Costa de Almeria 2 – 8 March 2023 Issue 1965

Issue No. 1965 2 - 8 March 2023

WOMEN’S DAY WARM-UP

Betty Henderson

ALMERIA is getting set for the 10th edition of a popular running event to mark International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 5. This empowering event invites women, men and children of all ages and abilities to participate in a 2.5 kilometre, five kilometre or 7.5 kilometre race through the scenic streets of Almeria. With a course designed to showcase the beauty of the city, runners will pass by some of Almeria’s most iconic landmarks and breathtaking views.

The race will start and finish at the stunning Parque de las Familias, where runners will be welcomed by a festive and supportive atmosphere. Participants will receive a commemorative t ­ shirt and medal, and access to a post­race celebration with music, food, and activities

incredible scenery.

for the whole family.

But the Almeria Run for Women is not just about the race itself. It’s an opportunity to come together as a community and cel­

ebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women from all walks of life.

A portion of funds raised will also go towards

International Women’s Day

A WHOLE host of organisations in Almeria will come together once again to mark International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8. This year’s event aims to raise awareness about gender violence with the goal of reducing the threat to women.

This year’s programme for International Women’s Day contains 10 interactive activities to mark the occasion in the city, beginning one week earlier on Friday, March 3. The events are set to cover a range of different issues facing women.

Planned events include public demonstrations, contests, conferences from the Universidad de Almeria, sporting activities, and an awards ceremony for notable women in the local community.

the Galatea Association which supports women working in the local fishing industry. Entry costs €10 for adults and €3 for children.

Organisers launch Almeria’s International Women’s Day race against the backdrop of the course’s

Photo credit: Lonja de Almería OPP71 (via Facebook)

Carnival for kids

CARNIVAL isn’t just for adults! In Mojacar, teachers at one nursery school ensured that the carnival spirit reached the little ones with a special carnival party on Wednesday, February 22.

Garabato Nursery School’s carnival party was a total triumph with more than 60 children enjoying a fruit themed party to celebrate this year’s carnival. Children from four months to school age were dressed up in a variety of vibrant fruit costumes from strawberries and grapes to pears and oranges as they helped their teachers to decorate a stage before performing to parents.

In an adorable twist, the nursery has a tradition that the teachers hand make the costumes before the carnival, with the theme only revealed to parents at the actual show.

Bad weather rained off the original plan to celebrate carnival in the nursery playground, but that didn’t dampen the carnival vibes by any

NIJAR health centres have received more than €400,000 for equipment and infrastructure over the last three years.

The funding from the provincial authorities has enabled general refurbishments and the purchase of new medical devices, thus improving the service provided to users.

Nijar, San Isidro and San

means! Instead, dedicated teachers transformed the school’s hallway to a giant indoor garden. Parents enjoyed a lively show of music, dance and sweets.

Mojacar Councillor for Culture, Raquel Belmonte, attended saying, “Although they are so little, they know even now that carnival is a special day.”

Funding for health

Jose health centres have been equipped with electrical stretchers, dermatoscopes, electrocardiograms, surgical lamps and defibrillators, among other technology.

The Nijar facilities have also undergone a general facelift, with new toilets, lighting and

paintwork. Five surgeries at Campohermoso health centre have been enlarged, the roof has been repaired and several other improvements have been carried out.

In addition, since November, a new ambulance is stationed at Campohermoso.

Teachers at Garabato Nursery School created incredible costumes and a festive atmosphere for their children’s carnival party.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Mojácar

International Women’s Day

Empowering Women’s Day

• “Extremists have shown what frightens them most. A girl with a book.”

Malala Yousafzai

• “There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.”

W E B Dubois

• “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

Michelle Obama

• “I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.”

Mary Shelley

IN celebration of all the women in the world, cities and towns across the globe will be celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) on Wednesday March 8.

The origin of IWD is drawn from more than one historical event and began as an acknowledgement of women’s struggle to make their workplaces better.

Created out of protest and political action, it is a symbol for all those who honour women’s struggles to improve their lives. Originally the day of remembrance symbolised the efforts to end appalling working conditions endured by women in sweatshops.

At the beginning of the 20th century, many women in industrially­developing countries entered the labour force taking jobs with low wages, poor working conditions and little or no chance of improvement.

Such conditions led to industrial disputes, involving both unionised and non­unionised women workers.

It was their struggle that created the global impetus for International Women’s Day.

Today, it is also seen as a day of celebration of women, of all that they do, and the accomplishments they have made.

Women and men celebrate International Women’s Day to honour those who began the struggle and those who continue to work for change and recognition of all efforts to improve the lives of women, both locally and globally.

Jayne Harris - Harris Furnishings

‘‘A woman’s touch is very important especially in this line of work, I do all of the buying and styling, a woman’s touch is powerful, we make the home work.’’

Rebecca Serwotka, Inmobiliaria Estate Agents

“We continue to live in a male dominated world and that still shows in our industry. It’s important to support women, especially as they offer a tremendous amount of dedication in whatever they turn their hands to. But most of all, women can multitask!

There is never the perfect work/home life balance. Don’t be hard on yourself and just do the best you can!

Emma Quantrill, Golden Leaves

‘‘I heard an interview with Tom Hanks some time ago, they asked him what would you have liked your younger self to have known - he said “this too shall pass,” this resonated with me as all things pass good and bad, time is your friend not the enemy - learn and grow from your experiences it will give you the drive, ambition and determination to develop your skills to become the very best in your chosen field of expertise’.’

YOUR EWN HAS

Caroline Smith, Grupo Platinum

‘‘All I would say is women in business are as good or better than men at times. Each person is their own world and have their own ideas and thoughts. Choose to do something you love and that inspires you. Life should be enjoyable after all.’’

• “How wrong it is for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants rather than to create it herself.”

Anais Nin

• “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

• “It’s okay if you fall down and lose your spark. Just make sure that when you get back up, you rise as the whole damn fire.”

Colette Warden

• “What’s the greatest lesson a woman should learn? That since day one, she’s already had everything she needs within herself. It’s the world that convinced her she did not.”

Rupi Kaur

• “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.”

Hillary Clinton

• “I don’t like to gamble, but if there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.”

Beyoncé Knowles

• “One is not born a woman, but becomes one.”

Simone de Beauvoir

In celebration of all women.

Image: Southworks Shutterstock.com

FASHIONISTAS in Arboleas are in for a treat with a fashion show and auction set to take place on Friday, March 31, and it’s all for a worthy local cause!

The 2023 Spring/Summer fashion show will build on the success of last year’s event, in aid of AA Dog Rescue.

The swanky afternoon of fashion will bring together

fashion enthusiasts, animal lovers, and generous donors to raise funds and awareness for the plight of dogs in need at Kubatin at Hostal Méson in Arboleas, from 2pm.

The fashion show will feature the latest trends for the upcoming fashion season with

pieces from local designers, showcasing a wide range of styles from glamorous evening wear to casual streetwear. The event is inclusive to all with a variety of sizes for men and women.

Later, guests will get the chance to bid in the charity auction, which features an array of luxurious items donated by generous sponsors. Guests will enjoy entertainment from DJ Geoff Feelgood.

Tickets for the fabulous afternoon are available from AA Dog Rescue in Albox, CAT Services in La Alfoquia and Farmacia Cecilia Molina in Arboleas.

THE popular supermarket chain, Lidl continues to improve the quality of its services in Almeria with the opening of a new shop in Huercal­Overa, which opened on Wednesday, February 22.

New sustainable Lidl Runway for rescue

The shop, located on Avenida La Molineta replaces a previous Lidl on the same site but is designed to offer a more modern and sustainable shopping experience to its customers. The new shop aims to provide fresh, local products.

One of the standout features of the new store is its commitment to sustainability. The building's solar panels will generate around 90 per cent of

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

the store’s total energy, reducing its carbon footprint. The shop’s car park also offers four spaces for electric vehicles to charge.

The new shop was also designed with customer conve­

“Behind every successful woman is herself”

The origin of the proverb is shown in 2012 by Bart Jackson and his book ‘Behind every successful woman is herself’. The meaning of the proverb is that if a woman has enough grit she can succeed, accomplish and do it on her own.

nience in mind. The spacious car park has over 120 spaces. The shop’s opening hours also aim to make it easy for customers to shop at their convenience.

The new shop has also created five new jobs.

Electric scooter clampdown

ALMERIA Council has launched a road safety campaign in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents caused by electric scooters in the city.

The use of what the Spanish traffic authority DGT has termed ‘personal mobility vehicles’ (PMVs) has surged in cities throughout Spain, forcing the authorities to rush to adjust road safety laws to adapt to this relatively new type of vehicle.

With the new campaign, Almeria City Council will outline the basic rules by which PMV users must abide when travelling through the city.

These include only one person on board at any time, who must always wear a helmet and use a light and a bell. Headphones and mobile phones are banned while riding, as well as travelling at more than 25 kilometres per hour.

The campaign, which will be rolled out in March over a wide range of mediums including posters, social networks, local radio and television.

Local Police have already issued up to 450 fines for users caught travelling on pavements and other pedestrian areas, or for breaking the speed limit with soupedup scooters.

Photo: Ayuntamiento de Huércal Overa

CHEESE lovers in Almeria were in for a treat over the weekend as 17 master cheesemakers from across the country arrived in Plaza Vieja for a three day extravaganza of cheese tasting at the Artisan Cheese Fair.

Cheese connoisseurs arrived on Friday, February 24 to showcase prized delicacies with delicious wine and condi­

Cheese feast

ment pairings at the event. Guests got to sample everything from creamy, tangy goat cheeses to rich, buttery cow’s milk cheeses.

Over the years, the fair has

gained a reputation for bringing together some of the most renowned cheese producers in the country, making it an ideal opportunity to taste some of the finest artisanal cheeses that Spain has to offer.

Along with companies from Almeria, such as ‘La Caña de Andalucia’ from Alboloduy, this year’s event also featured companies from across Andalucia including ‘Quesos y Besos’, which won the Medal of Andalucia award at the beginning of 2023.

One of the standout products on offer this year is ‘Olavidia’, which was named the best cheese in the world in 2021, from a selection of more than 4,000 products.

Age Support, Almanzora

AFTER the winter break, Age Support, Almanzora have started to plan out their activities for the rest of the year.

The first event will be an Easter Egg / Treasure Hunt to be held at the Arboleas Community Centre on Saturday April 8 at 3.00pm. There will also be an outdoor market and a Fiesta. For the Fiesta the fabulous vocalist Jack Law will be kicking off the entertainment at 4.00pm. He will be followed by Steve Jackson and a new band called the ‘Best of Three’.

Also providing entertainment will be a group of Line Dancers from International choreographer Carrie Ann Earl’s Step 2 It Line Dance Classes. Hosting the event will be a team from Breeze97.7 FM Radio.

CINECLUB Almeria continues to bring the best independent cinema from all over the world to the city this March with an exciting programme of seven international films being screened during the month.

The current season, which runs until Friday, March 31, has been one of the most exciting yet, with a carefully curated selection of films that have showcased the diversity and richness of contemporary independent cinema. From the Arctic landscapes of Finland to the bustling streets of Seoul the films selected for this season have invited watchers to explore

For those wishing to book a stall, please ring 642 045 210 for further information. Trestle sized stall table spaces will be priced at only €5!

Age Support, Almanzora, aims to improve the quality of life for older people by providing emotional and practical support. None of this work is possible without the funds raised by Age Support’s fabulous shop in Avenida Lepanto in Albox.

For further information on Age Support, Almanzora please visit our Facebook Page or call into our Charity shop and speak to any of our volunteers who will be only too pleased to assist you. The shop is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am until 1.45pm. Volunteers are always welcome.

Celebrating cinema

Finnish film ‘Compartment no.6’ showed last week at Almeria’s international cinema club.

different cultures and perspectives. And it’s not over yet! The highlights of this month’s programme include British

film The Banshees of Inisherin on Thursday, March 16, a tragic comedy set on a remote Irish island.

Another stand­out upcoming film is Los Soñadores (Ciclo ‘Hipotenusa = a² + b²)’, on Monday, March 6, and directed by Almeria’s very own Juan Francisco Viruega. Tickets at https://almeriaculturaen tradas.es/ or at the box office of the Teatro Apolo. Tickets cost €4.50 each.

CREDIT: Cineclub Almeria

Centre of Angels

TWENTY ­ FIVE years ago a Hell’s Angels gang in Aachen, Germany on the border of Luxembourg and Belgium, decided to devote their time to helping others. They bought a zoo, named it the Noah’s Ark Centre, and turned it into a respite centre for sick children.

Now the group have headed to Spain and are in the process of setting up their Spanish counterpart named the Centre of Angels. The centre is being set up so children with serious illnesses, terminal illnesses and physical or mental challenges have a place to go, relax, have some fun or rest.

The founder Leines Gaworski had previously lived in Spain and decided it would be a wonderful idea to build a similar centre in Mojacar which will cater for European children of all ages and medical situations.

Leines confirmed: “We have chosen Delfos on the Mojacar to Turre road for its beautiful and spacious sur­

roundings. There are currently three apartments that already exist with the possibility of expansion if permitted.”

Even behind­the­scenes work is happening as a local prominent lawyer is actively working on getting the correct permits for building the project and registering it as a legal charity.

At present, the project is being privately funded and a

group of talented volunteers have offered to help with many aspects of the project.

It is also planned that funds will be raised through cultural and artistic events at Delfos including prominent Flamenco guitarist, Aitor Gomez, amongst others.

For more information head to the website www.centrode­los­angeles.de or email: in fo@centro­de­los­angeles.de

HELPING OTHERS: Arno and Leines are building a new centre.

Beached dolphins

TWO

dolphins

The Guardia Civil and Equinac animal protection society were first informed that a male dolphin measuring 1.40 metres had been spotted on the shore in Roquetas on Saturday February 25 at 9am.

A detachment of officers and conservationists rushed to the scene but found the animal already dead.

Just half an hour later, a second sighting was reported on Mojacar beach, this time a twometre striped dolphin which was sadly also found dead.

The causes for the appearance of the beached dolphins are still being investigated.

Equinac is a non-profit organisation working to protect dolphins and turtles in Almeria

Province, and has issued a series of instructions for residents upon sighting a beached animal. These include not trying to rescue it without prior authorisation from the authorities, as inexperienced handling could cause more harm than good and land well-meaning helpers with a fine.

Instead, witnesses are asked to call 112 or 062 immediately.

Charity day

Betty Henderson

ARBOLEAS came alive for a charity afternoon of live music and a delicious shared paella dish on Friday, February 24. The event was held to celebrate Día de Andalucía and International Women’s Day while raising money for the Association Against Cancer.

Guests filed into Arboleas Social Hall from 3pm to listen to lively entertainment from Mad on Blonde, Jacky del Mundo, Steve Jackson and No Potable, which lasted into the evening. While enjoying live music, guests also got to tuck into a delicious

freshly prepared paella dish, cooked using fresh local ingredients.

The afternoon featured a traditional paella dish from the local area to mark historic cultural traditions for Día de Andalucía while it was also a great opportunity to reflect as a community ahead of International Women’s Day which takes place annually on Wednesday, March 8.

The entry cost of €1.50 went towards the National Association Against Cancer (AECC), who also held a stall at the event, selling raffle tickets and accepting donations from guests.

Time to find out who dunnit!

THEY came, they did it and hung up their costumes. But after four sell out shows in 2022, due to popular demand The Indalo Players returned and performed two more shows of local writer Bill White’s Murder In The Panto at Bar/ Restaurant Solare in Turre. The audience paid €25 to see the show which included a three­course meal.

Indalo Players, Vice President Chrissie Cremore said “it is with great delight that I can inform your readers that proceeds from ticket sales and nightly raffles raised €785 which will be donated to the Vera And Lions District Club and will “kick start” their fund to raise €18,000 for much needed renovation work at The St Agustin’s Children’s Home in Vera.

For one night only on Thursday March 20, The Indalo Players will tread the boards in the stateof­the­art 120 seater Maruja Cintas Theatre in Bedar. Tickets are €10 from Bedar Town Hall, Olive Properties and The Artesania shop in the village. Doors open at 6pm, starts at 8pm.

striped

were washed up on the beaches of Roquetas de Mar and Mojacar last week.

DOLPHINS: Equinac works to protect them.

Image by Serena Siri/Shutterstock

We often write about the importance of protecting your wealth and it is worth highlighting that one key element, whether you are looking at tax and estate planning, investments or pensions, is that the arrangements and strategies you use should be designed around your personal circumstances and aims.

Otherwise there may be unexpected future consequences which do not suit what you had in mind for your family, or your investments may not be meeting your needs or are too risky.

Personalised financial planning

Your circumstances and objectives change over time. It’s important to re-evaluate your financial planning when you retire abroad to take your new situation and tax regime into account.

A tailor-made strategic approach is key for the success of your investment portfolio, created and managed to meet your objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance.

Many people have portfolios which are unsuitable for them. They carry a higher level of risk than they realise or want; have inadequate diversification, or own many illiquid assets or unregulated invest-

Are your savings and investments suitable for you?

approach. But there are no ‘safe investments’ and you need to consider the impact inflation and low interest rates can have on cash deposits.

managers to meet your needs.

Protecting returns from taxation

tive assessment of your personal appetite for risk, for example through psychometric analysis.

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

ment schemes. Or the investment choices or combination of them may not meet their needs. Alternatively, being too cautious can have consequences in your later years.

Inflation risk

Many retirees leave savings in bank deposits, believing it’s the safe

The Bank of England interest rate was less than 1% from 2009 to 2022, and while it is now 4%, this is to combat high inflation – currently 10.1% in the UK. This eliminates the gain and reduces your spending power. Even low inflation rates will erode your value of your savings when compounded year after year.

As a basic illustration, if you have €50,000 in a current account with no growth and inflation is 3% every year, after 10 years its value falls to around €37,000. After 30 years it’s just €20,555 – a 59% reduction in purchasing power.

Managing and balancing risk

Some risk is unavoidable to achieve an investment return to keep pace with inflation. To avoid undue risk, obtain a clear and objec-

You then look at allocation of assets between equities, bonds, ‘real assets’ (eg listed property or infrastructure) and cash to create the most appropriate portfolio to match your profile and objectives.

The tried and tested strategy to mitigate risk is diversification — a well spread portfolio of investments across asset classes, geographic regions and market sectors, to limit your exposure to any single sector. It is widely acknowledged that asset allocation is of greater importance than the selection of individual stocks and shares.

To take advantage of the expertise of the world’s best investment managers, you need a thorough, critical analysis of funds and fund managers to select the best managers for each area of investment. Specialist advice is essential to select the most appropriate investment strategies and asset

To achieve the best real returns and protect your wealth, use compliant arrangements which shelter capital from tax, provide a tax-efficient income and facilitate the transfer of capital to beneficiaries with minimum of bureaucracy and inheritance taxes.

Regular reviews

Reassess your portfolio regularly and adjust the strategy accordingly. Market conditions change and asset prices rise and fall, affecting the portfolio risk. Also consider any changes in personal circumstances. For peace of mind, get your appetite for risk assessed objectively and matched to the optimum investment portfolio; diversify across assets markets and investment views, ensure your assets are in a tax-efficient structure, and carry out annual reviews.

This article should not be construed as providing any personalised investment or taxation advice.

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

THE community in Huércal Overa celebrated the regional day, Día de Andalucía, a few days early with a giant street paella party on Sunday, February 26.

The paella party was a chance for people to come together and share a meal, as well as to celebrate the culture and traditions of Andalucia. The event was organised by the neighbourhood group, La Asociación de Vecinos de Úrcal to celebrate Andalucia and was open to all.

The preparation of the paella was a communal effort, with everyone pitching in to chop vegetables, clean seafood, and stir the rice. The paellas was cooked in giant pans over open flames, en­

Paella party

suring there was enough for all.

The finished dish was a sight to behold. Golden rice was topped with an array of colorful ingredients, including seafood, red peppers and green beans. People gath­

Spring festival returns

AFTER last year'’ resounding success, Solazo Fest is returning with a lineup that continues to focus on popular, international music with an emphasis on ‘danceable’ music. The ‘Festival of Spring’ is back from Friday, April 29 and promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

This year, Solazo Fest is growing in duration, size of the venue, and number of artists, with more than 30,000 people expected to attend and 50 national and international artists hitting the stage.

The latest confirmations on the lineup include pop musicians Justin Quiles, Danny Romero, Ana Mena and urban artist Saiko, adding to an already exciting start list.

Not only will Solazo Fest feature an incredible lineup of musicians, but there will also be a wide range of recreational activities for attendees to enjoy. Festival­goers can enjoy a paellada (huge paella dish) and a barbecue, or they can take advantage of a funfair area, known as Solazoland.

One of the most exciting aspects of Solazo Fest is its daytime festival format, providing a festival experience that is enjoyable for people of all ages.

Festival tickets are available online: www.almeriaen tradas.com

ered around the huge pans, armed with spoons and forks, before digging in.

As the meal came to a close, people lingered around to chat, savouring the last few bites of the paella and enjoying each other's company.

Scouts assemble

THE streets of Almería were buzzing with activity on Saturday, February 25 as more than 1,100 scouts from across the region gathered for the sixth St George’s Meeting for the Environment.

The event is a four­day long celebration which is held in Almeria every four years allowing scouts to share knowledge, interact, reflect, and have fun together. During the event, scouts get to meet other members of the service organisation living in Andalucia while sharing their hopes for the future. Activities included talks, games and team­building activities.

Under this year’s slogan of ‘One planet, one future’, there was an atmosphere of positivity and determination to make lasting environmental change. More than 1,100 passionate young people gathered at the bustling Plaza de la Catedral to kick off the inspiring event, which was organised by the Federation of Catholic Scouts of Andalucia.

City mayor, María del Mar Vázquez, took the stage to share her support for the event saying, “We stand with the scouts, empathise with their values and welcome them to our city with open arms.”

The sun shone brightly as Huércal Overa celebrated Día de Andalucía with a huge street party, with lots of paella.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Huércal Overa

Geological tourism

A COLLECTION of 24 geological trails will be used to promote geo­tourism in Andalucia as geological heritage and geo­diversity are part of Andalucia’s natural heritage.

A leaflet entitled ‘Collection of geological trails in protected natural areas of Andalucia’ has been published by the Ministry of Sustainability, Environment and Blue Economy.

The leaflet aims to raise

awareness of the geological wealth and promote geotourism among Andalucians and visitors through 24 different spaces.

The Collection is made up of 24 trails which, in the eight Andalucian provinces, form part of the official network of trails of the ministry.

In addition, within the Andalucian geoparks, a total of six geological trails have been cre­

HORSE fans have a date in Santa Maria del Aguila this weekend.

The El Ejido town is hosting the first edition of a riding competition focusing on the Doma vaquera and Alta Escuela specialities of traditional Spanish dressage on March 4 and 5.

Riders are expected to arrive from Valencia, Murcia, Malaga, Jerez, Granada and Sevilla, as well as from all over Almeria, to take part in the event, offering spectators the chance to admire the best examples of dressage with world­class horses in a show that will combine art and tradition.

In addition to the competition, some of the leading jockeys in the world will offer advice for horse owners on how to best train their animals, as well as workshops on artistic hairdressing for horses.

Visitors will also be treated to dance shows,

ated: two in the Sierras Subbrticas geopark, two in the Cabo de Gata­Nijar geopark and two more in the Sierra Norte de Sevilla geopark.

The leaflet on www.ven tanadelvisitante.es, offers some very visual trails in which the visitor can find illustrations, diagrams, geological sections and interpreted photos that illustrate the geological richness of the trail.

Giddy up!

concerts and sampling of paella and traditional buñuelos pudding.

Local Sports councillor Maria Jose Martin highlighted the “great following” there is in El Ejido for riding and dressage, and applauded the work done by local riding clubs to promote the sport among young people.

HORSE FANS: Enjoy the dressage event.

Image by Polarpx

Warm welcome

Betty Henderson

THE latest national figures reveal that Spain has welcomed almost 170,000 Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the Russian invasion of the country last February according to the latest figures released from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

More than eight million Ukrainians have been displaced by the conflict and forced to seek asylum in European countries, and Spain has been one of the countries to welcome Ukrainians in vast numbers. Authorities in Spain moved quickly to create systems to integrate Ukrainian refugees into their new home,

including robust social support mechanisms and employment opportunities which mean that nearly 13,700 refugees are now in employment in Spain. Refugees have also been offered health, education and financial support. Of the 167,596 Ukrainian citizens who have been settled in Spain as residents, 63 per cent are women and 37 per cent are men. The Ukrainian resident population in Spain also more than doubled from 96,687 before the invasion to 193,292. The Valencian Community has welcomed the most refugees at 45,159 followed by Catalonia and Andalucia.

A JAEN resident who placed pieces of meat on the street containing concealed sharp objects with the alleged intention of killing dogs was sentenced to seven months in prison.

A court in Jaen sentenced a resident of the municipality of Torredonjimeno for unjustified mistreatment of domestic animals with the intention of causing their death. Specifically, he was sentenced to seven months in prison for leaving meat containing nails and pins in dog walking areas.

In addition, the sentence disqualified him from exercising any profession, trade or business related to animals or their keeping for

Seven months in prison

two years, according to a news outlet.

The judge considered it proven that the defendant carried out his crimes between April and October 2020. On several occasions, he was said to have “left pieces of sausage in which he concealed pins, needles or pointed spikes so that dogs and animals ate them

THE Spanish government pledged €100 million for a World Bank project to provide health relief in war torn cities in Ukraine in an announcement on Thursday, February 23.

The funding injection will support the World Bank’s HEAL (Health Enhancement and Life­Saving) project in Ukraine, which aims to rebuild healthcare infrastructure and services after the sector was severely damaged by the Russian invasion.

Specifically, the funds will

and died as a result of ingestion. These were placed both at the door of his garage and in containers located in front of this.”

He did this with the aim of “causing the death of the dogs that were walking around the place with their owners and any other animal that passed through the area,” added the judge.

10-20%

Health help

be used to rebuild hospital and primary healthcare buildings, catch up on childhood immunisation programmes, restore mental healthcare services and improve access to affordable medication and expanding online healthcare services.

The Spanish Minister for Economy and Digital Transformation, Nadia Calviño announced the Spanish investment during a G20 meeting

in Bangalore saying “Spain’s contribution to this World Bank project will strengthen health infrastructure and save lives in Ukraine.

“We are deeply committed to a united and coordinated global response to restore peace in Ukraine”.

News of the investment in the World Bank project came as Spain announced more military support for Ukraine.

is how much a girl’s wage is increased per extra year of primary school education.

Charger surge

Betty Henderson

SPAIN made the EU’s top five for the most public electric car chargers in an announcement made on Thursday, February 23. The announcement spells good news for the Spanish green energy transition which is gaining traction.

The data released in a report by the European Observatory for Combustible Fuels found that Spain has a total of 34,380 public electric car charging points.

The impressive figures place Spain in the top five European countries for electric car chargers alongside electric vehicle heavyweight countries Germany and the

Electric vehicle chargers are good news for Spain.

Netherlands. Experts have highlighted that Spain

still has a long way to go however. The country has stated in its Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan its goal is to have more than 100,000 electric vehicle chargers by the end of 2023. Spain also has a relatively low volume of electric vehicles, accounting for just 9 per cent of all vehicles.

Although the data shows an improvement in access to electric chargers in Europe, there is still work to be done. Forty­two per cent of the European Union’s total chargers are in Germany and the Netherlands, an access gap that needs to be bridged.

“Strong, fun and adventurous like a mind-blowing landscape; courageous, persistent and a fighter like a lioness looking after her cubs; responsible and organised like a parent cooking for their children; successful like your favourite grandma’s dish; creative, passionate, memorable and indestructible like a Dali painting; this is a woman. A powerful heart full of love and happiness to share with the world. Appreciate who they are and your life will be meaningful.”

Miss Sara, International School of Estepona

Green revolution

GREENER, cleaner jet fuel has become a hot commodity at Heathrow as the airport embarks on the second year of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel incentive scheme.

In 2022 Heathrow launched a world first: an airport Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentive programme which aimed to cover up to 50 per cent of the extra cost, making the fuel more affordable for airlines to use.

With last year’s scheme oversubscribed, Heathrow is now aiming to triple the percentage used in 2023 to approximately 1.5 per cent, putting the airport on course to be one the world’s largest users of SAF this year.

Participants of the scheme include IAG, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Air France, KLM and JetBlue.

SAF is a proven technol­

ogy that reduces carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent compared with traditional jet fuel. It can be

made from a variety of sources, including waste, animal fat and cooking oil. SAF can work in existing aircraft without the need for technical modifications, and with advancements in aircraft technology like electric or hydrogen ­ powered flight still some way from commercial implementation, SAF is the key to unlocking material reductions in carbon today.

‘‘Having the ability to educate and empower all of the students that cross my path is the reason I adore my profession. However, as a woman, I strive to be a role model to my female students and ensure that they know they have a voice worth listening to and that their opinions and goals matter! It is of great importance that every student, regardless of gender, feels that their dreams can come true. As the famous saying goes 'little girls with dreams become women with vision’.”

Miss Evie, International School of Estepona

St Patrick’s celebrations

LONDON’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, announced on Wednesday, February 22, that London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations will return on Sunday, March 12, with a host of events celebrating Irish culture and heritage in the heart of the capital.

The festivities will kick off at midday with a spectacular parade of Irish marching bands, dancers and pageantry.

More than 50,000 people are expected to join the annual procession which will wind its way through the centre of London from Green Park through Piccadilly Circus to Trafalgar Square.

From midday until 6.00pm, Trafalgar Square will once again be showcas­

ing the very best of Irish arts, performance, culture, food and dance with Masterchef champion, Riyadh Khalaf, compering an exciting lineup.

Londoners and visitors can look forward to a free afternoon of entertainment with music from Sharon Shannon & Band, Celaviedmai, The Craicheads, Celtic Youth Orchestra, Biblecode Sundays, and AIS.

There will also be performances from Maguire O’Shea School of Dance and spoken word artist Leon Dunne, as well as familyfriendly workshops run by the Irish youth creative programme Junk Kouture, and a great selection of food and drinks stalls.

Image: Jack Jelly Shutterstock.com

Cleaner jet fuel.

Anette Qviberg

ANETTE QVIBERG has conquered life in the most amazing ways and is an inspiration to women who want to go out and conquer the world one step at a time. From being a stylist, fashion icon, interior designer, respected businesswoman, single mother and more! Women have been an essential part to Anette’s life, and the strong ethos of her hard work and career, her fascinating life story is something to be shared and is inspirational to those who might be going through something similar. Having been born, raised and educated in Sweden, Anette knew that there was more to the world than what her hometown had to offer and at the age of 18 moved to New York. Anette was able to fulfil her love for fashion and not be stuck to the normal societal ways of Stockholm and experience more of life and what it has to offer by stepping out of the box and become the free thinker and doer

that she is today.

Previously married to Dolph Lundgren, Anette comes from a long line of inspiration and fashion, her mother was the designer to the Queen of Sweden, had her own fashion lines and even made clothing for Anette when she was younger.

When talking to the Euro Weekly News and asked what women she looked up to for inspiration, Anette spoke fondly of her grandmother, “She came to Sweden from Norway to escape the war, they had textile factories back in Norway but had to leave. She was extravagant in the best way; she didn’t fit in a box or category. I can remember

her in her Yves Saint Laurent suit and high heels. She was a magnet, she did so much for people and for those in the LQBTQ community, then they looked to her as an icon, she was such a character she introduced me to Cabaret on her 60th birthday!”

After 15 years of back­andforth from the US to Sweden Anette received her Green Card from the lottery and was able to officially settle down.

Having set her new roots in Los Angeles after New York, to start her own business designing jewellery and continue styling, she has since come to Marbella and gone into the world of interior design with Ida Ayu Design.

When asked what advice she would give a woman in business today, Anette said, “Don’t stop, don’t stop with your creativity if you have something that you know can work, it is worth it, luck does play into it too. Be proud of yourself and have your own style, be your own individual self. Your friends should be copying you, not the other way around. Be your own individual self and be proud of what you have done so far.”

Today Anette is an interior designer who styles and dresses homes, apartments, restaurants and more, allowing your vision to become a reality. Anette has her own team and is dedicated to her work, you will be blown away with what she has and can accomplish, “Each project has its own style, whether it be a private home or a restaurant, you must take everything into consideration. It is psychological, you have to know the client’s wants and desires, I know how to make it work and have everything come together.”

When talking about her history in business and the male dominated industries of fashion and how to get your voice to be heard Anette said, “Work a lot and show up. If you have to be the underdog, be it, be smart, let those around you feel comfortable and do the important things asked of you. It is hard but it is worth it when your voice is finally heard. My daughter is an actress and a model, and she wants her independence. There might be misconceptions because of who I am, and her father is, but she is just like everyone else and will have to work harder to get over the miscon­

ceptions. You need to work from the bottom up or you will never be confident and that is key to getting anywhere. You need to be hungry and take advantage of what you have in front of you, it’ll help you in so many ways.”

Along with her successful career, Anette is also a single mother to Ida and Greta Lundgren. When talking about the work life family balance Anette said “It made more sense for me to go into interior design, I had time for the projects, and I wanted to spend time with my girls. We’re all very close but it was hard to be mum and dad. It is tough, your kids are going to do what you do, they look to their parents as an example, I wanted them to know I was working for a reason and by working while they were growing up it has made them tough. I have always showed them love, but I have also shown them respect and that there is no shame in asking for help, whether it be if I need a tea or they do, we look out for each other and have an open relationship and work together.

“If you are looking to have a better connection with your children, be open and honest with them and let them be open and honest with you and with no judgement. Don’t restrict them and care about their needs.”

Anette has lived in Marbella now for over 20 years, but it has always been a home from home, having visited the area from when she was little throughout the holidays with

her family, Marbella has always been a part of Anette’s heart.

“When the girls were starting to grow up, I knew I couldn’t do it in New York or LA, I wanted them to grow up around nature. Here is the best place for me, there is a sense of community, so many different nationalities, you create your own community here, it is amazing.”

When asked about the best advice she has ever received, Anette went back to her family and her stepfather and grandmother. They said, “Try to live in the moment and try and make the situation as best you can. The sentence it’s never going to work should never cross your lips. Everyone has a chance, everyone fails and don’t be afraid of failure, it makes you stronger. Don’t be scared to be different, do what you can, be true to your word and yourself, there is no harmony in lying.”

When asked what advice she would give women today, she said, “Always focus on positive reinforcement, be an honest person, look at what is in front of you and value it. Be empathetic, value the small things in your community, give rather than show off. Look to those around you who need help and once they are happy, then look further afield. Put down your phone, be proud of yourself and know you have the drive and determination to succeed, it doesn’t matter who has more money, everyone has their dignity and show respect to everyone.”

Anette is an inspiration to all women.

Ida and Greta Lundgren.

METEOROLOGISTS in France issued a warning about drought on Wednesday, February 22, after the country recorded its driest winter in more than 60 years.

France is currently facing one of its driest spells of winter weather with 32 consecutive days without rain, in what has been one of the country’s driest winters on record, since

Danger of drought

1959. The dry winter follows the hottest summer on record which was registered last year by the national weather agency, Météo­France.

Meteorologists and ecological experts called a meeting in

response to the news to discuss policy region by region in an attempt to avert drought later in the year when the country sees the effect of the reduced rainfall on the water supply.

Hot temperatures were suffered by several countries in Europe last summer including Spain and Italy, where drought conditions were also reported.

THE European Commission has now presented a package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the EU’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The sector’s current dependency on fossil fuels is not only environmentally unsustainable but also makes it vulnerable to energy price increases.

When fuel prices increased in 2021 and 2022, many vessels stayed in port and the sector required financial support as a large part of the EU fishing fleet was unable to cover operational costs.

Aquaculture was similarly exposed to higher prices of both fuel and feed. The sector benefited from EU financial support.

The Commission now pro­

Fisheries and aquaculture

tions of the European Green Deal to reach climate neutrality in the EU by 2050.

Unable to cover costs.

poses to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and aim towards climate­neutral fisheries and aquaculture sector, in line with one of the ambi­

It is proposing measures to support the sector in accelerating its energy transition, by improving fuel efficiency and switching to renewable, lowcarbon power sources.

One of the key actions is an Energy Transition Partnership for EU Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Warzone concert

A SLOVENIAN band is warming up to give a performance in Kyiv in what they say will be the first concert by a foreign performer since the war began a year ago. Laybach have announced a concert date in Kyiv’s Bel Etage music hall on Friday, March 31.

The group announced their decision to perform a concert in the warzone on Wednesday, February 22, saying it would be entitled ‘Eurovision’. The concert’s name is a reference to the fact that the country won the European song contest last year, meaning they should have hosted it this year.

Although they might be the first foreign band to perform a traditional concert since the war broke out, musicians Bono and the Edge from U2 played a set in a Kyiv subway station last year, where they showed their support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people living under siege.

Image: European Commission

43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries is made up of women.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Green energy

DENMARK will put nine gigawatts of offshore wind capacity out to tender by late 2023, increasing output fivefold by 2030, the country’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities announced. The green electricity would cover the annual consumption of more than nine million households, the ministry said.

THE NETHERLANDS

Butt out

THE Netherlands’ government is losing its battle against cigarette ends that litter streets and beaches. One filter tip can contaminate 1,000 litres of water, but the current policy of discouraging smoking to limit the toxic plastic waste that they produce was ineffectual, the Environment Ministry admitted.

BELGIUM

Hello dad

BELGIUM’S 88-year-old monarch, King Albert recently embraced his illegitimate daughter Princess Delphine, 54, in public. It was the first display of affection between them since a court ruled that he was the father of Delphine Boel, daughter of his long-time mistress Baroness Sybille de Selys Longchamps.

GERMANY

Fast track

INTERNATIONAL goods trains entering and leaving Germany via the Decin bridge and tunnel that link the country with the Czech Republic can now increase their speed. Improvements involved replacing the superstructure of the 265-metre bridge, built over the Elbe 1916, and rehabilitating the tunnel.

FRANCE

Dolphin watch

ENVIRONMENTALISTS pressured the French government to protect dolphins as hundreds wash up on France's Atlantic coast and thousands more die in fishermen’s nets each year. The real number could be far higher, scientists said, as 80 per cent of dead dolphins sink or decompose at sea.

NORWAY

New arrivals

SCIENTISTS detected 58 new types of midges and 47 water mite species in Norway, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology announced. Finding so many new species was due to increased funding and the presence of two of Europe’s leading experts in the field, the university said.

FINLAND

True or false

FINLAND is less susceptible to fake news than other countries, Bulgaria’s Open Society Institute found. Researchers placed the US, UK, France and Germany in a second group, followed by Italy and Israel in third place, with Georgia, Turkey, Kosovo, Albania, Moldova and Bulgaria ranked fourth.

IRELAND Gas guzzler

IRELAND trails Europe in reducing natural gas consumption, figures from Eurostat, the EU’s statistics agency revealed. In the half-year between August 2022 and January 2023, Ireland reduced its natural gas consumption by 0.3 per cent, compared with 19 per cent in the 27 EU countries.

ITALY

No hassle

ITALY has the EU’s best passport and is the third most powerful worldwide behind Singapore and Japan. Travelling on an Italian passport in 2023 ensures entry to most countries in the world, although those who are Italian citizens can enter 45 countries with just a valid ID card.

PORTUGAL Locked out

LOCKBIT ransomware took credit for February’s attack on the public water system in Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Aguas e Energia do Porto announced that it had been hit, but its security team had limited the damage and the water supply and sanitation were not affected.

UKRAINE Keep going

BUSINESS for Ukrainian pet food manufacturer Kormotech and its 1,300 employees was initially disrupted by the Russian invasion. A year later, thanks to the Lviv-based company’s agile decision-making and good fortune, sales are up, while also providing Ukraine with muchneeded tax revenue.

SWEDEN

Jobs lost

ERICSSON will cut 1,400 jobs in Sweden, the company said in late February. The telecoms giant had already announced in December that it intended to save nine billion krona (€824.9 million) by the end of 2023 as demand slowed in some markets, including North America.

BUSINESS EXTRA Share-out FINANCE

Bonus boost

UNION leader Sharon Graham called for a windfall tax on UK banks after NatWest’s CEO Alison Rose received £5.2 million (€5.9 million) in pay. The bank recently reported its largest profits since 2007, increasing its bonus pool from last year’s £298 million (€338.4) to £367 million (€416.8).

Leaving home

THE Basque Region’s autonomous government is making plans to introduce payments of €300 in 2024 to assist the emancipation and independence of the 25 to 29 age group. The grant will be limited to those earning less than €28,000 a year, announced regional president Iñigo Urkullu.

Get online

THE cost of living continued to strain household budgets, pushing people into digital exclusion, warned Baroness Stowell, chairwoman of the Lords Digital Committee. Ending this exclusion could generate £13.7 billion (€15.5 billion) in economic benefits over 10 years while costing only £1.4 billion (€1.6 billion).

Backpay time

ELDERLY women could receive nearly £1.5 billion (€1.7 billion) in state pension arrears, the UK government admitted. Former Pensions minister Steve Webb agreed that some women’s payments were not increased when their husbands reached retirement age or died, or when they themselves reached 80.

Fewer hours

BANK OF SPAIN analysis of the country’s working hours concluded that although these had partly returned to normal following the pandemic, employees in most sectors worked fewer hours than in 2019. The only exceptions were agricultural workers and those in the property sector.

STAT OF WEEK €8.2 billion

was generated by Spain’s perfumes and cosmetics sector last year, a figure which industry sources said was “extremely positive” after the sales setback caused by the pandemic.

Zara’s secret weapon

Linda

Hall

AS International Women’s Day approaches, Marta Ortega prepares to celebrate her first year as Inditex president.

She is the 39­year­old daughter of Amancio Ortega, Spain’s richest man and one of the richest in the world, who founded the Inditex empire based on the Zara clothing chain.

Kantar, which ranks world brands, placed Inditex at the head of Spain’s top brands in 2022 for the fifth consecutive year, ahead of Movistar, Iberdrola or Santander.

Ortega’s daughter succeeded Pablo Isla, who twice received Harvard Business Review’s Best­performing CEO award. He was Inditex’s executive

SPAIN’S gender pay gap grew to 25.5 per cent in 2021 according to Gestha, which represents tax authority Hacienda’s employees.

The union’s Brecha salarial y techo de cristal (Salary Gap and the Glass Ceiling) found that on average men took home €4,713 more than women in 2021, an increase of €120 on the preceding year.

Gestha noted that the difference in earnings was accentuated in 2021 owing to a reduction in the number of furloughed workers during the pandemic.

Short straw

THERE are twice as many women working on temporary contracts in Spain’s public sector than men. By the last quarter of 2022, 352,300 men and 712,000 women were not established workers, announced the CSFI union which represents public sector employees.

These figures were practically identical to those of pre­pandemic levels, the CSFI said, and indicated the existence of greater instability than in the private sector, where there were fewer situations like these. Women taking leave of absence to look after family members quadrupled the number of men, with six times as many likely to reduce working hours, the union added.

president between 2012 and 2022 and when the company announced in November 2021 that Ortega would take over as executive president in April 2022, share prices fell sharply. Nevertheless, last year’s results have been hailed as ‘spectacular’. With net profits of €3.1 billion in 2022 and a 19 per cent increase in sales, Amancio Or­

tega’s daughter demonstrated the wisdom of a meticulous strategy which began in 2011.

After finishing a degree in Business Studies in London, she began working at the age of 23 in Zara’s Chelsea branch, before moving on to Bershka and eventually to the Inditex head office in Arteixo (La Coruña).

There was never any doubt that Ortega, described by the Wall Street Journal as “Zara’s secret weapon,” would take over from her father.

“She has lived the business from the inside, alongside Amancio,” journalist Jesus Salgado Alvarez said recently.

“He saw that they shared the same interests. She was the one, and insiders never questioned her appointment.”

Mind the gap

that the increases in 2022 and 2023 would produce a “notable reduction.”

It would take 40 years to close the gulf entirely, the union predicted.

The report pointed out that Spain’s minimum wage increases between 2019 and 2021 had “significantly” reduced the wage gap and foresaw

The salary differences were especially substantial in Madrid, Gestha said, where women earned €7,511 less each year, compared to €1,956 in the Canary Islands.

The survey also discovered that women actually earned between €226 and €153 more than men on lower­paid salaries of €20,055 and €33,425 a year but received €40,381 less once these rose be ­

Sparky idea

MARKS & SPENCER are testing a premium version of their Sparks loyalty card.

Perks that will come with the £120 (€136.3) fee include free and unlimited next ­ day deliveries, a monthly £10 (€11.6) voucher and a free coffee each month from any M&S cafe.

Sparks customers will also have a weekly chance of winning their shopping free every week across 1,487 stores and one free drink for every six that they buy in­store.

The retailer explained that the trial involved existing Sparks customers and it would await results before widening the service nationwide.

Experts said the move would also guarantee M&S upfront cash from regular shoppers.

ANA BOTIN, president of Santander Bank, received a 2022 bonus of 736,160 share options at €3.08 each, instead of their current €3.54 market price.

Payment in options is an alternative to a cash bonus, entitling Botin ­ whose bank made a net profit of €9.6 billion last year ­ to obtain the shares at a fixed price over a certain period.

Should the share price rise, Botin could then acquire them at the reduced rate before selling at a profit. But she could also run the risk of seeing the shares fall below €3.08 and reduce the value of her bonus.

Piece of cake

yond €133,700.

Age played an important part, the Gestha experts found, with a difference of between €682 and €1,339 for the under 25s which rose to €6,537 from the age of 56 onwards, reaching €10,763 for women who were 65 or over.

“This is a clear reflection on the amount of time that women devote to their families to the detriment of their professional development,” Gestha said.

What it costs

EACH year the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) produces a report on the cost of raising a child from birth to the age of 18.

In 2022 this amounted to approximately £150,000 (€170,335) for a couple and £200,000 (€227,2145) for single parents.

“Childcare has become an increasingly large component of this outlay for working parents who are not fortunate enough to have unpaid family care available,” the November 2022 report said. “Rising childcare costs now comprise 60 per cent of the lifetime cost of a child for a couple who work full time, compared to around 40 per cent in 2012.”

A study by Raisin Bank put the cost of caring for a child from birth to adulthood in Spain still higher, requiring €300,000 for healthcare, education, food and clothing.

FINSBURY FOOD GROUP, the speciality bakers behind Mary Berry’s cake range, have posted double­digit sales growth.

The company, which supplies supermarkets and makes cakes, bread, buns and snacks welcomed an ‘encouraging’ firsthalf performance.

Revenues had increased 15 per cent to £191 million (approximately €271 million), thanks to higher prices although the group warned of challenges, as profits were hampered by cost inflation.

Operating profit was flat at £6.5 million (€7.4 million) which the group, listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), ascribed to higher input costs which ate into margins.

Windfall tax

SPAIN’S energy sector has now paid an upfront €817.4 million on a 1.2 per cent windfall tax on 2022 and 2023’s excess profits.

Banks have also provided another €637.1 million through a 4.8 per cent levy on their net profits over €800 million, announced Finance minister Maria Jesus Montero on February 20 when 50 per cent of the taxes fell due.

Both of the temporary taxes were introduced to compensate for the government’s anti ­ inflationary measures offsetting the cost of living crisis faced by many families.

Photo credit: Flick/Paolo Rose

GLOBAL BRAND: A Zara store in Sydney (Australia).

WAGE GAP: Will take women 40 years to catch up with men.

Photo credit: Pixabay/Rodrigo Salomon HC

- FTSE 100

DOW JONES

Currency outlook: US dollar firms in risk-off trade, Pound rocked by fluctuating BoE rate expectations

Euro

EUR/GBP: Unchanged at £0.88

EUR/USD: Down from $1.08 to $1.06

Trade in the euro has been erratic over the past month amid a repricing of European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate expectations and concerns over the conflict in Ukraine.

EUR investors were confident going into the ECB’s February policy meeting that the bank would deliver several more hikes this year.

While the bank delivered a 50bps hike and signalled it would pursue another increase of equal size in March, it indicated it’s March hike might be its last for now. Triggering a slump in EUR exchange rates.

The euro was then subsequently pressured by concerns over Russia’s next moves in Ukraine, amid considerable speculation Vladimir Putin would launch a new ground offensive to coincide with the first anniversary of the war.

Coupled with the single currency’s negative correlation with the US dollar this kept the pressure on EUR exchange rates.

Going forward it’s likely that events in Ukraine may continue to dictate movement in the euro. Any escalation of the conflict is likely to exert more pressure on EUR exchange rates.

BUSINESS EXTRA

On the scent

SPAIN is the EU’s second most­affected country regarding counterfeit perfumes and cosmetics, losing 16 per cent of genuine sales amounting to €1 billion each year, revealed Spain’s National Perfumer and Cosmetics Association (Stampa). As well as damaging the firms’ reputations, the fakes also destroyed an annual 8,000 jobs, Stampa said.

Strike off

THE Inditex retail clothing chain has agreed to pay a fixed minimum salary of between €18,000 and €24,500 a year for all employees, the majority of them women, who work in their shops. The wages pact, described as “historic,” arrived only hours before a strike was due to begin.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Unchanged at €1.13

GBP/USD: Down from $1.23 to $1.20

Heading into February, the pound enjoyed relatively robust support amid Bank of England (BoE) interest rate speculation.

Sterling then quickly fell from grace at the start of February, with the GBP/EUR exchange rate plunging to a four-month low after the BoE’s first rate decision of the year. While the bank raised rates by 50bps, its dovish signals lead to speculation the BoE might be nearing the end of its hiking cycle.

Trade in the pound was then choppy in the

weeks that followed. Buoying Sterling sentiment were some hawkish comments from BoE policymakers in addition to confirmation the UK narrowly avoided slipping into a recession at the end of 2022.

A softer-than-expected inflation print in January then placed renewed pressure on GBP exchange rates in mid-February. Before a surprisingly strong PMI release helped to revive BoE rate hike bets and catapult the pound higher again.

Looking ahead, it’s likely BoE rate speculation will remain a key catalyst of movement for the pound. If GBP investors grow more confident

Her father’s daughter

Linda Hall

JUANA ROIG, the 32-year-old daughter of Mercadona’s owner Juan Roig, heads the supermarket chain’s online division.

Responsible for leading the company’s digital transformation for the last five years, she was recently asked if she ever considered taking over from her father.

Speaking during a podcast for the Barcelona Itnig startups hub, Roig immediately answered no. She said she hoped that particular moment would be a long time in arriving.

She added that it made sense for an executive to be a family member before declaring that shares, not the post, were inherited. “We’d see who was bestprepared when the time came although we’re not there yet,” she said, echoing her father’s pronouncement that legacies can be bequeathed but not management or jobs.

Juana Roig also dismissed the possibility of floating Mercadona on the stock exchange or selling the chain.

“Right now, it wouldn’t be

sold for anything in the world, it’s like my father’s fifth daughter,” she declared.

She admitted that being her parents’ daughter was probably her career’s most relevant achievement, emphasising that it had not been exactly easy. “Being the boss’s daughter is hard, as it has its good side and its bad side. You wear a label, you know that and you accept it. Nobody sees the real you,” she said.

Ask uncle for a loan

ANYONE looking for a pawnshop can still find one by looking for three golden balls hanging outside.

According to legend, the balls honour St Nicholas who saved three girls from destitution by lending each a bag of gold as a dowry so she could marry. Dowries are no longer a necessity but pawnshops remain and two pawnbrokers, H&T and Ramsden, are quoted on the stock market.

As the cost of living rises, they and others are doing a roaring trade, and not only with those of modest means.

The well-heeled are increasingly pawning Rolex watches, diamonds and fine art in preference to pay-day loans when needing some ready cash, sector insiders said.

the bank will deliver at least two more hikes and Sterling is likely to strengthen.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Up from $0.80 to $0.82

USD/EUR: Up from €0.91 to €0.93

The US dollar traded sideways through the end of January as a prevailing risk-on mood countered a stronger-than-expected US GDP print.

The start of February then saw the US dollar briefly plunge to a nine-month low against the euro after a dovish 25bps interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve.

However, the ‘Greenback’ was quick to find its feet as January’s non-farm payroll release smashed expectations. Coupled with a hotterthan-forecast inflation print these revived expectations for at least two more interest rate hikes from the Fed this year, and underpinned USD demand through the first half of February.

The US dollar then extended these gains in the second half of a month as a stark rise in geopolitical risks bolstered the currency’s safehaven appeal.

The US dollar now looks well positioned to extend these gains into March as the currency is likely to be underpinned by Fed rate hike bets and souring risk appetite.

Brexit-hit farmers

MINETTE BATTERS, president of the UK’s National Farmers Union, urged the government to support food producers.

This was the only way that farmers could supply British households and a growing world population, she said.

Batters, who owns a cattle, sheep and arable farm in Wiltshire, said farmers and growers had “an opportunity and a duty” to make the most of Britain’s maritime climate by producing food for consumers at home and abroad.

Farmers, unenthusiastic about the government’s postBrexit subsidies introduced to compensate for the loss of the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP), were also affected by a chronic labour shortage, Batters said.

Agricultural overheads had risen by nearly 50 per cent since 2019 and this, together with huge cost inflation, could trigger a slump in UK food production, she warned.

Full nest syndrome

THE empty nest syndrome that hits mothers when children leave home no longer affects 20 per cent of British families.

Research by credit card firm Capital One UK found that around one in five parents expect at least one of their adult children to move back as inflation and high rents put a strain on their finances.

Seventy-five per cent of the 2,000 parents taking part in the survey told Capital One that they would welcome their children with open arms if they were struggling financially. Researchers also learnt that nearly half the participants already had friends whose adult children now lived in the family home again. However happy parents might be to re-accommodate their offspring, the cost could hit them hard.

The average family expected energy and food bills to rise by £272 (€308.8) a month, Capital One found.

STERLING: Heading into February the pound enjoyed relatively robust support.

JUANA ROIG: In charge of Mercadona Online.

Photo credit: Juana Roig, Mercadona

WHAT a dreadful state the human race now finds itself in. Every week I mentally rumble on through possible subject matter to feature in my weekly blurb and every week I generally leave all the turmoil behind and revert to some other focus of interest. One of the problems is that world events now seem to proceed at such a pace that we sometimes require daily publications, simply to keep up. This month has been no exception.

Delilah, a song, written by pals of mine and loved by millions, is banned because it offends a handful of woke numbskulls. Biden visited the Ukraine. All well and good; if President Roosevelt had offered the same aid to Poland in 1939 Hitler would have been stopped in his tracks. Let’s just hope that China doesn’t decide the time is right to join Russia and go nuclear.

The horrendous earthquakes in Turkey have caused supposed illegally erected buildings to crumble. Let’s trust those responsible are brought to book and punished accordingly.

I’m a poster boy

The tragic case of Nicola Bulley has been a terrible strain both on her family and a caring public. I will be interested to hear why the police took so long to find her body in the river and if there is any evidence of assault or criminal intent. Then we come to the heart­ rending murder of Brianna Ghey.

This was the 16­year­old transgender girl, fatally stabbed to death last week. Two 15 ­ year ­ olds have since been charged with her murder. To me crimes of this intensity are undoubtedly instigated by the woke insurgents, who are attempting to change the society and culture of the West at such a gangbuster rate that is causing alarm and a whole multitude of misgivings and issues to spread among the heterosexual and white majorities ­ particularly the young.

Over 70 per cent of media advertisements and documentaries now contain non­white actors, who actually represent only 15 per cent of the population. Ads depict large numbers of mixed marriage and relationships, with many black actors cast in the leading roles of those giving advice

WOMAN POWER OUR VIEW

and information to white members of the community. This is more woke indoctrination, promoting minorities, causing more harm than good and creating a rising tide of racist violence and gender antagonism by the day. Oddly the advertisement which actually shows the true make ­ up of British culture is the one which depicts the post code lottery. As this takes place among true, non­typecast members of UK neighbourhoods, the winners from all these areas are predominately white. A true and nonwoke example of what the majority of UK districts truthfully represent.

Just to round off this week, I recently had the oddest occurrence. LBC, which is of course one of the UK’s biggest radio stations, broadcast a caller who weirdly announced that Leapy Lee had become the ‘poster boy for the anti­woke society’.Yaaay. And Nicola Sturgeon has finally given up. Yaaay.

Love

ON Thursday, March 8, nations across the world celebrate International Women’s Day.

Created in 1977 by the UN as a day to raise awareness of different women’s issues globally, International Women’s Day shows us how far the world has come; and how far it has left to go.

Think of the world just 100 years ago when women couldn’t vote, mothers couldn’t work, and women couldn’t apply for loans without a male guarantor, or evenly inherit money if there was already a male heir. In short, anything that allowed women to have what we would now consider an actual life of their own.

There were always exceptions of course (Gentleman Jack, Beatrix Potter) but as well as being generally wealthier to start with (giving them considerably more freedom than many other women), they really were the exception, not the rule.

In the western world at least, freedoms, rights and equalities really are now the rule.

While there is a lot to celebrate in this though, let’s not allow this success to make us forget the same is not true to women everywhere in the world. And that we can only truly celebrate equality when it actually applies equally to all women.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

I JUST WANT TO SPEAK TO A HUMAN!

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

THERE are so many things wrong in the UK currently that it is practically impossible to get numbers down to even a top 10. Whenever back in the country, however, one of my almost daily frustrations is attempting to speak to a human in any organisation via any medium.

Some have removed phone contact, others email addresses and even chat messages (although that point may not be a bad thing with banks, with which you ‘live chat’ only to discover that the agent is actually dealing with some 300 ‘chatters’ and may get back to you tomorrow). And why are so many actual staff still working from home, especially government agencies like HMRC, DVLA etc?

Question: Why is it so difficult to speak to a human in wealthy, successful organisations?

Answer: Because they become successful initially by being small, flexible and customer­focused. Then they trade on that reputation to grow to a size where they’re bought out by MegaGlobalCorp Inc, who keep those direct debits rolling over whilst sacking everyone and closing down most of the backoffice operation. Customer service will be an irrelevance, and if they spend any money at all it will be on daft advertising campaigns.

And speaking to a human is almost as difficult as getting to see a GP in the UK.

At the age of 101, my mother had to see her doctor for a check ­ up. At the end of the consultation he decided to check for Alzheimer’s, asking her if she knew the date. She promptly responded with the correct day, date, month and year which elicited the response ‘brilliant’. “No it isnt,” she replied. “You have a large calendar on the wall behind you.” There were no further questions.

A friend’s mother, at 86, gave a similar response. She was then asked who was the Prime Minister, and was gleefully able to respond correctly: “I’ve just been watching news about him on TV!” Yet another mother, when asked for her birthday: “22nd March.” Doctor: “What year?” Mother: “Every bloody year!”

And talking of nannying, Bill Giles, retired MET forecaster, accused his suc­

DEBBIE JAMES

WHAT an inspiration to women and young girls, pursuing her passion and making it her life’s work. It is so easy these days to go down the route of a normal job. There is one thing that doesn’t get enough attention to it, and it is the arts. If you have a passion, hobbies and think it could be something, do it. You don’t know where you could end up. You could be like Debbie and have a fantastic career and create a spectacular community. I hope I’ll be able to go to one of the workshops she was talking about some day. Thank you, Debbie, if you’re reading this, you have inspired me to pick up my paintbrushes after so long and I have just bought your book, I can’t wait to read it.

Victoria, Arboleas

Thinking of Estela

the Bond films and her role in Philomena, well it was just so heartwarming and breaking. The fact that she can play so many characters and wear so many ‘hats’ is stupendous, she has worked in the film industry for a very long time and even on stage in shows!

Saddened, Benidorm

Bee stings

cessors of behaving like nannies for issuing so many storm alerts, saying that the public would soon become immune to them. Let’s take a quick look at the evidence:

October 15, 1987

Michael Fish denied that a hurricane was on its way just before it arrived in the worst storm for three centuries killing 18 people.

May 25, 2009

The Met Office warned of “a threat of showers and thunderstorms” on Bank Holiday Monday. It turned out to be the hottest day of the year up to then. Resorts lost millions in revenue because visitors were put off by the forecast.

April 30, 2009

The Met Office predicted a ‘barbecue’summer with temperatures exceeding 30C. It rained on 42 summer days and was the wettest July on record.

November 2014

The Met Office reassured councils and the Environment Agency they should expect a ‘drier than usual’ winter. It would be the wettest winter since records began in 1914 and some of the most severe flooding Britain had seen in decades.

Lordy, another lie down needed!

Nora Johnson’s 11 critically acclaimed psychological crime thrillers (www.no ra­johnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

IT is such a tragic thing when you hear about people getting into accidents, Estela was going to be one of the greats and you can tell. It is so awful when this happens, it makes you think about everything and just how lucky you must be and feel to be able to get up in the morning. After reading the story I felt an overwhelming sense of I need to get up and enjoy my day because she would only love to be here to do that. Such a young woman too. I am only sending best wishes and strength to her family and the cycling community.

Emily, UK

Dear Leapy

YOU’D certainly get my vote. A brilliant Manifesto, especially about the ‘Asylum seekers’. Don’t reply because I’m not online, sending this by mail boxes email.

Regards

Marcia van der Wal, Altea

MY husband and I are absolutely with you and love your manifesto. Little worried about overseas aid as, if we don’t, then the Chinese or the Russians will. But otherwise fabulous. Go on, go for it. Love love love.

Jeff and Jane

Judi Dench

IT is sad to hear that Judi Dench is no longer able to read her scripts due to her failing eyesight, but I find that with her expertise, charm and quick wit that Judi might not have needed a script anyway. She is a strong and powerful woman and the fact that she has said that she isn’t thinking of giving up acting anytime is just what we need to hear. Imagine being 88 and as fit and as amazing as she is, going to the Oscars, filming movies, my favourites must be

I THINK some people just don’t know what to be at these days. The fact that Gwyneth Paltrow has said that bees’ stings are natural Botox, I don’t know what to believe. Ladies, gents or anyone who thinks they need any of these enhancers or take awayers just remember that you are beautiful inside and out. I can understand that it can increase confidence and that you can feel better about yourself but your little quirks, the smile lines are what show that you have had a fantastic and happy life, that you have character and something special too. Do as you please, but think about what you do and where you get it done, I have seen too many of those botched programmes and I hope that nobody ever experiences that.

Alexandra, Fuengirola

Hip fractures

LINDA if I had known that I think I would have had some better luck and I would have drunk more tea! If anyone doesn’t know what I am talking about apparently more protein and tea, or coffee could reduce hip fractures in women. So, if you don’t drink tea, get drinking it now! The pain of a hip fracture is something you should take seriously, and I am telling you now, it is no joke. From here on out I’ll be making sure the girls and granddaughters are drinking more tea and coffee. I am so glad to hear about this and if you have any more tips, keep them coming! If we can avoid more things like that with something so simple, then I’ll be getting all the tea bags I can get.

Vanessa, Almeria

Leapy laws

I HAVE just read your manifesto ... I agree 100 per cent with the laws you would like to introduce to England. I feel sure if you could send this as a questionnaire to every adult in England, the majority would tick yes to each ruling.And to those who disagreed they could return to their original homeland. I wish you every succes.

Although we have lived in Spain for some 22 years and would never wish to return to England, we still keep up with how life is for family and friends back there.

Regards Wanda

Nora Johnson’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Nora’s latest thriller.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

NEW & EXCLUSIVE TO VOSS HOMES ­ A lovingly maintained and presented three bed, two bath villa with H&C aircon, 8m x 5m swimming pool, pool side bar and extra large beautifully landscaped, fenced gardens of 1,376m2 with lovely country views. Three minutes drive to popular restaurant / bar.

Seven mins drive to La Alfoquia and Zurgena village. Ten mins to Arboleas, 12 mins drive to Huercal­Overa town. Thirty to 35 mins drive to the coast at Mojacar, Vera and Garrucha.

Villa Verde is a very light and airy home and excellent if you like to entertain. It is located on the edge of a small, quiet development of well looked after properties in the Los Llanos del Peral area of Zurgena near El Cucador.

A metal sliding gate leads onto a gravelled driveway with room for numerous cars / motor homes. The gardens surround the villa and have been gravelled for low maintenance with attractive garden areas with a variety of Mediterranean plants and trees and night lighting. To the rear of the villa is the 8m x 5m swimming pool and entertaining area with two covered pergolas, bbq and an attractive well built, covered pool side bar with granite worktops, stools, electric points for a fridge etc and night lighting. A lovely area to entertain, relax and enjoy the views.

Property of the week Ref. VH2143

Villa Verde in Zurgena

224,500 euros

At the front of the villa is a covered and arched veranda / seating area with views looking over the garden and countryside. The front door takes you into the spacious living room with H&C air con and log burning fire. To the left an archway leads in to the dining room and then another archway takes you in to the large kitchen / dining room with fully fitted kitchen and lots of storage and worktop space, H&C air con and ceiling fans.

The dining part of this room has a ceiling fan and glazed double doors leading out to the side / front garden. Back in the main dining room is a rear door going out to a roofed, Florida style meshed enclosure which makes an ideal extra ‘inside / outside’ living / dining room.

To the right of the living room is the main bedroom with ensuite shower room with walk­in shower and glazed double doors leading out to the rear garden and swimming pool area.

Also from the living room a further archway leads to the two guest bedroom and the family bathroom, both with ceiling fans.

or a meeting in our offices please contact Voss Homes on 0034 950 616 827 or email us on enquiries@vosshomesspain.com.

We all need a helping hand

THE British Benevolent Fund was founded over a century ago with the aim of providing assistance to those British nationals in Spain who face severe financial issues.

We work with the UK consular network and many charity partners from www.supportin spain.info/ across the country in order to do this.

The issue of Brexit is a real one for many people who although have lived in Spain years did not for whatever reason complete the paperwork to be considered officially resident under the terms of the UK withdrawal from the EU.

For elderly and vulnerable people requiring medical treatment in Spain from the public health system this can be an acute issue.

For those unable to afford private health schemes the payment for medical treatment can be an enormous and, in some cases, insurmountable amount.

Last year we were approached by one of our partners to help a British lady who had been living off a small pen­

sion and found that post Brexit she was no longer eligible for Spanish health and state benefits as she had not registered as a resident by the deadline.

As she was facing several serious health issues which needed treatment this was an acute issue that needed resolving.

We were being asked to pay for her medical treatment which was a considerable sum as well as being an ongoing one and it was necessary that she had her paperwork in order or face the difficult decision of repatriation to the UK.

Thankfully we were able to provide some initial sums for her medication whilst her paperwork was being done .

Even so it was not a straightforward process ­ even to get an appointment let alone the considerable documentation

that was required now that the deadline had passed.

However, working with the partner charity we were able to provide a grant for her medical expenses and she was then fortunate to be able to access the Spanish public health system.

Please visit our website www.britishbenevolentfund.or g or email olaf.clayton@british benevolentfund.org for further information.

LOVINGLY PRESENTED: The villa has attractive garden areas, a lovely area to entertain or relax.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

Work out with weights

AS women’s bones lose their density, the best way to pro tect them is by retaining mus cle mass.

Building strength in middle age contributes to defining the shape of your old age and a good way to do this is with weights, trainers say.

For absolute beginners who haven’t worked out for some time, low­resistance body­weight exercises like walking or dancing are a good start.

This prepares muscles for the change in routine. Then, when you first pick up a weight, start light and level up as you become more comfort able.

WEIGHT TRAINING: Protects women’s bones by retaining muscle mass.

Photo credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio

5.5 years is the average amount of years that women live longer than men.

SMOKED SALMON’S omega3, selenium, and Vitamins A and D all boost the immune system, especially in women.

The bacteria is easily destroyed through cooking, explaining why many of the listeriosis food poisoning cases reported involved ready­prepared food and smoked fish.

As a rule, listeriosis is relatively benign with mild symptoms of diarrhoea and nausea. But in people with weakened immune systems, the bacteria can spread from the intestines into the blood­

Not so dangerous Sleepless nights

stream, causing potentially life­threatening conditions that include sepsis and meningitis. Over­65s are regarded as being at greatest risk from listeriosis, which is

INSOMNIA affects one in three Britons and most are women, although comparatively little research and few trials have concentrated on why they are more affected than men.

Sleep expert Dr Lindsay Brown attributed this lack of interest to the common ­ and traditional ­ assumption that female insom­

regarded as particularly dangerous for the over­80s.

Health professionals also pointed out that listeriosis is unusual in healthy people, including the over­65s.

nia is a ‘woman’s problem’ linked to hormonal fluctuations caused by menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

“There’s a catastrophic lack of knowledge about women’s health as a whole, and this is just one more life­altering concern that’s been left on the side­lines,” Dr Brown said.

SMOKED SALMON: Boosts the immune system.

THERE are many ways of providing water in the garden, but the simplest way is a bird bath. This is essentially a dish of water, the aesthetic aspects are there to please us, not the birds!

A good bird bath has a simple, sturdy construction, but is light enough to make it easy to clean and refill.

The location of your garden and the type of vegetation immediately around it will determine what birds will visit your bird bath, and in what numbers. Siting of the bath is very important as birds will only use it if they feel safe.

Birds get excited and preoccupied with bathing, and tend to be more vulnerable than at other times.

Bird baths

Make sure birds have clear visibility as they bathe, with bushes or trees nearby to provide cover if alarmed, and perches to use when preening.

Ensure cats cannot use the cover to attack bathing birds.

You can do this by placing a thick layer of clippings from thorny vegetation, such as rose or pyracantha, beneath the bushes.

Try placing the bath at different points around the garden to find the best site.

Community woodland

THE National Trust is putting down the roots of its first major community woodland, with 90,000 trees due to be planted over the next three years.

The conservation charity aims to create a 120hectare future­proof woodland at Wembury Barton Farm on the stunning south Devon coast which is equivalent in size to 168 football pitches.

This will not only become a haven for wildlife but also for individuals and the wider community around Plymouth. With tree planting now under way, the existing 36 hectares of woodland at

A CONSCIENTIOUS lifestyle is an important step in counteracting the consequences of global warming.

This also includes promoting the diversity of plant life.

Plants filter pollutants out of the air, the biomass of a single, mature, mediumsized tree, for example, stores up to 500 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

Plants cool down heated large cities and provide food and shelter for numerous animals. In the garden, there is an immense variety of flowering perennials, hedge plants, trees and shrubs.

According to Gardena: “It inspires, makes happy and excites because plants are caresses for the soul.”

Factors such as the loss of green spaces, monocultures or environmental pollution are putting the diversity of animal and plant life in distress. That's why the topic of biodiversity is more topical than ever.

What exactly does the word mean? Simply put, Gardena says: “If there are as

Wembury will be expanded by 84 more hectares of new planting over the coming years, forming a rich mosaic of woodland and wood pasture.

Nearly four kilometres of new hedgerow and banks will also be planted. The area will also sequester a significant amount of carbon as the trees mature.

A wide range of people will be able to access and enjoy this woodland on a network of new multi­user and other paths, bringing them closer to nature and helping to improve both mental and physical well­being.

many different species of plants, animals and organisms as possible in the world, nature is at its most bal ­

anced. But natural habitats are fading, and the number of species is declining sharply worldwide.”

Feeding the birds

HELPING garden birds can be as rewarding for you as it is for them. By using bird tables and hanging feeders, you can bring wild birds right up to your window.

Here’s what to feed them so you can enjoy having birds in your garden all year round. These feathery friends love to tuck into seeds, grains and peanuts. With peanuts it is best to buy from a reputable feed shop to ensure they’re fresh, unsalted and suitable for birds.

To protect chicks from being fed whole nuts and choking, provide peanuts in good quality mesh feeders.

Birds also like to tuck into cooked pasta, rice and boiled potatoes. They are also partial to cheese, raisins and sultanas.

Apples, pears and soft fruits are popular and are a great autumn food as are insects such as mealworms or waxworms.

Fresh, clean water is essential for birds, so keep water bowls full of clean water and make sure you place bowls and feeders far away from bushes and other areas where predators might hide.

Providing water.

Different walks

DOGGY walkers based in Sussex, England, are in the enviable position of now being able to take their furry friends on a dog walk with a difference.

Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, England, has now opened its spectacular landscape to dogs seven days a week.

For the first time, dogs and their owners can visit Wakehurst seven days a week and have the chance to walk the world from the heart of Sussex, exploring an incredible range of habitats across the 535­acre site.

Over 10km of paths designated for dogs will wind through the gardens, traversing paths alongside towering woodland species from Australasia and North America, ravines of rhododendrons from eastern Himalaya, and the peaceful oasis of the Water Gardens filled with flourishing seasonal flowers.

Director of Wakehurst Ed Ikin says, “At Wakehurst, we believe a stroll through our wild landscape forms a dog walk with a difference. With each visit, people walking their dogs will be contributing to Kew’s critical conservation work and pioneering science research undertaken to combat biodiversity loss.”

Image: Kew Gardens

Hidey holes

Crufts TV takeover

DOG lovers will be treated to a record­breaking 16 hours and 30 minutes of Crufts coverage as the world’s greatest dog show returns to Channel 4 and More4 this March.

With an additional 15 minutes more coverage than last year and over 100 minutes more than the 2020 show, viewers can look forward to a total of nine and a half hours of Crufts on Channel 4 alone!

Clare Balding will host daily highlights of the world’s most famous dog event live from the NEC, Birmingham and will be joined by a team of reporters including Radzi Chinyanganya and, returning for her second year, Sophie Morgan, along with canine experts who will be covering the show.

Furry friend exhibition

FANS of our furry friends will be pleased to hear that a new dog photography exhibition has opened at the Kennel Club Art Gallery.

A special capsule exhibition by Lincolnshirebased photographer, Kirsty Bevan, has just opened at The Kennel Club Art Gallery, showcasing and celebrating the different breeds of Setter.

The capsule, which is open for public viewings at The Kennel Club in London until the end of May 2023, features photographs from various locations around the UK of all four Setter breeds: the Irish Red Setter, the English Setter, the Gordon Setter and the Irish

Red and White Setter.

Kirsty shared the inspiration behind her latest project: “I have always been around Setters, so I knew that my first photography project had to be on them!

“The sole aim of this project is to capture the inquisitive personality of the four Setter breeds and showcase their naturally regal appearance.”

The exhibition is open to the public at The Kennel Club Art Gallery at 10 Clarges Street, Mayfair, W1J 8AB, from Monday to Friday between 9.30am to 4.30pm.

To book your visit, call (+44) 20 7518 1064.

THERE are lots of reasons why a cat might hide. Cats hide to feel safe, and in order to protect themselves from things they perceive as dangerous or stressful so it’s important to find out the reasons why your cat is hiding.

Cats as a species are selfreliant, so when faced with a difficult situation your cat would naturally prefer to avoid it rather than charge in and fight.

Your cat will hide when there is something, or someone, nearby that is causing them concern. They may be frightened or just wary

about something unfamiliar and might want to keep out of the way, just in case.

If you leave them to it you will usually find that they will come out of hiding once they have realised that whatever it was they were frightened of isn’t actually scary at all.

Hiding places are one of your cat’s basic needs. Providing a selection of possible options, such as some open cupboard doors, areas under beds, cardboard boxes and gaps behind sofas will give your cat a choice of places to go when they feel like hiding.

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “We are delighted that Channel 4 and More4 will be offering viewers at home the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Crufts, with more coverage than ever. The event celebrates everything that we love the most about dogs and highlights the benefits that dogs bring to our lives, so it’s no surprise that it holds such a special place in dog lovers’ hearts.”

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PEEK-A-BOO: Cats like to hide.

Image: Koldunov Alexey

WILD LANDSCAPES: A dog walk with a difference.

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LOCAL ANGLICAN (C of E) church services at Mojacar Los Llanos Del Peral and Alhambra. Communion every Sunday in Mojacar at 11am. Communion at Los Llanos every Sunday except the last Sunday in the month when there will be Prayer and Praise all at 11am. The services that were being held in the South American church Albox have now returned to the chapel and Communion is held on the second Thursday of the month at 11am. Priest in charge Rev Canon Alan Bennet telephone number 680 243 436. For further information, please go to The Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Calida web page. Or contact Tony Noble 950 069 103. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training)

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A superbly accomplished package

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

SO many people think that unless you have owned an Alfa Romeo you are not a true petrol head, and you can kind of see their point. While classic Alfas probably still deserve their reputation for being temperamental, newer models have in theory left that reputation behind.

The trouble is reputations can take a long time to disappear and that’s a shame because it prevents many people from enjoying some cracking cars, and they don’t come anymore cracking than the Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

The ‘standard’ Stelvio range is by no means backward in accelerating forward, with even the least athletic engine producing 190hp and the most powerful 280hp. It is the 510hp Quadrifoglio that is the re­

al star though, it’s like an automotive Summanus. This is an SUV very defi nitely designed with per formance, rather than off ­ roading in mind, and it REALLY performs.

It doesn’t come cheap though with prices starting at €90,247/£79,619, which puts the Alfa against some very stiff competition from arguably much more premium badges. Standard fare on the Quadrifoglio is suitably generous, as you would expect on a car of this price, and the interior is a heady mix of leather.

On the road the Quadrifoglio has a bit of a dual personality. It is quite happy to potter through urban streets, but show it an open road and its inner darkness is revealed.

Reaching 62mph in 3.8

seconds is good in anyone’s book, but when you’re talking about a large SUV it is particularly impressive. The Quadrifoglio is light thanks to the use of aluminium and carbon fibre but it’s the allround performance, not just speed, from the way it puts the power down, to the handling and steering.

It’s a superbly accom ­

plished package.

The power delivery is nothing short of vicious and the exhaust note delivers a much more tuneful, if equally loud, output as many a supercar.

This is a well ­ honed, well ­ crafted and hugely entertaining car. It manages to combine so many positive attributes and is a

delight to drive.

It’s achilles heel is price, the competition is just so much more premium in not just badge but build quality and feel. The Stelvio isn’t bad by any means, but it just isn’t £80k worth of quality. It’s for this reason that I suspect many premium badge drivers will stay loyal to their usual fare, but the few that don’t will not be disappointed.

Facts at a Glance

Model: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Price €90,247/£79,619

Engine: 2.9-litre, bi-turbo, V6-cylinder, petrol

Gears: 8-speed automatic

Performance: 0-100kmh/62mph 3.8seconds. Maximum Speed 283kmh/176mph

Economy: 11.8 litres per 100km/23.9mpg combined driving WLTP

Emissions: 267g/km WLTP

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

EV charge points

GOVERNMENTS across the world are ploughing funds into the green agenda which involves electric vehicles.

The UK is set to spend £56 million of public funding for electric vehicle charge points. Electric vehicle drivers from Cumbria to West Sussex will benefit from the continued expansion of electric vehicle charging points across the country.

The funding will expand

the current Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot, boost the existing OnStreet Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) and help councils secure dedicated resources to develop in­house expertise and capability to coordinate charge point plans and deliver a more comprehensive and reliable network of charge points for drivers.

The government has already spent over £2 billion to

support the move to zeroemission vehicles, helping drive forward the decarbonisation of the UK’s entire transport system. Running out of gas or electricity produces the same result: your car will stop. In the case of a gas car, a roadside service truck can usually bring you a can of gas, or tow you to the nearest gas station. Similarly, an electric car can simply be towed to the nearest charging station.

STELVIO RANGE: A well-honed, hugely entertaining car.

More funding.

Image: UK government Department of Transport

It’s a world first

Busy times for Spanish Industry minister

SPANISH Industry minister

Reyes Maroto has been very busy lately.

Speaking at a recent press conference in Paris, Sra Maroto confirmed that Renault and Stellantis are due to launch new production lines in Spain in the near future.

zero interest.

The first part of the scheme was unsuccessful, with 75 per cent of the funds reserved for the loans left unclaimed due to the short timeframe for companies to carry out the necessary investments ­ the deadline was June 2025.

THE world’s first digger, powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, will soon be on UK roads and building sites following recent government approval, helping to decarbonise the UK’s construction industry.

The UK government has given special dispensation, under a vehicle special order, that allows JCB, the British construction equipment manufacturer, to test and use its world­first hydrogen­powered backhoe loader on UK roads.

With 25 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions coming from the built environment, it’s vital the entire construction indus­

try looks to decarbonise at every stage.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Jesse Norman, said: “From cars to construction sites, the industry has a vital role in decarbonising our economy and creating green jobs and prosperity.”

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford confirmed: “Securing this vehicle special order from the Department for Transport is an important first step in getting JCB machines that are powered by hydrogen combustion engines to and from British building sites using the public highway.

“It’s an endorsement that JCB is on the right path in pursuit of its net zero ambitions.”

“We are generating a climate of confidence for such important companies as Renault and Stellantis to continue investing in our country,” she said.

More specifically, the Spanish government is working to improve conditions for electric vehicle manufacturers, enabling more firms to apply for development loans with

Manufacturers called for the period to be extended by three years until 2028, which the ministry led by Sra Maroto has confirmed will be done as it has already been given the go ­ ahead by the European Union.

Stellantis currently has three electric vehicle assembly plants in Spain, located in Galicia, Zaragoza and Madrid.

The Industry ministry is currently negotiating with the firm to boost production and guarantee employment at the three plants for at least another 15 years.

On the other hand, Renault does not currently manufacture electric vehicles in Spain, with production taking place in France. However, the company is negotiating with Sra

Maroto’s department to extend the loan scheme to cover hybrid vehicles ­ which does not look likely, as the EU is focusing its efforts on 100 per cent electric mobility. But Reyes Maroto has also been in the news for different reasons lately. The Industry chief is planning to leave the ministry shortly in order to stand for the local elections in Madrid for the PSOE on May 28.

Her main rival will be current mayor Jose Luis Martinez Almeida (PP), whose popularity has waned significantly in recent months due to revelations concerning allegedly fraudulent business practices during the Covid pandemic.

The PSOE hopes that Sra Maroto will help put the party back on the map in the Spanish capital after years of very poor results.

Image by Fernando Astasio Avila/Shutterstock

Industry minister and PSOE candidate for Madrid, Reyes Maroto.

SPECIAL ORDER: Powered by a hydrogen combustion engine.

Image: UK government / Department of Transport

70% of women who are of the legal age to drive in the UK

Agriculture & rugby 30 countries propose ban

THE governments of 34 countries worldwide have spoken in favour of a ban on the participation of representatives from Russia and Belarus in international sports competitions. It comes as a result of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

SOME might consider agriculture and rugby an odd combination but together they are stronger and have decided to collaborate for the 59th edition of the Farming Fair.

They are two events, two distinct spheres, two different missions but both rooted within the French regions, sharing common values (team spirit, drive, strength of the collective) which naturally led to this union.

Until March 5, at the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles in France, for the first time, the Hall 1 entrance will be dressed in the colours of the Rugby World Cup 2023.

From September 8 until October 28, 20 teams from every continent will face each other on French soil, creating unique moments of emotions, celebration and sharing.

Rugby World Cup 2023 will also be the occasion to shine a light on its regions, its craftsmanship, and the local products of French territories on display during the International Agricultural Fair.

This will come to life thanks to the involvement of the French Chefs of the XV de la Gastronomie, who will put local products at the heart of the competition and its Official Hospitalities.

This news was announced in a joint statement published on Monday, February 20, on the website of the British Ministry of Culture, Media and Sports of the

United Kingdom.

“There are serious concerns about how justified it is for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in neutrality given that they are directly funded and supported by their respective states,” the statement said.

It also emphasised that “there are no grounds for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reconsider the decision.” This referred to the decision adopted last year on the

non­admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus.

The statement also alleged that there are “strong ties and jurisdiction of Russian athletes with the Russian armed forces.”

In the statement, the

countries called for the IOC to explain the definition of neutrality towards athletes from Russia and Belarus.

Until this is done, it is proposed not to allow them to participate in international competitions.

Copenhagen calling

COPENHAGEN is preparing for an urban festival with street activities in the heart of the Danish capital when the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3×3 Europe Cup Qualifier and 3×3 Europe Cup 2025 take place.

“We are really happy and proud of bringing the 3×3 Europe Cup to Denmark for the first time,” Kamil Novak, FIBA Europe Executive Director said, adding: “Copenhagen and Denmark are perfect matches to 3×3 as one of the missions of this discipline is to bring basketball to the people and show that everyone can be successful in 3×3.”

The 3×3 Europe Cup will be staged in September 2025 in a public square in central Copenhagen with a venue large enough to accommodate 1,200 spectators.

In 2024, the Copenhageners can warm up with the 3×3 Europe Cup 2024 Qualifier. The activities and side events also include school programmes, exercise, and competitions enabling the children to try the urban and Olympic disciplines.

Denmark’s Basketball Federation expects between 7,000 and 8,400 paying spectators for the Europe Cup 2025 and up to 90,000 spontaneous spectators.

FARMING FAIR: Two different missions.

OLYMPIC GAMES: Other countries wish to ban Russia.

Credit: kovop/Shutterstock.com

Image: World Rugby