Costa Blanca North 6 – 12 April 2023 Issue 1970

PALM SUNDAY BLESSING

HUNDREDS of residents and visitors celebrated the traditional ‘Palm blessing’ on Sunday that marks the beginning of Holy Week in Benidorm.

The Palm Sunday blessing of the palm leaves and olive branches at San Jaime and Santa Ana church also included a procession through the streets before Mass, with

large numbers of residents and tourists taking part in the solemn event. Also present was Benidorm mayor Toni Pérez and several other members of the local and provincial governments, together with the local patron saint fiesta authorities.

Children were once again the protagonists, as

according to tradition their godmothers gift them a palm leaf to be blessed by the local priest.

Image by Benidorm Town Hall.

BENIDORM: Large numbers took part in the solemn event.

VILLAJOYOSA has been named ‘Maritime Town of the Year’.

The award celebrates the importance of the town’s fishing trade and the local leisure activities linked to the sea.

National government sub ­ delegate Araceli Poblador handed the award to Villajoyosa mayor Andreu Verdú, who highlighted the four pillars of the town’s tourism trade, namely the Moors and Christians festivities ­ officially classed as an International Tourism Interest event ­ the local seabased cuisine, its history and its beaches.

The mayor also used the opportunity to underline the difficulties currently faced by the fishing sector and the council’s efforts to alleviate the situation, includ­

ing the Pescaturismo plan presented at national travel fair Fitur, “to give the sector a viable alternative.”

“Villajoyosa’s cuisine is based on fishing; if this sector disappears, the tourist trade will suffer immensely,” warned Sr Verdú.

The local fish market is one of the town’s main

Uneven day’s fishing

Linda Hall

THE Teulada­Moraira Fishing Club visited section B1 of the River Jucar on March 29.

The weather was pleasant, calm and sunny with wisps of mist on the surface of the water. “Its colour was a little better than the previous week so we hoped it would fish a little better,” Graham Sewell said.

“Several fish were topping, which showed they were active and, we hoped, feeding.

However, things began very slowly and by lunchtime, whilst most had caught at least something, fishing was generally hard.”

The higher­numbered pegs did slightly better, but only Steve Hartwell on the end peg had much success, and by the end of the match had caught as many fish as the rest of the anglers put together.

Steve Hartwell was way out in front with 15 fish for 34.35

kilos, with Paul Hall ranked second with three fish for 8.95 kilos. He was followed by Frank Povey (three fish and 8.53 kilos) in third place, with Graham Sewell fourth (four fish and 8.38 kilos). Overall, 30 fish were landed for a total weight of 66.55 kg.

For further information about the Teulada­Moraira Fishing Club, contact Frank Povey on 966 490 338 or frankpovey1@gmail.com.

Library for babies

attractions, with businesses and members of the public alike taking part in the weekly auctions.

The award also highlights the yacht club, which regularly hosts major national and international sporting events such as the Eurochallenge kayak competition taking place this month.

A NEW library for babies and families has been inaugurated in Benitachell.

The bebeteca ­ bebé and biblioteca ­ is located in a separate room of the municipal library and features comfortable furniture for toddlers such as puffs, cushions and small tables and chairs, as well as shelves full of storybooks and games.

The space is safe and cosy, and is designed for babies and their families to read, learn and play together.

It was inaugurated on Saturday April 1 with a baby storytelling and a small gathering of par­

ents with their children, as well as members of the local government.

The aim of the bebeteca is to create a space for tots to enjoy their first contact with the world of books and learning through playing, as well as helping parents to enjoy quality time with their children.

It is the latest in a series of developments at the library to involve young children and their families, including expanding the collection of baby books and those for parents relating to issues such as pregnancy, birth and education, among others.

Villajoyosa fish market.

Image by Turismolavilajoiosa.com

Park repairs

THE renovation plans for Villajoyosa’s Parque Censal were presented this week. Work will focus on repairing and repaving the stage area, transforming the access steps into grandstands and recovering the old sea­facing amphitheatre. A new cafeteria will also be built.

Fresh water

A NEW freshwater tank will be built in Denia to increase reserves in case of an emergency shortage. Municipal water company Aqualia will invest nearly €3.5 million in the project that will increase the capacity of stored water.

Pool space

THE old indoor swimming pool in Els Poblets has been transformed into a health and leisure centre. After standing unused since it closed down in 2016, the local council has now invested €156,000 into covering over the pool to create a multipurpose space.

Road works

IMPROVEMENT and repair work has begun on the roads around Villajoyosa’s Montiboli urbanisation. The project includes resurfacing the roads, improving street lighting and the access to the beach from the urbanisation.

Yummy!

STUDENTS at Denia’s special education school Raquel Payá will have their own food stand at the municipal market. The participants in cooking and catering courses in local bars and restaurants will prepare a selection of dishes using ingredients bought at the market.

Blown out

DENIA’S Feria del Stock outlet fair due to take place at calle La Vía last weekend had to be cancelled due to damage caused to the stands by the fierce winds on Saturday night. A new date for the event will be announced shortly.

Easter message from the EWN

AS Easter approaches, the Euro Weekly News would like to wish all of our readers a happy and joyous holiday.

Easter is a time of deep significance for many residents in Spain, as it represents the triumph of life over death and hope over despair. At the Euro Weekly News , we are proud to be a part of the vibrant and diverse com­

munity in Spain. We believe that it is important to not only report on the news, but to also engage with the communities that we serve.

As we celebrate Easter, we are reminded of the values that are important to us as a community. We are reminded of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and hope,

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Baywatch in Villajoyosa

and we are grateful for the opportunities to celebrate with our loved ones and neighbours. We wish you all a happy Easter. May this holiday bring you peace, joy, and renewed hope for the future, and may we continue to come together as a community in the spirit of love and unity.

Revamp plans Extra parking

BENIDORM Town Hall has created an extra 372 free parking spaces ready for the Easter holidays.

The new places are located inside the unused car park on Avenida Puerto Rico in the Poniente area and will be available until Monday April 10.

The council­owned car park will remain open every day from 9am to midnight to deal with the increased numbers of visitors to the town during the holiday season, with 156 spaces inside the building and another 211 places for cars and 11 for motorbikes and mopeds in an exterior plot

that is fully tarmacked and signposted.

Benidorm mayor Toni Pérez explained that the new facilities will enable the council to test the degree of occupation, demand and the hours of greater traffic in order to more accurately plan the future management of the municipal car park.

The new facilities are added to the more than 7,000 existing parking spaces throughout the town.

With the arrival of Easter, Avenida Armada Española has also been reopened to traffic following a series of improvements to the road.

Investment drive

THE Alicante provincial government has launched an investment drive to help the towns affected by last year’s forest fires to recover.

Last summer, flames devoured around 11,500 hectares of forest land in and around the Vall d’Ebo, the Vall de Gallinera, the Vall de Laguar, Orba, Pego, Planes, Tollos and Tormos, among other areas.

The Diputación de Alicante’s grants are aimed at helping local councils to recover the areas’ vegetation

and biodiversity to prevent land loss and to restore them to their original state.

Work will focus on removing burnt wood, covering the affected ground with shredded branches to prevent erosion, and treating surviving trees to help them recover, among other actions.

An initial aid package of €150,000 has been approved for councils to draw up recovery plans, with an extra budget of up to €3 million to carry out the necessary work.

THE plans for Calpe’s newly designed Plaça Major and Fossa seafront promenade were presented last week.

Local technicians used 3D imaging and virtual design to draw up a mock of the final result to show Mayor Ana Sala and the members of the public who gathered at the town hall.

The Plaça Major, an epicentre of the town where all the major festive and social events take place, will be equipped with a new cafeteria, shaded areas and a grandstand for the Teatre Odeon, while existing problems of filtrations into the underground car park will also be solved.

Regarding the Fossa beach walkway and its surroundings, the revamp will affect more than two kilometres, including creating a children’s playground and sports facilities at Calalga square and new deco­

ration and benches all along the promenade.

A new vantage point shaped like a ship will be built at the highest point of the walkway, four public toilets will be installed and a tourist information point will be opened.

A MUNICIPAL lifesaving course for over­18s has been launched by Villajoyosa Council.

Up to 10 local youngsters are taking part in the sixweek theory and practice training sessions to obtain the official qualification to work at beaches and swimming pools in the Valencia Region this summer.

According to Villajoyosa Education councillor Xente Sebastià, the course serves the double purpose of “enabling the youngest sector of population of working age to find employment and at the same time helping to make our beaches safer.”

Sebastià also recalled that a participant in last year’s edition saved the life of a swimmer in Villajoyosa last summer thanks to the skills learnt on the course.

The 2022 edition resulted in 85 per cent of participants finding work before the course ended, and 100 per cent ended up working at beaches and pools.

Calpe mayor Ana Sala during the presentation.

Image by Calpe Town Hall.

Going organic

THE first rubbish containers for organic waste have been inaugurated in Denia.

These containers are located together with the ones for paper, glass and plastics, and are locked with a digital system that requires a card to open in order to deposit the refuse.

The cards can be obtained from the offices of the managing company at Avinguda Marquesat, 5 and from the marquees set up at different points throughout the town to explain how the system works.

Municipal Ecologic

Transition councillor

Maite Pérez presented the new containers last week and encouraged all residents to request the card to separate their organic wastemore than 380 people have already done so.

EU funds for Benitachell Medal game

BENITACHELL has received €2.4 million of European aid for projects aimed at developing sustainable tourism.

Denia Mayor Vicent

Grimalt highlighted the importance of this new system and the introduction of new adapted collection vehicles, declaring that it “opens a new chapter in refuse collection in Denia, the Montgó, Les Marines, Jesús Pobre and La Xara.”

Sr Grimalt also pointed out the convenience of not having to lift up the lid of the new organic bins, while Sra Pérez highlighted their larger size, accessibility and strong materials used in their construction, which makes them more stable and resistant.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

The funds are part of the EU’s Sustainable Tourism Plans included in the Next Generation scheme, and Benitachell and Denia are so far the only towns in the Marina Alta to qualify for the grants. With less than 5,000 inhabitants, Benitachell was competing for the funds with larger towns and cities throughout the Valencia Region including Alicante, Elche, Castellón, Benidorm, Gandia and Oliva, among others.

The amount awarded is more than half the municipal budget for a whole year and will be invested in 25 projects over the next few years.

These plans are split into four categories, namely green and sustainable transition, energy efficiency, digital transition, and competitivity.

Most projects focus on the coastal area, while others are aimed at promoting cohesion between the coast and the town centre. The local council had been working on the project for over a year with a number of local technicians and experts to design a strategy for a new tourism model based on sustainability, digitalisation, and social and territorial cohesion.

Empowering women

A EUROPEAN project to encourage female empowerment took place in Pedreguer last week.

‘Techgirls’ consisted of a series of events aimed at promoting gender equality and

with a single step.”

Originating from a Chinese proverb meaning that however big the task is, it starts with a small step.

the financial independence of women, reducing the gender pay gap and increasing the decision­making power of women within a digital framework.

The project, financed completely with EU funds, called on women in towns and cities throughout Europe to discuss gender perspective within the Digital Europe and Green Deal policies.

One of the main events was

a visit by a delegation of 26 participants from the Latvian city of Kuldiga, who took part in a videoconference about artificial intelligence and gender perspective led by EU Employment commissioner GeorginaIona Mozer­Schönborn and Madrid University investigator Leticia Bendelac.

The Latvian delegation also visited the headquarters of leading local businesses Rolser and Fresental.

MONTGO Golf Society played a Medal Qualifier sponsored by Dirk Knappe. Dirk provided prizes for the Best Gross Score and Best Net Score so we had two winners. Taking the Best Gross Score was Gerian van Ooijen(H/C 9) with a gross score of 82.

The best net score went to our handicap secretary Sue Burman with a net score of 63. Second best net score went to Alan McManus with a fine 69. We had two nearest the pin prizes on offer today 16th and 18th taking home the spoils was Sally Cottrell and Mick Connolly. We had two 2’s today Sally Cottrell & Helmut Pertler.

• 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

Image by Benitachell Town Hall.

Benitachell’s Cala del Moraig.

The new organic containers in Denia.

“A Journey of a thousand miles begins

415 Brits spend more than £415 million on Easter eggs.

Image by Dénia Town Hall.

Pedreguer in Brussels

PEDREGUER mayor Sergi Ferrús took part in a conference of European council leaders to discuss the energy crisis in Brussels last week.

The ‘Cities on the frontline of the energy crisis’ discussion took place in the EU headquarters on March 30 and focused on local approaches to energy transition and how these efforts can become long­term strategies to define new lifestyles to face climate change.

Before the conference, Sr Ferrús met with EU Energy commissioner Kadri Simson to discuss the role of smaller towns, together with council leaders from Stockholm, Grenoble, Milan, Warsaw and other towns and cities.

More than 300 mayors and representatives of European institutions took part in the debate, where the mayor of Pedreguer outlined the various projects carried out in the town to reduce energy consumption.

The European Commission highlighted the ‘50/50’ project in Pedreguer, aimed at raising awareness about energy saving among schoolchildren.

Sr Ferrús also explained other initiatives such as the ‘door to door’ refuse collection service.

Seniors Win Play Off

AN action packed weekend saw both the Under 16s and the seniors recording fine wins against tough opposition

First up was the Ba Bas S16s who entertained Elche in the leagues semi final play offs.

The game was hard fought and it was evident from the first whistle that the players meant business. However, in the end the home team scraped through 29-24 and now play La Vila in the final on April 22.

Following on from this superb victory, the seniors took on UCV Saturday afternoon, for the Valencian 1st Division 3rd

and 4th placings play off.

The visitors again opened the scoring following some fine support play, but the Barbarians fought back and went into half time leading 10-7. Again the second half was evenly balanced and the collisions were immense, with no team taking a backwards step.

As the away team tired going into the last 10 minutes, the BaBas scored a breakaway try, and finally ran out winners25-19

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

Teulada told off

TEULADA T own Hall has been ‘told off’ by the Valencian ombudsman for failing to respond to complaints by residents regarding the location of the refuse containers in Calle Tárbena.

Following a complaint filed by a neighbour in October last year, the ombudsman requested reports from Teulada Council and the regional government on the issue.

The public entity then issued a series of recommendations and ‘home -

work’ for Teulada Town Hall, calling on the council to issue an official reply to the complaint within one month.

However, the council failed to do so, and has therefore been found guilty of lack of collaboration with the institution.

The ruling will be published on the elsindic. com/actuaciones website, with the aim of allowing residents to check the level of compliance of the Town Hall with local concerns.

SENIORS: Recorded a fine win against tough opposition.

In safe hands

BENIDORM is the only town in Alicante Province with its own laboratory dedicated exclusively to checking the quality of the water and the sand on the town’s beaches.

Samples are taken at nine different points along the port, Levante beach, Serra Gelada, Mal Pas and Poniente beach every fortnight in the low season and every week in the high season, sometimes increasing to every day during particularly busy periods.

The sea water, sand and

foot showers are tested for possible pathogens, bacteria and fungi in order to take urgent action if needed, as well as checking the pH and temperature all year round.

More than 50,000 people visit Benidorm’s beaches every day during the summer high season, and unlike at other coastal tourist hotspots during the winter, the services on offer ­ including lifeguard duty, cleaning, rental of loungers and parasols, accessibility and beach librarynever stop.

Tree-planting

This explains the importance of monitoring the quality permanently, according to Health and Beaches councillor Mónica Gómez.

The councillor adds that the tests almost always come out negative for the presence of hazardous elements, even during the peak of the high season.

In fact, Sra Gómez adds that there have only been five cases over the last 20 years when the maximum safety limits for certain pathogens were exceeded.

Gender inequality

WOMEN dedicate an average of two to four hours a day to household chores while men dedicate only one, according to a new study by Denia Town Hall.

The council is currently drawing up the sixth edition of its Equal Opportunities Plan, and the first conclusion is that there are still large differences in conciliation between work and home life and joint responsibility between the sexes.

The research also reveals the existence of a generational digital gap, as well as addiction to new technologies and a greater fear of ‘sexting’, ie unwanted sharing of intimate and sexual images, especially among young people aged under 29.

Municipal Equality councillor Javier Scotto presented the initial results of the study and highlighted the fact that there is little awareness among young people of both sexes regarding policies to tackle inequality and that

many do not even know that there is such as thing as an Equality department at the town hall.

“This proves just how important it is to promote these services,” said the councillor. The study also reveals that there is widespread insecurity regarding nightlife and leisure, and that more education is needed on equality, sexually transmitted diseases and good business practices.

PEGO local council has drawn up a plan to boost and improve green areas around the town.

The move falls into line with European criteria to improve quality of life for residents in towns and cities by making them ‘greener’.

Mayor Enrique Moll presented the plan this week, which focuses on creating an inventory of existing trees, designing a maintenance programme and establishing the guidelines to plant new ones.

Sr Moll explained the difference between this scheme and previous treeplanting drives is this time the council has “avoided the quick option of planting trees indiscriminately,” and that the aim is to study which types of species are best for each area.

In addition, the new trees will be professionally cared for from the beginning, ensuring adequate preparation, growth and maintenance.

The mayor highlighted that this approach will prevent problems such as the case of the western access roundabout to the industrial estate, where lack of planning led to the entire structure having to be rebuilt.

The first stage of the plan is to plant nearly 200 new trees sourced from a local company.

Keeping Benidorm beaches safe.

Women dedicate more time to chores.

Image by Nito/Shutterstock

Easter clean-up

CALPE has stepped up the municipal street cleaning services ready for the Easter festivities.

The council has drawn up a special refuse collection plan, with two routes in the morning from Monday to Saturday in and around the town centre and a special collection at the town’s urbanisations on Sunday.

Two municipal teams will collect furniture and other large objects ­ one each for the town centre and the urbanisations ­and two teams will be dedicated to collecting gardening waste.

Road sweeping and cleaning will take place every day from Monday to Sunday in the town.

Car park battle

DENIA’S El R aset car park at the port will finally reopen for Easter free of charge for users following an ongoing dispute between different entities over the management of the facilities.

After much toing and froing, Denia mayor Vicent Grimalt announced last Saturday that El Raset will reopen during the Holy Week celebrations until April 11 - during which time it will be free to use as it will no longer be managed by a private company.

The mayor stepped in after the port authorities last Friday closed and blocked off the facilities, one of the

most important car parks in the town due to both its location and capacity, just before this week’s extremely busy bank holiday weekend.

The town hall was forced to send in the Local Police on Saturday to ensure that the blocks of cement blocking the access to the car park were removed after the port authorities refused.

El Raset car park is at the heart of a dispute between the port authorities and a private managing firm that has now been granted the rights over the site and which has led to a bitter court case cur -

Six digital buses

A MOBILE campaign to boost IT skills among residents has arrived in the Marina Alta.

A fleet of six buses will take the ‘Generación D’ digital skills scheme to Benissa, Teulada, Javea, Pego and Altea until June, offering a series of free educational and fun activities for all ages to encourage digitalisation and help close the digital gap among older and younger generations.

All activities last about 40 minutes and focus on the internet, social networks, cybersecurity and online administrative procedures.

The immersive experience onboard the buses is adapted to the individual needs of each participant. Users first take a self-diagnosis test to de-

termine their level of digital knowledge, followed a series of games and activities that range from performing efficient internet searches to identifying ‘fake news’, using social networks and managing their online profile.

The buses also include an escape room where users must put into practice what they have learnt in order to solve the mystery and find the exit.

A team of experts will also offer group workshops and discussions about the digital world.

Each activity is awarded a number of points, so the more people take part, the higher the town will rank on a national list with a prize for the top municipality.

rently under way.

It will be closed again after April 11 until the new firm takes over, when it will once again be pay-touse.

Denia mayor Vicent Grimalt (centre).

Image by Dénia Town Hall.

Fire ban enforced The importance of screening

SCREENING for colorectal cancer in the Marina Alta has reduced mortality by 30 per cent, according to figures published by Denia Health department.

Public Health director Pascual Martí presented the results last week, adding that although participation and effectiveness figures are above the national average, more people should take part in the prevention programme.

The latest round of screening focused on men and women aged 50 to 69 from all

Cancer screening.

over the Marina Alta, who received an invitation in their letter box.

Those who wished to take part in the early detection campaign then received a testing kit to collect a stool sample

JAVEA Council has launched two new projects to encourage sport and physical exercise.

Xàbia Camina offers walking and running routes through the town and its surroundings, while Nada’M highlights the importance of swimming as one of the best types of allround exercise for all ages and fitness levels.

Local Sports councillor Alberto Tur presented the plan this week, explaining that special signposting has been set up at over a dozen terrestrial and two marine routes showing the total distance, difficulty and points of interest along the way.

In addition, a calendar of guided excursions

to check for blood. If negative, the patient is informed of the result and invited to repeat the test two years later.

If positive, the patient is advised to contact their GP for a colonoscopy.

Javea walks

through these routes has been drawn up, with trips planned all year round starting in October.

According to the councillor, the aim is to encourage non-competitive sport, offering a wide range of possibilities tailored to different abilities.

The routes include urban circuits using the town as a large sports track and others that are perfect to explore the area’s natural environment, combining the mountains and the sea while enjoying the spectacular views.

BURNING garden refuse and starting any kind of fire is now banned throughout the Valencia Region.

The Agriculture department announced the suspension of all authorisations for agricultural bonfires as of March 30 due to the rise in temperatures and the high risk of forest fires.

The yearly summer ban has been brought forward from past years as a result of the dry weather conditions registered at this time of year.

All fires, including barbecues, are now prohibited at distances of less than 500 metres from forest land and surrounding areas, with the ban remaining in place until the weather conditions change.

Image by Dragon Images/Shutterstock

U3A Marina Baixa

BY becoming a member of U3A Marina Baixa you will never be short of something to do. Over the last week members have enjoyed a lunchtime ‘Wine and Dine’ at Mister X restaurant in Altea, taken part in La Nucía Interna­

tional Day and still had the energy to have a lovely afternoon stroll along 4kms of riverside tracks beside the river Algar. The route is maintained by the local authority who have been very generous with their information boards giving details of the local flora and fauna. We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful area with stunning scenery right on our doorstep.

Every week groups such as Crafts, Petanca, Computing and Chaps Chatter offer activities for members, with monthly meetings of 10 pin bowling, Just us Guys, Picnics

and Solo Amigos. On April 28 ‘Wine and Dine’ will be at Kathmandu in Albir and the Watercolour Group will be reconvening on September 4 which will be something to look forward to over the summer months.

The next meeting of the Association will be on Monday April 24 at the Casa de Cultura, Alfaz del Pi at 11.00 am. Membership is €10 for the year and will enable you to access all the activities and events organised by the Group Leaders.

At the meeting full information will be given on forthcoming trips and events.

Last big turnout

WITH news spreading around the Costa Blanca that Javea Green was closing, players came out in force in support of their fellow bowlers. The Early Easter Competition played over two days, welcomed bowlers from BBC, Bonalba, Calpe Paseo, El Cid and Greenlands.

After day one all teams had played three matches and the leaders were Perfect Draw from BBC who had won every match, but the second day saw them lose their last two matches and drop out of contention.

So, going into the last round of matches three teams had eight points, Great Bowls of Fire, Mike Gilbey, Carol and

Active ageing

THE town hall of Teulada­Moraira is taking part in the Age­Friendly Cities and Communities project launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The WHO describes an age­friendly city as one whose infrastructure and resources are adapted to the needs of elderly residents, thus promoting their inclusion and participation in the community.

Dudley Davies, Mavericks, Pam Coombe, Linda and Jeff Richards and 5 ­ Star, Sue Bosworth, Andy Miles and Dave Morrison. In the event all three teams won so the competition was decided on count back and Great Bowls of Fire and Mavericks could not be separated and the Trophy and prize money was shared!

At the emotional presentation our Captain Keith Hamilton thanked all visiting players for supporting Javea and assured them that our Club was still exploring avenues to find a solution.

Further information and more photos can be found on the JGBC website.

The aim of the scheme is to encourage active ageing, which has prompted the local Senior Citizens department led by Verónica Martínez to draw up an action plan that was presented in public this week. A cross ­ section of pensioners from both towns were called to add their needs, proposals and suggestions to include them in the plan.

“We are aware of the importance of active ageing. Therefore, through this initiative, we aim to meet the needs of our seniors and offer them opportunities for health, participation and safety, thus improving their quality of life,” said councillor Martínez.

U3A MEMBERS: Organise many trips and events.

Joan Flint, Press Officer.

AEMET in Spain has forecasted abnormally warm weather for the Easter week along with much lesser rainfall than usual.

According to the European Centre for Medium­Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), “Unusual warm temperatures for this time of year will prevail in the centre and south of the Peninsula.

“However, thermometers are expected to drop compared to previous days on Friday and Saturday,” the statement added.

The temperatures in the south, east, and centre of the Spanish peninsula, as well as the Canary Islands, will be particularly warm.

Aside from this, the Balearic Islands will also ex­

Abnormal temps

will not see much of it.

AEMET also states that the temperatures are expected to be above 20 degrees Celsius in the central and southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula during Easter Week.

Snow is also expected from Saturday onwards in the Pyrenees.

The weather has been unseasonably warm.

perience high temperatures.

However, temperatures will drop again in the north of the peninsula.

Rainfall is expected, but Easter Week in most of Spain

AEMET warns that the “Weather conditions can change and forecasts are not definitive due to the variable nature of the spring season.”

It added, “So uncertainty will never cease to be present in terms of the weather.”

National Police officer killed

JORDI DUART OLMOS, a 27­year­old National Police officer from Valencia, who was still in training, died on Saturday, April 1 in Madrid. According to police sources, his motorbike was involved in a collision with a Samur­Proteccion Civil ICU ambulance that was driving in the wrong direction in the Retiro district of the capital city.

The young policeman was stationed in the Usera district of Madrid and was on his way to

work when the crash happened. The incident took place at around 7:30am, at the junction of Avenida Ciudad de Barcelona and Calle Cafeto.

The young man died on the spot, according to a spokeswoman for Emergencias Madrid.

Madrid Municipal Police are carrying out an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

The driver of the ambulance, a 46­year­old man, was arrested on suspicion of reckless murder.

RENFE users can now obtain the free travel cards for Cercanias, Rodalies, and Media Distancia. They will be available for travel between May 1 and August 31, 2023.

After the government approved the extension of the free travel passes during 2023 for recurrent passengers, Renfe is now offering users specific multi­journey

tickets valid for each fourmonth period of the year.

Season tickets can be purchased via the Renfe Cercanias app. In the case of Media Distancia, season tickets are obtainable via www.renfe. com and the

usual sales channels. For Avant rail services, the 50 per cent discount on season tickets is maintained.

The Cercanias app allows the purchase of Cercanias and Rodalies recurrent season tickets by generating a

QR code that can be downloaded to a mobile phone and subsequently used at station access control.

To purchase the season ticket, although it is free, a deposit of €10 is required for Cercanias and Rodalies, and €20 for each conventional Media Distancia service.

Payment by credit card

will allow the deposit to be automatically refunded, once the condition of having

Renfe free passes on sale New nursing home reforms

THE more than 7,000 deaths registered in residential centres for the elderly in the Community of Madrid during the pandemic has led to reforms which were made public on Friday March 31, according to a news source.

In specific cases, problems with catering, with cleaning of the buildings or with attention to the inmates may have contributed to this situation.

The new regulation will affect both public

made 16 journeys during the four months has been confirmed.

management centres as well as private ones that arrange places with the regional Administration. All of them must follow the new guidelines based on reducing the number of elderly per centre, and seeking more rigorous and individualised care.

The three main reforms are that centres for the elderly that have more than 50 places, whether new or already in operation, must organise at least 33 per cent of the space in living units that do not exceed

First female president?

YOLANDA DIAZ, Spain’s popular Labour Minister, announced on Sunday April 2 that she wants to be the first female president of Spain, at the official launch of her election bid leading the new political movement, ‘Sumar’.

In July 2022 Díaz launched the new political movement called Sumar (meaning ‘to add’) which she hopes will eventually include all parties to the left of Sánchez’s socialists.

In a crowded sports centre in the heart of Madrid with more than 3,000 people inside and another 2,000 who saw her speech through external screens, Diaz presented her

project, defined as a new ‘bill of rights’ and a democratic, economic and social ‘contract’ for the Spain of the ‘next decade’.

“Today I am going to take a step forward, I want to be the first president of Spain. Because it is the time of women, because we women want to be the protagonists of history,” the leader of Sumar announced in a speech where she said she was “tired of guardianships.”

Largely unknown three years ago, 51­yearold Díaz moved under the political spotlight in January 2020 when she entered the government as a representative of Podemos.

Girl injured after bus accident

A 13-YEAR-OLD girl was transferred to the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital after being hit by the bus on the Gran Vía Escultor Francisco

Salzillo , in the municipality of Murcia .

The event occurred around 7.58pm on Tuesday March 28, when the ‘1­1­2’ Emergency Coordination Centre in the Region of Murcia received a number of calls reporting the accident.

A Local Police patrol, a Mobile Emergency Unit of the Emergency and Emergency Management ‘061’, travelled to the scene. The girl was treated “in situ” and then taken by ambulance to hospital where she remained for treatment.

New chapter

Betty Henderson

PEDRO SÁNCHEZ is making waves in China! The Spanish president arrived in the global superpower on Wednesday, March 29 where he participated in the opening of the Boao Economic Forum, also known as the ‘Chinese Davos’.

During his trip, he had the opportunity to meet with the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, as well as other key national figures including the Chinese Prime Minister, the President of the National People’s Assembly, and Chinese tour operators who work in the Spanish tourism market.

Sánchez talked about a variety of topics during his visit, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the economic ties between Spain and China.

However, the Spanish government carefully

avoided several sensitive topics including bans on technology companies Huawei and TikTok that several other countries have imposed due to concerns about potential espionage activities.

Despite controversies over technology and China’s international policy, Sánchez has remained op­

Rare dragon

A SPANISH zoo successfully bred five baby Komodo dragons for the first time in 10 years. The species, known as the largest surviving land lizard in the world, is now considered endangered, which makes their hatch in the institute ‘very important’.

“There are approximately 1,500 specimens left in the wild which is why the species maintenance and reproduction in animal institutions is so important,” said Milagros Robledo, Head of Herpetology Department at Bioparc Zoo in Fuengirola, Spain.

Scientists took 12 eggs after they were laid, five eggs were selected for incubation. It took eight months for the lizards to hatch.

“Komodo dragons are difficult to breed for a number of reasons,” said Jesus Recuero, Technical Director and veterinarian.

Taking a shot

timistic about the future of economic cooperation between Spain and China. During his visit, he emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between the countries.

Sánchez visited the country as a national representative rather than an EU delegate.

GLOBAL drinks giant Coca­Cola is shaking up the drinks market yet again with its latest venture into the world of alcoholic drinks. The brand announced the development of a mixed drink, combining its famous cola drink with Jack Daniel’s whiskey on Friday, March 31.

The iconic brand made its first foray into the Spanish market with the launch of Topo Chico, a refreshing, fermented beverage with an alcoholic twist that didn’t quite take off. However, the brand has not been put off, and is set to launch its Jack Daniels collaboration in the coming weeks.

The exciting collaboration was made possible by an agreement last year. The drink will come in a regular 330 millilitre can with both brands’ logos and an alcohol content of 7 per cent.

The Spanish president, Pedro Sánchez was welcomed to China on Wednesday, March 27 for a long-awaited summit between the two countries.

Betty Henderson

Photo credit: Pedro Sánchez (via Instagram)

It is now possible to claim the arrangement fee of a mortgage loan

IT is not the first time that we have talked in our articles about the abuses of banks and the rulings that have been handed down by the Courts in favour of consumers. The ‘floor clauses’. Mortgage swaps. Revolving cards. Payment of agency or

management fees. Bank liability in the event of Phishing. In today’s article we analyse the recent ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and if it is possible to claim the arrangement fee of your mortgage. And we explain whether this ruling re­

ally opens a new door to massive consumer claims.

What does the so­called Arrangement Fee consist of?

According to the Central Bank of Spain itself, the mortgage arrangement fee involves the administrative procedures carried out by the bank in order to grant the loan. A study of the applicant’s profile (whether he/she is solvent or not). The risks of the operation. The ‘management’ and ‘processing’ expenses, etc.

In general, the arrangement fee varies between 0.5 per cent and 2.0 per cent of the amount of the mortgage. For instance, in a €200,000 mortgage, the arrangement fee could range from €1,000 to €4,000. Although depending on the bank (and the type of mortgage) this amount could be higher or lower.

What was the position of the Spanish Courts regarding the Opening Fee until now?

The arrangement fee has been, for many years, a source of controversy between consumers and banks. Until now, the Spanish Supreme Court

(TS) considered that it was not possible to assess whether the arrangement fee was abusive or not. Why? According to the Spanish Supreme Court, the arrangement fee was an ‘essential element’ of the loan contract. And article 4.2 of the European Directive 93/13, does not allow courts to assess on whether an ‘essential’ clause is abusive or not.

Chronology: First ruling of the CJEU and the response from the Spanish Supreme Court

At the beginning of 2019, two Spanish courts (Mallorca and Ceuta) asked to the European Court if it was possible to claim the arrangement fee for being abusive. On July 16, 2020, the CJEU responded that (despite being included in

the total price charged to the consumer for the mortgage) the arrangement fee did not represent an essential part of the main subject matter of the contract. And, therefore, Spanish judges could assess individually whether this fee was abusive or not, having to study it on a case­by­case basis.

Second ruling of the CJEU: the arrangement fee may be abusive and null and void

Not satisfied with this response (which contradicted the case law favourable to banks that was being applied in Spain at the time), the Supreme Court asked the CJEU for clarification. The response of the CJUE arrived on 16 March 2023, through a ruling that sides with the consumer and leaves no room for doubt. The arrangement fee is not part of the main purpose of the loan contract. It is not an essential clause, but an accessory one. Therefore, na­

tional courts (in this case, the Spanish courts) can assess, case by case, whether this fee is abusive or not.

Conclusions

It remains to be seen what the Spanish Supreme Court’s criteria is from now on. But this ruling undoubtedly opens the door for all consumers affected by this commission, to claim the arrangement fee paid in their mortgage, and get their money back.

At White­Baos we are experts in judicial banking law, and we have helped many clients to successfully claim for the so ­ called floor clauses. Claim now the arrangement fee of your mortgage, for being abusive. Send us your documentation: mortgage loan deed and proof of payment of the arrangement fees and we will study your case. Do not hesitate to contact us to receive expert legal advice in banking and consumer law. The information provided in this article is not intended as legal advice, but simply conveys information related to legal issues.

TRAGEDY struck on Monday, April 3, when the ‘Vilaboa Uno’ sank off the coast of Cabo Mayor in Santander. Two crew members are confirmed to have died while another is reported to be still missing.

Ship sinks off Cabo Mayor

Another sailor is seriously injured from the original crew of 10. Seven members of the crew ­ of Spanish, Peruvian, Senegalese and Ghanaian nationality ­ were rescued alive from the Atlantic. One of them was seriously injured, having suffered severe hypothermia, but was discharged from the hospital.Those who died from hypothermia were one from Santander and the other from Ghana, while the missing person is from Peru, as reported by a

news source.‘Vilaboa Uno’ sank in waters with a depth of 120 metres, which made rescue work extremely difficult. The bodies of the two deceased and the rescued fishermen were transferred to the fishing port of Santander.

Miguel Angel Revilla, the president of Cantabria, explained at a press conference that the missing crew member could still be inside the boat due to the fishing boat sinking “very quickly”.

According to a local news source, the ‘Vilaboa Uno’ fishing boat was built in 2000. Its crew had gone fishing for mackerel from the port of Santander. Ship sank off the coast.

REGISTERED unemployment fell in March in Spain in all the autonomous communities except in Madrid, where it rose by 1,013 unemployed. The greatest decreases were registered in Andalucia (­15,284 unemployed), Canarias (­5,775) and Castilla y Leon (4,446 unemployed).

The number of unemployed people registered in the offices of public employment services fell by 48,755 people in March in relation to February (­1.67 per cent) driven by the decrease in jobless people in the service sector due to Easter week hiring, according to data published on Tuesday April 4 by the

ACCORDING to the latest data published on Saturday, April 1, by the Last Resort Tariff (TUR) for natural gas, the price of this essential energy product changed significantly ­ for the better.

As announced on Thursday, March 29, by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, the TUR for natural gas will fall by 29.9 per cent on average, compared to the price in force since the previous review on January 1.

This will be welcome news to Spanish consumers who have previously experienced the cost of this product affect­

Job figures

Ministry of Labor. This is the largest percentage decline in registered unemployment in the month of March since 2002.

At the end of March, the total number of unemployed was 2,862,260 ­ its lowest figure this month since 2008, according to Trabajo.

Yolanda Diaz´s department said that this drop in jobless in March is “especially positive in an international context of uncertainty,” especially “in the financial sphere.”

Gas price drops

ing their shopping baskets, electricity, fuel, and even tobacco.

Specifically, the price of the raw material ­ natural gas ­ has been reduced by 48.8 per cent, from 5.23 cents/kWh in January to the current 2.68 cents/kWh. Since October 2021, when the measures to limit the impact of the war in Ukraine were established, households under the TUR have saved between €100 and €300 on average, depending on their consumption.

Small and medium­sized enterprises have saved around €700.

than 5 million tourists visit Malaga’s Holy Week.

5

More

SPAIN released its third instalment of a major pandemic recovery grant from the European Union on Friday, March 31. The third instalment totalled €6 billion, bringing the total funds granted to the country to more than €37 billion.

The awarding of the funding means that Spain has received more than half of its total allocation of €69.5 billion from the Next Generation EU recovery fund, making it the largest recipient of the funds in the EU.

Spain’s next move

The European Commission approved the payment to go ahead back in January.

The approval was based on a review which confirmed that Spain had implemented the reforms and investments it had committed to for the first half of 2022, including hitting 23 milestones and meeting six objectives.

Spain has also taken steps to improve trans ­

Counting heads

parency in its audit system, which the EU had identified as a problem.

Spain is using the funds to help its economy recover from the impacts of the Covid­19 pandemic. Specifically, the funds are being used to support reforms and investments in various areas, including reforms to the social security system, forest fire prevention schemes, and fighting tax fraud.

Lawmakers in Brussels have now granted Spain €37 billion in pandemic recovery funding, more than any other EU country.

Air Europa pilots strike action

AS announced in a statement from Sepla, the Spanish Airline Pilots Union on Monday April 3 requested the mediation of the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA) “in response to the unfeasibility of the downward proposals and the immobile attitude shown by Air Europa’s management in the face of the legitimate demands of the company’s pilots.”

Sepla regretted in its statement that Air Europa managers: “have ignored all the demands presented by the pilots in favour of fair working conditions and a recovery of the loss of purchasing power that workers have been suffering.”

This brings the possibility of strike action at Air Europa in Spain ever closer.

Air Europa pilots, meeting in an assembly on February 10, gave their full support to this organisation, with 94.38 per cent of the votes in the ballot.

The pilots’ threat comes at a time when Air Europa has begun to regain its footing after the difficult situation it experienced during the pandemic. During that period, air traffic was interrupted for several months. That left the company’s maintenance at a minimum afterwards which forced it to ask for more than €600 million in aid from the state.

MANY countries across the globe are facing overpopulation concerns, but Spain is not among them. The latest report released by Eurostat, the European Commission’s statistics office, on Friday, March 31 revealed that Spain has the highest ratio of unoccupied land on the continent.

Spain ranked in first place with 426,000 kilometres squared of unoccupied land, followed by Sweden with 362,000 kilometres squared of uninhabited land. The report also offered some fascinating insights into the picture of population and housing in the European Union. With

over 4.4 million cells, measuring one kilometre squared each, covering the EU’s vast territory, only 1.8 million cells are inhabited, while a whopping 2.6 million cells are uninhabited!

However, in an interesting twist, Spain also made the other extreme of the list with Madrid being recorded as the most densely populated area in the EU. With a staggering 6.7 million residents, Spain’s capital is the most densely populated region, followed by Barcelona and Rome. On the other hand, the smallest and least populated region is the Canary island of El Hierro, with just over 11,000 residents.

El Hierro in the Canary Islands is known for its tranquillity for good reason, it has the lowest population density in the EU.

Photo credit: LBM1948 / Wikimedia Commons

Photo credit: EHerberichs / Wikimedia Commons

Forest fires ravage Asturias

THE Military Emergency Unit (UME) of Spain joined the effort to extinguish more than 60 simultaneous forest fires that are raging across Asturias.

According to official reports on Wednesday, March 29, many of the fires were small in size and in areas of scrubland, but others pose a much greater risk and resulted in people having to flee their houses.

The condition was made much worse due to the bad weather conditions, which resulted in strong gusts of winds and high temperatures of up to 29 degrees Celsius.

This, as per a news source, has resulted in the Asturian government requesting the intervention of UME. This has also been done to raise the level of emergency to phase

two.

Local reports stated that more than 500 people are working to extinguish the fires including Firefighters of Asturias, the Brigade of Reinforcement of Forest Fires (BRIF) of Tineo, personnel of forest companies, the

guard of the natural environment, as well as personnel specialised in investigation origin of the fires.

Meanwhile, high ­ velocity wind in some areas prevented the firefighting work and defensive work was carried out.

FOREST FIRES: More than 60 have started in the region.

THE latest report on surrogacy in Spain has found that 2,500 babies have been born via surrogate, despite the practice being illegal in the country.

The news comes after Spanish sit ­ com actress

Ana Obregón faced backlash for announcing the birth of her baby via surrogacy in the USA on Wednesday, March 30.

Obregón’s decision attracted criticism due to the “clear poverty bias” be ­

Controversy over birth Destroyed by blaze

AN intense fire engulfed a famous restaurant in Spain, completely destroying the building on Thursday, March 30. According to the Catalan fire services, Bombers de la Generalitat, over 11 fire brigades were rushed to the site of the restaurant Fusta Mar, in the Arc de Barà campsite, which is located in the municipality of Roda de Berà (Tarragona province).

The fire was reported a few minutes after 7.00am, and despite several attempts by the fire department, nothing could be done to save the structure, which collapsed.

Firemen working at the scene said that the fire grew fast as the structure was entirely made of wood.

Fusta Mar was not only a famous gastronomic space but also held concerts and social events.

This restaurant had previously also been featured on a major Catalan show on TV3 called ‘Joc de Cartes’ and was frequently visited by people not only living at the campsite, but also from other parts of Spain.

Authorities have now said that investigations will be carried out by Mossos d’Esquadra, to check if there was any kind of criminal connection which resulted in the fire.

tween women who pay surrogates and women who become surrogates because they need the funds, according to Spanish Equality Minister, Irene Montero.

Obregón has previously talked about her struggles regarding children after she lost her only son to cancer at the age of 27 in 2020. She announced her happiness via Instagram with a cover she shot for iHola ! Magazine, writing “A light has arrived in my life, bringing happiness into my darkness. I will never be alone again. I AM ALIVE AGAIN.”

Spain’s law forbids the “transaction of a human being,” which includes surrogacy. However, there is a legal loophole that allows for the registration of children born through surrogacy abroad, in accordance with the Hague Convention. To register a child in a Spanish consulate, only a birth certificate is required.

Private jets soar

SPAIN has long been popular with the superrich and the country’s status as an exclusive destination appears to be here to stay. A report released on Thursday, March 30 found that Spain registered the fourth­highest number of private jet flights in the EU in 2022.

The report found that there were a total of 45,633 flights last year. In 2022, around 8 per cent of all private jet flights came from Spain, according to an analysis by Greenpeace.

The report showed that domestic private jet travel also increased by 74 per cent in just one year, from 26,239 in 2021 to 45,633 in 2022. The spike in private jet travel could be due to the pandemic, but it also raises concerns about emissions.

The increase in private

jet flights has led to a rise in carbon dioxide emissions. This trend is

alarming, considering that private jets are known to be the most environmentally ­ damaging form of transportation.

Palma Airport topped the list of the number of private jet flights in Spain, followed by Ibiza Airport. Both airports ranked ninth and 10th in Europe, respectively, by the number of flights in 2022.

Spain recorded the fourth highest volume of private jet flights in the EU.

Photo credit: Laurent ERRERA from L'Union, France / Wikimedia Commons

431,090 tons of olive oil produced in Spain in first 3 months 20222023 season.

Russian players return to Wimbledon 60 pairs of glasses

A MAN in the UK mistakenly ordered 60 pairs of reading glasses after believing he ordered 10 or 12.

Chris Arnold posted an image of his dad on social media with the stacks of boxes of glasses on the sofa next to him.

His post has “gone viral” on Twitter and accumulated over two million views in the past few days.

Tom Arnold, from

Perranporth, Cornwall, thought he had ordered 10 or 12 pairs of reading glasses but was surprised to see the amount that he received.

Speaking on BBC's Anita Rani sits in, Tom was asked how he managed to buy so many pairs, and he replied: “I meant to buy 10.

“My wife and I often lose our reading glasses, so we buy a few and just leave them around

THE racing world is mourning the death of an equine icon after £4.5 million wonderhorse I’m Thunderstuck was put down following a routine operation.

The passing of the five­year­old multiple Group 1­winning gelding left co­trainer Michael Kent Jr ‘in tears all night’.

I’m Thunderstruck was reported to have injured himself after waking up from an op and putting weight on his knee.

That pressure caused multiple fractures and,

the house and I accidentally clicked on 12 sets of five, so that was 60.”

Asked if he was wearing his glasses when putting the order in online, Tom replied: “Well, I thought I did, but trying to remember back, I might not have had them on.”

Tom said he’s having a good laugh about it and that he plans to keep 10 and return the other 50.

IN April 2022 Wimbledon banned players from Russia and Belarus following the Ukraine invasion but has made the decision to allow players from these countries to compete in this summer’s tournament.

All England Club chairman Ian Hewitt said this decision was being taken reluctantly and under pressure from the rest of the sport which has chosen to stay away from bans.

In a statement according to a news source: “We continue to condemn totally Russia’s illegal invasion and our wholehearted support remains with the people of Ukraine.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, not taken lightly or without a great deal of

Equine icon

tragically, meant vets had little choice but to humanely end the horse’s life.

It was described as a ‘simple procedure that went horribly wrong’. I’m Thunderstruck won four of his 19 races and brought in more than £4.5 million in earnings.

consideration for those who will be impacted.

“It is our view that, considering all factors, these are the most appropriate arrangements for the Championships for this year.

“If circumstances change materially between now and the commencement of the Championships, we will consider and respond accordingly.”

The move comes under the heavy threat of further fines and sanctions from the two tours, which was described as ‘a very disappointing reaction’ by the All England Club.

The British game found itself isolated within the tennis fraternity over the decision to bar them from competing a year ago.

His biggest victory was the Group 1 Makybe Stakes at Flemington racecourse in Australia last September, with a prize worth £323,709. Speaking of the devastating loss, Kent Jr said: “My fiancee Ally and I have been in tears all night.

“We always said we’d love to have him back at our farm when he was finished and we’ll still keep that promise.

“If the owners are OK, we’ll find a nice spot to bury him.”

33.1ºc is the highest ever temperature recorded in Malaga in April.

Yousaf is first minister

AFTER victory in the race to become the new SNP leader, Hamza Yousaf has been elected as Scotland’s new first minister Humza Yousaf was officially elected as the new first minister of Scotland on Tuesday, March 28, after he was backed by a majority of MSPs. This announcement comes just a day after he won the race to become the new leader of the Scottish National Party. Yousaf’s name was then submitted to the King, with a formal swearing in ceremony subsequently taking place at the Court of Sessions in Edinburgh.

While speaking to the MPs, Yousaf, as cited by a news source said, “I will never shy away from tackling the big issues our country faces. I will lead a government that listens carefully and respects the views of all MSPs.”

He added, “My starting point will always be that we all want the best for Scotland and the people that we are so privileged to represent, and I will stand up unequivocally for this parliament and against any attempts to undermine devolution.”

Passenger dies on flight

A FLIGHT from Tenerife to Manchester Airport on Sunday night, April 2, issued an alert about three hours after takeoff when a female passenger required medical assistance.

A passenger on the flight told a news source: “A few hours into the flight a man was helping a woman he was with to the bathroom. She looked to be in quite a state and was in distress.

“She seemed to take a sudden turn. The cabin crew put out an announcement for any medical staff on board. Then the plane took a very dramatic veer to the right and it was clear something had changed and we needed to land straight away. Quite a few people were

visibly upset by what was going on. She passed out, and they had oxygen and a defibrillator on board and started performing CPR. They did this for around an hour until we landed at Newquay.

After landing, police talked to Jet2 staff and the

plane eventually took off, arriving at Manchester about 10pm. A spokesperson from Jet2 said: “Regrettably, we confirm the customer sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with the customer’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Terror alert in Northern Ireland

THE threat level due to a terror attack in Northern Ireland has been raised, as officials warn “attack is considered highly likely.”

The level was raised by the British MI5 after police were targeted by “groups intent on politically­motivated violence.”

The announcement of the change in threat levels comes just a few weeks before a visit by US President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to arrive in the middle of this month.

Tensions have been high in Northern Ireland, especially after an attempt was

made to murder a high ­ profile police official, Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, in Omagh last month.

According to Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton ­ Harris, by a local news source, “The threat level to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland Related Terrorism is constantly monitored and is subject to a regular formal review. The threat level review takes into account a range of factors and analysis of recent incidents.”

He also added that “The decision to change the threat level is taken by MI5, independently of Ministers.”

JET2 FLIGHT: Had to redirect to Newquay.

Woman falls to death

A WOMAN has died after she fell from a multistorey car park in Liverpool.

According to a local newspaper, the incident happened at around 6.40am on Wednesday,

March 29, at ParkBee, which is located on Heathfield Street.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, as several police cars and forensic experts also reached the area.

Prisoner denied parole

Local reports suggest that cordons were put in place on Heathfield Street, Cropper Street and an alleyway off Bold Street.

The woman was then rushed to the hospital, and her death was later confirmed by the Merseyside police.

Police stated that “Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner”.

At the time of the incident, a statement by Merseyside police said, “We can confirm that officers are currently at Heathfield Street in Liverpool city centre this morning, Wednesday 29 March, following the death of a woman”.

“The car park is currently closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area. Thank you for your patience as we deal with this incident.”

CHARLES BRONSON has been denied parole after he spent nearly half a decade in prison due to ‘risk of future violence’.

The decision regarding his parole was taken by a board during a public hearing which started in March.

Bronson has been in and out of prison since 1974 and was jailed for the first time when he was 22 years old for armed robbery.

He has since admitted to nine rooftop protests and 11 hostage sieges, per a local news source.

The notorious prisoner, who is now 70 years old, will continue to sevre his sentence after the ruling by the board.

The decision of his parole was taken after a two­day hearing, which resulted in the board ruling that he “doesn’t have the skills to manage his risk of future violence.”

The most recent parole hearing was the eighth time Bronson has asked for his release.

Squirrels terrorise woman

MICHELLE Collins, 39, from Kilwinnning in Ayrshire said she is terrified to enter her kitchen each morning due to the grey squirrels who have been living in her house for the last three years.

The furry beasts have been chewing up her skirting boards and doors and eating her dogs’ food.

Michelle, a gym owner told a news source: “I never imagined squirrels could do this to my home, it’s unbelievable what they can do.

“I’ve tried everything but nothing is working. I feel terrorised by them.

“I’m terrified to go into my kitchen every morning.

“I live near woodland and they jump off the trees, onto my car port and then onto my house,” she said.

“There is a hole where they have dug under my porch and are coming up the inside of my walls.”

Pest controllers are not allowed to trap and kill grey squirrels living in guttering or roofs ­ but once they enter lofts or other rooms in a house they can be exterminated, but Michelle’s pest controller had given up after attempting to catch the squirrels.

However, the association recommends attempting to seal all entry points to a property.

GREY

FINLAND’S PM Sanna Marin’s party has been defeated in extremely tight parliamentary elections held on Sunday April 2. The centre­right National Coalition Party led by Petteri Orpo, 53, received the most votes followed by the rightwing Finns Party and the Social Democrats.

“Democracy has spoken. The Finnish people have voted and the party of democracy is always something wonderful,” Marin said when the results were practically closed.

NEW hydrogen engine technology

New Finnish government

Marin, 37, is very popular but Orpo was successful in arguing that public spending needs to be reduced and that Finland’s debt is too high, according to a news source. Public debt has reached just over 70 per cent of GDP since Marin took office in 2019, according to Al Jazeera.

The National Coalition Party won with 20.7 per cent, (48 seats) followed by the right­

wing populist party, the Finns with 20.1 percent (46 seats) while Marin’s Social Democratic Party received 19.9 per cent of the vote (43 seats). The NCP has led in the polls for nearly two years.

Sanna Marin was Finland’s youngest Prime Minister in history and was the youngest serving state leader. She has been an MP since 2015 and Prime Minister since 2019.

Australia in 4 hours

being developed by Destinus could allow an aircraft to fly from Europe to Australia in only 4 hours and 15 minutes.

CDTI, the Spanish Centre for Technological Development and Innovation, has selected Destinus for its Aeronautical Technology Plan (PTA) project. The company has received €12 million to develop the first hydrogen­powered aircraft engine and promote the development of supersonic hydrogen­fuelled flights.

The money given for the research and development of the engine comes from the European Commission’s Next Generation funds for the Spanish government, as reported on Thursday, March 30, by a news source.

Destinus already has two hydrogen prototypes ­ Jungfrau and Eiger ­ and is currently working on a gas turbine equipped with a hydrogen afterburner to be tested before the middle of this year. Specifically, the aid from the Spanish government will be used for the design and construction of a test bench for engines with hydrogen as fuel.

With current planes, the journey from Europe to Australia takes approximately 20 hours.

However, Destinus calculated that with its hydrogen aerial vehicles, it would be possible to fly from Frankfurt in Germany to Sydney, Australia, in just 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Betty Henderson

KING CHARLES III arrived in Germany on Wednesday, March 29, ahead of a highly anticipated visit to one of the UK’s closest partners in Europe. The visit was also the monarch’s first official state visit as King due to a cancellation of a scheduled visit to France due to disruption from strikes and protests.

During the three­day tour, the King delivered a speech partially in German at a lavish state banquet on his first night. During the speech, King Charles also paid tribute to Germany’s “extraordinary hospitality” towards Ukrainian refugees, who have ar­

Meat the end Strengthening ties

and the fight against climate change, a topic he is passionate about.

Guests at the event, including the country’s former leader, Angela Merkel, enjoyed the speech which also had a sprinkling of jokes throughout. The King was joined by his wife, the Queen Consort, Camilla.

rived in the country after being displaced due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. He

A FRENCH court sentenced a Rwandan man to four years in prison for starting the 2020 fire in Nantes Cathedral. Emmanuel Abayisenga was judged to be guilty on Thursday, March 30 for starting the blaze which severely damaged the Gothic cathedral.

also emphasised the countries’ shared commitment to protecting democratic values

British officials are hoping that the King’s visit will smooth over relations between the two nations following the UK’s 2016 decision to leave the European Union.

Fire-starter behind bars

Despite finding that Abayisenga was not mentally sound at the time of the fire, a judge ruled that he will face prison time for his actions, and will also be banned from the region for five years.

The man was a volunteer at

the Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Cathedral in the city, and prosecutors alleged that he set fire to the building knowingly due to “huge anger and a feeling of revenge linked to his own administrative situation.”

LAB ­ GROWN meat has been a suggestion for many years now, but Italian officials say that meat grown in laboratories and other synthetic foods will not be allowed in their country. Members of the Italian parliament proposed a bill on Wednesday, March 29 to prohibit synthetic foods being produced or sold.

The proposed legislation would impose fines of up to €60,000 for violations of the ban. The move by the right­wing Italian government has been designed to protect the country’s rich food heritage as well as and promote consumer health.

Francesco Lollobrigida, head of the rebranded Ministry for Agriculture and Food ‘Sovereignty’, spoke of the importance of Italy’s culinary traditions while advocating for the bill to pass. The country’s

farmers’ lobby also supports the bill, while some animal welfare groups have criticised the decision.

In other parts of the world, synthetic food is becoming closer. Last year, Singapore gave regulatory approval for lab ­ grown chicken meat to be used in nuggets, while the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared cell­cultured chicken for human consumption. However, the European Food Safety Authority has not yet received any applications.

King Charles III smiles alongside wife Queen Consort Camilla and German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife.

Scientist tastes world’s first lab-grown burger.

Photo credit: The Royal Family (via Facebook)

Photo credit: World Economic Forum Wikimedia Commons

Nantes Cathedral.

Photo credit: Eusebius (Guillaume Piolle) / Wikimedia Commons

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 environment ­ friendly products and services.

Putting an end to greenwashing

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 and able to boost their sales ­ rather than face un­

fair competition. This way, the proposal will help establish a level playing field when it comes to information about the environmental performance of products. A Commission study from 2020 highlighted that 53.3 per cent

Cleaning up city

AMSTERDAM is putting its foot down and telling British men between the ages of 18 to 35 to “stay away” from the city’s notorious sex and drug scene and Red Light District as part of an attempt to clean up the city’s reputation.

The Dutch City’s council launched an online advertisement campaign on Wednesday, March 29 which highlights the consequences for criminal behaviour in a video which aims to raise awareness about the risks of excessive drug and alcohol use. The online adverts will be triggered when internet users in the UK search for phrases including ‘pub crawl Amsterdam’, ‘stag party’, and ‘cheap hotel’.

The move is believed to be part of the city’s attempt to clean up its raunchy reputation and manage over ­ tourism, which includes a proposed move of the city’s infamous

Red Light District. The Dutch capital has

80

More than 80 million Easter eggs are sold in the UK each year.

long been a popular destination for British tourists seeking to indulge in the city’s infamous pleasures. However, locals have grown tired of drunken Brits urinating in public, vomiting in canals, and engaging in drunken fights. While some have criticised the targeted campaign for being discriminatory, the city says it wants to be more liveable for residents.

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.

When companies choose to make a ‘green claim’ about their products or services, they will have to respect minimum norms on how they substantiate these claims and how they communicate them.

Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District is causing trouble for the council due to antisocial behaviour.

Photo credit: Ana sol lara / Wikimedia Commons

Handcraft fair in Javea

A GOOD atmosphere is guaranteed in the historic centre of Javea during the Easter holidays.

Once again, the town hosts the Fira d’Artesania handcraft fair, one of the most important tradition­

al markets in the Valencia Region for more than 40 years and which is always accompanied by a variety of entertainment.

The Fira will be held from Good Friday (April 7) to Easter Monday

Shopping gymkhana

(April 10), and as a novelty this year incorporates a local agricultural market (fruit, vegetables, oil, wine, honey, jam, etc) during the Saturday at the Plaza de la Iglesia. One of the classic events of the fair is the meeting of clubs and associations on Easter Sunday morning around the church. Tapas, drinks, gifts and live music will welcome visitors.

This year the fair will have 65 stalls selling soap, wax, leather goods, wood, clay and gastronomy, distributed between the Placeta del Convent and the Calle Mayor.

There will be parades, music and dance shows, children’s workshops and theatre performances on a stage in the church square.

For the full programme visit javea.com

THE Department of Development of Teulada local council has organised a shopping gymkhana for Thursday April 6.

There will be two starting points: one from Espai La Senieta in Moraira and the other from Teulada Town Hall, where participants will find a QR code which they will have to scan to follow the instructions. Participants will have to find the clues hidden in seven shops in the town centre of Teulada or another seven in Moraira.

Once they have collected the Easter items and filled in their coupon with the stickers, participants should then hand it in at El Espai La Seni­

Open mic night for all

CAZZIE and Doug of the U3A Guitar Group are organising an open mic night at La Bresca restaurant in Els Poblets on Thursday April 27. A full dinner menu is available from 7 to 8.30 pm, with entry to the event costing €3 including raffle prizes and nibbles.

A variety of musicians will be performing, so why not join in? Hygienic microphone covers will be provided, but participants are also invited to bring their own. However, the organisers warn that there are no facilities available for backing tracks.

For further information call Cazzie on 633 488 448 or email ex pat_dragon@hotmail.com.

eta in Moraira (from 6 to 6.45pm) or at Teulada Town Hall (from 7 to 7.45pm) to the staff who will be collecting them.

The first 50 (25 in Moraira and 25 in Teulada) will receive a traditional ‘cabasset de Pasqua’ with a mona cake, chocolate and a longaniza sausage.

The council encourages all residents and visitors to take part “so that together we can all help, in an original way, to boost local commerce during this special time of year.”

Holy Week

TEULADA Town Hall has prepared a full programme of events to celebrate Holy Week and Easter in Teulada and Moraira.

The different activities planned include live music, children’s workshops, religious events, sporting and health activities, dramatised visits, activities for youngsters and environmental routes, among others. The aim of this comprehensive programme is to offer residents and visitors a wide variety of events in which to participate during the festive season.

For the full programme of events scan the QR code on the poster or visit teu ladamorairadigital.es

Easter hols

BENISSA Town Hall is organising the ‘Viu la Pasqua 2023’ programme with all the cultural, gastronomic and tourist activities on offer for the Easter holidays.

A wide range of events will take place in and around the town until April 17.

In addition to the regular activities organised by the Culture department such as cinema and permanent exhibitions, there will also be a series of concerts organised by the local church, as well as disc jockey courses and board game tournaments for young people.

The Sports department has programmed an outing to Elda on April 15 to practise low­difficulty climbing, while the Tourism department will be organising three guided tours.

For further information, visit Benissadigital. es.

White wine and blue cheese

MEMBERS of the Moraira­Teulada

U3A wine­tasting group discovered a new taste sensation at their final tasting of the season, held at the Hill Top in Moraira with six Corcovo wines brought from Valdepeñas by Domingo on his 15th visit to the tasting group.

Describing the merits of the first wine, a new season Blanco Airén, Domingo’s ebullient wingman, Jáveabased Franco, recommended it would be great with the blue cheese from the platter on each table. It was a lightbulb moment for so many present who had

HAVE you ever wondered where all the elements that make up our bodies and the earth and the rest of the universe came from? If current theories are correct, there existed only hydrogen, helium and a little lithium at the beginning of the universe. Where then did all the other elements come from?

The Costa Blanca Astronomical Society are pleased to invite you to the first inperson talk from a profes­

long believed strong cheese should be paired only with red wine. Forty­five tasters ­ including several

new members and a couple who celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary at the event ­ sampled the three

whites, two reds and one rosado. Three of the bodega’s wines recently won Gold or Silver at the biggest wine­tasting competition in Spain and two of them were on offer. The Goldwinning Moscato white is made from the usually sweet Moscatel grape, which is picked and crushed by night to avoid the high daytime temperatures. The Silver­winning Rosado with its hints of strawberry, raspberry and cherry was described by Franco as being “none of that blush stuff, it’s three of your daily five.”

Our cosmic origins

sional astronomer since the start of the pandemic. Professor Mark Norris will talk about our cosmic origins and answer the questions above.

Professor Norris is a professor of Astronomy at the University of Lancashire who specializes in research into large star clusters. His talk will

take place at 7pm at the Casa De Cultura (Sala de Actos) in Dénia on Thursday April 13.

“I will give a whistle stop tour of the astrophysical sites where the chemical elements that make up our bodies were created. On the journey we will visit the most extreme locations and events in

the universe, the big bang, the cores of stars, supernovae and the titanic collisions of neutron stars,” explained the Professor.

All are welcome, no tickets necessary. If you have any questions, you can contact the Society secretary on 671 152 686.

WINE-TASTING: Attended their final tasting of the season.

Professor Mark Norris.

Image by the Costa Blanca Astronomical Society

Mini Olympics come to Pego

PEGO has taken over from Denia as the headquarters of this year’s Marina Alta Minijocs children’s Olympic games.

The 14th edition of the event will take place from May 19 to 21, with an estimated 1,200 children and young teenagers from all over the district expected to take part.

Events will include athletics, football, basketball, five­a­side football, rhythmic gymnastics, handball, tennis, Valencian pilota, chess, swimming, volleyball, paddle tennis, karate, sailing and horse riding, among others.

The Minijocs will kick off with an inauguration ceremony at the Pujol athletics track, which, mirroring the Olympic Games, will feature all the participants from the different towns entering the venue and a stage show directed by local choreographer Marc Pons.

The second day will feature the bulk of the sporting events at the Pujol track, Cervantes football ground, Trilladora sports centre, the local Tennis Club and the Ausiàs March indoor pavilion, as well as Santa Teresa and Pere Sala streets,

where the traditional pilota valenciana matches will take place.

All cycling events will take place at the Club Ciclista, and sailing regattas will be held at the Marjal marshes.

In addition, a series of leisure and cultural events for children and teenagers have also been scheduled, including Zumba and ballet classes, nature workshops and educational activities.

The Mini Jocs 2023 will close on Sunday May 21 with the award ceremony and a show by local dance, ballet and Zumba experts.

Visit by Lama

THE renowned Tibetan Lama Jhado Tulku Rinpoche will give share his teachings in the Buddhist centre of Buddhist centre in El Campello for two days.

Jhado Tulku Rinpoche, one of the most renowned lamas of the Gelug lineage and also an excellent trainer in the Gelug monastic system, will make an official visit to El Campello In April.

poche is highly regarded for his ability to engage Western students.

In addition to these qualities, Rinpoche is also well known and loved for his kindness and gentle temperament," says Jessica Pastor, director of the Centre.

A ‘mini train’ will be laid on to ferry participants and their companions between the different sites, and the Local Police will establish a traffic cordon to guarantee safety around the different venues. This will also be the first edition of the games to be organised with sustainability in mind, with organisers reducing the use of paper and single­use plastics and enabling online inscriptions for participants.

For further information and to inscribe, visit https://www.macma.org/ esports/minijocs­olimpics

It will be one of the four stops of his first tour of Spain, which also includes Pamplona, Granada and Madrid.

The Tibetan monk, one of the main religious figures in Buddhism after the Dalai Lama, wants to get to know personally the Buddhist Centre that operates in Ruperto Chapí street. This is the Nagarjuna Centre, which has moved to El Campello after operating since 1996 in the capital of Alicante.

Renowned for his sharp intelligence and dynamic teaching style, Jhado Rin­

Khensur Jhado Tulku Rinpoche was born in 1954 to a nomadic family who lived in the Namtso Lake area, 220 kilometres north of Lhasa, Tibet. At the age of three, he was recognised and appointed the sixth incarnation of the abbot of Jhado Monastery.

After fleeing Tibet in 1959, he lived briefly in Nepal. He spent several years in northern India, where he completed his basic studies of Tibetan by reading, writing and reciting Buddhist texts.

Rinpoche took the vows as a novice monk from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1964 and the vows of full ordination from the former Ling Rinpoche in 1973.

Presentation of the Minijocs at Pego Town Hall.

Image by MACMA.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Levelled off

DENMARK’S cannabis sales fell in 2022 after five years of growth, health authority figures revealed. Sales grew from approximately 30.8 million Danish kroner (€4.12 million) in 2018 to 64.3 million kroner (€8.63 million) in 2021, before falling to 62.5 million kroner (€8.4 million) last year.

THE NETHERLANDS

IT items

DUTCH companies spent €2.5 billion on telecommunications and computer services from India last year, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This accounted for more than 10 per cent of total spending in this sector and made India the country’s fourth-largest supplier after the US, the UK and Ireland.

BELGIUM

In a trap

BELGIUM’S Westmalle beer made by Trappist monks is under threat as all authentic Trappist products must be made inside an abbey and supervised by monks and nuns. Westmalle’s secular director Philippe Van Assche admitted that he doubted whether people would seek to become monks in 10 or 20 years’ time.

GERMANY

Early settlers

ARCHAEOLOGISTS found a large settlement from the early Neolithic era near DobelnGartitz (Saxony) covering an area of more than 10 hectares. The site, which contained dozens of houses, the largest of which was 30 metres long and eight metres wide, was clearly occupied for several hundred years.

FRANCE

Waste not

FRANCE’S president Emmanuel Macron wants to introduce a new pricing system for water that would encourage responsible and penalise waste. The plan is included in national efforts to cut down on water consumption, improve water management and combat the effects of climate change.

NORWAY

Good egg

NORWAY seeks an exemption to European rules on shelf-life for eggs, citing its good salmonella record. A recent directive stipulated 28 days between the date that eggs are laid and consumed, but Norway, which belongs to the European Economic Area (EEA), wants to continue its 35-day system.

FINLAND

Nickel project

BLUEJAY MINING began a short follow-up programme in Enonkoski (Finland) as the London-based company in partnership with Rio Tinto seek nickel-bearing ore. Bluejay explained that their objective is to test the geological model, following “encouraging” results from explorations earlier this year.

IRELAND

Welcome home

BALLINA (Eire) is anxious to greet President Joe Biden when he visits Ireland this month. The small market town, known for salmon fishing, considers Biden a native son as his great-great-great grandfather Edward Blewitt was born there before emigrating to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to escape the 1840’s famine.

ITALY

Hats off!

LEGENDARY Italian brand Borsalino is back in business again after it was driven into bankruptcy in 2017. Philippe Camperio, a French-Italian financier has put it back on its feet and revived sales of the fedoras worn by Humphrey Bogart and Michael Jackson while retaining traditional manufacturing techniques.

PORTUGAL

Gas cash

PORTUGAL intends to auction the rights to sell hydrogen for injection into the national gas grid. Galp Energia will buy the hydrogen mixed with natural gas from producers and resell it to meet demand, a system aimed at boosting investment in production by giving suppliers a guaranteed buyer.

UKRAINE

Staying put

MONKS refused to leave the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, Ukraine’s most revered Orthodox site which is the property of the government, after the deadline to vacate the complex expired. They belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which has long been accused of links to Russia.

SWEDEN

False alarm

POWDER enclosed in letters sent to 18 county councils in Sweden was harmless, police said. According to Swedish media reports, employees were evacuated in some places and at least two taken to hospital after the letters arrived although analysis later showed that the powder was not dangerous.

STAT OF WEEK €5.5 billion

will be paid out in dividends to BBVA, CaixaBank and Inditex shareholders in April and May, following record years and profits for both banks and the fashion retail giant.

BUSINESS EXTRA Charged up FINANCE

Booted out

BOOTS could be sold or floated by late 2023 as its US parent company is pressured into breaking up the global pharmacy giant. Owned by the Retail Pharmacy International Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, its investors and board members want to speed up plans to refocus the business on the US.

Bank ranks

IBERCAJA and Caixabank have higher liquidity ratios (LCRs) than other Spanish banks, management consultants Alvarez & Marsal found. Spain’s banks all exceed EU requirements but Ibercaja’s 306 per cent ratio and Caixabank’s 284.2 per cent mean they have reserves for three months and 2.8 months respectively.

Meters matter

ENERGY companies in the UK used warrants to install 94,000 prepayment meters in 2022, with Scottish Power and British Gas ordering most. The government has now agreed with suppliers to halt forced installations amid concerns that rules to protect vulnerable households were not complied with.

Lucky middle

SPANISH salaries grew in 2022 in all categories, although rises were below the inflation rate of more than 8 per cent. Middle management posts benefited most with an average increase of 6 per cent, compared with 3.4 per cent for executives and 3.71 per cent for employees.

Factory closes

MORE than 100 workers lost their jobs after Kettle Interiors, a Corby (Northamptonshire) furniture business went into administration. The administrator cited “economic challenges” including increasing freight costs for the familyrun firm which sold furniture under different brand names to UK and European retailers.

Next step for Cath Kidston

Linda Hall

NEXT has bought the Cath Kidston brand name for £8.5 million (€9.6 million) after the British retailer fell into administration for the second time in two years.

Cath Kidston, which once had 60 stores in the UK as well as worldwide franchise outlets, was bought by restructuring experts Hilco in July 2020 but put on the market again earlier this year.

Approximately 125 jobs could be lost as PricewaterhouseCoopers’ administrators prepare to close Cath Kidston stores in London, Ashford (Kent), Cheshire Oaks and York once their stock has been sold off.

The Cath Kidston website is also be­

ing licensed back to the administrators for 12 weeks.

Acquiring the vintage­inspired name is Next’s latest step in adding to its brand portfolio, which includes distribution rights to the US chains Gap and Victoria’s Secret in the UK.

Joules and the online furnishings specialists Made.com were also brought out of administration by Next

as the company helps ailing brands maintain a presence in the UK. Next is also using some of these well­known names to fill spaces in high street stores while reaching to a wider audience.

Next anticipates increasing prices more slowly over the next 12 months after better­than­expected annual profits. The retailer saw annual pre­tax profit increase by 5.7 per cent to £870.4 million (€990.1 million) in January, which was higher than the forecast £860 million (€978.2m). Full­price sales rose by 6.9 per cent year­on­year. The group, which raised prices to counteract higher costs, said price inflation was likely to be more benign than previously predicted.

Fishing for investment

ABANCA which owns 97 per cent of Nueva Pescanova,

synonymous with frozen fish in Spain, is reportedly looking for a business partner or a potential sale.

Based in Redondela (Pontevedra) Nueva Pescanova operates in 17 countries on five continents, selling its products in more than 80 countries.

Formerly known as Pescanova, which still appears on retail products, the original company collapsed and was refunded in 2015.

Kind gesture

HSBC is the first UK bank to delay closing a town’s only remaining branch until alternative arrangements are in place.

Banks agreed last year to fund hubs where all branches were closed and the cash machine network Link ­ which connects practically all the country’s ATMs ­ decided that a hub was needed to ensure continued access to cash.

Launching hubs has been slow, taking a year on average owing to difficulties in finding sites. This prompted HSBC to announce that it would suspend closures in Oakham (Rutland) Ripley (Derbyshire) and Colwyn Bay (Conwy) until cash deposit services were established.

Canadian seafood combine Cooke Inc was said to be in negotiations to buy a majority stake in the company in late February. It now has competition from US company Red Chamber

Group, which entered negotiations with Abanca in midMarch according to the Spanish digital newspaper, El Confidencial.

The deadline for paying a €150 million debt to Sabadell, Caixabank and Santander loomed at the same time although Nueva Pescanova announced beforehand that this would be paid “with total normality and full financial independence.”

Nueva Pescanova had total sales of €1.08 billion in the financial year that ended in

Essex freeport

DP WORLD, which owns P&O Ferries, will participate in the Thames Freeport in Essex.

Included in Rishi Sunak’s ports scheme, it will be co­run by DP World, car manufacturer Ford and Forth Ports, with a £25 million (€28.4 million) allocation in government funding. This will go to local authorities, as the government tries to attract another £4.6 billion (€5.2 billion) in public and private investment.

The port is expected to generate more than 21,000 direct and indirect jobs.

DP World dismissed 800 P&O employees without giving them notice in March 2022, replacing them with foreign agency workers paid less than the minimum wage.

The government said at the time that the employees’ treatment was “wholly unacceptable” and two months later cancelled a P&O Ferries contract in response to the sackings.

LOWER energy prices in the UK now mean that the cost of ultra ­ rapid charging for an electric vehicle costs less per mile than filling up with petrol.

The Electric Vehicle Recharge Report published by the Automobile Association found that drivers could save 8p (24 cents) per kilowatt by charging during off ­ peak hours, but emphasised that savings were made only when plugging in at the right time.

Electric vehicle charging was ‘brilliant value for money’ compared to filling up with petrol and diesel, the report said, but warned that different operators had different off ­ peak times, with some available only after 8pm.

March 2022, doubling its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) to €80 million compared with its €39.5 million results in 2020.

Despite these buoyant figures, the La Voz de Galicia predicted that the next fiscal year was likely to be “well below” the 2021 result.

Meanwhile, referring to negotiations with Cooke Inc and Red Chamber Group, Nueva Pescanova’s CEO Ignacio Gonzalez said Nueva Pescanova was not for sale.

Up goes Ale-Hop

GIFT shop chain Ale ­ Hop had a 2022 turnover of €170 million, 70 per cent more than in 2021.

Instantly recognisable because of the trademark black ­ andwhite cow outside the shops, Ale ­ Hop was boosted by increased post­pandemic sales but also expansion plans resulting in 48 new shops during the last financial year.

The company could meet the cost of the 2022 openings as a result of its policy of zero debt and reinvesting profits, said AleHop’s director general, Dario Grimalt.

The company, which now has more than 280 shops in Spain, Portugal, Croatia and Mexico, hopes to increase this to 300 by the end of this year.

Selling brand

RECKITT BENCKISER is selling its Spanish detergents division.

Headquartered in Britain, the €50 billion multinational which owns Durex condoms, Strepsils throat lozenges and Air Wick amongst other brands, will divest itself of Colon detergent and Flor fabric conditioner, two household names in Spain. It acquired both in the 1990s from the Catalan company Camp Hermanos, after fighting off Procter & Gamble in a bidding war, paying more than six billion pesetas (approximately €36 million) at the time.

Now, 30 years later, Reckitt Benckiser expects to sell for around €200 million.

Cutting salary

FLORENTINO PEREZ, president of construction, concessions and services company ACS, has forgone €1.5 million of his salary over the last two years. Owing to the economic slowdown during the pandemic he waived 30 per cent of the variable compensation added to his basic salary at the end of 2021, reducing this from €3.4 to €2.4 million owing to “exceptional circumstances”.

The Real Madrid president waived another €500,000 in 2022 after explaining that despite ACS’s good results, the group had not yet returned to pre­pandemic levels.

QUIRKY DESIGNS: Next has acquired the Cath Kidston brand.

IGNACIO GONZALEZ: CEO of Nueva Pescanova insists that the company is not for sale.

Photo credit: Cath Kidston

Photo credit: nuevapescanova.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

Asda compromise

ASDA is prepared to sell 13 petrol stations with adjoining grocery stores to allay competition concerns over its £600 million (€680.5 million) acquisition of the Co ­ op petrol forecourts. The response came in the wake of a Competitions and Market Authority’s warning made two weeks ago.

Pricey billets

A NEW luxury hotel, JW Marriott, has opened on Madrid’s Golden Mile in front of Four Seasons and the Canalejas Shopping Centre. “Expensive hotels are here to stay,” said AC Hotels president Antonio Catalan during the inauguration. “Tourism has more than enough clients but insufficient prices.”

Vauxhall plans

LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL has approved plans to turn the site of the former Vauxhall engineering and styling centre into warehouses.

The manufacturer announced the end of Luton car production with the loss of 2,000 jobs in December 2000. The company, now owned by General Motors, blamed the decision on “rapidly changing European market conditions” and “over­capacity.”

Development company Prologis UK explained to a re­

Mango joins organisation

SPAIN’S Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) announced that fashion chain Mango has joined the organisation as an associate company.

The move follows the recent incorporation of Spain’s Retail Textile Association (ARTE), to which Mango and other leading clothing chains already belong.

Mango is the second big textile firm to join the CEOE in its own right after Zara owner, Inditex.

Toni Ruiz, Mango’s CEO explained that the incorporation would enable the firm both to put across its business vision and give greater visibility to the one the country’s outstanding brands.

Royal Mail impasse

cent council committee meeting they could boost the local economy with 450 jobs by creating 34,250 square metres of flexible industrial and logistics floorspace at the 18­acre Griffin House site in Osborne Road.

The hybrid plans will first require a favourable response from the Environment Agency.

A restored river channel will be running through the site with a wildflower meadow on one side and pedestrian and cycle access path on the other.

“We have worked hard to open up and celebrate the River Lea as a key feature by providing a linear park through the centre of the site,” Caroline Musker, UK head of planning at Prologis, said.

“This represents a £30 million (€34 million) investment in construction,” she revealed.

AS long ­ running talks between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) threatened to collapse, another strike looked inevitable.

The postal service, already losing more than a daily £1 million (€1.13 million), is projected to lose more than £350 million (€397.5 million) during the financial year that ends in April.

The board of the 507­yearold company has met in London, trying to find a solution, but warned that further walkouts could eventually see it put into administration.

The board regards the bombshell move to declare Royal Mail insolvent as a last resort, but the drastic measure has already been raised with the CWU.

Hopes of a deal have gradually faded, as obstacles not only include disagreements over pay but also changes to working practices, which Royal Mail maintains are interdependent.

LUTON: Council gives permission to develop former Vauxhall plant.

Photo credit: Flickr/Doyle of London

Euro

EUR/GBP: Unchanged at £0.88

EUR/USD: Down from $1.06 to $1.09

The euro witnessed some dramatic swings over the past month as a crisis in Europe’s banking sector infused volatility into the single currency.

At the start of March the euro was supported by European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate expectations, in response to stronger-than-expected inflation releases from France, Spain and Germany. EUR exchange rates then nosedived in mid-March after a 30% plunge in shares at Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse triggered a wider selloff across the European banking sector.

However, the euro was quick to bounce back. The ECB’s decision to press ahead with a 50bps rate hike helped the single currency to find its feet, before EUR surge after UBS’s acquisition of Credit Suisse stabilised European bank shares.

Going forward, EUR investors are

BUSINESS EXTRA

English fizz

TENTERDEN (Kent) winemaker Chapel Down had record sales of “traditional method” sparkling wine last year, selling 790,000 bottles, up from 522,000 in 2021. Revenue rose 53 per cent to £9.6 million (€10.9 million), offsetting a 45 per cent drop in still wine sales owing to a poor harvest.

Share shareout

FOLLOWING its 2022 results, Naturgy, formerly Gas Natural Fenos, is paying a dividend of €1.2 per share, of which 70 cents was paid out in August and November with the rest due this April. Naturgy will maintain the same dividend level next year, company president Francisco Reynes announced.

Currency outlook: Euro rocked by European banking crisis, Fluctuating Fed bets infuse volatility in US dollar

likely to keep a close eye on the European banking sector. Assuming no more hiccups emerge, the euro may be able to resume its positive trajectory.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Unchanged at €1.12

GBP/USD: Up from $1.20 to $1.23

The pound was initially buoyed as we entered March. Sterling sentiment strengthened as stronger-thanexpected UK PMIs boosted Bank of England (BoE) rate hike expectations.

This upside was reinforced by the announcement of a UK-EU deal to resolve the dispute over the controversial Northern Ireland protocol.

However, these gains were also immediately reversed following comments from BoE Governor Andrew Bailey, in which he suggested UK interest rates may have already peaked. Fears of potential policy divergence between the BoE and Federal Reserve then plunged the GBP/USD exchange to a threemonth low. Before a surprisingly

IN

strong rebound in UK GDP at the start of 2023 helped Sterling to rebound. After fluctuating amid the banking sector jitters, the pound then firmed following the BoE’s March policy meeting after the bank proved more hawkish than expected.

Looking ahead, if UK inflation indicators remain elevated it may boost expectations for additional BoE rate hikes and help to underpin the pound in the coming month.

US Dollar USD/GBP: Down from $0.82 to

$0.81

USD/EUR: Down from €0.93 to €0.91

The past month has been a rollercoaster ride for the US dollar. This started with a softening of the ‘greenback’ amid a bullish market mood in early March.

USD exchange rates then raced to multi-month highs after Fed Chair Jerome Powell stunned markets with a particularly hawkish testimony before Congress. Catapulting USD exchange rates higher as investors be-

Biggest contract ever

IBERDROLA formalised one of its largest-ever contracts on Tuesday March 28.

The Spanish multinational’s subsidiary Scottish Power, one of the UK’s largest green energy developers, formalised a £1.3 billion (€1.48 billion) contract with Siemens Gamesa for 95 wind turbines for the East Anglia Three project.

The offshore windfarm, the world’s second-biggest, will be constructed in the southern North Sea, 69 kilometres off Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

Iberdrola president Ignacio Galan visited 10 Downing Street where he met the PM Rishi Sunak and Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Energy Security.

“The scale and ambition of this investment will support the UK’s commitment to net zero and energy security,” Galan said. “The East Anglia Three offshore windfarm will bring homegrown green electricity to the grid for 1.3 million homes. And, as part of the East Anglia Hub projects, it will deliver billions of pounds in investment and support thousands of jobs

BIG PROJECT: Iberdrola subsidiary Scottish Power will build world’s second-largest windfarm.

in the East of England and across the UK.

“I am delighted that Scottish Power and Iberdrola are investing in the UK, creating thou-

sands of jobs and crucially helping millions of families keep their homes warm with cheaper, renewable energy,” the Prime Minister said.

Calviño answers back

SPARRING continues between Spain and multinational Ferrovial, which is shifting its headquarters to the Netherlands. Economic Affairs minister Nadia Calviño again insisted that there was nothing to prevent a company from listing on both the Spanish and US stock exchanges, as Ferrovial maintains.

“The National Securities Commission (CNMV) and Stock Exchanges and Markets (BME) analysed this in depth, going to the United States to speak to their American counterparts who identified no differences between Spain and any other country that justified Ferrovial’s reasons for relocating to the Netherlands,” Calviño said.

gan to price in a 50bps hike in March.

However, the US dollar’s gain evaporated almost immediately as the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank reversed these rate hike bets.

The days leading up to the Fed’s March rate decision saw the ‘greenback’ fluctuate wildly as USD investors repeatedly repriced their Fed rate hike expectations.

The Fed ultimately delivered another 25bps hike. But its dovish forward guidance piled pressure on the US dollar and sent USD exchange rates tumbling to a one-month low.

Turning to April the direction of the US dollar may be dependant on the outlook for the global financial system. Further uncertainty, or fears of a recession could see demand for the safe-haven ‘greenback’ strengthen.

Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

From office to store

EL CORTE INGLES is transferring 2,324 office and administrative staff to its stores.

Last February, Spain’s leading department store chain announced that it would be taking this step to provide more support for its stores and shops “while addressing sales growth and improving customer care and service.”

A statement issued by El Corte Ingles explained that its agreement with the unions was based on maintaining employment and at the same time providing “voluntary severance” for the chain’s longest-serving employees.

Measures include an incentivised redundancy scheme for 630 employees who will be over 59 by June 30 this year, 40 more than was originally announced.

The agreement reached with the unions also improved the exit deal for employees who preferred to leave owing to the “substantial change” in their future roles.

That’s the spirit!

ON taking over as chief executive at Diageo, Debra Crew will be one of the few women at the head of an FTSE 100 company. Before her appointment as chief operating officer in October 2022, Crew was previously president of Diageo North America, overseeing the company’s largest market.

She joined Diageo in 2019 after heading tobacco firm Reynolds American, until it was acquired by British American Tobacco (BAT), having previously spent five years at PepsiCo.

Diageo, which makes Johnnie Walker, Guinness and Baileys and is the world’s biggest spirits manufacturer, employs 28,000 people globally and sells more than 200 brands in more than 180 markets.

MARCH: The euro was supported by the ECB interest rate expectations.

DOWNING STREET: Rishi Sunak, Grant Shapps and Ignacio Galan.

Photo credit: Iberdrola

CAN anyone please tell me what is actually occurring on this planet of ours? The whole shebang seems to be teetering on some kind of destabilising precipice, with our so­called leaders stumbling through it all in a complete befuddled daze.

Politicians groping through a tangled jungle of confusion and governmental garbage, getting all their priorities wrong and having no knowledge or way of even vaguely coming to grips with it all. Those, who are laughingly under the impression that they can make a difference, are all rushing around, trying to look important and ultimately reversing up their own backsides. I cannot help but think we are yet again all pawns in some devious plan, set in motion by those who truly run our lives.

Shadowy figures, who walk the secret corridors of those who hold the wealth of the world to their electronic bosoms. These individuals instigate, and even rely on worldwide destabilisation, confusion and chaos to put their own

Good luck all

conniving and self ­ gratifying schemes into operation. Dividing and prospering is their specialty.

Another Leapy rant I hear you say? Well I was accused of plenty of those, when I warned 30 or more years ago that if we didn’t come to terms and sort out the immigration problems, it would be too late and our enemies would be everywhere.

So, don’t dismiss the ol’ boy’s ramblings too flippantly. Look at the state we’re all in. Those who pronounced they were ‘offended’ with Christmas celebrations and preferred ‘Happy Holidays’ have managed to cover the whole of London’s West end with Ramadan lights and paraphernalia during the Christian celebration of Lent!

Most of the dissenters originated in the Middle East. They were welcomed into the country by a caring race of people, willing to share the peace and love instigated by their ancestors, who died in their millions to build a society of citizens that due to order and constructive hard work didn’t have to roam the land or exist in chaos.

I would also like to have been a fly on the wall of Putin’s palace when he met the Chinese PM. China isn’t quite ready to take over the world yet (50 years to go!) and its weapons are at the moment still electronic. The criminal elements of Russia are still fighting with the antiquated abilities of the Second World War, which the Chinese will only use when its enemies have been brought to their knees by electronics and nukes.

I just can’t shake off the feeling that the whole operation is some kind of smoke screen, devised by these hidden manipulators to create some form of new world order which will be beneficial to only them. Islamic leaders in Saudi Arabia don’t seem to be experiencing too much turmoil. They are actually building a whole modern city underground. When it all hits the fan, that’s where the Sheiks and all their oily mates will be.

Good luck all.

Keep

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

BRITS BANNED? OUR VIEW

THE news that Amsterdam is trying to deter British stag groups from its famously tempting streets can only be good for other European destinations. After all, the campaign is hardly likely to stop stag groups travelling abroad, but it may just change where they go.

But is singling out particular groups ever really the answer to anything?

If what Amsterdam is hoping to achieve is fewer British men roaming the streets looking for cheap drink, legal drugs, and an availability of women for sale, perhaps they should begin by looking at what caused men to flock there in the first place; Holland’s own laws.

A famously open ­ minded culture though, it would probably go against the Dutch grain to delegalise some of the things the country is best ­ known for. Therefore, why not take the same liberal approach to the types of people who want to visit Amsterdam?

If what their government values highly is a live and let live society therefore perhaps it is unfair after all to single out one type of traveller.

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

LIKE an essential riposte to the continuing waves of appalling global events, crime novels have seen a sales boom, a trend unforeseen even by hard ­ bitten crime fiction detectives. Anxious about volatility in the real world, readers now seek reassurance in stories where baddies get their just deserts.

People face many challenges in life and crime fiction lets readers forget their own struggles. They like a ‘formula’. There’s a death. A detective investigates. The perpetrator is unmasked in a plot involving cunning clues, red herrings and final justice. No mystery at all!

One challenge one family recently faced was the tragic disappearance and death of Nicola Bulley. Coincidentally, my just­published thriller ‘The Couple across the Street’ begins with the disappearance in a river of a woman, Michelle. But that’s where the similarities ­ spoiler alert ­ end!

This novel was started a year ago before any hint of Nicola Bulley’s fate (my books take a year from research, first draft through to final version and publication). And the situation it depicts doesn’t

Know your neighbours?

And, yes, you guessed, the reasons concern a criminal act. Crime fiction, after all, is my passion. Triggered initially by the study of criminal law for a J D (Juris Doctor) law degree decades ago in Los Angeles (winning the Moot Court Prize ­ a surreal Perry Mason­type experience) where I lived for many eventful years. One morning shortly after Finals, for example, a tax law Professor was shot dead right in front of me! I never did discover if he’d upset some former client or just a student with poor grades…

And this latest suspense thriller? Nicola Goodwin never imagines herself as a widow in her mid­30s. Losing her husband to a sudden illness shatters her world, but then she unexpectedly meets up with Matt Collins, her childhood love.

As they reconnect after years apart, Nicola can’t help but fall for him.

DI Barbara Forster seeks answers with the help of Alice Myers, an investigative journalist and creator of an edgy truecrime podcast. As they dig deeper into Michelle’s life, they discover a complex web of secrets and lies that paints a much darker picture, the truth more shocking than anyone imagined.

Throughout it all, Nicola stands by Matt’s side, determined to show he is blameless and salvage their relationship. But with more deaths and the evidence mounting against him, she begins to wonder if she truly knew the man she fell in love with.

In the end, the truth emerges, but at a steep cost. Will Nicola be left alone once again, wondering if it was all worth it...

A story of how a past passion leads to betrayal and a terrible revenge ­ one that still torments the present.

arise just from feelings of sympathy for the bereaved family left behind. But for quite different reasons. Something that’s puzzled and intrigued me for decades and I needed to explore in this latest book.

Their affair is passionate and all­consuming, but just as Matt finally decides to leave Michelle, his wife, Michelle disappears without trace. When a body is found and identified as hers, apparently a suicide, Matt’s infidelity is considered the primary reason by her grieving family.

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.nora­johnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora Johnson’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Nora’s latest thriller.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

By Clinica Britannia

New flexible denture available

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

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

without interrupting your vacation.

Now available is a new flexible denture, which is made of a material known as Nylon. This semi ­ flexible highquality 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

Raise a glass

SCIENTIFIC researchers in Canada recently announced that women could safely indulge in a large glass of wine a day.

On average this would not “significantly” increase the risk of death, they said.

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.

Appointments Landline: 965 837 553 / 965 837 851 • 24H/365D Emergency Number: (+34) 607 255 755 • Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 9:00am /

For men, this could increase to two large glasses, they said, after reviewing 107 studies that covered more than 4.8 million people.

The investigators compared the odds of dying among non­drinkers to the odds for drinkers with low, medium, high or very high alcohol consumption.

Females who drank moderately and fell into the low alcohol consumption group, were found to have no significant increase in their risk of death compared to female non­drinkers. These women drank less than 25 grammes of alcohol a day, the equivalent of one large glass of wine, or three small measures of gin.

By Clinica Britannia

DAILY TIPPLE: Perhaps not so bad as previously thought.

Sun-dried

A STUDY by the Microbiology department at Aston University in Birmingham concentrated on pinpointing locations where bacteria lurk in family homes.

Findings included a warning about leaving wet laundry in the machine for even a short time. As germs can flourish if clothes remain wet for more than 30 minutes, it is best to do another cycle, the investigators recommended.

Alarmed readers belonging to the “eat a peck before you die” generation might find some consolation in the Spanish belief that washing which dries in the sun gets sterilised anyway.

Benefits of dental implants

DENTAL implants are most often the best solution for filling that ugly gap caused by tooth loss. Once a tooth is lost, several things can begin to happen which are not necessarily noticeable to a patient and can have a negative effect on both health and appearance if left untreated. One significant problem is bone loss in the jawbone which can affect the stability of neighbouring teeth.

A dental implant procedure is an outpatient surgery, where an artificial root is placed in the jawbone and a natural looking tooth placed on top, filling the gap.

Placing an implant can help generate bone growth in the area around the implant, which not only strengthens the bone and builds support, but can also alleviate the sunken look that can occur with bone loss in the jaw often found with people with dentures.

Remember maintaining and strengthening bone structure in the

patients

jaw, provides the ability to chew all types of food without a problem, and gives patients the confidence to smile, all whilst protecting the existing teeth by preserving bone structure.

Contact our Dentist at Clinica Britannia for a check­up to see if a dental implant would be a suitable option to fill your gap and give you back that smile you are longing for.

High quality material that mimics natural gum colour.

DENTAL IMPLANTS: Give

the confidence to smile again.

Photo credit: Pexels/Vlada Karpovich

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

DURING my lifetime, emigrants from all over the world have sought passage to a life in Western Europe. My impression is that this has been a wonderful part of the world to live in. I have fond memories of life in England, Germany, France, Spain and Switzerland. I have not lived in my favourite country which is Italy but have spent four months in marvellous Vienna.

England always lacked sunshine and good cooking but had many redeeming features. There was a free and accessible national health service, a respected, reliable police force and judiciary, stability in local and national politics and a good education system. It had picturesque villages and thousands of traditional country pubs with real bitter ale. Churches were well attended and people were in general courteous to each other and welcoming to visitors from abroad. My base was in the Chilterns.

Germany likewise lacked a warm climate and tasty food but was a model of cleanliness and efficiency. Its streets were safe and its products, from

LIVING IN EUROPE WAS GREAT

Switzerland, had a lot of snow and ice in the winter but was well prepared for it. It was also expensive but salaries and the standard of living were high. It had a reliable transport system and, like Germany and Austria, was efficient, advanced and clean and tidy. I worked and lived in picturesque lakeside Zurich for two years.

BMWs and windows to clothes and stationery, were of the highest quality. Its streets were clean, and its roads a joy to drive on. The bars (or Kneipen) had a cosy character and excellent Pilsener beer or fine white wines. The salaries and social security were generous. I was based just south of Frankfurt for three years.

Only France is both northern and southern European. It is at the heart of Europe and, like Italy, it is both Alpine and Mediterranean. Its scenery and topography were exceptionally varied and striking while the affordable re ­

You can make a difference

THE British Benevolent Fund was founded over a century ago to provide help for those Britons in Spain in extreme financial distress.

Over its many years of existence, the BBF has acted as a ‘charity of last resort’ for those who have nowhere else to turn. It has seen more than in its fair share of the worst that life can throw and the resilience of people once they have a lifeline.

Sometimes a small amount makes a big difference.

Barry was a 62, had been living as a resident in Spain for years, lived alone doing seasonal and temporary work.

When the pandemic began, he was an early casualty ­ but there was no work ­ the bars closed, and the streets empty.

He applied for state aidwhich was declined ­ had no savings and with no income was forced to go to food banks and charities to survive. He did not have the rent to pay and would soon be on the streets.

And there was no sign of work. One of the charities who were helping Barry was one of

the BBF’s many partner charities found at https://www.sup portinspain.info/ who got in touch with us to see if there was a way to helping him through.

The BBF always looks for a solution and any funds are used in order to find one ­ in this case ­ there was no work and the BBF does not have the resources for ongoing payments.

But a plan was put togetherin the hope that work would come ­ and he would move out of the apartment and move to a room in a shared property.

The lifeline was just enoughwithin a few weeks he had found some part time work and then a few weeks later some more work.

Within a year he was managing a bar on the coast.

It was a long year coming ­

and Barry had many dark days but the lifeline kept him goingfinancially and more importantly that people wanted to help spurred him to every effort to get back on his feet.

Where he remains.

The BBF can only help people like Barry with your help ­ if you would like to support our work with a donation please visit our website to see how www.britishbenevolentfund.or g. Thank you. Olaf Clayton, BBF Chair.

gional food, wines and restaurants were second to none. For 10 years we had a property in Provence. Spain was less developed, unregulated and poorly organised, but it always felt like home for me. It had a wonderful healthy outdoor life. The monarchy was highly respected and prices of petrol, transport, fine wines and eating out were far lower than in the other countries. The cities were glorious and coastal construction was under control. In 1975 I spent a summer working on the Costa Blanca and now live in Axarquia.

But immigrants from troubled, less fortunate countries want to move to the UK, because many of them speak some English and consequently already have relatives there. Ireland is far less accessible, especially for those desperate enough to risk boat crossings.

In their different ways they were all probably at their best 40 to 60 years ago, but are still among the most desirable countries to live in.

A day to remember

LINDA HALL

SPAIN’S a Catholic country, isn’t it?

As it happens, the Spanish Constitution of 1978 separated the state and the Church and that division is jealously guarded.

Constitution apart, even in the 60s a bottomless pit separated a large slice of the population and the Church. The more Republican and socialist ­ as my husband’s family were ­ the less likely to go to Mass or pay attention to doctrine, so as a lapsed Catholic I fitted in easily.

Nevertheless, we were married in church and there was no question of not christening our daughter when she was born. Nor was there any discussion regarding her First Communion because she had already made up her mind about that.

Children have fantastic First Communions in Spain, although I’m referring to the material and not the spiritual side of things.

When I made my own in England it was considered vulgar for girls to

wear long dresses and the nuns tuttutted at those who did (and there was always one who did). Veils and gloves, yes, but definitely no fripperies. It was a nice enough day but my lasting memory is of the dress which was made of stiff organdie and scratched horrendously.

Even in 2023 little Spanish girls (and their mothers) feel cheated if they don’t resemble miniature brides. In fact the bridal connection is so strong that First Communion frocks are sold in bridal shops at prices emulating the grown ­ up versions.

Boys make their First Communion less obtrusively than formerly, not like my husband who was done up in white silk like an abbreviated Ruritanian general despite his family’s anticlericalism.

Officially secular Spain now clings to customs that centre on the Church but don’t require commitment. If that means expensive clothes and sumptuous meals at weddings, christenings and First Communions, so much the betterspiritually if not financially ­ for those who otherwise don’t see the

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

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

From pristine Germany to mountainous Spain, Western Europe has been a wonderful part of the world to live in.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

Photo Credits: David Worboys

Common law partners regulation in Andalucia, Spain in 2023

CONSULAR MATTERS

IN Andalucia, Spain, there is no specific regulation for common law partners.

The legal system in Spain recognises marriage and civil unions (registered couples) but does not provide legal recognition for couples who live together without being married or in a civil union duly registered.

However, common law partners in Andalucia may have certain rights and protections under general Spanish law.

For example, they may have the right to inherit from each other, de ­

pending on the circumstances, and may have certain protections in the event of separation or death.

Additionally, common law partners may choose to enter into a cohabitation agreement, which is a private contract that can establish certain rights and obligations between the partners, such as property ownership and financial support.

It is important for common law partners in Andalucia to seek legal advice to understand their rights and options under Spanish law.

For more from our columnists please scan this

Top class LETTERS

HELLO

I was just sitting down to message you and say congratulations to the team on an outstanding edition of Euro Weekly

The Women in Business section is top notch. These women are deserving of recognition, brilliant.

Apart from that the paper appears to have more interesting features than normal. I feel it’s like a Sunday paper but without the colour supplement.

Really first class. Thank you.

Berni Albrighton, Almeria

Dear Editor,

IT is over 100 years since the First World War which lasted from 1914 till 1918 and this trench warfare is now being re­enacted in Bakhmut.

To get an idea of this, just watch ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’.

Absolutely horrific for all men there fighting for their country.

Putin has a lot to answer for!

Brian Johnston, Benalmadena

Delivery service

First of all I would like to thank you on behalf of the community of Caravaning & Camping La Manga for starting to recommence the delivery service of the Euro Weekly News to our site. It’s been long awaited and understand the reasons why due to the impact of the past few years that rocked the nation and the world. Hopefully we can all try and get carefully get back to some kind of normality, but not forget the virus still lingers on.

Anyway, having seen that we have received the first batch of papers. May I request an additional 50 copies be delivered knowing the amount of residents that reside here. The numbers will go up especially during the winter months from September to late March when the snow birds come down for the winter sun. The papers are so informative and would be gratefully received. Hopefully you can supply more now and a further increase later after the summer.

Yours gratefully

Mr S L Tryner (Resident)

Joe’s letter

Whilst I sympathise with him, he admitted living illegally in Spain for 13 years, only returning to the UK when the 90/180 day rule caught up with him. For 10 years of that 13 he would have been on a UK state pension, so if registered here, eligible for S1 free medical cover for him and his wife. He therefore did not ‘need’ two lots of expensive private

health insurance for 10 of the 13 years. He also paid non­resident tax unnecessarily for 13 years.

He said he and his wife did not register in Spain because they wanted access to NHS in UK. That of course was not legal. On returning to the UK he was not able to get a hernia operation on the NHS, so went private. Had they been legal they could have continued living happily in Spain and had free medical treatment for his hernia, gall stones, enlarged prostate, wife’s Parkinson’s, etc.

Lastly; He adversely compared his failure to get an NHS hernia operation with Gary Glitter, who had a knee operation on NHS. However Glitter although convicted, was legally entitled to NHS cover in UK.

Sorry Joe but honesty often is the best policy !

John Carrington

Blue Badge

Like Valerie Neale, I know that getting a Blue Badge is not easy, and it is not issued by one’s GP.

Some years ago I investigated the procedure which involved an appointment with Social Services at the town hall where the procedure is started.

Next, you go to your GP so that they can certify that the applicant, my wife in this case, does indeed qualify for a Blue Badge.

When you have that, back you go to the town hall, and are told you might get your Badge within two years! Because I drive and my wife has a wheelchair, I gave up as we have not met any situation, so far, where a Blue Badge would have helped. Regards.

Ken Cook, Gata de Gorgos

Breaking point!

Zimbabwe’s economy has been devastated by corruption and more than two decades of sanctions. The latest Al Jazeira four­part documentary has began to completely expose and reveal the illegal mafia type organisation that is ZANU­PF. It is clear that the Zimbabwean president position is unattainable after the exposure of the gold scandal. Gold Smuggler, Ewan Macmillan tells us that another Gold smuggler Simon Rudland has unfettered access to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, Mr John Mangudya. It was also revealed that the gospel minister, Ubert Angel, obtains the highest level rank of dimpomacy in Zimbabwe. Angel is heard saying in his own words, “The president will rule until he dies.”

Corruption in Zimbabwe is clearly at an all time high. The world cannot watch such atrocities happen and do nothing.

Michael Tinarwo

What the universe has in store

HELLO my Angels, The card I have pulled for this week is ‘Trust the niggle’. This week the universe is feeling the full effects of the new moon cycle that happened last week, and the shift that is happening within us is, with all my readings this week it has mostly been about your ‘inter wishing’.

You know the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach, it’s a feeling you get when either someone is lying to you or you’re not sure about something or someone?

You might feel your tummy flip or little butterflies in your tummy, or you may just feel a certain way within you when you are around that person or thinking about a situation and you just think something is off.

This is all connected to what your spatial people say is charkras. Charkras are all down

our body right in the centre and starts at the top of your head, your crown all the way down to your root, your sacral. there are seven main ones that are most important and these are the ones that we are concentrating on today. Now for you to get aligned with them you must mediate and be very relaxed, you must concentrate on each one and notice the effects it has on your body, the seven charkras are your crown, your third eye, your throat, your heart, your solax plexux, your sacral and your root.

There are also different colours for each one. Now if you have trouble speaking your truth you will notice the throat charkra will start to move or feel like you need to cough or clear that area. This is a sign that you need to work on your voice so you may be heard or speak your truth. With your tummy charkra this is called the solar plexux.

Now this is where we store anxiety and fear

and feeling this holds are inter wishing and again if you were to mediate you will find your tummy feeling a bit funny like butterflies or bubbling. You need to listen and feel the feeling you get because when making decisions in your life or you’re worried about something, your body will tell you what to do, and have you ever heard the expression I feel this in my gut?

This does not lie, because trust yourself and the niggle that you get when speaking or being around people or situations. Yes you can ask people’s advice on things, however if you really concentrate on yourself and trust yourself then you can not go wrong. Why don’t you have a practice this week and write in and let me know how it is going?

Honestly it is a really fun thing to do if you have never done it before. You’re learning to trust yourself and the way you feel and it is amazing.

If you would like to know more or have a reading please go to my website to book your very own personal private reading. You can find me on Instagram @theangelic.medium or visit my website.

https://www.theangelicpsychicmedium.com sending lots of love, your Emma.

My tarot card I have pulled off this week is ‘Trust the Niggle’

PETS

Animal Welfare Law Spain

THE new animal welfare law approved by the Spanish Congress of Deputies is now in effect. What do we need to know about this new law and what’s new. Here are the 10 new obligations for dog owners.

1. Take out civil liability insurance for damages to third parties, whatever the breed or size of the dog.

2. Take a mandatory course. Everyone who has a pet or wants a pet must take a course and will have a period of two years to do it. All the details are not clear yet about this course but it will be free and online.

3. All dogs must pass a sociability test, those that don’t pass will be required to wear a muzzle and a short leash until they improve.

4. A dog may be alone at home for a maximum of 24 hours. They cannot live on balconies or in basements. The fine for this can reach €10,000.

5. Pets must be integrated into the family nucleus and kept clean.

6. Avoid uncontrolled reproduction. Breeding may only be carried out by approved breeders.

7. It is forbidden to leave them at any time inside a closed vehicle.

8. They can not be tied up or wander through public spaces without supervision.

9. They should not deposit their droppings or urine in places of habitual passage. If it happens the owner must clean them.

10. Facilitate veterinary treatments.

Petsitters care for Dolly the dog

MANY of our pet owners find trusted pet­sitters through our network because the pets love the company. Dolly is a perfect example of that. She loves playing and having a pet­sitter in­house while her owners are away suits her and her owners perfectly. If you are planning a trip later this year, register now to find pet­sitters in time.

Even if it’s just a short trip, you’ll know that sometimes you just have to leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying in their own home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Let us help. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and petcare. 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

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

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

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

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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

Root canal therapy is a treatment which involves removing infected pulp from the root canal of the tooth, disinfecting the canal, and replacing the removed tissue with dental material. The root canal is accessed through the crown of the tooth.

Standard root canal therapy permits the pet to keep the tooth maintaining its function, as the structural integrity of the tooth has been preserved.

https://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=BvTJGtlijz0

Root canal therapy.

Dolly loves playing with her petsitter while her owners are away

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LOCKSMITH/ELECTRICIAN

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

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WIGS

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MISCELLANEOUS

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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INSURANCE

SITUATIONS VACANT

Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid - refined capability

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

THERE seems to be more and more SUVs on the road, whether this is en ­

tirely personal choice on behalf of the buyers or clever marketing is a very debateable point.

SUVs do get a bad press though and it is unfair as despite being billed as

overly large gas guz zlers not all SUVs fall into that category. There are many smaller versions and even the larger ones now come with self ­ charg ing or plug ­ in hy brid as part of the power deal.

Suzuki has a long and well ­ deserved reputation for making very capable off­roaders but have of recent years moved into SUVs with two wheel drive. Whether you’re looking at the Ignis, Vitara or S­Cross they all have the option of two or four ­ wheel ­ drive. The S ­ Cross has just been relaunched in new mild or full hybrid form.

Priced from €29,630/ £26,099 even the lead ­ in model is bestowed with a particularly generous level of standard equipment. The list includes adaptive

cruise control, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, LED lights, powered, heated and folding door mirrors along with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Two trim levels and the option of two or four ­ wheeldrive, manual or automatic gears and mild or full hybrid.

My test model was the top­line Ultra model in full hybrid form which means a 1.5 ­ litre normally aspi ­

rated engine and automatic gears. The standard equipment list is even more generous than the lead­in model, as it should be with a €37,067/£32,649 price tag, and includes a super, full length sliding panoramic glass roof.

There is a distinctly more upmarket feel, the Vitara is well built but uses a lot of not very tactile plastics on the interior, to new Suzuki models and the S ­ Cross is no exception. There’s a clean layout and everything from the auto gear shift lever

to the touchscreen works

On the road it’s smooth, refined and quiet, unless you floor the accelerator when the automated manual gearbox does become vocal. This is a characteristic of this kind of gearbox but the S ­ Cross is far from being the most vocal in my experience. It’s a different style of driving that’s soon second nature.

Performance from the 1.5 ­ litre engine isn’t sparkling (go for the manual 1.4 ­ litre boosterjet that’s much quicker) but that said it feels anything but pedestrian.

Suzuki produce some very underrated cars in my view and the S ­ Cross, despite at this price being up against stiff competition, is certainly one of them.

SUZUKI S-CROSS: On the road it’s smooth, refined and quiet.

Max Verstappen takes the chequered flag

RED BULL driver Max Verstappen won the first Australian Grand Prix of his career today, Sunday, April 2. The reigning Dutch world champion started from pole position and took the chequered flag at Albert Park in Melbourne to extend his lead at the top of the championship to 15 points after three races.

Lewis Hamilton capped a tremendous weekend by bringing his Mercedes home in second place, ahead of Spain’s Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin. The former world champion now has three podiums in three races this season.

The race was filled with controversy, with three red flags and finishing under a safety car to fulfil FIA rules after a restart. The final positions though were taken from those that the drivers were in when the last restart occurred.

At that point, Alonso had found himself at the back of the pack after spinning out. Under FIA regulations, the cars had to parade around the

circuit behind the safety car for the last lap.

Carlos Sainz was very upset after being handed a five­second penalty that demoted him to 12th. That meant he was out of the points after the Ferrari driver was deemed responsible for causing the crash that spun Alonso out.

Speaking after the race, the Spaniard called the decision “unacceptable”. “They need to wait until after the race and

discuss it with me. Clearly the penalty is not deserved. It is

too severe,” he added.

Alonso’s teammate achieved his best finish of the season to clinch fourth place. Mexico’s Sergio Perez took fifth in the second Red Bull. Lando Norris had a brilliant race, moving from 13th on the grid to finish in sixth for McLaren.

The American Haas team found themselves among the points again thanks to Nico Hulkenberg who grabbed an impressive seventh. Oscar Pistri was delighted to score his first points in F1 with a brilliant eighth place in the other McLaren and in front of his home crowd.

Another fantastic finish was that of Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu, who drove his Aston Martin home in ninth position. The top 10 was rounded out by Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda in the Alpha Tauri.

Today’s unprecedented events in an F1 race will undoubtedly draw comparisons with the Abu Dhabi carnival in 2021 that finished Lewis Hamilton’s chances of another world title.

Max Verstappen winning the Australian GP 2023.

12

worst place held by defending Masters Champion, Scottie Scheffler

TH

We’re going to fight, said coach A massive new entertainment brand

THE exciting news was revealed on Monday, April 3, that the WWE is to merge with the UFC to form one massive entertainment brand in a deal worth an estimated $21 billion (€19.262 billion). Endeavor Group Holdings which owns the UFC mixed martial arts franchise will have a 51 per cent controlling stake with existing shareholders in the WWE taking the other 49 per cent.

Ari Emanuel, the Endeavor CEO will control the as­yetunnamed organisation. Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White will remain in charge of his enterprise. Vince McMahon, the legendary executive chairman of the WWE will be in charge of the wrestling side.

“This is a rare opportunity to create a global live sports and entertainment pureplay built for where the industry is headed,” announced Emanuel.

The CEO continued: “For decades, Vince and his team have demonstrated an incredible track record of innovation and shareholder value creation, and we are confident that Endeavor can deliver significant additional value for shareholders by bringing UFC and WWE together.”

Both entities have a huge global fanbase and social media reach across a wide audience of all age groups. At the end of the final quarter of 2022, the WWE had amassed in excess of 16 billion video views on social media platforms. These included more than 20 million TokTok followers and approaching 94 million YouTube subscribers.

Ronda Rousey, the former female UFC fighting star has an incredible following of 36.1 million on her social networks. Five female wrestlers appear on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram’s top 15 most­followed female athletes.

SERGIO PELLICER, the manager of Malaga CF, held a press conference on Friday March 31 at the club’s La Rosaleda Stadium. “We have the challenge of achieving two consecutive victories,” said the Blue and White coach.

Speaking about the state of his squad and the approaching Easter period, he explained: “The team has recovered almost everyone, except for Bustinza, who trained partially today, but won’t be there,” he commented initially.

“After the match the other day, that magical moment of the second goal, you have to visualise reality. The situation is still difficult, but the fans be­

lieve, the team believes, and we are going to fight. This week I’ve seen some of the best training sessions since I got here,” he stressed.

He pointed out that he was determined to “fight and honour our values with that effort and commitment. We have the challenge of achieving two consecutive victories and getting closer to those teams.”

The coach has ‘many options’ in terms of players and tactics. “The other day we started with a line of three, the team felt comfortable, then we changed, and they also felt comfortable. We see that desire, despite the difficulty. Everyone is there, and we’ll

make the best decisions, yet the important thing is that they’re making it difficult for me. If the team improves, we all improve. And that is contagious,” he highlighted.

In regard to their next rival,

Pellicer said “Andorra had a stage in which they endured five consecutive defeats, but are now back to the team from the start of the season. They are the most surprising team in the competition.”

Grealish shines

HEY JUDE reverberates around the Etihad Stadium, the Manchester City players form a pre­match huddle. The importance of this match is clear to see. It was also a must­win for Liverpool to finish in the top four.

The young Argentinian Julian Alvarez starts as Erling Haaland watches on injured. Liverpool left their ‘Captain Chaos’ on the bench and opted for Diogo Jota in the starting lineup. In the first half, both teams played hightempo high­intensity football leaving even the spectators worn out at halftime.

Salah scored first for Liverpool with an assist from Jota in the 17th minute and Alvarez got the equaliser 10 minutes

later with an assist from Jack Grealish. At half­time the match is level but it was to be Manchester City’s day as they scored right after half­time a Kevin De Bruyne goal in the 46th minute catching Liverpool asleep. Liverpool suffering from a lack of self­confidence these days did not respond well to the goal and went on to concede another goal in the 53rd minute leaving it 3­1. From that point, Liverpool never looked like getting back into the match even when Jurgen Klopp made four changes. It was Jack Grealish’s day, he was everywhere, attacking, defending, and generally making a nuisance of himself it was possibly his best performance for the sky blues.

Malaga CF coach, Sergio Pellicer.

Credit: Twitter@MalagaCF_en