Axarquia 9 – 15 March 2023 Issue 1966

WOMEN’S DAY AWARDS

Betty Henderson

THE Diputación de Malaga held the first of three galas on Monday, March 6, in honour of International Women’s Day, to recognise the contributions of local women in various fields including business, social work, sports, research, and culture. The event took place in Benagalbon, where nine women and organisations from the area received an award. This year, 52 nominations were submitted for consideration, and the remaining two galas will take place on Thursday, March 16 and Wednesday, March 22.

Among those selected were María García Fernández, a firefighter who helped in the rescue effort for the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, a the Esperanza Axarquía Breast Cancer Association, and Eduarda Rando Montañez an advocate for gender equality and social advances in Rincon de La Victoria.

THE ‘En Femenino’ art exhibition opened in Almuñecar just in time for International Women’s Day. The exhibition has been met with great success and critical acclaim since its opening night on Saturday, March 4.

The exhibition is open each day at the Casa de la Cultura from 6pm until 9pm until Saturday, March 18 and features over 50 works of art created by 18 talented women to put a spotlight on art by women.

The exhibition is part of the town’s celebrations for International Women’s Day, and raises interesting questions about

The ceremony aims to highlight the accomplishments of women and encourage gender equality across the province. The gala also raises awareness about challenges that women continue to face in their personal and professional lives.

The awards ceremony was part of a regional programme of events to mark International Women’s Day, which included workshops, talks and shows focused on gender equality and combatting genderbased violence in more than 40 towns.

world, despite their many contributions. Their art has been underappreciated and misunderstood, and they have been relegated to the background. This exhibition challenges these stereotypes and asks important questions about what the female perspective means for humanity.

AXARQUIA shone brightly in the latest report from the regional hospitality board, the Association of Hotel Entrepreneurs of the Costa del Sol (Aehcos). The body projected a hotel occupancy rate of 69.18 per cent for the whole region during the long weekend, also known as the Puente de Andalucia at the end of February.

Hotel excellence Women in art

Axarquia performed particularly well against its more popular neighbouring area, the Costa del Sol in the projection. Malaga City came out on top in terms of hotel occupancy rates, with 77.58 per cent, followed by Nerja, with a rate of 57.49 per cent. Occupancy estimates for the whole month told a similar tale.

the role of women in art both past and present.

The exhibition also encourages visitors to re ­

flect on the female gaze.

Over the centuries, women have been marginalised in the art

The exhibition’s launch event was well ­ attended and featured a stunning performance by Laura López Zárraga, who captivated the audience with poetry accompanied by beautiful music by Denis Katchadourian and dance by Beltrán Fernández Clavijo.

Women from Axarquia receive awards recognising their outstanding contributions to society.

The regional hospitality body, Aehcos released its projections for Axarquia ahead of the Día de Andalucía bank holiday.

Photo credit: Diputación de Málaga (via Facebook)

The opening to the ‘En Femenino’ exhibition was the perfect prelude to celebrations for International Women’s Day.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Almuñécar

Photo credit: Aehcos (via email)

RINCON DE LA VICTORIA

has announced its Baluma Park project.

The park will be located on the Paseo Maritimo Blas Infante, in Cala del Moral, and is expected to be open in September.

It will be “a great public space for leisure and sport, open to the sea,” according to the mayor, Francisco Salado.

Baluma Park

The mayor explained that it is a park “mainly sporting and recreational in nature, which will involve a set of free spaces and green areas open to the sea for the use and enjoyment of the neighbours.

“It will be a large recreation

Inspirational lifestyle event

area of 2,730.19 square metres.”

The children’s area, about 500 square metres, will offer elements such as a tower/castle, swings, a jumping area and inclusive elements. The sports space will be around 800 square metres with areas for weight training, functional fitness, cardio, stretching, bicycles, weights, balance belts, ellipticals and callisthenics elements.

There will also be large green areas integrated throughout the park, car parking, common areas with benches, bicycle parking, chess tables, services with public toilets and a kiosk among other elements.

Betty Henderson

THE Esperanza Axarquia

Women’s Breast Cancer Association are holding an empowering Day of Health and Wellness at their Annual Healthy Lifestyle Conference, set to take place on Saturday, March 11 at Bou Hotel La Viñuela.

Esperanza Association is thrilled to return to their inperson conference after a hiatus due to the global pandemic. With a focus on addressing cancer from a variety of angles, from medical to smallerscale treatment and lifestyle advice, this year's conference promises to be the best yet.

Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and healthcare pro-

LUX MUNDI Ecumenical Group is busy with a packed programme of events in their Torre del Mar centre.

Regular activities include a Spanish practice group on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-1pm, an art and craft group each Wednesday from 10am1pm, Spanish conversation groups on

fessionals will come together in a friendly community atmosphere to learn more about physical and emotional well-being. The event is an amazing opportunity to join forces with like-minded individuals for a day of inspiration, education, and fun.

The event will feature informative talks from experts and

Lux Mundi events

Thursdays from 4:30pm, and a coffee morning each Friday from 11am-1pm.

The group has also planned an exciting excursion to the charming town of

psychologists on a range of topics affecting breast cancer patients and survivors, tailored to their experiences.

After the day’s educational activities, attendees will be treated to a delicious lunch and live music by Miguel Ángel Pastor.

Tickets are free by calling: 951 250 127 or 744 488 831.

Loja on Thursday, March 30. And a correction about the group’s trip to the north on Monday, May 29.

The correct prices for the trip are:

With a Lux Mundi Friends Card: Double room €550pp, Single room €730

Without a Friends Card: Double room €570pp, Single €750

The community-based organisation regularly holds events to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.

Photo credit: Asociación Esperanza (via Facebook)

NIBS EXTRA

Animal aid

AXARQUIA Animal Rescue are holding a food collection drive to help in caring for abandoned and abused dogs as well as support dogs in foster homes. The collection will be at Agrocentro Pajarería on Wednesday, March 15 from 9.30am­1.30pm.

Art cafe

A LOCAL art group is welcoming new members to relaxing and varied Tuesday sessions at Cafetería Virgen de la Oliva in Mollina from 11am­1pm and Saydo Hotel on Thursdays from 11am1pm. There is a small charge to cover materials provided by organiser, Kaye.

Spring Ball

TICKETS are still available for the Royal British Legion in Nerja’s Spring Masquerade Ball which will be held on Saturday, April 22, and promises to be a glitzy evening of entertainment and social fun. Tickets from: kim_bowe1@hotmail.com.

Act of kindness

A LOCAL resident took to Facebook to express her thanks to a young couple who returned her lost wallet in Torre del Mar. Carmen White was relieved to be reunited with her documents, cards and some cash.

Postal progress

THE Spanish postal service Correos has announced a new partnership with the regional government in Malaga which will allow residents in some rural regions to pay bills and postal taxes electronically. The policy has been designed to fight rural depopulation.

British band

TORRE DEL MAR’S Weekend Beach Festival already had a formidable line­up for July this year, but the latest announcement that British electronic and rock band ‘The Editors’ will perform is sure to attract even more music fans to the festival.

THE Cueva de la Victoria, a hidden treasure nestled in Rincon de La Victoria on the southern coast of Axarquia, has achieved an important milestone.

This prehistoric cave was included in the European Cultural Itinerary ‘Pathways of Prehistoric Art’ on Friday, February 24, a significant step towards being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Cueva de la Victoria has only been open to the public for a year, and in that time, it has already welcomed 1,462 visitors. The research team led by

Prehistoric prestige

national experts in prehistoric heritage has worked tirelessly to monitor the cave’s underground climate to preserve stunning cave paintings located inside.

Rincon de La Victoria’s distinctive prehistoric cave is the only one of its kind in Europe and features incredibly preserved cave paintings.

CELEBRATIONS have been underway across Axarquia all week to mark International Women’s Day which took place on Wednesday, March 8. But the fun isn’t over yet! The town of Sayalonga is gearing up to host an exciting flamenco workshop in honour of the global celebration on Saturday, March 11.

The interactive musical session, named ‘Flamenco y Mujer’, will be led by dance experts Rocío López La Boterita, Christian Espigares, and Rocío García. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about

The team has also been characterising and dating the prehistoric art, which has led to the inclusion of the Rincon de la Victoria caves in the international project, ‘Pathways of Prehistoric Art’.

Women’s flamenco workshop

flamenco styles, rhythms and steps, and the crucial role of women in this typically Andalucian art form.

The workshop is open to all local residents for the cost of €5 which includes a t­

Growing dreams

THE ladies from the Euro Weekly News have been in full Interna tional Women’s Day spirit, hand delivering a symbolic purple hy acinth bulb to some of the com munity’s most valued women.

Accompanied by an inspir ing letter from EWN, publisher and the Magic Maker of Dreams for Women, Michel Euesden.

An excerpt from the letter said: “That bulb to plant now will very soon bloom and its vivid colour will be yours forever enriching the lives of everyone it touches.

Today is our day to MAKE IT HAPPEN and that means giving life to our dreams.

Happy International Women’s Day but more importantly HAPPY MAKING YOUR DREAMS COME ALIVE Day.”

Today is the day to start making your dreams happen. The Euro Weekly News encourages all women to plant the seeds and bulbs of inspiration and watch them blossom into full bloom.

YOUR EWN HAS

The inclusion of the cave in the ‘Pathways of Prehistoric Art’ itinerary is an indication of the cave’s cultural and heritage significance.

Its unique rock formations and ancient paintings offer a glimpse into the life of our prehistoric ancestors.

Visitors are welcome to visit the site and can book online: www.turismoenrin con.es

shirt, bus transfer, breakfast, and lunch. Participants are also asked to bring a fan and a scarf, adding to the excitement and authenticity of the flamenco experience.

Places for the workshop are limited, and interested participants must register ahead of the event at the Museo Morisco.

The workshop promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the power and influence of women in flamenco and the perfect way to conclude events for International Women’s Day.

Glorious cheese

THE Axarquia Artisan Goat Cheese and Wine Market returned to Torre del Mar for its 11th mouthwatering edition from Saturday, March 4 until Sunday, March 5.

This year’s event was bigger than ever with a special focus on the complementary appetiser of morcilla (blood sausage) from Canillas de Aceituno, which had its own stand at the fair. Other charcuterie products including honey, chorizo and olive oil were also on display all weekend.

As well as charcuterie products, the main focus of the fair was artisan goat cheeses and wines, which were expertly paired by local culinary experts.

Guests wandered around the stalls where they got the opportunity to sample delicious cheeses, wines and other artisan products while chatting with local pro ­

ducers and getting top tips about the produce. A wide range of products were also on sale at the market for guests to take home.

The deputy mayor of Velez­Malaga, Jesús Atencia Pérez described the event as a “top ­ notch attraction” which provides vital income for the town during the low season of tourism.

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Bike rides

NERJA and Torrox Coasters’ weekly bike rides are becoming popular events for cyclists looking to explore the beautiful coastline and countryside of Axarquia.

The group’s latest ride took place on one of the organisers’ favourite routes, covering 31 kilometres with 609m of climbing on Thursday, March 2. Despite some challenging gradients, the magnificent scenery provided ample distraction for the seven riders who participated.

The route took cyclists from Nerja to Torrox pueblo via Frigiliana, passing by some famous landmarks and breathtaking coastal scenery, before a breakfast stop in Torrox to refuel. This growing cycling and social group welcomes all riders capable of their average ride profile of around 50­80 kilometres who also have road insurance.

All are welcome to join the dynamic community that combines fitness, fun, and exploration. Visit their Facebook page for info.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Rincón de La Victoria

AN exciting initiative is offering Almuñecar residents an excellent opportunity to discover one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks, the majestic Alhambra Palace. Visitors on the ‘Sexitano Travellers’ coach trip on Sunday, March 11, can also explore the incredible city of Granada. Organisers from Almuñecar Council explained that the aim of the excursion is to not only offer a cultural experience but also to provide an opportunity for families to enjoy the trip together. The Alhambra tour will be led by experienced guides who will provide audio guides.

Family cultural fun Coastal paradise

The town’s councillor for Culture, Alberto García Gilabert, expressed his excitement about the upcoming trip and encouraged all families to take part. He added, “our intention is to provide a cultural journey that involves the entire community, so they can experience the most incredible monument that Granada has to offer, the Alhambra.”

Local archaeologist Elena Navas is also helping to organise and shared some details about the trip itinerary, “We will cover all the spaces we can in a full­day trip to the Alhambra. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and pack a picnic.”

Guests can register by email, supplying their details: arqueologia@almunecar.es.

Lorca’s legacy

Betty Henderson

NERJA History Group embarked on a fascinating trip in February to two villages in Granada. Their mission was to explore the birthplace of the famous Spanish poet, playwright, and theatre director Federico Garcia Lorca, and his later family home on a trip to explore his life and legacy.

The group comprised 40 members from diverse nationalities, all united in their passion for Spanish history. The group visited the birth home which was full of mementos of the Lorca family, which featured some exhibits that were donated by Salvador Dali’s sister. One of the

THE people of Almuñecar came out in full force on Tuesday, March 7, to celebrate International Women’s Day a day early with a March for Equality! The event was organised to call for gender equality and celebrate local women. Nearly 1,000 people marched through the streets on a scenic coastal route, which concluded at Chinasol. The event was a roaring suc­

highlights of the trip was the opportunity to see a photo exhibition, capturing views and locations that Lorca loved so much.

The group also had the chance to visit the actual house where Lorca wrote his last play, ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’, which he finished just two months before he was executed in June 1936. The Nerja History Group is the only Spanish History Group in Nerja and meets once a month between October and April. Their next meeting will cover Roman cities and urbanism on Thursday, March 16.

More information is available online: www.nerjahistorygroup.com.

March for equality

cess, with the enthusiastic participation of students and staff from 10 primary and secondary schools, as well as the support of the Local Police, Civil Protection, and the Red Cross. At the end of the march, certificates were awarded to the schools, police, and the Red Cross for their involvement in

the event. Local mayor, Juan José Ruiz Joya, also addressed the crowds, thanking participants for their commitment to equality and urging students to take the lead in advancing gender equality.

The events for International Women’s Day continue until Wednesday, March 15.

THE Spanish government announced the restoration of 1,800 metres squared of beach space along the Playa de Chilches, near Benajarafe in a statement made on Tuesday, March 7.

The project has received an investment of €145,000 over the past few months, resulting in the recuperation of several small coves and the removal of unsightly breakwaters and pipes. An estimated 30,000 kilograms of damaged pipes were removed, covering 170 metres along the beach.

A further 26,000 kilograms of debris, including dangerous materials such as asbestos, was removed from the beach in a clean­up project.

Authorities took a visit to one of the areas targeted in the project on Tuesday, where they expressed their satisfaction with the work. The work has recovered a new leisure space for residents and visitors to enjoy, with a newly­recovered space covering around 1,800 metres squared.

The work has been completed in time for the busy summer season so residents and visitors can take advantage of the picturesque coast.

“She believed she could, so she did”

Meaning that if you believe in yourself anything is possible, a reminder that you have the strength and the will to do what it takes. This proverb was first mentioned by R S Grey, Scoring Wilder, 2014.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

Colourful carnival celebration

EL MORCHE was the place to be on Saturday, February 25, as the village near Torrox held its traditional annual carnival. The event was a true spectacle of colours, music, and creativity, with ingenious and vibrant costumes flooding the streets on the day.

This year’s carnival saw a huge response from the local community with over 20 groups registered in the costume contest’s group category alone. Carnivalgoers were keen to celebrate the first edition of the event with no pandemic restrictions at all.

A carnival parade began at five o’clock in the afternoon, starting from the Plaza la Marina. The parade was led by the band ‘The Crumbs’, who provided excellent entertainment and lively music throughout the procession.

Later, the distinctive carnival costume contest awarded prizes to contestants in a broad range of categories with a stunning display of costumes. This year’s event featured the traditional categories of group, trio, duo, individual as well as other creative categories. The event closed with a lively 80s music concert on the Saturday evening.

El Morche’s carnival is sure to continue as a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar for many years to come.

Torrox conquers Hamburg

TORROX’S tourism industry has taken Germany’s second city, Hamburg, by storm with a visit to promote the beauty spot.

Authorities including Torrox mayor, Óscar Medina arrived in Hamburg on Monday, March 6 in a prelude to their visit to the ITB tourism fair in Berlin.

Torrox has been making a name for itself on the world stage, in a country that is responsible for some of the largest numbers of visitors to the town. As Medina arrived, he gave an interview joking that thousands of people from German cities were currently enjoying beautiful weather in Torrox, wearing t­shirts while snow fell in Germany.

“Tourism generates wealth in Torrox, as well as fostering bonds of friendship,” added Medina, emphasising the strong connection between the two destinations. Medina was

also proud to visit a local shop named after Torrox in the German city! This visit marks a significant achievement for Torrox, which has been building its relationship with Germany since

the late 1970s. Now, with a growing number of Germans choosing Torrox as their go­to destination, the town is quickly becoming known as ‘Southern Europe’s Little Germany’.

Equality walk

MORE than 600 walkers poured out onto the streets of Nerja on Sunday, March 5 at the town’s ‘Equality Walk’ which launched this year’s celebrations for International Women’s Day.

The event was organised by local women’s organisation Siempre en forma under the inspiring motto of ‘Walk in equality’. Participants walked three kilometres through Nerja’s scenic streets, raising awareness about gender equality and demonstrating their commitment to the cause.

As well as an opportunity for local residents to show their support for gender equality, the event also raised money for a deserving cause, Caritas. Instead of an entry fee, participants brought essential supplies which will be distributed among vulnerable people by the charity. Generous walkers in Nerja donated a total of more than 500 kilograms of essential items and food.

The mayor of Nerja, José Alberto Armijo, thanked Siempre en forma for their hard work in organising the event and fighting gender inequality in the region.

The walk was the perfect activity to launch International Women’s Day in the town with an inspiring atmosphere of solidarity and determination to break down barriers faced by women worldwide.

Torrox mayor, Óscar Medina is delighted to find a shop in the German city of Hamburg named after the Axarquian town during a promotional visit.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Torrox (via Facebook)

“I look up to my two daughters and my mother who had to look after two children alone after her husband was killed in the war. It is important to be useful rather than take take take, if you want to be happy in life be useful, it is important.”

Val Williams, Simply Thriving

Making it happen

IN life there are some people whose own stories, whose own gifts are so remarkable they can’t help but bring out the best in those around them. The Euro Weekly News was lucky enough to speak to three of these women, all regular guest speakers at inspiring women’s events in Spain. To dive deeper into a month that celebrates women internationally, we asked numerologist Jo Soley, ‘sparkle navigator’ Carole Pyke, and business leader Jackie Groundsell what inspires them, and their words of wisdom for businesswomen globally.

Jo, 49 originally from Hertfordshire, now living in Northamptonshire and a self­confessed “iron fist in a velvet glove,” has over 25 years’ experience in business and for the last five years has used the power of numbers to help women elevate their business success.

She told the EWN: “I’ve always loved numerology and numbers. I later studied it and have since created and trademarked ‘Bizology,’ which

helps you understand where you are as a business owner and what makes you unique.”

Jo explained: “I mainly help women entrepreneurs who are serious about running their business and want to understand themselves on a deeper level so they can run their business on their own terms.” She told businesswomen passion and self­belief are vital; “Follow your pas sion because where there’s interest there’s ability,” adding, “Have your niche and don’t try to speak to everyone­ not everyone will like you.”

The EWN also spoke to Carole Pyke, 60 from London, who, despite retrograde amnesia following a stroke which only gives her memory of the last four years of her life, has dedicated her life to helping other women.

She explained: “I’m a ‘sparkle navigator’; my business is personal branding reimagined. It’s the story you tell before you even turn up and starts with the story you tell yourself. I be­

lieve your personal foundation is who you think you are.”

Knowing how many women struggle with self­belief, even in the face of their own talents, Carole told the EWN: “Belief is the DJ that gets the party started.”

She now works with leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs, coaching and mentoring. The business ace is even now launching her own mastermind group, Sparkle SisterMind, to spread her positive message even further afield.

As a passionate supporter of women, Carole offers this advice: “You need to know who you are but you

also need to have a vision. “It’s the vision that will pull you forward and this will help you navigate the obstacles to move forward.”

Business leader Jackie Groundsell, also shared her words of wisdom with the EWN

Describing herself as “bubbly and talkative with can­do attitude,” the 75­year­old from Beckenham, London is a business owner, radio host and international speaker.

She explained: “I’ve been running a network for businesswomen since 2002 and offer events for women and training and support on business and personal growth.” With a background in IT training in an often male­

dominated environment, Jackie said there was “nothing for business women at the time.” Not content to leave aspiring women without a space to come together and grow, Jackie set about founding 1230 The Women’s Company.

Jackie’s acumen positions her perfectly to offer advice to anyone making their first steps in their own business. She tells the EWN it’s important to just take that first step. She said: “You never hope in business; you either do it or you don’t do it. You’ve got to take the plunge.”

For more stories from inspiring women, follow the EWN’s month of International Women’s features.

Jo, Jackie and Carole tell their own stories.

MOTHER’S DAY falls on Sunday March 19 this year. Be sure to treat your mother to something special whether it be chocolate, flowers, or candles, your mother is worth it.

The origin of Mother’s Day spans as far back as Ancient Greece, when Greeks used to hold an annual spring festival dedicated to the maternal Goddess Rhea, mother of the Gods and to the early 1900s where the origin of Mother’s Day was founded by Anna Jarvis.

The day is an event to honour the contribution of mothers, acknowledge the efforts of maternal bonds and the role of mothers in our society and the sacrifices that mothers have made for their children.

Here are some smile worthy facts to think about on the lead up to this Mother’s Day.

• Mother’s Day is the biggest flower buying day of the year in Britain with sales increasing up to 70 per cent

• It’s one of the most popular days of the year for eating out

• Carnations are the flower typically associated with Mother’s Day

• Around 30 million cards

Mother’s Day

MOTHER’S DAY: Treat her to something special this year.

are sent on Mother’s Day, so don’t forget to send yours.

To show our appreciation to all mothers, here is a poem for you.

To My Mother

For all the times you gently picked me up, When I fell down, For all the times you tied my shoes

Y6, International

And tucked me into bed, Or needed something But put me first instead. For everything we shared, The dreams, the laughter, And the tears, I love you with a Special Love’ That deepens every year. ~ Anon.

Image Credit: Sunny Studio/Shutterstock.com

“Sometimes I am a young girl in a big world, other times I am a big, powerful lady in a small world.”

-Aydah

School of Estepona

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Ticked off

SPEAKER of the Danish parliament Soren Gade announced that the country’s 179 MPs and parliamentary employees had received an email that “strongly” recommended they deleted the Chinese-owned TikTok app if they had it installed. There was a risk of espionage, Denmark’s Cyber Security Centre said.

THE NETHERLANDS

It’s a gas

THE NETHERLANDS’ Nature minister said the country would not be able to build urgentlyneeded infrastructure without cutting nitrogen-based emissions, principally in the farming sector. Farmers needed to reduce livestock herds or leave the industry to cut emissions, the minister said.

BELGIUM

Bumpy ride

BELGIUM will host its first European Gravel Championships cycling races in Flanders on October 1, one week before the International Cycling Union (UCI) Gravel World Championships in Venice. “Gravel has grown significantly over the last few years,” UCI president Enrico Della Casa said.

GERMANY

Film fan

POLICE pulled over a man of 77 for exceeding the speed limit in Berlin’s Wannsee district and noticed on taking his details that he had been watching porn as he drove. They let him off with a caution without revealing afterwards if what he was watching had been responsible for the speeding.

FRANCE

False alarm

POLICE went to a Rillieux-la-Pape (Lyon) high school following bomb warnings and emailed death threats to teachers. They eventually arrested two high school pupils, one of whom sent the fake alerts and his friend who, he claimed, persuaded him to send the alerts so that classes were cancelled.

NORWAY

Winding down

NORWAY’S government apologised to Sami reindeer herders affected by wind farms that were later declared illegal. Courts ruled that the project violated the rights of Sami families although the decision gave no guidance regarding what should be done with the turbines, which were already in operation.

FINLAND

Warm February

WITH temperatures ranging from zero to minus9, February was milder than usual across Finland, the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) announced. The most noticeable divergences were measured in Ostrobothnia and Lapland, with temperatures three degrees Celsius above the normal average for February.

IRELAND

Safe and sound

IRELAND’S Heritage and Electoral Reform Ministry ordered a halt to cutting hedgerows and verges or burning land until the end of August. Birds and mammals relied on hedgerows and uplands to nurture and feed their young in habitats that kept them safe from predators, the ministry said.

ITALY

Bad choice

RESEARCH revealed that the hunter-gatherers who sought refuge 30,000 years ago from the last Ice Age in modern Italy found themselves at a dead end when the ice expanded southward approximately 25,000 years ago. In Italy the population completely disappeared, investigators found.

PORTUGAL Speak up

PORTUGAL announced that it intended to grant one-year residency permits to citizens who came from Portuguese-speaking nations. This would enable approximately 150,000 immigrants from countries including Brazil to regularise their situation and also tackle labour shortages, the government announced.

UKRAINE Not wanted

UKRAINE accused Russia of trying to export Anime-inspired teenage gangs that originated in Moscow via Telegram. Police said they had blocked 18 Telegram channels and groups “created to conduct Russian military information campaigns, undermine the domestic situation in Ukraine and involve minors in illegal activities.”

SWEDEN

No cash

A MAJORITY of Swedes told a recent survey that they had not used cash for 30 days, while 95 per cent of the 15-95 age group used the mobile payment app, Swish. Phone-tapping and card-swiping are now used even for church collections, the Copenhagen Business School found.

FINANCE

STAT OF WEEK €1.5 billion

BUSINESS EXTRA Women on board

Closed book

A SURVEY of more than 3,000 parents across the UK carried out for the National Literacy Trust (NLT) and digital bank, Chase, found that 36 per cent were struggling financially. With little extra cash to buy books, they said they increasingly had to rely on school libraries.

Abertis change

MARCELINO FERNANDEZ

VERDES leaves the presidency of Spain’s toll road management company Abertis after the ordinary general shareholders’ meeting on March 28. The post will be occupied by Juan Santamaria, CEO of ACS which, together with Italy’s Atlantia, acquired Abertis in 2018.

M&S addition

CREW CLOTHING joins 50 other fashion retailers on Marks & Spencer’s online ‘Brands at M&S’ platform, aimed at attracting a wider range of shoppers. Crew, whose sales have been boosted by online partnerships with big names including John Lewis and Next, will offer more than 200 items.

Bond issue

AS CaixaBank continues to advance with its finance programme, the bank presided by Jose Ignacio Goirigolzarri has issued €750 million of high­yield, high­risk Contingent Convertibles (Cocos) bonds at 8.25 per cent. They come with the option of redeeming them in September 2029, the bank said.

Avios reward

TRAVELLERS can now pay with British Airways’ loyalty currency Avios when booking a flight plus hotel or car package, choosing how many points they want to spend, starting at £1 (€1.13). Amex and Barclaycard also have tieups with BA and customers can earn Avios while shopping.

Fallout over Ferrovial

AS expected, reactions to multinational Ferrovial’s decision to relocate its headquarters to the Netherlands were not slow in arriving.

Nadia Calviño, Spain’s principal vicepresident and Minister for Economic Affairs, criticised the decision, although the infrastructures giant will continue to pay tax on its earnings in Spain, amounting to an annual €280 million. Nor will Ferrovial president Rafael del Pino’s decision affect the 5,000 or more employees working for the group inside Spain.

But Calviño declared to an Onda Cero interviewer that Ferrovial ought to have a certain degree of commitment towards Spain. The multinational owed much of its growth ­ and

BEFORE Brexit, goods between Ireland and EU entered via the Dover­Calais land bridge.

Since then, the longer sea crossing between EU countries and Ireland has proved more viable and cheaper, avoiding the inconvenience of customs checks and bureaucratic delays.

Rosslare, Ireland’s closest port to mainland Europe, was previously underused but its six sailings a week to Cherbourg have now increased to more than 30, with record freight traffic to Le Havre, Bilbao, Dunkirk and Zeebrugge as well as Cherbourg.

“The Brits may be suffering from Brexit,” said Yannick

Downsizing

SAINSBURY’S, the UK’s second largest supermarket chain, plans to close two Argos depots over the next three years.

Shutting warehouses in Basildon (Essex) and Heywood (Greater Manchester) by 2026 will affect 1,400 jobs, although employees would have the chance to find ‘alternative roles’ inside the business.

Sainsbury will close 50 larger Argos stores before the financial year ends, while investing in more small branches inside supermarkets.

Its Milton Keynes offices are also due to close as more staff work from home, although this would not entail job losses, Sainsbury said.

FERROVIAL CHAIRMAN: Headquarter moving to the Netherland, Rafael del Pino announced

wealth ­ to its multimillion public contracts inside the country over the last 40 years, she said.

Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, declined to comment on Ferrovial’s bombshell but emphasised that the decision to relo­

cate its headquarters demonstrated the importance of creating a single market for capital.

“We must fight for the Capital Markets Union,” Lagarde said.

“Different languages, different legal frameworks ­ we are making progress but not quickly,” she said during an Antena 3 interview, her first with a Spanish broadcaster.

Meanwhile, the National Securities Market (CNMV) questioned Del Pino’s claim it was easier to access the US stock exchange from the Netherlands than Spain. CNMV sources said “If the company told us about the obstacles we would study them but until now, apart from what was communicated earlier, they have said nothing more.”

UK loses to Ireland

Carr, Rosslare port’s general manager. “Industry wanted stability in the supply chain. We adapted.”

FOR the first time, women account for more than 40 per cent of board roles in the UK’s biggest companies.

The government­backed FTSE Women’s Leaders Review also found that only 10 of the country’s 350 largest listed companies had all­male executive teams.

The number of women on the boards of FTSE 100 and mid­sized FTSE 250 companies rose by 3 per cent over the last year. Nevertheless, the review noted that UK companies were failing to appoint women to leadership positions below board level at the same rate. Women occupied only 33.5 per cent of these posts, the review said.

Profit payout

Millet, managing director of Cherbourg port. “But for us, it’s boom time. Traffic with Ireland is through the roof,” he told the Guardian, declaring that the land bridge via Britain had been broken.

“There’s a real dynamic

with Ireland, and authorities at both ends are working hard to foster it. Ireland’s passenger numbers have overtaken the UK, and freight has trebled,” he said.

“Brexit gave us an opportunity,” explained Glenn

No small change

AN exceptionally rare £500 (€563.5) banknote dated 1936 fetched £24,000 (€27,000) in London.

Expected to sell between £18,000 (€20,286) and £22,000 (€24,790), it was acquired by a major collector.

Mayfair­based auction house Noonans, which sold the banknote signed by the Bank of England’s then governor, Kenneth Peppiatt, agreed that the note issued in Leeds was “fantastic.”

“£500 notes are very rare, and in fact were only available from three Bank of England branches in London, Liverpool and Leeds,” said Andrew Pattison, who heads Noonans’ banknotes department. “Although some were issued in Birmingham and Manchester, none have ever come to light.”

The Leeds branch’s £500 notes were the rarest and the recently­auctioned specimen, which had belonged to a long­term collector, was only the second to reach the open market, he added.

Freight between Rosslare and Europe climbed from 36,000 units in 2019 to 125,000 in 2021, and 137,000 in 2022. This has offset the fall in freight between the port and Britain, which slumped from 104,000 units in 2019 to 65,000 in 2021 and 63,500 in 2022.

The surge in continental traffic has created more than 200 new jobs around Rosslare port and boosted the entire region.

Going greener

OIL and gas company Cepsa has sold exploration and production assets in the United Arab Emirates.

Accounting for approximately half of Cepsa’s business in the sector, these have been sold to TotalEnergies.

The French company acquires a 20 per cent interest in the Satah Al Razboot (SARB) and Umm Lulu offshore oilfields, plus a 12.88 per cent interest in the Mubarraz concession held by Abu Dhabi Oil Company Ltd (ADOC).

Cepsa has not revealed how much money has changed hands, although experts place this at least €1 billion, most of which will now be invested in renewables and green hydrogen.

BANCO SANTANDER’S leadership team presented the bank’s plan for growth between 2023­2025 during its Investor Day on March 1. Executive chair, Ana Botin, who was accompanied by Hector Grisi (CEO) and Jose Garcia Cantera (CFO), outlined the group’s strategy, as well as key financial and commercial goals. These included increasing Santander’s shareholder payout policy ­ the proportion of profits distributed to shareholders ­ from 40 to 50 per cent during this period via cash dividends and share buybacks. The bank also expects a return of between 15 and 17 per cent on tangible equity in 20232025 and an efficiency ratio of 42 by 2025, Botin said.

Wage claims

SPAIN’S principal trade unions have reached agreement on wage demands to employers. Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) and Union General de Trabajo (UGT) proposed a minimum 13.25 per cent increase between 2022 and 2024.

They are asking for 5 per cent for last year, 4.5 per cent for 2023 and 3.75 per cent for 2024 while also proposing that review clauses should depend on companies’ economic situation.

“This ought to be measured by the evolution of profit margins,” the unions announced in a joint statement on March 1.

is the amount that Spain’s state-owned rail infrastructure manager, Adif, will pay Endesa to provide green electricity to power trains run by Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo throughout the country.

ROSSLARE PORT: Passengers and freight have increased post-Brexit.

Photo credit: Flickr/Ferrovial

Photo credit: CC/Benatzer Chieggi

DOW JONES

BUSINESS EXTRA

Fine situation

THE UK’S Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) made £24 million (€27 million) by selling drivers’ details on more than 32 million occasions to private parking firms and local authorities in 2022. As a result, motorists had to pay £2.6 billion (€2.93 billion) in fines.

Further afield

ACCORDING to 2022 results submitted to the National Securities Market (CNMV), 10 of the Spanish companies listed on the Ibex 35 obtained more than 80 per cent of their earnings from outside Spain. Biggest outside earnings of 96.86 per cent went to travel technology company Amadeus.

Deal on

RECHARGE INDUSTRIES

based in Geelong (Australia) will take over failed battery manufacturer Britishvolt after finalising a deal with the company’s administrators. The agreement renews hopes of building a £3.8 billion (€4.28 billion) gigafactory in Blyth (Northumberland) and assisting production of UKbuilt electric vehicles.

Going nuclear

AS the energy crisis prompts EU countries to review their decisions to close their nuclear power plants, the Spanish Nuclear Society asked the government to postpone planned shutdowns. Members who include Endesa, Iberdrola and Naturgy stressed the present need for independent, zero­emission energy.

Zero hopes

HALF of Britain’s farmland would have to produce biofuel crops to replace the 12.3 million tons of jet fuel that UK aviation uses annually. A report by the Royal Society said it was unlikely the UK would reach its goal of ensuring ‘jet zero’ international flights by 2040.

Testing time for batteries

TATA MOTORS, Jaguar Land Rover’s owner, has reportedly asked the UK government for subsidies of more than £500 million (€563.7 million) to build a battery factory.

This could be vital to the future of the British car industry, sources close to the company said.

In line with reports in the UK media, Mumbai­based Tata has requested the money in the shape of grants and support packages that would include help with energy costs and research.

The carmaker is said to be

choosing between a potential site in Somerset and another in Spain, according to the Financial Times, which initially quoted the €563.7 million figure.

Spain is at present offering

large grants to companies considering battery production, in hopes that it can attract the emerging battery industry with the country’s potential for cheap and abundant solar power.

All charged up

The UK government’s answer to Tata is being regarded as a key test that will reveal exactly how much it wants to support a large car industry by assisting JLR.

An insider familiar with JLR strategy said a final decision was likely to arrive within the next two months.

“We could already be into extra time,” they warned. “If JLR, which is the UK’s biggest motor manufacturer, can’t make a business case to build electric batteries in this country, who else is going to build batteries in this country?”

From modest beginnings

DIGI COMMUNICATIONS, also known as RCS & RDS, is a Romanian company operating in Romania, Spain, Italy, Hungary and Portugal.

With approximately five million lines, Digi made a modest debut providing international calls for the Romanian community.

After fighting off lowcost competitors, the company is Spain’s fifth largest mobile operator, the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) announced.

It now has 3.79 million mobile lines after acquiring another 824,000 clients in 2022. Broadband customers increased from 480,000 to 843,000 within 12 months and there are now more than 249,000 landlines compared with last year’s 279,000.

The Orange ­ MasMovil merger will push it back to fifth place, although insiders predict that Digi could mop up some of the divestments that both operators will have to make.

Asked if Digi was preparing for this scenario, Marius Varzaru, the company’s CEO in Spain, said they were unaware of EU conditions for the merger.

“When we have this information, there will be

SPANISH multinational ACS will build a €2.8 billion battery factory for Panasonic in De Soto (Kansas). Turner (ACS) ­ subsidiary of the engineering and construction company headed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez ­ will build the plant in consortium with US company Yates Construction.

Panasonic is investing $4 billion (€3.75 billion) in the future factory which will manufacture batteries for electric vehicles. Of this, €2.815 will go to the Turner­Yates building project.

“The US is a great market,” said Juan Santamaria, CEO of ACS, “and Turner is our spearhead.”

Voucher fail

an opportunity to assess it,” he told the Spanish media.

Regarding the merger, Varzaru answered that competition was the best way for companies to give their clients good value. “In our case, it makes us work harder to provide the best technology at the best price,” he said.

Aena out of the red

AIRPORTS group Aena has left behind its losses of the pandemic years. With 243.7 million travellers using the country’s airports last year, Aena recovered 88.5 per cent of its air traffic compared with 2019.

Aena also made a net profit of €901.5 million compared with 2021’s losses of €475.4 million, the National Securities Market (CNMV) announced. In fact, Aena lost €60 million in 2021 but reformulated its accounts to

allow for the negative impact of waiving rents on commercial premises in line with a government directive adjusting payments to airport traffic. It also had to pay compensation to leaseholders following court cases during the Covid period.

Partially­privatised AENA is paying a dividend of €4.75 per share, meaning the government’s 51 per cent holding will entitle it to €363 million.

Primark hits the mark

PRIMARK’S annual profits would be higher than previously expected, owners Associated British Foods (ABF) announced.

Despite the cost of living crisis, luggage, beachwear, swimwear, beach footwear and even shorts were selling well, ABF’s finance director John Bason said.

“People are buying for hot summer holidays,” he added.

ABF whose products ranging from Twinings tea to animal feed as well as fashion, previously warned that in ­

creased energy and commodities’ costs would affect profits.

Instead, it now expects group sales to rise 20 per cent for the six months ending in early March compared with last year, helped by the 19 per cent increase in Primark sales which the company announced at the end of February.

Annual profits are predicted to be approximately in line with last year’s, despite previous predictions that that Primark trading would be hit by reduced consumer spending.

VOUCHERS worth approximately €724 million that were issued during the pandemic by IAG and easyJet have yet to be reclaimed. Approximately €600 million of this amount corresponded to IAG, which owns five airlines including BA, Iberia and Aer Lingus, revealed Robert Boyle, an aviation consultant and former IAG employee.

When airlines had to cancel flights during the pandemic, they preferred to provide vouchers for future travel rather than issue cash refunds, Boyle said. easyJet’s latest results also suggested that vouchers amounting to £110 million (€123.9 million) had not been exchanged.

Don’t fall for it

FRAUDSTERS increasingly dupe their victims with impersonation scams, according to Barclays.

More than 25 per cent of Britons have either been targeted by a scammer who pretended to be someone apparently trustworthy, or they know somebody who has, the bank said.

On average the victim of an impersonation scam loses £4,330 (€4,878) in the UK, but although no figures are available for Spain, exactly the same ploys are being used here to ensnare the unsuspecting.

“Be wary of unexpected calls or messages,” Barclays said. “Never click on messages or links you’re unsure about and never be persuaded to transferring your money into a ‘safe’ account.”

JLR: Seeking subsidies to build a battery factory for electric cars.

Photo credit: british-car.jaguar.es

MARIUS VARZARU: Digi’s CEO in Spain.

Photo credit: Digi

AS a mere male of the species I can utterly assure you I am a firm supporter of gender equality.

Unfortunately, the problem with the female ‘libber’ brigade is that many of their aspirations are in the hands of women who are in the public eye.

These Ladies, by the very nature of their chosen paths and careers, have more access to public pedestals than the majority of the fair sex can ever, or often even want, to become involved with.

Consequently, although I may admire many, we generally only hear the oft misrepresented views of women who are, in the main, just as about as far removed from the average woman as it is possible to be.

This creates the misapprehension that the majority of women are not happy with their lot. I believe this is quite simply, not the case.

In my experience the silent majority of women who choose to be homemakers are perfectly happy and indeed extremely proud in their home spun roles, and indeed why

Female libbers

shouldn’t they be?

As a historically single parent, I am perfectly aware of the responsibilities and sheer hard work it takes to keep a happy loving family home life running as smoothly as possible.

Women who choose this utterly commendable path are generally widely talented; needing to have the stamina of athletes and be basically competent at everything from psychiatry to plumbing.

Quite frankly I consider many of the career orientated female libbers of the species are actually taking the easy way out! (And don’t tell me some do both. That precarious path almost never works satisfactorily!)

Many housewives I have spoken to are often quite angry at the presumptuous few who take it on themselves to arrogantly give the impression that they speak for such large numbers of the fair sex.

Another problem with libbers is that many simply want to take over the roles of men. Well, my message to them is that the creator of the human race made men and women

physically and mentally different for a vast cross section of reasons.

To encourage changing homo sapiens life roles to a point where we expect women to feel incomplete without doing the exact physical work some men do and men to feel incomplete without having the exact same natural compassion and ability to multi­task as women, is, to my mind, both arrogant and presumptuous.

So, my message to the minority who seek to impose their own views onto both men and women? Do wherever you think fit and the best of luck, but don’t presume the majority of women are of the same mind, because in my experience they are not.

Leave everyone to simply be happy and content in their chosen existence. Awright? So, with my reinforced jock strap firmly in place and my eyes riveted to the back of my head, I rest my case.

FALL FROM GRACE OUR VIEW

WHILE former UK health secretary Matt Hancock might have thought that going on I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here followed by publishing his diaries was his chance to restore his reputation, it looks like he may have made something of a miscalculation.

Rather than coming out of the pandemic as the saviour of Covid and the person who pushed through a successful vaccine programme, Hancock’s decision to allow multiple Telegraph journalists access to reams of confidential material dating back to that period appears to have, perhaps unsurprisingly, backfired.

The woman who ghostwrote his book, Pandemic Diaries, Isabel Oakeshott was the first to raise concerns over Hancock’s handling of scientific advice, claiming he ignored Chris Whitty’s advice over care home testing.

Now the Telegraph says it has multiple further stories to share on the embattled politician. Given that watching a public fall from grace is a treasured national pastime, it looks like there will be plenty watching with interest.

If there is a moral to be found here then, it is perhaps this; if you are going to write a book about how good you were at your job during a public crisis, you better make sure everyone else agrees with you.

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

IF those privileged celebrities in the public eye can’t contribute to the betterment of our planet, how can we expect those lacking the advantages of education, to change their behaviour?

As I understand it, Jeremy Clarkson publicly expressed a dream of seeing Meghan Markle paraded naked through the streets of London being pelted with excrement. Apart from being an American of mixed race, marrying the grandson of the Queen and seeking a life free of the constraints of Buckingham Palace, what harm does he think she has ever done to him to generate such personal hatred? Are there perverted sexual frustrations involved here?

Many people have talents in certain fields and, owing to privilege, are able to use them to become successful; but underneath they are seriously impaired. In this case we can recognise an egoist full of hatred for anybody who does not conform to his tastes or opinions.

PUBLIC DISGRACE

have plenty of support, although in my opinion such fantasising is not an appropriate solution, even for somebody who has committed crimes on this scale.

Unlike Meghan Markle, this dictator has wrought death, suffering and destruction. But parading even him naked through the streets of London and pelting him with excrement would solve nothing. Except perhaps gratification of the imagination of an immature mind.

He shelters behind the racist attitudes of many fellow citizens against an ambitious young woman, believing that a majority would approve of his opinions. Would he have had the guts to say the same about Kate, Princess of Wales? No way. Did he risk a libel action by expressing any specific lie about Meghan? No.

Too many celebrities have shown us how unpleasant they can be by their actions. Yet, so frequently the public forgives and for­

gets and they are able to pursue their careers unimpeded.

Jonathan Rwoss (sic ­ or sick!) claimed falsely in a tasteless voice message to Andrew Sachs that Russell Brand had fu(bonked) his granddaughter. He has long been welcomed back with a show on ITV. The confrontational Roy Keane committed a deliberate career­ending foul on Alf­Inge Haaland, boasting about it afterwards and showing no remorse. For many years, he has been a colourless punter with

ITV and, more recently, Sky Sports.

Does the public really want to see this kind of self­centred person on their screens? Cannot equally qualified but decent, charismatic alternatives be found to take their place? ITV and Sky Sports seem to have a problem with this.

Maybe Clarkson, who prides himself on a controversial image, should better direct his venomous dreams to somebody like Putin ­ assuming he disapproves of the Russian’s actions. I’m sure he would

It seems, however, that many people harbour the same hatred of somebody whose decisions and opinions they disagree with (or whom they don’t relate to) as of one who inflicts mental or physical hurt on other beings, sometimes on a massive scale.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

Providing financial assistance

THE British Benevolent Fund was established over a century ago to act as a ‘charity of last resort’ to provide financial assistance to Britons in Spain facing extreme hardship.

Wherever possible the BBF looks to find a solution for beneficiaries so that the funds are used to get over a short term issue so that they can get on with their lives. We all have times in our lives when we need a helping hand. The pandemic was a major challenge for the BBF, and we saw a spike in applications from people who had lost their jobs or whose businesses had been forced to close. Some had no choice but to move back to the UK, but others were determined to stay ­ if they could make it work financially. The state support for businesses and furloughed workers was a lifeline for them ­ the issue was often those affected had to wait considerable periods before they received the funds.

The BBF worked with charity partners across Spain (www.supportinspain.info) to

try and help find solutions for people who found themselves unable to pay basic items such as utility bills and household expenses for a situation that nobody had planned for and taken many unawares. One such case was a middle­aged man who had lived and worked in Benidorm for many years. He was legally resident and had been furloughed early in the pandemic but subsequently his employer went into collapse, and he had to find a new job. This he did and we were able to provide him some support until this started. The BBF does not have the resources to provide ongoing financial support but if in the case of so many during the pandemic people were awaiting to restart work or businesses then we will do everything we can to help.

We were able to do so for countless other people with help to get them through until normality returned ­ which it has now finally done.

The BBF can only do this through your generosity. If you would like to support our work, please visit our website www.britishbenevolentfund.or g or contact me olaf.clay ton@britishbenevolentfund.or g ­ Thank you! Olaf Clayton, BBF Chair.

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

Targets of hatred vary from those we disagree with and those who commit crimes against humanity.

Photo Credits: flickr.com and CBS News

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

I AM absolutely loving everything to do with the purple, such a great way to pay respect to all of us women, absolutely fabulous. Emily Pankhurst would be proud! There isn’t enough done for Women’s Day and to see the effort that is put in is spectacular and all the quotes too.

It is inspiring and I hope anyone who has children, young women or people in their life who don’t know what to do see last week’s edition and read it. It will give anyone and everyone the drive and determination to want to do more and hopefully create or start their own business or even just do something good for themselves.

Victoria, Costa del Sol

Breaking barriers

AS a woman in STEM it is great to see some recognition come through and inspire other women to do more and get into the scientific realm. STEM is pushed in schools these days, but not enough is done to get women involved, we need more talks from women in the space to promote it and give girls a chance to explore these options of a career and how good they genuinely can be and are.

I remember walking into the lab on my first day of university all those years ago and being the only woman in the room. It can be intimidating; how could it not be, but knowing that every moment was worth it.

Own it, own your power and strength and be grateful for the hard work attitude and work ethic that comes with it.

Alison, Almeria

An inspiration

HOW inspiring is it to see a single mother do so well, kudos to you Anette and raising those two girls, businesses and more. The quote about your grandmother reminded me of my own grandmother and how amazing she was to me growing up.

She was such a glamourous lady with pin tight curls that she would spend all morning putting her hair into pins and then wrapping it in a tight white ribbon. The stunning red lipstick, the glamourous owl chain and her rings.

She had an eternity ring and throughout 70 years of marriage to my grandfather two stones had gone missing. She would always tell me the story of how it always made sure she knew where the front and back of the ring were and she always made sure to keep the part that was missing toward the back. You don’t get women like that anymore or we need to make them have their come back.

Olivia, Belfast

Driving test ability

EVERY two years a new test, I think it is so de­

meaning that we must go through something like that and now every two years! Why do people think that it is ok to pick on us older ones.

Ok I understand there are just some people that shouldn’t be on the road, but I think it is just restricting people and making them feel their age more. I think they should have at least moved the age up to 75, 70 is still young.

Billy, Fuengirola

Hi Leapy,

HOPE you received a copy of this video of a young man that should be in politics. Perhaps we have only got the stupid ones. A question. Why are we processing illegal immigrants when that should have happened in the first country they entered. I have tried to send this video before, but it keeps bouncing back. Rishi Sunak suggested that we send them back to their own countries. How are we going to do that. The Rwanda deal is the best idea for everyone.

Regards Mrs Belcher

Dear Editor,

I WANT you to publish my news. On Saturday afternoon I was strolling back to my car when I was violently attacked and robbed of my bag and all its contents. It was so violent that he ripped the bag off my shoulder and fractured my shoulder.

He knocked me down and cracked my head on the ground causing a huge haematoma. This was all in broad daylight at 3 30 on market day on a small street near the market with people about. One man in a car witnessed it all. The police and ambulance were called and I was taken to the hospital. I am in agony from my injuries.

I think people should be made aware of this as it is on a road with people about and not at night or in an isolated place. I am 80 years old. If anyone has any information or have found my bag please get in touch

PS I really miss the code word in the weekly news Costa Blanca South edition

Unhappy, Torrevieja

Zara CEO

SPECTACULAR doesn’t even cut it; I hope this success for all of those who look to go into business. That young woman has done amazing things and is doing so well. She is doing amazing in business and is dressing the young men and women in business today. Anytime my granddaughter has to go on work experience or go to an interview I tell her to go to Zara. The quality is great, and it is so chique, I am so excited to see what colours are going to be in this summer and spring.

Sally, Benidorm

I am loving purple!

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THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@ gmail.com

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Hey boys, it’s a girls’ game too!

BENALMADENA Ladies 1 v 3 Competa Chicas

Recently, Benalmadena Ladies welcomed Competa Chicas to a friendly at the Campo de Futbol Ramon Rico. Both teams’ extensive squads allowed for plenty of substitutions, affording everyone sufficient game time. Competa took an early lead and, although Benalmadena maintained a lot of possession, further pressing brought Competa a second goal before half time.

The second half saw the hosts striving to draw level and causing the visitors to commit several running offences. However, another slick move by Competa further increased their lead. Eventually, Benalmadena were awarded a running offence penalty, which was converted, and this remained the final scoreline, 1 ­ 3.

The game was played in the best of spirits, excellently refereed by our regular, Dave Coverdale, and was a splendid advertisement for both Ladies Walking Football and walking football in general!

Most Costa clubs have female members who, at 40+ years of age, are eligible to play alongside their male counterparts and some have sufficient members, like Benalmade­

na and Competa, to have developed their own all­female squads. Hopefully, the game will continue to attract more female membership, eventually resulting in the formation of a Costa Ladies League.

If you are interested in joining a local club, why not access Facebook walking footy.com for more details?

EWN Over 50s League

Walking Dead 4 v 1 El Canadon

In light of recent results, it was a credit to El Canadon that they were beaten by a narrower scoreline than might have been expected! They stuck to their task doggedly but

Mobile Tennis App

TENNIS fans will be delighted to hear that Tennis Europe has launched a brand new mobile app designed to boost junior tennis around the world.

were overcome by the hosts, whose goals were all scored in the first half, cementing the Walking Dead’s midtable position, whilst El Canadon remain bottom.

EWN Over 60s League

Torrox Tornadoes 4 v 4 Nerja Utd

This was a fair result, with both sides scoring three penalties for running offences! The visitors and hosts both scored a goal from open play, the latter’s a stunning effort from the halfway line! Both teams remain at the lower end of the table. Remember ……to access Facebook walking footy.com for more!

Almost all of today’s top professional players including 33 former and current world number ones competed on the Junior Tour during their formative years.

Bringing you closer to the action than ever before, the new Junior Tour app will carry live streaming and scoring from many of the Tour’s events. Other features ­ all free of charge ­ include the Junior Tour calendar and the latest rankings and news.

The live coverage begins with the prestigious ‘Kungens Kanna & Drottningens Pris’, a Super Category 14 and Under event in Stockholm, Sweden.

Available for iPhone and Android users, the app has been developed with Tennis Europe’s official partner Crionet as part of a long­term digital strategy aimed at bringing junior tennis to a wider audience.

The Tennis Europe Junior Tour consists of almost 500 events each year for players aged 12, 14 and 16 and Under, staged in almost all of Tennis Europe’s 50 member nations.

Benalmadena Ladies and Competa Chics played a friendly match.

TENNIS APP: Bringing you closer to the action.

Image: Tennis Europe