Costa Blanca North 2 – 8 March 2023 Issue 1965

ONE WOMAN

THE European Union of Women Marina Alta is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 with its AGM followed by a presentation by Canadian art historian, educator and author Karla Ingleton Darocas who will share fascinating information about the plight of Spanish women at the turn of the 20th century when Spain was transitioning from a monarchy to a republic.

Karla, a resident of Benitachell, will also talk about the life and success of one extraordinary woman from the period whose selflessness and dedication left an indelible impression on those around her, wife of the ever­popular Va­

lencian painter Joaquín Sor Valencian artist Joaquín Sorolla, Clotilde García del Castillo. With the country in the throes of the Industrial Revolution, Spanish women faced significant challenges, one of the biggest of which is that they had no rights. They were considered second­class citizens and had limited access to edu­

cation, job opportunities and political representation. Relegated to a subordinate role in society, they had limited autonomy in their personal and professional lives.

In this dismal context, Clotilde achieved success as a mother of his children, supporting her husband as his social secretary and his emotion­

Women, a great inspiration in art

al caregiver. She was his painter’s model, his business partner and his marketing manager. She was his driving force, the compass and the key to his social advancement and success. Celebrate Women’s Day, join the organisation and meet new friends at Javea Golf Club on Wednesday March 8 from 10.30am.

WOMEN are the symbol of life. The creators of unconditional love. A woman is both gentle and powerful, practical and spiritual.

From March 8 to 31, the ARTE.44 gallery will be showing a curated selection of artworks in Calpe. Nineteen artists from different countries and art movements will each present a work on this theme. The official opening will be on March 8, International Women’s Day, from 6pm to 8pm. Everyone is welcome.

Karla with students.

MONTGO Golf Society played a Stableford competition recently at Oliva Nova Golf course. The sponsors this week were Gerian van Ooijen and Francien Knoops. Thank you, ladies, for your abundance of prizes.

We had prizes for the 1st and 2nd men and the 1st and 2nd ladies. So, for the men the winner was Keith Cottrell with 39 stableford points and in 2nd place was Alan McManus with 35 stableford points. The lady’s winner was

Montgo Golf

Andrea Hall with 40 stableford points and in 2nd place was Sally Burrowes with 32 stableford points.

We had five nearest the pin prizes on offer ­ the 3rd 5th in two, the 11th 14th in three and the 16th, and taking home the prizes was Nigel Siddall on the 3rd, 5th in two was Geoff Willcock on the 11th was Andrea Hall, on the 14th in three was Nigel

Siddall again and on the 16th, it was Franz Budnik.

We had no twos this week so coveted Montgo Golf Balls remain intact.

Next week’s competition is the St David’s Day trophy, sponsor is Geoff Willcock, who is not Welsh, but his wife Hilary is, so Geoff is just doing as he is told. Like all of us good men would do. Red attire is the order of the day.

History through photographs

VILLAJOYOSA now has a treasure trove of fascinating historical photographs taken by a local photographer between 1845 and 1937, during the civil war which accounts for a part of the collection. The Linares Ortiz is a jewel of Valencian heritage and a photographic chronical of a century in the town.

The Department of Historical Heritage and the University of Alicante have organised a first exhibition in the Municipal Public Library with a selection of more than 40 never­before­seen photos from the 30s to the 50s. The municipal archive and conservation department has already digitised 3,000 images with

a high­resolution scanner, representing a mere 2 per cent of the total donated 11 months ago. The glass plates and negatives are carefully stored in neutral paper in nonacidic carboard boxes in a special temperature­controlled warehouse. However, conservation in digitisation is in high resolution, which does not deteriorate over time.

This marvellous find includes panoramic images of Villajoyosa, detailed reports of boats and their manufacture in the shipyards on the beach, and many other topics, as well as weddings, burials, theatre performances, parties and football matches.

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

FANS of fine food are in for a treat as Alicante City Council has now confirmed its fourth edition of the Gastronomic Days of Holy Week 2023 Tapa Cofrade.

The event invites you to taste cuisine made by the hand of the best chefs and restaurants in the city on Fridays during Lent.

A total of 25 restaurants will participate in the gastronomic event which is on each Friday until March 31.

For more information or to

Fine food

find which restaurants are participating, head to www.jor nadascuaresmaalicante.com.

The councillor for Commerce and Hospitality, Lidia Lopez, confirmed: “Holy Week in Alicante, which has been declared of National Tourist Interest, is an exceptional time for gastronomy lovers to taste traditional recipes which aremade from our local products and the best culinary creations.”

MIXED fortunes for the Barbarians club at the weekend with the under 16s winning away on Saturday against Alicante whilst the seniors lost a gruelling match away to Moncada of Valencia the same afternoon.

The S16s put on a dominant all round performance against an inexperienced Alicante outfit and showed their all round skills winning 50-0 at the final whistle.

The seniors went to Valencia to take on Moncada, currently second in the league standings, in the hope of winning and cementing their position in the play offs.

For 35 minutes it was a bat-

Barbarians Rugby Caterpillar danger at its peak

tle between the 22s and with the last kick of the first half, Moncada converted a penalty to go into half time leading 30.

The Barbarians fought back and replied with a penalty and then a converted try to take the score to 13-10 with a few

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

minutes still to play. However Moncada held out and ran out winners. This weekend the M16s are at home to CAU whilst the Seniors entertain UCV of Valencia in another tough encounter as both are competing for Division 1 play off positions.

The game is Saturday afternoon at 5pm in Denia and everyone is welcome.

For further information please call Santi (Spanish) on 676 612 357 or Mac (English) on 609 646 349 for more information.

“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.

EXPERTS in Teulada Moraira warn that the processionary caterpillars have already left their nests. The bugs have made their way down from their nests in the treetops and are now on the ground in forests, mountains and streets of Teulada Moraira and the region.

The caterpillars have started their search for underground spots to bury themselves and continue with the process of becoming moths during the summer. These caterpillars are extremely dangerous for pets, but also for people and children.

Prevention is the best strategy, so keep children and dogs away from pine forests and the bugs at this time. In case of contact, you may be able to remove some hairs with adhesive tape. The person or animal in contact should have a hot shower, scrubbing the affected parts. Wash clothes at 60 degrees to destroy the proteins. Dogs in contact with the caterpillar hairs can die of suffocation or lose their tongues, so see a vet. Do not bother the caterpillars which can cause them to become stressed.

• Diagnostic imaging and ultrasound Rx

• Clinical tests and serological tests, internal medicine, parasitology

• Soft Tissue Surgery and Traumatology

• Ethology, behavioural disorders and animal behaviour

• Physiotherapy, acupuncture, custom recovery and Healing touch

• Ophthalmology

• Dentistry and dental surgery & more

• Import - Export

22% of AI professionals are women.

Mixed fortunes this week.

Fish fight

PP candidate César Sánchez has vowed to get rid of the fish farms from the Bay of Calpe to protect traditional fishing and the environment if he is elected mayor of the town in the upcoming local elections, and has undertaken to work tirelessly to move the farms to a more suitable location. He is also firm in his support for traditional fishing and the fishermen’s guilds which are “part of the identity, traditions and history of this territory and must not be allowed to disappear.”

According to local activists, the fish farms need to be removed to avoid irreparable damage being caused to the environment and biodiversity of the Bay of Calpe. They also believe they are an eyesore and that they are damaging the prestige and landscapes of the town.

The council has been fighting against the installation of additional floating cages opposite the Morro de Toix for years, arguing that the environmental reports upon which permission was granted by regional government are unsuitable and the lack of preventive, corrective and compensatory provisions.

Ukraine support

ON February 24, the Union of Ukrainians in Spain, based in Calpe, organised a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The demonstration started at the town hall and ended in Plaza Colón and was led by representatives of the association and the mayor of Calpe, Ana Sala.

The Ukrainian national anthem was played along with the sound of the bombs exploding in Ukrainian cities were played throughout the event.

At the end of the demonstration, the mayor took the floor to say that “Calpe supports you and says no to this unjust war that we all want to end as soon as possible.”

Natalia Protsuyk, from the Union of Ukrainians in Spain, thanked Spain for its support and talked about how everyone is now suffering in the country.

“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

World Day of Prayer

OUR sisters in Taiwan have prepared the service for World Day of Prayer 2023. Taiwan is an island rich in natural resources and culturally diverse. The women of Taiwan share the issues faced geographically, politically and socially and also their hopes for the future. You are invited to join with them and give thanks for the beautiful island and people of Taiwan.

World Day of Prayer is an international, inter­church or­

ganisation and is celebrated in over 120 countries.

Please join us at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church on Carrer Mart, Albir on Friday March 3 at 3pm.

A service of Holy Communion is held in Albir every Sunday at 9.30am. You can find us in the centre of Albir. We have a regular weekday service every Thursday at 11am at the Forum Mare Nostrum, Alfaz del Pi with a healing service on the second

Thursday monthly. For further information please telephone our secretary, Elaine Mitchell on 636 164 467 or local representative Paul Winter on 602 218 483 Albir is one of seven churches in the Chaplaincy, from Gandia to El Campello. Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy (the Church of England in Spain). Visit our website www.costablanca­anglican chaplaincy.org . Always a warm welcome for all.

CALPE: A demonstration was organised.

Photographs: Calpe Town Council

A‘select’ gathering

THE chosen venue for this month’s gathering for Chicas Amigas’ social group was a new one for us called Select, in Moraira. Thirty seven of us packed the nice warm interior to full capacity.

After a welcome cava we all found our seats, and although service was somewhat slow, the staff were charming and the food was very good, including a surprise big tempura prawn amuse­ bouche to start.

And it gave us lots of time to chat, a great way to pass a cold grey winter afternoon. Thanks as usual to Lynn and her helpers.

GOOD news for travellers who like to pick up a flying bargain as Alicante­Elche has confirmed that it is adding 10 new air routes to its list this year thanks to low­cost airlines.

These new routes are expected to bring movements of close to one million passengers to the terminal.

At the moment, the airport is connected to 24 countries and more than100 cities around the world. Now that normality is returning, all forecasts indicate that this year could see the best results in many years, after a period marked by health restrictions.

THE Parks and Gardens unit are converting the western side of Ermita park into a recreational area. This new park will be open to the public within two weeks.

The project includes an area for walking dogs, a landscaped area with shade and benches and a third area where rubble has been removed, which will be planted with local plants

Spreading out

At present, it is the low­cost airlines that are bringing the largest number of passengers to the airport. In the next three months, between February and April, the terminal has an air capacity for 1.83 million passengers, of which 1.63 million correspond precisely to low­cost flights. The new routes include Belfast, Fez and Rome with a weekly frequency of three flights; Frankfurt, Klagenfurt, Lodz, Paderborn, Santander and Turin, with two flights a week; and finally, Warsaw, with four flights a week.

New park for Calpe

and shrubs.

The entire area has already been cleared and the park for recreational purposes has been planted. Mulberry trees, one of the fastest­growing temperate species, are being planted in the area to provide some

Rare plants

THE Cirne Foundation, a private initiative set up to protect natural heritage, among other purposes, has opened a unique exhibition of plants found in Javea. The town is a model for plant diversity, the second most diverse municipality in Spain with 1,100 species of flora, behind only Trévelez in the Sierra Nevada, while the entire country of England has just 800.

It is vital that the herbariums (collections of preserved plant specimens maintained for scientific purposes) be conserved in light of climate change and the threat of losing them, as happened in Berlin during the Second World War.

There are eight plants in danger of extinction in Javea, one of which, sea lavender, is unique in the world. This is remarkable given the high level of development on the Mediterranean coast and the destruction of the dunes.

much­needed shade.

Part of the park will be set aside as a pet walking area, and in the upper part, closer to the children’s playground and picnic area, indigenous trees are being planted, which are not aggressive with roots and are clean. To close off the area, large planters with aromatic plants such as lavender and rosemary were installed.

There are currently 324,000 known species of plants on the planet, and the most important herbariums are in France, the US, Russia, the UK and China. In Spain, the best are in Madrid and Barcelona.

The exhibition will be visited by schools in Javea and will then travel to Pedreguer and Teulada. For a private visit, please contact info@fundaciocirne.org.

GREAT FUN: Thirty-seven people enjoyed the event.

Perfect paella Free dog training

COOKING for 1,500 people sounds like a daunting task but for Alicante it was a walk in the park.

On Sunday, February 26, Casa Riquelme prepared a fabulous giant chicken and rabbit paella dish that was enjoyed by many in the Town Hall Square. On Monday, February 27, the city of Alicante then hosted the country’s best chefs.

National gastronomic talent filled the streets of the city in a party that culminated in the Auditorio de la Diputacion de Alicante (ADDA).

This year’s Soles Gastronomy 2023 awards ceremony appeared under the slogan ‘Cuisine fills us up’ with which Guia Repsol, the Generalitat Valenciana, Alicante City Council and the Provincial Council want to vindicate the importance of gastronomy, its cultural and economic value.

In recent years, the Valencian Community has shown itself to be one of the areas with the greatest gastronomic interest in Spain. This stimulating panorama is very attractive for the opening of new projects, which serve to promote traditional cuisine.

TEULADA Moraira Town Council has announced it will hold a dog training workshop for beginners in the dog parks in Teulada and Moraira on March 11.

The workshop is intended for the owners of dogs of all ages and levels of training and will focus on the importance and benefits of this kind of training for humans and animals alike.

Among the advantages of training are increased self ­ confidence (for both the dogs and their owners)

and their relationships with other dogs and people. The workshops will take place in two locations at two different times. There will be a session at 10am in the Dog Park in Teulada for puppies and at 11am for adult dogs.

In Moraira, the sessions for puppies and adults will be at 2pm and 3pm, respectively.

U3A Calpe’s new groups

JOAN BRYAN of the U3A has created a new group called ‘Games are Us’. The group meets every Monday afternoon from 2pm to 4.30pm at the Galetamar Hotel in Calpe.

To start with, the available games are Rummikub, Mexican Train, Uno Extreme and Dominos. There is currently one game of Rummikub for four players, but more games will be acquired with demand. Members are also invited to bring along their own games or copies of those mentioned above. There is a vending machine available at the venue. Members wanting to join the group must give their

name, membership number and contact to the leader. Contact Joan for more information by writing to job ty56@yahoo.com or phone 652 638 974.

If you are more of an outdoor type, you might like to check out the new Walking Group created by Group Leader Claudia, whose first walk was on February 9 along the Sendero Ecológico toward Cala Baladrar. If you would like to join the walking group, please contact Claudia by writing to choco latecontrol@hotmail.com.

Walkers must read and accept the conditions and safety notes and meet other requirements before joining.

The workshop is free, but you do need to register in advance by sending an email to participación ciudadana@teulada moraira.org

You must take a blanket and a chew toy with you. Puppy owners must ensure that their animals are duly vaccinated before attending the workshop.

Workshop for dogs.

CALPE is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Red Wall, a building that architect Ricardo Bofill was commissioned to design when he was 23 years old. The building is on the La Manzanera Urbanisation and was completed in 1973, with its vivid colours and nods at North African architecture.

As part of ‘Bofill Year’, an initiative to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Red Wall and Bofill’s legacy in

The Red Wall of Calpe

young architect during the construction period of the Xanadú and the Muralla Roja.

played in the coming months in Plaza Colón, Plaza Manuel Miró and Plaza Beato Sendra.

Calpe, canvases have been installed around the town showing photographs of the

The exhibition offers a new perspective as it shows the buildings under construction with some unpublished photographs, revealing how everything looked before it was painted. The canvases with the photographs will be dis-

In addition, it is proposed to complete the visit to these canvases with a trail that starts on the Arenal Beach next to the Plaza de Colón and ends at the Cala La Manzanera cove next to the Bofill buildings.

What Does Jalon Valley Help Do?

FOR those of us living in the Jalon and Orba valleys, Jalon Valley Help is a name we know. It is a charitable organisation, founded in 1992, structured to help anyone in need in our community, irrespective of age or nationality.

JVH provide short-term solutions to people’s problems. For instance: JVH can provide a driver to take you to hospital or a translator to assist you. They have a drop-in centre at the Animo in Alcalali, where you are provided with an opportunity to talk to people if your alone or seek support. Wheelchairs, commodes, walking frames and even

hospital beds can be loaned free of charge. JVH also provide a weekly cancer support drop-in each Thursday at the Animo. A 24-hour Helpline is available to answer any emergencies.

In 2022 JVH donated €16,000 to local caring organisations, spent €55,000 on social care for individuals, and raised €13,000 to help furnish/equip homes and clothes for Ukrainian refugees.

Currently, in 2023, JVH have more than 160 items of equipment on loan,

in 30 towns and villages, from Castells to Rafol de Almunia, Javea to Benissa. JVH organises their ‘Carols in the Square’ in Jalon/Alcalali/Orba, to say thank you for your support.

This Help costs money and time from committed volunteers. Could you be a part of this friendly locally based charity? We all have something to give, so let’s volunteer our services today.

See our website www.jalonvalley help.com or call Pam Brooks, JVH President, on 634 310 415 to discuss how you can help with time or donations.

Calpe chooses Acciona

SUSTAINABILITY, waste collection and management are hot topics everywhere, which is why Calpe carried out a thorough study to find the right supplier to perform important tasks in the municipality for the next nine years.

Acciona will provide the service for €38.7 million under a contract to take effect in March. The supplier was chosen after a tender procedure for urban waste removal, street cleaning and waste management that attracted five bids.

A committee of experts from outside the city council (except for one member) studied and assessed all the offers to make the best deci-

sion for the town. Urban solid waste collection and street cleaning in the municipality of Calpe is a service affecting some 30,000 residents. The town uses underground containers with a capacity of 12,000 litres or semi-underground containers with a capacity of 18,000 litres divisible into four parts (waste, cardboard, plastic containers and glass).

Acciona has a long-standing relationship with Calpe that dates to 1994. The solutions provided by the company are strongly influenced by technology and innovation to increase efficiency in waste collection, transport and management

Local artist in exhibition

INNOVATIVE art by local Benissa artist Quico Torres has been selected for display at the prestigious 29th Porcelanosa International Exhibition.

Eight magnificent sculptures by the renowned Benissa artist Quico Torres, made with the innovative material KRION®, will be part of the special 29th International Exhibition that will take place in Vila-real. The event, which commemo -

rates 50 years of the history of the Porcelanosa Group company, is one of the most important in the firm’s calendar, with more than 12,000 expected visitors.

The collaboration between Quico Torres and

Porcelanosa has created beautiful works of art that reflect the characteristics of the company’s work.

The exhibition of the sculptures of Quico Torres in the International Exhibition is a tribute to the dedication and talent of the artist and an opportunity for the public to admire the beauty and originality of his works. The exhibition will last for a whole year at the Porcelanosa facilities in Vila-real.

Photo: Porcelanosa

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

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 Mathieu Edwards, 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

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

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 appro-

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

THE Solgården Foundation has generously donated medical materials for people in in Villajoyosa. The materials will be distributed to eligible individuals and families by the local Social Services department. Among the equipment are two wheelchairs and five walking frames.

The President of the Board of Directors and the Director

Help for the needy

of the Norwegian residential home, Solgården Foundation in Villajoyosa, ‘Hacienda del Sol’, handed over the donations to representatives of the local council.

The medical equipment will be distributed by the council to needy people who do not have resources or means to acquire it, and who request it through the munic­

ipal Social Services, after assessment of their situation.

The mayor of La Villajoyosa, Andreu Verdú, took the opportunity to thank the Solgården Foundation for their support for the town, particularly its most vulnerable inhabitants. In response,

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT:

Distributed to eligible individuals.

the president of Solgården’s Board of Directors, Dag Brekke, said it is a pleasure to

be able to cooperate with the town council to help people in need.

New website for ITVs

SITVAL, Valencia’s motor vehicle technical inspection company, has launched a brand new website ­ https://sitval.com/#/cita_previawhere vehicle owners can make appointments. The website, sponsored by the Valencian Government, replaces the existing appointments service. There is also a facility to make changes to existing appointments.

Among other facilities, drivers can book a slot at the centre in Ondara and with the mobile units in Benidorm, Javea, Teulada, Gandia and Benissa, among others. The website can also be used for owners with farm vehi­

cles and mopeds.

The online tool works with all operating systems and is available from SITVAL, the region’s page for making these types of appointment appointments. Users in the Valencia region can select the most convenient ITV station, fill in their personal data and the particulars of the vehicle in question, and book a date and time (from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 7.30pm) for the inspection.

The service was previously available on seven different websites, so this new technology will streamline the service for the entire region.

Investigation closes down

THE Guardia Civil has shut down a criminal enterprise that was growing, preparing and trafficking drugs and allegedly responsible for other crimes against property. The criminals were selling drugs around the province and sending marihuana abroad. More than 150 Guardia Civil officers from Alicante were involved.

The police raided 21 premises and made 19 arrests, seizing €70,000 in cash, seven vehicles, several firearms, more than 600 marihuana plants, and different quantities of cocaine and hashish, as well as IT equipment and jewellery.

Many of the assets seized are thought to be linked to a recent crime wave in the town.

The drug sales came to the Guardia Civil’s attention some months ago, and an investigation ­ Operation Lake 33 ­ began under the court’s authorisation in Denia. Early on February 21, officers and dogs moved in, arresting 17 men and two women aged between 18 and 62 years of different nationalities.

Fourteen of them were in Teulada Moraira, two in Benissa and the rest in Senija, Adsubia, Elche and San Fulgencio.

Photos: Villajoyosa Town Council

Blue flag

MORE than 100 hiking trails in Spain received the prestigious Blue Trail Flag award at a national environmental conference held in Santiago on Friday, February 24.

The honour was presented to trails judged by the Association for Environmental Education (Adeac) to offer outstanding heritage and natural beauty credentials.

In this year’s event 104 awards were handed out to trails in 20 different provinces and 10 autonomous communities throughout the countries. The selected trails cover a distance of more than 600 kilometres of countryside, giving walkers plenty of inspiration for new routes this year.

The northern region of Galicia received the most awards in total, home to 35 of the 104 selected trails.

No direct combat

Betty Henderson

SPAIN will never send troops to fight in Ukraine according to the latest announcement from the Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles made on Sunday, February 26.

The Minister for Defence gave an interview where she highlighted that no troops from NATO countries would be involved with direct combat in Ukraine, including Spain.

She added that Spain’s direct participation in the conflict is “An absolutely impossible scenario,” saying that the Spanish military would only be involved to defend a fellow NATO country.

Robles also spoke about Spain’s decision to send Leopold tanks to the country saying “they have one sole purpose; defence against, not aggression towards Russia.”

The Minister for Defence described the war as a war being waged against the Ukrainian civilian population rather than

THE average age of the population is rising across Europe and a new report published on Friday, February 24 has revealed that Spain and Portugal have the most rapidly rising average age.

The data collected by Eurostat revealed that the average age in Spain rose 4.3 years in the last decade, surpassed only by Portugal where the average age rose 4.7 years. Meanwhile, the average age rose across EU countries by just 2.5 years, rising from 41.9 years to 44.4 years.

The statistics also showed a fascinating trend,

a conflict between armies.

Robles added her thoughts that Putin is well aware he is losing the conflict but said he remains “a threat to humanity.”

When asked about the possibility of nuclear war however, Robles said that this is unlikely to happen.

Healthy lifestyle

that the average age in southern European countries like Italy and Greece, has risen much more rapidly than in the north of the continent, possibly thanks to a slower pace of life and the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Spain came eighth in the standings for oldest average age at 45.1 years. Researchers say an ageing population is the result of technological advances and improvements in healthcare.

‘‘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

Spain’s climate change

Linda Hall

MADRID­based think­tank Instituto Elcano warned in its latest report that Spain is one of the EU countries most at risk from climate crisis.

Approximately 20 per cent of mainland Spain is already at risk of desertification due to climate change and overexploitation of water, particularly groundwater extraction.

Spain emits around 0.8 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases and accounts for 9 per cent of the EU’s, making it the sixth­largest emitter.

Per capita carbon dioxide emissions peaked at 8.47 tons in 2005 but dropped to 4.92 tons by 2021, as climate change measures kicked in and the country has become more environmentally conscious.

Spain now has a Climate Change Law passed in 2021 which commits the country to cutting emissions by at least 23 per cent by 2030 when compared with 1990 levels.

This law requires companies, banks and other companies to present annual reports on exposure to climate risks and the measures they are introducing to contain them.

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO) must also report every five years on risks, policies and measures.

Spanish Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles stands by Spain’s decision to send Leopold tanks to Ukraine.

Seven months in prison

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 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 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.

Otterly fantastic

THE first images of an otter emerging from the Mediterranean Sea have been captured at Cap de Creus, northeast of Catalonia.

Until now, it was known that some specimens of this freshwater species lived in coastal areas of the Emporda, but it had not been possible to record them leaving the sea.

The images have been captured as part of the otter monitoring project on the Alt Emporda coast that is being carried out by the Department of Climate Action and the Barcelona Zoo Foundation.

The specimen recorded is an adult male and would be part of these first family groups of otters that are already known to live most of the time at sea.

In order to continue deepening the knowledge of these groups of otters that make a living at sea, throughout the year of 2023, the monitoring methods of the species will be expanded. The news comes after the EWN reported in February that the otter had reproduced in Spain’s Mogent River for the first time after more than four decades.

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

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 be used to rebuild hospital and

Warm welcome

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.

Health help

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. with another ten Leopold tanks offered to the country’s government.

Frequently asked questions about Court Claims in Spain

IS it necessary to have a barrister and procurator to act in a Civil Court?

The intervention of a barrister and procurator is always necessary, except in specific cases: verbal trials for amounts of less than €2,000, the initial request for small debt proceedings, when

urgent measures are requested before the trial is held, etc. What types of court proceedings are there?

The most prominent procedures in civil jurisdiction are ordinary and verbal trials. Although there are other special procedures such as divorce and sepa­

ration, procedures related to the judicial division of inheritance, the liquidation of the matrimonial property regime, small debt proceedings, the ‘juicio cambiario’, etc.

What is required for a barrister to represent me in a lawsuit?

In order to be represented by a procurator and barrister, you must sign a Power Of Attorney (POA) before a Notary Public. There is also the possibility of granting representation directly in court, thought the method known as ‘apud acta, although this system is not as practical. Can I grant a power of attorney if I am abroad?

Yes, if you are outside Spain, you can sign the power of attorney at the Consulate. Or if you prefer it, also before a Notary Public (not solicitor) in that country. In this case, it will be necessary for the Power of Attorney to be apostilled. Our firm can help you by providing you with a draft of the POA in different languages, so that you don’t have to request a sworn translation of it afterwards.

Do the documents submitted to the court need to be the ‘originals’?

Nowadays, court claims and their attached documents are presented electronically. However, you must keep the originals. The original settlement agreement signed by both spouses, the rental contract agreement, etc.

If the documents are submitted in another language, do they have to be translated?

Yes, documents not issued in the official languages of Spain must be accompanied by a sworn translation. However, it is also possible to provide private translations, and they may be accepted, as long as the other party does not contest them.

Which party must pay Court costs? The defendant or the plaintiff?

It will depend on the ruling issued by the Judge. Usually, the

losing party is ordered to pay the court costs of the other. However, the judge may also agree that each party has to pay their own barrister and procurator expenses.

Are the fees of the Barristers and Procurators regulated by law?

Not exactly. The Bar Associations can establish ‘guideline criteria’ which, although not binding, are usually considered by the Court when setting the court costs. But these professional associations cannot establish fee scales or price lists, which are freely fixed by each professional.

How long do court proceedings usually take in Spain?

The duration will depend on the type of proceedings. However, the same procedure, in the same court, can have a very different duration. There are many aspects that can influence this. Whether or not the defendant can be located, the workload of the official to whom the proceedings are assigned, the num­

ber of parties involved, witnesses, evidence to be taken etc. Do I have to be present in Spain to initiate a court proceeding?

No. Court claims will be initiated by your procurator and barrister, who will submit all the documentation on your behalf. However, you may need to attend the court hearing. It will depend on each case. If the opposing party does not request your questioning, you may not have to attend the trial to testify.

Can court judgments be appealed and appealed?

Yes, when a judgment is handed down in the first instance, it can be appealed to the higher instance (Provincial Court). However, there are exceptions. For example, verbal judgments for amounts of less than €3,000 cannot be appealed.

Can court judgments be appealed and appealed?

The appeal must be filed before the same court that handed down the judgment, within 20 working days. This does not include weekends, public holidays, the month of August or the Christmas period.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) - White&Baos Tel: +34 966 426 185 info@white-baos.com White & Baos 2022 All Rights Reserved.

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 Eu­

ropean countries for electric car chargers alongside electric vehicle heavyweight countries Germany and the 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.

SPAIN’S pharmaceutical industry expanded by 53 per cent in foreign markets in 2022, making it the country’s third largest exporter according to a new report released by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.

Data revealed that the industry recorded sales of €2.6 billion to foreign countries, making medicine the third most popular export from Spain. The transport industry accounted for the largest income from foreign sales, followed by the fuel and mineral industry, then the pharmaceutical industry.

The EU is the biggest purchaser of

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.

Export progress

medicines manufactured in Spain, followed by Switzerland, the USA, Canada, China, then the UK. Industry representative Farmaindustria released a statement calling the development, “a milestone after years of sustained growth.”

Data has been boosted significantly by the manufacture of Covid­19 vaccines, but Farmaindustria insisted that figures across the industry suggest that investment and foreign exports are expected to continue.

Electric vehicle chargers are good news for Spain.

Operation: American Stuff Ability test for over 65s

THE DGT has introduced changes that see anyone who wishes to renew their driver’s licence at age 65 required to undertake an ability test.

The announcement also affects those aged 70 and over who will need to complete the same ability test every two years in order to retain their licence. Similarly, anyone aged between 18 and 65 will be required to pass the same test every 10 years.

It is understood the changes are an attempt to reduce the number of accidents on the road although there are differing views about the incidence of acci­

dents involving those over 65.

María José Aparicio, Deputy Director of Road Education and Training, told a news source that the death toll involving drivers rises from the age of 65. However, that is disputed by Línea Directa Foundation which along with Fesvial and Centro Zaragoza carried out research that suggested: “Drivers over

65 years of age respect speed limits more and do not drive abruptly as they have their own age limitations, as well as avoiding driving at night or making long journeys.”

The study also found that the number of accidents involving the over 65s was up to four times less than those involving under 25s and half that of people aged between 35 and 44.

SPANISH police have recovered 24 high­end vehicles stolen in the United States in an undercover operation code ­ named ‘American Stuff’.

On Monday, February 20, the Guardia Civil confirmed that the stolen vehicles were found in the port of Algeciras with a market value amounting to €2 million.

The investigators, in the context of the risk analysis carried out in the port of Algeciras during the last year, had detected an increase in the illicit traffic of high­end vehicles from the United States through containers.

As a result of the control, identification and inspection of containers destined for or in transit in Spain, which are carried out daily in the container terminal of the port of Algeciras, a phase of intensification of the services aimed at checking containers in transit which could be carrying stolen vehicles from the

USA destined for African countries began at the beginning of the year.

The officers have been able to verify that the vehicles were stolen in the United States and have therefore been returned to the authorities they are collaborating with, in order to continue with the investigations.

Image Yiistocking / Shutterstock.com

Driving ability test.

Joseph Fiennes to star in new play

By Peter McLarenKennedy ENGLAND manager

Gareth Southgate is to be played by Joseph Fiennes in a new play that will cover his ‘quiet reform of the game’.

The play written by acclaimed playwright James Graham is titled ‘Dear England’ a reference to an open letter written by Southgate to fans in 2021.

In the letter addressed to fans at the start of the delayed Euro 2020 final, he expressed hopes that no matter what happened supporters would look at the team and say they tried their best.

England went on to lose against Italy, once again on penalties.

According to a news outlet on Tuesday, February 21, the play kicks off with Southgate’s infamous penalty miss against German at Euro 96 and goes on to cover how Southgate has transformed the England team and the game they play.

The play will be staged at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre in London initially but could go on to appear elsewhere.

Tickets go on sale to the public on March 9 with the play currently planned to run from June 10 to August 11.

Eurovision tickets

THE UK government has agreed that around 3,000 tickets will be made available for those Ukrainians who have been forced from their homes and are living in the UK meaning they can attend one of the live shows and help mark the Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra’s victory at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

While Ukraine won the competition in 2022 it is unable to host it because of Russia’s invasion. The

Honoured to support the event for Ukrainians.

UK, who finished second in last year’s Eurovision Song Contest with the track Space Man by Sam Ryder, agreed to host and create an event which honoured Ukraine’s culture and people.

This ticket allocation will

see thousands of Ukrainians attending the live shows and is another example of the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine means the contest cannot be held where it should be. But we are honoured to support the BBC and Liverpool in hosting it on their behalf, and are determined to ensure the Ukrainian people are at the heart of this event.”

Marco Pierre White Jr converts

Linda Hall

MARCO PIERRE WHITE JR, now a convert to Islam, walked free from HMP Bristol some days ago declaring that he would never touch drugs again.

The problematic Celebrity Big Brother star and son of chef Marco Pierre White spent a year in prison for shoplifting, possessing a

knife, possessing heroin and racially abusing a supermarket security guard.

The 28 ­ year ­ old announced in a newspaper interview that while serving his 12­month term he had converted to Islam in his battle to stay clean after years of drug abuse.

He had the full support of his father, he said, and now

hopes to follow him by becoming a chef himself.

“Islam has helped me get through everything,” he said, adding that he had been in rehab 17 times. “Being in prison made me realise that enough is enough. The only thing that has cured me was being banged up in a cell for 23 hours a day.”

Image: Image: UK Government / Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Gareth Southgate.

Image Belish Shutterstock.com

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 an­

Green revolution

nual 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 showcasing 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.

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 technology 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 hydrogen­powered flight still some way from commercial implementation, SAF is the key to unlocking material reductions in carbon today.

Prime lending

DESPITE recording the second­largest annual increase, the UK’s bank or prime lending rate is only the fourthhighest among all G8 nations.

Current bank lending rates across G8 nations have been analysed to see how they’ve changed in the past 12 months, and where the UK ranks in this respect when it comes to actual loan interest rates felt by homeowners and borrowers.

While the base rate is the rate at which banks or lenders interact with a given central bank, the bank lending rate is the rate that banks actually charge customers on credit products such as loans or mortgages.

The analysis of G8 bank lending rates found that the UK’s current bank/prime lending rate of 5 per cent is only the fourth­highest among G8 nations, with Russia (9.33 per cent), the United States (7.50 per cent), and Canada (6.70 per cent) all home to higher rates.

Image: Jack Jelly / Shutterstock.com

Cleaner jet fuel.

Dramatic escape as boat capsizes

BRITISH tourists travelling on a sightseeing boat in Portugal’s Algarve had a lucky escape on Monday, February 20, when their vessel capsized in the sea. A total of 36 people were returning from a trip to visit the famous sea caves in Benagil when the incident occurred.

Four children were said to have been among the passengers as the craft started taking on water before turning upright in the sea. Sources informed a news outlet that there were at least five British and two Irish nationals on board at the time.

“I thought I was going to die. The water wasn’t really high to start with and I was calm but then it started rising very quickly and I began to panic,” Lila Evangelista from London told the newspaper.

A spokesman for Portugal’s National Maritime Authority said “an alert was received at 1.25pm and members of the Portimao Maritime Police and Ferragudo Lifeguard Station were immediately sent to the site. The people

who were on the boat were all in the water when they arrived with their life jackets on.”

“Some were showing signs of hypothermia and they were evaluated and assisted by the medical teams at the scene. The damaged vessel was later towed to a shipyard in Portimao.”

Unconventional coffee

ONE of the world’s most famous coffee chains, Starbucks announced a new line of drinks in its Italian locations on Wednesday, February 22. The new line of products has a uniquely Italian twist, they are infused with olive oil.

The coffee chain is launching several new drinks featuring the traditional Mediterranean ingredient in its new Oleato range. Drinks include a latte with olive oil, steamed with oat milk, an iced shaken espresso and a cold brew coffee featuring Patanna extra virgin oil blended with a vanilla cream foam.

Starbucks Chief Executive Howard Schultz spoke about the unconventional pairing as

the company announced the news, talking of the olive oil’s “unexpected, velvety, buttery flavour” which “enhanced the coffee and lingers beautifully on the palate.”

Shultz nodded to the unusual concept in an announcement made on the company’s website, saying, “Now, there’s going to be people who say, olive oil in coffee? But the proof is in the cup!”

The global coffee chain is thought to have made the decision to give its products a unique selling point in a tough market, which is dominated by traditional Italian cafes and family­run businesses.

SEA CAVES: Farol de Alfanzina in Lagoa.

Credit: Google mapsGennady Stolyarov

New beginnings for Hereford Meat on Fire Hereford Meat on Fire is set to reopen on March 3!

TWO spectacular events are to take place on the night with a special dinner, a la carte menu with special live music guests and a concert after 9pm to late, consisting of a band from Javier, with an international touch of pop, rock and blues.

You will be warmly welcomed with a drink on arrival, there is nowhere else you will want to be on Friday to partake in the celebrations and fun that is to be had on the night.

Hereford Meat on Fire welcomes you to their newly refurbished restaurant, with a new mouthwatering menu, highly trained staff and guaranteed enjoyable times at the Hereford Meat on Fire.

As soon as you walk in you are greeted to an open plan, spacious but cosy area where you can enjoy the intimacy of you and the people you are with, but also be surrounded by the great atmosphere that comes with such a place for gastronomy.

Cosy corners and spaces are clustered throughout Hereford’s and you enter your own oasis of fine dining, with delightful gastronomy, succulent wines and more.

Hereford Meat on Fire offers you the option of dining indoors or outdoors and

with their seamless interior and superb décor you will feel right at home once seated at your table. With the best top­quality service available and specialty cooking using olive branches, you will want to order one of everything on the menu.

Juicy, flavoursome and well­prepared gastronomy is what Hereford Meat on Fire specialise in, offering you the option of a classic tomahawk steak, tasty chicken, delightful seafood, fresh crisp salads and more, there is something to appeal to everyone at Hereford Meat and Fire.

Sophistication is key and with that at Hereford Meat on Fire comes a beautiful bar and a selection of fine wines, elegant cocktails and a special meal to be offered to celebrate their reopening, it will be an evening to remember.

Hereford Meat on Fire make their clients feel welcome from the beginning, with their specialised staff being trained to spot what the client needs before they can even realise it, you are their priority and Hereford Meat on Fire wants you to walk away feeling special, ensuring that you have enjoyed your afternoon, evening or night to the highest possible degree.

Next up: I’d Do Anything

THE next best thing to Lionel Bart’s musical Oliver! in London, is the Javea Players’ production in the Unión Musical de Gata, from March 27 ­ April 1. You know the story: orphan boy Oliver escapes from an orphanage, bumps into the Artful Dodger and is forced to pick a pocket or two. In case you haven’t read Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, we won’t reveal

Open mic night

THE open mic night is intended to allow amateur musicians to have an opportunity to perform in public and showcase their skills. Doug is a very experienced guitar player and is a former owner of a musical instrument shop. Cazzie runs two groups of amateur musicians and a guitar group as part of the U3A Denia and a ukulele group in El Verger.

They recognised that many local amateur musicians would

the denouement. It’s a boisterous show with timeless songs including As Long as He Needs Me, Food, Glorious Food, and Where Is Love.

love the opportunity to perform but do not have the opportunity to do so, so they organised these monthly open mic nights kindly hosted by La Bresca to give them this platform at which to perform. They welcome anyone with any instrument who wishes to perform, and the evening is meant to be a fun, light­hearted affair where the musicians and members of the public simply enjoy the music.

Director, Cherry Cabban assisted by Jen Keller Ward, contacted several schools to find talented youngsters. Oliver is played coincidentally by his namesake Oliver Lewis Marconi, the Artful Dodger is George Devlin whilst Indigo Armstrong is one of Fagin’s kids, but also understudy for Oliver.

Tickets cost €18 [Gala night €25]. More information at: https://javeaplay ers.com/jp/coming­soon/

The Dodger and Oliver. One of Fagin’s kids and understudy to Oliver: Indigo Armstrong.

Photo credit Phil Mansell

Phot credit Javea Players.

Black Flame: a warm welcome & a taste of home

THERE are some traditions we easily forget about when we move to Spain, while others are harder to let go of… like Sunday lunch. But there’s no need to give up this fantastic British tradition… or

fish and chips… or apple crumble and custard!

If you are hungry when you arrive at Black Flame (make sure you book, they’re always busy), you won’t be when you leave. This family­

friendly British ­ themed restaurant, with its pretty garden, cosy interior and rooftop cocktail bar for summer nights, serves large portions of consistently good quality, well­cooked food. Whether you’ve come for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or some live music and drinks and a bite to eat on Friday night (from 7.30), the cheerful, chatty servers will greet you with a smile. You will find them extremely accommodating and the service is great. They even accept large groups if you book ahead of time.

Why not select a bottle of something nice from the short but pleasant wine list, or treat yourself to a cocktail from a long list of tempting creations while you decide what to eat?

Black Flame is famous for its carvery on Thursdays and Sundays, with two courses (starter or dessert) for €12.95 and three courses, with both starter and dessert, for

€15.95. You will be called to the hot buffet, where your roast meat (pork and/or beef) will be served. Now you can help yourself to all those Sunday treats you’ve been missing, like Yorkshire pudding, gravy, roast potatoes, mash, roast parsnips, green veggies and lashings of gravy, and, of course, horseradish, mustard, and apple sauce galore.

Fancy an English breakfast? Well, as the name suggests, Black Flame’s signature ‘Greedy Boy Breakfast’ features three eggs, three rashers of bacon, three sausages, three slices of toast, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and hash browns for just €9.95. However, if you can’t cope with all that, you can order

the items you fancy separately.

The a­la­carte menu features many traditional favourites ­ like fish and chips and chicken skewers ­ as well as pan­fried salmon, pulled pork baps and even vegan cobb salad, offering something for everyone.

The restaurant also has a great range of ribs, steaks and burgers, such as the ‘Towering Inferno’ and ‘Paul’s Inferno Burger’, and there’s a chorizo and cheddar stuffed burger if you’re looking for something extra tasty.

So, for a warm welcome in winter and fun outdoor dining and drinks in summer, come to Black Flame for a delicious taste of home.

Visit the Black Flame for a warm welcome.

Danger of drought

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 consecu­

tive days without rain, in what has been one of the country’s driest winters on record, since 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

A NEW report released by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) on Tuesday, February 21 has forecast a sharp recovery of the business travel sector following the pandemic. The European business travel sector was one of the worst hit areas of the whole travel industry during the pandemic, due to the transition to online work and the axing of business trips for the whole of 2020 and much of 2021. But now, the GBTA says that western European countries are in the best position to recover pre­pandemic business travel spending as

France’s dry winter follows a summer blighted by drought in many regions of the country.

drought conditions were also reported. Countries have grappled with resolving their drought issues over the winter which in many cases, has been drier than expected.

Business travel

the sector begins to bounce back. In its report the GBTA explained that Europe was now “making up lost ground” with spending on track to rise 25.3 per cent during 2023. The excellent data follows a strong recovery which began in 2022 with business travel spending increasing by an estimated 61.7 per cent thanks to the removal of border restrictions on travel.

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

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.

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

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

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 Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.

Mon. Fri. 1pm till 4.

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.

Get started

ADAPTIVE YOGA specialist

Miranda McCarthy has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since she was two.

“I have experienced chronic pain for a lifetime,” she said recently. “But yoga shows you how to re ­ inhabit the body with greater harmony and ease, no matter how painful it might feel,” she explained.

She also recommended beginning the day by rubbing the palms of the hands together before getting out of bed each morning.

“It might sound strange but doing this for a minute or two each morning increases energy levels, helping us to perform with more efficiency,” she said. “It’s a good starting point for anyone who is feeling stiff or struggling with mobility.”

By Clinica Britannia

Not so dangerous

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

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

It’s a pain being ill

regarded as particularly dangerous for the over­80s.

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

Sleepless nights

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

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.

Help in choosing a new Dentist

THE Gender Pain Gap not only exists, but is a common problem.

A UK study of more than 5,000 men and women aged between 18 and 65 regarding their experiences and perceptions of pain found a noticeable disparity.

Fifty per cent of the women taking part in the survey reported lack of support from GPs when trying to get help for pain, compared to only 36 per cent of men, ac ­

cording to the Gender Pain Gap Index Report published by painkillers manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser.

Sixty ­ three per cent of the women said that they believed men’s pain was taken more seriously owing to ‘gender discrimination’ by healthcare professionals. A further 56 per cent said they felt they were ignored or merely dismissed as ‘emotional’ compared with 49 per cent of men.

LOOKING for a new dentist or just want a second opinion, then why not visit our Dental Team at Clinica Britannia. When choosing a dentist, it is important to take various things into consideration, one important thing being can they offer advanced dental treatment at a realistic and affordable price.

Our dental professionals invite you for a first free consultation to assess and then fully explain exactly what treatment is necessary so you can understand and feel at ease during it. The quality of the materials used are of the highest standard and a guarantee is offered

OUR DENTAL TEAM: Treatment at a realistic and affordable price.

on work carried out. At Clinica Britannia we also have a 24­hour emergency number to help put your mind at rest just in case you need it in the future.

We have onsite an Orthopantomography, an X­ray scan that gives a panoramic view of the lower face. It displays all the teeth on both jaws, including those that have not erupted yet, such as wisdom teeth. It also offers a view of the jawbone and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the rest of the skull. This can be crucial to detecting major oral health issues.

Contact us now to book your Dental Check­up, we will have you smiling confidently in no time at all.

GENDER GAP: Women’s pain taken less seriously than men’s

SMOKED SALMON: Boosts the immune system.

Photo credit: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska

By Clinica Britannia

Express Repair Service

AT Clinica Britannia we are happy to offer our existing and new patients an Express Service for the repair of any type of dental prosthesis (denture) within as little as one hour, due to our onsite laboratory and technicians.

If you already have existing dentures and want them to look like new again, then why not have them cleaned and polished, we can make that happen whilst you wait.

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

DENTURES: Have them cleaned and polished.

your vacation.

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

Thanks to the technological advances in the

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.

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

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

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

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.

Give senna a miss

BLOGGERS and influencers claim that detox teas can help to lose weight, achieve a flatter tummy and banish bloating. Many contain senna, a natural laxative which should be avoided, warned Dr Gunter Kuhnle, Professor of Nutrition and Food Science at Reading University. Using laxatives was potentially dangerous, leading to constipation and an increased risk of colorectal cancer, he said. “There is no need for ‘detox’ as the body is fairly capable of doing this alone.”

Creative women

A STUDY published in Frontiers in Psychology involved 72 women completing various tasks.

In one, they were asked to list as many uses as possible for an everyday object. In another they were shown three words and asked to produce a fourth word related to them.

After the women’s ideas were scored by four independent evaluators, the results showed that they displayed most originality during the ovulatory phase, suggesting this could be when females are at their most creative.

Fat load of good

HEALTH experts increasingly question whether a low ­ fat diet benefits everyone.

By the 1980s doctors, dietitians and even the food industry regarded fats as the villain of the piece, although according to Dr Vijaya Surampudi, assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California, not all fats are bad.

Certain types including saturated and trans ­ fats, can increase the risk of heart disease or stroke but

healthy fats found in olive and other plant oils, actually help reduce the risk, he said.

5.5

A wee problem

IN 2015, a German court recognised a man’s right to urinate while standing.

In a country where men are now encouraged to sit while peeing, his landlord wanted economic compensation for urine damage to the marble bathroom floor.

Despite lacking reliable data for the UK, an informal poll revealed that about 70 per cent of men still stand.

Urologists explained that there are many advantages to sitting, and not only to men’s partners who have to clean the bathroom.

“The bladder empties faster and for men with lower urinary tract symptoms the sitting position is preferable to standing,” they maintain.

STANDING ROOM ONLY: Men are encouraged to sit.

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

Photo credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio

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

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 pension 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

DEBBIE JAMES

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.

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

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

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

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

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

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.

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 customer ­ focused. 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,

Moving & retiring to Spain?

CONSULAR MATTERS

SPAIN is a country with one of the most attractive lifestyles and climates. The healthcare system, quality of life and culture makes living in Spain one of the best places to live at any time in your life. Spain as a member of the EU offers safety and security to its citizens.

Spain also could be the perfect location for setting up your own business. Spain offers you a huge range of opportunities from being a café owner or tradesperson serving other expats and holidaymakers or starting a new online venture.

It can be a wonderful experience to head to Spain for a healthier way of life or any other of the great reasons for making Spain the best place for you to live and work. Whether you are moving here for a career opportunity, working from home, planning for your retirement or you are simply looking for a change, Spain is a great choice.

Following Brexit the UK is now consid­

ered as a third country so you need a visa to live and/or work here.

At last we now have the Digital Nomad Visa that allows you to work remotely from Spain which makes it much easier to get a residence permit if you comply with the legal requirements.

Of course, we still have the work permit (as an employee and as self­employed), the non­lucrative visa, the Golden Visa and the student visa amongst others.

Your options depend on your personal and financial situation, so always take advice from a lawyer here in Spain, lawyers are qualified, regulated professionals. Always ask for their bar registration number.

On the coast you will find advisers, consultants and experts ,but you should put your legal matters in hands of professionals with the right expertise to help you. Your peace of mind and your future life deserve it. Of course you can make a visa application without a lawyer.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

Marisa Moreno Castillo Consul for Denmark and Senior Lawyer at Just Law Solicitors.

contact@justlawsolicitors.com

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 check­up. 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 successors 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.norajohnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Prohibition Era

LINDA HALL

YOU’D need to be well advanced in years to remember the ‘You’ve come a long way, baby’ advertisements.

They appeared in American magazines which, when I first lived here, were a welcome change from Woman and Woman’s Own and light years away from Teresa ­ published by the Movimiento, the only permitted political movement at that time ­ or pious Telva. The US adverts featured Virginia Slims, marketed exclusively for women, although in Spain women hadn’t even begun, let alone come a long way.

Females, ‘nice’ females, didn’t smoke although I did. They most certainly did not smoke in the street which, again, I did, although decades later I look askance at women smoking in the street. To be fair I also look askance at men who smoke in the street too, as no ­ one is more intolerant than somebody who has kicked a 60­a­day Ducados habit.

In the late 60s there were so many things that a young woman didn’t do.

For instance, when lunching or dining out you didn’t directly address the waiter, but told your (male) companion what you wanted, who relayed your choice. And you never, never paid.

It was frowned upon for a young mother to carry a baby on her hip: “That’s what gypsies do,” my appalled mother ­ in ­ law told me, although I continued doing so for convenience’s sake in the days before baby slings.

You didn’t raise your voice in public and the last thing you could do was to cry.

“Why?” I wanted to know.

“If you ever see a woman crying in public, it’s because her husband beats her,” my own husband explained. “It looks bad,” he added vaguely.

It wasn’t hard to see the logic, although neither was it hard to perceive that it was the beater, not the beaten who looked bad, laying the blame unfairly but traditionally on the woman.

Spain has come a long way since then and is much further on than that. I hope.

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.

THINKING ALOUD

BEFORE the laws of political correctness, we told jokes. Many were profane. They could be sacrilegious, obscene, racist or downright sick. Some of these I found funny while at school and shortly after, but no longer do. Others are still funny but not very pleasant.

Looking back I chortle or snigger at the clever ones, many of them two ­ liners. But it is a long time since I heard anybody tell a joke. Is it because we stop telling them as we age or is it that we no longer have the same sense of humour? We need to laugh. We must be joking.

It is difficult to imagine any ‘snowflake’ being offended by this: Customer: “Fish and chips twice, please.” Waiter: “I heard you the first time.” Or the Sunday night weather forecast: “Tomorrow will be muggy, followed by “Tuegy, Weggy, Thurgy ….” Maybe such jokes turn up on social media, but I very much doubt it.

HEDGEHOGS are one of Britain’s most recognisable and well­loved wild animals. The European hedgehog is one of around 16 different species found throughout the world.

Hedgehogs are widespread throughout England and Wales. They live in a range of habitats such as farmland, woodland and urban areas, where they’re a favourite with gardeners. Individual hedgehogs can travel as far as one or two miles in one night!

Hoglets are born blind and deaf, and their spines are pure white when they first appear soon after birth. They’ll start leaving the nest to forage with their mother around four

WE MUST BE JOKING

not overlook the scriptwriters.

Today, comedians are treading on eggshells. It’s not only the more risqué that need to be careful, but the inoffensive as well. This is because there are so many sensitive groups who object to the mildest hint of criticism or discrimination. Is this why they are no longer so funny? Or is it me?

On the other hand, many people today would be outraged by this: Customer: “I’ll have the pissoles and chips.” Waiter: “Sorry?”

Customer shows waiter the menu: “Here; pissoles and chips!”

“That’s not a P, it’s an R.” “Okay, then; arseholes and chips.” And yet the F ­ word is used as frequently on television today as the word ‘never’.

In the past, comedy shows commonly raised their laughs by the

way the lines were spoken. In many cases, as long as a poor ‘joke’ was delivered in a Cockney or northern accent, audiences would howl with (canned?) laughter. Today, it seems that a gay accent has the same effect.

More recent popular television comedies included ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ while today’s most popular comedian seems to be Michael McIntyre. I rest my case.

On the other hand there used

Happy Hedgehogs

weeks old and will be independent by about eight weeks old.

Hibernation usually takes place between November and mid­March. The exact timings will depend on the weather and in mild years, hedgehogs have been active as late as December.

Hedgehogs will often wake

BALCONIES, terraces, and front and backyard gardens have one thing in common: space is scarce. Therefore, instead of large trees, lowmaintenance plants that cope well with confined spaces can be used.

To make it bloom richly in the dream garden, plant selection is based on factors such as soil conditions, location, amount of rainfall and the number of hours of sunlight that the plants receive.

On a shady north­facing balcony, plants that are sun­worshippers will weaken. The same is true if ferns, ivy or funkias are to grow in a southfacing bed.

up from hibernation and forage for food or move their nest site at least once, before they go back to sleep.

The nest they build to hibernate in is called a hibernaculum, which helps to keep them warm when their body temperature drops during hibernation.

Balcony gardens

In concrete terms, this means that plant selection depends on how much sunlight the balcony or garden receives and its climatic region.

The structure of the soil ­ loamy or more sandy ­ and its pH are also decisive factors.

In addition, there is water. While bamboo has a high moisture requirement, evening primrose and oxeye like it rather dry.

It is therefore important to combine plants with similar water requirements and to irrigate according to the requirements in a resource­saving way.

to be many very funny and very clever comedians and comedy sketches. From the respectable Two Ronnies and the saucy Benny Hill to Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, and from Monty Python to Spitting Image and the situation comedy of Fawlty Towers, they were very amusing. And we had unique stand­up comedians ranging from Bob Monkhouse to Les Dawson and from Spike Milligan to Jasper Carrott. And we should

SALLY UNDERWOOD POLITICAL ANIMAL

IT seems appropriate that in Parliament the alarm that goes off when a vote is called in the House of Commons is named the ‘division bell’.

From slanging matches at Prime Ministers Questions to battles on Question

Time, we know that politicians are normally divided on… well pretty much everything.

What we’re not so used to though is the public being quite so politically at odds with itself.

From old to young, rich to poor, Brexiteers to remainers, and pro to anti vaxxers (and don’t even get us started on the immigration issue), I can genuinely say I’ve never seen us this… divided.

Apart from being simply wearing though, history tells us that internal fighting is an ultimately fruitless task.

Surely then the answer is something we can all get behind. A new national holiday (I suggest something both heartwarming

Recently, a sitcom from the 70s ‘Rising Damp’ may be edited to be rerun for modern audiences on the grounds of racial slurs. Likewise a proposed resuscitation of Fawlty Towers is to be scrutinised for gratuitous violence (against Manuel)!

If shown again unedited, it would be an interesting test of how far we have come ­ up or down ­ since the 70s.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR

bells

and totally uncontroversial; ‘Hug a grandma day’ or similar), or a particularly good Richard Curtis film.

In seriousness though, while we are all so busy pointing fingers at each other we’re less likely to be focusing on what we could all be doing to fix, well almost everything.

Perhaps that’s because it’s far easier to tear down than it is to build, and at least criticism makes us feel like we’re doing something in an increasingly chaotic world.

While we’re busy fighting each other too though, we’re also less aware of the bigger issues.

And when we’re refusing to listen to each other properly we’re less likely to share the ideas and discoveries that transform our worlds.

After all, if Alexander Fleming had left pencillin in the petri dish exactly where he’d found it ­ only occasionally syphoning some off for personal use ­ where would we be now?

If the result of embracing each other’s view points and ideas then has the potential to genuinely make the world a better place, roll on the next Richard Curtis rom com.

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

The quality of comedy and humour is compromised by obsessive yielding to sensitivities. We need to laugh.

Photo Credits: bbc and Kremlin.ru

Well-loved animals. Image: supakrit tirayasupasin / Shutterstock.com

EWN 2 - 8 March 2023 45 CAMPING/FEATURE euroweeklynews.com

Helping rural economies

CAMPERS and caravanners increase their contribution to rural economies, according to the UK Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Despite the continuing cost of living crisis, Caravan and Motorhome Club members are still intending to make the most of their holidays and spend in local economies in 2023.

Over 80 per cent of respondents in a recent survey said they intend to eat and drink out whilst on their UK touring holiday this year and over 90 per cent said they will buy food shopping locally.

A further 60 per cent said they would be purchasing takeaways and food from

local restaurants whilst on their holiday.

According to the recent Centre of Economics and Business Research (CEBR) report commissioned by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, owners of leisure vehicles feel more in control of the cost of their holiday and whilst they are saving on accommodation, they are likely to spend money on shopping, eating out, visitor attractions, etc.

Owners of leisure vehicles also tend to stay away for slightly longer, increasing local spending. The CEBR report shows that motorhome owners’ average holiday length is nearly a whole day extra at 8.5 nights.

CAMPERS are planning longer holidays this summer, spending more nights under the stars for breaks booked between June and September.

Since 2019 the Camping and Caravanning Club has reported an increase in the average length of stay for summer stays on its nearly 100 Club Sites across the UK, as campers look to switch off and reconnect.

It appears the trend is set to continue in 2023.

The open door

CASSANDRA NASH

SPAIN’S government has 23 ministers and 14 of them are women, successors to Federica Montseny, Spain’s first female minister and one of the first in Europe.

Montseny was born in Madrid in 1905 although her parents, both teachers and both anarchists, were Catalan by birth. She was initially home ­ schooled but studied Philosophy and Literature at Barcelona University where she joined the National Confederation of Labour (CNT) and wrote for anarchist publications.

The Republican Prime Minister, Francisco Largo Caballero offered Montseny the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance in November 1936, four months after Franco’s uprising had precipitated the Civil War.

She remained there until May 1937 when she resigned in protest at the government’s treatment of anarchists in Barcelona. During that time she introduced a short ­ lived Abortion Law and opened centres where prostitutes found accommodation and training to help them seek alternative employment.

Montseny and her family fled to France in February 1939 when the Civil War was all but lost. She died in Toulouse in January 1994 and one of her daughters, Vida, later said ­ not without bitterness ­ that Federica had turned her back on the role of wife and mother to devote herself to politics and the rights of women.

Forty­five years were to pass before Spain had another female minister, when Soledad Becerril was Minister of Culture in Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo’s Union de Centro Democratico (UCD) government from December 1981 until December 1982.

In all there have been 61 female ministers since the Transition to democracy on Franco’s death in 1975.

The majority of Montseny and Becerril’s successors have belonged ­ or belong ­ to the PSOE socialist party and the conservative Partido Popular.

There have also been Independent ministers affiliated to no party at all, two from Podemos and one from Spain’s PCE communist party.

What Federica Montseny would have made of her successors and their policies is beside the point. She was there first and she held the door open for them.

Camping is officially the home to happier holidays according to the Outjoyment Report, which was commissioned by the Club and carried out by Liverpool John Moores University and Sheffield Hallam University.

The report confirmed that “campers are 23 per cent less anxious than noncampers, with 97 per cent saying happiness is their top motivator for going camping, caravanning or motorhoming.”

“It appears that pitching up on a campsite this summer will have measurably positive effects on our health and well­being.”

Nicola Simpson, the Club’s Director of Communications, said: “Even though we are seeing booking patterns normalising more compared to the last three years, our membership levels are still holding up really well and we have some 750,000 members of the Club.”

HARDCORE caravanning fans will know the Bailey of Bristol Sahara Challenge is set to begin in March.

The challenge is a 19­day, 2,735­mile intercontinental road trip using two Bailey caravans and a motorhome.

The Sahara Challenge aims to inspire caravan and motorhome owners to explore new countries and demonstrate that owning one means you can have holidays in many locations across the globe.

The ‘Sahara Challenge’ will start at ‘World’s End’ in southwest Portugal across the Strait of Gibraltar into Morocco over the Atlas Mountains and as far south as the edge of the Sahara Desert before returning home.

The Sahara Challenge will take 19 days to complete with the team experiencing a wide range of road and weather conditions en route.

As they travel towards the Sahara the team will post regular blogs/vlogs and social media updates using the hashtag #SaharaChallenge.

Campers buy food locally.

Happy camping.

Image:

/

Hidey holes

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

EMERGENCY

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.

Brain tumour in dogs and cats

CANCER that affects the brain is not uncommon in old dogs and cats. The problem of the need for advanced diagnostic imaging techniques such as High Field Magnetic Resonance (MRI) to detect a tumour in the brain means that it is often not diagnosed. Although it occurs more frequently in advanced ages, there are breeds in which it occurs in young dogs, such as the Boxer and Boston Terrier. The diagnosis of a brain tumour involves a coordinated effort between the vet who usually cares for the patient, the neurologist, the radiologist, the oncologist and the surgeon. Given this situation, it is necessary to advise the owners of the affected pets in the best way.

Signs of brain tumours are: seizures, abnormal behaviour, loss of vision, head tilt, wobbly gait, etc.

They vary widely in their degree of malignancy hence the importance of advanced diagnostic techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging or, failing that, Computerised Tomography (CT). There are three ways of treating brain tumours: neurosurgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

In Costablanca Norte: Anicura Marina Baixa Hospital Veterinario www.veterinariamarinabaixa.com

Crufts TV takeover

DOG lovers will be treated to a record ­ breaking 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.

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.”

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.

PEEK-A-BOO: Cats like to hide.

Image: Koldunov Alexey

CLASSIFIEDS 50

FOR SALE

Thursday at 11am in Jose Llorca

WASHING MACHINE BROKEN?

Call Bluesky Repairs for ALL your domestic appliance repairs. 626 430 671 (WhatsApp) (303019)

ARCHITECT

VARIOUS music CDs, DVDs and Box sets available. Job lot €100. Listings available. 604 185 014 (294630)

CARAVANS

Social Centre C. Goya s/n. Benidorm. We loan out mobility and medical equipment including oxygen concentrators on a short-term basis. (288658)

CLUBS/SOCIETIES

BRIDGE CLUB ALBIR: Hotel

Rober Palas, Calle Jupiter 7, Albir. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. 2.00pm registration for 2.30pm start. Richard: 965 848 434. Henriette: 661 744 423. (294628)

DOG BOARDING

BUY & SELL

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

I BUY RECORDS 50s to the 90s. Best prices for good records. Tel: 622 750 117 / 962 851 809 (302022)

CARS FOR SALE

MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7@ hotmail.com (302142)

CHARITY

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

THE SALVATION ARMY English

Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am followed by a time of Fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are! For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698 609 658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652 319 810 Email dieterzimmerer@hotmail.com, www.centrosaron.com (10008)

www.helpbenidorm.org and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have a car (although this is not essential). Tel President 607 387 040. We are an English-speaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all nationalities in times of crisis. We meet every

BEDDING

CAMPING

DOGGY DIGS MORAIRA. By the day or week. Large secure garden. No cages/kennels. 677 828 577 / 689 489 794 (295261)

ELECTRICIAN FOR SALE/WANTED

MB ELECTRICS. Approved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork. Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www.mbelectrics.es (286325)

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

CHIROPODIST/PODIATRIST, Philip Mann, clinics in Benissa, Moraira, Javea, Calpe and Albir. 686 912 307 (287331)

WIGS

WWW.WIGS-R-US.ES Indoor Market Rincon de Loix, Benidorm. Monday-Saturday 10-3. We also have Scrunchies, Extensions, Ponytails. Catalogue orders. Private appointments after 3pm. 681 049 502 (302420)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

PROPERTY FOR SALE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TOO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuranceinspain. com or email tracey@sosin suranceinspain.com (301484)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com for online quote. (302516)

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

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

INSURANCE MASSAGE

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, SLIM SOPHIE, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (295411)

RELAXING MASSAGE FOR MEN - Mario qualified masseur in Alicante - Special Massage for Men - 7 days 10am to 10pm - APPOINTMENTS visit: www.masajeyrelax.es/en or WHATSAPP 649 761 607 (302598)

RELAX CENTRE in BENIDORMExcellent atmosphere. Expert Masseuses. 24/7 Outcalls - Tel: 603 324 564 (302452)

NATURIST male gives relaxing massage. Half price 1st time offer €25. For men and women. Private premises in Jávea, WhatsApp Rob on 613 831 380 (303049)

METALWORK

MOBILE WELDER , all repairs. All metalwork. +447787 585 414 (302745)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORBIKES

Peter Zwaan Motorbikes, A+ Occasions showroom, Yamaha FZ1 Fazer, 1000cc, yr 2009, 33.000 kms, Euro 3.750. CostaBlan caMotorbikes.com (302078)

MOTORING

AUTO BASTIAN mobile mechanic. Tel 608 860 725. (295111)

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

NURSING

PAINTERS/DECORATOR

DECORATORS W.D. GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator. Established 35 years in Moraira. ESTIMATES FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 490 602 (301487)

PETS

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (294597)

PROPERTY WANTED

RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixa - prefer two beds. Needed urgently - call Janice on 0044 7736 251 800

2/3 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR LONG TERM RENT ASAP. 2 BATHROOMS/GARAGE. CONSIDER SHARED POOL. FOR RETIRED COUPLE IN MORAIRA/CALPE/TEULADA AREA. APPROX €800 - €1000 PM. EMAIL: marianshort.france @gmail.com. TEL: 0034 623 373 426 (294629)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (295658)

MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/Whatsapp 636 100 873 (302625)

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy.com

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS

MARK PADDON BSc Hons. MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablanca surveyors.com (292966)

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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

TRANSLATIONS

OTHERS

VIAGRA / KAMAGRA / CIALIS. BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY. ALL AREAS COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (302482)

MALE/FEMALE viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com

SPANISH INTERPRETER for all your appointment needs, has car. Effective, Friendly & Affordable service. Call 609 679 808 (290313)

VAN SERVICES

STEVE’S MAN WITH A VAN. DELIVERIES, REMOVAL OF RUBBISH. BENIDORM, SURROUNDING AREAS. 633 930 477 (295260)

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.

ROLLS ROYCE: One of the

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

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

Uptick in demand

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.

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.

ing 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.

POSITIVE news arrives for the motoring industry as it has been confirmed the UK used car market continues a positive trajectory in February 2023 as prices, sales and demand record an uptick.

According to the latest data from Auto Trader, the health of the used car market is continuing to build momentum, with growth recorded in demand, sales,

and retail prices.

In fact, Auto Trader’s Retail Price Index, which is based on daily pricing analysis of circa 900,000 vehicles across the market, shows the current average price of a used car is £17,880, which marks a 1.7 per cent year­on­year increase on a like­for­like basis.

Although the rate of growth is down significant­

ly from a peak of 32 per cent year­on­year in April 2022. This current rate is on top of the massive 31.9 per cent year­on­year increase recorded this time last year.

It also marks a monthon­month increase of 0.7 per cent, which is not only ahead of the 0.3 per cent recorded last month, but also the 0.4 per cent February average between 2011 and 2019.

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 in ­ house 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, help­

Image: Alberto Zornetta Shutterstock.com Positive motoring news.

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

DENMARK has now been officially appointed as the hosting nation for the IPCH European Championship which will be hosted in Musholm from October 20 to 28, 2024.

IPCH is the international IWAS committee that represents powerchair hockey all over the world and it is happy to announce that the hosting nation for the IPCH European Championship 2024 has finally been selected.

Denmark will host the competition in Musholm: a

Power hockey

New head coach

unique holiday, sports, and conference centre in the middle of Denmark. Located by the Danish coastline,

Howell takes LIV golf title

CHARLES HOWELL III claimed his first LIV Golf title in impressive style, with a stunning final­round score of eight­under ­ par 63 to finish 16 under at the season ­ opening Mayakoba event in Mexico on Sunday, February 26.

The LIV Golf series features 14 events which combined are worth a whopping €380 million. The tournament’s team format added an extra layer of excitement, with Howell playing alongside former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and India's Anirban Lahiri to secure the team event victory for Crushers GC.

Speaking after his victory, Howell explained, “I had a lot of experience here. I think having played it in the wind for so many years helped a little bit..

With the first event of the season providing plenty of thrills and excitement, golf fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the second LIV Golf event later in March in Arizona.

just an hour’s drive from Copenhagen, Musholm is designed as one of the world’s most innovative and inclusive holiday and sports resorts.

Musholm resort and the sports hall will be the beating heart of the competition hosting the Team Delegations and the games. Training will be organised in a nearby sports hall.

Eight national teams will participate in the European Championship 2024 which will be held from October 20 until 28, 2024, and the competition will serve as Regional Championship to define the qualification slots for the World Championship 2026.

A LEGENDARY German footballer has been appointed as the new head coach of South Korea’s national football team, who replaces Paulo Bento after he resigned following the World Cup defeat to Brazil in the Qatar World Cup’s last 16.

Legendary German footballer Jurgen Klinsmann has been appointed as South Korea’s new head coach, as reported on Monday, February 27.

Klinsmann said in a statement: “I know that the Korean national team has been improving and achieving results over a long period of time.

“I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of the great coaches who have led the Korean national team, from Gus Hiddink to my predecessor, Paulo Bento.

“I look forward to doing my utmost to help the team achieve success at

the upcoming Asian Cup and the 2026 World Cup.”

Klinsmann, who scored 47 goals in 108 appearances for Germany, won the World Cup as a player and led Germany to the se­

mi­finals as a coach.

The German is set to arrive in Seoul next week. He will take charge of South Korea’s friendly match against Colombia on March 24.

Denmark to host.

JURGEN KLINSMANN: Honoured to follow in footsteps.

Image: Sportcal

MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle United faced off in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 26. Erik ten Hag’s side eventually ran out 2 ­ 0 winners to land the Red Devils’ first piece of silverware since 2017.

Casemiro broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. The Brazilian playmaker met Luke Shaw’s free ­ kick and headed it beyond Loris Karius to give United the lead. Just six minutes later it was 2 ­ 0 when a shot from Marcus Rashford was deflected into the net by Sven Botman.

Eddie Howe has done a fantastic job since taking charge of the Magpies, but his strikers seem to have become goal­shy recently. His attempts to stage a comeback in the second half proved fruitless. His club has now gone since 1969 without winning any trophies.

Manchester United win Djovic reigns supreme

NOVAK DJOKOVIC has done it again. The Serbian tennis superstar made history by breaking Steffi Graf’s record for the most weeks spent as World No. 1 on Monday, February 27.

With 378 weeks under his belt, Djokovic has surpassed Graf’s previous record of 377 weeks, a milestone which has cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time. Djokovic has snatched up the record, beating Steffi Graf’s achievement which had stood since 1999.

Djokovic’s ascension to the top of the ATP rankings was swift and sure, and he has been a fixture there for over a decade. In fact, he already held the record for most weeks as No. 1 on the ATP Tour, comfortably ahead of Roger Federer (310 weeks) and

Lost by a split decision

YOUTUBER Jake Paul lost the biggest fight of his short boxing career so far on, Sunday, February 26, in Saudi Arabia. Up against the professional boxer Tommy Fury, he eventually succumbed to a split­decision defeat after eight rounds in the Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, broadcast on BT Sport.

United continued their fine form on all fronts in today’s match. Jose Mourinho was in charge the last time the club won anything, which was the exact same trophy. One can only feel though that under the control of their new Dutch manager, this will not be the last time.

This was Paul’s first time in the ring with a real boxer and he held his own in all fairness. He even put Fury on the canvas in the final round with a left ­ handed jab, producing the only knock ­ down of the fight. “That wasn’t a knockdown, that was a slip. That was genuinely a slip. I got up … I came right back into it,” claimed Fury.

Speaking in the ring after the decision was called, an emotional Tommy Fury said: “All the way through these two and a half years, I had a dream, I had a vision that I would win this

Pete Sampras (286 weeks).

The achievement is a significant one in Djokovic’s career, and it’s clear that he places a high importance on his time at the top. He has even adjusted his schedule in the past to focus on maintaining his position as world No. 1 and breaking Federer’s record.

Djokovic’s impressive feat is a testament to his unparalleled skill, determination, and consistency on the court. Since claiming the top spot for the first time in July 2011, he has managed to maintain his position at the summit of men’s tennis for over a decade.

The world tennis rankings are released each week by the ATP, with players aiming to amass weeks in the number one spot for a shot at the prestigious prize.

fight, and no one believed me.

“Now I can stand up and everybody can take note. In my first main event, at 23 years old, I had the world on me. I had pressure on my shoulders, and I came through,” he added.

Although Fury is a pro boxer, coming into this fight with an impressive 8­0 record, the half­brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury had not really been tested. “If he wants a rematch, he can have a rematch,” Fury told the fans.

TOMMY FURY: If he wants a rematch, he can have one.

Djokovic took to Instagram to celebrate his impressive title with a sweet treat.

Photo credit: djokernole

MAN UTD: Continued to play in fine form.

Image: Saudi Tourism Authority

50% of women worldwide are interested in sport.

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.

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.

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

Agriculture & rugby 30 countries propose ban 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.”

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.

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