Costa Blanca South 2 – 8 March 2023 Issue 1965

WOMEN’S TOUR

TORREVIEJA is well and truly on the sports map as the city council has confirmed that the Women’s Cycling Tour of Spain, in conjunction with Carrefour and Unipublic, will start from Torrevieja.

The race will be held from May 1 to 7 under a seven­stage route.

Javier Guillen, the general director of Unipublic confirmed: “The Women’s Tour is a project that

Courses, exhibitions and workshops

ORIHUELA is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 in conjunction with associations and groups including Vega Baja Acoge, Red Cross, Claras Campoamor, Afammer, and Women for the Third Millennium.

Courses, exhibitions and workshops make up the pro­

gramme throughout March.

The councillor for Equality, Sabina Galindo, confirmed that the equality department “continues to work to promote activities and tools for equality and the empowerment of women.

“Throughout the past year we have spent time drawing up the Municipal Ordinance

on Equality of Women and Men, which is a pioneer in the Valencian Community.”

Several different courses, exhibitions and workshops are being held throughout the municipality, for more information head to the town hall at Calle Marques de Arneva,1, or call (+34) 966 076 100.

we have worked on with great care and enthusiasm together with essential partners such as the Higher Sports Council, Carrefour and all the venues and sponsors that will make this first edition possible.

“It is a source of pride that Costa Blanca and Torrevieja are once again committed to top ­ level cycling, as they already did with the start of La Vuelta in 2019,” Javier explained.

“If we have one of the three most important races in men’s cycling, it is essential to also have one of the three biggest in women’s cycling. La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es was born and grows with a new identity and with its own strength. We are looking forward to announcing the full tour next week.”

CYCLING TOUR: Full details will be released shortly.

Image: TORWAISTUDIO / Shutterstock.com

ROTARY CLUB ORIHUELA

showed their community spirit with a generous donation of 10 wheelchairs to their new partner, Residencia de Personas Dependientes de Orihuela elderly people’s care home.

Each of the 10 wheelchairs costs around €1,200 and come with a range of state­of­the­art features to ensure comfort for each user and will make the home more accessible for residents with restricted mobility.

Representatives from the club met with the home’s managers on Wednesday, February 22 to announce their new initiative. Managers from

ESQUINA PARK

The wheel deal

Rotary Club Orihuela present a local elderly people’s care home with 10 wheelchairs to improve accessibility.

the home accepted the wheelchairs with gratitude as the President of the Rotary Club, Adolfo Valero said he hopes they will help in their objective to create a home for the elderly “free of any restraints.”

Centre Director, Carmen Sánchez, said that the wheelchairs will support the

RANGERS Quesada, travelled to Pilar de la Horadada on Thurs February 23 to compete in a seven team tournament hosted by Portobello WFC.

home in their goal of keeping up with technological advances and providing quality, personalised care for elderly people.

The head of Rotary Club España, Víctor Javier Elena added his thanks to the Orihuela group in demonstrating Rotary Club International’s values.

Walking football

Each game was 15 minutes long. At the end of the tournament Esquina had drawn one game and won five games and without conceding a goal.

The first game for Esquina was against the in form team Portobello. Both teams knowing this would probably be their hardest game of the day played some good football, but both teams could not find a way through each other’s defence. Finishing 0 ­ 0. Esquina then played Los Amigos, Red Lion, Portobello Shamrocks, San Fulgencio then Camposol. Each game Esquina coming away 1­0 winners in which all games were very close.

Portobello finished with the same points as Esquina but with a greater goal difference. This awarding Portobello the winners trophy and Esquina the runner up trophy...

Well done to all the teams involved in the tournament and look forward to Red Lion from Fortuna’s tournament on March 21. If you are interested in joining the Walking Football please email esquinaparkrangers 2018@yahoo.com.

Photo credit: Rotary Club de Orihuela

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

100 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

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

Festival support appeal

THE organisers of a popular music festival for charity have released an appeal to the public for support in its next event which is set to be held on Saturday, March 25.

In a message released on Thursday, February 23, Rock Against Cancer founder Neil Wyatt asked for support from the public in providing financial support for the event, volunteering their time or collaborating in their events through their ‘solidarity zero row’.

Wyatt acknowledged the incredible support the festival has received over the years which has allowed the festival to grow year on year and attract increasing numbers of fans, but explained that the costs of running the festival are often high.

Rock Against Cancer is a rock music festival which brings talented rock performers from all over the world together in Torrevieja for a week­

THE latest data from the hospitality industry in Elche has shown the sector to be on an astronomical recovery path from the pandemic.

The Elche Association for Tourism (AETE) released its latest data on Friday, February 24

end of music raising funds for local and international cancer charities several times a year.

Rock Against Cancer will return to rock Torrevieja in March with its ‘Legends’ edition featuring a range of rock tribute bands.

More information about the festival including how to buy tickets or support the event in another way is available online at: https://rockagainst­cancer.odoo.com/.

Tourism on track

with hotels reaching 61.7 per cent of capacity during January. The figures are a 10.9 per cent improvement on data from January 2022 and a stag­

gering 6.6 per cent improvement on pre­pandemic data in January 2020.

Tourist accommodation has become more profitable in the last year with the average cost per hotel room per night rising to €60.40, nearly €10 more than in 2022. Accommodation in January did fall in cost compared to the previous month however, when the holiday season was in full swing.

Elche Airport also reported impressive figures with 795,148 passengers arriving in January.

Rock Against Cancer brings a variety of talented rock bands from across the world together in Torrevieja.

“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.

THE Costa Blanca might be thousands of miles from the UK, but that doesn’t mean anyone will miss out on the biggest royal event of the year, King Charles III’s coronation.

One event in La Marina will bring a slice of Great British fun to Spain on Saturday, May 6, celebrating King Charles’ ascension to the throne.

Organisers are putting on a fabulous coronation party at J’s Restaurant in La Marina, allowing guests to watch along and welcome

AN expansion project in Elche’s hospi­

Coronation Party

a new British monarch. The event will begin at 4pm, with plenty of live entertainment, a raffle and tombola as well as live streaming of the coronation ceremony. A variety of sensational local musical acts will enliven the afternoon including the Sunshine Singers, Michelle & Andy and the Mr Hyde Duo,who will play until late.

The party will also raise vital funds for two local charities, DEBRA Butterfly Children, who support children with skin conditions, and animal rescue charity, AAN.

Guests are invited to dress in their finery for a Great British afternoon of celebration. Organisers ask guests to book their space by buying a non­refundable ticket for €4.

Operation expansion

tal is going to take the region’s healthcare to the next level with the surgery department of the hospital set to triple in space thanks to a mega investment from the city council totalling more than €17 million.

City mayor Carlos González visited the hospital on Wednesday, February 22 where he pledged his support for the city’s health services saying, “This administration has provided a historic investment for healthcare.” González said the investment is the most significant boost the hospital has received in 25 years.

The new surgical wing of the hospital will

be expanded from having eight operating theatres to 12 which will mean that more operations can be carried out and waitlist times could shrink. Floor space in the surgery department will go from 1,650 m² to 5,530.26 m².

The renovation project will also bring new technological advances to the hospital including state­of­the­art cancer treatment facilities.

The new surgical facilities will also feature the latest advances in healthcare meaning that less invasive surgeries can be offered where possible.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2024

Unique urban space

LOCAL residents now have a new space to spend their leisure time thanks to a regeneration project in Arenales del Sol which reopened on Friday, February 24. A regeneration project has transformed a piece of land which was formerly the site of the Arenales del Sol hotel. The final stage of the project involved a seafront promenade which was reopened, giving the public a new space to relax and take walks with a sea view.

The project included restoring sand dunes, laying new stone paving in some areas and the installation of a 100 ­ metre long wooden walkway to allow access to the beach. The project has also brought the space back to

its roots by introducing native plants, giving the leisure space a unique look.

The promenade is located on Avenida San Bartolomé de Tirajana and offers incredible views of the sea, framed by the mountains.

The mayor of Elche, Carlos

González, encouraged visitors and locals to enjoy the space and learn more about the local environment, describing the project as an example of a successful environmental restoration scheme.

Miss Sara,

International

School of Estepona

“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.”

Dramatic sea views greeted walkers on the newly opened seafront promenade in Arenales del Sol, near Elche.

Singing & dancing

TUESDAY February 21

had Coopers Bar in Dona Pepa bursting at the seams when members of the Torrevieja U3A turned up to take part in their Country and Western evening. Besides the 82 members of the U3A who attended, there were also a large number of instrumentalists from Hilary’s Ukulele Allstars who provided music and singing.

Once the meal was finished, the floor was cleared to make way for a line dancing demonstration by Susan’s Syncopating Stompers. After the demo the audience was given an opportunity to try line dancing.

During the evening a raffle was held to raise funds for the U3A charity, HELP Vega Baja, with €200 collected for this excellent cause.

Gastronomic Days

ORIHUELA is pleased to announce that the fourth Gastronomic Days of Lent are now upon us.

The event is a way to bring the typical dishes of Easter to residents and tourists who can delight their tastebuds on March 3, 10, 24 and 31.

Those interested in attending the fourth Gastronomic Days of Lent can obtain more information and make their reservations by calling (+34) 966 744 089 from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00am until 2.00pm then from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.

Alternatively, you can also write to the email address reservas@semanasantaori

SANTA BARBARA castle in Alicante was transformed into a film set last week.

Renowned Swedish producer Adam Anders, known for his work on hits such as The Prom and the series Glee, was shooting scenes for his new musical entitled Road to Bethlehem in the castle grounds.

Filming continued until the Saturday, when Santa Barbara reopened to the public with its mid­season timetable

huela.com.

Pepe Saez Sironi, the councillor for Festivities explained that the gastronomic glory “will be held in iconic places in Orihuela, such as the San Miguel Seminary, the El Carmen and Las Salesas convents, the Santo Domingo school and the San Francisco convent.

“The senses of smell and taste will take us to the homes where Lent was celebrated.”

The councillor added: “These initiatives promote and spread our Holy Week more widely. It encourages our residents and those of nearby towns to enjoy Holy Week through gastronomy.”

Lights, camera…

from 10am to 8pm.

Road to Bethlehem is Anders’ debut in the director’s chair, after his work as a producer earned him four Grammy nominations and two People’s Choice Awards.

The Alicante Film Office has worked closely with Anders since he first expressed his interest in filming in the city, with the local tourism board

hailing the event as part of a campaign to promote Alicante as a film set for national and international productions.

In addition, the arrival of large teams of actors and technicians is expected to have a very positive economic impact on local hotels, restaurants and other businesses throughout the week.

DAYS OF LENT: Bringing typical Easter dishes to residents.

Image:

SANTA POLA has confirmed that it is now officially twinned with Alcantarilla.

The mayor of Alcantarilla, Joaquin Buendia, confirmed: “This is the first step in an alliance that we hope will last over time and strengthen the relationship of friendship and trust that unites us to set common goals together, which contribute to the development and prosperity of both cities.”

Mayor of Santa Pola, Loreto Serrano, added: “Both villages now have the common objective of promoting mutual collaboration, especially in tourism, culture and economic development, as well as strengthening the ties between the two towns, exchanging experiences and launching joint projects.”

The two municipalities were Iberian settlements in ancient times and have been a point of connection and crossroads over the centuries.

In the case of Alcantarilla, it links the Segura valley with the Guadalentin valley and connects with Cartagena through the Puerto de la Cade­

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 that started on Friday,

Twice as nice

Twinned towns.

na. In the case of Santa Pola, its commercial port is a connection with the rest of the Mediterranean towns.

Other points of connection are the development of an economic activity linked to the fish markets, the commitment to intelligent tourism, the conservation of heritage and the culture of water.

Fine food

February 24 and will continue each Friday until March 31.

For more information or to find which restaurants are participating, head to www.jornadascuaresmaali cante.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.

“The objective of the event is to be able to offer Alicante residents and tourists our typical Easter week cuisine, to be able to rediscover traditional recipes through the best restaurants in Alicante, and offer a gastronomic offer made from our local products and the best culinary creations.”

Image: Alcantaria City Council

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 Jon Pemberton,

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

Partner, Blevins Franks

Rojales Pantomime Group... NEED YOU!

TO ensure their next pantomime production of Snow White & The Seven Christmas Elves at The Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio on November 30, December 1 & 2 is a complete success, the following very important cast members are needed to join our Group behind the scenes ­ Stage Manager and several backstage crew members to prepare props and scenery prior to and throughout the production. Also to assist the on stage cast wherever nec­

essary to ensure the smooth transition throughout each scene change during the productions.

Rehearsals will commence in May and assistance will be needed to help with props for the cast during these times. No experience is required, just the

ability to join in, help with anything that is needed and to HAVE FUN!!

Costume Manager is also required to source outfits and work with the Director to ensure all the cast have the correct costumes and accessories for each part.

Sewing would be advantageous, although we have a member who can help with

minor alterations.

If you are looking for something different, want to meet new people who enjoy lots of social activities throughout the year then come and be a member of our very happy Group.

We also donate lots of money to local charities from our pantomime productions helping local needy people.

If you are interested, or would like more information please email rojalespanto@yahoo.com.

Alicante’s new Hilton

THE Hilton is set to open a hotel at Alicante airport and will focus mainly on business travel.

The future Hampton by Hilton Alicante Airport will occupy a newly built 2,600 ­ square ­ metre building next to El Altet petrol station. It will boast 72 carefully designed rooms and will have a restaurant, a fully equipped gym and indoor and outdoor parking.

The new hotel is scheduled to open its doors at the beginning of 2025, with sources confirming that construction works will begin very soon.

Managing Director of Development for Spain and Portugal at Hilton, Carlos Miro, said, “We are delighted to announce our first Hampton by Hilton hotel in Alicante, which will offer the trusted service guests

have come to expect from a Hilton hotel in an airport conveniently located for international travellers.” Alicante was a good choice for the hotel chain. The airport received more than 15 million passengers in 2019, it is the fifth largest in the country and a key point of access to the main tourist areas on the Costa Blanca such as Benidorm, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa.

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 af­

fects 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 accidents 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.

HIGHEND: The vehicles were found in Algeciras port.

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

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 a monitoring project on the Alt Emporda coast, being carried out by the Department of Climate Action and the Barcelona Zoo Foundation.

The specimen recorded is an adult male and

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.

Otterly great

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 otters throughout 2023, the monitoring methods will be expanded. The news comes after 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 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 NA­

No direct combat

TO 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 a conflict between armies. Robles added her thoughts that Putin is well aware that 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 and there is no intelligence to suggest that nuclear war is a possibility.

Insurance slip-up

FALLING over while out for a snack during work hours is now classed as a workplace accident in Spain.

The Supreme Court this week ruled in favour of a woman who slipped in the street on the way to a bar in Andalucia in 2016, which left her temporarily unable to work.

A judge initially ruled that nipping out for something to eat during work hours “is a normal activity within the working day,” and therefore the mutual insurance company associated with the employee’s firm should take re­

sponsibility and pay for the victim’s work leave.

The insurance company contested the ruling, requesting that as the fall occurred outside the workplace it should not be their responsibility.

However, this week the Supreme Court finally ratified the original ruling, stating that “the accident was work­related, as it took place during working hours and within the rest period to which the employee was entitled.

“Had the employee not been working at the time, the accident would not have taken place,” reasoned the judge.

Spanish Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles.

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 mis ­

Seven months in prison

treatment 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

Warm welcome

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.

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 primary healthcare buildings, catch up on childhood immunisation programmes, restore mental healthcare services and

Betty Henderson

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

More than eight million Ukrainians have been displaced by the conflict and forced to seek asylum in European countries, and Spain has been one of the countries to welcome Ukrainians in vast numbers.

Authorities in Spain moved quickly to create systems to integrate Ukrainian refugees into their new

home, including robust social support mechanisms and employment opportunities which mean that nearly 13,700 refugees are now in employment in Spain. Refugees have also been offered health, education and financial support.

Of the 167,596 Ukrainian citizens who have been settled in Spain as residents, 63 per cent are women and 37 per cent are men.

The Ukrainian resident population in Spain also more than doubled from 96,687 before the invasion to 193,292.

The Valencian Community has welcomed the most refugees at 45,159 followed by Catalonia and Andalucia.

Health help

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.

10-20%

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

Charity worker freed

A 24­YEAR­OLD Spanish woman has finally been freed by the Iranian authorities after spending nearly four months in prison over her involvement in the anti­government protests that swept the country last year.

Ana Baneira was arrested and imprisoned at the beginning of November, although the exact details of her detention were been made public.

The young Galician woman, a member of a non­profit human rights organisation, was

reportedly taking part in the mass demonstrations over the death of Masha Amini at the hands of the Iranian police for failing to wear the veil correctly.

Spanish Foreign Minister

THE Spanish Ministry of Health announced on Friday, February 24, that the safety protocol had been initiated in the Valencian Community. It was activated because of a suspected case of a person suffering from the deadly Marburg virus.

They pointed out that the patient’s biological samples had been sent to the reference laboratory of the Carlos III Health Institute in Madrid for possible confirmation of the case, as reported by a local news source.

A 34­year­old man was found to be displaying symptoms compatible with the disease. He apparently visited Equatorial Guinea during a period of time that could correspond

Jose Manuel Albares confirmed that Baneira is “in good health” and was set to land in A Coruña on Monday, where she could finally be reunited with her family and friends.

Albares had previously contacted his Iranian counterpart to demand the release of the charity worker, as “the charges of which she was accused were totally unfounded.”

All efforts are now focusing on achieving the release of another Spanish citizen who is still behind bars in Iran.

Deadly virus

to the incubation and development of the disease.

The patient was transferred from a private hospital and subsequently admitted to the High­Level Isolation Unit of the La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital in Valencia.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Marburg virus is a disease with a case­fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent. The disease was initially detected in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia.

Mass demonstrations.

Image by Ryan Thomas/Shutterstock

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.

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

Electric vehicle chargers are good news for Spain.

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.

Boot up!

IT’S time to dust off your dancing shoes for a line dancing afternoon in Guardamar del Segura! WestVilles music venue is set to host the line dancing extravaganza on Sunday, March 12 with a packed programme of lively music, energetic dance and delicious food, while raising money for LDF charity.

The fun day will begin at 11am and last until 7pm, with two live music sets from Outlaw Troubador from 2pm ­

3pm and again from 4pm to 5pm. And whether you’re an expert line dancer or it’s your first time, there will be plenty of opportunities to show off your dance moves!

As well as line dancing performances, there will also be workshops so you can hone in your dancing skills. All the dancing is hungry work, so there will be a barbecue and a variety of stalls selling handmade goods and ladies fashion pieces.

Business owners can also book a stall at the event by contacting Alison at: 744 657 584. Tickets to attend the event cost €12 and can be purchased directly from the venue. A percentage of ticket sales and money raised at the event will be donated to the charity ADF.

Betty Henderson

ONE of Cartagena’s most anticipated musical events is returning to the city on Sunday, March 12. Talented musicians from the Misercua music school are set to take to the stage for a night of unforgettable entertainment with an evening filled with songs from some of the most loved musicals of all time.

From heartfelt ballads from Bohemian Rhapsody to the high energy dance numbers of ‘Mamma Mia’, the concert has something for everyone. An audience will be swept away by the stunning vocals and powerful performances of our talented cast, as they bring to

Musical medley

sic group, 95 per cent of whom had no musical experience before joining the group.

The performance will be held at the Auditorio El Batel in Cartagena from 6.30pm onwards.

Tickets for this year’s event start at just €6 and can be purchased online at:

life the iconic characters and timeless stories of the stage.

Óscar Martínez and Mónica Martínez will direct the group of musicians in this

GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA is inviting residents and visitors to embark on a culinary adventure like no other!

The town is hosting its first ever International Tapas Trail on Saturday, March 25, offering guests the chance to indulge in an array of mouth­watering small plates that will take their taste buds on a journey around the world.

The event is set to take place at El Raso on the CV895, with a variety of tapas

year’s event which is also its 10th anniversary in the city.

The talented musicians’ vision is visible in the incredible achievements of the mu­

https://www.bacantix.com/ Entradas/WebForms/Forms /Venta.aspx?id= ElBatel&codigo=00000 9008000568001716 Tickets are also available from the box office at the venue.

International tapas adventure

available from talented members of the international community, each showcasing the unique flavours and cooking styles from their countries. Ten local restaurants are participating in the event, showcasing their culinary expertise and delightful dishes. For the set price of just €3, guests can sample a delicious tapa dish featuring international flavours with a

small beer or glass of wine at the all­day event which gets underway at 12pm, lasting until midnight. The vibrant event is also an incredible opportunity to meet members of the international community who live in the area or who are visiting. The fun returns the following day with a huge community party and dog show at the Auditorio del Campo.

Misercua is a musical school in Cartagena made up of performers from a range of different backgrounds.

Photo credit: Misercua (via Facebook)

THE Queen’s Award for Enterprise and The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service has been renamed following the Accession of King Charles III. The Awards will become The King’s Award for Enterprise and The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Throughout Her Late Majesty’s 70 ­ year reign, Queen Elizabeth II was committed to recognising outstanding work and acts of service by individuals and groups. By attaching His Majesty’s name to these awards, The King has emphasised his desire to continue Queen Elizabeth’s legacy of recognising outstanding businesses and recognising the significant contribution of volunteers each year across the United Kingdom.

As Prince of Wales, His Majesty The King has been closely involved with the Awards for a number of years. His Majesty hosted the annual Royal Reception for both Awards on behalf of Queen Elizabeth since 2018, as well as recording a personal video message to refocus the Sustainable Development award category in 2019.

Name change

The newly renamed King’s Award for Enterprise cele

brates outstanding achieve

ment by UK businesses and is internationally recognised. The 2023 Awardees will be announced on Friday, April 21, marking Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, and on May 6 from 2024, the anniversary of The King’s coronation.

Without a referendum

SCOTLAND could achieve independence even without a new referendum.

This was the most surprising message of the campaign launch speech by Ash Regan, the third candidate to lead the Scottish National Party following Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to stand down.

According to Regan, if pro­independence parties won a majority of seats and votes at a general election “the international community will see that and I think that clear instruction should be enough to trigger those negotiations,” she was quoted by a local news source as saying.

However, this approach is not a popular one, as it is very similar to an original plan that was already shelved by the SNP following Sturgeon’s resignation announcement.

Several opinion polls also show that such a proposal would cost the SNP an election if it was the central theme of the campaign.

Awards been renamed. Image: UK Gov / Deptment for Media, Culture & Sport

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

Green revolution

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.

DESPITE recording the second ­ largest annual increase, the UK’s bank or prime lending rate is only the fourth ­ highest 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 fourth ­ highest 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.

Prime lending 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

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 after­

noon of entertainment with music from Sharon Shannon & Band, Celaviedmai, The Craicheads, Celtic Youth Orchestra, Biblecode Sundays, and AIS.

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

Image: Jack Jelly

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!”

Unconventional coffee

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.

Two years on

THE European Commission marked the two­year anniversary of the creation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) on Tuesday, February 21.

The RRF is the key instrument at the heart of the EUR 800 billion NextGeneration EU recovery plan for Europe.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen confirmed: “Our recovery plan NextGenerationEU has become even more than a vital response to the Covid­19 pandemic.

“Two years after the creation of the fund, we have already disbursed more than €140 billion and we overachieved our initial investment targets for the green and digital transitions.”

“Now, with Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and a global energy crisis, the fund has become a key element of our Green Deal Industrial Plan.

“It will support our Member States on the road to net­zero, with the additional financial boost of REPowerEU. NextGenerationEU has proven to be a capable instrument to address many different challenges our Union is being confronted with.

“The transformative reforms through Member States’ national recovery plans are key to modernising and strengthening our European Union. Speedy implementation should continue.”

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

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. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland. Mon. Fri. 1pm till 4.

TOO BIG, too small, JUST RIGHT!

REBECCA SERWOTKA ­ “We sell houses!

It’s what we do, it’s ALL we do!” Certified API Spain. Your favourite local resale property expert, of Inmobiliaria Real Estate Agents in Ciudad Quesada. Published author of ‘Moving Forward ­ 25 Essential Rules For Buying & Selling Real Estate Without Going Crazy’. Request your FREE copy! Prestige Award Winner for ‘Real Estate Agency Of The Year 2021/22 & 2022/23’.

When buying a property in Spain, you may see adverts showing the square metreage. It’s easy to get caught up on numbers, but do you really understand how big or

how small one square metre really is?

If you’ve physically walked inside a property, there’s no mistaking its size. However, if the size on paper isn’t showing as high of a square metreage as what you thought you’d like, but you absolutely love the home, doesn’t mean to say you shouldn’t buy it.

If you can make the size of the home work for you, don’t hesitate over the square metreage. It’s just a number! You wouldn’t buy a size eight dress if your true fit was a 14!

Sometimes, numbers are irrelevant. It’s the fit that matters, not the number on the label!

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.

DEBBIE JAMES

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

Victoria, Arboleas

Thinking of Estela

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

Fat load of good

HEALTH experts increasingly question whether a low­fat 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 trans­fats, 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.

Work out with weights

AS women’s bones lose their den sity, the best way to protect them is by retaining muscle mass.

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

For absolute beginners who haven’t worked out for some time, low­resistance bodyweight exercises like walking or dancing are a good start. This prepares muscles for the change in routine. Then, when you first pick up a weight, start light and level up as you become more com fortable.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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,

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

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.

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.

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

Hi de hi campers 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.

Caravan challenge

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.

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.”

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: anatoliy_gleb / Shutterstock.com

Image: Anetlanda / Shutterstock.com

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.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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

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

Your cat will hide when there is something, or someone, nearby that is causing them concern. They may be frightened or just wary about something unfamiliar and might want to keep out of the way, just in case.

If you leave them to it

Hidey holes Crufts TV takeover

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.

Different walks

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

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

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

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

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

Image: Kew Gardens

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

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

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

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.

WILD LANDSCAPES: A dog walk with a difference.

PEEK-A-BOO: Cats like to hide.

Image: Koldunov Alexey

CRUFTS: The event celebrates everything that we love about dogs the most.

Image: Sue Thatcher / Shutterstock.com

AIR CONDITIONING

ALARMS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

AIR CONDITIONING

BUILDERS

AUCTIONS

CONSTRUCTION

BALUSTRADES

BLINDS

BLINDS

CLASSIFIEDS

ARCHITECT

BUILDING SERVICES

J & J PAINTERS. Inside - outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (294244)

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

KENWOOD CentriFugal Juicer Excel IE850 €99ono. 628 860 606 (303013)

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@hotmail.com (95475)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com.(10006)

FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@glpvalencia. com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a nonprofit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja.com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)

LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, Englishspeaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org

PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459)

PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www. pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A

ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branches.britishle gion.org.uk/branches/orihuela-cos ta - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuela costarbl.co.uk. (95457)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant.secretary@rbl.com munity

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorrevieja@aol. com (95455)

STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain

(formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email strokesupportgroup@hot mail.com , website: torreviejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.acacostablanca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465)

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461)

THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458)

THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)

THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiritual istcentre-benijofar.com. Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindrou te66@hotmail.com . Fiscal G54713789

amscb.org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org.es

MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7 @hotmail.com (294686)

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorre vieja.org (95476)

(Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins

Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkin spain@yahoo.co.uk (10004)

CHARITY

MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm – 3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@

ELECTRICIAN FOR SALE/WANTED

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (290288)

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

GOLD WANTED

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 EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (295446)

CLASSIC SPANISH LADY, Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 40€. Ana 657 603 495 (302227)

ATTRACTIVE, Girlfriend, Professional Masseuse relaxing and therapeutic Masseuse. Tel: 693 357 526 (295448)

RELAXING MASSAGE FOR MEN

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225 (301319)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (293206)

INSURANCE

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 TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuranceinspain.com or email tracey@sosinsuranceinspain. 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@beneficialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuranceinspain. com for online quote. (302516)

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

MASSAGE

LA ZENIA AREA English Female/Male masseuses offering massages separately or together in nice discrete apartment with shower facilities. In calls and out calls within 20 km of La Zenia area Call / Whatsapp 711 059 849 (302322)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

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)

MOTORHOMES

MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905

MUSIC TUITION

PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (302201)

PET CHARITY PLUMBERS

SITUATIONS VACANT

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

NAUTICAL OTHERS

KAMAGRA Gold 100mg plus Kamagra Jellies. Collection or Delivery. ROY HAS A NEW TEL. - 613 584 915 (295447) tp

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

PERGOLAS

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 kruger canopies@yahoo.co.uk (294209)

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easy horsecare.net www.easyhorse care.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, dewormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com (95708)

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama -safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (290288)

POOL MAINTENANCE

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (290726)

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

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)

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.

Uptick in demand

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.

Agriculture & rugby 30 countries propose ban

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

United Kingdom.

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

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

non­admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus.

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

In the statement, the

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

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

Copenhagen calling

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

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

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

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

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

FARMING FAIR: Two different missions.

OLYMPIC GAMES: Other countries wish to ban Russia.

Credit: kovop/Shutterstock.com

Image: World Rugby