Costa del Sol 23 Feb – 1 March 2023 Issue 1964

MUSICAL MAESTRO

EXPATS on the Costa del Sol looking for quality theatre in English might be in luck, as it has been confirmed that Malaga­born actor, Antonio Banderas, is currently in talks with important people involved in musical theatre on Broadway.

His plan is to stage a musical in English about Pablo Picasso, a fellow Malaga­born Spaniard.

Staying true to his routes, Antonio confirmed that: “If it ends up a reality the world premiere would be held at the Teatro Soho Caixabank in Malaga.

"”There is a project related to Picasso, but I can’t say more,” Antonio confirmed on Tuesday, February 21, whilst he was presenting the concerts of the Soho Pop Symphony Orchestra.

The news comes after the film star an­

nounced that he will soon be launching a new restaurant at Malaga’s port.

Antonio Banderas’ restaurant from the Tercer Acto group, aims to transform the promenade in Malaga port into the Costa del Sol’s new Golden Mile. The work on the restaurant started two months ago and now all eyes are on the spring of 2023 during Easter when the official launch date has been scheduled.

The restaurant will be opening on the port promenade and will be serving cocktails as well as international food.

Now with the opening of the new culinary spots, including the restaurant by Banderas, along with another by Trocadero, this area will be completely transformed into one of the best places to go out in the Costa del Sol.

Antonio Banderas.

Image: klublu / Shutterstock.com

Cala Lions raise funds

LA CALA DE MIJAS LIONS

and their supporters enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of good food and wine at La Sierra restaurant at Cerrado de Aguila Golf on Wednesday February 15. While tucking into a threecourse lunch accompanied with wine, beer or soft drinks the fabulous Mark Connor royally entertained us.

The sum of €450 was kindly donated to the La Cala De Mijas Lions Childrens Charity event by one of our sponsors PCC Wealth and the event raised a total of €1,700. Thanks also to Bridges Bar in Miraflores for their continued fundraising for Childhood Cancer.

Lions president Wynson Beswick thanked everyone for attending to support this great cause and gave a special thank you to PCC Wealth for their generous donation. She explained that the funds raised would be used to organise

DONATION: €450 was given to their childrens charity.

a special party and memory day for children with cancer in our area, also some of the funds will go to AECC who have eight properties that they maintain near Malaga hospital where families of children with cancer who are in the hospital for treatment can stay.

Well done to Lions Social Secretary Dave Greenwood for organising such a successful event.

Andalucia Day

DÍA DE ANDALUCÍA also known as Andalucia Day is celebrated on February 28 each year and marks the anniversary of the referendum held in 1980.

The referendum allowed Andalucia to become an autonomous community in Spain, meaning that Andalucia has the right and freedom from the main authority. Andalucia is selfgoverning and taxes can vary

James Edward Feilden Kayll

IT is with sadness we announce the passing of James Edward Feilden Kayll, he will be sadly missed by his wife Lynda and his boys Sebastian, Toby and their families.

The cremation service will be taking place on Saturday February 25 at 5pm.

It will be a private service for close friends and immediate family There will also be a memorial service taking place on Monday February 27 at St George’s Church Malaga, time to be advised.

The family welcomes a donation to charity as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.

throughout the regions.

The Andalucian flag is green and white with the crest of the mythical Greek hero Heracles between two columns. The columns represent the Pillars of Heracles. The rocks on either side of the Straits of Gibraltar.

Group of greenthumbs

A CYCLE of garden workshops in Mijas got off to a great start on Saturday, February 18 as a group of women from Soroptimist International enjoyed a sunny day developing knowledge in the class about traditional Mijas gardens.

During the workshop, the women learned about traditional vegetable and ornamental plant gardening techniques, designed to make plants flourish in Mijas’ unique climate.

The rest of the classes are scheduled to take place on the second Saturday of each month, with the next one

coming up on Saturday, March 11. Registration for the series costs €50 to cover materials and expertise costs and each session costs €5.

Soroptimist International is a group of activists who work to eliminate the threat of violence against women.

The group in Mijas are a branch of the international organisation who work on a variety of political and social projects to advance the position of women’s rights and socialise with like­minded people.

More information about the society is available on Facebook: https://www.face book.com/soroptimistinter nationalcostadelsol.

Interested participants can sign up by email to: soropti mist.fsd@gmail.com.

JOIN in on a new and exciting community called Pom Moms Marbella, a whole new concept that is in the works. Lily Denies, founder of Pom Moms Marbella is creating a space for you to find it easier to walk with someone who also has a little furry friend for your Pom and make walking more fun for both of you.

While also allowing you to meet new people in your area, a place for your Pom to socialise with friends and share the love for Pomeranians, to ask advice which vet to go to, which groomer you like best, what food you give your Pom, advice for travelling.

Think, lunch after walks, sunrise walks, sunset walks, picnics and more.

A fun community with lots of activities, walks, love and positivity.

James will be sadly missed by all his family.

The green and white flag of Andalucia.

Champion celebrations

NOVAK DJOKOVIC (champion of world tennis after winning his 10th Australian Open) celebrated in style after winning his 22nd Grand Slam. The Serb, euphoric after making history in the sporting world, wanted to spend a few days of rest with his family and for this, he travelled to Marbella.

Take a hike

MORE than half a thousand students have participated in the school hiking programme organised by the Estepona Town Hall during the current academic year, in which 66 excursions have been programmed from October to April.

A third

PRESIDENT of the regional government, Juanma Moreno, said: “Torremolinos is one of the most important municipalities in the province. The Costa del Sol is the economic engine of the province and Andalucia. The last budget confirmed just over €1 out of every €3 goes to the Costa del Sol.”

Scooter control

BENALMADENA has intensified controls against improper use of electric scooters. Head of Local Police, Francisco Zamora, said: “the public concern expressed about the irregular use of electric scooters, due to the increase in their use, has forced us to establish a series of controls which have shown fantastic results.”

Calisthenics Cup

THE Provincial Calisthenics Cup of the Malaga Provincial Council will bring together more than 300 sportsmen and women in the six events of its calendar. Calisthenics is a form of strength training consisting of a variety of movements. To register go to copadecal isteniamalaga.es.

A CHARITY walking tour in Mijas held another successful edition on Thursday, February 17, raising money for a fabulous cause while informing locals and visitors about the traditional Andalucian town’s rich history.

Mijas Walking Tours for Charity raised a further €93 in the latest tour, bringing the total for the current charity to an impressive €435. The organisation has chosen Fundación Olivares to support throughout February and March.

The charity was created by Andrés Olivares Diaz who was mourning the loss of his son, Luis, who lost his battle with

Striding forward

The organisation regularly holds three ­ hour walking tours of Mijas, raising money for different charities throughout the year. Guests regularly take to Facebook to thank tour guide Alan Boardman for sharing his detailed historical expertise and storytelling abilities.

YOUR EWN HAS

STORIES IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION

European Chess Festival

Leukaemia at just nine years old in 2007. Now Fundación Olivares works to support

A FASHION market is set to raise funds for relief for the war in Ukraine and refugees this weekend in Marbella. The Charity Fashion Market will be held from 12pm to 5pm on Monday, February 27 in a beachfront destination in one of the most exclusive parts of the city.

Fashion lovers are invited to bring any unwanted, good quality fashion items that can be sold on at the fair, and hunt for bargains at a variety of second­hand stalls at the market which will be held in

children with cancer, making sure they don’t lose out on a childhood due to the disease.

Alan Boardman is also set to give a presentation about Mijas and the Costa del Sol, organised with the U3A on Friday, March 31 at 11am at St Andrew’s Church in Los Boliches.

Fashion fundraiser

the D.O.Mar venue in Marbella. As well as clothing, there will also be a variety of accessories, jewellery and shoes available at affordable prices at the market.

Guests who want to support the cause without buying new clothes can enjoy a coffee or beer in the venue’s delightful seafront location.

Safety statistics

ON Wednesday, February 22, the councillor for Safety, Javier Marin, and the head of the Benalmadena Local Police, Francisco Zamora, took stock of the 2022 statistics on road safety.

The councillor said: “Controlling the speed of vehicles is of great importance to improving our road network.

“In total, the Traffic and Attestations Unit of the Local Police carried out 721 actions during 2022,” the councillor confirmed. “From which we should separate the attestations of the proceedings for prevention, essential for the resolution of conflicts related to traffic. In this sense, the reports amounted to 152, and the proceedings 569.

“Of these, 140 involved injuries to people, of which we regret that one involved the death of a per­

son. There has been a drastic decrease in the number of fatalities compared to previous years, a result of the efforts we make in terms of prevention from the Local Police.”

The councillor added: “In 2022 there was material damage in 365 accidents, a figure that is higher than the number of personal injuries, which shows that vehicles are increasingly better prepared to safeguard the physical integrity of passengers.”

The money raised through the initiative will go towards organisers’ Humanitarian Mission ‘Obereg’ vital work supporting Ukrainian refugees on the Costa del Sol.

The group is an NGO made up of international volunteers opposed to the war in Ukraine and determined to support those arriving in the region in search of refuge.

Tapas with a twist

A POPULAR tapas trail initiative is returning to Fuengirola from Friday, February 24 until Sunday, March 12.

The ‘Erotic Tapas Route’ is a culinary adventure offering guests original tapas dishes with a sensual or spicy twist.

This year’s event is the 13th edition of the initiative which has become hugely popular over the years. This year, a total of 48 restaurants and bars are set to participate by creating a tapas dish with a sensual or spicy aspect. Guests are invited to sample a dish with a drink for just €3.50 in each participating restaurant.

Participants will also have the chance to enter a prize draw by scanning QR codes in each restaurant.

Guests must taste five different tapas along the tapas trail during the two weeks of the event for the opportunity to win exciting prizes including phones,

tablets and TVs.

Local councillor for Tourism, Rodrigo Romero, invited all local residents and visitors to get involved and try the delicious tapas saying, “I encourage everyone to get out and experience Fuengirola’s gastronomic scene which is varied, diverse and of excellent quality.”

CHESS is a relatively easy game to learn and play however, reaching chess mastery is a different kettle of fish.

Played between two players the game simulates a war between two kingdoms and is one of the most popular games in the world.

Benalmadena’s councillor for Sports, Joaquin Villazon, confirmed that the Benalmadena Chess Festival will take place at the Estival Torrequebrada hotel from February 25 until 28. He said: “A tournament of this level has never been organised in Spain and it is among the most important in Europe to date.

“It is a spectacular tournament due to the high level of its participants.

“We always support this type of event to put Benalmadena on the world chess map, and as an element of tourist promotion of the municipality, both among the participants and the public,” he added.

Guests on a recent walking tour around Mijas who helped to raise a running total of more than € 400 for Fundación Olivares.

Photo credit: Mijas Walking Tours for Charity (via Facebook)

Councillor for Safety, Javier Marin, with head of the Benalmadena Local Police, Francisco Zamora.

Image: Benalmadena Town Council

EASTER is almost upon us and the town of Benalmadena wanted to welcome it in a very special way.

The courtyard of the town hall will host an exhibition of miniature scenes from the Passion of Christ until April 7. The exhibition can be visited from Monday to Friday, from 8.00am until 2.00pm.

The councillor for Festivities, Pilar Ramirez, confirmed: “Easter Week will soon begin, and this year the Festivities Department wanted to welcome it in a very special way: The exhibition The Passion of Christ by Enrique Marquez Serrano was inaugurated on Ash

Passion of Christ

EXHIBITION: Consists of 17 different scenes.

Wednesday, February 22.”

Enrique confirmed: “The exhibition consists of 17 different scenes, dioramas with which I have tried to capture in all their beauty but without skimping on realism or crudeness in the hardest moments of the

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

Passion of Christ, after a profound work of documentation.”

The artist added: “I think it is going to be an exhibition that is going to attract a lot of attention because no similar one has been organised in the province of Malaga.”

‘‘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.

THE carnival spirit is brewing in Torremolinos, and it’s really quite infectious! This year’s carnival will take place from Friday, March 3 until Sunday, March 5 with a packed programme of vibrant events.

The fun will begin on Friday, March 3 with the official launch of carnival in Plaza de la Nogalera before musical and dance performances by 'Salud Responde' band of street musicians, and the ‘Plastilina’ carnival troupe from Alhaurin el Grande.

Carnival craze

Festivities continue on Saturday morning with the children’s carnival contest and a range of other family fun activities including bouncy castles, dance shows, face painting and a theatre production in the Parque de la Batería.

From 6pm the main carnival celebrations are set to take place with performances by musicians including ‘Puerco Jurásico’, ‘Los del Amazonas’, and

‘Pa Tí Tó’. A carnival parade will then go around the town until the adult carnival costume contest at 9pm in Plaza de la Nogalera before musical entertainment.

Sunday’s celebrations will begin at 1.30pm with a farewell party to this year’s carnival.

“This year’s carnival has everything, except time to rest!” explained the town mayor.

MARCH EVENTS & EXCURSION

ON Thursday March 2 an International Women’s Day of Prayer and Taize Prayer is being held at St Andrew Anglican Church, Los Boliches at 6pm. There will also be a Taize Prayer held at the Parish Church San Jose on Friday March 17 at 6pm.

A coach excursion to Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar takes place on Wednesday March 22. On arrival in Velez-Malaga there will be a guided tour in English visiting the historical parts of the town. After the tour you will travel down to the coast to Torre del Mar. Here there will be free time for you to have lunch and walk along the promenade.

Before you return, coffee will be served at the Lux Mundi Centre in Torre del Mar. Tick-

ets available at the Centre, price €22 with a Friends card or €25 without a card. Departure Times, Feria Ground 8am, Bull Ring 8.05am.

The Boutique is be open in the Lux Mundi Centre, Calle Nueva No 7, from Tuesday to Friday 10.00 to 13.00. Tel.952 474 840. E-mail luxmundif@gmail.com. Many items reduced and bargains to be purchased. We are accepting donations of household goods and items of clothing during normal opening hours.

The Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre is at Calle Nueva No 3, Fuengirola, 29640. Open Monday to Friday 10.00 to 13.00. For further information please call 952 474 840 , or email luxmundif@gmail.com.

ACE DOG SHELTER CHARITY DINNER

THE ACE Dog Shelter in La Cala de Mijas is holding its Spring Fundraiser at the wellknown Vinea Restaurant (beside the Hotel Yaramar, on Fuengirola’s Paseo Maritimo), on Saturday 18 March.

The event starts at 7pm with a complimentary glass of Cava, followed by a threeCourse Dinner - with choice of menu - and also features live music from sensational singer Laura Elen, plus a charity raffle with great prizes.

Tickets cost €35 each, which includes a €13 donation to ACE.

Tickets must be paid for in advance and are on sale at Vinea and at Ibex Insurance (Fuengirola). Or for reservations and more information,

Tel: Carolyn on 647 647 671 / Kurt on 606 145 359 / or Martyn on 711 039 124 - or email: info@ace-charity.org.

Founded in La Cala de Mi-

jas in 1999, the ACE Dog Shelter has saved and rehomed more than 26,000 animals and is currently caring for 600 dogs and 200 cats.

New retirement home for Fuengirola

FUENGIROLA Council has announced plans to finally build a new retirement home in the town.

The installations will have a capacity for 120 residents and will be managed by the company in charge of the previous centre located next to the nature park, according to Mayor Ana Mula.

Sra Mula explained that the old centre had to be closed down due to the risk of flooding and noise pollution, given the proximity of the A-7 motorway.

The provincial government will now have to approve the plans to build the home in El Higuerón, a publicly owned area to the west near Fuengirola avenue.

If all goes well, construction on the new centre is expected to begin shortly.

Image: Benalmadena City Council

It’s going swimmingly

Betty Henderson CONSTRUCTION began on a new community swimming pool in the Las Chapas neighbourhood of Marbella on Tuesday, February 21.

The indoor municipal swimming pool is part of a state­of­the­art health and fitness centre which is under construction on the 6,000 metre squared plot of land. The indoor swimming pool will be 25 metres long and will feature a range of facilities including changing rooms, a function room, and a cafeteria area.

In addition to the swimming pool, various sports courts are set to be built including pádel courts with a grandstand for spectators to sit in. Other facilities are included in the construction project such as a car park and a new health centre on an adjoin­

ing piece of land.

The city mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, toured the site alongside a team of councillors as work got underway on the project. Muñoz said the project has a time scale of eight months and will be completed by the end of 2023.

Authorities hope that as well as providing local residents with a much­needed leisure space, the sports centre will also play host to a range of local and regional sports competitions.

Student art exhibition School solidarity

UP­AND­COMING art students in Marbella now have a brandnew space to showcase their work thanks to a collaboration between the city council and Gualdapín School. The first exhibition of 15 different installations went on show on Wednesday, February 22.

The city council granted permission to the school to use the council­owned Hospital Real de la Misericordia as an exhibition space. The decision provides an opportunity for arts students at the school to gain valuable experience as artists by publicly displaying their work and experimenting with different exhibition styles.

In the first exhibition which went public this week, students from the school’s higher ‘image’ course have put together a collection containing 15 different exhibits with different designs and artistic techniques under the brief of ‘Legends’.

Marbella Culture Director, Carmen Díaz visited the exhibition as it opened, describing the work as, “magnificent, which reflects the talent within this city which can be seen by anyone who visits this iconic building and exhibition space.”

Teacher Laura Martín thanked the council “for the visibility it has given to our students who are thrilled to show their work in this space.”

Disaster relief collection

MARBELLA City Council is showing its support for the victims of the devastating earthquake that swept across Syria and Turkey at the beginning of February.

Marbella is joining forces with other Andalucian cities, through Turkish Consulates in Spain to collect humanitarian and medical aid supplies that will be taken directly to affected areas. Authorities from the city council announced their collaboration with the Turkish Consulate in Sevilla and Malaga on Saturday, February 18, saying they would coordinate an aid collection.

A collection point has been assembled in the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos Adolfo

Suárez in Marbella which continues to accept donations on Mondays to Saturdays from 8am until 8pm.

Marbella councillor for Foreign Residents, Remedios Bocanegra appealed to local residents to show their solidarity and donate to the campaign. Bocanegra explained that tents, blankets, sleeping bags, heaters, and bathroom supplies are most in demand in the current collection.

Although the death toll continues to rise from the original earthquake, a series of violent aftershocks have caused further damage in the countries in the days and weeks following the initial disaster.

ONE school in Marbella showed its community spirit with a World Cancer Day fundraiser to mark the global event which takes place annually on February 4. Swans International School donated a huge €1,161.52 to local cancer organisation, Cudeca on Thursday, February 16.

The money was raised as a result of various fundraising activities organised by the school and the students themselves.

Miguel, Ana, Carlota, Julia, Daria and a team of Year 11 volunteers worked tirelessly through each of their break and lunchtimes to sell cancer awareness ribbons and Cudeca sunflowers to other students and members of staff.

Cudeca representative Esther Ráez visited the school on behalf of the charity to collect the donations. Ráez congratulated the students on their fundraising efforts and thanked the school for their ongoing support.

More information about the charity, including how you can get involved as a volunteer or donor is available at: https://www.cudeca.or g/en/the­foundation/ trustees/.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella

Unlicensed beauty centre

THE National Police this week dismantled an illegal beauty treatment centre in Marbella that left up to a dozen people with severe injuries.

Three people were arrested for allegedly offering treatments for which they were not qualified and using unlicensed equipment.

The suspects are accused of lesions, medical malpractice, unqualified practice, fraud and document forgery, among other offences.

An investigation was launched last September following a police report filed by a customer of the unidentified clinic, who was said to have been left with severe physical aftereffects following treatment.

The police then managed to identify at least another 10 victims, all reporting injuries of varying degrees of severity.

An inspection of the clinic revealed that the personnel performing the treatments was unqualified and unauthorised to do so.

Tourist tax backlash

THE Costa del Sol’s Department for Tourism has rejected a plan from the European Union to hit non­EU tourists with an additional tax fee.

The president of Turismo Costa del Sol, Francisco Salado, rebuffed EU plans on Monday, February 20 saying they are “totally against this type of tax,” asking the EU to “leave tourism alone,” adding that tourism already works very well as it is.

Speaking to journalists, Salado explained that tourism is a crucial economic force for Andalucia and criticised the

IN a bid to tidy up the port the Andalucian Regional government has confirmed that a mammoth €1.9 million will be invested for various improvements to the port in Estepona.

The sum of €1.3 million is planned for work on the shipowners’ quarters, shades and photovoltaic panels.

To this amount, must be added the €592,000 that was earmarked for the dredging of

Rebuffed the EU plans.

EU, saying their actions are costing EU member states money.

The tax has been suggested for some time by the EU, who could bring the scheme into motion by November this

Rescuers recognised

year if it passes through all stages. The tax would be a one­time fee per trip applying to tourists from non­EU countries who would be charged €7 to enter EU countries as tourists.

The region has long worked to attract non­EU tourists, a strategy which appears to be paying off currently with constant new developments including a direct flight from Malaga to the USA.

A tourist tax on non­EU visitors could jeopardise continued interest from international tourist markets.

Whopping investment

the port of Estepona, completed last December.

The mayor of the city, Jose Maria Garcia Urbano, confirmed that work will also begin on the second phase of the reforestation of Sierra Bermeja with the planting of 10,000 Spanish firs. The firs have been produced in the Junta de An­

dalucia’s network of nurseries and will cover an area of up to 85 hectares distributed over five public forests.

The mayor also assured that the city of Malaga “will be at the forefront of sustainable cities” thanks to these works because they are a pioneering initiative.

MARBELLA City Council announced it would offer a prestigious city award to a heroic police officer and sports centre worker who intervened in an emergency in an announcement on Wednesday, February 22.

The pair did not hesitate to step in when they saw a bather in distress at the La Venus beach in Marbella on Sunday, February 19. A swimmer was swept out to sea and trapped by strong waves and choppy conditions when watersports centre worker Francisco Campos and a Local Police officer identified only by his badge number, 4999, acted fast to rescue the swimmer.

They rapidly brought the swimmer back to safety on the shore.

The councillor for Safety, José Eduardo Díaz, announced the city’s decision to award the pair with the Marbella Medal of Merit, explaining, “We believe their act of service should be recognised. Residents in Marbella should be proud to have emergency workers like this who provide such an effective response in serious emergency situations.”

Díaz also highlighted the excellent work of firefighters and other response teams who worked to comfort the swimmer’s family on the beach while the rescue took place.

last Sunday.

MEDAL OF MERIT: Marbella City Council has recognised a pair of heroes who stepped in to stop a swimmer from being swept out to sea

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella

Regional government visit

Betty Henderson

THE president of the regional government of Andalucía, Juanma Moreno made a visit to Torremolinos on Friday, February 17, where he described the town and the whole Costa del Sol as the economic engine of Andalucia.

Moreno was in the town for a visit to speak to officials in the town and the public about important topics including the economy and future plans for the region. Speaking to the

town mayor, Margarita del Cid, Moreno described the region as the economic “engine” of Andalucia and a strategic location for investment.

Moreno’s statement comes as good news for local authori­

ties who already receive approximately one third of the regional government’s entire budget for the area.

The president visited various sites that have received investment or are earmarked for development in the near future including education, health and well­being, employment waste management.

Local church representatives presented Moreno with a religious token in commemoration of the religious holiday.

New car park for Estepona

ESTEPONA Council has started bidding on plans to build a new underground car park in the town centre.

The new facilities will be located between the new town hall and the seafront promenade, with an estimated capacity for 250 vehicles over two storeys and with a total budget of €275,000.

Once approved, the project is set to take six months to complete and users will only have to pay €1 a day to park,

according to council sources.

In addition, plans are currently being drawn up for a sixth municipal car park next to the Iglesia del Carmen, which will offer 380 parking spaces over three storeys.

Estepona Council launched a project 10 years ago to improve parking facilities in the town, as until 2011 there were only three public car parks ­ located on the seafront, in La Viña and in El Calvario.

Since then, facilities have been built next to La Cala river, San Lorenzo avenue, next to the town hall, Plaza Antonia Guerrero, by the athletics track, and in Plaza del Ajedrez.

This municipal network offers more than 1,350 parking spaces throughout the city, and the plan is to eventually reserve 50 per cent of municipal parking spaces for residents and keep the rest for visitors to the town.

Climate change action

REGIONAL authorities from the Diputación de Malaga have developed a climate change action plan consisting of 44 separate actions to halt further environmental issues on the Costa del Sol. The plan, announced on Tuesday, February 22, covers several aspects of public life to improve sustainability.

The 44 actions included in the climate action plan are directed towards seven industries; agriculture, water, biodiversity, urban planning and management, tourism, health and communication. The proposal was developed following an investigation into the specific environmental issues and vulnerabilities that the region faces conducted by experts. Authorities have given the green light to the plan, meaning that each town and city in the area will be given guidance and suggestions on how to develop their own climate change action plans.

The plan is structured into

four sections; one based on nature including restoration of animal habitats; another based on use of technology; another to improve infrastructure management; and

another to reduce vulnerability to climate change issues.

The Plan Adapta Malaga could also receive European funds to make broader changes.

Local residents take selfies with the President of

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos

Singing the dream A hero’s welcome

ORIGINALLY from the UK, singersongwriter Debbie James has now settled in Calahonda in Malaga spending her time making people’s dreams come true.

As well as being a phenomenal performer, Debbie is also an A&R (artistes and repertoire) Manager for the AMG media company. Having been involved in showbiz since a young age Debbie confirmed: “I have always been involved with music, either performing or producing.

“I am currently working on a project with Loris Holland; he is a legend and I am really excited because he is so utterly talented. My first official cut will be on an album that he has produced.”

Lori Holland is a Grammy/Emmy Award ­ winning performer/producer/composer/arranger and conductor who has developed a clientele of greats including Mariah Carey, George Clinton, Whitney Houston, Billy Ocean and Aretha Franklin, to name a few.

In between living the dream, Debbie has somehow found the time to create a global songwriting network and is also the co­ founder of the Jud Friedman Workshops. The singer said: “We have already completed very successful work ­

shops worldwide, in the UK, Canada, Italy and also in Los Angeles. We are delighted to be able to add Spain to the list as we are bringing a songwriting retreat and workshop to Fort Ingles in Malaga from March 4 until March 7.”

Debbie added: “The workshops are great and we encourage all levels of experience from experienced songwriters/ artists/producers to those who are just starting out! Teamwork really does make the dream work!

“Jud is amazing, he is a six ­ time Grammy, Oscar, Golden Globenominated, award ­ winning, Billboard No.1 Hit songwriter and producer and is now offering workshops to share his wealth of knowledge.”

For more information or to book your place head to www.globalsongwrit ersnetwork.com

Debbie added: “Anyone based in Spain is lucky enough to receive a 30 per cent discount. Just input the code SPAIN at the checkout.”

Betty Henderson

THE mayor of Benalmádena, Víctor Navas held a special meeting with Óscar Raggio Pérez, a local firefighter who rushed to Turkey in the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake, to thank him for his service on Monday, February 20.

Raggio Pérez explained, “I’m a member of the NGO ‘Firefighters without Borders’ which deployed a specialised search and rescue team on the ground in and around buildings that had collapsed due to the magnitude of the earthquake in Turkey.”

Raggio Pérez travelled with a team of nine firefighter colleagues as well as a nurse and a specially trained dog. The team worked to rescue survivors from underneath the rubble alongside international emergency response teams in the Turkish city of

Maras, which has a population of around 1.2 million. Raggio Pérez described the scene on arriving as a “gruesome panorama.”

The firefighter described their joy at rescuing a 12year­old boy alongside a Singaporean team, but also their feeling of helplessness at such a calamitous disaster.

The mayor expressed his thanks and admiration to Raggio Pérez calling him “An example of the best of humanity, working 40 hours back to back to save lives.”

Image: Debbie James

Debbie James, singer/songwriter.

Authorities in Benalmádena meet with lifesaving firefighter, Óscar Raggio Pérez.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Benalmádena

Walled gardens

BENALMADENA has decided on a plan to tackle the restoration and improvement of the walled gardens Jardines del Muro. The mayor of Benalmadena, Victor Navas, confirmed: “After the completion of the Jardines del Muro and its inauguration in 1980, the town hall has limited itself to taking care of its maintenance.

“This includes repopulating the green spaces without attention to the original design. With the appearance of some invasive species over the years this has led to the gradual loss of the spirit and aesthetics with which Cesar Manrique, the architect, conceived this environment.

“Now we are going to restore and improve the current state of the Jardines del Muro, to recover its original appearance, setting in motion a project that we have just awarded, with an investment of €450,000.”

The mayor added: “The works include the cleaning up of the surroundings, more than 350 different actions with bushes and trees for its revitalisation, elimination of invasive species, and repair of gazebos and the network of paths.”

Fundraising disco

ON Friday February 17, in a sea of blue and yellow from the ribbons, clothing and face paint of the students from the International School of Estepona, they held their fundraising disco to help collect funds for those in Ukraine.

The students from the International School of Estepona danced and sang their hearts out with music being kindly provided by Richie Rich of Spectrum FM.

Richie Rich said “It is great to see something like this take place, the kids are really polite and what they are doing is massively important and there should be more things like this taking place. I couldn’t not come down, I had to do something, it was such a great day.”

The original idea for hosting the disco came

from two students by the names of Izuchi and Lily during a School Council meeting. After learning about what was hap pening in the Ukraine the girls felt compelled to raise funds for the ongoing war and crisis that the Ukraine are currently fac­

ing.

When talking to Izuchi and Lily they said, “We wanted to help, when we learned more

and why what was happening was happening, we wanted to help the people of Ukraine and help them rebuild.”

In order to make sure that the money raised is going to the right place, the International School of Estepona has been working with other NABSS schools, the British Embassy in collaboration with the British Council to raise money and awareness about what is happening in the Ukraine.

The money raised will be going to providing generators for electricity, medicines and medical equipment and armoured ambulances to safely transport civilians to professional medical help.

Having raised an amazing €827 so far and with donations still coming in it is amazing to see such proactive, thoughtful and intuitive thinking from young people.

On February 24, the anniversary of the invasion, the school will transfer the funds directly to the Ukrainian Embassy’s account. Anyone is welcome to donate. For further details please contact daniela@marbel laschool.com or call +34 951 742 736.

STUDENTS: Danced and sang their hearts out.

Age Concern 10th Anniversary Gala

GUESTS were dressed in their best and excited for the glorious evening ahead of them, the gala was a sold­out event with 135 attendees.

The focus of the evening was dedicated to celebrating the generous volunteers and committee after working so tirelessly throughout the years and to raise much needed funds for a patient lift and hospital bed while also raising awareness for Age Concern.

An auction hosted by Alan Boardman was filled with incredible prizes of everything from a signed England shirt from the 1966 World Cup to Champagne, a three­course meal, and a raffle raised some much­needed funds for Age Concern, with Alan also calling for a special round of applause for the Euro Weekly News being sponsors of the evening.

Talking to guests, the Euro Weekly News found out just how Age Concern really are helping the local community.

Emma and Susan, mother and daughter duo said “Age Concern have been so helpful, the volunteers that help and to show us different places and where to go when we need something is incredible.

“We go to the events every Monday and it is great to meet and listen to everybody. We have had a bit of a journey the last while and my father, previous RAF, he is unwell and has been for some time.

“We never knew that we would be entitled to anything due to his illness, but we are. We were put in contact with Linda in Benalmadena and she helped us with all the forms, and it was so easy and we’re very thankful, especially my dad Eric the hat, we’re very grateful for Age Concern.”

Age Concern President David Long, said “Any money raised tonight will be used throughout the local areas, we rely solely on donations, our volunteers and what comes with that.

“This is our first gala and I want to thank the team, our volunteers and sponsors, without them none of this would be possible and the night has been incredible, we need more of this.”

Michelle Greenwood the, event’s organiser and the charity’s fundraising coordinator said: “We are so excited about tonight, we never thought that we would sell out and we even had a waiting list too. The people who are here tonight are a mixture of our volunteers, clients and general public and it is going to be a fantastic night.

“It is great for us all to be back together and to raise lots of money for

ence, give hope and help when help is needed, and older people don’t tend to ask for help even when they do.

“All you need to do is ask, there is no stigma. This event tonight is very much about awareness, we don’t want people to be alone, spending their days in front of the TV waiting for the inevitable, there is so much more to life.

“Here at these events, you can meet new people, have fun and enjoy life. Too many people go through old age alone. We are here for hope, we are here for help. The greatest part of the job is thank you, when you make a difference, it makes it all worth while.”

Age Concern’s next step now is to send out a survey to all their volunteers and sponsors to really see what people in the areas need and put the funding toward it, ensuring that every penny is well spent and goes toward what the community really needs.

that is so important. Tonight, is about celebration and raising funds, however, it is also to raise awareness. We urgently need volunteers, even if it is only an hour, a week, a month, it makes all the difference.”

Guest Carla Antunovich told the EWN: “This is great night from a great organisation, it is great to be able to help the community do anything. We work closely with Age Concern at the Futura hearing centre, they are such a good cause.”

Steve Marshall, Age Concern’s Secretary, said: “It is amazing, when we started 10 years ago, we didn’t think we would have so many people. In two weeks, we were sold out, the amount of support, clients and volunteers and businesses is incredible.

“This is our first gala, and we hope it becomes a regular thing. The main thing is to make a differ­

Avalon Funeral Plans also praised the event, they said: “Nights like these are important and the work that Age Concern do is fantastic, for us to be here it lets people know we are there for them, especially with a subject like ours.

"It is important for people to plan ahead. All it takes is one conversation to benefit you and your family and protect the ones you care about.”

An astonishing amount in excess of €3,000 was raised! All the funds raised were donated during the evening, as tickets sold to the event were cost price to ensure it was affordable to everyone.

Age Concern are overwhelmed by the comments and positive messages they have received from the evening and are now looking forward to consulting with their clients and the community as to how best to utilise the funds, ensuring that every penny is well spent and goes toward what the community really needs.

On Friday February 17, the Costa del Sol community came together to celebrate the volunteers and hard work of Age Concern Fuengirola, Mijas and Benalmadena at their first gala in The Green Label Restaurant at El Chapparal Golf Club, proudly sponsored by the Euro Weekly News.

St David’s Day celebrations

ON Wednesday March 1, The Welsh Society Costa del Sol will be holding a celebration to the Welsh patron saint, St David at the Plaza Mesquita, Benalmadena.

The festivities begin at 2pm and will include traditional food, cakes and more while also being entertained by local artists, with the night to finish at 8pm.

The Wall Street Band

ON Sunday February 26, enjoy great live music from The Wall Street Band. The Wall Street Band are set to take stage at 4.330 ­ 7.30 at the main bar in La Sala Puerto Banus.

Live music is hard to beat, especially that of a rock band performing the best indie rock, pop and dance hits. Renowned on the Costa Del Sol, they

have even supported the Kaiser Chiefs in concert back in 2016. So, enjoy the weekend with incredible food and great entertainment at La Sala while The Wall Street Band play you the best hits. To find out more information head over to The Wall Street Band or La Sala Puerto Banus Facebook page.

This year the Welsh Society Costa del Sol will be raising funds for Nakupenda Sana who provides rice for impoverished families in Africa. Over the last 11 years of The Welsh Society Costa del Sol’s inception, they have raised over

€15,000 for charities based here in Malaga, Benalmadena, national charities across Spain, and have also shown support to Welsh charities too.

If you would like to find out more information, head over to The Welsh Society Costa del Sol Facebook page.

Save the Date

AS Darkness into Light is getting closer, we have an event for your diary. Darkness into Light is a charitable organisation whose origins started in Ireland.

The premise of the charity is to raise money for those struggling with mental health. There are different ways in which you can raise money and the wonderful Anne O’Halloran Ryan is organ­

Semana Blanca

ising a fantastic charity luncheon and fashion show at La Sala Banus to contribute to Darkness into Light Costa del Sol’s fundraising for 2023.

The luncheon will be on April 26 and will take place from 1pm to 3pm and tickets are only €39 per person! To book your place please contact La Sala, Puerto Banus or reservations@lasala banus.com.

SEMANA Blanca is coming up and what better way to celebrate the half term than with an event you can take the children to, starting this weekend enjoy spending time with the kids by taking them on Sunday February 26, to Parque de la Bateria for 11am.

Join in on the fun and take part in the attractions that are on offer! At the event there will be a trike circuit, giant games, bubbles, face painting and a detective game for all ages to take part in. A great event for all the family and the perfect way to start Semana Blanca.

Carnaval in Mijas

ENJOY the tremendous fun, traditional music, festive colours and creative acts at Carnaval in Mijas. Celebrations have been ongoing for the last two weeks and this weekend are the final festivities for Carnaval this year in Mijas.

On Saturday February 25, Las Lagunas will be hosting their Carnaval festivities from 4.30 while Mijas Pueblo will be starting their festivities at 11.30am. Enjoy great fun with spectacular views, true Andalucian charm and style.

Don’t forget to dress up and take part in the action, you might even win a prize for best dressed.

Celebrating the patron saint.

LIVE MUSIC: Enjoy great entertainment and incredible food at La Sala Puerto Banus.

Chase the sun and live the suite life

ESCAPE the winter blues and feel embraced by the warmth of our Mediterranean resort. Live life to the full! Enjoy a complimentary upgrade to one of our dreamy beachfront suites. We’ll also welcome you with a fabulous Six Senses Spa in-room amenity.

Prepared for you at the spa’s Alchemy Bar, is perfect for enjoying some sensuous inroom pampering. Start each day with our legendary breakfast overlooking the sea and during your stay we also invite you to indulge in a complimentary gastronomic lunch at our signature Sea Grill restaurant.

Here you can sip a cocktail by our heated pools, enjoy the privacy and seclusion of your suite and private terrace, and feel the vibrancy of our destination with our culinary landmark restaurants, bars, and refined nightlife.

If what you need is to reset and revitalise, we’ve got winter wellness covered too, with our Health & Fitness centre, beach yoga, as well as our unique Jungle Gym. This new open-air training area secluded in our lush, Mediterranean gardens, will inspire, and motivate with specially curated training circuits.

Raise your game with a complimentary round of golf or feel the adrenalin on our championship tennis courts. For the ultimate in rejuvenation and relaxation, then call upon the talented experts at our Six Senses Spa. Indulge your spontaneity - in a few hours you and your loved ones could be under the Andalucian sun, living the suite life. Chase the sun this winter and experience the Mediterranean lifestyle at Puente Romano Beach Resort. We’ll even give you late check-out so you can make every moment count.

Your stay includes:

• SUITE VIEWS – Stay in one of our dreamy sea view suites.

• EXTENDED STAY – Enjoy every moment with late check out.

• SPA GIFT – Natural, handmade in-room well-being amenity by Six Senses Spa.

• KIDS CLUB – Complimentary morning for your youngsters at La Casita Club.

• BREAKFAST – Start each day with our legendary beachside breakfast.

• LUNCH – Relish a complimentary lunch at our signature Sea Grill restaurant.

• GOLF – Raise your game with a complimentary round of golf.

• WELLNESS – Health and Fitness Centre, Jungle Gym, and beach yoga.

• PRIVILEGES – Preferential bookings at our restaurants, Tennis Club and Six Senses Spa.

To book: reservas@puenteromano.com +34 952 82 09 00

Singers and songwriters

YOU have maybe written a great song or created an amazing demo, but now what? It’s time to get the song ­ and maybe yourself as the artist ­ out there, but how?

Jud Friedman knows the answers and can help you, he will guide you through what it takes and how the music business works.

Places are still available to join Jud at his Songwriting Retreat and Workshop from March 4 until March 7 at the stunning Fort Ingles, Ctra. A7053, km 2.5, 29120 in Malaga. All levels of experience are more than welcome from experienced songwriters/ artists/producers to those of you who are just starting out!

Teamwork makes the dream work!

For more information or to book your place head to www.globalsongwritersnet work.com. Anyone based in Spain is lucky enough to receive a 30 per cent discount. Just input the code SPAIN at the checkout.

The best tapas 2023

ON March 20, Estepona Town Council will be hosting ‘The Best Tapa 2023’ contest.

Contestants that are to take part are given the chance to win a cash prize of €1,000 and be presented with a plaque by the town council. The winner will be chosen by customers and connoisseurs of tapas during the ‘Estepona lives its streets’ event.

Showcasing the incredible gastronomy throughout Estepona will not only be great for the bars

Live Music!

• Thursday February 23

- �������� ���������� & ��������������

Rock and Roll Piano Show

����������: Elton’s Rocket Bar, Torremolinos

��������: 9pm

����������: FREE

The Music of ..... ­ Surprise

New Show

����������: El Mico, Torremolinos

��������������: Aaron Joseph

New comedy

����������: FREE

• Friday February 24

����������: Restaurante Carihuela Park, Torremolinos

������������: Wayne Ward

��������: 5pm

�������� ��������

Jazz Swing

����������: Clarence Jazz Club, Torremolinos

������������: Diego Suárez & Ricky

Vivar

��������: 10pm

and restaurants, but the foodies and attendees will receive stamps for each stall they go to and are in for the chance themselves to win something too!

Bars and restaurants throughout the city are welcome to take part and applications are now open via online entry and will close on March 1. Mark your calendars and save the date, if you would like to find out more information, please visit the Estepona Town Hall website.

��������: 8pm

The Guitar Man

����������: McGuinness Bar, Torremolinos

������������: Wayne Ward

��������: 9pm

�������� ������ ��������������

����������: Clarence Jazz Club, Torremolinos

��������������: Various Musicians

��������: 10pm

Tickets: www.clarencejazz club.com

CONCERT

‘Estampas Andaluzas’

����������: Casa de la Cultura de Torremolinos

������������s: Municipal School of Music & Universidad Popular de Torremolinos

��������: 7.30pm

Pop & Rock

Venue: Gino & Stella

Restaurant Calahonda

Artist: Shaun Greaves Music

Time: 8pm

• Saturday February 25

- �������� ��������

Jazz Flamenco Fusión

����������: Clarence Jazz Club

������������: Luis Gallo & Max

Clouth

��������: 10pm

CONCERT

����������: Torremolinos El Col­

mao

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY is set to take to the Salon de Varietes stage this week with a hilarious comedy farce starring David Vincent, Owain Griffiths, Lynn Halliday, and Keith Spitalnick. Join in on a day in the life of Doctor David Mortimore ­ what could possibly go wrong? The West End comedy will have you on the edge of your seat in laughter. The shows will be running nightly from 7.30pm and on a Sunday to 7pm until February 26. To find out more information visit the Salon Varietes Facebook page or Website salonvarietes.com.

Bulls eye

��������: 11pm

����������: €18

Aurola Losada, La Keli, Kimera, Kiki Mayo, Josr de los Fernandez, Tamara de Malena and Elena Vargas

Free jazz festival

DO you love smooth Jazz?

The MVA Cultural Centre in Malaga is due to hold its annual Jazz Festival from March 3 to 5.

With performers such as Sara Dowling Quartet on March 1 at 8.30pm, Genovese Conly Pitarch Trio on March 2 at 8.30pm, and Joel Frahm & Joe Farnsworth Quartet at 8.30pm. They will be showcasing their fantastic vocals and heavenly playing.

The festival will be something you won’t want to miss; with free

entry it is essential you book your ticket in advance.

Sway the night away and enjoy the glorious tunes, tickets will be available from February 28 on a first ­ come ­ firstserved basis and via https://www.mientrada.net/local/centro ­ cul tural ­ provincial ­ mariavictoria­atencia/

The festival is to take place in the MVA on Calle Ollerías 33. Save the date and book in time!

Tickets will be going fast.

AIM for the bull’s eye at the Happy Days Cafe La Carihuela. On Thursday February 23, Happy Days Café will be hosting a darts tournament for all of the dart lovers along the Costa del Sol. Tournament registration is now closed, however, those with a keen interest and eye for darts will enjoy the great afternoon filled with fun, drinks and hopefully not too many ‘chuckers’. The tournament is in collaboration with other bars such as La Tasca and De Babbelaar and it will be an event you won’t want to ‘miss.’ To find out more about the event visit the Happy Days Cafe La Carihuela Facebook.

Pop Art

ARE you a pop art enthusiast, someone who enjoys bright colours and take inspiration from the likes of Andy Warhol?

Baloo Bar Lounge in Torremolinos are currently hosting a pop art exhibition from works by local artist Francisco Javier Melus Lopez.

The exhibition will be open throughout regular opening hours of the bar and will take place until Saturday, March 18.

FOR FOODIES: Visit the bars and restaurants taking part.

Image:beats1/Shutterstock

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

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 wom­

en 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 promote 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.

Futuristic glasses

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.

RESEARCH carried out on behalf of Specsavers Ópticas by Curated Digital, revealed that futuristic styles are here for 2023. The London ­ based digital consultancy spe cialising in data driven and insight­led marketing found that there was a 3,250 per cent increase in searches in Spain for the term ‘futuristic glasses’ from January 3 to February 3. This reflects a similar trend in the UK, where searches on Pinterest for futuristic glasses were up 70 per cent and searches for dystopian outfits and avant ­ garde outfits were up 215 per cent and 225 per cent respectively.

The trend was identified as part of the informative report State of Eyewear 2023, reviewing both search data and trends being seen on the catwalk and on the high street. The report explains that they expect sci­fi and cyber eyewear to take centre

stage in 2023, inspired by cinematic epics such as Avatar and Dune. The dystopian ­ core of this trend and the dark and daring aesthetic was reflected on the catwalks in shows by Givenchy, Celine and Dior and searches peaked during Paris Fashion Week. The report highlighted a number of trends and commented, “Over recent years, eyewear fashions have been dominated by decade nostalgia with retro nods to the oversized 70s square shapes, cat eye revivals and the 2000s comeback. And, although we still predict some of this homage to continue such as the persistence of Y2K and oval styles this year ­ the past truly will be the past with a new wave of futuregrade glasses. Taking centre stage will be space ­ themed, alien ­ like shapes and chunky maximalist ­ esque frames.”

THE 19 ­ year ­ old Spanish pro ­ cyclist Estela Dominguez of the Sopela Women’s team has died in a hit ­ and ­ run incident while out training in Salamanca.

Her death was confirmed by her team on Friday, February 10 with a local news outlet saying that the accident hap ­

Fatal incident

pened at the junction of the A ­ 62 with the N ­ 620 as you leave Villares Polygon. It is understood that she died at the scene after paramedics were called at around 6.32pm

on the Thursday evening.

The daughter of former pro ­ cyclist Juan Carlos Dominguez who had a successful career in the 90s, Dominguez had a promising cycling career ahead of her having recently signed up with Sopela. She had also finished seventh in the Spanish Cyclocross Championship and had been

Man caught

called up by the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC), to participate in the Cyclocross World Cup.

Dominguez, the 19year ­ old Spanish pro ­ cyclist killed in the hit ­ andrun incident, was attending Salamanca University where she was studying Labour Relations and Human Resource Management.

Religious coalition

Betty Henderson

RELIGIOUS leaders came together in Madrid at the Spanish Episcopal Conference to sign a new declaration on topics including euthanasia and abortion on Wednesday, February 15.

Leaders from the Catholic church, Russian Orthodox church, Reformed Episcopal church, Romanian Orthodox church, Orthodox Ecumenical church and the Spanish Islamic Commission signed the agreement on ‘the dignity of human life’ at the Spanish Episcopal Conference in Madrid.

The statement announced that the leaders are “increasingly concerned by how for decades Spanish law has, in some cases, left human life seriously unprotected,” in relation to laws on abortion and euthanasia. They say that,

“respect for the dignity of life” is a sign “of progress” in a society.

The religious leaders also expressed their concern at the Constitutional Court’s decision to reject an appeal from the conservative PP asking them to cut the deadline for permitting abortions.

Representatives of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain refused to join in signing the accord.

9.2% is the inflation rate across Europe.

SPAIN’S National Police have arrested a French fugitive wanted for the theft of 11 million Swiss francs, as reported on Thursday, February 16.

The French fugitive, who had a European Arrest Warrant issued by France for a robbery which dated back to August 2019 in Switzerland when two armoured vans were held up by 10 hooded and heavily armed individuals who made off with 11 million Swiss francs.

Subsequently, a police investigation into the crime was set up and in October 2020, officers managed to track one of the thieves to Spain.

The man had been living in a small isolated rural property on the outskirts of Girona’s Llers.

Inside the property, officers found a marihuana drying shed, as well as narcotic substances in different quantities with a total weight of approximately 7.83 kilograms.

They also found an illegal firearm, a magazine with 12 cartridges, €2,625 in cash, a French identity card and a French passport with a fake name.

Estela Dominguez.

Image Twitter tonimuntanerho2

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

Age in Spain. www.ageinspain.org

Email: info@ageinspain.org - Tel: +34 932 209 741

No further details

AN inquest into the death on January 30 of 24­year­old Leading Hand Benjamin Thomas opened on Friday February 9, although the Navy have yet to provide more details.

According to a national news outlet the Royal Navy stated “The thoughts and sympathies of the Royal Navy go out to the family and friends” adding that: “It would be inappropriate to comment and any further queries should be directed to the Coroner.”

Thomas died at HMS Raleigh shore base, Torpoint, which according to the Navy’s website is “The ‘front door’ for entry into the Royal Navy, where ratings from all branches receive their 10­week Initial Naval Training. “On a typical day there are around 2,200 people on site.”

The Royal Navy, who have recently been in the news after their aircraft carrier broke down for the second time, has also not revealed when further details regarding the sailor’s death at the Cornwall training base will be released.

No scripts for Dame Judi

SPEAKING on the Graham Norton Show, Dame Judi Dench said that she was no longer able to read scripts as her eye condition has worsened.

Appearing on the show, which was aired overnight on Friday, February 17, the James Bond star said: “It’s become impossible to read scripts.”

The 88­year­old continued saying that reading scripts in the past was very easy for her as she has a photographic memory, but she now had to make use of a machine to help her learn her lines.”

Dench was diagnosed with age­related macular degen­

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.

eration (AMD) in 2012, a condition that affects the central part of the retina. Although it doesn’t lead to blindness it takes away the central part of your vision according to

the NHS.

The exact cause is unknown but it has been linked to smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family

history of AMD.

Although Dame Judi Dench is no longer able to read scripts she said she has no plans to give up her career just yet.

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 organ, 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.

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

OTHERS THINK IT

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!

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.

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

COST-OF-LIVING crisis, fuel poverty, soaring inflation. Can things get any worse? Yes! Because step forward the sophisticated chatbot, ChatGPT, that can write essays, stories and even makes a pretty good stab at newspaper columns. But it’s not perfect, our jobs are safe for now.

But let’s get something clear straightaway. I write this column and all my psychological crime novels. Me! The one with my photo above. Not Metal Mickey Mouse. Just see him handle all the psychological curve balls and plot twists of crime writing!

Readers tell me I have a good sense of humour (I regularly get great comments about it to my website!). So I asked ChatGPT to write jokes, but not one was funny. They had the form, but not the content of a joke. It’s like any other technology: a tool with certain uses we humans can put it to, and many things it can’t do.

Nonetheless, it’s the chatbot that helped Jeremy Hunt write his speech on the economy and helps millions of others with homework, computer code, essays, poems and business presentations.

While it has been banned from universi­

I’M NO CHATBOT!

co­host a podcast. And has passed US medical licensing, MBA and Bar exams.

Indeed, a professor from the Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania put it to work on its MBA final exam. It did an ‘amazing job’ answering basic business questions on case studies but less so on basic maths and advanced analysis, according to the study’s author, Christian Terwiesch. Final grade? B or B minus.

It also makes for a passable lawyer, having earned a C+ from the University of Minnesota on its Bar exam, although that would have led to a real student being placed on academic probation. Like any good polymath, it also passed the US medical licensing exam.

a lot of inaccurate information, requiring several questions to arrive at some semblance of the truth.

Its source material is the internet ­ the place where you can find every loony idea, conspiracy theory, oversimplification, common misconception etc. Great, you’d think, on what Jeremy Clarkson would probably call a cellular level. On another level ­ the bit with the brain ­ you might wonder whether this wasn’t just smoke and mirrors.

ties and even a machine­learning conference, it has spawned versions that can give you bespoke recipes, build apps and even

Basically, ChatGPT is an AI programme called a large language model, trained on billions of words from the internet and then refined by humans. Its power comes from being able to write sentences because it can accurately predict the next word to write, like auto­complete but on a huge scale. Users can ask it questions in a prompt box and it returns the answer almost instantly.

However, ChatGPT can also deliver quite

Even if what it finds is right, there’ll be no originality, surely the most important output of ‘real’ intelligence. However, this first test does at least show it’s supremely suitable for the output of practically every politician out there.

So, couldn’t we use ChatGPT to replace our own useless politicians who make up policy on the hoof with no reference to reality or facts? It couldn’t do a worse job...

Nora Johnson’s 11 critically acclaimed psychological crime thrillers (www.norajohnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

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BILL ANDERSON A PUBLIC SERVANT

WHAT do you do when you have a flat tyre? Most people would organise to get it fixed, maybe even buy a new tyre. The alternative however, is to just keep pumping air into it whenever it gets a bit soft.

In Mijas, we have 14 kilometres of coastline, and whilst I know that there is also some rural tourism, the vast majority of people come here to enjoy the beaches, and spend a considerable amount of their holiday time there.

On Sunday February 19, Angel Nozal, former mayor of Mijas, and a number of his team took a stroll along the entire 14 Kms of the Mijas coastline to see what the state of play is with the beaches. We haven’t had the worst of winter storms this year, but I was disturbed to see just how much of the beach has been again washed out to sea.

So, what does Mijas do? Instead of fixing the puncture they just keep putting more air into it whenever it gets a bit soft. Every year thousands of tons of sand are brought to the Mijas beaches to replace what has been returned to the sea by mother nature. Sometimes they even have to do it twice as we often get

LIFE’S A BEACH!!

that we don’t get sand blasted on a windy day on the beach, and so I could go on.

Mijas would be a ghost town without it’s tourism and ‘Sun, Sea, and Sangria’ is more than just an alliteration, it is an expectation for the many holidaymakers.

So, why has Mijas spent millions promoting itself as a tourist destination and at the same time refused to address the perennial issue of the disappearing beaches whilst our municipal neighbours are shouting very loudly about it? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Mijas and Madrid wear the same political colours and Mijas won’t place demands on Madrid for fear of a negative response.

Now I know what you are going to say:

another storm after the Easter top up, and we want the beaches back for the summer.

Many of the coastal municipalities are trying to find a more satisfactory solution such as Benalmadena, Fuengirola, and Marbella, but Mijas just prefers to keep bringing treated river sand to the beaches a couple of times a year.

Staying at the top

SALLY UNDERWOOD

POLITICAL ANIMAL

IT’S often been said that political careers almost never end well. They do after all generally finish with someone losing an election (and that’s when they don’t end in a call girl scandal/expenses probe/ tabloid expose).

And the reason for that is perhaps one of the most human of all; hope. Which of us, after all, ever quits while we’re ahead?

But ­ like her or loathe her ­ that’s what Nicola Sturgeon appears to have done.

Yes, there are whispers that her abrupt resignation as Scotland’s first Minister had more to do with avoiding a campaign funds investigation than simply a change of career. But let’s assume ­ both for legal reasons as well as for the sake of not being cynical ­ that she genuinely walked away while broadly still at the top of her career.

Let’s also assume that the exact reasons she gave for resigning were sincere ­ that the ‘brutal’ (her words) world of politics

genuinely does take its toll.

Certainly New Zealand’s prime minister until just weeks ago, Jacinda Ardern, gave similar reasons.

If they are both telling the truth then, does this say more about the state of modern politics or about them as individuals?

If true, it does at least show an element of self­awareness that you would presumably like to see from anyone within sniffing distance of nuclear codes.

If their jobs really were so tough though, does this tell us what grit both had for sticking it out for so long, or that they ultimately weren’t the right people for the job?

The latter is a much easier issue to resolve; there are already plenty of people waiting in the wings to battle it out for Sturgeon’s role.

But if the issue is the political atmosphere itself then we have a much bigger problem.

After all, if the pressures of 24­hour rolling news cycles, constant public scrutiny and an increasingly volatile global backdrop mean we ultimately lose our best candidates, then who are we left with?

“You can’t fight nature.” That is very true, but we do all sorts of things to minimise the effects of nature on a daily basis. We cut the grass to stop the garden getting overgrown. Some people even go for artificial grass to maintain a nice look all year round. We carry umbrellas in the rain to that we don’t get soaked from the head down. We put wind breaks up so

Let me be clear, I don’t know what the solution is, but over the last seven years, the Mijas government has voted several times against having a study carried out by those who can give us the answers.

I’m not much of a beach person, but Mijas needs its beaches. Mijas needs the tourism associated with them, and the businesses need people to want to come here. When will it be time to buy a new tyre rather than just pumping the old one up?

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 security 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.

MIJAS BEACHES: Fourteen kilometres of coastline have been affected by the weather.

Lean Lenten days

LINDA HALL

SPAIN lustily embraces any excuse for a fiesta, including those not traditionally their own, like Halloween and the commercialised version of St Valentine’s Day.

Now the hearts and red roses have all been sold, and the next big date on the calendar is Easter, although the welcome for chocolate eggs is still on the lukewarm side.

The Spanish continue to prefer an Easter mona, a sort of round fruit loaf without the dried fruit, topped with an unshelled egg. Even so, an international vibe has crept in because the smaller ones omit the egg but come in all shapes including cute animals with sprinkles for children.

Lent comes first of course, preceded by a noisy and colourful Carnival instead of Shrove Tuesday pancakes although both are based on one final blowout and a good time before Ash Wednesday descends, heralding Lent.

In pious times this involved eating less meat and more fish, which inland meant salt cod and even in these im ­

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pious and well ­ communicated times it currently features in a display in my local Consum.

By the end of the 60s, Lent was less grim than those my husband remembered as a small child although his non ­ churchgoing family ignored doctrine anyway. They’d had enough of short commons immediately after the Civil War when fasting was not a devout choice but the outcome of fighting for the wrong side.

Showbusiness came to a halt in Holy Week but was compensated by God business and processions. Spanish television, nothing special at the time, was even worse during the days preceding Easter and the radio was dominated by sombre music.

Except once.

Between one dirge and another I was stunned and delighted to hear Dionne Warwick singing ‘Do You Know the Way to San Jose’.

I imagine whoever compiled the playlist saw San Jose and deemed it suitable listening for Holy Week. Or were they as numbed with worthy piety as I was and slipped it in deliberately?

In addition

CASSANDRA NASH

YOLANDA DIAZ is Spain’s Minister of Labour and Social Economy.

She is also its Number Two vice­president (there are currently four) and opinion polls consistently name her the country’s most respected minister. The last one placed her in front of Pedro Sanchez, who heads Spain’s government, with a 41.4 per cent approval rating compared with his 36.7 per cent.

Third in the popularity rankings on 32.6 per cent, came Iñigo Errejon who occupies no position at all apart from leading the Mas Pais party.

They are all left ­ wing but only Sanchez belongs to the long­established PSOE party. Diaz represents UnidasPodemos, a loveless marriage of convenience between Izquierda Unida, which incorporates what remains of the Spain’s Communist Party, and Podemos founded in 2014,.

The party emerged from the Indignados movement which occupied the Madrid’s Puerta de Sol in 2011 before the municipal elections in May, claim­

ing that the PSOE and Partido Popular no longer represented their interests. Meanwhile Errejon’s Mas Pais party is a breakaway from Podemos, of which he was a founder member.

Looked at dispassionately, Spain’s far ­ Left is a fragmented mess of old wounds and new ambitions.

With municipal and regional elections in May and a general election before the end of December, Diaz wants to unite all the parties that lie beyond the PSOE in a new alliance called Sumar.

The PSOE would probably like to see Diaz on its own list of candidates, which is unlikely if not impossible. Meanwhile the socialists suspect that if the far­Left parties decide to go it alone, they will not get enough votes between them to shore up the PSOE regionally in May or nationally in December.

The PSOE is consistently the mostvoted party although it cannot be denied that those votes have dwindled with each election under Pedro Sanchez. He needs Diaz to succeed in uniting Sumar, aware that if she does not, or cannot, he could be returning the keys to the Moncloa come January.

Get stinging

GWYNETH PALTROW’S

fame as an actress has since been eclipsed by the wacky wellness products touted by her Goop brand.

Known for promoting a goat ­ milk cleanse and vaginal steam, the 50year ­ old also recommends being stung by bees.

Paltrow believes that the bee stings, which have been described as an organic alternative to Botox, eradicate inflammation and scarring, leaving radiantly­transformed skin.

“I’ve been stung by bees,” she told an interviewer. “It’s a treatments that’s thousands of years old, called apitherapy.”

The actress and apitherapy’s other devotees maintain that the bee stings stimulate blood flow and collagen in the face, which smooths out wrinkles. All admit, however, that the process “is painful.”

Spring into action

Eat less, live longer

CUTTING calories helps to lose kilos but investigators found that it also halted ageing in those not overweight.

within the body to gauge the degree of ageing that was present in the final blood test.

SPRING: Season of allergies and colds.

Linda Hall

SPRING, almost here, is an in ­ between time with some sunny days and others when we freeze again.

As the weather changes, we require extra vitamins and minerals, so start with Omega 3 to promote brain and heart health, while protecting against chronic conditions.

Severe allergies require medical treatment, but people reacting to the burgeoning blossom and blooms can benefit from a zinc supplement to boost

the immune system.

Magnesium also makes a big difference to spring allergies, helping to relax airways and lungs while reducing congestion.

Spring, when we shed our winter woollies and spend more time out of doors, calls for multivitamins, with special emphasis on Vitamins B and C.

Finally, ever­important and immune­boosting Vitamin D compensates for reduced sunlight exposure on those chilly days when winter temporarily returns.

Researchers worked with 220 volunteers living in New Zealand aged between 26 and 45, one third of whom reduced their calories by 25 per cent for two years. The remaining two­thirds ate normally.

OWNING a domestic animal brings health benefits. Scientific studies have shown that interaction with a pet can have a powerful impact on mental, physical and social health. Pets are recognised as helping to buffer stress and address social isolation. Medical research also

Cutting calories by a third also cuts ageing.

Testing for higher blood pressure and cholesterol was matched with genetic activity

Get a pet

demonstrates that pet owners generally have lower blood pressure. Dog­owners in particular were more likely to achieve recommended levels of daily exercise and less likely to be obese.

Wet hair warning

ANYBODY who has ever been tempted to go to bed with wet hair should think twice. It will do more than leave you with damp pillows, a top haircare expert warned. Hair is at its most fragile when it is wet, she explained and the friction between wet hair and the pillow will cause serious breakage and frizz.

Investigators found that those on fewer calories appeared to age up to three percent more slowly.

“This study is very exciting,” said Dr Daniel Belsky, who led the study. “Slowing down biological aging means living longer and getting ill later.”

Stay seated

THERE are still February days when it is more inviting to remain indoors than venture outside. But that’s no reason not to enjoy simple chair exercises that will ensure muscles and bones remain strong, reduce pain resulting from arthritis and assist in controlling blood pressure.

Begin with ankle rolls, before continuing with seated marching accompanied by some vigorous arm­swinging. Finish by stretching the chest muscles five or six times.

Photo Pixabay Makamuki0

Photo credit: Pixabay/Jesshoots

Linda Hall

LEEDS UNIVERSITY investigators concluded that more protein, plus regular tea or coffee, could reduce hip fracture in women.

An extra 25 grammes of protein a day reduced the risk by 14 per cent, they found, but unexpectedly discovered that each additional cup of tea or coffee slashed it by a further 4 per cent.

“This is interesting, given that tea and coffee are the UK’s favourite drinks,” said Professor Janet Cade, who

RESEARCH that was carried out on behalf of Rescue Remedy has identified the most stressful time of the day for Britons.

Answers provided by 2,000 adults in the UK were averaged out, arriving at 7.23am as the most

stressful time of their day.

The same survey found that the top causes of stress included tiredness, mentioned by 46 per cent of participants, followed by an interrupted night’s sleep (36 per cent) and a busy day at work (33 per cent).

A BROKEN heart is usually understood as a figure of speech that describes the grief when a relationship ends.

That very misery can in fact trigger cardiac issues, according to the NHS, since “broken heart syndrome”known to the medical profession as takotsubo cardiomyopathy ­ occurs when the heart suddenly becomes

supervised the Leeds research.

“It might be promoting the amount of calcium present in our bones,” she suggested.

Not a solution

CALAMINE lotion, an old­fashioned but effective treatment for chicken pox in children, is hard to find at present.

The culprit is a TikTok influencer who recommended using it as a make­up base for skins prone to spottiness.

Have a cuppa Stressed out

Doctors warned that calamine lotion is a medicine, not a cosmetic. “Using it every day not only strips the skin of moisture, but thanks to its phenol content, it can worsen rosacea, eczema and spots,” health professionals said.

Heartbroken

weakened or “stunned.”

The symptoms imitate some of those of a heart attack, with sufferers experiencing sudden, intense chest pain, shortness of breath and abnormal heart rhythms.

TEA-DRINKING: Reduces hip fracture in women.

16% growth is what is estimated for the global cosmetics industry in 2023

What the universe has in store

HELLO my Angels, how we all feeling this week? The card I have pulled for this week is boundaries, so this is for anyone that is a yes person! You know who you are the people pleasers of the world! I know because I am one myself, I find it very difficult to say no to anyone and if I do say the word no, well I start to feel a little bit weird like I have done something wrong.

I start to sweat a little and overthink things like oh my goodness what have I done, this person really needed my help and I have said the word no. It just doesn’t sit right, however this is not okay within itself, because how can I give from an empty cup? This meaning there is a reason why I have said the word no to whatever it is I couldn’t give it, because who is there to support me when I have nothing left to give? Yes I have family and friends, but as I am the people pleaser I am often the giver not receiv­

er, so when I do need something from others I tended not to ask because again it makes me feel all of those things I felt before when I have said no to someone.

Now the universe is always preparing you for your future so it is time to make a change, get confutable being unconfutable, let’s start making some boundaries. You see when you have boundaries everyone will start to respect you and appreciate you in every way, if you keep doing things for people how are they going to learn their own lessons in life, if you are there to keep picking up the pieces every time they ask? And they are only asking you because you have set the boundary at a very low level because your own vibration is low. If you gave time to do everything that everybody asked you to do before giving some time to your elf, it’s because you still have the lid on and we need to take the lid off. You see the universe has a plan for you, each one of us has been born with a gift but to many people because they

refuse to sign the lease on their gift, you keep looking outside of your self, stop!! What is it you do at the absolute best with the lest amount of effort? This is your gift but if you keep looking outside and you don’t start from within you will never find your purpose and every one of us has this. So just start taking time for yourself even if it’s early in the morning start using the word no if it is putting you out and you have to rearrange your day to please other people, start pleasing yourself. I am not saying start to be unkind or saying no to everyone, just set some clear boundaries with the small things and watch your life become better so you can get to the goals you have set for yourself.

Right back to the card ‘Boundaries’. Every morning when you wake up you need to power up get your mind going in the right direction say to yourself, I am strong, I am confident, I am excited at the start of the day. Set your victory, remember every little win counts.

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.

My tarot card I have pulled of this week is ‘Boundaries’

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

PEOPLE rely on their garden tools to help them achieve the precise trim, proper watering or loosened soil they need. Once the temperatures start to drop, it is time to give the tools attention in the form of cleaning, maintenance and repairs where necessary.

Gardeners should set aside some time to give their pruners, shovels, rakes and other hand­held tools a proper once­over before they put them away for the winter.

The first step is to clean them up with warm water and a brush. Spades may still be covered in the soil left over from the summer, and there

Trusty tools

may still be sap to wipe from the pruners. Once they are clean and dry, it is time to get them ready for their wellearned rest. Metal parts

should be sprayed with a special spray to stop them from rusting and blades should be checked over to see if they need sharpening.

Guilty free flying

THE UK government and industry are investing £113 million in hydrogen and all­electric flight technologies to unlock guilt­free flight and support green jobs across the UK.

The investment includes a project by Bristolbased electric aircraft manufacturer Vertical Aerospace to develop high­end, lightweight batteries, as well as projects led by Rolls­Royce to develop the building blocks of a liquid hydrogen combusting jet engine.

From Belfast to Derby, these successful projects will help secure thousands of jobs across the supply chain and hundreds of millions in private investment across the UK, growing the country’s economy and putting us at the forefront of reducing global aviation emissions. The ATI Programme continues to deliver practical successes, the most recent being the maiden flight of ZeroAvia’s hydrogen fuel cell­powered 19­seater aircraft in January.

GARDEN TOOLS: Cleaning and maintenance is important.

MARBELLA MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING

THE Opus Opera Placebo at Fred Friedrich Museum was truly an all­round experience for the senses and a gathering of ‘who’s who’ in our community. This event has been and gone but you can still enjoy the interview with Nelly Friedrich in last week’s show as the passion behind it, from both Nelly and her husband, is as enjoyable as the end performance.

Still to come on March 4

What’s happening?

is the ZenSacional experience, composed by Hermane Rijks to summarise his life’s travels, in music. The show will start off with Hermane playing delicate ‘Zen’ harmonies on a grand piano, gaining momentum to crescendo into a sparkling ‘Zensational’ expression of saxophone, congas, drums, bass and a choir singing gospel, flamenco, Latin and passionate soul themes. The event is being held at the Theatre in Las

Lagunas, Mijas and I already have my ticket even though it means leaving Marbella.

Ana Francisca Garcia Trelles presents this year’s Foro ACCE ­ DESTINO (Destiny). On March 11 and 12, 2023 some of the most renowned Spanish eminences in their fields will discuss ‘The immediate future of humanity’. Once again, I’ll venture out, this time to Torremolinos. In fact, my intention is to stay overnight so as not to miss a moment of either day. If you speak any Spanish this event is a must.

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mise our business at this highly recommended ‘happening’ at the Andalucia Lab.

If you want to know more about what wealth management actually means, check out my interview with Kasie Della­Rumball; a Private Wealth Manager. I met Kasie at a Rotary Guadalmina event a few years ago and have since been able to appreciate her ‘down to earth and hands on’ approach and keen insight and concern also for the smaller businesses and entrepreneurs.

meet Concha Montes, prominent journalist and presenter on ‘Onda Cero Radio’, one of Spain’s highest ranked and established radio stations.

Also, not to be missed in tonight’s new Marbella Now (#MN386): ‘How to Make it Happen by being YOU’. This is the 10th year that Ali Meehan, President and Founder of Costa Women, has put together this formative event for us to opti­

Marbella guest of the week is a self­proclaimed ‘Digital Nomad’ José Luis Ortells who is the CEO of Linketer, a Digital Marketing company that offers experience, advice and know­how.

Other guests this week include one of Marbella’s most highly regarded real estate agents, Kathy Carrasco, primordially dedicated to rentals and sales in the iconic Skol Marbella and town centre. My CIT

‘You never know who you may be sitting next to in Marbella’ is so very true when it comes to our local Spanish celebrities.

Even if they’re in our midst we have no idea who they are, so this week

Loneliness is at the top of the list of causes of depression, so this is the chosen topic of discussion with psychologist Isabella Magdala for tonight’s programme, airing for the first time on RTV Marbella at 11pm. www.nicoleking.es

Helping you navigate the circle of strife

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

NEATER HEATER started life in the last cost of living crisis after the world’s economies were crashed by the banks in 2008. Primarily looking for ways to heat their kids’ bedrooms, Richard and Tony had both decided separately on electric heaters. However, when shopping around they had discovered that the ones on offer were either very expensive to buy, but not too expensive to run, or were very cheap to buy but cost a small fortune to run.

One thing they all had in common was that they were not very efficient. This story is told in detail on their website www.neatrheater.es but the gist is that through luck they discovered a Norwegian Convector heater that they could import at a reasonable cost and was cost effective to

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

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

heaters from the ferreteria near him, but he wasn’t happy with them. He thought they were defective as his electrics frequently tripped when he was using them. He then called NEATER HEATER and told them the size of the rooms he wanted heating. Both small bedrooms at 9sqm. He was provided with two 600Watt heaters. When fitting these heaters Tony and Richard looked at the small ferreteriabought heaters and saw that they were each 2,200 Watts. In total 4.4 kilowatts. Geoff said that they just about took the edge off the cold. (He also only had a 5kW allowance, so when he put the kettle on the electrics tripped). Anyway, his bedrooms are warmer now, his electrics no longer trip, and he is saving 3.2 kilowatts every hour! In fact, possibly more as NEATER HEATERS have thermostats to further reduce consumption.

NEATER HEATER ­ Letting your money go further.

Some of my Marbella Now guests.

Neater HeatersA solution borne of efficiency and

PETS

Age-related care

AGE can creep up slowly on our pets and every pet ages different, so changes can happen at anytime. What’s more, age­related changes can be easy to miss because they appear so gradually.

Being aware and proactive is the best thing pet owners can do to help their pets stay healthy as they age and it’s recommended that pets have a full ‘MOT’ at about age six or seven. This allows the vet to address any current concerns or potential health risks, including nutritional considerations.

When selecting your pet’s diet ensure food includes key nutrients important for older pets such as, high­quality protein, balanced levels of phosphorus and sodium, essential amino acids, Vitamins E and C, and L­carnitine.

In addition to making nutritional adjustments it is essential to provide regular exercise and interaction with family members which will help keep older pets in shape and their minds actively engaged.

Regular veterinary check­ups are so important for diagnosing and or monitoring any health issues your pet may have.

Image: Shutterstock.com/ fongbeerredhot

Need pet-sitters for your trip?

THROUGH HouseSitMatch

our house­sitting and pet­sitting network we help petowners meet great checked pet­sitters, and secure care for their pets, for free! If you are planning a trip later this year please register now to find pet ­ sitters in time. Even if it’s just a short trip, you’ll know that sometimes you just have to leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying in their own home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Let us help. Choose Housesitmatch. com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch. com

2. Choose a Premium ac­

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Picture purr-fect

Meet Bonita the corgi, she lives in Andalucia. Her owners use HouseSitMatch.

count (£89 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post a house­sit advert stating your plans for next year’s holiday Covid permitting How does it work?

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9

/ 5 Excellent “Housesit Match found us a perfect house­sitter…

HouseSitMatch found us a perfect house­sitter while we were away in Canada and we were delighted with the care and attention that HouseSit Match took in helping us find the right person.”

Ros Morris ­ Dog owner

How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesit match.com.

Do you need a house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 50% discount using coupon code 20EWN - an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.housesitmatch.com.

CAPTURING that magic moment of your family pet to share with your family and friends or post on social media can be a tricky task, not least because many of them refuse to sit still for any length of time. Here are a few tips on how to get that perfect picture.

Pets all have their own distinct personality, whether you own a sleepy house cat or a cocker spaniel that can’t stand still, try to photograph your pet in a situation that best sums up their personality, also try and set your focus point on the pet’s eyes or head, just as you would when photographing a person.

Sometimes putting a person in the shot can give scale and extra meaning to a photo. Zoom in tight, so that you fill most of the frame with them, otherwise they might get lost in the background.

HEALTH ISSUES: Just like us our pets have additional needs as they age.

Fur no more

Betty Henderson

FLUFFY and soft, your pet’s luscious coat is one of its best features! But that doesn’t mean you want pet fur all over yourself and your lovely furniture. Today we’re bringing you some top tips and tricks to help you in the battle to get pet fur out of your clothes.

• Solid strategy

Prepare your clothes for the washing machine by doing a quick onceover with a fabric brush or lint roller. Other tricks include rubbing clothes with latex gloves or even tape to pick up loose fur.

• Household hacks

Pet owners swear by

Feline facts

vinegar as a tool to get fur out of clothes. Vinegar can soften clothing fabric, making fur much easier to get out.

• Clean equipment

Don’t make your job harder than it needs to be, wipe down your washing machine and dryer often to stop fur residue getting stuck to your next load of washing.

• Specialist products

There are lots of products on the market designed specifically to remove pet fur from clothes, by catching it in the washing machine or pet­specific dryer sheets to loosen fur from clothes.

CATS are caring and funny creatures with quirky and mysterious personalities that become a part of our family and steal a place in our hearts. But, how much do you really know about your cat? We have put together some fun facts that you may not know!

In terms of development, the first year of a cat’s life is equal to the first 15 years of a human life! After its second year, a cat is 25 in human years. And after that, each year of a cat’s life is

equal to about seven human years.

Domestic cats spend around 70 per cent of the day sleeping and 15 per cent of the day grooming, leaving only 15 per cent for other activities.

The hearing of the average cat is at least five times more advanced than that of a human adult and cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees and can hear much higher pitches than we can, and their range goes even above that of dogs!

A cat cannot see direct ­

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

ly under its nose and most cats have no eyelashes. Meowing evolved in order for cats to communicate with humanscats don’t meow to each other, only to humans!

Because pets are generally much smaller than humans it’s a lot easier to play around with interesting angles rather than just shooting side­on or headon.

A prop can also change the mood of a photo, maybe a large pair of sunglasses or a hat, so long as it doesn’t cause your pet discomfort, anything goes.

The most important thing is to be patient, the best shots nearly always come to those that wait.

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

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

ACE OF SHADES – All colours available. Urbanisations catered for, electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design

T1(101730)

SUNSHINE AWNINGS/BLINDS

Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs. 25yrs on the coast. 680 323 969 / 952 199 640 (302506)

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

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

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (301311)

SOLAR BLINDS

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view.

SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@solarshadetinting. com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (292919)

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

www.handymanservices.es

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

GENERAL BUILDER, Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician, plumber, carpentry. Reasonable prices. 635 913 885 (References available) (302414)

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

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

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

METALWORK

NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Fencing, repairs & alterations. Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 19yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder. Call/WhatsApp 655 040 648 (302691)

WELL-established and thriving pet transport business for sale. For more info, please contact info@petchau ffeur.eu (302737)

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

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

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

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

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

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet, upholstery cleaning, 28 years’ experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable service 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 or email acservs@outlook.com (290739)

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

STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance. All types of cleaning. Any size of property. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. 682 636451 www.starlightspain.com (302059)

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

ATD DECOR. British Painter. 30 Years’ Experience. Punctual. Great Rates. Call for free quote. 603 132 783 Facebook: @ATDDecorMalaga (302412)

DOMESTIC Appliance repairswashing machines, fridges, cookers, ovens, water heaters, gas / electric, professionally repaired. Christian 608 337 497 (296265)

WASHING MACHINES, Ovens, Boilers etc. All work guaranteed by ex Zanussi technician. Reliable rapid service. Joe 609 345 096 (302458)

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

ALL ELECTRICAL work, rewiring, fault finding 30 years’ experience. Frank Tel. or Whatsapp 650 561 629 (302735)

MARBLE FLOOR (2.50€/m2) WHY PAY MORE. WE CLEAN, CRYSTALLISE, SEAL THEN POLISH YOUR MARBLE TO HIGH GLOSS, NON-SLIP. PROFESSIONAL GUARANTEED, FAST SERVICE. 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. ALSO REPAIRS DAMAGES TO MARBLE, CLEAN AND SEAL TERRACOTTA TERRACES, COVERS ALL COSTA DEL SOL. TEL: 671 244 683 (295522)

MARBLE FLOORS polished high shine non-slip. Fast Service Reliable, family-run business. TERRACOTTA CLEANED and sealed. No job too small. Cleansol 10am –10pm 7 days all areas. 952 930 861 / 607 610 578 Discount code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

MARBLE POLISHING, CRYSTALLISING, LASTING, HIGH SHINE. REGRINDING, RESTORATION OF SALTY, DEAD FLOORS. 27YRS EXPERIENCE. RELIABLE. REFS AVAILABLE. CYRIL. 645 840 199 (302550)

ANTHONY’S ANTIQUES JEWELLERS AND PAWNBROKERS IS NOW BUYING ALL TYPES OF WATCHES AND JEWELLERY IN ANY CONDITION, ALSO, SILVER, ANTIQUES AND THE UNUSUAL. WE BUY, WE PAY MORE, WE PAY CASH. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL ANTHONY ON +34 609 529 633 (296440)

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

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

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

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

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM Buyers & Sellers of quality furniture. Top prices paid. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (302415)

COLLECTIVE CALLING are urgently requesting donations of clothing, homeware & furniture, so if you are having a House Clearance, Please call us for FREE COLLECTION. We sell good quality items, which then supports low-income families and the homeless in the community. These items can be dropped directly to our charity shop Tienda Solidaria: Av. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 4, San Pedro de Alcantara, alternatively, call us to arrange collection on +34 711 006 961 (295137)

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

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

EWN 23 Feb - 1 Mar 2023 50 euroweeklynews.com CLASSIFIEDS

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

FILMS

in English

PLAZA MAYOR CINEMA

Malaga

ANT MAN AND WASP: QUANTUMANIA

MON, TUES, WEDS: 18:55

THURS: 19:55

FRI, SAT: 17:00, 18:55, 22:10

SUN: 12:30

THE TRIANGLE OF SADNESS

TUES: 21:45

THE FABEL MAN

TUES: 20:40

THE WHALE

TUES: 22:00

RED DOG CINEMA

Puerto Banus

ALL WEEKDAYS: 17:00, 19:20 AND 21:40

SAT AND SUN: 15:00, 17:20, 19:45, 22:10

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER 3D

MON,WED,THURS,FRI: 17:30

SAT, SUN, AND TUES: 15:00, 18:30

BABYLON

EVERY DAY: 19:20

PLANE

ALL WEEKDAYS: 19:40

SAT AND SUN: 15:00

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH

EVERY DAY: 17:15

SAT AND SUN: 12:00, 15:15

THE AMAZING MAURICE

EVERYDAY: 17:15

SAT AND SUN: 12:00, 15:00

THE FABELMAN

EVERYDAY: 17:00

WOMEN TALKING

MON,WED,THURS,FRI: 21:40

SAT, SUN AND TUES: 22:10

TERRIFIER 2

MON,WED,THURS,FRI: 21:00

SAT, SUN AND TUES: 19:40

TILL

MON,WED,THURS,FRI:17:00, 19:20

FURNITURE

FURNITURE wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (302415)

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

IRRIGATION

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

GATE

ELECTRIC GATE/GARAGE

DOOR automation repaired. Free, no obligation quotation. Call Colin - 636 394 641

ELECTRIC GATES/Garage Doors. Intercoms/access control systems and replacement remotes. New installs and repairs. For all your electric gate and garage door requirements call us on 605 356 469/952 786 178. The Garage Door Co & 2 Way Gates. tgdc@hotmail.co.uk www.2waygates.com (294592)

GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931

HANDYMAN: General Masonry work, painting, wall/roof waterproofing & other jobs. Call Michael 622 755 666 (302732)

CHIROPRACTOR

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

VINYL WRAP

VINYL SOLUTIONS WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RENOVATE? Modern adhesive vinyl coverings in hundreds of styles and designs can renovate a tired kitchen, bathroom, wall panels, bedroom wardrobes, fridge doors. Turn a tired looking wood designed kitchen into a modern solid colour or metallic look without painting or replacing. Work carried out on site with 10 year warranties Contact Ian 644 546 176 for design brochure and samples. (293467)

HOT TUBS AND SPAS

HOT TUBS new used, bought, sold, hired. Also move & repairs. Used good Hot Tubs for sale. 691 973 131 / +44 7836 379122 (302313)

HOUSE CLEARANCES

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM furniture wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (302415)

INSURANCE

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

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

LOCKSMITHS

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

ENGLISH LOCKSMITHS, SECURITY & SHADE EXPERTS. FREE HOME SECURITY SURVEY. 636 770 865 / 952 660 233 WWW.SECURITYOF SPAIN.COM CONTACT DAREN (302670)

MASSAGE

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

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

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

ENGLISH ELEGANT passionate lady in late 40s, gives a sensual massage in private apartment. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 680 177 569 (302492)

CASSIE. Mature English lady. Discreet and clean. 667 914 732 (FU 2884)

MASSAGE! Outcalls everywhere in Costa del Sol! Gentlemen, ladies, couples are welcome! 604 256 336 (FU 2875)

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

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

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

BUTTERFLY - Massage, is a space designed for people with high sensitivity, with a taste for body to body interaction, who enjoy the sensuality and magical trantric, to feel the warm hands of an attractive masseuse running through your body. Our masseuses have been chosen not only for their physical attractiveness, but also for their sensuality and massage skills. Only by appointment 951 274 723, 650 237 145 (302347)

INSURANCE

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

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

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

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

THE BEST RELAXING MASSAGE CLOSE TO ELVIRIA

Tantric massages. Come and enjoy today with us. Latin masseuses for men. Come and relax. Outcall, too 650 237 145 (302347)

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

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

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

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

WWW.RESERVAENTRADAS.COM/CINE/MALAGA/REDDOGCINEMAS/

HEATING

BE PROACTIVE: Electric/Gas fires, Wood Burning Stoves. Quality guaranteed. EnviroCare. All areas covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759. info@envirocarespain.com www.envirocarespain.com

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

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

LOS BOLICHES - Carolina Pretty Masseur, Relaxing Massage, Guaranteed relax - 634.703.111 (302421)

BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427 (303024)

FUENGIROLA. Japanese Shiatsu & Zen Ki relaxing and therapeutic massage. Excellent service guaranteed. Home Visits. WhatsApp for appointment

693 988 340 (302511)

WWW.LAILALYNCH1.COM

Heated pool, Jacuzzi and private bar. Inland private retreat with a full massage service. 662 913 428 (FU 2901)

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

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

BENALMADENA Costa by the windmill roundabout, complete body massage done Sabrina in a heated room. 50% off seniors, pensioners, retired. Your satisfaction is my guarantee. 658 336 295. (FU 2914)

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

ESTEPONA area. Kannika sweet Asian masseuse. Various massage. For more service details WhatsApp me 602 427 095 (FU 2891)

FILIPINO MASSAGE CENTRE MARBELLA, where hearts of professional massage, open daily. 660 578 171 (MI 558)

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

TWO filipina, simpathic excellent unique relaxing massage authentic oriental massage, exclusive. Elviria. 679 126 231 (MI 558)

FUENGIROLA. Russian blonde lady, professional Tantric massage. Whatsapp and Viber 613 818 042 (2869)

UKRAINIAN slim, friendly, beautiful hands european massage. Marbella. 604 428 812 (MI 558)

BOLICHES CELINA independent loving lady, kind, beautiful affectionate only for educated discreet respectable gentleman! Enjoy deep sensitive exciting relaxing massages in private discreet

apartment, quite cosy atmosphere high satisfaction! Excellent calm treatments! Demanding excellent hygiene! Appointments 11am/6pm 622 210 797 (FU 2887)

BEAUTIFUL Asian lady offer exclusive, sensitive, prostatic, deep, soft massage pleasure to body and mind pleasure, good clean atmosphere, Marbella. Elviria. 603 257 690 (MI 558)

ASIAN touch www.asianmassage marbella.com combination oriental/ european massage. Elviria. 633 705 558 (MI 558)

BENALMADENA . Villa with 7 masseurs, jacuzi, room rentals, massage from 50€. Street Imperio Argentina Nº1 in Benalmadena - Tel 666 29 43 26 (301025)

CANDI Spanish Student Masseur 20yrs, Ask for pictures. At Massaur center or I can come to visit. Tel 662 527 815 (301025)

ORIENTAL lady, tantric sensory generate body to body, technique, deep, soft massage. Marbella 603 208 080 (MI 558)

BENALMADENA . 2 young masseurs 19 & 22 for individual massage or couples. Hotel or home service. Tel 679 267 197(301025)

MARBELLA . Karina ts, 29, Brazilian masseuse feminine blonde. Whatsapp 667 846 464 (FU 2910)

MARBELLA Experienced mobile Masseuse. Therapeutic, & Relaxing massage for your body and mind. Call Monik 686 740 661 (302625)

SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARACamilla Masseur 33 - private apartment - 603 804 443 (303040)

FUENGIROLA. Thai body massage. Hawaiian, Balinese, Sonia 40, independent 657 697 397 (fu 2878)

THAI Benalmádena Costa. Bodybody full massages. Visits. Whatsapp 689 387 448, 632 092 619 (MI 557)

VANESSA Benalmadena excellent massage services. Relaxing & therapeutic. Home premises. Call me 624 811 098 (302736)

NEW Salome 19 years old beautiful Arab masseuse, massage and relaxation 631 862 272. (FU 2912)

JAPANESE massage. Marbella. Relaxing, less stress. 664 177 216 (MI 559)

NEW Jazmin 19 years old Dominican mulatto, beautiful masseuse, massage and relaxation 631 862 272 (FU 2912)

BENALMADENA. FRIENDLY attractive masseuse, relieve muscle tension. From 50€. 613 106 153 (FU 2906)

FUENGIROLA Centre. We are 5 beautiful friends, masseuses, discreet. Treat yourself. 631 862 272 (FU 2912)

JESSICA 28, Estepona. Full tantric massage. High class service. Private apartment. 711 030 670 (302663)

DEEP relaxing Tantra Yoni/ lingam massage sessions warm eastern oils. Genuine trained Masseur. Marbella. 602 098 606 (FU 2909)

MARBELLA Tantric ritual massage with aromatherapy to leave completely renewed. 642 751 070 (2907)

SARA Venezuelan, professional relaxing therapeutic & sensitive massage. I can visit you. For more information contact me 632 770 051 (303021)

SAN PEDRO BEACH. RELAXING AND SENSITIVE MASSEUSES WELCOME YOU IN A PRIVATE AND DISCREET PLACE. YOUNG AND PLEASANT. WITH APPOINTMENT. EASY, PRIVATE PARKING. TEl.. 666 194 079 - 674 679 757. (302298)

NEW Fuengirola Emily 19 years old massage and relaxation 603 366 841 (FU 2915)

ESTEPONA Exotic masseuse, pleasing personality, variety of massages, complete relaxation, more service details WhatsApp Me 678 315 756. (FU 2913)

FUENGIROLA. Marisa, 38 years old, mature, all kinds of massages. Only WhatsApp. 631 659 408 (FU 2911)

ASIAN MASSUER offers relaxing full body massage. Home Visits. WhatsApp 711 027 300 for details (302299)

OLGA Mature Masseure relaxing & sensitive. Outcalls & Incalls. 24 hrs. Marbella – Tel: 632 467 580 (303043)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOSQUITO SCREENS

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

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

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

MOTORING

www.robertsoncars-spain,com or text me whatsapp 608 658 785 Email: therobertsonclan@gmail. com

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

CAR SERVICES

MOBILE MECHANIC will come to your home or work. Servicing, repairs, ITVs & diagnostics. Call Mick on 617 553 072 (301482)

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

WANTED

FOR SALE

ROBERTSON CARS...would like to thank all of my past, present & future clients for their continued support over the last 35 years here in Spain. Stay safe and outdrive everyone. If contacting Samantha in the afternoons, please only Whatsapp on 608 658 785 or Email therobertsonclan@gmail. com as I am driving mostly & unable to take your calls.

ROBERTSON CARS SALE SALE

SALE: RANGE ROVER SPORT 4X4 DIESEL /AUTOMATIC WAS €18,995 NOW €17,995 2011.Looks right in White, only 130,000 kms (approx 80,000miles)

Private Lady Owner, parking sensors, reverse camera, sat nav, ITV till June 2023. turns heads good looks and quality. Samantha. See photos on my web page – robertsoncars-spain.com text or whats app. 608 658 785. email therobertsonclan@gmail.com

ROBERTSON CARS SALE SALE

SALE: AUTOMATIC / CABRIO MERCEDES SLK WAS €11,500 NOW €10,995 2006 Stunning Silver only used as holiday car with 55,000KMS (Approx 35,000miles)

2 Seater Convertible have fun in the sun. New ITV. Just Passed July till 2023 ,Electric Roof folds into boot. Selling Under Book Price. Classy Great Shape Mercedes Cracker of a Cabrio. See photos on my web page – www.robertson cars-spain,com or text me whatsapp 608 658 785 Email: therobertsonclan@gmail.com

ROBERTSON CARS SALE SALE

SALE: CABRIO FORD FOCUS WAS €7,995 NOW €6,995 2007 ONLY 33,000kms approx 20,000miles. Manual, great 4 Seater convertible, striking sea blue, air-condition, cd player, electric hood folds into the boot. Private gentleman owner returning to UK. Excellent condition. See photos on my web page –www.robertsoncars-spain,com or text me whatsapp 608 658 785 Email: therobertsonclan@gmail. com

ROBERTSON CARS JUST ARRIVED.. LIKE A NEW GOLF?AUTOMATIC VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TSI EVO ADVANCE 2019 only 30,000kms, sliver, 5 door hatchback. Condition like New, super to drive, it’s VW Golf enough said! ONLY €22,500 See photos on my web page –

SOLUCIONES RAPIDAS - We will Paint your apartment in maximum 2 days. 640 350 479 (301298)

UK & IRISH Passport renewals including photos. Complete Service. Cath’s Cards. 952 885 759. www.cathscards.es (295683)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IMPORT/TRANSFERS

CARS transferred, history checks, Imports and Embargo problems. Change of use and lost papers. Change your car to Spanish plates, simple efficient service. Cars bought and sold. Please call 678 808 837 Or email carsinspain@ live.co.uk (290739)

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

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

COCKROACHES, ANTS, insects, fleas, mice, rats, wasps, termite specialists. Fumigations, bars, restaurants, houses, etc. Sanitary department officially registered certificates. Serving the coast since 1985. Only legal English owned pest control company on the coast. If you want the best then phone N.P.S. Paul 676 700 370 (1296213)

WELL-established and thriving pet transport business for sale. For more info, please contact info@petchau ffeur.eu (302737)

KENNELS

CAT & DOG World Kennels and Cattery. 952 112 978 / 630 197 435. www.catanddogworld.com (302750)

ACE CHARITY ‘El Refugio’ in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average 275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the town hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any help offered, including donations of food and blankets. Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736. Our website is www.ace -charity.org where you can view all the dogs in our care. (93320)

ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see on www.adana.es. Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, available from 10.00am until 2.00pm. (93319)

ANIMEX Foundation offers free will upgrading when leaving something for abandoned animals. Contact animexfounda tion@gmail.com or call 692 166 434 now for this absolutely free service (288287)

ARCH - The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses, registered charity 8448, the Centre is open to visitors every Sunday from 9am until 2pm. Working closely with the Spanish authorities, we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and abandoned horses and donkeys. Come and meet our current rescues, learn about our work and how you may be able to help. Run solely by a small team of dedicated volunteers, the Centre is located between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin in Comm. de Viña Borrego behind Venta Miralmonte. For more information and directions see our website www.horserescue spain.org, our Facebook page Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos or tel. 610 845 491 or 656 935 613 (93322)

SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public at weekends from 10.00 to 5.00. Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at any time. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel. 608 258 950 info@sepeonline.net www.sepe online.net (93321)

SITUATIONS VACANT

SOS ANIMAL REFUGE we have dogs, young and old looking for homes. Some of our dogs have been with us for some time and would love to find a cosy spot to curl up in and a knee on which to rest their heads. If you have room in your heart and home we would love to hear from you. We do not put our dogs to sleep - no matter how old, they are safe with us. For day to day needs and to pay for veterinary care, we much appreciate the support we receive. We desperately need items to sell on our market stall to help raise funds and are happy to come and collect. So, if you are having a clear-out, please contact us on 605 227 155. If you would like to know more about rehoming, please call 653 257 875. Visit our website www.sos-animals.org or please phone Sandy on 952 385 923 or 666 814 056 if you would like to make a donation or help in any way. (93317)

PROPERTY

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.COM

Costa del Sol Property Sales & Long term rentals wanted. All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@intermarbe lla.com (295509)

PRIOPERTY FOR SALE

WWW.INMOANDALUZ.COM. Bargain inland properties for all budgets, fincas, village homes, apartments and villas. Legal building plots. 952 491 609 / 685 514 835 (295954)

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.COM

Costa del Sol Property for sale. All areas / all budgets / all types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008 Email info@inter marbella.com (295509)

PROP MAINTENANCE

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (293486)

STORAGE

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (293486)

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual, various colours available including wood effect, we also offer a repair service. Make your home more secure!

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

ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (294242)

PROPERTY WANTED

PLUMBING . Leak detection & blocked drains. Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com (292976)

PLUMBING POOLS

SELLING UP?? Why not give us a call and let us give you an honest and realistic valuation of your property. List with us and let us take the stress out of selling your home. No sale no fee!! English agent on the ball with clients waiting. Please call 685 524 921. (290739)

THINKING of selling your property or interested in a current valuation? We have clients actively looking for properties from Torremolinos to Calahonda. List with us and let us sell your property. Call Joe 626 864 683 (302705)

STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. Persiana repairs, Decorating, Electrial & Plumbing repairs. 682 636451 www.starlight-spain.com (302059)

PROPERTY TO LET

LONG TERM RENTALS AVAILABLE and also wanted. Super prices. Apartments, townhouses, villas, fincas, shops, offices, bars, restaurants. Coast & inland. Tlf 679 111 522 (303025)

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.COM

Costa del Sol Property Long Term Rentals All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422 UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@ intermarbella.com (295509)

REMOVALS & STORAGE

15 CUBIC metre van returning to the UK 10th March 2023. Space available each way. Tel. 639 928 090 (295249)

MAN AND VAN

MAN & VAN, 20€ ph. Removals, Rubbish & House Clearances. Paul 634 112 677 (291430)

2 MEN, Van €30 p hour. House Clearances & Storage. 651 081 610 (302401)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (293486)

STORAGE, Storage, Storage. Man & Van Services. Call/Whatsapp 690 155 340 (302418)

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL REMOVALS AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 1/2 DAY FROM €90. FULL DAY FROM €175. WE ALSO PROVIDE A FORTNIGHTLY DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE TO UK AND EUROPE (INCL SCOTLAND). WORLDWIDE SHIPPING TO USA, AUSTRALIA, ETC AND FULL STORAGE FACILITIES. TEL (0034) 952 578 507 OR (0034) 637 892 278 / EMAIL garymoveit@yahoo. co.uk (301295)

JDS EURO TRANSPORT & REMOVALS - Regular trips throughout Europe. Call or WhatsApp Julian 0044 7884 908 929. See Facebook Page for recommendations (301271)

SITUATIONS VACANT

WE ARE a Marketing Company looking for fluent English speakers for Tele-marketing. Great opportunity to grow within the company. Basic Salary + commission.Please send your CV to vic.oreilly@aol.com or through Whatsapp on +34603 285 963 (302669)

SOLAR

SOLAR Hot Water heating: FREE HOT WATER. 26 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality guaranteed. 952 663 141/ 670 409 759 info@envirocarespain. com www.envirocarespain. com (301178)

SOLAR ENERGY

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@solarshadet inting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (292919)

SOFT FURNISHINGS

CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosannacarmella8@gmail.com (301301)

SWIMMING POOLS

POOL MAINTENANCE , & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona & inland areas. 678 791 495 / 951 536 389 www.sparklenripple.net (303027)

SWIMMING Pool Heating Pumps, Pool Covers, Rollers, Filtration Systems. 26 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality Guaranteed. 952 663 141/ 670 409 759 info@envi rocarespain.com www.enviro carespain.com (301178)

WESTARPOOLS. Pool construction, renovation, repairs and heating. 619 246 372 / www.westar pools.com (301120)

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS All Languages. 952 789 204 Mobile 654 613 094 sanpedrotransla tions@gmail.com (301426)

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, 28 years’ experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable. 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 acservs@outlook.com (290739)

CARPETS AND SOFAS cleaned. Reliable, fast service. Family run. Cleansol 952 930 861 / 607 610 578. 10am - 10pm 7 days, all areas Discount Code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290739)

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

TRANSLATORS UPHOLSTERY WANTED WATER HEATERS

Electric & Gas Water Heaters. Quality Installations. 26 years installation history in Spain. EnviroCare. All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759 info@envirocarespain.com www.envirocarespain.com (301178)

WINDOWS

DREAM Windows & Building Services UPVC windows & doors. High quality at great prices 15yrs on the coast. All work guaranteed. Also offer Aluminium windows, Mosquito screens, Persianas, Glass replacements, shower screens & much more. Call us on 619 604 562 dreamwindow1@outlook.com (301460)

WINDOW TINTING

MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal. Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts. Stop fading, heat & glare. 958 496 571644 546 176 ian@solarshadetint ing.com (292919)

WINDOW CLEANING

TRADITIONAL WINDOW CLEANER Give your windows and doors that professional finish at affordable prices. Call Chris 604 871 121/ 952 561 607 (302562)

Are coachbuilt cars making a return?

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

FROM the earliest days of motoring, cars were built on a rolling chassis to which a body could be added by a coachbuilder. Some of the best known proponents of this art were, and are starting to be again, Rolls­Royce.

Names such as Mulliners, Hooper, Park Ward and Thrupp and Maberly produced bodies that adorned the likes of Rolls ­ Royce, Bentley, Alvis and Daim ler. In the 1960s

Vanden

Plas featured on models such as the Vanden Plas Princess R pow ered by a Rolls gine. More ignominiously

it also appeared on much later BL models such as the Allegro! Another coachbuilder was Swallow, based in Blackpool, which started life as Swallow Sidecars and ultimately became Jaguar.

Coachbuilt cars were still not uncommon in the early 1960s, but as monocoque construction took hold it reduced production

sounded the death knell for the coachbuilding industry and if names survived they were reduced to little more than a badge on a posh version of a mass produced model.

A couple of years ago Rolls ­ Royce produced three coachbuilt Boat Tail models that at the time were rumoured to be the most expensive cars in

each. Many luxury car makers use a spaceframe sub ­ structure which allows for more design and manufacturing freedom. However the costs of such cars will always be beyond normal motoring folk.

Inadvertently though we may have already witnessed the birth of a new generation of effectively coachbuilt

Many car makers have amalgamated, for example Stellantis owns Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep, Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel, Vauxhall plus a slew of other brands.

Volkswagen Audi Group is another example with the Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda brands amongst their particular garage.

mation, automotive coalescences have taken place. The reportedly less than harmonious RenaultNissan alliance has survived for over two decades, and Toyota has a small interest in Suzuki.

All these couplings allow manufacturers to share underpinnings of body and mechanical components. Toyota’s Supra and BMW’s Z4 share the same underpinnings despite one being a roadster and the other a coupe.

Skoda’s Octavia, SEAT’s Leon and Audi’s A3 all share the same platform under their bodies. So even those of us that drive more humble vehicles may have inadvertently become the owners of a new generation of coachbuilt cars.

ROLLS ROYCE: One of the most expensive in the world.

Motoring misery

Speedy Gonzalez

ARE you a bit of a speedy driver when you get behind the wheel? Apparently, there has been a significant rise in the proportion of drivers who admit to speeding on 60mph rural roads in the UK.

est figure ever seen by the RAC in 2016.

In 2021, 514 people were killed in a total of 11,827 collisions on 60mph non­builtup roads, a fatality rate of 4 per cent, which is higher

than on motorways.

On motorways and highspeed dual carriageways, the UK’s fastest roads, as many as 60 per cent of drivers say they have broken the 70mph limit, either on most journeys (16

per cent) or on up to half of their trips (43 per cent) in the last 12 months. This is up by five percentage points compared to 2021 when 55 per cent admitted to having exceeded the limit.

LONDON motorists are set to suffer as households face a shortage of cheap car options to avoid ULEZ bills. There are only 5,150 affordable ULEZcompliant cars below £5,000 on sale in London despite 200,000 impacted vehicles.

Lower­income households looking to beat the August extension of London’s ultra­low emissions zone (ULEZ) face a dearth of cheaper options to stay on the road despite the launch of mayor Sadiq Khan’s £110m scrappage scheme, Auto Trader research shows. Transport for London estimates more than 200,000 drivers of non­compliant vehi­

cles will be impacted by the extension of the ULEZ to London’s outer boroughs on August 29, forcing them to buy a car or van which follows the rules or pay £12.50 to drive in the zone.

But according to data from online marketplace Auto Trader which includes 900,000 daily prices from across the whole retail market ­ the average cost of a used diesel car complying with ULEZ regulations is now £19,991 – with the equivalent petrol engine costing £15,000.

The average cost of a used electric vehicle is even higher at £36,102.

These are roads where more deaths occur than on any other road type, new RAC data has found.

Nearly half (48 per cent) of the 3,102 drivers questioned for the RAC Report say they have driven faster than the limit in the past year on these roads, up from 44 per cent in 2021 and matching the high­

Used car market

Vibrant Volvo sales

VOLVO bring good news to the motoring industry as it has reported that with sales of 48,520 in January, it means figures are up 2 per cent compared with the same month last year.

Sales of Volvo Cars’ Recharge models of fully electric and plug ­ in hybrid cars increased by 31 per cent in January yearon ­ year, accounting for

LATEST FIGURES: UK used car transactions for the fourth quarter of 2022.

IT’S good news for the UK motoring industry as the results for UK used car transactions for the fourth quarter of 2022 have now been released.

“Against an uncertain economic and political backdrop, the used car market remains in good health,” confirmed Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader.

“The ongoing dearth in

supply caused a softening on 2021’s exceptional performance, but the market closed 2022 in a strong position, and critically, carried some great momentum with it into the new year.”

Ian added: “January 2023 saw a record 80 million visits to our marketplace ­ nearly 10 million more than a year ago ­ and according to our data, a

circa 8 per cent year ­ onyear increase in used car sales across the market.

“2022’s EV boom is however at risk as our data shows demand for used electric vehicles has been dampened by high energy prices in the last few months. A surge in supply over the last year has resulted in five consecutive months of decline in used EV values.”

40.7 per cent of all Volvo cars sold globally during the month. The share of fully electric cars stood at 16.2 per cent.

European sales for January reached 21,436 cars, up 14.7 per cent compared with the same period last year.

The increase was led by markets such as the UK, Italy and Belgium. Recharge sales, which in

addition to fully electric cars also includes plug ­ in hybrids, accounted for 59.8 per cent of the total sales in the region during the month.

US sales reached 7,693 cars, up 8.2 per cent compared with January last year. The share of Recharge models accounted for 30.8 per cent of the total sales for the month.

Image: RAC

RURAL ROADS: Many drivers admit to breaking the speed limit.

Low emissions.

Image: Claudio Divizia / Shutterstock

Image: Volvo

€944 is the average yearly cost for a car in Spain.

Indian Premier Cricket League

SAUDI TOURISM AUTHORITY (STA) has commenced an official partnership with the world’s pre ­ eminent T20 cricket league, the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL). An event to inaugurate the partnership was held in Mumbai on Tuesday, February 14.

Cricket is one of the most popular sports around the world. Through this partnership, STA aims to tap into a strong fanbase between the two countries, encourage affinity and increase awareness of Saudi as a leading destination for Indian travellers, especially among young people.

With more than half of its population below the age of 30, India shares a similar demographic profile with Saudi Arabia, where 58 per cent of the local population is in the same age group.

As part of Saudi’s tourism strategy, India represents immense potential as it is expected to be Saudi’s

largest tourism source market by 2030.

The partnership is a strong example of Saudi supporting the country’s sports sector.

Saudi continues to strengthen its competitive advantage in the market, and it will look to welcome more than two million visitors from India this year.

Rafal Nadal injured

THE injuries that have plagued Rafa Nadal mean he will now miss the MGM Grand Exhibition due to take place in Las Vegas on March 5.

As reported on Saturday, February 18 the injury sustained by the player during the Australian Open has not healed.

Nadal injured his iliopsoas muscle, which is the major flexor of the hip joint. According to Very Well Health, “it is made up of three muscles: the iliacus, the psoas major, and the psoas minor.

“These muscles work together to flex your hip, as well as stabilise your hip and lower back during activities like walking, running, and rising from a chair.”

That means Nadal will not be able to face Carlos Alcaraz, but it also could mean a longer layoff for the Grand Slam champion than originally thought.

PFC Malaga 6-0 CD Alhaurin: Winning streak continues

THE home side put up a strong fight, but the Malaguenas always looked like winning this and have now strung together 10 victories in a row.

Alhaurin never stopped battling, and there was some great play from both teams in the end game, but PFC Malaga had built up a wide enough cushion never to have to worry too much about this one slipping away. And it didn’t.

Pedro Martín’s side were far superior to their opponents, and, thanks to Idaria Bautista (min 10) Rachel Diaz (min 17) Maria Vertel (min 35) Natalie Liñayo (min 35) and a double from Maria Ralston (min 40 and 62), PFC Malaga deservedly took the points.

The club’s second Senior Women’s Andaluza Malaga Group 1 (Fifth Division) dominance stretches back

to November 2022 when it lost 4­ 1 away to UD Antequera.

The team has scored 125 goals ­ They have an average of just under seven per game ­ and have conceded only six goals

this season.

The new rivals are set to meet again at Guadalmar Football Field on Sunday February 26 when UD Antequera #3 travel down the road for the rematch with #2 PFC Malaga.

INJURED: The hard-working Spanish has vowed to be back.

Bad news for Rafa Nadal.

The Spaniard, still struggling with the injury, will not participate in the exhibition at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas that would have seen him face

Carlos Alcaraz on March 5.

Rafa Nadal has suffered injury after injury resulting in limited success recently, but the hard ­ working Spaniard has vowed to be back.

WELL DONE: Another win for PFC Malaga.

£4M

of funding will be put forward for Olympic and Paralympic sports

IN PARTNERSHIP: Indian Premier Cricket League.

Image: Saudi Tourism Authority

Image Leonard Sukhovsky / Shutterstock.com

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 one­sided 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 consecu­

tive win in this pulsating, end­to­end 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

2­0 lead but Walking Dead fought back to level the scores. The Benahavis attack pressed and were rewarded with two more goals before the visitors responded to make it 4­3 and set up what looked to be a tense finish. However, Benahavis stood 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

Additional funding

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 infringement helped the visitors to a 0 ­ 3 half time lead. A hugely improved team showing in the second 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 continuing throughout the afternoon! Refreshments are available

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 invest­

Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

ment 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. 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.

Image: UK Sport