Mallorca 23 – 29 March 2023 Issue 1968

YOUR PAPER IS INSIDE

THUMBS-UP FOR NADAL STATUE Brilliant boost Sorry, we’re full

IN great economic news for the Balearic Islands, AENA has confirmed that airlines have scheduled 4.4 per cent more seats for the summer season of 2023 compared to 2019 (pre­pandemic).

AENA is the airport management group which covers Palma de Mallorca airport. Airlines have scheduled 221.8 million seats and nearly 1.3 million commercial operations in AENA’s network of airports for the summer season, which starts on Sunday March 26.

The airports of Adolfo­Suarez Madrid­Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona­El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, MalagaCosta del Sol, AlicanteElche Miguel Hernandez, Ibiza and Gran Canaria are the ones with the largest number of seats available.

Palma de Mallorca has seen an increase of 30.3 million seats which is an 8 per cent increase on the year prior to Covid.

The airports of AENA’s network have a total of 2,950 routes scheduled for the summer season, 39 more than in the summer of 2019.

It must be noted that this seating and movement schedule may always be subject to changes by the airlines.

MANACOR tennis ace

Rafael Nadal has approved the plans to build a statue to him in his home town.

As reported by the Euro Weekly News at the end of February, Manacor Town Hall is planning to create a sculpture showing Nadal as he is today sitting alongside a version of himself as a child on the low wall surrounding the olive tree in the Plaza Palau, opposite his family home.

Manacor mayor Miquel

Oliver had requested a meeting with the star to discuss the project, insisting that it would only go ahead with Nadal’s blessing.

Nadal agreed to the plans, with the only condition that the sculpture is made to resemble him as much as possible and that he be granted control of what it looks like ­ particularly the face.

Nadal’s insistence in this regard could be explained

A NUMBER of hotels in Mallorca have stopped taking bookings for Easter as they have already reached their desired occupancy limit.

A surge in bookings from the German market, said to be above pre­pandemic levels, has led to establishments in Cala Millor, Playa de Muro and Playa de Palma hitting their target well ahead of schedule.

Hotel occupancy rates in general on the island are reportedly up by around 10 per cent compared to Easter 2019, with predictions by hotel groups suggesting that average occupation figures will be between 70 and 90 per cent this year.

The peak occupation period, which in some cases has already been met, is set to be between April 6 and 9.

Not all the island’s hotels will be open by Easter, with

some waiting until the summer season. However, the Mallorca Hoteliers’ Federation has confirmed that nearly 90 per cent of establishments will be open in April, with half opening their doors between February and March.

International tourism associations such as DRV in Germany and ABTA in the UK have suggested that Easter is usually an indication of the tourism situation in Mallorca from May onwards, with travel demands for the summer already being very high.

by previous problems with statues dedicated to other leading sports personalities such as the bust of Cristiano Ronaldo at Madeira airport, which was heavily mocked for not looking at all like the football ace and was eventually replaced.

During the meeting Nadal reportedly also asked that, if possible, the artist responsible for creating the statue should be local to Mallorca.

Hotel bookings risen.

Good airport news.

Image: AENA

Image by Video Media Studio Europe/Shutterstock

LIFE LIKE: A wax figure of Nadal at Madame Tussauds in Istanbul.

Image by Grey82/Shutterstock

Comic museum for Inca

A COMIC museum set to become one of the most important of its kind in Spain is set to open in Inca.

The exhibition centre and library will be housed in Cal Metge Cifre, a 1913 building currently used for municipal activities and the project is led by the Mallorca Comic and New Media Cluster, an association set up in 2011 by the island’s most renowned comic artists.

Inca Town Hall has welcomed the plans and is currently searching for collaborators, with Mayor Virgilio Moreno describing the project as “very important and a great addition to the town’s existing museums,” such as the ones dedicated to the local footwear trade and education.

In addition, Sr Moreno highlighted the fact that comics are “intergenerational, as they interest both children and

Foreign hotel sales boom

THE Balearic Islands were the Spanish region with the highest foreign investment in hotels last year, with operations totalling €900 million.

adults.”

The Cluster and the local council hope that the Inca museum will be “the most important” in Spain, with fixed collections and temporary displays by leading local, national and international artists.

Initial plans also include a cafeteria and a comic shop, as well as a studio for resident artists.

In addition, the islands accounted for half of all hotel sales in 2022 with one of every €4 invested in the tourism market in the country corresponding to the Balearics.

The region has taken over from the previous leaders of the Spanish hotel market, namely the Canary Islands and Madrid.

Nearly 4,000 hotel rooms changed ownership last year with an average price of €190,000 each in Mallorca, compared to the €170,000 of the rest of Spain. THE Llevant train line will finally run through Manacor.

Manacor train connection announced

Balearic Islands President Francina Armengol and Manacor mayor Miquel Oliver this week presented the plans to re­

open the Enllaç ­ Artà connection that will enable the service to cover the town.

The Manacor line will run from the current train station along the Paseo del Ferrocarril to the new

Manacor­Este station, covering a distance of 1.7 kilometres.

The service will require a complete overhaul of the avenue, which will be renovated with more space for pedestrians, non ­ motorised mobility and public transport.

A new road will be created to divert traffic from the Paseo del Ferrocarril and a new car park will be built at Manacor­Este station at the town exit towards Sant Llorenç to encourage drivers to leave their car and take the train.

In general, the project is aimed at reducing the use of private transport, boosting sustainable mobility and lowering noise pollution.

Since 2015, the regional government has made a number of improvements to train transport in Mallorca, such as electrifying the whole network and the Palma tram service, among others.

Graffiti clampdown

MALLORCA island council has passed a motion to step up the cleaning and prevention of graffiti on walls and public property. Spokespeople for the executive have noted that the presence of graffiti is increasing, more specifically “a type of painting that damages and defaces public property” in the words of Ciudadanos councillor Ángel Hoyos, who tabled the motion.

The Consell will now urge the regional government to double its efforts to solve the problem. The motion suggests implementing new building materials and systems that act as repellents for graffiti and prevent it from taking hold, among other measures.

COMICS: Exhibition centre set to open.

Image by Sunshine Seeds/Shutterstock

NIBS EXTRA

Clocks go forward

DAYLIGHT Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 2.00am. At this time, clocks will ‘spring forward’ as we welcome in the longer days and sunnier seasons of spring and summer.

Park reopens

PALMA’S emblematic Parc de la Mar has reopened to the public after several months of renovation work. Improvements have included replacing the pavement for the first time in 35 years, planting new trees and changing the lighting, with new benches set to arrive over the next few weeks.

Racism trial

REAL MADRID star striker

Vinicius has been called to testify as a victim by a court in Palma in the trial against a Real Mallorca fan who allegedly hurled racist abuse at him during the MallorcaMadrid clash at Son Moix on February 5. The 21­year­old Palma resident is facing a €4,000 fine.

Warmer spring

SPRING officially began this week and all predictions suggest that the season will be warmer than usual in the Balearics. Pollença already recorded its first ‘tropical’ night of the year earlier this month with temperatures usually not seen until June.

In and out

EMIGRATION of residents from the Balearic Islands to other parts of Spain and to foreign countries has doubled over the last 10 years while the foreign population on the islands has continued to increase.

Torpedo found

DIVERS from the Spanish Armada intervened to deactivate a German G7 torpedo located off the coast of Can Picafort last week. The unexploded artifact was found two miles out to sea and 24 metres below the surface.

FAILING to clear up after dogs and dumping large objects on the street in Soller will now be punished with even greater fines.

The local council this week approved a new by­law increasing the severity of these offences from minor to serious, with irresponsible pet owners now facing fines of between €750 and €1,500 instead of €60, as was the case previously.

Abandoning furniture and other large objects by the side of the road ­ a fairly common practice in Soller ­ will be penalised with the same amount, up from

THE final plans for the new health centre in Manacor were unveiled this week.

Set to be located in Molí den Bejó park, the city’s second health centre will be named Na Camel·la and will help alleviate pressure from the existing Sa Torre centre and also from the A&E department at the hospital, as it will include an emergency ward that will be open all night and at weekends.

Na Camel·la will have 45 departments

the previous maximum fine of €300. Other offences classed within the maximum category include walking dogs in chil­

dren’s playgrounds, painting graffiti, abandoning cars and boats in public and private spaces, disposing of sewage in the street.

A higher category has been reserved for very serious offences, which include abandoning hazardous waste in public areas and any action that could pose a threat to people or the environment, punished with fines of up to €3,000.

However, the new regulations are not yet in place, and are currently on public display for residents to file any allegations they wish before they are enforced.

Health centre plans unveiled

including 24 GP surgeries, 10 for paediatric medicine and nursing, two physiotherapists and two dentists, among other specialities.

In addition, the new centre will have an underground car park for 60 vehicles and the future construction of the train/tram station nearby will also make access easi­

Builders wanted

78 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

YOUNG students in Mallorca can now travel for free on public transport.

CONSTRUCTION: Is suffering through lack of workers.

PROPERTY developers in the Balearic Islands are desperate to find construction workers.

The regional Builders’ Association has issued an urgent call for qualified and non­qualified workers, as “we can’t even find labourers” in the words of president Fanny Alba.

An estimated 15,000 construction workers of different specialities and ranks are currently needed on the islands according to the sector association, prompting Sra Alba to declare that “we cannot understand how, in a country with three million people unem­

ployed, most sectors cannot find employees.”

The association last week presented the balance sheets for 2022 and their predictions for this year, which in addition to the chronic shortage of workers also highlighted the “impossibility” of building affordable housing on the islands due to the lack of land.

In this sense, the association criticised the declassification of land previously classed as suitable for construction, suggesting the housing shortage will force a change to height restrictions in certain areas.

er. Construction work is expected to begin this year and will take up to two years to complete, with the total budget for the project set at €10 million.

Manacor Mayor Miquel Oliver visited the site this week to present the project, declaring that “Manacor needed this health centre” and thanking the medical

Storm damage

TEAMS of volunteers are currently working to repair the damage inflicted by Storm Juliette on the historical and highly valuable walking route through the Serra de Tramuntana known as the Ruta de la Pedra en Sec. Organised by the Mallorca Sustainability and Environment department and the Balearic Federation of Mountain Walking and Climbing, the brigades will clear away fallen trees and branches, repair paths and perform other vital work to ensure the 283 ­ kilometre route can be reopened with maximum safety for walkers.

Part of the Pedra en Sec dry stone path was declared “impassable” following the record snowfalls and gale­ force winds that shook the island at the end of February.

Until the repairs are completed, Sustainability

and Environment councillor Aurora Ribot has called on walkers to be extra careful and avoid the affected parts of the route.

The most affected stretches are the ones running from Sóller to Pollença, specifically stages 5, 6 and 7, while stages 2 and 3 also suffered significant damage.

The Transport Consortium of Mallorca has launched a new scheme whereby any young person under the age of 31 who is studying in Mallorca can travel free of charge on the bus, train and metro of the TIB network. In order to obtain the free Intermodal Card, applicants must be signed on as students at any education centre including public, private and State­subsidised schools, colleges and universities.

To apply for the pass it is necessary to present the user’s identity document and the original and photocopy of the enrolment certificate of the centre where he/she is studying.

The card will expire on August 28 each year, after which users are requested to present the enrolment form for the following academic period. It is estimated that around 40,000 young students in Mallorca will be able to benefit from the scheme.

Even

CLEAR UP: Or face receiving a fine.

Image by Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Image by Daniel Ferrer/Shutterstock

Bigger foul fines

AS Spain’s community of English ­ speaking expatriates continues to thrive, so does the Euro Weekly News ; and due to overwhelming demand we are now expanding into the Costa Calida!

Yes, the Euro Weekly News is coming to Murcia and we are so looking forward to seeing you all from Thursday, March 30 onwards.

In its 25­year history, the

Always growing

Euro Weekly News has constantly innovated, created and expanded to become Spain’s largest English­language newspaper. And now the paper you love is getting EVEN bigger!

Covering everywhere from Bolnuevo to San Pe ­

dro del Pinetar and Camposol to Cabo de Palos, the new Costa Calida edition will bring you, our valued readers, the same local and community news and information you already enjoy in the Euro Weekly News ’ six other editions.

With a booming English language community, Murcia is one of Spain’s highly popular areas with expatriates and tourists alike. From the beauty of the Mar Menor to the splendour of Cartagena’s Roman past, this vi­

of Spain deserves its own spotlight. And the Euro Weekly News will be doing just that.

Expect a full local news

sec ­

tion, as well as weekly national news on the issues that matter most to you.

With thousands of papers being distributed every week to the Costa Cali­

Meaningyouarenevertoooldtofindlove;nevertoooldtoliveright;nevertoooldtolearn;and nevertoooldtobehappy.Ageisnotafactorintheequationofpassion.Itsorigincomesfrom Africa,thetimeframeisunknownbutisknownthroughoutAfricantribesandethnicgroups.

da’s most popular areas, more of you will also have access to the columnists you love, from Leapy Lee to David Worboys and motoring expert Mark Slack. Our expert team of local writers are also ready to hear from you about the stories you most want to share, so if you have news or an event you would like us to cover, contact editori al@euroweeklynews.com

To find out exactly where to pick up your copy, contact distribu tion@euroweeklynews. com.

Or to get your business in front of tens of thousands of eyes, contact our expert advertising team at sales@euroweeklynews. com.

Look out for the new Euro Weekly News Costa Calida edition on Thursday March 30!

EURO WEEKLY NEWS: Now the paper you love is getting even bigger!

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

“A woman is never old when it comes to the dance she knows.”

AS cities across Spain cut down on car emissions, the DGT has begun issuing Environmental Quality Seal stickers to show whether vehicles are environmentally friendly. Some cities are now requiring these stickers to drive through them.

Our guide below tells you everything you need to know about the new scheme.

• What is the DGT Environmental Quality Seal?

The DGT Environmental Quality Seal is an instantly recognisable sticker that identifies the most environmentally friendly vehicles. There are two types of stickers: One for motorcycles and one for vehicles.

• What vehicles have the Environmental Quality Seal?

There are four quality seal categories based on the vehicle’s emission levels:

Zero emissions quality seal, blue. Applies to: Battery electric vehicles (BEV); Range­extended electric vehicles (REEV); Plug­in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) with a minimum range of 40 km; and fuel cell vehicles.

Eco­quality seal, green and blue. Applies to:

EXPLAINER: the DGT Environmental Quality Seal

from 2005.

Petrol vehicles must meet the Euro 3 standard and diesel vehicles must meet the Euro 4 and 5 standards.

• Where do vehicles need the Environmental Quality Seal?

person or online here: www.market. correos.es/ product/distinti vo­ambientaldgt

Correos is authorised by the DGT to issue its environmental quality seals and the sticker costs just €5 to purchase.

Plug­in hybrid vehicles with a range of less than 40 km; hybrid electric vehicles (HEV); natural gas vehicles; and natural gas (CNG and LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles.

C­quality seal, green. Applies to:

Lightweight petrol cars and

vans registered from January 2006; Lightweight diesel cars and vans registered from 2014; and heavy petrol or diesel vehicles with more than eight seats registered from 2014.

Petrol vehicles must meet the Euro 4, 5 and 6 standards and diesel vehicles must meet

the Euro 6 standard.

B­quality seal, yellow. Applies to:

Lightweight petrol cars and vans registered from January 2000; Lightweight diesel cars and vans registered from January 2006; and heavy petrol or diesel vehicles with more than eight seats registered

Spain’s new low­emission zones are in place in Madrid and Barcelona. Spanish motoring authorities in these cities require you to have the official DGT Environmental Quality Seal sticker on the rear window of a vehicle indicating its emission levels. You also have to register your vehicle to drive through these cities.

• How do I get the Environmental Quality Seal?

The easiest way to get the DGT Environmental Quality Seal is through Correos, or any other post office, either in­

First, find the relevant sticker for your vehicle or motorcycle and add it to your basket on the Correos website. You are required to submit your documentation including the registration certificate of the vehicle for which you are requesting the quality seal, and the ID of the vehicle owner or the person authorised to make the request. You will receive the sticker within 48 hours of your request and you will need to stick it on the lower­right corner of your windscreen or another visible part of the vehicle.

Correos is authorised by the DGT to issue its environmental quality seals and the sticker costs just €5 to purchase.

Shutterstock.com/WH_Pics

Lots of life EWN radio star

ON Monday, March 20, the Euro Weekly News was live on air at one of Spain’s biggest stations, TRE, to discuss the upcoming launch of its latest paper, the Costa Calida­Murcia edition.

Meeting with afternoon show host Hannah Murray at the station’s Cancelada studios, Euro Weekly News Editorial Director Sally Underwood spoke about the new paper, when it was coming out, what it would offer and how you can get a copy.

Sally explained: “People have been asking us to do this for a very long time. We know there is a huge English ­ speaking community there and it is an under ­ represented region.

“We will be the only weekly English ­ language newspaper covering the region.”

Explaining why the Eu ­

ro Weekly News is choosing to launch the Costa Calida ­ Murcia edition now, Sally said: “It’s something we’d looked to do in 2020 but didn’t for obvious regions.

“This year it feels like the time is right for growth.

“We have a huge base of loyal clients who have been very supportive and our first edition will be 24

pages. We see that growing very quickly.”

The pair also discussed the phenomenal growth Spain has seen since the end of the pandemic, with many businesses saying 2022 was their best year ever.

Watch out for the new Costa Calida ­ Murcia edition coming out on the streets and online on Thursday, March 30.

THERE are currently nearly 1,250 different species living in the s’Albufereta.

The latest revision of the biodiversity catalogue for the nature park shows that the number of species has increased by 403 compared to the previous study in 2012.

Animals account for the largest category with 562 different species recorded at the park, as well as 257 types of insect and 236 species of bird.

Up to 490 species of plant have also been recorded, as well as 158 types of fungus and countless bacteria, algae and other lifeforms.

The experts in charge of the study point out that although the birds are the most visible species and the one that most visitors look out for, the invertebrate populations, namely insects, crustaceans and molluscs are vital to maintain the ecosystems of wetland areas.

SALLY AND HANNAH: Murray (right) interviewed EWN Editorial Director Sally.

Acrobatic Art

THE incredibly talented Aürt Cia Unbalanced will be showcasing their skills in Inca on April 8 at 7.00pm.

Aürt is a disused Catalan word, it means shock, impact.

The Aürt acrobats interpret the word as a clash with reality. For this reason, Aürt sets out from the start of the show to surprise the public and generate a free reflection on what is experienced and seen live.

From here, a show begins to develop where all the elements present come to life and transform, bringing the artists on stage to do acro­

batic feats in tune with live music.

In this way, Aürt transports us to different universes united by a dramatic thread.

Among the circus disciplines that can be seen are partner balancing, object manipulation and aerial acrobatics.

For more information

TECHNO music fans need to keep a space in their diary on Saturday April 8 as Richard ‘Richie’ Hawtin is back in Mallorca at the Son Amar, Carretera PalmaSoller, Km 10.8, Palmanyola, 07193 at 11.00pm.

Richard ‘Richie’ Hawtin (born June 4, 1970) is an English­born Canadian musician, best known for his work under the alias Plastikman.

Born in Oxfordshire, England but growing up in Windsor, Ontario on the other side of the Atlantic, Hawtin was a pivotal figure amongst Detroit techno’s second wave in the early 90s.

As the years have gone by ­ Hawtin can

KICKBOXING fans will be keen to hear that Mallorca Fight Night returns to Palma for its fourth edition on Saturday, March 25, from 5.00pm until 11.30pm.

Expect the biggest demonstration of Kickboxing, K ­ 1, Muay Thai and MMA from the best clubs in the Balearic Islands.

You will enjoy a great show at the Son Amar in Palma with the participation of the best local, national and international athletes with several titles in play.

Easter Concert

ACROBATIC SKILLS:

Transported to a different universe.

email info@teatreprincipal inca.com or call (+34) 971 963 777 or call into the theatre located at Carrer del Teatro, 10, 07300 Inca.

The box office is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am until 1.00pm and 4.00pm until 6.00pm and one hour before the performance.

Techno tunes

now lay claim to a career that’s spanned nearly three decades ­ he’s begun to focus more primarily on minimal techno, and he’s widely considered to be one of the genre’s key exponents.

Richie Hawtin’s minimalist techno sound is hypnotic and insanely easy to get lost in; you get into his set within seconds and the next thing you know, hours have passed and you’re still dancing.

For more information or to book tickets head to the website reserva.sonamar. com or call (+34) 971 617 533.

Fight Night IV

Only professional fights, including Máximo Suárez, David Trailero, Antonio Campoy, Pascal Schroth, Sergio Sánchez, Alex González, Alejandro Oteo, Victoria Albons and so many more!

Please note that the programme is subject to change and entry is prohibited for

CLASSICAL music fans will be delighted to hear that this year Palma’s Easter Concert is going to be led by the Ensemble Tramuntana.

After Johan Sebastian Bach’s death in 1750, Classicism, a new musical era, was born.

The programme of this concert strolls through the decade that goes from 1777 to 1788 with the inestimable accompaniment of three Classicist giants such as Mozart, Boccherini, and Haydn.

The concert begins with Mozart’s Missa Brevis, composed for the Cathedral of Salzburg in 1777 when he was just 21 years old.

The concert will then turn to Boccherini’s 26th Symphony, which was created by the great Latin genius in 1788 for the Prussian Court.

minors under 18 years of age.

For VIP reservations, please contact info@cbpro motions.net or call (+34) 620 275 666.

The Son Amar is located at Carretera Palma­Soller, Km 10.8, Palmanyola, 07193.

Doors open at 5.00pm and the entertainment starts at 6.00pm.

For more information or to book general tickets head to the website reserva. sonamar.com or call (+34) 971 617 533.

The special night will end with Haydn’s 83rd Symphony ‘La Poule’ (1785) for the Concert de la Loge Olympique de Paris. This enchanting classical collection will take place at 8.00pm on March 31 at the Teatre Principal de Palma, Carrer de la Riera, 2, 07003.

For more information email: info@ teatreprincipal.com or call (+34) 971 219 700.

Image: Gergely Zsolnai / Shutterstock.com

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Your choice

A DANISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION survey found that more parents are giving children gender-neutral names, in some cases to allow them to choose their gender as they grow up. Approximately 6,300 new-borns received genderneutral names in 2021, an 8.6 per cent rise on 2019, Denmark’s Statistics Office revealed.

THE NETHERLANDS

Buried treasure

ELEVENTH CENTURY gold pendants and 39 12th century silver coins discovered in Hoogwoud in North Holland are now on display at the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. They were found in 2021 by Lorenzo Ruijter, 27, who has been a metal detectorist since he was 10.

BELGIUM

New status

A DRAFT law now officially recognises Buddhism in Belgium, paving the way for federal funding, official delegates and school lessons, following a 2006 application from the Belgian Buddhist Union. Austria is at present the only other European Union country where Buddhism is a formally accepted religion.

GERMANY

Too slow

EVA HOGL, Germany’s parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, said that slow defence procurement was hampering the Bundeswehr’s much-needed upgrade. In a 170-page report to parliament Hogl predicted that it would take 50 years to complete if it continued “at its current sluggish pace.”

FRANCE

Foul play

POLICE called to the French Canicross championships, where dogs run in tandem with athletes, were confronted with three dead dogs and another that was seriously ill. All had eaten meatballs later found to contain poison, according to a statement issued by the Nimes public prosecutor.

NORWAY

Gas-fired

GOVERNMENT-OWNED Petoro, the company that represents Norwegian interests in oil and gas contracts, made a net profit of Kr 539 billion (€46.6 billion) last year, more than double 2021’s amount. Higher production in several fields and the Snohvit gas field’s return to production bolstered the results.

FINLAND

Heading out

FORTY-SEVEN per cent of international students would leave Finland on completing their studies, they told a recent survey. Thirtynine per cent of foreign professionals also said they did not intend to remain, citing difficulties in accessing networks and family members’ problems in adjusting to life in Finland.

IRELAND Home and away

IRELAND will hold a referendum in November to delete references to a woman’s place being in the home from its Constitution. Despite amending the 86-year-old Constitution in recent years to permit abortion and same-sex marriage “outmoded” references to women’s roles remained, the government said.

ITALY

Second chance

ITALY’S highest court ordered a retrial for two young Californians convicted of stabbing a police officer in Rome in 2019. The defence argued that the plainclothes carabinieri didn’t identify themselves during an sting operation to recover a backpack that the Americans stole during a failed drug deal.

PORTUGAL

Homing in

EMIGRANTS sent €3.9 billion euros to Portugal last year, the largest volume of remittances ever recorded and a 5 per cent increase on 2021, the Bank of Portugal said. Most came Portuguese residents in France, who sent home €1.06 billion, as well as those in Switzerland who also transferred €1.06 billion.

UKRAINE

EU help

THE European Commission announced on March 16 the launch of a programme that will provide "inspiration and practical help" for rebuilding Ukraine. together with the country's own organisations. This follows on from the Kyiv meeting between the commissioners and Ukraine's government on February 2.

SWEDEN

Royal return

PRINCESS MADELEINE and her BritishAmerican husband Chris O’Neill plan to return to Sweden with their three children in August after having left in 2015. British residents wished him luck when having to apply for his residence permit “like other non-EU citizens planning a move to Sweden.”

The ‘wrong’ type of touris alcohol is harming Spa

La

been see

DESPITE Maria Dolores Corujo later saying “you are and always will be welcome here,” media across the world picked up on the news in March that Spanish islands were tiring of ‘drunken’ British tourists. Spanish travellers reportedly said they had ‘observed some pretty bad behaviour’ from British tourists both in the Canary Islands and other parts of the country.

But does Spain’s thriving hospitality industry really attract a particular type of tourist? And if so, is Spain’s sun, sea and sangria reputation causterm problems?

Here the Euro Weekly News looks at whether Lanzarote’s president has a point, or whether accusations that Spain’s bars encourage tourists to drink to excess are completely unfounded.

As the world’s second most visited country, Spain attracts millions of tourists a year, adding €97 billion a year to its economy and being responsible for more than two million jobs, according to the country’s ofiice for statistics (INE).

Among Spain’s obvious drawsgreat weather, stunning scenery, and rich history ­ it is true to say that food and drink are both substantially lower here than in the UK, with the average British pint costing £3.95 (€4.49) compared to Spain’s €2.50.

Spain’s tapas and menu del dia bargains also make eating out considerably cheaper here.

But does any of this mean Brits actually drink more abroad? And even if they do, is it the responsibility of bar owners to police this themselves?

In the 1990s and early 2000s a familiar scene for many in Spain’s most popular areas were touts lining the pavements offering free drinks on entry or bargain drink deals. But the Euro Weekly News has spoken to the

head of one of Spain’s most successful hospitality groups who says this kind of behaviour from businesses is rare, calling Lanzarote’s statements about Brits, “extremely offensive”.

Lina Hodgkins from the Linekers Group in Marbella said, “I find it quite offensive that everybody says British tourists are just drunks.”

Hodgkins who works as a marketing manager for the group that runs several famous bars including Portside, Babilonia and Bijou, added that, tourists drink roughly the same amount as they do in their own countries, saying “when tourists are in their own countries or towns, they are still drinking alcohol.”

She also claimed that popular areas, including Marbella, do not create the sort of culture of cheap drinks and club touts that areas like Magaluf, Mallorca, were once famous for. She said: “in Marbella we don’t do that,” stating that “I am not saying that in other European destinations, they don’t do it.”

She said “We don’t offer free drinks, it’s the media that makes these things up just for stories,” adding, “why would any bar offer free drinks.

“It’s ridiculous and I find it offensive because it’s not true,” stated Hodgkins.

“Whether you go to a bar, or a restaurant or the beach, you drink, it’s a part of our holiday culture,” Hodgkins said, adding, “And just because you have a drink on a holiday doesn’t mean that you are a drunk.”

Hodgkins added that that the number of tourists coming to Marbella from other European countries has also increased over the past few years.

Meanwhile, Jackie Fish, bar manager at Torrox bar Los Amigos in Axarquia, told the EWN: “I don’t think it’s true that the British get drunk more

A recent announcement by the president of

quality tourist’ on the island, has

Is Lanzarote right that ain’s tourism industry? anzarote over

than other nationalities or that bars encourage this behaviour. Our bar certainly doesn’t accept that sort of behaviour.

“Yes, people get drunk but we don’t make them drink and if anything untowards kicks off they will be asked to leave.”

Paul, who runs the Emerald Isle in the Costa Blanca South, agreed, saying: “We at the Emerald Isle have been running our hospitality business for almost 25 years in this part of Spain and have catered to people of all nationalities during that time.

“I can only speak from our own specific experience but the area we are in is very family­orientated and we have not witnessed any of the behaviours reported recently in the media.

“Of course, there will be examples of anti­social behaviour in certain areas of Spain due to the influx of tourists every year, but this particular area is occupied by many families who have made their lives here, is very safe and incidents of anti ­ social behaviour are few and far between.”

Heidi, who runs Black Flame in Moraira, told the Euro Weekly News : “We don’t get customers like that. Ninety per cent are British, whether holidaymakers or they live here, and on St Patrick’s Day for example, they won’t be loud or rowdy. They’re just there to have a nice time.”

Alain, from Universal Lounge Bar in Albir, the Costa Blanca North, argued that the accusations by Lanzarote’s president shouldn’t be levelled at one nationality in particular. He said: “In the 15 years running the Universal Lounge Bar in Albir, and having over 150 beers we’ve never had any problems with whatever nationality with bad behaviour or drunk situations.

“And here we have 96 nationalities living together with the third biggest group of British origin.”

Several parts in Spain have now an­

nounced plans to cap the number of tourists with some even introduc ing tough regulations that target drunken behaviour.

The Balearic Islands, which have historically been party tourism hotspots, last year imposed rules that banned ‘happy hours, pub crawls, two ­ for ­ one drink offers, and the sale of alcohol in shops be tween 9:30pm and 8am’.

A drink limit was also imposed in several resorts in Magaluf, El Are nal and Ibiza.

One of Mallorca’s most famous party resorts, Playa de Palma also reportedly banned people from wearing football shirts in restau rants.

The government in the Balearic Is lands, which includes Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, al so declared a cap on tourists last month, before the announcement made by Lanzarote. However, until the president of Lanzarote’s state ment that British had been singled out so explicitly.

Before the announcement, officials claimed that the reason for this is due to extremely high number of tourists.

“The number of visits reached this year is a maximum that should not be exceeded but should tend to decrease. There must be a clear trend towards the reduction of tourist places,” said Iago Negueruela, Balearic Islands tourism minister.

While a crackdown on irresponsible drink touting and cheap deals can only help everyone ­ businesses and tourists alike ­ the hospitality industry is firm that excess drinking is not limited to Britons.

And with Brits contributing around more than €17 billion of Spain’s tourism income each year up to the pandemic, Lanzarote may be wise to take note of this.

a shift in focus towards a ‘higher en by many as an insult to British tourists.

FINANCE

Not convinced

STAT OF WEEK €88 million

was paid out in dividends last year to Juan Roig, president of the family-owned Mercadona supermarket chain in which he has a majority 50.66 per cent shareholding.

BUSINESS EXTRA Changing tastes

THE UK’s Competitions and Market Authority expressed concerns regarding Asda’s £600 million (€683.9 million) deal to take over 132 Co ­ op petrol forecourts, Warned that the deal could mean higher prices or less choice for consumers, Asda was given five working days to address the regulator’s doubts.

Iberdrola posts

THE board of Spain’s energy multinational Iberdrola is set to re ­ elect Juan Ignacio Sanchez Galan as its chairman until at least 2027, when he will be 76, while ratifying Armando Martinez as CEO. Both appointments will be formalised at the shareholder’ meeting in Bilbao on April 28.

NHS info

DOCTORS will sue the UK government over plans that could hand the medical records of millions of NHS patients to Denver­based Palantir, which makes FBI and CIA surveillance software. The £480 million (€447 million) privatelyrun database would include all health information held by the NHS.

More employees

THIRTY PER CENT of Spanish companies plan staff increases during 2023’s second quarter, a further 20 per cent foresee reductions but others expect to remain the same.

Businesses located in Andalucia, Extremadura and Canaries were the most optimistic, with 22 per cent taking on more employees.

Read it up

BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING, buoyed by demand for fantasy novels and academic digital resources, expected full­year profits comfortably exceeding forecasts. The group envisaged a pre ­ tax profit of around £30 million (€34.2) for the year ending on February 28, instead of the forecast £26.9 million (€30.6). .

Best-ever year for Inditex

Linda Hall

MARTA ORTEGA’S first year as Inditex president brought a record profit and income.

The fashion empire, which was founded by her father Amancio Ortega, owns the Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka and Oysho brands and reported a net profit of €4.1 billion over its last fiscal year, a 27 per cent increase on 2021.

Even after a 5 per cent price increase introduced last year to offset rising costs, in­store and online turnover grew by 17.5 per cent to €32.6 billion, the company announced.

These results arrived at the end of a year of change, following the departure last April of Pablo Isla who took

BRITAIN’S government needs to help the UK’s car industry compete internationally in electric vehicle (EV) production.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlighted the fierce competition from other countries, as the US and European Union launch large­scale initiatives.

The warning came after reports that the Chinese car manufacturer BYD had ruled out Britain for its European production site.

Reduced energy costs, prompt funding for green technology projects and extended free trade agreements were some of the ac­

Merger boost

MASMOVIL’S revenue and profits enjoyed a boost last year ahead of its planned merger with Orange.

Earnings totalled approximately €2.9 billion in 2022, an increase of 17 per cent on 2021, while income from services increased by 19 per cent to €2.6 billion. At the same time MasMovil was also able to reduce its debt by €500 million while its portfolio of clients continued to grow with the addition of 800,000 new lines. Of these, 227,000 corresponded to broadband connections and 565,000 to mobile clients.

over from Amancio Ortega as Inditex president in 2011. His place was taken by non­executive president Marta Ortega and Oscar Garcia Maceiras, the company’s CEO.

Despite its higher overheads, the company’s exit from Russia and Chi­

na’s continuing Covid restrictions, last year was the best in the company’s history, easily overtaking Inditex’s €3.6 billion profits and €28.3 billion turnover in pre­pandemic 2019.

Inditex nevertheless surprised investors with a hike in capital expenditure from €1.1 billion in 2021 to last year’s €1.6 billion, higher than the market had foreseen and responsible for a 3 per cent fall in shares.

“It is the right thing, to keep on investing for future growth,” Maceiras insisted.

Zara led the group with a pre­tax 38.5 per cent compared with the previous year, although the pre­tax profit fell at Oysho and Massimo Dutti, by a respective 12 and 10 per cent.

It’s time to compete

lion) Inflation Reduction Act and the European Union’s Green Deal Industrial Plan, both of which included measures boosting EV production.

ALCOPOPs and CDs have been dropped from the monthly update of the cost of living in Britain.

Together with compact digital cameras, they are no longer included in the ONS’ typical shopping basket which is used to measure the annual inflation rate.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has dropped them following its annual review of spending habits in the UK which takes into account changing tastes and habits while ensuring that the official cost of living yardstick is as accurate as possible.

The three items were replaced by electric bicycles, frozen berries for making smoothies, and home security devices.

Tax breaks

SPAIN’S taxpayers can expect to save between €9 and €550 on their 2022 tax returns.

tions included in SMMT’s plans.

The trade body has launched a Green Automotive Transformation Strategy for the motor industry, calling for more openhanded subsidies and less red tape for proposed battery­pro­

duction schemes.

Its plan would position the UK as one of the world’s most competitive locations for advanced automotive manufacturing, Hawes argued.

It was vital to react to the US’s $369 billion (€343.7 bil­

Covid’s aftermath

COINCIDING with the third anniversary of the first Covid lockdown, the Bank of Spain warned that the pandemic’s effect on the nation’s health could also have an impact on the economy.

A survey assessing the economic effects of a possible overall decline in the general health of Spain’s population concluded that this could lead to an increase in health spending. This in turn would create the need for more health professionals, the report’s authors Samuel Hurtado y Mario Izquierdo said.

“Although at present this is very difficult to evaluate it could be a factor to take into account, together with the problem of an ageing society,” they said.

“Should this dynamic continue or even increase, it could be decisive for the economy's potential output in the medium to long term.”

Fully­electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for almost a third of all UK­built cars last year, worth £10 billion (€11.4 billion) in exports, Hawes said.

He added“The UK boasts a firm foundation of EV production, with outstanding research and a highly skilled workforce, we must not squander these advantages.”

On the up

SEAT is out of the red with a 2022 operating profit of €33 million, compared with €233 million pre­tax losses in 2021 and €339 million in 2020. This was possible thanks to Cupra, Seat’s high­performance road car branch whose 179,632 units represented 40.6 per cent of last year’s global production. Two­thirds were Formentor models, produced at Seat’s Martorell ( Barcelona) branch. Seat and Cupra sales of 386,000 vehicles fell by 18.1 per cent worldwide last year although production contracted by 0.8 per cent, with 420,000 units.

The semiconductor crisis was responsible for the downturn, as Volkswagen prioritised microchips for brands generating the biggest profit margins.

The changes are the result of adjustments made by the central government for incomes below an annual €21,000 and the updating of autonomous regions’ minimum rates.

Taxpayers earning between €16,000 and €20,000 will benefit most, with savings of between €540 and €300, depending on region where they live, while those earning more than an annual €100,000 will, on average, pay €150 less.

However, those on €30,000 will hardly benefit, with discounts of less than €10.

Freehold deal

SAINSBURY’S is taking full ownership of investment vehicles Highbury and Dragon in which it holds a 49 per cent stake.

It will pay £430.9 million (€491.5 million) for Supermarket Income REIT’s 51 per cent holding in Highbury and Dragon, created in 2000 and comprising freeholds of 26 stores that it leases.

Britain’s largest chain after Tesco with 600 supermarkets and more than 800 convenience stores, will acquire the 21 premises that it previously rented from Supermarket Income REIT and which will continue to operate as Sainsbury’s supermarkets.

WORLDWIDE EMPIRE: Zara store in Battersea

EV OUTPUT: Charging ahead (SMMT) said

Photo credit: Inditex

Photo credit Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders

DOW JONES

Energy plan

CENTRICA, which owns British Gas, announced that it would extend the lives of two nuclear power stations in Heysham (Lancashire) and Hartlepool (County Durham) until 2026. It hopes in this way to “strengthen the UK’s energy security in uncertain times”, Centrica chief executive Chris O’Shea said.

An all-rounder

VOLKSWAGEN gave a preview in Barcelona on March 15 of its ID.2all prototype, an electric car that will be produced at the Martorell plant from 2025 onwards. Priced at under €25,000 it would be “as roomy as a Golf and as affordable as a Polo”, VW said at the presentation.

Pay scale

JUNIOR doctors will challenge the government over pay by pointing out that they could earn more at Pret a Manger. Pret employees’ April rise – their third in 12 months ­ will bring them up to £14.10 (€16.06) an hour, compared with the £14.09 (€16.05) doctorss earn during their first year.

Online fans

A SURVEY by Adevinta, which owns several web portals, found that 97 per cent of those interviewed said they had bought or sold products online. A further 67 per cent said that they did so habitually, an increase of 16 per cent on a similar Adevinta survey in 2021.

Losing out

MORRISONS suffered a £1.5 billion (€1.7 billion) loss during its first full year in private­equity ownership, the supermarket chain’s latest results revealed. The grocery retailer was bought in October 2021 by the US private equity firm, Clayton, Dubilier and Rice for (CD&R) for £7 billion (approximately €8 billion).

Roig states his case

MERCADONA had a net profit of €718 million last year, 5.6 per cent more than in 2021, while its €31 billion turnover rose by 11 per cent thanks to inflation.

Speaking to the media on March 14 as the family ­ owned company announced its 2022 results, its president Juan Roig admitted that Mercadona had put up prices tremendously.

“But if we hadn’t, there would have been an unbelievable production chain disaster,” Roig said.

“Making a profit is a very good thing, just so long as it’s shared between employees, suppliers, clients and society,” he added. “A business is not synonymous with capital.”

The price increases could have been worse, Roig maintained. The company “had given its all” to mitigate the effect of the higher

OBR omens

prices on consumers, acting as a retaining wall between the value chain and the public.

Mercadona raised its prices by an average of 10 per cent in 2022 but outgoings grew by 12 per cent, Roig said, and the 2 per cent difference of €600 million was absorbed by the company.

Referring to the possibility of creating a “shopping basket” like that of France, Roig did not mince his words.

“Capping prices isn’t possible, it’s a pointless gesture, like wanting water than doesn’t make you wet,” he declared.

“Measures like these only have a negative impact on the quality of the products.”

Tin mining revival

BRITAIN’S mining industry was founded on tin, long before coal fuelled the country’s industrial revolution.

Although Cornwall still comes to mind when thinking of tin, the world’s principal producers are currently Chinese companies that include Yunnan Tin, Yunnan Chengfeng and Minsur.

Like copper and lithium, tin is fundamental to the technology sector’s growth and the transition to a lowcarbon economy.

“It has seen very strong price increases since early 2021,” said Richard Williams, chief executive of Canadian mineral exploration company Cornish Metals.

In May 2022 the company announced that it had secured £40.5 million (€46.3 million) in funding which it would use to drain its South Crofty mine in Pool, located between Camborne and Redruth, where production was first recorded in 1592 and continued until 1998.

It will also construct a treatment plant for the mine water and complete a feasibility study.

South Crofty, which has the world’s fourth­largest tin deposit, has now turned up attractive tin grades from newly­explored areas on the company’s land.

THE Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) warned that Britons faced their worst decline in living standards since records began in the 1950s.

The Treasury watchdog pointed out that they also bore the greatest tax burden since the Second World War.

The OBR added that the economy was on track to shrink by 0.2 per cent this year, despite Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s announcement that the UK would avoid technical recession. He would meet debt targets only by a narrow margin after the big childcare outlay and freezing fuel duty, OBR said.

Down to earth

VIRGIN ORBIT, founded by billionaire Richard Branson, has halted operations and furloughed stuff as it seeks a funding lifeline.

“Discovering a new highgrade zone in the middle of a historic mining district is a tremendous outcome, and again demonstrates the exploration potential of the region,” Cornish Metals chief executive Richard Williams said, following the most recent set of drill results.

New exec appointed

JOHN LEWIS and Waitrose have appointed a group chief executive.

Former Hovis and Burger King executive Nish Kankiwala, currently a John Lewis Partnership non­executive director, takes up the new post on March 27.

The news arrived as the staff­owned business prepared to announce its second­ever full­year loss, with employees missing out on their annual bonus for the second time in three years.

The group is expected to report an annual pre­tax loss before one­offs of ap­

proximately £50 million (€57.14 million) compared with last year’s £181 million (€206.9 million), mainly due to Waitrose’s problems.

Retail director Naomi Simcock and Waitrose James Bailey who previously reported directly to the partnership’s chairwoman, Sharon White, will now report to Kankiwala, as will five other directors.

These include Finance director, Berangere Michel, and Transformation and Technology officer Zaka Mian, who was engaged in November 2022.

Staff layoffs at Ford

FORD ESPAÑA announced staff reductions that will affect 1,144 employees at its Almussafes (Valencia) plant.

The company explained that this labour adjustment had been included in the restructuring of European operations made necessary by the transition to electric vehicles.

Ford also assured the Almussafes employees in an internal memo that it was “resiz­

ing” its Spanish workforce but intended to “work together and in a constructive manner” with the unions to minimise the impact on employees and the local community.

At present 600 Kuga models come off the assembly line each day, as well as 300 Transit vans and 200 of the S­Max and Galaxy cars that Asmussafes will cease producing in April. The future of the factory’s engine section is also uncertain.

The California­ based satellite launch company is putting all activities on temporary hold with only a skeleton team still working. Employees learnt at a March 15 staff meeting that remaining personnel would be put on unpaid furlough, although they could cash in annual leave.

The news follows Virgin Orbit’s failed attempt to launch the first satellite from UK soil at Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay last January. Putting them on furlough would buy time to finalise a new investment plan, the company’s chief executive, Dan Hart, told staff.

No thanks

FIFTY­FIVE THOUSAND people in Spain, the majority in Andalucia, Cataluña and Madrid, ignored bequests last year.

The General Council of Notaries (CGN), which processed 355,000 inheritance claims in 2022, revealed that rejections had risen to 15.6 per cent.

The CGN’s spokeswoman, Maria Teres Barea, attributed this to the “difficult” economic situation, as heirs were reluctant to pay death duties or accept a legacy burdened with debts, she said. In other cases, beneficiaries felt that it would be unfair to accept a bequest left by a distant relative they hardly knew.

JUAN ROIG: Mercadona president and majority shareholder

Photo credit: Juan Roig Alfonso

SOUTH CROFTY: Tin production first recorded in 1592

PROMOTING women in business and supporting International Woman’s Day is of course thoroughly commended by this ol boy. As a Spiritualist, with a firm belief in re incarnation, I’m pretty convinced, having materialised in female form so many times, my belief in equality knows no bounds.

Having to exist in a male dominated society, which doesn’t recognise or promote female equivalence in any form is of course extremely difficult; something I discovered when I experienced that exact situation some years ago. I can assure you trying to live a normal life in a male dominated environment can be very bemusing and often extremely perilous. During my eight years in Saudi Arabia, I found my respect for the ladies put me in all sorts of problems.

The only working girls were in fact the prostitutes, mainly Ethiopian, who would walk down the streets heavily burqa and hijabed with their ‘availability’ adverts being nothing more than a large dan ­

A woman’s life

gling bunch of keys! The affection of my life for some time was actually an attractive English Saudia airways hostess.

She would wait for me in a secluded part of the Saudi airport and when I drove up, quickly enter the car and literally throw herself on to the floor next to the passenger door, where she would stay curled up a ball until I got into the drive of my apartment. No moonlit walks or romantic restaurants to look forward to on these visits; all completely against the law, unless you carried a letter of parental (father) permission!

On one occasion however I did decide to throw caution to the wind and find us a secluded beach. As the Saudi desert reaches down to the Red Sea, the ‘beach’ actually goes on for nearly 2,000 kilometres, so after around half an hour’s drive over some rough terrain I decided we had gone far enough to find a little privacy.

With no habitation or inhabitants in sight we were soon on our towels and splayed out in our brief cos­

NO LAUGHING MATTER OUR VIEW

tumes to enjoy the sun.

After about half an hour I suddenly caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. Carefully peering around I soon observed, standing on top of a few of the small sand dunes that surrounded our spot, a number of swarthy looking young Arabic men, all attired in grubby thobes, unmoving and staring fixedly at us. We were actually suddenly in a very menacing situation.

Miles from anywhere, in a desert area that had, according to rumours, already been used to ‘lose’ a number of missing Filipino Airline girls and there we were, a foreign male, laying there with a bikini clad Western girl, already considered second class trash by our hosts, miles from anywhere.

We were in trouble. Are the ladies going to respect an old boy that utterly believes in female equality and lived to tell the tale? Find out next week. Keep

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

BY the time this article is published the world should have a better idea of how much former UK prime minister Boris Johnson knew about lockdown rule breaking at Number 10.

Partygate, the issue that has rumbled on seemingly for years, shone a light on one thing at least; an us and them attitude between some of our leaders and the general public.

Boris claimed he has solid evidence that he was not aware that birthday celebrations and others at No 10 broke the rules but at this stage is there any level of evidence he could show which would change the public’s opinion of him?

Regardless of whether the Parliamentary Select Committee he appears in front of judges Boris harshly or not, stories and images of Downing Street officials sharing birthday cake, drinking wine and taking drives across the country ‘to test their eyesight’ will remain with the public for a long time.

Anyone who lost a loved one during Covid, or whose business struggled while the world went into lockdown, knows this is no laughing matter.

No matter how hard the government tries to make light of it.

What the universe has in store

HELLO my Angels, how are we all feeling this week? The card I have pulled for this week is ‘leap’ and the universe will catch you. This week we are seeing the first signs of spring!! The sun is out a little longer and the dark evenings are coming to an end, this will make everyone feel a bit brighter and a little more hopeful for the summer, it feels like it was only a few weeks ago that we were at the beginning of January and setting our little goals?

How are we doing with the little goals? I have kept up with my little goals. I have slipped all in all for three days and it really made me feel a bit funny like I had done something wrong and my vibration went down a little and I only I could change the way I was feeling so I picked

myself up and started again. But adding a few more to my list in turn brings my vibration up higher and starting to see results, so what I am trying to say is don’t worry if you have fallen off, you can always pick yourself back up and be stronger then when you first started!

It happens to everyone, spring is a time for new life, and that is how you can look at yourself. It’s time for all the hard work you have put in, you can now start seeking the rewards, so again just drop the fear and leap, whatever your intention is you will be fine.

If you’re at a crossroads and do not know what way to choose just take a moment have a breath and look at each one, what one makes you feel good and what one makes you feel scared. In any decision you make in life there is never a wrong choice. You may need to learn a little extra lesson if you go a different way but that is okay, never

feel like you have failed because you have to keep getting back up and moving. And what you learn this year you can pass on to someone else.

You will always meet people in life for a reason and if you come across anyone they may need some advice or guidance that you have learned through your journey then pass it on and see how you have helped someone.

It makes you feel good and proud and those feelings are the feelings you need to have in order to achieve your manifestation. How are we all doing with this by the way? I would love to hear from you?

Also if anyone would like a small reading and then would like to say what you thought after please write in and let me know? So just remember you are where you are meant to be, the universe always has your back and never be afraid. Keep writing your little goals and keep going you are doing any amazing job.

If you would like to know more or have a reading please go to my website to book your own personal private reading with myself you can find me on Instagram @theangelic.medium or visit my website. https://www.theangelicpsychicmedium.com sending lots of love, yours Emma.

My tarot card I have pulled of this week is ‘Leap and the universe will catch you’

PETS

Keeping them indoors

AWARENESS is gradually increasing that allowing domestic cats to roam free outdoors poses a series of problems for both the cats and the environment.

Experts warn that it can be hazardous to their health as it exposes them to numerous diseases, the risk of being run over or suffering other accidents, poisoning and aggression by other animals.

In addition, their access to the outdoors increases the risk of the cats becoming transmitters of zoonotic diseases, and owners are feeling increasingly responsible for the effect their pets have on wildlife, mainly through hunting.

A team of British investigators carried out a study of 355 domestic cats with access to the outside over a period of four weeks and within four groups ­ without restrictions, with nocturnal restrictions, wearing collars with bells, and wearing collars with ultrasound technology to reduce their hunting activity.

The research showed that preventing the cats from going out at night had the best results. However, the investigators added that suddenly restricting a cat’s movements could be harmful for its well­being, and advise owners to adapt their homes to cover the requirements the animals look for outside.

These include using interactive toys that mimic the movement of prey, creating hidey­holes and elevated platforms, grass for them to sniff and cardboard boxes to hide.

Meet Monty a cat-sitter’s dream pet

WHILE cat­sitting recently for one of our regular clients I met Montgomery, Monty to his friends. To say Monty has a character you have to meet to believe is understating his charisma. On this occasion I was the lucky cat­sitter. One of the reasons I love house­sitting is that I can meet such adorable pets, and their owners of course. Perhaps I the founder of Housesitmatch might turn up one day as your personal pet­sitter.

Our house­sitting and pet­sitting network can help pet owners meet great checked pet­sitters, and secure care for their pets, for free, no matter where they are!

If you are planning a trip later this year, register now to find pet­sitters in time. Even if it’s just a short trip, you’ll know that sometimes you just have to leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying in their own home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Let us help. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a home owner on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Premium account (£89 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

Pet food banks

who loves company, his own and the catsitters.

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. Housesitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga

How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Do you need a house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or home owner with a 50% discount using coupon code 20EWN – an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.Housesitmatch.com.

DOG playschools are taking off in a big way in Spain.

Doggie daycare

Who’s a pretty boy then

WHY do parrots talk?

According to Roger Valls, cofounder of the Avetropic association that cares for parrots in captivity, the question is “ambiguous and complex.”

Speaking to a national newspaper, Valls described speech as the articulation of words to express something and communicate, and that when parrots emit sounds “they obviously do so with the intention of communicating something.”

However, parrots do not only vocalise or ‘talk’ to communicate with us, there are other reasons that can lead them to reproduce sounds or vocalisations, namely the search for attention and their own entertainment ­ es­

pecially in birds that live in captivity.

In their life in captivity alongside humans, the main reason for parrots to vocalise is to communicate with their social circle, which is often reduced to the people who look after them.

“They understand sounds, memorise them and repeat them in certain situations,” says Valls, adding that, “they associate words with situations.”

Another reason a parrot may vocalise is for entertainment. “They may do it for fun, especially in captivity. When they don’t have as many resources to entertain themselves during the day, they may do it to kill time,” said the Avetropic expert.

Owners leave their pets at a centre one day a week when they are away at work, always on the same day so that the dogs form a strong group and get to know each other well.

The centres are a hive of canine activity, with the small groups of animals chasing each other, running up and down stairs and jumping on and off the sofas and cushions.

Dogs are usually separated by size and character, and the service also includes outside walks and periods of rest.

Owners and trainers say that a care option, which

can cost up to €350 a month for full days or €220 for half days, promotes socialisation and facilitates the treatment of separation anxiety, making it easier to leave the animals alone afterwards.

It is also said to be ideal to work on behaviour, as the carers use healthy snacks to train the dogs and the animals are reportedly much calmer when they are picked up after their session.

FOOD banks for pets are on the rise in the UK to help owners who are struggling with the cost of living crisis ­ and the trend looks set to continue expanding given their success and rising demand.

One case is in Coventry, where Melinda Anthony runs a pet food bank by the Betty Ennis Foundation charity, supplying pet food and other animal essentials.

She set it up last year after encountering a plea on social media from a local couple who were in dire straits after he was laid off due to injury and she had been put on Universal Credit.

A call for help was put out and I received “loads of donations of food,” Melinda told the BBC, adding that she believes the cost of feeding pets is leading increasing numbers of owners to abandon them.

The idea is also catching on in Spain, especially since the Covid crisis. The first pet food banks opened in Catalonia several years ago and have since spread throughout the country.

The only requirements to use these centres are for the pet owners to be able to prove that they are struggling financially and that the animal is registered in their name.

Monty is a Burmese

Day care for your pampered pooch.

Image by GaevoyB/Shutterstock

Image by Dezy/Shutterstock

BUILDING SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

BUY & SELL

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

DRIVING SCHOOL

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

FOR SALE/WANTED

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

INSURANCE

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

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

OTHERS

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

REMOVALS/STORAGE

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)

Title race over?

THIS season’s LaLiga title race looks to be virtually all over after Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2 ­ 1 on Sunday, March 19. A dramatic last few minutes at the Spotify Camp Nou saw Franck Kessie grab the winning goal with 92 minutes on the clock. This win moves them 12 points clear of Carol Ancelotti’s side, with 12 games left to play.

Marc ­ Andre Ter Stegen was called into action as early as the first minute to stop Karim Benzema from scoring for the visitors. Against the run of play, Los Blancos were ahead after only nine minutes when Ronald Araujo headed the ball into his own net.

“The league is not decided but it’s a huge win of course. I think we deserved the win and we were better than Real Madrid, we created

BARCELONA: Title race looks to be virtually over.

more opportunities,” said Barcelona coach Xavi after the match.

Sergio Roberto stressed: “You can never say the title is over but we have now gone 12 points clear so it’s diffi ­

An icon’s journeys

FOUR sporting icons are set to feature in a new brand campaign from Eurosport to unlock the power of sport through authentic storytelling of their sporting journeys.

The campaign will centre on double Olympic gold medallist Tina Maze, former tennis world number two Alex Corretja, seventime world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and cycling trailblazer Iris Slappendel.

The series kicks off with an episode starring Slovenian alpine skiing legend Tina Maze to coincide with the end of the winter sports season.

cult for them. It’s down to us and that’s the most important thing. I’m just glad to have helped the team with a goal. It was epic at the end and I’m pleased for Franck to get the goal.”

Going live ahead of the World Snooker Championships in April, the second part of the campaign will see Ronnie O’Sullivan elaborate on how he overcome significant hurdles in his life to reach the pinnacle of his sport.

From mid ­ May and ahead of Roland­Garros, a tournament which saw Alex Corretja reach the final twice, the Spanish personality and Eurosport tennis expert will explain why sport continues to bring him good vibes.

The fourth and final part in the series, which goes live in June ahead of the Tour de France, will see former Dutch cyclist Iris Slappendel reveal her inner

thoughts about the gender bias she encountered and how she overcame them.

NEW CAMPAIGN: Snooker ace Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Image: WBD Sports

43 % of girls make up team sports.

PROPOSALS have been unveiled in a bid to limit hitting distance for elite golfers.

In what is certain to be a major story in the months and years to come, the R&A and USGA have re vealed their joint propos al for a Model Local Rule (MLR) that gives competition organisers the option to require use of golf balls which are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf.

The MLR is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf.

Golf balls that conform to the MLR must not exceed the current Overall Distance Standard (ODS) limit of 317 yards (plus three yards tolerance) at modified Actual Launch Conditions (ALC) with a clubhead speed of 127 mph and based on a calibration set­up for 11 degrees and 37 revolutions per second (2220 rpm) as part of this proposal.

All other balls, including those typically used by recreational golfers with lower swing speeds, would continue to be tested using the existing ALC values (120 mph, and a calibration set­up of 10 degrees and 42 revolutions per second ­ 2520 rpm).

England suffers defeat

IN a thrilling conclusion to the T20 series, Bangladesh pulled off an incredible 3­0 clean sweep against a stunned England side on Tuesday, March 14 in Mirpur, Pakistan.

Despite looking in control at 100­1 while chasing 159, the pressure mounted on England’s middle order after the fall of Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan in consecutive balls in the 14th over. The hosts’ well­handled conditions and smart running between the wickets put Eng­

land on the back foot early on.

The defeat caps off England’s winter on a sour note, but it still marks their joint most successful winter of all time with 14 wins across all formats. The highs came from their T20 World Cup triumph in November and an excellent Test Series win in Pakistan, while the lows included the anti­climactic ODI series against Australia that followed the World Cup and this Bangladesh defeat at the end of the winter season.

England looks to regroup ahead of a packed summer season including a one­off Test against Ireland followed

by an exciting Ashes contest. Despite the disappointment in Bangladesh, England will be hoping to bounce back.

Sudden death

CHARLOTTE VELLAR , the talented young German football star from MSV Duisburg has passed away suddenly at the age of 16.

Football fans in Germany were on Monday, March 20, mourning the tragic loss of one of the country’s brightest rising talents at the age of only 16. Charlotte Vellar’s passing was confirmed on Sunday March 19, on the social media account of her club, MSV Duisburg.

The club’s statement read: “There is no comfort in this unbelievable pain. MSV mourns the loss of Charlotte Vellar, who died

far, far too early at the age of 16. Our condolences to family, friends and team members. We wish you strength for these incredibly difficult moments”.

Charlotte was hailed as one of Germany’s most talented young defenders. She made the switch from TV Kapellen to MSV Duisburg in 2018.

Charlotte’s final match was a 9 ­ 0 defeat of Bayer Uerdingen in the U17 Lower Rhine League on February 26. No cause of death has been revealed.

Messages of condolences poured onto social media in memory of the young football prodigy.

Bangladesh National Cricket team received a cheque after beating England with a stunning victory to close the T20 Series.

Photo credit: Bangladesh Tigers (via Instagram)

For elite golfers.

Image: Bohbeh / Shutterstock.com