Costa Blanca North 30 March – 5 April 2023 Issue 1969

HAIRY BIKERS

THOUSANDS of bikers assembled at Parque de La Aigüera, Benidorm, from March 24 to 26.

The Harley­Davidson Experience Tour, an essential event for lovers of two wheels, attracted around 4,500 bikers and also featured a truck loaded with its latest models ready for all motorists who wish to enjoy them.

The tour offers everyone the opportunity to

drive different models from across the range. At this event, attendees were able to feel the pure joy of driving the Pan America, the new Adventure Touring model, unanimously voted by the press and public as the most attractive new bike of 2021.

The tour will now continue throughout Spain passing through Valencia (March 31 to April 2),

Barcelona (April 14 ­ 16), Madrid (April 21­23), Porto (June 9 ­ 11), Algarve (June 16 ­ 18), Girona (September 8 ­ 10) and close in the Basque Country (September 15­17).

The tour is completely free of charge.

THOUSANDS ATTENDED: Around 4,500 bikers turned out in Benidorm.

Crowning the peaks

THE countdown to the Puig Campana Vertical Kilometre mountain race has begun. This punishing trial will take place for the 14th time in Finestrat on Sunday, April 23.

This is the oldest race of this type in Spain and one of the most thrilling and exciting trail challenges for fans of this sport set in the most natural surroundings.

One interesting aspect of

this race is the name since the Puig Campana Vertical Kilometre is, in fact, 3.6 kilometres long and involves a climb of 1,050, very close to the sea.

What’s more, this time, the race will be in OPEN mode, meaning that both federated and non­federated athletes over the age of 18 years can take part. Only 300 people can enter, and registration is open until April 20.

The event began on Sunday, 27 March in the Plaça de la Unió Europea.

The absolute men’s record has been held by an Italian athlete, Urban Zemmer, since 2011, who reached the summit in just 35 minutes and 43 seconds.

Laura Orgué broke the women’s record that same year, achieving a time of 44.01.

U3A Calpe news

BOOKINGS are currently being taken for the programme of events arranged for the Coronation weekend in May: a Quiz featuring questions on the years of the new king’s lifetime on May 5, a Buffet Meal with live music on May 6; a StreetParty style afternoon tea, with a singalong and bingo, on May 7, and a Dinner Dance with live music at the Oceana Club, on May 8. For further details please see the U3A Calpe website: u3acalpe.org. Queries or reservations should be sent to Dorothy Warner­Jones: DorothyWarn

er2@outlook.com or 634 319 632

There will be the usual Coffee Morning on Thursday April 20 between 10.30am and 12.00 noon at the LAFMA premises. Following the retirement on health grounds, of the previous Group’s Coordinator, U3A Calpe is very pleased to welcome Gareth Jones to the committee. With over 400 members in U3A Calpe now, Gareth will be keen to encourage a wide variety of activities for members. Membership still costs only €10 for a year.

AI for skin cancer

RESEARCHERS at Alicante University are using artificial intelligence to reduce the waiting list for skin cancer cases. An engineering group is calling for patients’ data to be used to obtain 100 per cent efficiency and hope to extend the technique to other diseases.

Calpe NGO

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS , optometrists and nurses, a doctor, paediatrician and an anaesthetist from Calpe

NGO Visió are now in Sierra Leone operating on small children suffering from cataracts who require a general anaesthetic.

Ring busted

THE Guardia Civil have smashed a group that has stolen the legacies of 22 elderly people who died in the Marina Alta. The leader is now in prison. Eight people were arrested and a further three are under investigation for organised crime.

Healthy tourism

TEULADA MORAIRA is holding its first Well­Being Fair from March 29 to April 5. The fair will highlight the health and well­being opportunities available in the town to encourage cycling, walking, swimming, yoga and health tourism.

Charity funds

THE women’s charity run in Benitachell managed to raise €962 for Aprosdeco, an organisation that helps parents and guardians of people with intellectual functional diversity, some of whom live in the town.

Five arrested

THE police have arrested five people in Benidorm and Almeria for allegedly stealing coins from launderettes in eight towns. The thieves were using a device emitting electromagnetic waves to obtain the coins.

Discount card

TEULADA MORAIRA has launched a new discount card for youngsters living in the town. The Bono Jove is aimed at people 16 to 30 years of age (both inclusive) and offers a range of discounts and benefits to be enjoyed locally.

For example, holders of the Bono Jove are entitled to free training courses, a 50 per cent discount on municipal sports facilities, and discounts off tickets to the Auditori Teulada Moraira to foster

culture. They will also get free entrance to the Mu nicipal Swimming pool and even sexual health and hy giene prod ucts such as condoms, tampons, sanitary towels and menstrual cups.

According to the Youth councillor at Teulada Town Council, these services are an ini ­

Ditch the plastic

PLASTIC bottles of water are a massive source of pollution. That’s why Javea’s water company, Amjasa, has taken the time to educate secondary schoolchildren in the town on the importance of drinking tap water and giving them reusable water bottles to encourage them.

More than 100 secondary students got together to learn about sustainability policies from the municipal water company. Scheduled to coincide with International Water Day, everyone got together at the local desalination plant, Javea’s big drinking water factory, to talk about the impor­

YOUR EWN HAS

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tiative to improve the social lives of young people in the municipality, enabling them to participate in activities and providing them with basic needs for their sexual health.

The mayor, Raúl Llobell, said that young people in this age band need support and that the town council wants to help them during the phase when they transition from childhood to adulthood, which is not an easy time.

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Waste scheme

tance and positive impact of a simple change like choosing to drink tap water.

The mayor talked to them about the enormous privilege they enjoy of having drinkable tap water and environmental education. He urged them to become activists at home to solve a problem in their hands.

Amjasa showed a video to teach the young people about how drinking tap water lowers their carbon footprint and has other benefits and handed out reusable bottles to incentivise them to fill up at the tap and give up water in plastic bottles.

Health investments

DENIA is to have the first public infrastructure in the Marina Alta for people with mental health issues. Work to build 90 residential and outpatient places with an investment of 6€.3 million will soon begin.

These facilities will be the La Pedrera Specific Centre for Mental Health Illnesses and the Centre for Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CRIS).

Once fully operational, these centres will have around 90 places for people with

Growing population

THE registered population in Calpe continues to rise.

The National Institute of Statistics has released figures that show that on January 1, 2023, there were 25,454 registered inhabitants in the town, that’s 1,758 more than there were in 2022.

A DOOR-TO-DOOR pilot waste collection scheme launched by Benitachell Town Council on March 1 is proving incredibly successful. Less than three weeks since the initiative started, the rate of properly separated waste has increased by almost 70 points from 12 per cent to 80 per cent. A tonne of organic waste was collected in one week. This is the first time in the history of Benitachell that organic waste has been separated properly. In the past, underground containers were installed, but they were unsuccessful. Food and organic waste were not separate, and everything ended up in the grey container.

chronic mental health issues (42 residential places in the CEEM and a further 45 for outpatients through the CRIS), making this the first public infrastructure of its type in the Marina Alta health district.

The investment comes after a recognition that there has been a historical lack of focus on social services for early childhood, the elderly and mental health ­ a problem exacerbated by the pandemic, which needs urgent attention.

On the one hand, this increase is due to people who have come from Ukraine and Russia because of the war that started last year. Last year, 364 Ukrainians and 191 Russians registered in the town. Other reasons are the awareness­raising, and work programmes carried out by the electoral roll.

One reason for not registering is a lack of information, and many foreigners do not realise that they have to renew their registration on the electoral roll. That’s why, last year, the council ran a campaign in different languages with videos, radio ads and posters.

Letters and text messages were also sent to citizens three months before their registrations expired to re­

mind them to renew.

All this hard work has allowed Calpe to increase its number of residents, which means more availability of state and healthcare funds.

The door­to­door system consists of leaving specific types of waste (paper and card, packaging, glass, organic and rest) outside the door on specific days and times for collection early the following morning. Participants received a calendar with the types of waste to take out every day in 2023.

Calpe’s population rising.

YOUTH CARD: Offers a range of benefits.

Montgo golfing

MONTGO Golf Society played a Stableford Competition sponsored by Caz Welch. The winner and keeping up her fine form was Andrea Hall with 40 points. Runner up spot went to that old veteran John Day beating Keith Cottrell into third spot on count back with 39 points. Well done to you both. We had two near ­

Commemoration events

est the pin prizes on the third and fifth in two with Bernard Ross and Geoff Willcock taking home the spoils. We had one two today with Bernard Ross taking home a coveted Montgo golf ball. Next week’s competition is a Medal competition sponsored by Dirk Knappe.

Don’t forget to book in by midnight Sunday.

Javea championship finals

THE finals came to a conclusion on Saturday with a nail biting finish in the Gents Singles. Both players were looking to win this title for the first time and it was Dave Dickinson who got off to a flyer and led 15­8. However his opponent Dudley Davies had other ideas and slowly reeled him back in to draw level at 20­20. It was a very relieved Dave who got

over the line with the final winning shot.

The Ladies Singles saw Dee Hamilton take on defending champion Maria Morawiec and lead 10­2 after seven ends. After some high quality bowling it was Dee who triumphed for her second win in this discipline.

For further details of our finals and the winners see the Javea Green website.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

THIS summer, Javea will have a Sorolla exhibition and a concert by Ainhoa Arteta to celebrate 100 years since the death of the painter. The art exhibition will be entitled ‘Sorolla and the silver age of Valencian Art’ and will be open from July to September. The concert by Ainhoa Arteta and Marta Espinós will be the highlight of a musical project inspired by the artist’s legacy. There will even be a fashion show called ‘Sorolla, fashion and sustainability’.

The town council presented its programme, ‘Sorolla returns to Javea’ as part of the celebrations of the centenary of the death of the most popular Valencian painter. The councillor for culture in the town has announced all the activities that make up this programme.

As well as conferences by renowned speakers, there will be a school art com­

Easter costs

THE Easter holidays are going to be far more expensive than they were before the pandemic. Last year, with the lifting of restrictions, it was a full house all over the country, but this year, the price per night has increased by an enormous 22 per cent to 155 euros.

petition and a photography contest. In August, there will be a ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death, and in September a book on the painter will be launched and a fashion show featuring the designs of Alba García. Lastly, there will be a concert by Ainhoa Arteta, Marta Espinós and Luis Santana.

Happy school days in La Nucia

THE town of La Nucia has received an award in a competition that recognises good practices in the prevention and management of absenteeism

“Where a woman rules, streams run uphill.”

An ancient Ethiopian proverb meaning that women are key game changers and can make wonderful things happen. There is struggle in an uphill endeavour, but a miracle in its very existence.

and improvements to school coexistence from the Secretary of State for Education of the government of Spain. The Ministry of Education and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces have acknowledged the town council of La Nucia for its ‘Project of Coexistence and Prevention of Violence among Minors’. This is the second nation­

wide educational award received by the town council of La Nucia after the one received in 2018 for its ‘Municipal Plan against Cyberbullying and School Bullying’.

According to the mayor, peaceful coexistence in schools is essential to students’ integral development of students and the achievement of their academic goals.

Prices have risen over the last three years, as has the demand for holiday accommodation. According to the National Institute of Statistics, the average daily rate in April 2019, the last year without coronavirus, was €83.73. Prices have now recovered from the blow dealt by the pandemic.

In Benidorm and on the Costa Blanca, the sector is expecting 90 per cent occupation, with domestic holidaymakers choosing destinations in Spain over foreign parts. There are 42,000 hotel beds in Benidorm, and if the weather is warm and dry, last­minute bookings should be exceptional this year.

• Diagnostic imaging and ultrasound Rx

• Clinical tests and serological tests, internal medicine, parasitology

• Soft Tissue Surgery and Traumatology

• Ethology, behavioural disorders and animal behaviour

• Physiotherapy, acupuncture, custom recovery and Healing touch

• Ophthalmology

• Dentistry and dental surgery & more

• Import - Export

Photo council

JAVEA: Will feature an exhibition and concert.

Respite care

HELP of Marina Alta and Young at Heart have joined together to offer a Respite Care Group for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Carers.

Pop along to their Open Day on April 3 between 10.00am and 3.00pm to find out more information about the new venture entitled Forget Me Not. The Open Day is being held at the HELP Activity Centre, La Xara, Avda Oeste 29.

The Activity Centre will open its doors every Monday and Thursday to offer five hours daily of Englishspeaking respite care. A light lunch will be provided and activities will take place from 10.00am until 3.00pm.

The purpose of the group is for people caring for loved ones with mental health issues such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s to have some respite.

The aim is to give peace of mind to the family in the knowledge that their loved one will be well looked after by professionals and HELP volunteers experienced in the care of the elderly.

For more information or to book a placement please come along or give David a call on (+34) 684 174 722. You can also call the HELP office on (+34) 966 427 044 between 10.00am and 2.00pm Monday to Friday.

Enjoying the sunshine

CLUB 55 Classic Cars organise regular outings and invite all local car enthusiasts to join their trips and enjoy the beautiful region surrounding the Costa Blanca coastline. Whilst primarily classic cars, all car afficionados and enthusiasts are welcome to join the trips held on the first and third Sunday of each month.

The last trip started from Club 55 in Moraira, the group headibg inland to Gata de Gorgos, through Pedreguer toward Pego and on to Adzuvia where the devastation of the huge fires from last year still scars the landscape.

The group stopped for a coffee just outside Forna

and continued on a fabulous scenic drive passing through many small villages.

After a stop on the dam at Beniarres, we continued toward Embassement, Planes and Margarida before stopping for lunch in Beniaia.

The post lunch drive saw us wind our way through many more fabulous villages and breathtaking scenery before ar ­

A happy, busy Easter

THE Easter holidays can be a nightmare for parents who do not know what to do with their children while they are at work. That’s why Denia has organised a programme with 152 spaces to keep the town’s youngsters safely entertained and occupied while mum and dad are at work.

riving in Murla.

Heading back through the blossoming Jalon Valley we passed through Parcent, Alcalali and into Jalon, famous for its bustling Saturday morning antiques market and wineries.

The final leg took us back down into Moraira and a coffee stop back a Club 55 just in time to watch the Formula 1 race on their huge TV. A great day out!!

A Night to Remember

By Peter Johnson ARENAL Deportiva Ma ­

sons Lodge No 65 hosted a fabulous Ladies Night on Sunday March 19 at Salones Carrasco in Javea where 78 guests attended.

A superb evening ensued with excellent food and drink and first ­ class entertainment provided by the girls from ABBA Gold, and Gary ‘Woody’ Woodward, who had the dance floor packed from the first bar to the last

chord. The evening was supported by many of the lodges in the Province with some members and their partners travelling from Torrevieja in the

south and Valencia in the North.

A super prize draw made €720 profit which will be donated to the Lodge charities.

Children aged three to 10 years are divided into two groups, with 30 children each. A first consisting of those aged three to five and a second with children aged six to 10 will enjoy stories, workshops, games and teamwork from April 11 to 17 , from 9am to 1pm. For 11 to 16­yearolds, there are different activities for different interests. The options are cooking and creative workshops, an environmental campus and an art course. There is also a swimming campus for children aged four to 14 organised by the sports department.

The council has already organised summer camps for different age groups as well as sports courses. All these will be featured on a dedicated web page which is being created to make life easier for families.

Ice cream summer

ICE cream makers are expecting to benefit from a busy summer that will top the successful 2022 season and took advantage of European Artisan Ice Cream Day in Denia to celebrate the start of a season that the sector expects to be the best of the last decade.

Member of the National Association of Artisan Ice Cream Makers (Anhcea) talked about a bumper summer at an event held in the Municipal Market in Denia held to celebrate the tradition and flavour of artisan ice cream, an iconic product

in the province, particularly in the towns of Xixona and Ibi. It is hoped that the large number of tourists landing in our region will offset the effect of rising prices and rocketing energy bills on their profits.

The ice creams produced in the region are synonymous with quality and exquisite flavours, for which they are known all over the world.

European Artisan Ice Cream Day is important to the province of Alicante to promote its star products, turrón and ice cream, the best in Spain.

TRIP TO MURLA: Club 55 Classic Cars left from Moraira.

LADIES NIGHT: They enjoyed first-class entertainment.

More medics to help

JAVEA’S auxiliary medical facility for the Arenal will open from April 1 to 16 to deal with a surge in the population during the Easter break.

The healthcare facility will be available in Avenida París, in the Javea Park area. The announcement was made by the head of Denia’s health department during a visit to the town to explain the next primary care plan, which will reinforce

the town’s staff with more recruitment, training and workshops. During his time with the healthcare workers, he attended a clinical session given by Dr Teresa Pedro, an endocrinologist from Dénia Salud, on diabetes and obesity. Javea’s basic primary care network cares for a registered population of 26,400 people at three health centres, the CSI in the town centre, the Duanes health cen­

JALON has invested in a massive sculpture to welcome visitors with one of its main signs of identity. It is a huge bunch of grapes and has been installed on the entrance to the town.

At 4.5 metres long and weighing more than a ton, it is a work by Javea sculptor Toni Marí, and was designed in collaboration with the town council. “It is an allegory to the production of Jalon’s typical wine, which is one of the first things that comes to mind when I think of this town,” said the artist.

The existing roundabout on the way into town was in poor condition, therefore, thanks to

Equality study

tre in the Port, and the facility by the Arenal beach, which will be operational again during the Easter period.

Among the specialist areas available in the town are family and community medicine, paediatrics, midwifery, nursing, family planning, physiotherapy, mental health services, sexual health, social work and around­the­clock emergency services.

Big grapes

a grant from the Mancomunitat de la Vall de Pop, it now boasts this original work of art. This is part of an initiative to improve the roundabouts on the way into Jalon, Benissa, Lliber and Alcalalí.

Local residents say they are happy with this improvement, which has received a lot of compliments. It took Toni Marí two months to complete this work in his signature material, iron, complying with instructions.

Floral club demo

AT the end of our super floral demonstration with Michael Bowyer on Thursday March 23, our President, Lynn Bishop presented Afa Alzheimer Teulada­Moraira with a monetary donation on behalf of Members and Friends of the Club ... the monies had been raised from our Luncheon in support of NAFAS Flower Arrangers Day and our late Queen’s Jubilee and our Christmas Charity Hamper Raffle.

A STUDY conducted to prepare Denia’s fourth Equal Opportunities Plan has revealed what we already know. Women spend between two and four hours every day on domestic chores, while men spend less than one hour. The council has been gathering information to find out where to focus its efforts to achieve equality. The studies also reveal the existence of a generational digital gap, addictions to new technologies and the fear of sexting among people under the age of 29 surveyed. Among the other conclusions of the study is that people do not know about policies in place in the council to prevent inequality, the need for more security at recreational vents and festivals, and a lack of training options for care workers and in languages and trades. The people of Denia want teachers, students and families to receive training in equality, sexually transmitted diseases, masculinity, and entrepreneurship, according to the survey. The data was collected from a questionnaire with open and closed questions which was answered by 185 person. Interviews were conducted in schools, residents’ associations and other sectors of the population.

HEALTH CENTRE: Expecting a surge during the holidays.

Lynn, Carmen Mudarra, Director/Psychologist and Sylvia Tatnell, President, of Afa Alzheimer.

Keeping you safe

TWO HUNDRED new Local Police officers are bound for some 30 municipalities in the province of Alicante.

The aspiring municipal police officers have just graduated. Before taking up their duties in their respective municipalities as civil servants, these officers must undergo practical training, which will last for two months. Throughout the training, they will still be working but won’t be carrying a firearm. Then, if they pass the evaluation, they will take up their duties as new Local Police officers.

Busting the weeds

Of the 200 applicants, 104 are from the city of Alicante. The Head of the Local Police of Alicante, Jose Maria Conesa, confirmed: “Now they have two months of practice in their local councils. We are going to assign them to different units. It will be very useful for security at Easter and Santa Faz, for example.”

In two months they will finish their training and they will be re-evaluated. When these 104 officers take up their posts, the city of Alicante will have more than 560 officers.

BENITACHELL is waging war on weeds. Two teams of two workers have now been assigned to cover all areas of the municipality to deal with what has proven to be one of the council’s hardest tasks.

Municipal company Poble Net SL has put together a monthly schedule to stop weeds from taking over in both the town and country areas. The new plan was set in motion at the beginning of the year with a view to ensuring continuous maintenance to keep the weeds under control and stop them from taking over. The weeds are now nipped in the bud, and workers are able to cut back vegetation before it has time to take over, facilitating the task

Plenty of parking

FINESTRAT Council has purchased two plots of land to create 200 parking spaces. The first of these, known as ‘El Salt’, measures around 5,000 square metres and will have space for around 150 vehicles and a bus, while the other, which is in Carrer Sant Vicent, will soon provide an additional 50 spaces in an underground car park.

Acquiring these plots for use as car parks will solve one of the main problems for locals and visitors in the old town. The ‘El Salt’ car park will also have four spaces for vehicles with disabled badges

and several large ‘family’ spaces reserved for people with prams or pushchairs. Five electric vehicle charging points will be installed in the facility. The design will also include an area where buses can turn and a school bus stop.

The old town of Finestrat already has a municipal car park below the Plaça de la Unió Europea with more than 200 spaces on two floors. However, the new facilities will cover the need for additional space during the high season and major events such as the gastronomic, traditional and Christmas markets and sports events.

and avoiding complaints. To further improve conditions in the town, all the countryside roads are soon to be repaired or resurfaced.

Five new machines have been bought for the four

workers, so there is always one in hand in case of a malfunction. Weeds have been a bugbear for the town council for the last four years, which is now attacking the problem after addressing other issues such as lighting and road surfacing.

Photo: Benitachell town council

TM Fishing Club

ON Wednesday March 22 we fished section B3. The fishing was nowhere near last week’s great day with only 13 fish caught. Best carp weighed 4.5 kgs and a total combined catch of 28 kgs.

Temperatures were around 25 degrees. Water temperature was16 degrees. Three dry nets out of eight competitors.

Not great fishing.

Overall a disappointing day’s fishing after last week Results for the day were as

Exit for Javea

follows:

1. Jeff Richards, seven fish, 10.25 kgs, 2. Ray Turvey, three fish, 9 kgs, 3. Paul Hall, one fish, 3.275 kgs, 4 Frank Povey, one fish, 3.25 kgs, 5. Graham Sewell, ioe fish, 2.25 kgs

For further information please contact Frank Povey on 966 490 338 or Email frankpovey1@gmail.com

Beaches are tip-top

EASTER visitors to Benidorm will find the beaches in tip-top condition. Improvements large and small have been made to prepare for holidaymakers. For example, smart new furniture has been installed, as well as larger capacity waste for selective collection.

Other improvements have been made to the walkways on the accessible beaches by Elche Park, a very popular spot, and the first aid station will be staffed throughout the holidays. Lifeguards will be keeping everyone safe from new and renovated chairs on both the Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches.

Sun loungers and umbrellas were removed from all the beaches in January and February, and the beaches received an indepth cleanse, sifting and turning over of the sand, allowing the ultra-violet rays of the sun to disinfect everything.

This work also serves to level out the beaches. Unlike other beaches on the Costa Blanca, Benidorm’s beaches have lifeguards and are cleaned every month of the year, but this work is intensified for certain busy periods. Benidorm’s beaches have quality certifications such as S for Tourism sustainability.

JAVEA mayor José Chulvi met Alicante government representative Pilar Bernabé to address matters of importance to the town. One of them is a project being worked on by the Ministry of Development to create a new exit from the AP7 by Pedreguer that will improve the connection between the town and this fast, free road, reducing the distance between Javea and the motorway by half.

Another matter they discussed is the possibility of obtaining grants for the refurbishment project for the San Bartolomé parish church fortress. This project is part of a new initiative by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism to improve the competitiveness of the tourist industry. While in the town, the representative visited the newly renovated roof.

UK budget abolishes pensions lifetime allowance

The main tax changes announced in the UK spring 2023 budget related to pensions. The predicted rise from £40,000 to £60,000 in the annual tax-free has now been confirmed, with the big surprise being the scrapping of the lifetime allowance (LTA).

First introduced by Gordan Brown in 2006 to bring in more tax from society’s wealthiest, the lifetime allowance was significantly reduced over recent years and arguably disincentivised pension saving.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is hoping that abolishing it will help retain the senior workforce within the NHS and tempt some to return.

What do these changes to pensions mean?

With the lifetime allowance in place, anyone whose pension funds (excluding state pension) amount or grow to over

By Mathieu Edwards, Partner, Blevins Franks

25% for income or overseas transfers. As of 6 April 2023, however, the LTA tax rate will effectively reduce to zero before being scrapped entirely in the 2024 Finance Bill.

Other pension changes effective from 6 April 2023 include:

The Annual Allowance for pension contributions increases from £40,000 to £60,000 and the Mon-

£10,000. The adjusted income threshold for the Tapered Annual Allowance also increases from £240,000 to £260,000.

The maximum Pension Commencement Lump Sum for those without protections is retained at £268,275 and frozen for those without protections thereafter.

Do you need to act now?

For many people who have pension funds above £1 million (or likely to swiftly exceed it) there may be options to transfer to a suitable alternative pension scheme depending on their personal situation. It’s worth seeking specialist, regulated advice to look at your situation now. Pension transfers can take several months and the clock is ticking towards the next UK general election which must be held by 24 January 2025, and which may well see things change radically.

Following the budget, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated

ment will reverse this move”.

Recent poll numbers suggest that Labour could very well form the next UK government.

The reinstatement of the lifetime allowance on pensions is certainly not guaranteed, but given that senior members of a political party that could win the election made a definitive statement that could easily belong to an election manifesto, the possibility should not be ignored.

Other budget changes

The starting rate for savings will be frozen at £5,000, enabling individuals with less than £17,570 in employment income to receive up to £5,000 of savings income free of tax. Annual ISA subscription limits remain unchanged.

The government will formalise and extend an existing income tax concession for low-income trusts and estates. Calculations and reporting will become more straightforward and HMRC intends to

The various income tax allowances and the National Insurance contributions thresholds remain frozen until April 2028, and the additional rate threshold reduced to £125,140.

The two inheritance tax nil rate bands also remain frozen until 2028, and the cuts to the capital gains tax exemption threshold and the dividend allowance, announced in the Autumn Statement, go ahead as planned.

Take personalised advice to ensure your tax planning is up to date, both for the UK and Spain, and to full benefit from any positive tax reforms.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the

THE Song Writers Hall of Fame is dominated by men but Holly Knight is the amazing exception having written some of the best­selling songs of all time.

She started off as a pianist as a child, went through a rebellious period, leaving home in New York as a young teenager before becoming a

One woman hit maker

member of band called Spider which saw her compose her first minor hit.

Quite early on in her career she discovered that being a ‘rock chick’ and musician she

had to fight enormous prejudice and sexism but went on to write or co­write hits for performers such as Aerosmith, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Chaka Khan, Cheap Trick,

Heart, Kiss, Meatloaf, Ozzy Osbourne, Patty Smith, Rod Stewart, John Waite and most famously of all, Tina Turner.

In fact, Tina Turner has recorded no less than nine of her compositions, perhaps the most famous being The Best (originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler) which after a relatively slow start became one of the most played songs from the 1980s which is still hugely successful today.

In her new book, I Am The Warrior she reveals all about her 40 plus year career which has seen her have two marriages and affairs with some of rock’s greatest stars including several members of KISS.

From the very beginning she recognised that she would have to fight to be accepted as a musician and songwriter but was determined to do it on her own terms without having to use sex to climb the ladder.

She admits that sometimes it appeared that she was in the right place at the right time and having managed to meet highly successful song writer and producer Mike Chapman who had hit it big in the UK writing scores of hits with Nicky Chinn for artists

like Sweet, Racey, Suzi Quatro, Mud and Kim Wilde, before he moved to Los Angeles where Holly was taken under his wing.

Pretty soon though, they had co­written Love is a Battle field for Pat Be natar and from there, working with Chapman and other writers and artists, the rock hits just kept rolling in.

Much of what Holly did was ideal for the newly opened MTV mu sic station and she found more and more of her compositions being promoted both on radio and through videos on MTV.

Talking about the book, Holly said “I’ve been fighting my whole life for the things that mattered to me. It started when I was a child but as I got older, I was able to articulate in a more elegant and creative manner what was most important to me: independence, autonomy, expressing my own voice, anarchy in all its glory, and, essentially,

telling people to **** off in a clever way.”

Summing up, Tina Turner said in the foreword to I Am The Warrior “It seems a lifetime ago that I first heard The Best.

“It’s not a song that I’ve carried ­ but rather a song that has carried me around the world. The energy it gave me on stage lifted me and the audience, a rare treasure ­ a universal anthem.”

Credit: Matthew Beard

Holly Knight dressed typically in black.

Betty Henderson

SPAIN’S tourism industry is on the rise after suffering due to the pandemic. The country welcomed the first group of executives from Chinese tour operators and travel agencies since before the pandemic on Wednesday, March 22.

The visit marked a crucial step in a new policy by the Spanish national tourism agency, Turespaña as it seeks to reestablish itself as a major destination for Chinese travellers.

The 20 Chinese tourism executives from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou spent the day in Sevilla on Wednesday, March 22, as part of a 12­day tour that will see them visit six other key destinations across five different autonomous communities; Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, and Segovia.

Turespaña’s initiative also includes marketing and promotional activities, such as promoting tourism at the ITB

Chinese tourism triumph Airing out claims

IN a departure from long­standing foreign policy, the Spanish President, Pedro Sánchez, revealed that the country is in talks with Morocco about the management of airspace over Western Sahara, a disputed territory located in the north of Africa.

Officially, Morocco acts in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and international law by militarily controlling the marine and land entry to Western Sahara. Meanwhile, Spain has controlled Western Sahara’s

trade fair and producing an audiovisual guide to tourism in Spain for the Chinese market. Additionally, there will be a significant investment in online marketing.

This effort comes at a critical moment, as China has recently authorised Spain to receive group travellers once again, in addition to independent tourists. China has also dropped its requirement for tourists to take PCR tests on returning.

airspace, through the Canary Islands, which Morocco has expressed interest in taking over for the last 47 years.

But now Sánchez has said that “conversations with Morocco in this area have started.” Although the government has not provided any further details, negotiations appear to focus on the management of airspace and coordination between Morocco and Spain to improve security and cooperation.

Business tourism

MEETINGS tourism is confirmed as one of the major driving forces behind the development of the tourism sector in the capital.

Last year, this segment had a direct economic impact of

€1.715 billion in the city of Madrid.

This figure represents 87 per cent of that obtained in 2019, before the pandemic, and which corroborates the good performance close to full recovery of this industry in the capital.

According to a report by Braintrust measuring meetings tourism in the city of Madrid in 2022, accommodation and extra­meeting expenses on shopping, leisure and/or catering were the items to which the highest percentage of expenditure was allocated, with 38 per

Village life

cent and 30 per cent respectively.

The rest was spent on registration (18 per cent), and consumption by accompanying persons (4 per cent).

It is also worth noting the high level of spending by international trade visitors, who accounted for 29 per cent of the total number of participants.

Their average expenditure stood at €1,539 in 2022, compared to €753 for domestic tourists.

In total, this visitor’s spending accounts for 40 per cent of the total.

Easter increase

ACCORDING to hotel reservation site Booking.com, accommodation in Spain will be 22 per cent more expensive on average this year than Holy Week 2022. This means about €30 more per room, per night. According to Booking.com, in 2023 the average price per night in April’s Holy Week will be €155, compared to the €127 it cost last year.

Director of Hosbec Valencia, Alberto Galloso, explains that as particularly electricity and food prices have increased, that “hoteliers have to transfer these costs little by little.”

Sixty per cent of the visitors in Spanish hotels this April will be foreigners. Spain will be most popular with the British

this Easter, followed by the French, Germans, Italians and the Dutch.

Booking.com said that the most popular Spanish cities with both domestic and foreign visitors will be Madrid, Sevilla, Granada and Barcelona.

50%

THERE are 36 traditional Spanish villages in inland Malaga Province looking for people to move there. Malaga, in Andalucia, is promoting its towns and villages to attract foreign buyers and staunch the exodus of Spaniards looking for work, the ‘empty Spain’ phenomenon.

The website ‘vente a vivi ra un pueblo’ (come and live in a village) showcases the beautiful tranquillity of rural life on the Iberian peninsula.

There are 12 areas where towns exist that are being promoted, from Andalucia, Aragon, Canary Islands, Castilla la Mancha, Castile and Leon, Madrid, Valencia, Extremadura, Galicia, The Roja, Murcia and Asturias.

On the platform you can explore work options, health care support, business plans, with the website featuring a town of the week, this week is Villarrodrigo (Jaén).

The website offers information on the number of inhabitants, educational centres, medical centres, internet access, public transport details and grants for entrepreneurs as well as work availability.

Business meetings have an impact on expenditure.

Image: Andrey Burmakin / Shutterstock.com

Less than 50% of working-age women are in the labour market.

Visa to study in Spain. Everything you need to know

SPAIN is undoubtedly one of the most attractive countries to study in. The climate, the possibility of learning the language and the quality of our universities makes our country a unique destination. In today’s article we go over the requirements to apply for and obtain a

visa to study in Spain. Documents. Deadlines. And the most important aspects of the Spanish Student Visa, when applied for directly from Spain.

You can check a Student Visa recently obtained for one of our clients by visiting our website. What does the student visa

in Spain consist of?

The visa to study in Spain allows its holder to stay in Spain for the duration of his/her studies either in public or private educational centres. It is worth noting that students from other EU countries, the European Economic Area or Switzerland do not need to apply for the Spanish Student Visa. In other words, this authorisation is only applicable to non­EU citizens.

How can I apply for a Student Visa in Spain?

There are two ways to apply for a visa to study in Spain. In person, at the Foreigners’ Office of the province where the study centre is located. Or through the ‘Mercurio platform’, electronically, by means of a digital certificate. At White­Baos Lawyers we submit this type of application electronically, with the digital certificate of the Bar Association of Alicante. This makes the process quicker and easier for our clients, who only need to provide us with the documentation properly scanned via email. Without queues or waiting lists to obtain a face­to­face appointment.

What documentation is required to submit the application?.

If you want to obtain a visa to study in Spain, you will need to present the following documents:

1. Official form EX00, duly completed (Our office will prepare, fill in and sign this form for you).

2. A complete copy of your valid passport or travel document.

3. Documentation accrediting that you are in a regular situation in Spain, and that the application is submitted at least one month before the expiry date of this situation.

4. Public or private health insurance.

5. Enrolment, letter of admission or certificate from the edu­

cational centre where the student is admitted.

6. Proof of financial means for the period requested and for the return to the country of origin.

It is important to note that, when the duration of the studies is longer than 180 days, in addition to the above, it will also be necessary to provide:

(a) Criminal record certificate, issued in the country in which you have resided for the last five years.

b) Medical Certificate certifying that you do not suffer from any serious illness in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations of 2005.

Please note that, in this last scenario (studies that exceed six months) once the Spanish Student Visa has been granted, it will be necessary for you to apply personally for a TIE Card (Foreigner Identity Card).

How long does it take to obtain the Student Visa in Spain?.

In principle, and depending on

the case, the maximum period can be one month. In practice, however, waiting times are longer. Due to the saturation of the Foreigners’ Offices, there is a certain delay in responding to visa applications.

Does the student visa also allow me to work during my stay in Spain?

Yes, the visa to study in Spain also allows you to work, either self­employed or as an employee, up to a maximum of 30 hours per week in Spain. This authorisation to work, in principle, won’t have a geographical limitation. In other words, it will be extended to the entire national territory, for the duration of the authorisation to study.

At White­Baos we are specialists in Immigration Law. If you or any of your non­EU family members wish to study in Spain, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will help you with your application of the Spanish Student Visa.

The information provided in this article is not intended as legal advice, but simply conveys information related to legal issues.

“WE are moving from the era of big forest fires to mega forest fires in Spain,” said Pablo Martin Pinto, wildfire expert from Valladolid University, warning that vast blazes like the Sierra de la Culebra wildfire last year, were "here to stay”.

Sierra de la Culebra, in Castilla y Leon, located in the northwestern region of the Iberian peninsula, was ravaged by fires last June and July, with more than 65,000 hectares burnt ­ a fifth of the total area affected by fires in Spain last year.

The blaze also claimed four lives.

The fire damage has meant the town will lose its

Mega fires predicted

annual income of €80,000 from selling firewood, says mayor Antonio Juarez.

In 2022 Spain suffered nearly 500 wildfires that devastated massive

swathes of land, with experts warning that such California­style fires are likely to increase.

firefighters have already been battling Spain’s first major forest fire which has so far burnt through some 4,000 hectares of land, forcing 1,500 people to flee.

Phantom of the Opera

MUSICAL theatre fans will be delighted to hear that the Malaga­born and based actor and director, Antonio Banderas, recently spent time attending the auditions for the new Spanish production of Phantom of the Opera.

Banderas has confirmed he is collaborating with Amigos Para Siempre (APS) and Andrew Lloyd Webber, to create Spanish­language productions of the musical across major global markets.

The Phantom of the Opera is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by

Banderas attended the recent auditions.

Charles Hart, and a libretto by Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe.

Based on the 1910 French novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux, it tells the sto­

THE men, aged between 16 and 20 were intercepted by the National Police in Alicante, when they were allegedly returning from having stolen competition pigeons from a bird club in Benidorm. They would have forced the cages where the birds were found to take them and transfer them to Alicante. Officials attached to the North District Police Station intercepted the vehicle with five occupants.

The police realised the occupants were ner­

ry of a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, masked musical genius living in the subterranean labyrinth beneath the Paris Opera House.

The show’s initial run in Madrid will start from September 22 until November 11 at the Teatro Albeniz Umusic Hotel, Madrid Calle de la Paz, 11, 28012.

For more information or to book tickets head to the website: https://umusichotels.com/ or call (+34) 911 231 099.

vous and elusive when questioned about the origin of the pigeons they had in the car with them. After investigations, it was found they were stolen and the men were charged with robbery. It is not the first time these competitive birds have been stolen, due to their high value within the world of pigeon racing. Pigeon racing is the sport of releasing specially trained homing pigeons, which then return to their homes over a carefully measured distance.

Image: Antonio Banderas / Twitter.

Five arrested for pigeon theft

SPAIN made strides in renewable energy use during 2022, cementing its position as a leader in Europe. According to the report on the electric system released by Red Eléctrica on Thursday, March 23, Spain has become one of the

best­performing countries in the continent’s energy transition, only surpassed by Germany.

Spain also ranks third in the current total capacity of solar power, with Germany and the Netherlands occupying

Spain shines bright Latin American affair

SPAIN wants to make 2023 the ‘Year of Latin America’ in Europe. The Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, announced the country’s plans at the Ibero­American Summit as he touched down in Santo Domingo on Thursday, March 23, alongside King Felipe VI.

Spain had ambitious goals for the summit in the Dominican Republic, with Albares saying they wanted “Latin America to be definitively at the heart of the European agenda with a work and financing programme.” He added that he wants to focus on Latin American relations when Spain assumes temporary leadership of the European Union in July.

Other priorities at the summit included the environment, digital rights for residents, and the development of new partnerships. Foreign ministers from each of the countries met on Friday, March 24, ahead of the conference officially opening on Saturday, March 25.

The summit was especially symbolic as it is the first to be held since the pandemic and since various global emergencies began, including the war in Ukraine..

Bilateral boost

the top positions, while it ranks second in combined wind and solar energy production, behind Germany.

Thanks to Spain’s excellent efforts in the renewable energy sector, the country installed technology to boost renewable energy production by 5,900 MW in 2022. Of this, 4,500 MW were generated through solar panels, while wind technology generated 1,400 MW of energy.

Solar technology has finally taken centre stage in Spain’s electricity production after promising impressive potential for many years. Solar panels have also surpassed hydroelectricity in generating capacity, becoming the thirdlargest energy producer in Spain.

Spain’s renewable potential was crucial in supporting its European neighbours, affected by the Ukraine conflict and the ensuing energy supply tensions. Spain closed 2022 with its highest­ever export rates, also supporting France and Portugal.

Betty Henderson

SPANISH sources confirmed to the European Union on Thursday, March 23, that the President, Pedro Sánchez, will travel to Beijing to meet with the Chinese President, Xi Jinping.

Although Sánchez will go as a national leader and not as an EU spokesperson, sources from the Spanish government have informed the EU and the United States of the objectives of the bilateral meeting saying they are aiming to strengthen relations and defend Spain’s interests in China.

Full details for the meeting are yet to be announced although it will come days after the Chinese Premier presented his peace plan to Moscow regarding the war in Ukraine. Spanish sources confirmed that Sánchez will discuss the issue of the

war with Xi Jinping.

Sánchez spent Thursday, March 23 and Friday, March 24 in Brussels at European Council sessions where he heard the EU’s plans for peace in Ukraine. Although Sánchez will not represent the EU in China, he is expected to defend the European position on issues such as the war.

As a global leader, China’s economic and political influence continues to

grow, and Sánchez’s visit will undoubtedly be followed with great interest across the world.

The Spanish President has met with several world leaders already this month, including the Finnish Prime Minister, Sanna Marin.

Photo credit: Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón (via Facebook)

22% of paramilitary seats are made up by women.

New easier guide

A GAME-CHANGING guide is now published, aimed at those who dream of living in Spain but who are concerned they may find the process and regulations daunting.

Produced by Age in Spain, a Spanish charity which has supported English speakers in Spain for more than 30 years, Moving to Spain: a complete guide takes the reader step­by­step through all that is involved in making the move. It describes how Spain works: how to apply for the right visa, what to do when buying a property and how to bring your car or pet. The guide also explains why it is essential to plan ahead, especially for health care

and social services that might be needed later.

There’s guidance to help the reader decide where in Spain would best suit them to live, and an introduction to the culture of Spain that will be of interest even to those just visiting on holiday.

And because it’s an ebook, there are links to live interviews with people who have already successfully made the move, as well as links to public information websites which means the guide will stay up­to­date if regulations change.

It’s free to download from https://www.agein spain.org/moving ­ tospain.

President of Age in Spain, John Rafferty, a

Scot who has been living in Spain for 15 years, said:

“Spain is the most popular European destination for people who retire and want to enjoy all the benefits of a Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s also popular with younger families who want to live and work here.

“The guide is designed for UK citizens and the many others from non­EU countries who wish to live in Spain, but there’s lots of information that will be of interest to anyone who speaks English and is interested in how Spain works.”

The e ­ book has been produced with support from the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Composer’s son dies

IN a video posted online on Saturday, March 25, the legendary composer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber announced the sad death of his eldest son Nicholas. The 43­year­old had been battling gastric cancer and was recently moved into a hospice.

“I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital. His whole family is gathered together and we are all totally bereft. Thank you for all your thoughts during this difficult time,” Sir Andrew said.

The composer has earlier posted a video message on Instagram saying that his son had been moved to the hospice: “I want to thank you for the outpouring of messages of support for my son, Nick. He’s now been moved into a hospice and he’s battling away.

“I’m going to go see Nick in a minute and I’m going to pass on all of the fantastic wishes that I’ve had for him from everywhere all around the world,” Sir Andrew added.

In 2021, Nicholas scored his father’s original cast album for ‘Cinderella’, which earned him a Grammy nomination.

Game show to return to TV screens

AFTER seven years, the iconic ‘Deal Or No Deal’ game show is set to make a triumphant return to British television screens. The new reboot will be hosted this time around on ITV, by Stephen Mulhern, according to a news source.

Its return was confirmed in a statement by ITV, revealing there will be new­look prize boxes. The format remains unchanged, as contestants attempt to beat the ‘banker’ and hopefully win a huge cash prize. Noel Edmonds fronted the original show on Channel 4, from 2005 to 2016.

Mulhern has already cemented himself as a top host on ‘Catchphrase’ and more recently, ‘In For A Penny’. Speaking about his new role, he said: “Wow what an opportunity, I’m beyond excited to be hosting the brand­new series.

“I’ve always been such a huge fan of the show. It looks so simple but it’s an incredibly compelling game for both those playing and the viewers. I can’t wait to get started,” he enthused. The legendary gameshow regularly attracted huge viewing figures during its 11­year run.

Sir Lloyd Webber facing a difficult time.

Credit: Twitter@OfficialALW

Covid surge in UK

COVID is making another resurgence across Britain, prompting scientists to repeat their calls for the return of face masks.

According to the ZOE Health Study some 136,722 new symptomatic Covid cases were reported across the UK on March 20, 2023. It takes the total number of people currently predicted to have Covid in the UK to above 1.5million, rising by around 300,000 in just a week.

Surveillance data suggests one in 40 people in the UK are infected. Hospital admissions for the virus are approaching a threemonth high. Latest hospital data shows 1,189 people infected with Covid were admitted to hospitals in England on March 13. Professor Danny Altmann, an immunologist at Imperial College London, called the surge “definitely something to worry about.”

He told a news source the UK was in a “rather serious situation” because of the waning vaccine immunity coupled with new variants. Another round of the historic jab drive will begin in the next fortnight. The over­75s, care home residents and those aged five and over with a weakened immune system will be eligible for the booster.

THE National History Museum was the most visited UK Museum for the second year running and achieved a 196 per cent increase in attendance.

The Museum welcomed 4,654,608 visitors last year making it the most popular indoor attraction in the UK.

Museum Director Doug Gurr confirmed: “We are thrilled to have become the UK’s most popular indoor attraction for a second year running.

“It is a testament to our innovative and inspiring public programme of events and exhibitions which included Our Broken Planet: How We Got Here and Ways to Fix it, Dippy Returns and Wildlife Photographer of the Year as well as the

Most visited

dedication of our Visitor Experience team who work so hard to ensure visitors have a brilliant day out.”

The Museum is continuing to see strong visitor attendance in 2023 so far and is on track to exceed £5 million for the finan ­

cial year.

Director of Public Programmes Alex Burch adds: “Visitors are going to be in for a treat yet again this year with the opportunity to come face to toe with one of the largest known creatures to ever roam the earth.”

Council tax to rise

HOUSEHOLDS in England will see their bills rise on April 1 as most cashstrapped local authorities announce plans to hike council tax to the maximum level to plug black holes in their finances, according to a news source.

Average council tax bills will exceed £2,000 in April with households facing a £99 hike to annual bills.

The average Band D council tax set by local au­

thorities in England for 2023 ­ 24 will be £2,065 ­ a rise of £99 or 5.1 per cent on the 2022 ­ 23 figure of £1,966, according to government figures.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt allowed cash­strapped local authorities to increase council tax by up to 5 per cent without calling a referendum in the Autumn Statement to plug holes in their finances. Previously, town, city and county halls could only in­

crease bills by 3 per cent without a referendum.

Average council tax bills for Band D properties are already around £1,966 ­ a rise of more than £500 ­ a ­ year since 2010.

Three struggling councils have been given special permission by the government to impose higher rises ­ up to 10 per cent for Thurrock and Slough, and an eye­watering 15 per cent for Croydon.

MUSEUM: Most popular indoor attraction in the UK.

Image: Trustees of the National History Museum, London

Betty Henderson

THE President of France embraced Olivier Dubois in an emotional scene on Tuesday, March 22 as the journalist arrived back from Mali where he was held hostage. Dubois arrived back at Villacoublay military base after being held for 711 days by an Al­Qaeda affiliated group.

Dubois arrived on a French official Falcon

French journalist freed

plane from Niamey, the capital of Niger, and was greeted by his wife and two children. On arrival, Dubois spoke with Macron for several hours, sharing his harrowing tale of survival.

Dubois was kidnapped on April 8, 2021, in

the northern Malian town of Gao while attempting to interview a high­ranking jihadist leader. He was held captive by the same group that kidnapped Colombian nun Gloria Cecilia Narvaez, who was held more than four years, and American Missionary, Jeffery

Woodke, who was released with Dubois.

During captivity, Dubois was subjected to physical and psychological abuse, including being blindfolded and chained to a wall for days on end. He was also forced to convert to Islam and was regularly beaten and tortured by his captors.

Macron thanked Niger’s government for their help in securing his release.

Repair not replace

THE European Commission has adopted a new proposal on common rules promoting the repair of goods which will result in savings for consumers.

Over the last decades, a replacement has often been prioritised over repair whenever products become defective and insufficient incentives have been given to consumers to repair their goods when the legal guarantee expires.

The proposal will make it easier and more cost­effective for consumers to repair as opposed to replace goods.

Additionally, more demand will translate into a boost to the repair sector while incentivising producers and sellers to develop more sustainable business models.

The proposal will ensure that more products are repaired within the legal guarantee and that consumers have easier and cheaper options to repair products that are technically repairable

(such as vacuum cleaners, or soon, tablets and smartphones) when the legal guarantee has expired or when the good is not functional anymore as a result of

wear and tear.

This proposal is part of the European Commission’s broader goal of becoming the first climate­neutral continent by 2050.

Ending greenwashing

THE European Commission is proposing common criteria against greenwashing and misleading environmental claims.

Under the proposal, consumers will have more clarity, stronger reassurance that when something is sold as green, it actually is green, and better quality information to choose environment­friendly products and services. Businesses will also benefit, as those that make a genuine effort to improve the environmental sustainability of their products will be more easily recognised and rewarded by consumers.

This way, the proposal will help establish a level playing field when it comes to infor­

mation about environmental performance of products. A Commission study from 2020 highlighted that 53.3 per cent of examined environmental claims in the EU were found to be vague, misleading or unfounded and 40 per cent were unsubstantiated. The absence of common rules for companies making voluntary green claims leads to ‘greenwashing’ and creates an uneven playing field in the EU’s market, to the disadvantage of genuinely sustainable companies.

According to the proposal, when companies choose to make a ‘green claim’ about their products or services, they will have to respect minimum norms.

Royally defending freedoms

Betty Henderson

THE Prince of Wales, Prince William took a visit to a military base in Rzeszow, southeastern Poland near the Ukrainian border as part of a covert operation on Wednesday, March 23.

The future King of England has made no secret of his unwavering support for Ukraine since the Russian invasion of the country began last year. The visit was kept confidential due to security concerns, and it was not announced until he left the area and arrived in the capital, Warsaw.

The Prince of Wales thanked British and Polish troops in Rzeszow for their work in supporting Ukraine.

Speaking at the base, Prince William expressed his gratitude to British troops for

their valiant efforts in “defending our freedoms.” He personally thanked the soldiers for “keeping everyone safe” and “keeping an eye on what's going on” in the region. He added, “It’s a really important job you’re doing out here. Everyone back home thoroughly supports you.”

Prince William also visited a Polish territorial army base in Rzeszow before heading back to Warsaw. In the capital, he visited a refugee centre and met with some of the 300 women and children who are living there.

Reeling in the consequences

THE European Union is considering changing the rules for fishing in the community. Countries like Spain and France are leading a proposal to modify the way catches are reported to align more closely with fishing rules in the Baltic Sea. The proposal could however reduce current demands, potentially leading to overfishing of endangered species.

According to a confidential EU document obtained by a new source on Friday, March 24, the

more lax rules could be harmful to the marine environment and fishing control. The document suggested the new rules could ‘question’ the imposition of fishing quotas, as well as encourage fishermen to underreport their catches.

The most caught species in Europe, such as mackerel, Atlantic herring, tuna, and swordfish, will be most affected by this regulatory change, which would apply to all boats sailing in EU waters.

Photo credit: William, Prince of Wales (via Facebook)

Easter Antiques and Collectors Fair

ON Friday, April 7, from 9.00am to 3pm, antique lovers will be in for an Easter Treat at the fabulous Easter Antiques and Collectors Fair.

As usual, the event will take place at Salones Canor in Teulada.

This is the perfect place to find the finishing touches for

Ukraine fundraising

your home in Spain or abroad, as well as original gifts and things you just can’t resist. Refreshments are available.

Come and see a diverse selection of retro, vintage, antique and collectables from antique books to garden architecture with everything in between including porcelain, bronze, crystal, jewellery etc.

It’s an opportunity to support local charities like the Lions of Calpe and Benissa, a children’s charity, a cancer charity, and an animal charity.

Parking and entrance are free... and you can even pick up some fresh plants from Michel, the plant man for your spring garden.

No matter what the weather is doing, it’s the place to be. It’s indoors, there’s air conditioning or heating.

So come along to Salones Canor, Calle Assegador, Teulada, on Good Friday from 9.00am to 3pm.

ON Friday, May 12 at 7pm the Shack Café and Bistro in Jalon is hosting a wine and tapas pairing and charity art auction to aid victims of the war in Ukraine, with proceeds going to Cultura Contra Balas.

This organisation, whose name means ‘Culture against war’, aims to strengthen culture as a tool against human violence and holds cultural events between coun tries affected by armed con flicts and Spain.

This is likely to be an entertaining event for a good cause, with wines provided and presented by Casa del Vino Javea with Pepe Mendoza and Claudia Degaspar. The evening will be present­

ed by Kal Sutherland from Bay Radio. The works of art will be auctioned by Peter White, and all proceeds will go to the rehabilitation programme in Javea for women and children from Ukraine who are victims of war crimes. Don’t miss your opportunity to make a difference!

For more information, see www.culturacontrabalas.co m. Tickets cost €60, and places are limited.

To book, please call + 34 644 584 738.

North Costa Blanca Padel Club

THE North Costa Blanca Padel Club has organised a Ladies Social Tournament. This fun, one­day competition will take place on Sunday, April 2.

There is a registration fee of €12 per person, and you can register as an individual and be teamed up by random draw.

To register and for more information, send a WhatsApp to Gary on 634 351 671 (English) or Josh on 643 306 009 (Spanish) or visit the website ncb padel.com

Helping women and children victims.

WOMEN WOMEN

Dreaming BIG in Business in Business

We all have a dream

WHETHER that dream is opening your own bakery, completing your first ever triathlon, or one day becoming the CEO of a major company, imagining pursuing our passions is something we all do.

When it comes to the actual reality of making those dream happen though, that’s when it can become a bit more complicated.

From Oprah Winfrey to Marie Curie Michelle Obama or Madonna, all women who end up changing the world have to start somewhere. It’s just that first push which is often the hardest.

If you are at that crossroads in your own life, this special is for you. The Euro Weekly News knows how many extraordinarily talented women there are in the world. But we also know that the hows, wheres, whats and whys of business aren’t always obvious.

Luckily though there is inspiration lurking in literally every profes-

well as celebrating some of the incredible female business success from across history and the world, we wanted this special to share inspiring tales and tips on exactly how success can be achieved.

From women who have climbed to the top of their professions, we have compiled a series of tales of resilience, self-belief, discipline and passion. In short, all the ingredients to achieve phenomenal success.

Expect to find features on some of the world’s most successful women, as well as how to guides, and information on women living not a million miles from your own door who provide inspirational leadership and success every day. Whatever your dream, we want your success. For anyone looking to take that next step in their lives, enjoy finding the inspiration and tools you need right here.

Remember, you’ve got this. “If you can dream it in your head,

MADONNA: Has left an indelible mark on the world of music and is known as the Queen of Pop.

LUE DIAMOND CO -

LAGENO is a pioneer in implementing and distributing Colway’s unprecedented products and solutions, helping you to prevent ageing and treat ailments in a natural and innovative way.

Polish brand Colway is over a decade ahead of the crowd in creating a masterpiece in biotechnology, combining ac tive substances that no one had been able to blend with living collagen proteins before. Now, owner of Blue Diamond Colageno Beata Maria Kramoris is proud to be bringing the high est-quality cosmetics, supple ments and vitamins to her clients across Spain.

Seasoned businesswomen Beata told the Euro Weekly News that after seeing the re sults of Colway’s products for herself, she was convinced to bring this brand to Spain - despite being told that the idea would not work. Motivated by success, helping people and passing on her knowledge of these wonder products, she told

Blue Diamond Colageno

micks. These are great cosmetics and supplements and they have an affordable price,” Beata added.

the EWN: “Everyone was saying that I look much younger than my age - manicurists, pedicurists, masseuses praised my skin - so there must be something to it!”

“This is why I decided to combine the two in one; business and helping others with these great products. Everything I say about these products is true, there are no advertising gim -

Colway’s cosmetics are of the highest quality and based on collagen with transdermal activity and unique dietary supplements, combining the richness provided by nature with the possibilities of ultramodern technology. With experience accumulated over more than a decade, Colway supplies Blue Diamond Colageno with products containing a treasure trove of IOC transdermal collagen peptides and amino acids. These products give people a cosmetic with the world’s shortest INCI composition, which does not fight the effects of the passage of time, but directly hits the main cause of wrinkles - collagen deficiency.

These unprecedented prod -

ucts and solutions provided to clients through a wide range of innovative cosmetics and supplements, including their Blue Diamond range - a unique achievement in skin revitalisation. These include the latest generation of liposomes, thanks to skin penetration promoters, transport microparticles of state-of-the-art ceramides and coenzyme Q10 to the skin cells.

All Colway products are thoroughly tested and recommended for their medical credibility, in addition to the social impact of the brand. Choose from the range of unique products today, which come from freshwater streams in Poland using silver carp, which is essential in the regeneration of natural collagen.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your beauty and wellness with Blue Diamond Colageno.

An interview with Beata Maria Kramoris

Hi Beata - tell us a bit about yourself and Blue Diamond Colageno

My name is Beata and I am 52 years young. I’ve owned a few different busi nesses and spent time living in Tenerife and Poland before moving to Spain.

I’ve been using Colway products for over 10 years and my business aims to provide customers with Colway’s excep tional quality natural collagen products that are sourced from fish skin, using their patented method.

Have you always wanted to run your own business and what brings you to Spain?

I’ve always wanted to have my own business, I’ve had a few businesses in my life. I worked as an insurance agent, I had a small supermarket, and my own travel agency. I finished working in in surance to open my supermarket, which was doing really well until big supermar kets came into the area.

A friend who had been in Spain for a long time persuaded me to go there with her. We went to Malaga where I met my current partner who is English, he lived in Tenerife and we opened a travel agency there. I’m a brave person who isn’t afraid to take risks, so the business went in my name and I took

care of the responsibilities. Unfortunately, Covid hit and we had to close the agency, we moved to Poland during the pandemic where we bought a house in beautiful Krakow. However, it was too cold there so we decided to move back to sunny Spain!

We bought a house in Murla in March

2022 and the idea for opening Blue Diamond Colegano was born whilst visiting the hairdresser.

Once again, my hairdresser praised my hair - what good structure it has and how shiny it is. She asked what shampoo I use and I had been using Colway’s hair thickening shampoo, this was the reason for my strong and healthy hair.

Why did you start Blue Diamond Colegano?

About 10 years ago I had lots of pain when moving and different doctors told me there was nothing wrong. That’s when I found Colway. I didn’t know who they were but they advertised collagen that can be applied to painful parts of the body. I ordered the best collagen from them, their Natural Platinum, and I started rubbing it onto

the aching parts of my body - I noticed the improvement immediately.

Using this with another collagen drink I had discovered, I was able to overcome my every day pain. Doctors later diagnosed me with the incurable joint disease fibromyalgia (Lady Gaga also has this).

Colway products are helping me with my illness, because my fibromyalgia also affects connective tissue due to lack of collagen and central nervous system transmitters. That’s why I have decided to share my experience and distribute these products in Spain, because they are not only cosmetics, but medicines for many things.

Do you have any advice for aspiring businesswomen?

Don’t be afraid to invest and believe in yourself. It’s always good to take on new challenges and, when you do, keep a smile on your face and be confident.

Learning languages is another piece of advice I have, as well as taking care of how you look and feel.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Happy, very successful and running a large company.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your beauty and wellness.

Beata always wanted to have her own business.

Golden Leaves International: Expat funeral plans with your needs in mind

LANNING our funeral isn’t something most of us consider in advance. However, it is especially important for expats to plan ahead for when the time comes, giving family and loved one’s peace of mind and alleviating some of the stress. That’s where Golden Leaves can help, an experienced and passionate company that has been at the forefront of the funeral planning industry since its foundation in 1984.

There are numerous considerations to take into account when planning a funeral, including logistics, refreshments for guests, casket purchase, and burial grounds.

With the immense emotional strain the death of a loved one can cause for a family, dealing with arrangements in a foreign language and financing problems only exacerbate the grief.

“I raise up my voice - not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard… We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.”

Malala Yousafzai

ing abroad, a funeral plan with Golden Leaves takes away the pressure of having to arrange a funeral, supporting grieving families and friends during these tumultuous times.

“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got. There is no yesterday, no tomorrow, it’s all the same day.”

Janis Joplin

carried out as per their wishes, taking the distress and financial burden away from family and friends when the time comes.”

Funeral plans with Golden Leaves are designed around your needs. The international team led by Emma can help you to navigate which plan is best for you and your loved ones, from their direct, simple, traditional and repatriation plans. Each of these plans have been designed with the expat in mind, guaranteeing to cover the cost of your funeral when the time comes.

Inspired by her team and the service they provide to their clients, Emma said it is their range of plans, customer support and payment plan options that sets Golden Leaves apart from the rest. The team has helped thousands of expats in Spain prepare everything for their funeral, with plans that offer flexibility and peace of mind - whatever your financial situation.

“Without an open-minded mind, you can never be a great success.”

Martha Stewart

With a ‘one call does it all’ service to help take care of all the paperwork in Spain when you need it most, Golden Leaves offers every type of funeral plan, from direct cremation to repatriation.

We spoke with Emma Quantrill, international oper -

Leaves, she told us: “In our case, when dealing with funerals, we see many people grieving and not thinking as they normally would. We are there to safeguard the client and ensure that everything is

Get in touch with Emma and the international team at Golden Leaves to start planning for your funeral so that, when the time comes, you and your loved ones will be in the best possible hands.

“Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you're knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on.”

Hillary Clinton

Emma Quantrill and her team has helped thousands of UK expats in Spain.

Emma Quantrill: A true inspiration to all ambitious women

DEATH is not a subject many of us are comfortable talking about, yet there is one woman whose leadership, strength and humanity allow her to not only discuss the subject daily but deal with it with total professionalism and compassion.

That woman is Emma Quantrill, International Operations Director at Golden Leaves. In what has been a male-orientated profession for hundreds of years, Emma has broken the mould to lead one of Spain’s most trusted funeral plan provider for the past eight years. Here, the Euro Weekly News finds out how this extraordinary woman achieves everything she does and what inspires her the most.

Hi Emma! Tell us a bit about yourself

I have lived in Spain since 2007 and moved to join my parents who retired here in 2006 - And so my life in the sun began!

You’ve obviously achieved huge success in that time; how do you do it?

I have worked with Golden Leaves as the International Operations Director since 2015. Passion plays a huge part in my success and I am an avid believer in our product as I know how vital is it for the expat to have their affairs in order when living in a foreign country as we don’t always fully understand the system.

How did your journey working at Golden Leaves start and what inspires you?

I was asked to join the company in 2015. I had worked in the industry for a number of years beforehand and had a lot of experience, I discovered Golden Leaves was the number one provider of pre-paid plans in Spain. I believed in them along with their priority, focus on customer care, service, range of plans and payment options. Eight years later I still feel this way about Golden Leaves. I am proud to be a part of this groundbreaking company and proud to head up the international team. It is hugely important to love where you work; this is my inspiration to achieve the best every day.

What motivates you the most?

I am motivated and inspired by my team, our clients, the company and the products that we offer. Also knowing that we are in some small way helping that individual and their families at a very difficult time in their lives.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Golden Leaves?

Firstly helping a client, secondly seeing my team flourish, and seeing the business grow.

What mistakes have you made along the way and what advice would you, as a hugely successful woman, give to others about set backs?

I have made mistakes, it’s part and parcel of running a business as a woman in Span. I would tell people that as long as you can rectify those mistakes and learn from them, it’s all a part of self-growth and development.

What advice would you give an aspiring young businesswoman?

Make sure you have done your due diligence. Love the product, know the market, and know its demandsand needs. Understand and teach yourself the basics on the social platforms and market everything to the correct audience. Finally try to enjoy the choices you make creating your business and making it a success.

“Fearlessness is like a muscle. I know from my own life that the more I exercise it the more natural it becomes to not let my fears run me.”

Arianna Huffington

“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” Oprah Winfrey

Emma is an avid believer in the product.

Tips from the top

KNOWING what you want to do in life is one issue in itself, but knowing how to start can be another one entirely.

That’s why the Euro Weekly News has put together this list of some of our tips, collat ed from successful businesswomen, on how to achieve success in your own venture.

Follow your heart

Working is something you have to do day in and day, so make sure its some thing you enjoy do ing. Having passion for what you are selling or the service you are offering, is the best way to start as this will be your driving force.

Do your research Whilst passion is great for your business idea, you need to make sure what you are offering is what people want to buy. Taking some time out to do market research could

THE global feminist movement is now in its fourth wave. From demanding the right to vote in 1840s United States and the rebellion of the 1990s through to the present day, the tireless ef forts of brave and strong women continue to be vital in bringing about fundamental changes to society at large.

In each period of history, the struggle against the established patriarchy has yielded revolutionary results in areas hitherto said to be out of bounds for women, to the ex tent that the rights conquered now seem obvious and un questionable - while at the time they were anything but.

The world of politics is no dif ferent and in fact could be con sidered a paradigmatic exam ple. Even a fleeting look back at photographs of governments and other major decision-mak ing bodies throughout history in the West creates a very definite image in the mind of the viewer: old white men in suits.

While increasing numbers of women have gradually entered the political sphere on different levels throughout the years, very rarely have they made it to the top of the ladder - and in the very few instances they have, they

pay off in the long run.

Start small You need to get the cash flow going as soon as possible, but do not overstretch yourself to start with. Focus on getting your product right and treat those first (and second, and third, and every client along the way) customers as kings and queens; their experience of your company could make or break

Be brave Start now - there is never a perfect time, perfect image, perfect weight, or perfect set of circumstances. Put yourself out there now. Now is the perfect time. Whether working from home or setting up an office or shop, always check with your local town hall and lawyer about how to run your own business.

Talent and philanthropy: The rise of Shakira

WHILE it may be her personal life that has made most recent headlines, Colombian-Lebanese mega star Shakira has made it to the top of the business world, not only selling out stadiums and creating a line of no less than 30 perfumes, but has also made a difference along the way.

Here we explore the star’s philanthropical work. Shakira - meaning ‘grateful’ in Arabic - founded the ‘Pies Descalzos’ (Barefoot) Foundation during the late 90’s, aged just 18.

After seeing many children living in poverty on

Barranquila’s streets growing up, Shakira promised herself she would do something to help.

The charity’s name has a double meaning. It was the title of Shakira’s 1995 international hit record and also brings to mind the poverty of children who cannot afford shoes.

The foundation believes education is not only a basic right but also holds the key for society’s growth.

The Barefoot Foundation runs five schools, offering nutritious meals, education and psychological support to children and their families.

A paradigm shift

male political leader in history is Margaret Thatcher. The first name and face to come instantly to mind for most when considering women in politics is also inextricably linked to negative connotations, partly due to the policies she pursued but largely also due to the image of the ‘iron maiden’; cold, harsh, calculating, tough… charac teristics, in fact, one would readily equate to a man in power.

But change appears to be afoot. With the EU still coming to grips with the absence of its undisputable leader - and often saviour - Angela Merkel, fellow compatriot Ursula von der Leyen has risen to the challenge of piloting the European response to the war in Ukraine and the ensuing economic crisis.

Some 4,000 children benefit from the charity’s work, which also operates in Haiti and South Africa. Shakira is also involved in advocacy efforts to raise awareness of children’s needs in Colombia, Latin America and around the World. She has spoken in numerous prestigious settings including the Oxford Union debating society. She also serves on the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in the United States and is a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations children’s fund, UNICEF.

Spain has never had a woman prime minister, but that too could change this year as Yolanda Díaz, current vice-president and Employment minister, is preparing to become the first female candidate ever for a major party to throw her hat into the ring for the general elections in November.

Meanwhile, Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand and Nicola Sturgeon in Scotland made headlines the world over recently when they decided to step down from their posts due to feeling that they no longer had “enough in the tank to do it justice”, in the words of Ms Ardern.

have faced much more severe criticism than their male counterparts.

Again, it is paradigmatic that perhaps the most famous fe -

Still in the UK, fast-for ward to Theresa May and Liz Truss. Irrespec tive of their specific poli cies or the impossible historical contexts in which they rose to pow er - however fleetingly in the latter’s case -, their treatment by their peers in Parliament, the media and the general public differed enormously from that of Boris Johnson or Rishi Sunak.

Both resignations shook the world of international politics as it was practically unheard of for a standing leader to voluntarily relinquish their power, as opposed to clinging onto it for dear

This, added to their focus on social issues as opposed to personal gain, has posed the necessary question: would the world be a different place if it were ruled by women instead of men?

Perhaps we are finally about to find out.

Shakira set up a charity.

Always check with your town hall about running your business.

Margaret Thatcher is the most famous political leader.

Jacinda Ardern decided to step down recently.

Lady boss

INSPIRATION not perspiration, as they say. And while business success definintely involves plenty of hard work, it is inspiration and passion that drives that hard work.

Luckily there are plenty of uber successful female authors who have made it their life missions to not only inspire but to show others how to achieve success the most efficient way possible.

Here, we round up our must-read motivational books to super charge your business.

The Fearless Woman’s Guide to Starting a Business: What Every Woman Needs to Know to be a Courageous, Authentic and Unstoppable Entrepreneur, Ameé Quiriconi

The Fearless Woman’s Guide to Starting a Business is a book for freedom-seeking female entrepreneurs and solopreneurs who want to know how to connect with their true passions,

skills, and desires. It’s a book for startup business women who get honest with themselves about their reasons for wanting to start a business.

She Thinks Like a Boss : Leadership: 9 Essential Skills for New Female Leaders in Business and the Workplace. Jemma Roedel Discover how to become an effective woman in leadership - even if you’re shy, avoid conflict at all costs, or lack confidence.

If you are tired of seeing men at work get promoted, be given better assignments, and enjoy pay raises even though you know your skills and results are just as good, then help is at hand in the form of this bestseller.

Just F*cking Do It: Stop Playing Small. Transform Your Life, Noor Hibbert

JUST F*CKING DO IT will take you on a mind-altering journey of self discovery and personal transformation using an approach which com-

Novel idea: The women bringing their imaginations to life

THEY say everyone has a book in them; but it’s not everyone who turns their dreams of literary success into reality.

restricted how women could live and what they could do. The poet came from a back- ground of writers and philosophers.

ly matched but Bustos’ involvement in the newspaper industry gave de Burgos an interest in working with words.

bines psychological rigour with spiritual power - helping you to become the best version of yourself and create a life of happiness and abundance.

It’s only fair to let the boys play too, so we’ve included this global bestseller on our list to help optimise every spare minute of your busy work day.

The Miracle Morning: The 6 Habits That Will Transform Your Life Before 8AM, Hal Elrod What’s widely regarded as “one of the most life changing books ever written” may be the simplest approach to achieving everything you’ve ever wanted, and faster than you ever thought possible. A must-read.

Any search for Spanish women writers online is sure to return a slew of results. There could never be enough written in a single piece to list the achievements of Spanish women in literature.

Instead here is a selection of some of the brightest and best female authors. We begin in the 10th century with the poet Aisha. The writer was born Aisha bint Ahmad al- Qurtubiyya and although little is known about the details of her life, scholars believe she was born in Cordoba.

What is known is that Aisha came of age in a Spain ruled by the Muslim Moors, where traditional social values often

She was able to break the mould set for her by society and went on to pen some great literature of the time. One of her most famous works is a poem about her turning down a marriage proposal.

Part of it reads: ‘I am a lioness, and will never allow my body, to be anyone’s resting place.’

Almost 1,000 years later in the 19th and 20th centuries Carmen de Burgos picked up the pen and continued with the Spanish female literary tradition. Burgos was born in Almeria to a middle class family and fled them before meeting her husband of 17 years Arturo Asterz Bustos.

The two were unhappi-

Soon after leaving her husband she wrote her first book. Her growing feminist convictions led her to write many works commenting on the position of women in society at the time.

Today one of the female writers helping to keep the Spanish female literary tradition alive is Angela Vallvey, 59. Vallvey was born in Ciudad Real and studied Modern His- tory at the University of Granada.

She published her first book, a children’s story, in the 1990’s before going on to write several critically-acclaimed novels. She has taken part in several radio and television shows as well as writing poetry.

The genius of Spanx, a billion dollar idea

HAVE you ever had one of those ideas for a product you just know could help people?

While most of us get them from time to time, not all of us do something about it. Billionaire Sara Blakely is not one of those women.

The self-made Spanx cre ator is a lesson in many things; not just how a great idea can turn into a billion dol lar business, but how re silience, grit, and a bit of selfbelief can change the course of our lives.

The Florida-born mother of four’s incredible success story really does lend credence to the American Dream, that anyone with initiative, hard work and the guts to take a few risks can achieve their goals.

Sarah’s path to success began in the 1990s when she chanced her $5,000 life savings on looking into the viability of her idea on how to give women a streamlined look under their clothes and turning it into something she could actually sell.

The idea was simple enough:

getting the firmer look you have from tights, but without covering the whole leg and foot.

Blakely cut the ends off a pair of tights, tried them out under trousers, and the seeds were sown for her business empire.

As with all good success stories though, she had her struggles and rejections along the way. Hosiery company after hosiery company turned down her concept until one stepped up to come up with a product

prototype.

Blakely’s first big break in getting someone interested in actually selling is also now the stuff of business legend: having managed to beg a Neiman Marcus Group rep to give her 10 minutes of her time she demonstrated the pros of her prototype product on herself to the rep in

the ladies’ loo.

The rep saw the potential, and Blakely’s product was soon on sale in their stores, followed shortly by others.

Blakely was pretty much a one-woman business show to begin with, doing everything she could to put her product on the fashion map, and still selling fax machines door-to-door for a living.

chose the product as one of her favourite things of the year.

Sales started to go up, and by its second year Spanx had achieved $10 million. Today the company produces a whole range of underwear, leggings and body shapers, for men and women and annual revenues are in the hundreds of millions.

Blakely has demonstrated she has a strong philanthropic side to her character as well as entrepreneurial, establishing a foundation to help women through education and entrepreneurial training in 2006.

In the same year she donated $1 million to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, and in 2013 she became the first female billionaire to join the ‘Giving Pledge,’ whereby the world’s richest people donate at least half of their wealth to charity.

But then came a really big break in 2000, when after sending a gift basket of prototypes to the Oprah Winfrey TV show, the globally influential lady herself

In 2012, Blakely was one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, and was named the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire by Forbes. Two years later Forbes ranked her as the 93rd most powerful woman in the world.

SPANX: Self-belief can change our lives.

SARA BLAKELY: Has a strong philanthropic side.

Credit: Instagram/SaraBlakely

Starck-Estates: The secure way to buy, sell or rent

URCHASING or selling a property is one of the most important decisions we make in our life. Although an exciting time, dealing with the paperwork, legalities and documents can be a stressful task, particularly when dealing with the Spanish real estate market. That’s where Nadine Starck and her professional team at Starck-Estates can help.

With Starck-Estates, you will have the peace of mind that you have the extensive knowledge and experience of a team of agents by your side, guiding you throughout the process. Despite being a relatively young company, the team can advise you on all aspects of purchasing, selling and renting a property on the Costa Blanca, working every day to fulfil your needs and requirements.

Nadine has been living on the Costa Blanca since 1995, giving her extensive knowledge about the area and property types available. Covering a vast section of

the Costa Blanca, including the sought-after areas of Denia, Benissa, Els Poblets, and Javea, Nadine and the team aim to make your buying, selling or renting experience and quick, stressfree and relaxed one.

When it comes to purchasing and renting properties, Starck-Estates is one of the most important real estate agencies in the area. The team will listen to your needs, requirements, taste and budget to match you with the perfect villa, apartment, townhouse, or cortijo.

You will be guided through all of

your viewings, assisted through all of the legal processes and appointments, offered recommendations on the best multilingual services such as banks and insurers, and taken care of even after the sale has gone through.

You can expect the same level

of excellent service when selling through Starck-Estates. Selling a property is a matter of trust, and it is important that you are guided by a competent and transparent estate agency who has your best interests at heart.

The agents will carry out an honest evaluation of your property, create the marketing materials such as images and advertising descriptions, support you with legal and tax advice, in addition to securing sales negotiations. There is no better agency on the Costa Blanca to get your property

in front of the right potential buyers.

The tourism industry is an important aspect of the real estate sector in Spain, and Nadine and her team have the perfect property for you - whether you are looking for a holiday home for the summer months or looking to spend the whole winter here enjoying the mild climate.

The holiday homes on offer through Starck-Estates are maintained to the highest standards and must meet all of their quality checks. You will have a guaranteed meet-and-greet with a personal key-handover from one of the team, who can also give you advice about the area and answer any of your concerns.

All holiday and rental properties have been sold through StarckEstates, so you can be sure they are of the highest quality.

So sit, back, relax and let Nadine and the team at Starck-Estates guide you on your buying, selling or renting journey.

The EWN’s ace team of fearless females

THEY say no (wo)man is an island and anyone who has ever run a team understands that it takes a mixture of talents, personalities and effort to achieve true greatness.

At the Euro Weekly News we’ve known this all along, and that’s why we are immensely proud to have a crack team of amazing women whose combined powers make the EWN a success.

Here we explore the women behind Spain’s largest English-speaking newspaper.

Michel Euesden: A pioneer in Spain’s newspaper industry, Michel has a drive, passion and commitment to success that is literally second to none.

A straight shooter, she has consistently defied expectations, first by becoming one of Spain’s only women at the helm of a major newspaper, and later by continually pushing and growing the Euro Weekly News to an extraordinary half a million readers a month across its seven printed editions.

Sally Underwood: Once a freelance writer for the Euro Weekly News living in the hills of Axarquia, Sally has grown in the company to become its editorial director. Supported by Michel, her journey from local reporter in 2016 to tak-

ing editorial control in 2022 has been one of the best experiences of her life.

Mo: A familiar, and much-loved name to many EWN clients, editorial manager Maureen Doninger has been working for the company for more than 13 years. With an eagle-eyed attention to detail, Maureen ensures that an incredible seven papers come together each week, seamlessly and with consistently high quality.

Alison: Office manager and saleswoman Alison Steele is a corner-

stone of the EWN’s commercial success. Ruthlessly efficient but with a genuine warmth that keeps her clients loyal for years, literally every office could be improved by an Alison.

Michelle Coy: Another member of our crack sales team is Michelle Coy, who has been with the company for more than 10 years. Known for her extremely high levels of customer service, Michelle always goes above and beyond for her clients on the Costa Blanca, ensuring consistent client care

throughout our footprint.

Linda Hall: Our longest-serving staffer, Linda Hall has been with the company an astonishing 27 years. An extraordinary woman who arrived in Spain in the 1960s, Linda is an expert on all things political and contributes her views via her weekly column.

Amalia: After arriving at the company 15 years ago without a word of English, it is fair to say that the Euro Weekly News now just wouldn’t be the same without its effervescent and extraordinarily talented financial director.

Vanesa: Some people are born rulebreakers while others love to follow the rules. The reason we love Vanesa is that she falls firmly into the latter category, ensuring our accounting and HR systems are followed to the letter and protecting the company in what can be a minefield of Spanish bureaucracy.

Lynn: Last but definitely not least is our head of recruitment, Lynn. A firecracker with a fantastic sense of humour and an infectious giggle, Lynn is the warm voice at the end of the phone to applicants looking to join the EWN’s ever-growing news empire.

Thank you ladies, from everyone at the EWN family!

EWN TEAM: Some of the women who make the EWN a success.

HOLIDAY HOMES: The properties are maintained to the highest standards by Starck Estates.

An interview with Nadine Starck of Starck-Estates

AFTER moving to Spain with her family over 27 years ago, Nadine Starck decided to open her real estate business which is now renowned as one of the best agencies on the Costa Blanca.

With a young and dynamic team of professional agents and some of the most luxurious properties in the area, Starck-Estates is dedicated to helping clients on their journey through the Spanish property marketwhether they are buying, renting or selling.

The Euro Weekly News spoke with Nadine about her business, what motivates her and her advice for budding businesswomen.

Hi Nadine! Tell us a bit about yourself and Starck-Estateshave you always lived in Spain and, if not, why did you make the move?

I came here in 1995 with my family who decided to start a new life in this part of Spain, the beautiful Costa Blanca. They were tired of the stresses and strains of daily life in Germany

and wanted to combine their work with more life quality. We travelled throughout Spain to search for the right spot to settle and ended up in Els Poblets, near Denia.

What made you decide to open Starck-Estates and what was the inspiration behind this?

After many years of experience in the property sector and working for other real estate companies, it was time to go for it myself and grow professionally.

What would you say motivates you?

I love living here in Denia, waking up with sunshine and enjoying every day is a big motivation. I’m also motivated by my clients and finding the right property for them, fulfilling and exceeding their expectations, and giving them advice.

What do you enjoy most about running Starck-Estates?

I love having being proactive and every day is different. Getting to know new people is

something I love about working in real estate. It is very rewarding seeing all of the beautiful properties in different locations in unique surroundings and matching them with the right client.

Have you made any mistakes along the way that you have learnt from?

Yes, of course, and I think it is a learning curve. We make mistakes and we learn from them, that is the most important thing.

What advice would you give an aspiring young businesswoman?

The advice I would give is to always go for your dreams and do what really inspires you. It’s important to do something that motivates you every day.

Do you have any future plans for the business?

Yes, of course, we’re constantly working on improving ourselves and our professional growth, doing the best for our clients and finding them the perfect properties.

NADINE STARCK: Always do what really inspires you.

Attention to detail

WHEN you are abroad - whether it is because you have a second home in Spain or you have relocated here - you will want to know that if anything happens you can deal with someone in English and with the highest level of attention to detail.

That is where Jennifer Cunningham Insurances SL can help.

Offering all types of insurance, from pets to homes to cars, Jennifer Cunningham Insurances SL provides specialised policies, all in English, and all aimed at your exact needs.

Both their Liberty Seguros and ASSSA policies have special divisions, created exclusively for expats’ needs. To support these policies, Jennifer has two very special, unique additions to her com -

pany, a dedicated Claims Administrator and a Renewals Department, which means you will be contacted every year to check your policy at renewal. Again, all in English and all with a personalised service. There is no such thing as an automatic renewal, where you can lose control.

Jennifer initially specialised in health insurance, on the Costa Blanca in 1992, but it was not long before she was asked to expand into general insurance. The company, still led by Jennifer Cunningham, has an extensive network of eight offices with an expert team who can tailor make the policy for you to suit all your needs and that of your family.

Jennifer’s philosophy is that of straightforward and honest advice, which is still instilled in all her staff members up and down the coast. Jennifer is

passionate about her team providing a professional quality of service to all her clients.

It is vital that the advice offered with regard to coverage is taken to ensure you are never under-insured, which offers you better protection should you have to make a claim. To be advised by an assessor that you are under-insured, will be the start of a nightmare.

Jennifer Cunningham Insurances SL offers all types of in-

surance, including cars, motorcycle, classic car, health, dental, comprehensive home, second home, public liability, commercial, landlord, funeral, travel, life insurance, pets, and marine policies, and Jennifer is very proud to be working with both Liberty Seguros and ASSSA to provide quality policies

Inspirational leader

THERE are some people in life who, as well as building their own success, do their utmost to help others along the way too. Jennifer Cunningham is one of those people.

A determined, passionate lady who keeps herself fit through healthy living and an inspiring enthusiasm for helping others, Jennifer’s story is a stirring one that relates courage, dedication and the incalculable benefits of a positive mental attitude.

Having moved to Spain in the late 1980s, Jennifer soon found herself alone with only a half-finished home and widow’s pension after her husband sadly passed away.

Many will recall the transformative moments in their lives when they stood, changed but unbroken, and found the strength to continue by channelling their love, rather than letting themselves become overcome by fear. And Jennifer began the long road towards developing her own life, and helping others along the way.

From humble beginnings working

from the simplicity of her own bedroom, Jennifer managed to apply her experience working in health insurance to eventually become a household name on the Costa Blanca, admired for her forthright attitude and prudent advice.

It certainly wasn’t an easy feat. At the beginning Jennifer wasn’t computer literate, which means that like many others she didn’t have a clue how to use the darned machines. Learning from scratch blessed her with a more empathetic understanding of the difficulties faced by her fellow expatriates in Spain however.

Jennifer initially specialised in providing health insurance locally on the Costa Blanca when she set out in 1992, but it was not long before she was asked to expand into general insurance. Her company, still led by Jennifer, now has an impressive network of eight offices with an expert team who can tailor make the policy for you to suit all needs.

Despite her astronomic success, Jennifer is still a hands-on Managing Director though and she keeps

herself and her staff aware of changes to Spanish insurance regulations and laws, keeping a steady hand at the helm of the company. She is also well-known and respected throughout by Spanish nationals and especially expats for offering excellent service.

This is because her company, Jen -

for her clients.

So if you are concerned about protecting your valuables, home or car and want great customer service in English, contact Jennifer Cunningham Insurances SL on 966 461 690 or for more information, visit www.jennifercun ningham.net.

They look forward to hearing from you and becoming one of our valued customers.

nifer Cunningham Insurances, was built on the principle that a personal, one to one service was fundamental to ensuring that people’s needs are properly met and that real interaction can never be replaced with the detachment of the telephone or internet.

Jennifer also has her own sound advice on Bay Radio where she offers valuable and impartial insights.

It is even spreading further afield to cover all of Spain, including Malaga, Barcelona and Madrid.

More than simply a caring and successful businesswoman though, Jennifer is one of the many inspiring figures who quite simply make the Costa Blanca far better place to live.

Jennifer is a born leader.

The team provides a professional quality service to all clients.

Jennifer is an inspiration to many.

A keen eye for detail.

Do you enjoy a relaxing time and great food?

TTHEN look no further than The City Sports Bar in Benidorm, serving you the best drinks and space to enjoy a relaxing fun-filled day by the marvellous white beaches and the Mediterranean Sea.

The City Sports Bar offers you the ability to enjoy outdoor seating and catch the rays of the sun while enjoying a refreshingly cool pint or space to stay warm and cosy while enjoying a cocktail when the rainy and stormy nights appear in winter.

Home to the best drinks packages on the Costa Blanca North, you are guaranteed an affordable and cheerful day or night out at The City Sports Bar. Offering you stunning Instagramable cocktails, spirits at fantastic prices and even the opportunity to win ice-cold

Bucket offers!

Why go anywhere else when you have so much on offer and in-store in one place and we haven’t even started to talk about their music or big screens.

You will find something for everyone at The City Sports Bar. Showing all Six Nations,

Premier League, and live sporting events, where else would you want to watch the kickoff?

Perfect for prinks (predrinks) before a night out, playing all the best tunes that everyone can get up and dance to.

Only expect the best and re-

ceive an elite service from their waiters and bar staff. The City Sports Bar’s customer service is something so incredibly important and their customers mean the world to them, and their customers love them too. “Great music, fantastic time with the best environment and amazing cocktails. They also have a happy hour.”

Pet friendly, bring your fabulous pooch down while you enjoy watching the stunning sunset on the horizon on The City Sports Bar’s terrace. You will have no other choice but to order another drink and take in the amazing, welcoming ambience and chat with those around you. The friendly atmosphere is contagious and is a local to so many for a reason. Wheelchair-friendly and toilet accessible.

THE CITY SPORTS BAR: The friendly atmosphere is contagious.

Women putting the ‘business’ into showbiz

WHILE the word ‘business’ tends to conjure images of well-heeled professionals sitting behind desks or at the head of boardrooms, not all business looks quite so traditional.

Whether its producing, directing or acting, there are women making millions in the that business they call show business. Among them are multiple names who have taken the world by storm, and left their own mark on the industry at the same time.

One of the biggest names that spring most immediately to mind for those living in Spain is Penelope Cruz Sanchez, or as we know her; Penelope Cruz.

Born in Madrid, she is the daughter of Eduardo Cruz, a retailer, and Encarna

Sanchez, a hairdresser.

Cruz’s first big international hit was again with Almodovar, in All About My Mother (1999), where she played an un- chaste but well-meaning nun.

Since then the Spanish star has appeared in a range of big films from Vanilla Sky (2001), and Captain Correllis Mandolin (2001) to Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) and Nine (2009).

Married to megastar Javier Bardem, Cruz has since increased her wealth and profile even further with her own production company.

While Cruz may be one of the biggest names in Spainand the world- there are tens of actresses also killing it, both creatively and financially.

The highest grossing ac tress in the world, Scarlett Johansson shot to fame aged 19 in Lost in Translation alongside Bill Murray. She’s since grossed an astonishing $15.2 billion across 40 films. As the actress says, "I went through this realisation that acting, at its heart, is the abil ity to manipulate your own emotions."

Now so well-known for her global lifestyle super brand, Goop, that it is easy to forget she is also a hugely success ful actress, Gwyneth Paltrow has been starring in some of the biggest films for more than 20 years.

With an Oscar win and a worldwide gross of $11.6 billion behind her, Paltrow says, It's a waste of time for people to say

PENELOPE CRUZ: Has had a stellar career on the big screen.

Spanish sisters

OVER the years, women from across the world have achieved some extraordinary things. But what about right here in Spain?

Here we look at what our most inspirational Spanish sisters in arms are achieving.

Now 62, Ana Patricia Botin, 57, has served as the executive chairman of Santander bank, bucking the global trend for top banking positions to be occupied by men.

The fourth member of her family to hold the position, in 2013

Botin was ranked the most powerful woman in the world by Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Forbes al so named her the 8th most powerful woman in the world in 2017, 2019 and 202.

Another globally successful banker Maria Dolores Dancausa, 64, is the chief executive officer of Bankinter, holding the position since 2010. She led the bank in 2016 when the bank bagged record profits. She also made it into a gender-less list of the top 50 European directors by Forbes, following her results.

In the world of political philanthropy Paloma Escuedero, 57, is hard to beat. She is the

communications director of UNICEF, the United Nations’ children’s fund, managing the agency’s brand image and global communications. Before taking on her new role, she was UNICEF’S country director in Spain responsible for 180 projects and 800 volunteers.

Banking and politics are not the only male-dominated sectors however, with haute cuisine one of the toughest arenas to break into.

Hugely famous Spanish chef Carme Ruscadella, 70, did just that with a slew of Michelin stars to her name.

A master of ‘natural’ cooking, she has a restaurant in her hometown Sant Pol de Mar, near Barcelona, one in Barcelona city, and another in Tokyo. Combined, the three restaurants have seven Michelin stars, making them some of the world’s most decorated kitchens.

Queen Letizia, aged 50, was a successful journalist on Spain’s most important national channel before marrying King Felipe VI in 2004. She serves as special ambassador for the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The most influential women

WOMEN have worked tirelessly throughout history to en sure that the female voice is heard. Whether it's working in politics, becoming a social activist, or breaking down barriers in sports, women have gone above and beyond to achieve equality and advocate for a better society.

In this Women in Business supplement, we have taken a look at the most influential women throughout history and the inspirational words they spoke.

• “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks

• “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo

• “I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.” – Serena Williams

• “Have no fear of perfection; you'll never reach it.” – Marie Curie

• “Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility. Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn’t.” – Michelle Obama

• "Don’t try to lessen yourself for the world; let the world catch up to you." – Beyonce

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

• “I was a person with dignity and self-respect, and I should not set my sights lower than anybody else just because I was black.” – Rosa Parks

How passion plus risk can equal millions

INSTANTLY recognisable, Cath Kidston’s eyecatching designs have become a familiar favourite on some of the world’s smartest highstreets.

But don’t let her cheerful patterns lull you into a false sense of security, under the girl next door look to Kidston’s business empire lies a razor sharp business mind that has built up an estimated £250 million company.

Influenced by her idyllic upbringing in the Hampshire countryside, Kidston says, “I’ve always been interested in houses and homes. From my earliest memories, I’ve liked re-arranging my room and was one of those children who was always restyling my bed- room.”

She adds, “I always loved to play shop, I loved

trading, drawing and doing all the stuff I love to do today.” The former shop assistant turned her passion into a business when she opened her first shop in Holland Park 1993, selling hand embroidered tea towels and shabby-chic furniture.

Her inspiration for selling products came after making an ironing board cover for her own flat. She explains, “I thought it would be the perfect product, because there I was, at home, doing my ironing on a grey ironing board. My flat was quite small and I had it hanging on the back of the door. I thought it was a really good idea.”

Subsidising her first venture, which she describes as a “glorified junk shop,” with interior design, Kidston decided to focus solely on selling her own

creations after surviving cancer at 37.

She explains the ordeal, “changed my attitude to risk within a business. It was a really positive turning point. It really helped me think, ‘I’m just going to make the most of it and get on’.” Her passion paid off and her designs are now sold in over 200 shops across 16 countries.

With an MBE for Services to Business to her name, Kidston, who has also raised large sums of money for cancer charities, has now sold the majority stake in her company. She says “having a business is a bit like having a child. As they grow up, you don’t want them to be too reliant on you, but you want to remain on very good terms with them.”

Beware the time thief

IT’S a given that owning your own business is timeconsuming. Sometimes it can feel like there could literally never be enough hours in the day to achieve everything you want to get done.

ent destination to your normal surroundings can help to reset the mind as much as a day zoning out in front of Netflix.

is it an efficient use of down time.

• “We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers.” – Emmeline Pankhurst

• “Do what you feel in your heart to be right–for you’ll be criticised anyway.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

• “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou

• “There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer.” – Rihanna

• “You could make a case that, along with the technological revolution, the most provocative upending destabilising thrilling change in the course of human history is that we’re finally in it. … We’re here now, women are in the world, and we will not be bullied.” - Meryl Streep

But while we know that some amount of down time is vital to keep us performing our best, what it the most efficient way to use that time to your advantage?

Here we explore common time thieves that can easily monopolise the hours you dohave off, and how to avoid them.

The couch While at the end of a busy day or week the sofa may feel like the natural choice to come down a little, there are most efficient ways to bring your mind down from a million miles an hour.

A ‘a change of scene’ as they say, ‘is as good as a rest,’ and it is remarkable how true this can be. Travelling even to a slightly differ-

As an added benefit, expect new ideas to flow as the different perspective allows the mind to reflect on things.

The midnight emergency What happened to the days of a good old-fashioned cup of hot milk and a bedtime story, eh? Perhaps our parents really did know best all along as it seems that increasing numbers of us are now checking devices, dealing with work, or watching high-drama TV right up to the moment we go to sleep.

Endless research has found that quality sleep is one of the single biggest factors in cognitive function, yet we regularly ignore the sound sleep routines our parents set us up with and choose to raise our adrenalin levels right before bed.

This is neither healthy, nor

If you really can’t stomach the idea of a warm milk before bed (you are an adult, after all), why not go for the slightly more grown up angle of a good book, yoga, music (soothing, obviously), or a warm bath before bed?

Whatever you do, just make sure it’s something design to calm, not stimulate, your senses.

Procrastination The art of putting off to tomorrow what can be done today, procrastination is perhaps one of the biggest time thieves. To achieve the tasks in front of you and avoid putting them off, try one of the most forms of time management; time blocking.

Write out a task that needs completing, book out a block of an hour, turn off phones and emails, and commit to using that whole hour to completing that task. You’ll be amazed what you can achieve.

Queen Letizia was a successful journalist.

MERYL STREEP: We will not be bullied.

Stepping stone to greatness

AS children we are often taught that failure is bad.

Doing badly in a school test often ends in some sort of punishment.

As a result, many of us enter adulthood thinking our failures are a negative, a sign we’re just not good enough at something, or a reason to be ashamed of our attempts.

But what if the reality was actually the opposite? What if it’s our failures that in fact give us the tools we need to achieve massive success?

Here we have rounded up a selection of household names who initially struggled to get where they are today.

Oprah Winfrey, the American talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist had a rocky start to life. She was brought up in a low-income family and says she was once sexually abused. She became pregnant at age 14, but lost the baby and went to live with her father.

OPRAH WINFREY: Explains that failure is part of the path to success.

She was fired from her first job on a local television station, but has since gone on to become one of the most popu- lar, influential and wealthiest women in media with television shows and even her own TV channel.

In 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Forbes state her net wealth as around $2.9 billion (€2.7 billion).

In her own words: “Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.”

J K Rowling, the woman behind the most famous wizard of all time, Harry Potter, has said she believed she was a failure before penning the novels.

She was a single, divorced

Therapy with Isolina

mother suffering from depression and struggling to make ends meet when she wrote Harry Potter. In 1995 all major publishers rejected her book, but a year later Bloomsbury accepted it and in 1997, the book was published with only 1,000 copies.

Today, Harry Potter is a multi-million franchise with books, films and even a West End show and J K Rowling is now considered to be the most successful female author in the UK. Her net worth is said to be around $1.1 billion (€1.02 billion).

She said: “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you’ve failed by default.”

MODERN hypnotherapy is a powerful tool used to make substantial changes to behaviours, heal childhood wounds, work through self-limiting beliefs and much more, using very minimal effort.

Qualified hypnotherapist and former nurse and midwife Isolina Rodriguez is passionate about continuing her life’s work within health and social care. Guiding her clients to change their thoughts by discovering the root cause that is holding them back, Isolina can help with nerves, anxiety, regulating feelings and processing trauma.

The EWN spoke with Isolina about how hypnotherapy is changing people’s lives by going within: “Many people are a bit afraid of hypnosis, however,

it’s a powerful tool for all types of people. The method enables people to go into a state of relaxation that allows them to access their subconscious. From here, we can easily work through childhood traumas and wounds, find the cause of self-limiting beliefs, and facilitate the recovery of traumatic events.

“I feel nursing, particularly

being a midwife, is a very sacred role to have, as is hypnotherapy. I have a huge range of clients, from young mums to be and post-natal mothers, people who are extremely fearful about public speaking, and those with nerves holding them back in work and life. Under hypnosis, clients tap into their inner child which allows us to change their perspective, perceived threats and perceptions.”

On being a female business owner in Spain, Isolina said: “There is a freedom in Spain to be able to be yourself. Lots of people are put off by the paperwork and legislation, but as long as you have a good gestoria and familiarise yourself with the processes, setting up a business in Spain gives you a lot of freedom and is fairly simple to do.”

Hypnosis is a powerful tool for all types.

Star Duo: Black Flame’s Heidi & Sam

ANYONE who lives in the Pedreguer area will know Black Flame, the hugely popular restaurant and carvery owned and run by Heidi Jungreuthmayer and wife Sam Lewins. But what makes the pair so successful? And what advice would they give to anyone else opening a business? Here, the Euro Weekly News finds out more about the women behind the success.

Starting out working at her father’s own carvery, Monroes in Moraira, 30 years ago, Heidi knew she loved hospitality. This hugely driven woman was never going to be content to simply work in the family business however, and instead used her knowledge and experience to set about setting up her own business empire.

After buying the Pedreguer site around 15 years ago, it was when Heidi met her now wife Sam, also with a huge background in hospitality, that the

pair really came into their own. They became a powerful team that would rebrand entirely and set about to create their vision for exactly how a great restau rant should operate.

It is this strong partnership and the couple’s constant drive for improvement and growth that has resulted in one of the Costa Blanca’s best-known (and loved) restaurants. And these qualities also mean the pair never stop innovating.

Already offering a huge vari ety of British classics from steak and ale pie to fish and chips, and BBQ food like juicy rack of ribs and classic burg ers, once Heidi and Sam no ticed that many of the restau rants in Spain lack a substantial choice of vegetables, they knew it was time to innovate again; this time with their famous carvery.

The result is Flame’s all new and improved carvery dinner which gives diners a choice of

crispy roast potatoes and homemade Yorkshire puddings - all with unlimited vegetables.

The Euro Weekly News asked the pair about how they maintain this passion for constant improvement. Heidi told us:

er, we like to think up new ideas and try them out.”

But has it always all been plain sailing for the successful businesswomen? Heidi tells the EWN mistakes are part of the process and that she and

Sam are no different.

“Everyone makes mistakes along the way and we are no different, but there’s nothing that hasn’t been easily rectified. We believe everyone has to make their own mistakes with their business, and each profession and location is different.”

And with so much experience behind them, what advice do they have for aspiring business owners?

“The benefits of owning a business are making money and choosing your own hours, but you also have the responsibility to deal with everything when things are bad.

“So I would say to think about it carefully before you start a business and be prepared to work hard, because you get what you work for,” says Heidi.

Heidi and Sam welcome you to Black Flame to try their renowned English carvery and variety of a la carte dishes.

HEIDI AND SAM: Motivate each other and try out new ideas.

Join them

COSTA WOMEN is a free community for women living or in the process of moving to Spain.

The Costa Women group are holding their Javea Coffee Morning at the Club de Golf (Golf Club) in Javea on Thursday, April 13, from 10 am to 12 noon. This friendly group is hoping to welcome new members and would love you to come along.

It’s a great opportunity to bring friends, make new friends and join our Costa Women group. Don’t worry if you are on your own... many of them are! Join them in or around Javea.

Just grab yourself a drink (and food if you’d like something) on the way in and pay the venue directly. The event is free. There are always plenty of parking spaces. The Golf Club is on the road between Benitachell and Javea.

Panto read-through

THE Javea Players are inviting everyone to a read ­ through of the script of ‘Little Panto on the Prairie’ on Sunday, April 30, at 10.30am. Read a part or, if you prefer, just listen to the script and enjoy a sociable drink. There will be an option for lunch afterwards if enough people are interested.

Welcome to the Wild West and the town of Windy Bottom, the setting for Rich Loch’s new, original pantomime. Madame Moonshine runs the local saloon with her hap­

BENIDORM has announced it will host the fourth edition of Europe’s biggest Urban Beach Festival, an event that will attract thousands of Reggaeton lovers and selected artists from all over the world. Get ready to have the time of your life this July at the Guillermo Amor Municipal Stadium.

The Reggaeton Beach Festival, the biggest Urban Beach Festival in Europe, will take place on July 8 and 9. In the

less barman, Tumbleweed. But the evil sheriff, Cactus Jack, has plans to take over the saloon and turn it into a casino and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

All sorts of mayhem ensue with every pun, corny joke, risqué comment and laugh possible squeezed out of a very clever, funny pantomime script.

If you are interested in having lunch afterwards in a local restaurant or bar, please write to gataleigh@yahoo.co.uk.

Summer music festivals

wake of its enormous success in previous years, it will have the town dancing on July 8 and 9. It will then be the turn of indie and rock lovers, with Low Festival 2023, from July 28 to 30.

Both these fantastic music festivals will be held at the Guillermo Amor Municipal Stadium just before renova­

tion begins. The improvements have affected the Boombastic festival, which normally takes place from August 17 to 19, which has been relocated from Benidorm to Area 12 in Alicante.

The Reggaeton Beach Festival will be open from noon to midnight featuring top reggaeton and urban music

singers such as Justin Quiles, Eladio Carrión or Arcángel, among others. As well as the concerts, attendees can have fun in a play area measuring more than 3,000m² with games, giant inflatables, slides, swimming pools, sports activities and much more.

To keep you going in the sun and the heat, there will be

food trucks and drinks with options for vegans and gluten­free for celiacs.

The Low Festival 2023, another music festival in Benidorm, will be a magnet for indie­rock fans. This great festival, on July 28, 29 and 30 will have a large restaurant area, shopping opportunities and various other activities.

NEW SCRIPT: Come along and read a part or just enjoy a sociable drink.

Photos: email from organiser

Easter Treasure Hunt

LIONS International is organising a fun children’s Easter Treasure Hunt on Sunday, April 9 from 11am to 2pm. It’s free to enter!

All you need to do is pick up an entry form from the table by the Ampolla beach (the main beach by the town) in Moraira to join the fun, and there will be a chocolate treat for every child!

Free sightseeing tours

ALTEA is organising some entertaining sightseeing tours to show tourists some of the loveliest spots in the town. Visitors are invited to sign up for these fascinating walks on April 6, 7 and 8 .

The walking tours on April 6 and 7 will set off at 12 noon from the Tourist Info office in Altea, in Carrer Sant Pere, 14. It will take visitors around the old neighbourhoods of the town while explaining interesting facts about

New Oliva Art Society

ON April 1, at 7.30, eklektix23, a newlyformed group of international artists, will take to the stage with its first show at the Art Events Gallery in Oliva. Art Events Gallery is at C/ Constitution n, 10 in Oliva.

The eklektix23 group consists of international artists residing in or close to Oliva. The primary goal of the newly formed Art Society is to exhibit works in galleries, cafés, restaurants and public places in Oliva, La Safor and eventually throughout Spain.

Two special guest artists have been invited to participate in the first group ex­

position. Angeles Gregori and Salva Mascarell will also exhibit some of their recent works.

For more info about eklektix23 and the members of the group, please see Instagram: eklektix23_

The group has issued an invitation to attend the opening event on April 1 to see the works and enjoy a celebratory drink. They would like to welcome you to eklektix23, to the Oliva Art Society and to the gallery. The exhibition eklektix23 Art Society will be open from Saturday April 1 to Monday April 10.

Javea sport for kids

their history.

On April 8, starting at the same place and at the same time, there will be a walking tour for children. This will be a fantasy excursion featuring two intrepid explorers seeking exciting adventures for their next expedition. Children participating in the event will join a team of detectives on a mission to solve clues hidden in the most attractive parts of the town to solve the mystery.

JAVEA Town Council is organising two sports camps for children over the Easter holidays. In collaboration with several clubs, from April 11 to 14 and from 9am to 1.30pm, children born between 2017 and 2019 will be kept busy and happy with activities that will improve their motor skills and stimulate their imaginations.

A multi­sports camp called Activate for children aged six to 14 will take place at the Palau d’Esports sport centre at the same times, with fun playing the super­ trendy padel tennis, badminton, and table tennis, to

name but a few of the activities. The children will also have fun going on excursions with their groups.

The price of the camp is €35, and registration is available in the sportia app: https://app. sportia.com/scs/2359/profile.

As well as the municipal offer, other sports clubs where children can learn and improve their skills in tennis, gymnastics, football and more are planning on running camps during the school holidays. A leaflet with full details is available from the council or the local authority website.

TREASURE HUNT: Come along and join in the fun.

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

SO there we were; on a deserted Saudi beach, miles from anywhere, surrounded by a number of shabbily attired Arab tribesmen, all of them atop various small sand dunes, quietly staring and oozing menace.

For those readers who last week didn’t peruse the ol’ boys column, this situation had arisen back in the 70s, when I found myself bringing shows into Saudi Arabia, residing and working in the country for some eight years. One thing I had to accept was the utter inequality of the ladies.

In complete contradiction of Muslim law I’d secretly driven my British Saudia Airline hostess girlfriend to a deserted beach, some 50 kilometres from Jeddah. We’d parked the car near the sea and finally stretched out in the privacy of a secluded area we thought to be miles from any habitation. Wrong.

After some half an hour I opened my eyes and drowsily became aware this was indeed not the case at all. We were surrounded. Knowing the at­

Lucky escape

titude and laws of a country that considered all females second class citizens who were obliged to cover themselves completely, I realised that a beautiful white girl, clad merely in a bikini, was undoubtedly considered trash and easy pickings; while a white foreigner could be permanently removed with a minimum of problems. Time for some extremely diversive actions.

Without moving my head I quietly whispered the dangers to my now comfortably ensconced female companion. Due to her airline status, she was pretty astute and duly proceeded to follow my muttered suggestions. I told her to slowly get up and without lifting the towels or any picnic items, to move over to the car as though she was retrieving something we needed; I then told her to call me to help. This she did. When I heard my name I casually got up and moved leisurely over to the car.

On reaching it I opened my door and as she was already in the passenger side jumped in; quickly slamming both doors of

the American Chevy and turning the key, we basically took off. Not quite the take­ off she was used to, but one that was certainly necessary. In front of us streaming into the rough track and making wild gestures and shouting were about a dozen or so more Arabian tribesmen.

What could I do? I simply kept driving straight at them. Not fast enough to injure anyone ­ as long as they got out of the way, which they duly did. We plunged through the crowd and in clouds of sand and dust thankfully burst free. Believe me, had we not I wouldn’t be here to write this piece. (Hurray!) This is just one glaring example of female inequality in Muslim countries.

If this is the case why does the British left so strongly support Islamic communities and also encourage female equality? It’s impossible. They simply don’t mix and never will. Ask Mr Khan. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expat radioscotland.com Mon and Wed.

TOO OFFENSIVE? OUR VIEW

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S novels have been a staple for decades, but this week Harper Collins announced their decision to edit what it deems offensive language from some of her classics.

The changes will affect some of Christie’s most iconic characters, including Poirot and Miss Marple, as well as the hugely popular novel Death on the Nile. But is this censorship or just a sign of the times?

One could argue that after the days of Bernard Manning and Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown the world was definitely due a change.

But has the pendulum now swung too far the other way? And are we

now just attempting to whitewash history by taking references to ‘nubians’ and ‘natives’ out of classic novels? After all, those were commonly­accepted terms at the time Christie wrote, and if we now remove them do we risk losing examples that could teach newer generations exactly how far the world has come, and why many have fought to change it.

A further risk in what could be seen as censorship is that by telling people what they shouldn’t be doing/reading/thinking, does this really encourage them to question their own view points? Or just alienate them further?

One thing is clear, the debate is far from over.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthe publishers,advertisersorsponsors.

FINANCE

Jobs query

($28.4 million) was paid in salary last year to the Barcelona-born Spanish businessman, Ramon Laguarta, who is the chairman and chief executive officer of the US multinational PepsiCo.

BUSINESS EXTRA Safe landing

THOUSANDS of jobs in the City are at risk following the emergency merger between the Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse. UBS has 6,000 London employees and Credit Suisse approximately 5,000, but neither bank has yet revealed how the rushed ‘shotgun marriage’ will affect them.

Not so sweet

SUGAR has been more affected by inflation than any other product in Spain, with a 52 per cent price rise. As the country does not produce enough sugar to cover its needs, it has been exposed to international events in general and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in particular.

Outward bound

SUPERDRY, whose shares fell sharply in January, sold its intellectual property assets in much of the Asia ­ Pacific region to South Korea’s Cowell Fashion Company for approximately £40 million (€45.2m). Cowell will own and use the brand in its home market before extending to other countries, including China.

Big money

ACCORDING to Bank of Spain figures, deposits in the country’s savings accounts amounted to €1,612 billion at the end of 2022. Santander, BBVA and Caixabank between them accounted for €935 billion ­ 57.5 per cent of the total ­ compared with 53.8 per cent at the end of 2021.

Booked up

JULIA QUINN, the American author of the bestselling Bridgerton series who has sold 20 million books in the US alone, said she was optimistic that human creativity would survive, despite bookwriting chatbots. Meanwhile romantic fiction sales in the UK have doubled over the past three years.

ECB reassures bondholders

Linda Hall

IN an unexpected twist, investors in Credit Suisse’s additional tier­one (AT1) bonds saw 16 billion Swiss francs (€16 billion) slashed to zero by the UBS takeover. As a relatively risky investment, the AT1 bonds known as contingent convertibles or CocCos are a type of debt regarded as part of a bank’s regulatory capital.

They are also described as ‘bail­in’ bonds introduced to avoid a repetition of the government bailouts required during the 2008 global financial crisis.

Holders can convert CoCos into equity or write them down in certain situations, for example when a bank’s capital ratio falls below a previously­agreed threshold.

The unconventional move of prioritising Credit Suisse shareholders is at odds with the usual practice of favouring bondholders over shareholders when a bank fails and recently prompted turmoil in the market for convertible bank bonds.

Credit Suisse shareholders have received €2.788 billion in UBS shares and giving them preference in the deal was

a departure from usual practice that was criticised in most quarters.

The European Central Bank, the European Banking Authority and the Single Resolution Board emphasised that they would continue to impose losses on shareholders before bondholders.

“This approach has been consistently applied in past cases and will continue to guide the actions of the SRB and ECB banking supervision in crisis interventions,” they said.

Meanwhile, CoCos issued by Spanish banks initially fell by an average 11.1 per cent but jitters subsided, although tension remains. Uncertainty also surrounds the way market will react when banks try to reissue these assets.

New headquarters for GBR

THE UK government has chosen Derby as the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) which will be responsible for the country’s trains, fares and timetables.

The announcement brings with it the prospect of more jobs and investment worth multi­millions after the city beat off competition from Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York.

“This not only a huge win for the brilliant city of Derby, but a key milestone for the entire rail industry across the

Gap rises

ENERGY SUPPORT pushed up UK government borrowing last month to its highest level for February since records began in 1993. The gulf between spending and income from taxes rose to £16.7 billion (€18.9 billion), the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced.

The ONS explained that this was largely due to this year’s outlay on energy schemes.

At the same time, the interest paid on government debt amounted to £6.9 billion (€7.8 billion) in February, £1.3 billion (€1.5 billion) less than in February 2022, owing to changes in the inflation rate that determines the interest the government pays on its debts.

country,” Transport Secretary Mark Harper said.

Derby has had one of the lowest concentrations of civil service jobs in the country

until now, a statement from the city council said.

The move to Derby would not only bring key jobs but it also meant that the city ­ already the centre of one of Europe’s largest rail clusterswould play an even more important role in the future development of the railways, the statement continued. Derby’s rich rail heritage and innovation culture were prominent in the city’s bid, together with its rail­related industries that employ more than 11,000 people in the

Just Eat on a diet

JUST EAT, the takeaway delivery firm, will cut 1,870 UK jobs following reduced sales.

The company experienced a 9 per cent slowdown last year once Covid restrictions were relaxed and diners could return to pubs and restaurants.

As a result, the firm will no longer employ its own couriers, using contractors instead and triggering 1,700 job losses plus 170 operational roles. Drivers and riders affected by the cut­down have received six weeks’ notice.

Unlike Just Eat drivers, couriers were classed as company employees, receiving an hourly rate, an uncapped bonus and benefits that included sick pay.

“We propose to transition away from the worker model for couriers,” a spokeswoman said. “This is just a small part of our overall delivery operations in certain parts of six UK cities,” she added.

SPAIN’S banking sector is in an ‘immensely’ stronger position than it was in 2008.

Financial experts pointed out that owing to regulators’ demands that were made in the wake of the previous financial crisis, banks have had to create an anti­crisis safety net.

This has been designed to protect the economy during a hypothetical financial catastrophe and to rule out the need for a bailout that requires public money.

According to their results made public at the end of last year Spain’s six principal banks can count on an anti­crisis safety net of €213 billion, €43 billion more than required by the European Central Bank.

area, and where trains are still designed and built at the Alstrom works in the Litchurch district.

The first indication that Derby had been successful in its GBR bid arrived last February with the announcement of plans to start major regeneration in and around Derby’s railway station. Another giveaway was city council approval of a £500,000 (€567,145) loan to acquire Midland House and the adjoining car park close to Derby’s Midland Station.

Come and go

MARIO VAZ takes over Vodafone’s Spanish division at the end of March.

This coincides with the exit of the company’s Irish­born CEO, Colman Deegan, following a series of poor quarterly results.

Vaz has had a successful track record in Portugal, which has many points in common with the Spanish market. These include a fully­developed market that combines telephone and data communication within a single network and aggressive competition from the entry of new low­cost operators.

Vaz now faces the challenge of returning Vodafone España to increased earnings and profits, as it faces competition from budget operators like the increasingly­present Digi.

No thanks

ONLY 9 per cent of Britain’s over50s who are retired said the Budget’s pensions giveaway could entice them back to work.

Measures included an increase in the annual pension allowance, eliminating the lifetime limit and hiking the amount that those who have drawn funds can put back each year, but the ‘back to work’ Budget did not sway retirees.

“For most, saving enough to breach the lifetime allowance or the annual pension allowance is a distant pipedream and for others little could induce them back to work,” financial experts agreed.

Down to earth

AENA has lost 90 per cent of the court cases that it has brought against rent defaulters.

Spain’s airports group had unsuccessfully hoped to be able to overturn new legislation affecting the rents paid by retail tenants, but 24 out of 26 sentences were entirely or partly in favour of claimants.

All had called for re­negotiated rents owing to the absence of passengers during the pandemic but the group considered that amendments to the law, obliging it to drop rents during this time, were unconstitutional.

ECB: Preference will go to bondholders over shareholders, the European Central Bank said.

MIKE HARPER: Transport Secretary announced Derby as choice for GBR headquarters

Photo credit: CC/DXR

Photo credit: CC/Richard Townsend

By Clinica Britannia

Express dental repair service

AT Clinica Britannia we are happy to offer our existing and new patients an Express Service for the repair of any type of Dental prosthesis (denture) within as little as one hour, due to our onsite laboratory and technicians. If you already have existing dentures and want them to look like new again, then why not have them cleaned and polished, we can make that happen whilst you wait.

Did you know that a completely new set of dentures can now be made within four days, allowing you to enjoy your new smile within record time, you could even have them made

Appointments

without interrupting your vacation.

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

Thanks to the techno­

By Clinica Britannia

Flash Pearl cleaning system

MANY of us try to hide or are embarrassed of our smile due to having dark or discoloured teeth. This can be due to ‘lifestyle’ habits such as drinking coffee, red wine, smoking or medication that we need to take. Now available is an amazing FLASH PEARL CLEANING system which may be the answer you are looking for, to rid your teeth of those nasty stains.

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

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

FLASH pearl cleaning is a safe, gentle, and effective way of removing stubborn lifestyle stains from your teeth helping to make them appear whiter, brighter and feel cleaner than they ever have before.

At Clinica Britannia we use this system to gently remove stains, restoring your natural smile. The spherical shape of FLASH pearl cleaning powder is designed to roll smoothly over the tooth surface, penetrating all corners for a perfect cleaning.

The advantages of the FLASH pearl

treatment are:

• Cleans down to the enamel shine, leaving teeth whiter and smoother.

• Erases residue and stains on teeth.

• Reduces the acidity of saliva.

• Inhibits bacteria development.

• Sodium­free.

A new set can be made in four days.

Contact

For white, brighter teeth which feel cleaner than they ever have before.

Global swanning

CASSANDRA NASH

OPPOSITION leader, the Partido Popular’s Albero Nuñez Feijoo accused Pedro Sanchez of “paying homage to autocrats” at the recent Ibero­American summit.

It was unclear which autocrats the president of Spain’s government fawned over, as Venezuela’s undeniably autocratic president Nicolas Maduro was absent, although the country was represented at the summit.

Likewise Daniel Ortega, Nicaragua’s former revolutionary­turned­dictator. Instead, the country’s Foreign Minister Denis Moncada listened with gritted teeth as Chile’s president Gabriel Boric condemned Ortega’s decision to strip 94 Nicaraguan writers, journalists and human rights activists of their nationality. Cuba was present naturally, but Spain has always had a co­dependent relationship with Cuba and Franco, a Galician like Fidel Castro, maintained friendly relations with Cuba . Castro reciprocated with three days’ mourning when Franco died in November 1975.

Former PP president Jose Maria Aznar was once photographed with Fidel Castro and another PP president Mariano Rajoy, who participated in Ibero­American sum­

mits, reprimanded socialist president Jose Luis Zapatero’s for missing the 2010 Argentina meeting during the economic crisis.

Notably present at the Santo Domingo meeting was Spain’s head of state, King Felipe, also presumably kowtowing to the Latin American autocrats.

Moncloa ­ Spain’s equivalent of Downing Street ­ was quick to respond, counter­accusing Feijoo of “ignorance” as well as “insolvency” and “bad faith.”

Feijoo is unlikely to lose much sleep over any of this.

As the local and regional elections approach, the PP leads the PSOE in most polls, apart from the Centre for Sociological Investigation (CIS) whose president Jose Felix Tezanos is a Sanchez fan. CIS predictions consistently contradict other polls, including that of the largely pro­government daily, El Pais.

As Spain prepares to take over the sixmonth European Council presidency on July 1, Pedro Sanchez is currently here, there and everywhere, not only in Santo Domingo but also Beijing.

He admittedly cuts an imposing figure but not only PP voters are tired of his global swanning and their PSOE counterparts increasingly fail to share the CIS’s confidence.

Hi Euro Weekly LETTERS

I thought your viewers would like to hear my experience with Spain’s bus services. My wife who had a stroke in July and now uses a wheelchair wanted to go to Fuengirola for the day on the bus. Local people said the bus was very good for disabled people, so we set off. The bus pulled up, driver said no and left without us. So I pushed the wheelchair into La Cala. The next bus driver also said no. I asked if I could use the ramp. He said not possible, so two unknown men offered to lift the wheelchair onto the bus. The driver said ok however the same thing happened on the way home. A man came over to me and lifted my wife onto the bus. What I can’t understand stand is why a bus has a disabled logo on the side then you are told you can’t use a wheelchair. Anybody had the same experience as us? My wife and I are both 76 years old.

Regards Jeff & Maureen Milner, Alcantara

Hi Leapy

Unfortunately I am back in the UK for a while due to this ridiculous 90­day rule because my lovely lady has Parkinson’s and thought she would be treated better in the UK. She wouldn’t sign up to being a Spanish resident although we had lived in Spain for circa 13 years and paid all our non­resident taxes and everything we were asked to pay, but I love her so much I agreed. Possibly a mistake, but as they say love is blind. Now I have a gallbladder full of stones, an enlarged prostate which keeps me going to the toilet all night and a hernia that has reappeared after 30 years like a duck’s egg sticking out of my groin. Of course when I went to my doctor’s surgery after paying my National Insurance non­stop since I started work at the age of 15 and on April 6 I will be 75, there wasn’t a chance in hell of it being repaired, so on the 19th I go in to a private hospital here to get it sorted and will leave hopefully ok, but £3,500 lighter. We have also spent a bloody fortune on private health care in Spain so we wouldn’t be a burden on the system but of course it is a repair so not covered. Had it been a new hernia I would have been straight in to San Carlos and it would have been sorted now. I am sure I have bored you beyond belief but actually the whole purpose of this email was for me to see if you could find out who signed off the paperwork to enable that vile scum Glitter to go straight in front of people who have been waiting for months if not years and have a private room and have a very expensive op (at taxpayer’s expense) to have his knees operated on. I myself feel he should have been so far down the waiting list that he would have been long dead before he was called up and hoped he had suffered more pain than those poor children that he abused, it just beggars

belief Leapy. Now I know as you say you get so many people contacting you that you can’t reply and I fully understand that but it would be nice to read in the EWN that at least you have voiced your opinion on this. Keep up the good work and although we are back in the UK for a little while we always check your opinions on line and 99 per cent of the time agree with you entirely.

Joe

Dear Sirs

I have just read with great interest your article on applying for a blue badge. I started the process for applying for a blue badge for my husband in February 2020 and he finally received it in December 2022, which is two months short of three years and nothing actually went wrong. Your article seems to imply that your doctor can declare you as having at least a 33 per cent disability. This is not the case. You have to have an interview at the Centro de Valoracion y Orientacion in Malaga. You have to apply for this interview submitting all of your relevant medical history. After submitting the application we waited for this appointment for over two years.

Then several months after the interview for them to award their decision, then we were able to start the process for applying for the blue badge. Never in all of this procedure were we asked to provide passport photos. I have actually heard that the process is now taking even longer. I cannot help noticing recently that there are many unoccupied disabled parking spaces. I presume this is down to the virtually impossible task of actually obtaining a blue badge.

Kind regards

Valerie Neal, Mijas Costa

Just a thought

Lanzarote’s president has a point. Spain’s tourist image is damaged by an irresponsible minority.

For many decades, excessive drunkenness by certain British tourists has been a problem in Spain. The consequences can range from loud, juvenile groups at the next table in a restaurant to fights, vomiting and vandalism in public areas.

This behaviour can ruin a night out or even a holiday for more mature holidaymakers and is an unacceptable inconvenience for local residents.

Other nationalities don’t necessarily drink less than these Brits; the point is that they generally handle it better ­ possibly because they are in better mental and physical health.

David R Worboys

Stray animal found

WHAT to do if you find a stray animal in Spain

All pets in Spain by law should have a permanent identification (microchip) in case of loss, change of ownership or death of a pet. In Andalucia, the database that enrols pets is the RAIA (Registro Andaluz Animal Identification), owned by the Andalucian Council of Colleges of Veterinary.

If you find a stray animal, you can contact an authorised veterinarian, call the phone number or email the RAIA, contact the competent service of the town hall (Environment or Health) or the Local Police or Guardia Civil.

Initially you could check if the animal belongs to any of your neighbours or take it to your local vet and they will check to see if it is microchipped. If it is then they will contact the owner. If it is not chipped you could take a look at the Lost Animal pages on social media or put up signs in your local area.

If this does not reunite the animal with its owner, inform the Local Police or the Guardia Civil so that they can proceed with identification and, where appropriate, temporary accommodation in a centre for abandoned and lost animals, until recovery by the owner.

Cat-sitters become playmates

YOU may have had cats yourself, and know cats that demand a playmate. Well Talisker is one such cat. His owners find pet­sitters to care for him at home and then leave for their holidays. What the unsuspecting cat­sitters don’t realise is quite how demanding this intelligent feline can be. Challenging and fun Talisker will always need new pet­sitters.

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 undis­

turbed. Let us help.

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.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

4. Post an advert for the

Advertising Feature

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 housesit match.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.Housesit match.com.

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

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Pine processionary caterpillars

BETWEEN the months of February and April the processionaries (pine caterpillars) migrate from their nests (bags) in the pines to their burial area to form the chrysalis that will rise to the butterflies at the end of summer. Sometimes it can happen earlier, so from January you have to be careful.

The fact they go in procession on the ground attracts dogs, not so much cats. The hairs released by caterpillars contain a capsule with a toxin called ‘taumatopein.’ Hair in contact with the skin or mucosa of dogs releases the toxin causing severe swelling, generally on the face, lips, mouth and tongue, in these cases causing the dog to scratch its face and salivation.

If the contact with the toxin has been intense, it can cause severe necrosis and infection of the tissues with loss, for ex­

ample, of part of the tongue.

It can sometimes cause severe laryngeal edema that can even lead to death. Eye injuries can also occur. This can occur not only by getting close to the caterpillars but also by the release of hairs into the environment from the bags of the pines by the wind.

If you live near pine trees or after a walk in a pine forest, observe these symptoms in your dog, if possible wash your dog’s mouth thoroughly with water. Use gloves since there may be hairs without releasing the toxin which can cause irritation to your hands and arms. Go to the vet for treatment.

Wash your dog’s mouth.

Talisker loves company, and always trains his catsitters well.

APP REPAIRS

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

ARCHITECT

CARS FOR SALE

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

info@beneficialinsuranceinspain. com or visit www.beneficialinsu ranceinspain.com for online quote. (302516)

MOBILE WELDER: GATES, RAILINGS AND GRILLS. ALL REPAIRS. CALPE TO TORREVIEJA. +447787 585 714 / +447470 059 469. (294631)

PETS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

DUTCH BEAUTY SALON Alfaz del Pi. Functioning for 20 years. Fully equipped, Low rent, Low take over. Walk-in & start. Tel 610 997 786

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

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

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

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CHARITY

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

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

www.helpbenidorm.org and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have a car (although this is not essential). Tel President 607 387 040. We are an Englishspeaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all nationalities in times of crisis. We meet every Thursday at 11am in Jose

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

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

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

WIGS

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

INSURANCE

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

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

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ALBIR , ALTEA, MORAIRA, 24 HOUR EMERGENCY. 686 513 510 (294632)

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RELAX CENTRE in BENIDORMExcellent atmosphere. Expert Masseuses. 24/7 Outcalls - Tel: 603 324 564 (290194)

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

RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (303050)

METALWORK

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

PROPERTY WANTED

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

MISCELLANEOUS MOTORBIKES

PETER ZWAAN MOTORBIKES, A+ Occasions showroom, Honda NC700D, 700cc, yr 2012, 16.000 kms, Euro 3.200 . CostaBlancaMotor bikes.com (290148)

MOTORING

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

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

NURSING

RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixaprefer two beds. Needed urgently - call Janice on 0044 7736 251 800 (279523)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

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

MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/Whatsapp 636 100 873 (303109)

OTHERS

VIAGRA / KAMAGRA / CIALIS. BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY. ALL AREAS COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (303028)

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

PAINTERS/DECORATOR

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

ROLLER SHUTTERS SKIP HIRE

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy.com (1296178)

JAVEA SKIP HIRE. CALPE TO DENIA. 2.5M AND 3.5M SKIPS. GARDEN OR RUBBLE.TEL:692 588 088. (302905)

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS

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

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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

TRANSLATIONS VAN SERVICES

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

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

Honda CR-V - under the radar!

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

THERE are some cars that operate under the radar, you can forget they’re out

there and this is arguably the case with Honda’s CR­V. It isn’t exciting, it’s not head turning and it’s certainly not going to set your motoring senses aflame. What it does though is provide ultra­reli­

able, comfortable and well equipped family transport.

The build quality is su perb, in fact it puts some premium mod els to shame, and even the leadmodel comes ex tremely well equipped.

You get leather upholstery, heated front seats wind screen wiper de­icer, auto wipers, auto LED lights, powered, heat ed, reverse tilting, folding door mirrors, parking sensors front and rear, cornering lights, auto high beam headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, adaptive cruise control, dual zone climate control, navigation with Car Play and Android Auto and a plethora of safety kit that’s not overly intrusive like so many modern cars.

The Honda comes with a 2.0­litre, four­cylinder petrol unit that’s mated to a twin

electric motor hybrid system that recharges on the move. The system automatically uses the most efficient drive whether electric, hybrid or engine. It’s a perfect compromise for those who see having to plug­in your hybrid or electric car as a bit of a faff. Inside it’s remarkably spacious and there’s plenty of room for the family to stretch out, not to mention stow all their luggage.

The range starts from €41,558/£36,580 and there are three trim levels with two and four­ wheel ­ drive and just one 2.0­litre engine.

As with most electric and hybrid vehicles the transmission system is automatic, however the Honda uses a single fixed­gear ratio creating a direct connection between moving components.

Otherwise known as e­CVT.

While very smooth under hard acceleration ­ the

2WD version reaches 62 mph in 8.6 seconds, so impressive for a low powered it is noisy. This is in direct contrast to lower speed city driving and cruising when the CR­V is impressively quiet and refined. The transmission and drive modes ­ EV, Econ and Sport ­ are all switch operated rather than by levers and make for a compact and easy to use driving environment.

On the road it’s a genuinely nice drive and surprisingly nimble, the ergonomics are first class with a touch screen and instruments of excellent clarity. It may be discreet and sensible, as opposed to so many models that are overtly bold and ­ in ­ yourface, but that’s the secret of its success. It’s a touch of class and class doesn’t have to announce its presence.

HONDA CR-V: A touch of class and class doesn’t have to announce its presence.

One arrested after ‘security threat’ at Leeds

ON Friday, March 24, Elland Road stadium, the home of English Premier League side Leeds United was closed down. The action was believed to be the result of a reported ‘security threat’ made on social media.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the Premier League club wrote: “Leeds United’s offices, ticket office, Foundation offices and club shop at Elland Road will be closed until further notice on the advice of the police. We apologise for any inconvenience and we will inform the public when normal service resumes”.

“Police were called to attend the stadium following reports of a security threat to the premises. Investigations were ongoing to establish the credibility of that threat. The report was received at 9.49pm on Friday,” a spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police told a news source.

However, Leeds United announced on Sunday March 26 that the stadium was once again open. A statement post­

ed on the club’s Twitter profile read: “West Yorkshire Police have advised Leeds United that Elland Road can reopen, effective immediately. We apologise for any inconvenience and we thank the public for their support”.

A 20­year­old man was reportedly arrested in connection with a ‘security threat’ that was made, believed to have been through a social media post.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the Premier League

club wrote: “Leeds United’s offices, ticket office, Foundation offices and club shop at Elland Road will be closed un­

til further notice on the advice of the police. We apologise for any inconvenience and we will inform the public when normal service resumes”.

“Police were called to attend at Elland Road football stadium following reports of a security threat to the premises. Investigations are currently ongoing to establish the credibility of that threat. The report was received at 9.49pm last night”, said a spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police.

ELLAND ROAD: Was closed down to a security threat made on social media.

50.5% of gym goers are women.

Clean sweep for Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE were victorious on Sunday after noon, March 26, in both the Men’s and Women’s Gemini Boat Race 2023 against Oxford on the Thames at Putney in London, as announced on the Twitter Boat Race profile.

In this 168th edition of the Men’s event, Tassilo von Mueller won the coin toss and chose the Surrey station for Oxford. That left Jasper Parish with the Middlesex station.

Cambridge cox Jasper Parish took a gamble ­ that ultimately paid off ­ in steering his team closer to the river bank to search for easier passage through the waters of the Thames in Fulham. This led to his rowers gaining a lead of around half a boat’s length. The Goldie boat subsequently crossed the line to take victory over Isis by 1.3 lengths, for the fourth time in five years.

One hour earlier, in the 77th edition of the Women’s Boat Race, Oxford took the Middlesex station, with Cambridge starting from the Surrey station. Cambridge were also victorious, with Blondie beating Osiris by 4.5 lengths in a time of 20m 29s.

BAYERN MUNICH , one of the true giants of European football stunned the sport on Friday, March 24, by firing their manager Julian Nagelsmann and immediately appointing Thomas Tuchel to replace him.

The shock news was confirmed in a very short and blunt statement from the German club. Posted on Twitter, it read: “FC Bayern and head coach Julian Nagelsmann have parted company. This decision was taken by CEO Oliver Kahn and board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic in consultation with club president Herbert Hainer. Nagelsmann will be succeeded by Thomas Tuchel.”

In a further statement, Bayern wrote: “Tuchel will

Bayern fire manager

receive a contract until June 30, 2025, and will supervise squad training for the first time on Monday. Along with Nagelsmann, assistant coaches Dino Toppmoller, Benjamin Glck and Xaver Zembrod have also been released.”

Oliver Kahn added: “When we signed Julian Nagelsmann for FC Bayern in the summer of 2021, we were convinced we would work with him on a longterm basis ­ and that was the goal of all of us right up to the end. Julian shares our aspiration to play successful and attractive football.

“But now we have come

to the conclusion that the quality in our squad ­ despite the Bundesliga title last year ­ has come to the fore less and less often. After the World Cup, we have played

less successfully and less attractively. The big fluctuations in performance have cast doubt on our goals for this season, but also our goals for the future.”

Second spot

NEW ZEALAND’S premier batter Kane Williamson has moved back towards the top spot in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings while Australia’s Josh Hazlewood is the new No. 1 ODI bowler with India’s Mohammad Siraj slipping to third.

Williamson, a formerly top ­ ranked batter, has moved up four slots to take second position in the list led by Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne after top scoring with 215 in an innings victory over Sri Lanka in Wellington that helped seal their two ­ match ICC World Test Championship se ­

ries 2 ­ 0.

Henry Nicholls, who scored 200 not out and featured in a triple­century partnership with Williamson, has also made rapid progress, moving up 20 places to 27th position. Captain Tim Southee (up one place to 11th) and Matt Henry (up four places to 31st) are the Kiwi players to advance in the bowling rankings.

For Sri Lanka, captain Dimuth Karunaratne is in the top 10 with scores of 89 and 51 while Dinesh Chandimal has moved up one slot to 17th with scores of 37 and 62.

BAYERN MUNICH: Stunned the sport with their news.

Credit: Twitter@FCBayern

Annual boat race.