKGk WQ8oCu8gG5­OlIwGbtlnbhwytC4WbMk SNg&__tn__=­UC%2CP­R

stalled in the lobby area. Visiting the hospital to give the announcement, regional government representative Patricia Navarro described it as “an ambitious project” which shows “the commitment of the regional government to continually developing health services to offer the most pioneering treatment and care to residents in the Malaga area.”

GUESTS enjoyed a fabulous evening of fundraising for two local animal rescue charities in Nerja on Saturday, February 18. Guests raised an immense €530 which will go towards APAA Nerja and Pippa’s Pawprints Animal Rescue.

The evening at Fitzgerald’s Live Music Bar in Nerja got off to a roaring start with a game of prize bingo from 7pm, fol­

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

It’s pawty time

lowed by a mini quiz. There was also a range of other games for guests to try their luck at including ‘Play your cards right’ and a raffle.

Guests enjoyed socialising and some competitive fun with the games provided by Ags and her team, before

‘‘A Chain is Only as Strong as Its Weakest Link’’

This means that a group or organisation can only be as successful as its least successful or powerful person. The first form of this proverb appeared in Thomas Reid’s ‘Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man’, which was published in 1786.

tucking into a buffet that was provided at the venue.

Organiser and manager of APAA Nerja charity shop, Sue Kiff, took to Facebook to announce the total raised during the event and to thank guests for showing their support for two deserving local charities.

APAA Nerja and Pippa’s Pawprints both support abandoned and abused dogs in the local area and fundraising events like this one are crucial in helping to pay for vet fees and other associated costs.

Authorities present the contract for an expansion project to staff in the Hospital Comarcal de la Axarquia.

Photo credit: Junta de Andalucía

Andalucía with Ukraine

Betty Henderson

THE Andalucían regional government announced a funding boost to support Ukrainian refugees in three Axarquía towns on Monday, February 20.

The Junta de Andalucía said it will offer a funding package worth €320,000 to several towns in the Málaga province including Vélez ­ Málaga, Rincón de La Victoria and Periana, as well as another 17 towns in the rest of Andalucía.

The funding will cover expenses related to the councils’

refugee welcome schemes including offering educational, employment and social services. The money will go directly to the councils who will use it to offer in­house services as well as collaborating with NGOs including the Red

Cross.

The President of the Diputación de Málaga, Francisco Salado thanked the regional government for the investment, highlighting that more than 11,500 Ukrainians are registered as living in the

Charity ‘catstravaganza’

AXARQUIA Animal Rescue are calling all cat lovers for a ‘catstravaganza’ fundraising day on Sunday, March 19. As well as enjoying fundraising activities and socialising with other local cat lovers, guests will also get the chance to meet cats up for adoption from the AAR.

The event will be packed full of fundraising activities and market stalls offering great bargains as well as live music and home­made cakes and treats for guests to sample. Guests

will have the chance to meet some of the cats and kittens which AAR lovingly cares for, who are seeking foster homes or forever homes.

The AAR are holding this special fundraising event in Benajarafe to raise much­needed funds for the organisation’s TNR (Trap, Neuter and Return) project to neuter stray cats in the Axarquia region.

The event will take place at the Restaurante Puerto Niza from 11am until 3pm.

The Málaga region received the largest payout from the regional Andalucían government to support Ukrainian

Photo credit: La Diputación de Málaga

EXPLAINER: What is the ‘Only yes is yes’ law and why was it needed? Hacker sent packing

THE introduction of the ‘Only yes is yes’ law in Spain has received significant negative publicity after it led to the reduction in the sentences of many of those convicted of sex crimes.

Although Spain signed up to the Istanbul Convention agreed in 2012 by the 34 member states of the European Union, significant opposition in the House of Deputies meant that concessions were made in trying to get an agreement on changes to existing laws.

But it also meant revising existing laws to meet the wording of the convention, which recognised the need to protect women from violence, to end discrimination and to ensure equal rights. In terms of Article 1 of the convention Spain is required to:

1. Protect women against all forms of violence.

2. Contribute to the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and pro­

mote substantive equality between women and men.

3. Implement policies and measures for the protection of and assistance for all victims of women affected by violence.

4. Promote international cooperation with a view to eliminating violence against women and domestic violence.

5. Support and assist organisations and law enforcement agencies to cooperate and adopt an integrated approach to eliminating violence against women and domestic violence.

But in making concessions and in adopting the wording

from the final agreement, it opened the door to challenges by convicted sex offenders looking to have their sentences reduced.

The law came into force in August 2022 after narrowly making it through the House of Deputies with 205 votes in favour, 141 against and 3 abstentions.

Broadly speaking the law was intended to take away the assumption of consent, which could not be provided through silence or by default. Essentially the law was intended to make consent only if it is explicitly given, hence ‘Only yes is yes’.

The problem is that sexual abuse was removed from the penal code and is instead deemed to be assault. Under the changed law, sexual violence will be considered assault, harassment, exhibitionism, street stalking or harassment, sexual provocation, prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, corruption of minors, female genius mutilation, forced marriage, sexual femicide and, in the digital sphere, sexual violence transmitted by technological means, sexual extortion and non­consensual pornography.

Some of these crimes come with shorter sentences and it is this redefining of the law under which criminals may have been convicted that has led to a reduction in their sentence.

It must be stressed, however, that only around half of those who applied to have their sentences reduced have been successful with their application.

A SPANISH court ruled in favour of deporting a suspected hacker to the United States in a ruling announced on Friday, February 17. The suspect is accused of hacking public figures including Bill Gates, Joe Biden, Barack Obama’s Twitter accounts.

The suspect identified by his initials J.J.O or alias Plugwalk Joe is a British citizen who was arrested in Estepona in Malaga province back in 2021 on 14 different criminal charges related with hacking.

The charges include belonging to a criminal organisation, fraud, extortion, illegal hacking, money laundering and propagation of confidential information. The individual is also accused of hacking hundreds of Twitter accounts including those of important public figures, robbing and blackmailing people through the internet.

The Spanish court ruled in favour of the suspect being extradited to the US, rejecting the defence’s arguments that a sentence given in the US would likely be harsher and therefore disproportionate to the crimes committed. The court said that an American court would be in a better position to judge the facts since the events had a greater impact there.

Law changed.

Image Rommel Canlas / Shutterstock.com

A suspect accused of committing multiple internet crimes could be deported to the USA after a Spanish judge ruled extradition was necessary.

No baby boom

SPAIN has recorded a more than 80­year low in births registered in 2022. The report by Spain’s National Office of Statistics (INE), released on Wednesday, February 15, re­

17%

vealed that the country has the second lowest birth rate in Europe.

The data collected states that just 330,000 babies were born in the country last year, the lowest rate recorded since the agency opened in 1941. The country’s birth rate began to decline in 2016 and has continued to drop every year since.

The low birth rate of just above 329,000 babies means that Spain’s population is declining as less babies are born than people die in each year.

Experts say that there are

THE weather experts at Meteored warned allergy sufferers in Spain on Thursday, February 16, to be aware that many trees begin their flowering processes in February. This can lead to the onset of symptoms such as itchy nose and eyes, runny nose, throat irritation, sneezing and tiredness. Although allergies are more associated with springtime, weather conditions such as high environmental humidity and abundant rainfall are favourable for trees such as alders and cupressaceae to flourish and release their contents.

Alder pollen is usually released at the end of

Spain’s birth rate has been on a downward spiral since 2016.

numerous causes for this decline in births, including that Spanish women typically opt to have children later than in other countries.

The ageing population, social and economic issues and pandemic uncertainty were also cited as causes.

Allergy alert

January, with a maximum peak in March. Other similar pollens would be those of birch and hazelnut, so it could affect people who are allergic to these as well.

When flaring up in the winter weather, these first allergies of the year are often difficult to differentiate from the start of a possible cold or flu. Allergies last as long as the pollen is in suspension, while flu and colds usually last four to seven days Meteored pointed out.

The Sofa Saga

WHEN we moved to Spain in 2018, we sold everything. But there were things I couldn’t let go of. Mostly my Louboutins and some expensive handbags. But there were a few other things that were coming with us. My husband, Jeff, moved his motorcycle over. And I moved my sofa in a container ship through the Panama Canal and the Atlantic. Did people in Spain think I was crazy to move a sofa? Yes. Did I care? Nope.

The sofa took five months to arrive. So, in the meantime, I bought a filler sofa. Jeff just rolled his eyes. When my fabulous American sofa arrived, I was ecstatic,

nearly jumping up and down when the lorry pulled up. But my euphoria would be short­lived. When they went to get it into the lift, it wouldn’t fit. Fine. The two strong men carried it up seven flights of stairs to our apartment. And it was then that we learned it wouldn’t fit through the door. I was horrified.

But the men had an idea. We could crane it in through the window. So, we put the sofa in our parking spot, and they left. I called a crane company, and they came out two weeks later.

In the meantime, our Valencian neighbours gave us weird looks. Likely wondering if all Americans store their sofa in the parking garage of

their homes.

The day came, and the furniture crane arrived. We then discovered, as it was dangling above the street, our sofa was ½ inch too large for the window. No amount of pushing or pulling would make it budge. My American sofa was dead on arrival.

The moral of this story is that when you move to Spain, get rid of everything. And I mean everything, including the Louboutins. Don’t remind Jeff, but I haven’t worn them once in five years.

Coming soon: Age in Spain’s Guide to Moving to Spain, a free ­ e ­ book for you to download. Reserve a copy at www.ageinspain.org.

Shuttertsock.com/ Evgeny Atamanenko

is the amount food CPI would have gone up without the VAT reduction.

Sir Lloyd Webber’s anthem

SIR ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER announced on Sunday, February 19, that he has been bestowed the great honour of composing a new anthem for King Charles’ Coronation. On May 6, Charles will be officially crowned as the King of England in a spectacular ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

Posting on his official Twitter profile, the legendary British musician wrote: “I am incredibly honoured to have been asked to compose a new anthem for the Coronation. My anthem includes words adapted from Psalm 98. I have scored it for the

Westminster Abbey choir and or gan, the ceremonial brass and orchestra. I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion.”

The ceremony will be followed the next day, May 7, by a massive Coronation concert at Windsor Castle. Its organisers are hoping to attract some of the biggest stars of the entertainment world to perform in this unique event to be broadcast by BBC. But two stars have confirmed they are unable to attend.

Ed Sheeran has a prior engagement in Texas while there was no explanation offered on Adele’s part. It is believed The Spice Girls and Lionel Richie are close to confirming their participation in the event.

Blackmail uncovered

GAVIN BURROWS, the leader of a team of private investigator looking into the disappearance of Levi Davis have uncovered a network of blackmailers associated with the X­Factor TV series. Burrows told a news source on Tuesday, February 14: “We have received valuable information from a number of former contestants on the X­Factor show.” He continued saying they have spoken to people involved in or have

been part of the show adding “they have confirmed that the claims of blackmail made in Davis’ video appear to be true and verified by third parties.” He added: “We believe these people remain hidden because they fear for their safety.” Burrows had said people connected with the show had taken extraordinary interest in their investigations, but had been less interested in finding Davis.

Credit: Twitter@OfficialALW

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with King Charles.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Old-timer

INVESTIGATORS examining dead hedgehogs brought in by members of the Danish Hedgehog Project discovered that Thorvald, who died in a Silkeborg rehab centre, was later found to be 16, making him Europe’s oldest ever. The record was previously held by an Irish hedgehog aged nine.

THE NETHERLANDS

War wounds

THE NETHERLANDS’ 32-million page war archive will become available without restrictions in 2025, announced the War in Court (Oorlog voor de Rechter) group. The descendants of Second World War collaborators now fear the reopening of old wounds as data protection laws do not cover the dead.

BELGIUM

Hacker deal

BELGIUM’S Cyber Security Centre (CCB) has promised protection from prosecution for hackers or organisations reporting security vulnerabilities affecting systems, networks, or applications located in Belgium. Protection would depend on meeting “strict” conditions, the CCB said.

GERMANY

Wrong turning

A WOMAN of 82 inadvertently drove into a Munich shopping centre, breaking through its side entrance and crashing into an escalator. The driver escaped with minor injuries, but was taken to hospital as a precaution while an 18-year-old on the damaged escalator was able to jump to safety.

FRANCE

Lynx warning

FRANCE’S lynx population, reintroduced in the 1970s, is at risk of disappearing and requires special measures to increase numbers, experts said. A recent study found that around 150 adult lynxes currently inhabited the mountains of north-eastern France, separated from healthier groups in Germany and Switzerland.

NORWAY

All alone

EXPERTS completed the reconstruction based on the skull of a teenage boy who lived 8,300 years ago in modern Norway. Nicknamed Vistegutten, ‘the boy from Viste’ his skull was deformed and he apparently died alone, as his remains were found as though resting against the wall of a cave.

FINLAND

Fell swoop

FOREST MOVEMENT activists disrupted treefelling operations for the fourth time in Aalistunturi in Finland, an area which is likely to become a national park. Loggers, who must stop work whenever anyone enters the area near their machinery, said the protests were costing them €15,000 a day.

IRELAND

Gold reserve

IRELAND has cancelled ‘golden visas’ for nonEU nationals worth at least €2 million who invest in the country. Ireland's Minister for Justice, Simon Harris, said that the scheme, established in 2012 in return for creating jobs had had been under review for “quite a period of time.”

ITALY

Electric shock

ITALY intensified its opposition to EU plans to ban the sale of all petrol and diesel cars after 2035 to achieve 100 per cent zero-emissions for new vehicles. Transport minister Matteo Salvini condemned a rapid switch to electric mobility as “suicide” and a “gift” to Chinese industry.

PORTUGAL

New airlink

ETIHAD AIRWAYS are expanding their European network this summer with a new direct route between Abu Dhabi and the Portuguese capital Lisbon, starting in July. The new service, the Middle Eastern airline’s first route into Portugal, will operate weekly flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

UKRAINE

Look ahead

BUSINESSES worldwide are jockeying for position for multibillion reconstruction contracts in Ukraine once the war ends. Tymofiy Mylovanov, former Economy minister and now president of the Kyiv School of Economics, said with funding from all over the world “businesses want to be part of rebuilding.”

SWEDEN

Shut out

A CYBERATTACK temporarily prevented access to the website of Sweden’s national broadcaster SVT on February 14. The attack was not unexpected as the hacker group Anonymous Sudan called for cyberattacks against Swedish authorities and banks following the Koran burning in Stockholm.

BUSINESS EXTRA All at sea FINANCE

Shrinkflation

CHOCOLATE makers Cadbury have reduced the sizes of their medium and large Easter eggs while their prices remain the same, shoppers found. Amongst other scaleddown products, a Twirl egg now weighs 198 grammes compared with 237 grammes in 2022, but still costs £3 (€3.40).

Women’s work

SPAIN’S gender wage gap fell to 20.9 per cent in 2021, almost six percentage points below 2018 thanks to a higher minimum salary, a Comisiones Obreras survey found. Differences persisted for carers’ posts as well as part­time jobs and the lower­paid traditional “women’s jobs”, the union said.

Closing time

A TOTAL of 512 UK pubs and bars went into administration last year owing to higher overheads and falling sales, revealed accountancy company UHY Hacker Young. The government could alleviate pressure by extending the energy bill relief scheme to the hospitality sector, the company suggested.

Sail away

THE Italian­Swiss cruise company MSC expects a record 2023 following last summer’s good results and increased sales for cruises this winter. The company plans to make 500 stopovers in Spanish ports this year, a 23 per cent increase on last year’s 407, announced director general Fernando Pacheco.

Big money

CARLOS TORRES VILA, president of BBVA, which made €6.42 billion profits in 2022, earned €8.29 million last year, 5.8 per cent more than the €7.83 million he was paid in 2021. Onur Genç, BBVA’s CEO, earned €7.15 million, 4.9 per cent more than the €6.81 million he received last year.

STAT OF WEEK €125 million

in compensation and a six-year prison sentence await Pescanova’s former president, Manuel Fernandez de Sousa-Faro, for irregular financial practices while he headed the company between 1985 and 2013.

Good inflation news

Linda Hall

UK inflation fell for a third consecutive month in January, but remained in double digits.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the annual inflation rate measured by the consumer prices index fell to 10.1 per cent last month, following December’s 10.5 per cent and October’s 11.1 per cent peak. City economists had forecast a more modest drop to 10.3 per cent.

The latest fall was assisted by the ongoing fall in petrol and diesel prices for motorists earlier in the year, as well as reductions in air and coach travel after their hefty rise last December.

Restaurant, cafe and takeaway prices also fell, with the cost of furni­

ture dropping during the January sales.

Nevertheless, food and drink inflation remained close to their highest rates since the 1970s as milk, bread and the cost of other essentials soared by almost 17 per cent in a year.

The ONS figures came as the Bank of England contemplated another interest rate rise to tackle the highest inflation levels since the early 1980s.

UK inflation is still higher than in the European Union’s 20 eurozone countries or the US, which some forecasters attributed to the UK’s chronic worker shortages and constraints including Brexit that have added to inflationary pressure.

“While any fall in inflation is welcome, the fight is far from over,” Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said.

“High inflation strangles growth and causes pain for families and businesses. That’s why we must stick to the plan to halve inflation this year, reduce debt and grow the economy.”

Spain’s Top Three

INDITEX, Mercadona and El Corte Ingles have been listed amongst the world’s 120 largest family­owned firms.

Multinational auditors

EY and Switzerland­based St Gallen University, who publish their Family Business Index every two years, placed the three Spanish companies high on their list.

Inditex, which owns Zara, Pull & Bear and other labels, was ranked in 51st place in the 2023 edition, followed by supermarket chain Mercadona (54) and

On the hunt

HUNTER BOOT whose £125 (€140.7) wellingtons are worn by royalty and rained­on festival goers, is seeking a buyer.

The company, which was founded in 1856 and holds two royal warrants, is seeking potential acquirers amid a postCovid boom. Sales plummeted during the pandemic but demand surged during the summer festivals once restrictions were lifted. The Edinburgh company is nearing completion of a £7 million (€7.8m) cash injection, in addition to separate sale discussions. Its most recent accounts revealed a £5.1 million (€5.7m) loss on £10.8 million (€12.1m) sales in the year to January 2022.

the El Corte Ingles department stores (117).

Eight other Spanish companies, Acciona, Gestamp, Ferrovial, Grifols, Catalana Occidente, Antolin ­ Irausa, Prosegur y Tecnicas Reunidas were named in the Index’s 500strong list.

Between them, these 11 companies, all of them family ­ owned, had a turnover of €120 billion, and employed a total of 445,000 people. Worldwide, family businesses earned more than €8 trillion and provided jobs for 24.5 million people, a 10 per cent increase on the 2021 index.

“According to the International Monetary Fund, the global economy grew by 6 per cent in 2021 and is forecast to grow by 2.7 per cent in 2023,” said EY’s Global Family Enterprise

FCA gets tough

BARCLAYS is allegedly under investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regarding possible flaws in compliance and anti­money laundering measures.

The FCA requested an independent review of the bank’s systems last year after noticing a high volume of money­laundering and “know your customer” incidents, the Financial Times said.

“Know your customer” checks, which focus on a new client’s identity and risk factors, are aimed at preventing the concealment of funds obtained from criminal activity.

The Financial Times stated that the FCA had written to Barclays’ requesting a “skilled persons review” by an outside party like a legal or accounting firm.

The financial regulator has brought several high­profile money laundering and compliance cases in recent years as it attempts to lose its reputation for being over­lenient when dealing with financial offences.

EXTENDING Barcelona­El Prat airport could involve a 3,400­runway, one nautical mile (1.8 kilometres) out to sea.

A private consultancy firm has sent details of the €2.1 billion project to Catalonia’s regional government, where sources said all options should be studied and it was “positive” that experts were working on the issue.

The chosen location would lessen the environmental impact on the area, the scheme’s supporters maintained, although Barcelona city mayor Ada Colau immediately criticised the project.

It would be very expensive and the money would be better spent on the Mediterranean Corridor rail link between Catalonia and Valencia, she said.

No problem

leader, Helena Robertsson.

“This shows that family enterprises have been growing at nearly twice the rate of advanced economies and at around one and a half times the rate of emerging market and developing economies.

“In fact, their contribution is so significant that if they were a national economy, they would be the third largest among the club of 19 ‘trillion­dollar economies’ that exist in the world, after the US and China,” she said.

Top earners

SPAIN has 11,113 taxpayers who earn €601,000 a year or more.

Almost half live in the Madrid Community, the only region in the country which charges no Wealth Tax at all although those who would be liable to pay it elsewhere must make a yearly declaration.

This strategy has clearly paid off, as 5,176 (47 per cent) of the country’s biggest earners live in the Madrid Community, Tax Authority Hacienda revealed.

Next comes Catalonia which has 2,334 taxpayers earning an annual €601,000 or more (21 per cent) followed by the Valencian Community’s 887 (7.9 per cent) and Andalucia with 799 top earners (7.2 per cent).

THE European Banking Authority’s president said he did not believe that Spain’s bank windfall tax would have a negative impact on banking or limit credit.

Referring to the 4.8 per cent tax on a bank’s net income and net commissions above €800 million, introduced to subsidise inflationbusting measures, Jose Manuel Campa told an El Pais interviewer that the tax was valid.

It had been proposed by the government and approved by parliament, the Oviedo ­ born economist and former politician pointed out. “It is legitimate. There’s nothing more to be said,” he declared.

Spy game

COURIER firm DX Group admitted that rival Tuffnell Parcels Express was taking legal action against the company following accusations of corporate espionage. The admission followed a Sunday Times report which revealed that three DX staff members, all former Tuffnell employees, had conspired to obtain daily customer service reports.

A DX employee allegedly offered a Tuffnell traffic clerk a £50 (€56) payment in exchange for the confidential information.

Sheffield­based DX declined to comment further, “as matters are now subject to legal proceedings,” a company statement added.

JEREMY HUNT: Welcome inflation fall but said fight not over.

INDITEX: Headquarters in Arteixo (Galicia)

Photo: Simon Walker/Downing Street

Photo credit: CC/Nemigo

DOW JONES

BUSINESS EXTRA

Six-year deal

DEFENCE and aerospace

heavyweight Babcock secured a £400 million (€449.3m) contract to operate the UK Ministry of Defence’s military satellite communications system. The company has signed a six­year deal to manage the Skynet 6 programme, which provides work for 400 in south­west England.

Grifols cuts

BARCELONA­based multinational, Grifols, announced plans to let go 2,300 employees as part of a cost­cutting plan aimed at saving an annual €400 million. Most of the workforce cuts will be in the US, but 100 of the 300 administrative job losses correspond to Spanish staff.

Long wait

SECOND­HAND car sales fell last year with fewer used models reaching the market, according to figures from the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A shortage of parts during the pandemic meant fewer new cars were produced, prompting people to keep their cars longer.

Mask gloom

FREEDOM from maskwearing on public transport earlier this month was welcomed by Spain’s population but greeted with less enthusiasm by manufacturers. Having spent €1 million on equipment, one factory owner said that she was now in a position where she saw no possibility of recouping her investment.

Cough up

SPAIN, together with Portugal, Canada and New Zealand was another of the countries affected by the new Netflix limit on password sharing. Customers are being asked to pay an extra fee if they want friends and family not living with them to be able to share their subscription.

Mum and Dad contribute

Linda Hall

PARENTS in the UK are gifting or informally lending millions to their adult children.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimated that this year they would help out with around £17 billion (€19.13 billion) on marriage or buying a house.

Around 30 per cent of young adults in their late 20s and early 30s can expect to receive at least one substantial transfer of £500 (€563) or more over any eight­year period from their parents, the IFS revealed.

“These transfers are very unequally spread,” IFS inves­

PARENTS: Increasingly likely to provide financial assistance.

tigators said, as the children of university ­ educated, home­owning parents received up to six times more in their 20s and 30s than those who families rented.

White young adults were

also three times more likely to receive a substantial gift than Pakistani or Bangladeshi young adults, the IFS said.

The report found that children in the highest­income

Five-day week

fifth of society received 26 times more than their peers in the lowest fifth during early adulthood. Help amounted to £6,300 (€7,094) on average for the wealthiest, compared with £240 (€270) for the poorest.

People were more likely to receive a large gift on marrying but were unlikely to receive transfers when facing adverse events like losing their job.

Those in the least­wealthy third also tended to use gifts to purchase a new car, to pay off debts or for educational expenses, the IFS added.

Spending big in Navarra

VOLKSWAGEN intends to spend more than €1 billion on electric vehicle production at its Landaben (Navarra) plant.

The future Volkswagen ID.2 and a Skoda urban crossover will be built there, thanks to what the regional president Maria Chivite described as the region’s greatest­ever investment.

Visiting the VW headquarters in Wolfsburg (Germany) on February 14, Chivite met Christian Vollemer, who heads the Production and Logistics department, and Michael Hobusch, president of Volkswagen Navarra.

All coincided during the meeting on their desire to maintain the present “very good” level of cooperation between Volkswagen and Navarra regarding transformation, training and environmental measures.

“It’s crucial that we all row in the same direction, especially in a time of change,” Hobusch said, while Chivite stressed Volkswagen’s importance to the region of Navarra.

The regional president also drew attention to the need to work together on the electrification project, while both underlined the group’s “positive evolution” in the region, which confirmed that the “future was assured.”

Addressing the regional parliament on her return,

ELIMINATING Saturday letter deliveries would save Royal Mail hundreds of millions of pounds in its battle to curb soaring losses. The Universal Service Obligation (USO) requires Royal Mail to deliver letters six days a week although a 2020 Ofcom report found that five­day letter deliveries would meet the needs of 97 per cent of users.

The group could save £250 million (€282.1 million) annually by abandoning Saturday deliveries, helping to slash projected losses of between £350 million and £450 million (€506.2 million and €393.7 million) by more than half.

Good news

ORGANIC pearl company Majorica, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020, has emerged from administration.

Chivite said Volkswagen’s investment was a vote of confidence in Navarra’s worth, capacities and potential, together with guaranteed future employment and activity.

“This is great news for the community, the company, its employees and the automotive industry,” she said.

Waiting for permission

ORANGE and MasMovil have given the European Commission (EC) formal notification of their merger plans.

The EU’s antitrust regulators now have until March 20 to decide whether to approve the €18.6 billion deal between the French company and its Spanish rival.

If they have serious concerns regarding the merger they could also decide to launch a further, more extended investigation.

Last July MasMovil and Orange signed an agreement which, if allowed to go ahead, would create a forceful mobile and broadband offer to challenge Telefonica. Analysts predicted at the time that this could open the door to similar agreements in the UK, Italy and Portugal. If the EC says ‘yes’ to the deal it would leave third­ranked Vodafone stranded, although insiders point out that it enjoys a more consolidated market.

Farm subsidy chaos

FARMS risk going out of business after receiving a minimal amount of the government fund that was created to replace European Union subsidies.

To compensate for losing the Brussels’ Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which provided financial support for agriculture, the UK government introduced its own scheme.

This commenced with the sustainable farming incentive (SFI) that pays farmers for looking after their soil.

With each passing year, the UK government has reduced the payments that farmers received under the old system, cutting them by an average 22 per cent in 2022.

Last year £10.7 million (€12.05 million) was paid out under the SFI scheme from a budget of £2.4 billion (€ 2.7 billion).

Only 0.44 per cent was assigned to them under this new system, raising the question not only of where the money has gone, but how farmers can survive.

Now the property of Gregoire Bontoux Halley, a member of the family that founded Carrefour, the company foresees a turnover of approximately €22 million this year with sales equalling those of the pre­pandemic years.

The company, which has 120 employees, announced plans for expansion in markets which include Germany, the US and Mexico where the brand is already well­known. There will also be an increased presence in Asia, where the fifth Majorica outlet opened recently.

All right for Aldi

NO­FRILLS supermarket chain Aldi will open 40 new stores this year in locations that include Norwich, Newcastle, Huddersfield and Shrewsbury.

Plans involve an additional 6,000 employees, the Germanowned company revealed.

Like Lidl, Aldi’s brisk trading over Christmas has continued through 2023 as the cost of living crisis prompts shoppers to forsake pricier rivals and choose their lower­priced options.

Both increased their share of the UK’s grocery market by one percentage point over the past 12 months, data company Kantar said.

Aldi’s 9.2 per cent share of the UK market makes it the country’s fourth­biggest chain ahead of Morrisons and behind only Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda.

Photo credit: Pixabay/J Henning

WOLFSBURG MEETING: Christian Vollmer, María Chivite and Michael Hobusch.

Photo credit: Volkswagen Navarra

IN the light of the left bending over backward to portray the UK citizens as grovelers at the bottom of the Conservative catastrophe barrel, I have decided to run in the next British election. I hereby present my manifesto for The Leapy Loopy Party. (I thought this title would meet with the approval of a few readers!) As follows.

1. All legal British citizenship applicants required to pass more stringent entrance examinations, including basic English, oral and written and knowledge of British history and culture. Examinations to be set and overseen by a committee of British nationals who have resided in the UK for at least three generations.

2. No free NHS for unregistered non­European nationals, except in dire emergencies.

3. Genuine asylum seekers grants capped at 6,000 per year. Only exceptional circumstances considered after this figure reached.

4. A restriction on numbers of specific religious buildings allowed per capita.

5. Rigorous inspections of schools suspected of disproportionate religious curriculums. With no gender or major sex ed­

My manifesto

ucation for pupils under the age of eight.

6. ‘Young’ and ‘Juvenile’, offender ages reduced.

7. A reintroduction of two years National Service for male and females at age 16. (Bona fide students exempt)

8. Strict boot camps for young offenders, to be run on army lines by the military.

9. Immigrant boats and/or occupants immediately returned to country of embarkation.

10. Working camps for illegal immigrants and those without papers or proof of nationality.

11. All lawyers’ dealing with immigrants and immigration matters, to have legal fees capped.

12. ‘Stop and search’ immune from all charges of racism or discrimination.

13. A total ban on full face masking of any description in public places.

14. Solitary confinement prisons built specifically to house serious terrorist offenders.

15. All overseas aid to be examined in depth and cut by at least two­thirds.

16. A court of frivolity. Selected judges to hear appeals from those who feel they have been accused for frivolous reasons, ie political correctness, health and safety is­

sues, racism etc. Heavy punishments for claims considered to have contained malicious or irresponsible content.

17. Numbers of non­white media performers restricted to population percentages.

18. The hierarchy of the BBC dismantled, dismissed and replaced.

19. All historical criminal accusations against service men and women dropped.

20. MPs to attend the house for at least three full days a week except during canvassing periods

21. A force of highly trained specialised, armed rapid response police/army units to be assigned to reported trouble spots.

22. Verbal abuse of police officers treated as seriously as physical attacks and heavy punishments for similar attacks on all medical workers.

23. Proven fake news in any form treated severely, ie falsified derogatory statements appearing to issue from the mouths of politicians or leading figures, to result in heavy fines and/or suspensions of media licences.

24. Legal gender decided by genital type. Chance would be a fine thing! Keep the faith Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com

ONE YEAR ON OUR VIEW

ON Friday, February 24 it has been exactly one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, targeting some of its most populated areas, including the capital Kyiv.

Since then, tens of thousands on both sides have lost their lives, cities have been destroyed, and communities changed forever.

In that year, several things have become clear. First on that list is how fragile peace is, and how quickly life as we currently understand it can change.

In that year, we’ve also learned more about the astonishing courage and ingenuity of human nature when it is pushed to its limit.

Even more heart ­ warmingly though, we’ve also seen the kindness of ordinary people all around the globe who, touched by what they have seen in Ukraine, have donated, fundraised and even given their lives to help people they have never met. Many of those people are here in Spain.

While the war has also given us plenty of insight into the darker parts of the human experience ­ its irrationality, its cruelty, and its unfairness ­ it is that light in the dark that we must focus on.

Because it’s only through doing this that we will see an end to this conflict.

Ensuring you have the best night’s rest

MICOLCHÓN is a family­run and lead business in its second generation and is THE place to go to when you are looking to receive the best quality mattresses, bedding and more. MICOLCHÓN guarantee the best care for your resting needs, to ensure you have the best possible sleep.

Our team are also known as Colchonónolos® and thanks to our experience and continuous training by physiotherapists, we give our customers the best advice to find the ideal rest equipment for each ailment and person.

The personalised service and advice given by our Colchonólogos® is what makes us stand out from the crowd. We know the right mattress for every person and every need.

Our services are unique and we make the process as stress free as possible, offering free transport, assembly and removal of your old or used mattresses, up to 15 years warranty on mattresses and 101 trial nights in our exclu­

sive Nessen firm.

MICOLCHÓN is the only chain specialising in rest that offers the widest variety on the market, with rest equipment, mattresses, pillows and bases from the main European firms, such as Tempur, Hukla, Nessen, Sealy, Flex, Relax, Stressless, Himolla...

We can also help you find the highest quality and premium interiors with the guidance and assistance of our specialised interior de­

MICOLCHÓN: www.micolchon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micolchon

signers at Nessen Interiors, providing you with the best quality sofas and armchairs, Italian design and European manufacture.

We also offer a 10­year guarantee on the hydraulic opening system of all our canapés.

Where can you find us?

Our headquarters, offices and warehouse are located in the El Viso industrial estate in Malaga, and in Avenida de Los Vegas 62­64. We have the largest shop in Europe specialis­

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micolchon_spain/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK2S9Oj0zhplwoIElW0­xrA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/micolchon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/micolchon_spain

NESSEN INTERIORS: www.nesseninteriors.com

ing in relaxation, sofas and armchairs, with more than 2,000 m² of exhibition space and international brands!

We care about your needs and make sure that we are able to ship our products to you, this service is available for everyone! Online or in person we ship throughout the province of Malaga, Granada and the whole of Andalucia at no extra cost.

Discounts?

We have sales! ON SALE, MORE ADVANTAGES will be running until March 5, giving you the best promotions, especially with our exclusive mattress company NESSEN, their discounts GIVE €100 for the purchase of the complete rest equipment such as duvets, pillows and more!

At Nessen Interiors, in addition to the discounts on each armchair or sofa, we add €100 for the purchase of your sofa, and an extra €50 discount on the purchase of your armchair.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nesseninteriors/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesseninteriors/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZa54MDQzjY5xhL2tflPpvg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nessen­interiors

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NessenInteriors

Our MiColchon store in Motril. A Miracle bed by Nessen.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

NATURE CAN BE SO CRUEL

A PACK of a dozen or more wolves can eventually separate a bison from its herd and kill it. This means biting, tugging and tearing at it as it stumbles along until it weakens, the agony intensifies and it is eventually brought down for the kill. This unimaginable suffering can last up to eight hours!

Animals have no perception of the distress and suffering of their victims. They don’t hold back and ask themselves how they would like to be treated this way ­ slowly torn apart while still alive. They need food and are responding to nature’s way of providing for them.

Eagles swoop in the high Andes and seize goats or deer in their massive claws. Their prey is then carried through the air, terrified and helpless, towards the eagle’s nest of chicks. On the way, the ‘lucky’ ones who struggle too much may be deliberately dropped hundreds of metres to their (hopefully) instant death on

the rocks below before being retrieved for the rest of the flight.

Cats play with mice instead of killing them outright and often don’t even eat them. Is this nature’s way of providing them with ‘amusement’?

But, cruel as all this is, there is no malice. Animals are not answerable for their cruel deeds, as they have no conscience ­ except self­conscience. Some pets can be punished for ‘misbehaving’ and

trained to desist, but they don’t understand the difference between right and wrong. Cruelty is defined as behaviour which causes physical or mental harm to another, whether it is intentional or not. So, what about human nature?

Too frequently, when a person is tried and proven guilty of a gruesome murder, torture or extreme cruelty to a child or other fellow being, he (or she) will show

no remorse and probably feels none. If they cannot ask themselves how they would like to be treated this way, how do they differ from the wolves or the eagles? There are several distinctions.

Human cruelty is not nature’s solution to anything, but a purposeless act born of pure malice. Most of us cannot fathom ‘how one human being can do this to another’. From the throwing of Christians to the lions to medieval

public hanging­drawing­quartering shows and from African slavery to Josef Mengele, it is humans who inflict inexcusable cruelty. And, likewise, human cruelty to defenceless animals is disgraceful. A tiger or a crocodile may certainly charge unprovoked and kill a human. However, they are unable to reason whether their action is justified or whether it is cruel. A rhino may do the same if it feels threatened, but the brutal hacking off of its horn for commercial gain is unforgiveable.

And so are the conditions in the ‘factories’ of intensive ‘farming’. How would humans feel being imprisoned in this way? Perhaps North Koreans know.

Foie gras or frogs’ legs, anybody?

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

We all need a helping hand

THE British Benevolent Fund is the oldest English­speaking charity in Spain. It has existed for over a century to provide assistance for British nationals in Spain who face extreme financial hardship.

We look wherever possible to help people get back on their feet ­ and for some getting back on their feet it can seem like a mountain to climb.

Late last year the BBF was approached by a partner charity ­ one of many that we work with listed on the embassy supported www.supportinspain.in fo ­ to see if we could help.

The case involved a man in his 50s who had lived in Spain for most of his adult life ­ he was a legal resident ­ and had been working doing odd jobs and gardening but had had increasing difficulty making a living.

He was barely able to work over the pandemic, during which he found himself unable to pay rent and was forced out.

He had applied for state assistance but it turned out that he had made an administrative error and was deemed to owe many thousands in social secu­

rity payments ­ which he did not have.

By the time he was referred to us he was living precariously out of his car and relying on a local food bank to survive.

It seemed as if the mountain was insurmountable.

The very best seemed that he would have to return to the UK and restart his life therehomeless and without income or savings. We were going to have a difficult conversation.

He was determined to stay and made the case that he would be able to find work but he needed help to get it.

We agreed to give it a go.

We were able to provide him with a modest sum for emergency accommodation, basic living expenses for a month and some help with clothing.

It did the trick. With a clean

shave, new clothes and a bed to sleep in, a weight had been lifted and he was able to focus on finding work. Which he did within a few short days. We all need a helping hand sometime.

The BBF can only do this with your donations. If you would like to support our work supporting the vulnerable across Spain visit www.britishbenevo lentfund.org or email olaf.clay ton@britishbenevolentfund.org

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

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

An eagle does not relate to its victim’s suffering. What about Mengele and his experiments on Jewish twins.

Photo Credits: buzzghana.com and csmwooddesigns.blogstop.com

NOT SATISFACTORY

ON visiting San Javier Health Centre, I was handed a paper. For over three months I have been attempting to obtain an appointment at the Social Security Office, Cartagena to register a form S1 to obtain access to the Spanish healthcare system.

Every time I attempt to obtain an appointment, by phone or online, I am told ­ no appointments available. I am aware many other people, including translators/solicitors are having the same problem ­ no appointments available.

It appears the Murcia healthcare system is not functioning as it should.

Linda Rogers

Dangerous dogs

WAS reading your thoughts on dangerous dog breeds and the amount of recorded bites, but you don’t count the bites reported by other breeds. I have had both big and very small dogs in my life time. I have had rottweilers, German shepherds, mastiffs and pitbulls and out of all these never once have I had any that where aggressive, even my last dog which was a rescued ex fighting dog who turned out to be the softest thing on four legs and I have vets who can confirm all my dogs were no danger to anyone. But what is the problem is HUMANS who get the dog they want not the dog they need, why get a high maintenance dog if you don't plan on putting in the work and what I suggest you do is tell people to study the breeds of dogs and what requirements they need to be a calm submissive pet, not a dog that you leave in a garden when it actually needs to be kept very active and a job given for it to focus. There are no bad breeds but bad humans, so many dogs are already put to sleep because of their breed.

Paulle Milner

Busy times

NO shortage of people in Barcelona. Barcelona has got its population back? Whoever thought it would have been low! The amount of times I have gone down Las Ramblas and all you could see was quite literally a sea of people. When the kids were young, we always had them dressed in brightly coloured clothes so we could easily find them if they somehow got lost. It is crazy to think that the population was low. Ok the areas I was in were quite touristy but even in the not so touristy parts it was always filled with so much fun and people just enjoying life. Life really is sweet when you get the chance to live it.

Thanks, Barbra

Reign of Spain

REIGN reign go away never come back again. I don’t know why in this day and age there are such things as royalty, kings and queens or princes and princesses. The real age of royalty and true royalty is gone, all it is these days is tabloid this and tabloid that. They aren’t doing anything for us but giving us TMI, especially with Harry’s book. I did not need to know about Elizabeth Arden cream. The royals haven’t seemed to bring along any happiness in the longest time. Even the Spanish royals. It all just seems dreer and drab. The real royalty left when the Queen and Prince Phillip sadly passed.

Yours, Anthony

Burning issues

IF cleaning really does help you burn the calories Tommy will be in for a shock tomorrow! I am restyling the living room and it is going to be cleaned from head to toe. You know one of my most favourite things about all this new technology nowadays is the fact that you can have the world at our fingertips and even our wrist with all these fitness watches. I got one with my Easter egg last year from Tommy, I don’t really know what he was trying to say doing that... But I will be wearing it tomorrow when I am doing the cleaning to see just how many calories I do burn. Hopefully it is enough to make up for all the chocolate I’ll be eating on Pancake Day.

Love Glen

Sleeping helps!

HA turns out I wasn’t such an idiot at school and sleeping actually does help, 10 minutes does you the world of good. Ok I don’t think I should have been sleeping in class, but if I had to hear another second of Shakespeare, I think I would have jumped out the window (this is when we were all studying in mobiles, I’m not that dramatic). Some subjects were good, but some were just blatantly awful. The only good subject for me was Home Economics where you got to eat what you made, the girls used to take pity on Patrick and I. We would just sit there like the numptys we were and still get the truffles out of it. Ah how I miss the good old days of school and then they would just slide over the bowl for us to lick the spoons. Of course, the teacher always kicked up a fuss but how could you know you weren’t supposed to lick the spoon and how unhygienic it was... always took the fun out of everything. We still did it though and I still do it now.

Joe

CLASSIFIEDS

Website: www.nlcnerja.com

Facebook:www.facebook.com

/nlcnerj

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@solar shadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (287972)

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)

New Life Church Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards. Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780

Email: info@nlcnerja.com

CHARITY Shop Pocapecunia we need things for the house/kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc. Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja (294373)

CHURCH

THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@ gmail.com

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure. com (2887610)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

FOR SALE

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

INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (301483)

MALE /Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly all areas. Mixed trial packs available. Delivery or mail order available 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com

DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS wanted for Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical. One day per week. Must be legal to work in Spain, have own transport, know the areas and be reliable. Please send CV with covering letter to Martyn by email mab021262@gmail.com

SOLAR

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for Large Glazed Areas to Reflect Heat / Glare and Stop Furniture Fading and Still Keep The View. Save Heat in the Winter to Improve Your Living Environment. ian@so larshadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (258409)

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC. COM TEL: 902 889 070 (2001)

MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal. Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts. Stop fading, heat & glare. 958 496 571644 546 176 ian@solarshadetint ing.com (287972)

EWN Walking Football League Action

• EWN 50s+ League

Malaga 16 v 0 El Canadon

Although the scoreline truly reflected the difference in skill and experience between these two teams, Canadon never gave up trying to grab a consolation goal. Despite missing three of their better players, their goalkeeper had a fine game, but Malaga’s crisp passing, movement and shooting accuracy ensured that they clinically earned the three points. It ended a rather one ­ sided affair for referee Andy Robinson to oversee!

AC Benahavis 6 v 3 Walking Dead Benahavis continued their impressive run of form by bagging their fifth consecutive win in this pulsating, end ­ to ­ end match against one of the league’s heavyweights. Their goals being scored by six different individuals admirably demonstrates the versatility of their attack.

The home side raced into a 2 ­ 0 lead but Walking Dead fought back to level the scores. The Benahavis attack pressed and were rewarded with two more goals before the vis­

firm, defending splendidly, and scored two more goals to seal victory. This further extends their lead in the league and keeps their dream of title glory very much alive!

• EWN 60s+ League

Torrox Tornadoes 0 v 3 Malaga

An early injury to one of their most skilful players saw Torrox struggle to cope with the Malaga attack and a clever backheel, a second strike shortly after and a converted spot kick for a penalty box

Additional funding

UK Sport has confirmed an additional £4 million of funding for summer Olympic and Paralympic sports as preparations gear up for the Paris 2024 Games.

The increased investment which was confirmed on Monday, February 13, will spread across 33 sports and will support athletes in their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes allowing athletes to attend extra competitions that have been added to the international calendar and are essential to qualification for the Paris Games, in addition to training camps.

Following last year’s significant uplifts of £11.2 million of additional investment in summer sports on top of the original Paris cycle awards the latest round of investments prioritised support on activities and requirements that will have a direct impact on Paris 2024 qualification.

half meant that Torrox created more scoring chances and their determined defensive display kept Malaga from adding to their first half tally. However, the latter were able to close the game out for a valuable away win, splendidly refereed by Dave Coverdale.

• Tournament This Weekend Remember, a Walking Football tournament is being held this Saturday at the Malaga WFC ground, Avenida Los Perales, Las Lagunas de Mijas, beginning at 11.30am and

Within the additional £4 million of funding, 26 World Class Programmes will benefit from £3.5m of extra investment.

A further half a million pounds of investment will be invested across Progression sports, those with identified long­term medal potential and National Squads Support Fund sports, where funding is designed to support the costs associated with forming and fielding squads for competition on the Olympic and Paralympic qualification pathway.

FIFTH WIN: AC Benahavis attack the Walking Dead for a 6-3 score.

Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

Image: UK Sport