Mallorca 23 Feb – 1 March 2023 Issue 1964

THE NUMBER 1 CHOICE

GERMAN carmaker giant Mercedes ­ Benz invited thousands of employees to Mallorca on Saturday, February 11 for a company ­ wide trip and exhibition of its latest innovation.

The Palacio de Congresos building in Palma displayed a sign which read ‘Viva Mercedes’ as around 25,000 workers from the company arrived on the island last weekend.

The workers were invited from Mercedes operations centres all over the world including Latin America, the Middle East, South East Asia and Europe.

The latest MercedesBenz vehicles were parked outside the convention centre, giving employees a peek into the

future of the company. Employees received a presentation on the company’s green future as it rolls out increasing numbers of electric vehicles.

Organisers are said to have selected the island

for the exhibition thanks to its idyllic scenery and backdrops for filming content.

The company’s presence on the island is expected to remain significant until April as the

Flight figures take off

AIRLINES are predicting a surge in flights to Mallorca this summer.

Air traffic association

exhibition continues. The exhibition is expected to be lucrative for the island and could bring in up to €20 million with an estimated 35,000 hotel stays being credited to the exhibition.

Game, set and match

PLANS are underway to build a statue to tennis legend Rafael Nadal in his home town of Manacor.

The idea was agreed at a council meeting in June last year, when Nadal had just made history by winning his 14th French Open, and the town hall has now drawn up a sketch of what the monument would look like.

It is said to show Nadal sitting down as if resting between sets, with a racket and several water bottles at his feet.

Next to him would be a small boy, representing the star as he was when he discovered his passion for tennis while growing up in the town.

Manacor mayor Miquel Oliver has reportedly requested a meeting with

AECFA, which includes the Spanish airport authorities and 14 European airlines, believes Son Sant Joan will register a 9.7 per cent increase in activity compared to 2019, with more than 30.7 million aeroplane seats available for travellers to the island from March to October.

According to AECFA, this will make 2023 the busiest ever year for the airport, as 2019 holds the current record with 29.6 million seats on planes destined for Mallorca.

The increased number

Nadal to discuss the design of the bronze statue, which will only go ahead with his approval.

Current plans are for the monument to be erected in Plaza Palau, on the low wall surrounding the olive tree, opposite the family home.

This would be the second statue in his honour, following a three metrehigh emblem at the main entrance to Roland Garros inaugurated in May 2021.

of seats is due to the airlines operating in Mallorca using larger planes in order to optimise fuel consumption and costs.

Foreign tour operators have confirmed the optimistic predictions for this summer, suggesting that travel demands are very high throughout Europe and that this will lead to tourist activity levels “way above the average” for the second year running.

Germany is predicted to account for the largest fraction of aeroplane seats ­ more than 10 million, followed by the UK, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Scandinavia and Denmark.

Photo credit: vivooo / shutterstock.com

IDYLLIC SCENERY: German carmaker Mercedes-Benz selected Mallorca to host its latest congress, not least thanks to its stunning backdrops for filming promotional content.

GETTING BUSIER: A surge in flights is predicted.

Photo credit: Image by JJFarq

Image by Rafael Martín-Gaitero/Shutterstock

EXPANSION: The move will restore the park’s dignity.

Largest nature park

LLEVANT is set to become the largest nature park in Mallorca following a new expansion project approved this week.

The current protected area will be multiplied by 10, thus also making it the largest protected surface in the Balearic Islands.

Regional Environment councillor Miquel Mir announced on Monday February 20 that LLevant nature park will grow from its current 1,658 hectares of land to more than 10,900, plus another 6,190 hectares of protected sea surface.

The move will “restore the park’s dignity” after the former regional government reduced the protected area by 94 per cent in 2002, said Sr Mir.

In addition to the expansion, on Monday the Govern also approved the official regulation document outlining the activities that can and cannot be performed inside the nature park boundaries to “guarantee a balance” between public use and environmental conservation.

Llevant nature park is said to be the only area on the island that is home to the miloca, an endangered bird exclusive to Menorca, along with another 60 species.

The expansion will take in 11 new ecologically valuable areas such as the beaches of Cala Agulla, Cala Torta and Cala Mesquida, plus 116 hectares of sand dunes that play a vital role in protecting the coastline against erosion.

Conservation success Fog causes flights to cancel

CONSERVATIONISTS in Mallorca are celebrating a new feat ­ the recovery of the black vulture.

Also known as Aegypius monachus, the black vulture is a large bird of prey that is found primarily in Europe and Asia. In recent years, the population of black vultures in Mallorca has seen a remarkable increase, thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists and recovery measures.

Four decades ago, the black vulture population in Mallorca consisted of just 19 individuals and a single breeding pair. Today, the population has grown to

more than 300 birds, with 45 breeding pairs on the island.

This significant increase in population is largely thanks to the efforts of the Fundació Voltor, also known as the Black Vulture Conservation Foundation (BVCF).

The foundation’s work in­

cludes protecting the vultures from harm, fighting against the use of poison in the natural environment, conserving the Serra de Tramuntana natural park, introducing land stewardship as a management tool, and promoting environmental education and citizen participation through volunteering.

“The future looks bright for the black vulture and with continued conservation efforts, we can ensure that this bird of prey remains a part of our natural heritage,” according to the Mallorca Preservation Foundation.

Manta ray study launched

ENVIRONMENTALISTS have launched the first ever research project into endangered manta rays in the Balearic Islands.

The Fauna Recovery Consortium (COFIB) is behind the

four­year study to obtain vital information in order to improve the protection and conservation of these animals.

Efforts will focus mainly on two vulnerable species,

namely the bottlenose skate and the spiny butterfly ray, although spokespeople for the project explained that other types could also be included.

The COFIB is currently working with fishermen to obtain data regarding accidental catches and to register and test specimens, while divers keep track of numbers and take samples.

A remote­controlled underwater vehicle will also be employed to study the types of seabed where the rays are spotted.

Efforts will also include campaigns on social media encouraging swimmers and divers to report any sightings of these creatures to the COFIB by emailing faunama rina@cofib.net (with a photograph if possible) or calling 652 037 722.

All information obtained will be used to evaluate the current state of conservation of these species and to draw up protection measures if necessary.

THICK fog and problems with the landing system caused numerous flight cancellations and diversions at Palma’s Son Sant Joan airport on Wednesday February 22.

Spanish and foreign airlines were forced to cancel several flights to the island and divert others to Ibiza and other airports from 7am to around 1pm due to the impossibility to land.

Lack of visibility caused by heavy mist was compounded by the substitution of the Instrumental Landing System (ILS), which temporarily lowered Palma airport’s category from three to one.

This change effectively meant that aeroplanes were unable to land normally during any type of weather problemsuch as fog.

Spokespeople for Spanish airport managing body AENA insisted that the ILS reparation had been scheduled beforehand, and that it was just bad luck that the mist should appear at exactly the same time.

Normal service was expected to be resumed by 1pm.

Black vulture recovering.

Image by Rubén Casas// MPF

Image by Rafael Martín-Gaitero/Shutterstock EXPANSION: The move will restore the park’s dignity.

NIBS EXTRA

Yummy!

PRESTIGIOUS gastronomic firm Grupo Boulevard is celebrating its 30th birthday this year in style. After winning a Michelin star for Fusion19 restaurant at Muro beach in November, the group is currently putting the finishing touches on a new high­class restaurant named Ca Na Mercè and set to open on Alcúdia port promenade.

Brrrrr!

TEMPERATURES are expected to plummet tomorrow (Friday), bringing rains and wintry weather to the island. The weekend will see average maximum daytime temperatures of less than 15ºC ­ a 6ºC drop compared to recent records ­ with the mercury expected to climb back up on Monday and Tuesday to 21ºC.

More staff

EXTRA staff have been taken on at Palma psychiatric hospital to reinforce the service following multiple complaints regarding the building work currently being carried out. Employees have reported having to work among rubble and with frequent power cuts, with the subsequent drop in the quality of service for patients and their relatives.

Fighting change

THE Mallorca Citizen Assembly for Climate has approved a list of 56 proposals to fight the effects of climate change on the islandone of which is to limit the number of visitors, vehicles and cruise ships while boosting public transport.

Posh Palma

PALMA’S Paseo Marítimo is the 10th most expensive area to live in Spain, with average property prices reaching €4,950 per square metre. According to a study by Idealista, Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Malaga and Valencia are home streets with the dearest house prices.

Carnival beats Covid

LAST Sunday finally saw the return of Carnival to the streets of Palma after two years without parades due to Covid. Thousands of participants took part in the main procession through the city centre in a sea of colour and fun, with several fiesta groups also taking the opportunity to stage protests against a range of issues, including the surge in private jets at the airport and the subsequent increase

in pollution. While crowds of spectators admired the fancy dresses, Bolivian and Peruvian dance groups wowed viewers as they celebrated one of the most important yearly traditions in their home countries.

A stage was set up in Plaza Tortugas where Marítim Party Band provided music and animation, while the competition jury kept an eye open for the best disguise from their vantage point at Plaza

Mercat.

The judges award ed prizes according to criteria such as the artistic dec oration of floats, animation, live music, origi nality, creativi ty and humour, among others. Fancy dress galore.

Couple rescued

THE Guardia Civil this week rescued a German couple after they got lost walking in the Na Mora area.

THIS year’s edition of the Palma Jazz festival ended on Sunday with a total of 2,500 spectators packing out the Xesc Forteza auditorium over two consecutive weekends.

Organisers have described the fourth edition of the event as a resounding success, as the ‘Sold out’ sign was hung outside all the concerts at the theatre while the complementary street events held in different parts of the town drew crowds of around 300 people each.

Jazz Palma 2023 took place from

February 2 to 19, with concerts of different sizes and a street parade scheduled from Thursday to Sunday.

Performers included big names such as Berta Moreno, who closed the event on Sunday evening at the Xesc Forteza with her band after performing on major stages throughout Eu­

rope and the US.

The event was recovered by Palma Culture councillor Antoni Noguera in 2020 after it had disappeared from the local events calendar for 20 years.

Ticket sales have increased steadily every year, making the festival one of the key cultural events on the island.

Safe as houses

All that jazz Shops strike

RESIDENTS in Mallorca can now apply to buy a new home with the regional government as guarantor.

next, but Housing councillor Rosario Sánchez has said that she is convinced that it will continue beyond 2014.

According to the police force, the 58­year­old ramblers lost their way while out on a hike, but were unable to call for help until the following day due to a lack of telephone signal.

After spending the night out in the open, they finally managed to get through to the emergency services, triggering an operation by the Mountain Rescue department.

A helicopter was sent out and found the couple in good health, providing them with water and warm clothes before carrying them to safety.

PET shops in Mallorca are threatening to strike over new restrictions enforced by the Spanish government’s new animal welfare law.

Under the new legislation, dogs and cats can no longer be sold ‘through intermediaries’ and can only be bought directly from registered breeders. This effectively means that pet shops must stop selling these animals this year.

The Spanish executive’s aim with this measure is to clamp down on the sacrifice and abandonment of pets while encouraging adoptions.

However, angry store owners insist that the best way to do this would be to target private sellers, as the number of abandoned dogs purchased from stores is lower than 1 per cent. In addition, they explain that they usually have much more information on the animals they sell compared to breeders, especially those said to be operating illegally, which in fact lowers the risk of abandonment or sacrifice due to illness or unexpected developments.

These sales are said to be the biggest line of business for pet shops, who warn that they will be forced to cut back on staff or even close down if the ban is not lifted.

The Govern has signed a collaboration agreement with three major banks, namely CaixaBank, Cajamar and Caixa Colonya, who will offer loans of up to €270,000 to house buyers with the government’s backing.

Conditions to be eligible for the deal include the value of the property not being higher than €270,000 and applicants must prove income rates of at least €57,000.

The regional government has reserved a budget of €15 million for the scheme this year, meaning that more than 300 applicants could benefit. However, Govern sources have confirmed that the amount could increase if applications exceed this number.

The initial plan was for the service to run this year and

Mobility councillor Josep Marí has declared that the measure is aimed at helping residents find a home in an area where house prices and mortgages are among the highest in Spain.

The Guardia Civil reminds walkers that most accidents in the mountains are due to overconfidence in one’s own abilities, poor planning and lack of experience.

Outings should always be done with people who are prepared for this type of activity.

Image by Luciano de la Rosa/Shutterstock

NEW ANIMAL WELFARE LAW: Pet shops can no longer sell cats or dogs.

Image by BearFotos/Shutterstock

Rooms for workers

HOTEL owners in Mallorca and the rest of the Balearic Islands have announced plans to offer accommodation to their employees this summer due to the lack of available housing.

The inability to find somewhere to stay last year prevented many much­needed workers from travelling over from mainland Spain, which led to severe problems for the hotel, catering and nightlife sectors.

This has forced business managers to search for alternative solutions ready for the tourist season that starts in mid­April with the Semana Santa celebrations and continues until the end of September.

In addition, the Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) is warning of a severe lack of qualified personnel in the local tourism sector and in all other productive areas, which they claim is linked directly to the housing shortage.

Another solution suggested by the FEHM is for businesses to offer all­year­round employment and not just for the six­month holiday campaign, in a bid to encourage qualified workers to stay on the island.

Cheeky supermarkets

SEVERAL supermarket chains in Mallorca have come under fire for putting up prices of basic products instead of reducing the IVA (VAT) following the Spanish government’s drive to combat inflation.

The regional Govern executive analysed the cost of 60 products before and after the introduction of the measure in January, and found that in some cases prices had gone up instead of down.

Furthermore, the inspectors found that many foodstuffs classed as basic by the national government had the same price as before the tax cut.

Spokespeople for the Consum department of the Govern admitted that it was impossible to monitor all the products on sale at every supermarket, and therefore had to rely on the figures provided by the companies.

The tax exemption for milk, for example, does not apply to products that contain any additives beyond the basic ingredient, or to vegetable alternatives such as soya or oatmeal.

Another explanation offered by shop owners is that many of the products analysed by the inspectors

were on special offer before January 1, and since then they have returned to their normal price.

A day at the flicks

TWO Oscar­nominated films are showing at Palma cinemas in English this weekend.

The Aficine theatres this Friday offer screenings of Ant­Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Women Talking, The Fabelman, The Whale and Triangle of Sadness.

Women Talking, showing at the Rivoli theatre at Calle d'Antoni Marques, 25 every day at 3.30pm, is nominated for two Oscars ­ Best Screenplay and Best Film ­ and stars Rooney Mara, Jessie Buckley and Claire Foy.

Also showing at Rivoli is The Fabelman at 3.30pm daily and The Whale at 9.10pm on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Ocimax at Calle Bisbe Pere Puigdorfila, 1 shows Ant­Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the latest Marvel Comics extravaganza featuring Hope Pym and Scott Lang.

The film will be screened daily at 3.30pm and 6.05pm and on Saturday and Sunday at 12.05pm.

Augusta cinema ­ Av. del Gran i General Consell, 2 ­ is screening Triangle of Sadness, nominated for three Oscars for Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Director. Screenings take place every day 6.30pm (except Monday).

Films run until Thursday, March 2.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

Happy Balearic Islands Day!

UP to 160 festive, cultural, musical and sporting events have been scheduled in Palma to mark this year’s Diada de les Illes Balears festivities from Saturday (February 25) to Wednesday (March 1).

In addition, another 37 events will take place in different towns around the island.

Highlights will include several concerts, such as Tomeu Penya on the Passeig del Born and the Balearic Islands Symphony Orchestra at the Consolat de Mar.

Other events will be gastronomy and folklore fairs, photography exhibitions, an adapted swimming competition at Son Hugo pool, and a handcraft display on the Passeig Sagrera.

Regional councillor Mercedes Garrido highlighted the importance of this year’s Balearic Day celebrations, as they mark a return to normal following the Covid pandemic.

Garrido stressed that it will be a “tribute to all the islands” showing that “the Balearics are a united and diverse people.”

For further information and a calendar of events visit dia da.caib.es

New 3D scanners

NEW state­of­the­art 3D security scanners will arrive at Palma airport next year.

These devices enable security staff to look into luggage in greater detail without having to physically open bags.

The devices will improve safety and save travellers having to get out their electronic devices and liquid containers before going through security.

AENA will also install new hand­luggage management technology to separate suspi­

‘‘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.

cious­looking bags and automatic tray recovery systems, thus speeding up the process and reducing hassle for fliers.

National airport management body AENA will put out the contract for the acquisition of the last­generation scanners this year, with the new technology set to be rolled out and tested first in Madrid ­ Barajas and Barcelona­El Prat this year.

The 3D scanners have already been tested at UK airports with excellent results.

Over the last decade, AENA has invested more than €1 billion in safety updates at Spanish airports, including luggage inspection systems and security filters.

BASIC PRODUCTS: Prices have been going up.

Image by David Izquierdo/Shutterstock

Housing issues

PROPERTY developers in the Balearic Islands have joined the opposition against the regional government’s plans to restrict house sales on the islands for non­residents.

The Proinba association has lodged a report with the Govern stating that the proposal infringes European Union legislation and is not covered by Spain’s membership act.

According to Proinba, the measure could be considered “indirectly discriminatory” by benefiting Spanish citizens and harming those of other EU member states.

For it to go ahead, the Spanish government would reportedly have to prove that the measure is “essential” and that there are no possible alternatives to achieve the desired goal, ie making housing more available for local residents.

Furthermore, Proinba believes the move would not help tackle the problem of property speculation, and warns that other similar initiatives have already been rejected by the EU in other countries.

The developers requested that the report be shared with all parties in the regional parliament, who were debating housing issues this week, and called to be included in the negotiations.

RCD Mallorca football team took part in International Day Against Homophobia in Sports on Sunday February 19 by unfurling a huge rainbow flag in Son Moix stadium.

Players also took to social networks to express their solidarity and support with messages such as ‘We embrace diversity’ (in English) and ‘No to LGTBI phobia’.

Mallorca council leader Catalina

Energy poverty funding Eco boom

THE regional govern ment has set aside a budget of €600,000 to combat energy poverty in the Balearic Islands.

Funds will be trans ferred to charities work ing in the area such as Cáritas and the Red Cross to help families who are unable to pay their electricity and gas bills.

The total amount reserved for this year and next constitutes a €200,000 increase compared to the previous budget for 2021 and

To help with electricity and gas bills.

2022, with the aim of reaching more people.

Up to 1,090 families benefited from the aid during the previous campaign.

This is the fourth time these grants have been awarded in the islands, and it is expected to be a vital help in times of escalating inflation.

Red card for homophobia

Cladera thanked the team and urged all sporting organisations to denounce any type of violence or discrimination against LGTBI people both on and off the pitch.

Sports councillor Andreu Serra lamented that homophobia still runs rampant in many professional activi­

ties, “especially in football”, and insisted that “people have the right to enjoy sports free of any type of discrimination.”

The council called upon professional footballers to use their public platform to speak out against homophobia and contribute towards its eradication.

International Day Against Homophobia in Sports takes place on Febru­

ary 19 to mark the birthday of Justin Fashanu, a British footballer who was the first player to go public with his homosexuality. Last week, 27­year­old Getafe player Jakub Jankto, also made headlines for coming out as gay.

ECOLOGICAL agriculture is growing in the Balearic Islands up to four points above the national average for Spain. According to the regional Agriculture, Fishing and Food department, environmentally sustainable crops are increasing in size by 10 per cent every year, compared to the Spanish average of 6.5. The Govern took part in the Biofach fair in Nüremberg, Germany last week, said to be the most important event of its kind for ecological agriculture. Six companies accompanied the government delegation on their own stand, specialising in a wide range of products including olive oil, salt, chocolate, spices and tea. Ecological farming reportedly generates €20 million a year, with 377 producers currently registered in the Baleares.

Golden Visa boom

MALLORCA could become a haven for Golden Visa property buyers.

A record number of properties were bought by foreign investors in the Balearic Islands last year, totalling more than 6,100. Many of these buyers benefited from the so­called Golden Visa, a fast­track residence permit for nonEU citizens who spend more than half a million euros on property.

The Spanish government reports that 314 of these permits were granted on the islands in 2022just over 8 per cent of the national total.

This places Mallorca among the list of provinces with the highest number of successful applications along with Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Alicante.

While most of these applications came from the UK, officials have revealed that the US, China and

Australia are also high up on the list.

Despite being good news for luxury property developers and estate agents, the Golden Visa is a controversial issue that has come under heavy fire from many quarters.

It was introduced by the national PP government in 2013 to stimulate foreign investment in Spain following the financial crisis, and was applauded as a step towards getting the country back on its feet.

However, the EU has warned of potential dangers such as the scheme being used for money laundering, criticising the government for lack of transparency on the issue.

Opposition parties have also insisted that it could feed housing speculation, forcing up property prices and leading to gentrification, ie edging out local residents in favour of large investment companies.

Singing the dream

ORIGINALLY from the UK, singer ­ songwriter 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 Gram ­

my/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 workshops 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.”

Debbie James.

Image: Debbie James

No baby boom

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

17%

Shuttertsock.com/ Evgeny Atamanenko

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

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

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

Experts say that there are

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

Alder pollen is usually released at the end of

The Sofa Saga

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

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

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

Allergy alert

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

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

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

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

Futuristic glasses

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

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

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

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

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

1. Protect women against all forms of violence.

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

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

The suspect identified by his initials J.J.O or alias Plugwalk Joe is a British

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

But in making concessions and in adopting the wording from the final agreement, it opened the door to challenges by convicted sex offenders looking to have their sentences reduced.

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

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

The problem is that sexual

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

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

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

Hacker sent packing

citizen who was arrested in Estepona in Malaga province back in 2021 on 14 different criminal charges related with hacking.

The charges include belonging to a criminal organisation, fraud, extortion, illegal hacking, money laundering and

propagation of confidential information. The individual is also accused of hacking hundreds of Twitter accounts including those of important public figures, robbing and blackmailing people through the internet.

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

Visit www.specsavers.es to search for fashionable frames or find your nearest store.

Law changed.

Image Rommel Canlas / Shutterstock.com

No scripts for Dame Judi

By Peter McLaren­Kennedy 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.

DEPORTATION: Being prevented by use of out of date laws.

Outdated laws

CRITICS of European human rights laws have blamed the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) for stopping Britain from deporting known terrorists.

A report by a national news outlet on Sunday February 12 claims that Article 3, which prohibits torture and inhumane treatment; Article 5, the right to liberty and security; and Article 8, the right to private and family life are being successfully exploited.

The report found that a growing number of extremists are using these articles to prevent deportation with most living in the UK at the taxpayers’

expense.

These include Al Qaeda and Islamic State terrorists as well as those granted asylum in the country but who have been guilty of plotting or carrying out terrorist activities in their new home.

The ECHR was introduced after the Second World War in an effort to prevent a repeat of atrocities such as the holocaust, but some lawyers and politicians believe it to no longer be fit for purpose. More specifically they say it fails to deal with modern issues of mass migration, litigation and lone­wolf terrorism and is subsequently being misused.

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 88 ­ year ­ old 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 age ­ related macular degeneration (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.

Blackmail uncovered

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

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

Credit: Twitter@OfficialALW

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with King Charles.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Revving up

CLASSIC Car Club Mallorca is organising a 3 Point Run Out on Sunday February 26.

This year the theme will be three targets and three simple questions with a wonderful scenic drive. The meeting will be at 10.30am at Son Bonet old airport where the Thursday weekly meet ups are. Coffee etc will be available to purchase at the bar there prior to the drive. The first cars will leave at 11.00 am.

The finish point is the spectacular restaurant at Santuari de Montision near Porreres. This is an amazing place with spectacular views.

The meal will be at 2pm and the choice of food is suckling pig, cod fish or vegetarian. The cost is €35 per head for members and their copilot including water and two glasses of wine per person. Beer, cava, coffee and liquors are not included in the price and need to be paid for separately if ordered. There will be an administration fee of €15 per car for nonmembers.

Please visit ccc ­ mal lorca.com for further information and to book.

We look forward to welcoming you on February 26!

2 New exhibitions

TWO outstanding new exhibitions are starting at the CCA Andratx Contemporary Art Centre this weekend.

Starting from Saturday February 25, the Kunsthalle will host the group show Worlds within Worlds, curated by Jelena

Tamindizija Donnart.

This one­month residency enabled five artists to create a microcosm that accumulated experience of the world outside and permeated their artistic work. Their work shows the element of the creation of a new form of communal living in which were interwoven discussions, communal suppers, meal preparation, getting hold of materials for art ­

works, thinking about one’s own artwork and delving into the mental worlds of the artworks of their studio neighbours.

In addition, the Gallery will host Bodies of Water, a display showing the work in progress of four artists on the topic of water through drafts, sketches, props, glazing tests,

notes, mind maps and research literature as it all melts together in a pool of ideas, speculations, fables and suggestions of how we envision different realities to each our own. All four artists are represented with their long­term projects, ranging from video essays, paintings and sculptural installations.

Tribute to women in sport

SUNDAY March 5 sees the celebration of the sixth Palmadona fun run, starting from the Parc de la Riera at 12 midday.

This free, non­competitive race is organised by Palma Town Hall and aimed at women and men of all ages and abilities, and takes place through the streets of Palma over distances of two, three and 4.5 kilometres, for participants to choose the option they prefer.

There will be a group warm­up at 11.30am and a drinking water fountain for runners/walkers to fill up their own bottles ­ these must be brought from home.

All participants will receive a commemorative t ­ shirt and a medal.

Palmadona pays tribute to women and their importance within sport. Inscriptions are free of charge and can be done via the website sportmaniacsbalears.com

Participants are to collect their numbers and t­shirts on Saturday March 4 at the Parc de la Riera from 11am to 7pm ­ inscriptions and collections of numbers cannot be done on the day of the race.

Also on Sunday March 5 and at the same place, a children’s fun run will take place at 10am ­ warm­up at 9.30.

This event is divided into age groups, starting with children aged 11 ­ 12 (800 metres), eight­10 (800 metres), six­seven (600 metres), fourfive (400 metres) and 0­three (200 metres) ­ the latter two

groups must be accompanied by adults.

Inscriptions and collection of numbers are the same as for the adult run.

Rounding off the Palmadona celebrations will be a fair dedicated to women, health and sport, also at the Parc de la Riera from 11am to 7pm on the Saturday and from 9am to 2pm on the Sunday.

Numerous organisations and companies specialising in sport and wellness will set up stalls and offer fun activities for all ages.

CCA ARTS CENTRE: Two new shows start this weekend.

year on

ONE year ago, on February 24 in 2022, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, launched an invasion of Ukraine from the north, east and south.

At the time Putin explained that the “special military operation was aimed at demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine in a bid to protect ethnic Russians, prevent Kyiv’s NATO membership and to keep it in Russia’s sphere of influence.”

As of February 12, 2023, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) tragically verified a total of 7,199 civilian deaths during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Of them, 438 were children. Furthermore, 11,756 people were reported to have been injured. However, OHCHR specified that the real numbers could be higher.

ITALY’S former Prime Minister

Silvio Berlusconi has been cleared of allegations that he bribed witnesses in a previous trial into his infamous ‘Bunga Bunga’ parties. A Milan court cleared the 86­year­old billionaire on Wednesday, February 15, putting an end to the case which has overshadowed his reputation for the last decade.

Innocent civilians have been cruelly caught up in the conflict and over 5.9 million people have been internally displaced. There has also been catastrophic damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.

And now? It has been a year since Russian forces rolled into Ukraine and there does not appear to be any real signs of a way out of this terrible conflict.

Neither Ukraine nor Russia, Zelensky or Putin appear primed for an outright military victory, and progress at the negotiating table is highly improbable.

Party pardon

The former trial accused Berlusconi of paying a 17­yearold Moroccan nightclub dancer for sex at one of his ‘Bunga Bunga’ parties. Speculation began during and after the trial that the politician had paid off 28 people to give false testimonies about the events

at his infamous gatherings. Some women deny any wrongdoing at the parties, while others said orgies took place and female guests dressed as nuns to give erotic dances. Berlusconi has always denied charges describing it as a smear campaign.

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.

Betty Henderson

UKRAINE: One year since an invasion was launched.

BUSINESS EXTRA All at sea FINANCE

Shrinkflation

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

Women’s work

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

Closing time

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

Sail away

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

Big money

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

STAT OF WEEK €125 million

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

Good inflation news

Linda Hall

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

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

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

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

ture dropping during the January sales.

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

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

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

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

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

Spain’s Top Three

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

Multinational auditors

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

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

On the hunt

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

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

the El Corte Ingles department stores (117).

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

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

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

FCA gets tough

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No problem

leader, Helena Robertsson.

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

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

Top earners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spy game

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

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

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

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

INDITEX: Headquarters in Arteixo (Galicia)

Photo: Simon Walker/Downing Street

Photo credit: CC/Nemigo

DOW JONES

BUSINESS EXTRA

Six-year deal

DEFENCE and aerospace

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

Grifols cuts

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

Long wait

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

Mask gloom

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

Cough up

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

Mum and Dad contribute

Linda Hall

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

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

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

“These transfers are very unequally spread,” IFS inves­

PARENTS: Increasingly likely to provide financial assistance.

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

White young adults were

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

The report found that children in the highest­income

Five-day week

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

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

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

Spending big in Navarra

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

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

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

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

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

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

Addressing the regional parliament on her return,

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

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

Good news

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

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

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

Waiting for permission

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

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

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

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

Farm subsidy chaos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All right for Aldi

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credit: Pixabay/J Henning

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

Photo credit: Volkswagen Navarra

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

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

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

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

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

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

My manifesto

ucation for pupils under the age of eight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staying at the top

genuinely does take its toll.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ONE YEAR ON OUR VIEW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

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.

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.

Reign of Spain

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

I’M NO CHATBOT!

JOHNSON 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 com ­

ments 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.

Presumably the holy grail of AI is the potential ability of a computer to think for itself ­ and make us humans TOTALLY redundant!

Hopefully that doesn’t happen anytime soon – any more than that a letter addressed to ‘Mr F Christmas, The North Pole’ (spoiler alert) was opened by an elf.

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.

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 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

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

Nora’s latest thriller.

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’

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 solu tion borne of efficiency and effectiveness. It is like buying a more efficient car when petrol prices go through the roof.

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 long ­ established 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, claiming 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 far ­ Left 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.

can reduce 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.

Neater HeatersA solution borne of efficiency and effectiveness.

Picture purr-fect

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 be cause 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,

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.

Age-related care

so that you fill most of the frame with them, otherwise they might get lost in the background.

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.

Feline facts

AGE can creep up slowly on our pets and every pet ages different, so changes can happen at anytime. What’s more, age ­ related 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, high ­ quality 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 check ­ ups are so important for diagnosing and or monitoring any health issues your pet may have.

Image: Shutterstock.com/ fongbeerredhot

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 directly 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!

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

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.

Say cheese

Shutterstock.com/ Rita_Kochmarjova

BUILDING SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

BUY & SELL

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

DRIVING SCHOOL

LEARN TO DRIVE IN MALLORCA . Scottish Driving Instructor now qualified to teach in Mallorca. Classes in English or Spanish. Obtain your Spanish licence easier or have refresher lessons and get behind that wheel. Interested? Call 648 133 929 (293102)

FOR SALE/WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 716 693 (288662)

INSURANCE

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbey gateinsure.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)

OTHERS REMOVALS/STORAGE

Male/Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com (294955)

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

TEL: 902 889 070 (2001)

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

Motoring misery

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.

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

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

Image: RAC

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

Low emissions.

Image: Claudio Divizia Shutterstock

€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.

Watch US Open

TENNIS fans may be interested to hear that Warner Bros Discovery has extended its rights to show the US Open in 45 markets across Europe, including exclusive access in 42 territories, after reaching a new five ­ year agreement with the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The deal includes live and highlights rights with every match on every court available in addition to live television coverage during the tournament.

Markets including the Nordics will also have the option to showcase the best matches on Warner Bros Discovery’s free­to­air channels, expanding the reach of the tournament further.

Trojan Paillot, Vice President, Sports Rights Acquisitions and Syndication, Warner Bros. Discovery Europe, said: “As the undisputed ‘home of tennis’, our brand is synonymous with the sport. Over the past 25 years, we have

brought some of the most memorable moments in US Open history to fans while consistently growing tournament viewership across Europe.”

The news comes after Warner Bros Discovery reported record audience engagement in many major markets following the 2022 US Open. This includes the best ­ ever streaming performance on its digital platforms, doubling its audience year­onyear.

TENNIS FANS: Can now watch the US Open across Europe.

£4M

of funding will be put forward for Olympic and Paralympic sports

Image: Warner Bros. Discovery

IN PARTNERSHIP: Indian Premier Cricket League.

Image: Saudi Tourism Authority

Additional funding

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

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

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

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.

Dickie Davies passes at 89

DICKIE DAVIES , a giant among sports commentators, passed away on Sunday, February 19. His death was confirmed by fellow broadcasting legend, Jim Rosenthal on his Twitter profile.

Posting on behalf of Dickie’s family, the post read: “With huge sadness, we an­

nounce Dickie Davies passed away this morning. So proud of his 20 years of World of Sport, three Olympic Games and a brilliant career on the telly. He is survived by a loving wife, two adoring sons, four grandkids and two beloved dogs.”

Jim added: “Would appreciate some privacy as we

mourn and celebrate his life. Dickie was a wonderful friend and colleague… RIP DD.”

Dickie’s career in broadcasting is legendary, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest British television sports presenters of all time. Among other things, he

anchored World of Sport from 1968 until 1985.

After World of Sport ended in 1985, Davies stayed with ITV, presenting boxing, darts, and snooker, as well as playing a part in their coverage of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He left ITV Sport in August 1989.

Women’s

RUGBY fans will have seen the Rugby Europe Women’s Championship began with a win for the Netherlands.

On what was a highly emotional day in Amsterdam on Saturday, February 11, the Netherlands kicked off the Rugby Europe Women’s Championship 2023 with a convincing 38­12 win against Sweden.

Playing in their first game since the death of teammate Inge van der Velden from cancer last month, aged 30, the Dutch ran out with a framed number 11 shirt in memory of the former winger whose sis­

Rugby

ter, Linde van der Velden lined up at number eight.

In the build­up to the match, head coach Sylke Haverkorn had said: “We’ve never had more reasons to win than now, especially after the past intense and emotional weeks. The girls are ready to show what they’re made of.”

Backing up the words of their coach, the Dutch were on it from the get­go and raced into a 33­5 half­time lead.

Spain, ranked in 11th, hosted the Netherlands on Sunday February 19 with Sweden travelling to face Las Leonas on Saturday February 25.

SAD NEWS: Legendary sports commentator Dickie Davies at St Mary’s Southampton in 2012.

Credit: Wikipedia - By Hrse12

Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

Image: UK Sport