Costa Blanca North 20 – 26 April 2023 Issue 1972

THEY’RE BACK

ALL figures suggest that tourism in the Valencia Re‐gion has returned to pre ‐Covid levels at last.

Hotel occupation rates along the coast averaged 84 per cent over Easter ‐4.7 per cent higher than expected, and thanks largely to last ‐ minute reservations.

Alicante Province aver ‐aged occupation rates of 83 per cent, with Benidorm registering 84 per cent.

The figures are even higher for coastal camp ‐sites throughout the re ‐gion, with 100 per cent of huts and bungalows and 90 per cent of plots occu ‐pied in all three provinces.

Rural homes and other types of tourist accommo‐dation in inland areas reg‐istered average occupation rates of 86 per cent.

Regional Tourism chief Francesc Colomer has es ‐pecially highlighted the re‐

Caring men

THE Marina Baja Equality Council has launched a cam‐paign to promote gender equality in domestic and care duties.

‘Hombres de cuidados’ in Spanish and ‘Homes de cures’ in Valencian (‘Caring men’) aims to give visibility to families where it is the man who is responsible for the housework and childcare, with the aim of breaking down barriers and providing new male references for children and young people to promote a fairer society. The campaign takes the form of a series of posters on advertising billboards, social networks and web ‐sites of all the district town halls.

covery of international tourism, with figures for the first three months of the year higher than dur ‐ing the same period in 2019.

Sr Colomer has also con‐gratulated the sector on its efforts to encourage the “deseasonalisation, inter‐nationalisation and diversi‐fication” of the tourism trade.

Image

Tourists in Benidorm at Easter.

Bringing back the birds

MORE than a dozen Scottish ospreys will nest in the Pego­Oliva marshes from July.

The fourth campaign to reintroduce the eagle in the area was presented this week, when representatives of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation visited Pego to confirm that 12 osprey chicks will be brought in over the summer to repopulate the wetland.

The Foundation is at the forefront of investigations into bird migration and have previously successfully reintroduced a wide range of species in the south of England, the Basque Country and Switzerland, among other areas.

ALICANTE’S Santa Barbara Castle welcomed around a whopping 30,000 visitors over Easter from April 6 until April 10.

Saturday, April 8, was the day when the attendance record was broken, with 9,000 people enjoying the fortress, according to data provided by Esatur.

The international visitors come from the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany and the na­

Group expert Ian Perks explained that the main difference with this campaign and previous efforts at the Marjal is the number of new chicks to be introduced.

“By increasing the number of specimens, the possibilities of survival of the species during the first year are greater,” said Mr Perks, who added that the goal to ensure full repopulation is to have at least 100 birds as soon as possible.

Pego Mayor Enrique Moll added that “the reintroduction of the osprey is vital to boost the environmental richness of the marshes and we will continue to work towards this end.”

Recordbreaking

tional visitors come from the Valencian Community, Madrid, Catalonia, Galicia and the Basque Country. The head of the Alicante City & Beach Tourist Board, Mari Carmen Sanchez, confirmed: “The Castle of Santa Barbara continues to be one of the most visited monuments in the Valencian

Community and this Easter, in line with the excellent tourist figures recorded in the city, has once again exceeded expectations.”

Santa Barbara Castle continues to offer a wide range of cultural and leisure activities, designed for all audiences so that locals and national and international visitors can enjoy the monument and learn about the history and gastronomy of Alicante.

On the buses

PUBLIC transport companies in Alicante Province have launched a project to train and employ victims of do‐mestic violence, unem‐ployed workers aged over 40 and immigrants as bus drivers with the double goal of facilitating their access to the workplace and covering the lack of professionals in the sector.

Road improvements

BENIDORM will have a new roundabout and more bus stops in the Poniente area as part of the general overhaul currently taking place on the Avenida Armada Española. Work to transform the road into a low‐emission zone is nearing completion with the resurfacing scheduled to be‐gin next week.

Montgo fire

A FOREST fire broke out on the Denia side of the Mont‐go mountain on Sunday af‐ternoon and was finally brought under control on Monday morning, after the flames devoured up to 300 square metres of pine trees and undergrowth in the Pun‐ta Benimaquia area, near Jesús Pobre.

Bienvenue!

THE local music bands of Javea and Benissa were invit‐ed to take part in the spec‐tacular daily closing parade in Disneyland Paris last Mon‐day. The starry‐eyed musi‐cians were selected as part of the Disney Performing Arts Onstage programme aimed at promoting music and dance groups from all over the world.

Wine fair

VILLAJOYOSA’S Barbera dels Aragonés gardens will host the 17th edition of the ‘Mostra del Vi’ wine tasting fair on Saturday April 22. More than 50 bodegas and 10 local restaurants will offer their products this year, with the event opening to the public at 8pm.

Happy Earth Day

AS we celebrate Earth Day 2023 on Saturday, April 22, we are reminded of the impor‐tance of our collective respon‐sibility in safeguarding our planet.

Earth Day is a global event celebrated annually by more than one billion people to raise awareness about environmen‐tal issues and encourage action to protect the planet. The pur‐pose of Earth Day is simple: to promote a greener, more sus‐tainable future for the planet we call home.

This year, we rally behind the theme of ‘Invest in Our Planet’, which reminds us of the impor‐

YOUR EWN HAS

tance of dedicating our time, re‐sources, and energy to solving the climate crisis.

The EWN suggest four ways you can make a difference:

1. Plant a tree.

2. Reduce your plastic con‐sumption. Try the plastic calcu‐lator at: www.earthday.org

3. Plan your own event. Organise a community cleanup, march,or workshop using the Earth Day 2023 Action Toolkit and register your event on the official Earth Day Map.

4. Donate. Support envi‐ronmental campaigns.

Happy Earth Day to all our readers!

Red Cross drive Alicante Award

ALICANTE’S Postiguet beach has been awarded the Ecoplayas 2023 flag in recog‐nition of its services and the way it takes care of the sandy areas with the conservation of the algae upwelling during the winter.

The Postiguet beach in Ali‐cante is one of the four new beaches on the peninsular Mediterranean coast that will fly the Ecoplayas flag in 2023.

Alicante will join La Cari‐huela in Torremolinos, El De‐do in Malaga and El Cable in Marbella.

These beaches join the hundred or so that have re‐

newed the award after win‐ning it in previous years.

Postiguet Beach is the most emblematic beach in the city of Alicante.

It is a very busy urban beach due to its proximity to the city centre and to the main tourist axis between the seafront and the old town.

The beach is 808 metres long and more than 50 me‐tres wide, it has an estimated surface area of 40,540 square metres and an estimated ca‐pacity of 5,930 people.

Postiguet Beach has also been awarded the Blue Flag quality label.

THE Red Cross in Alfaz del Pi is running a campaign to col‐lect food and hygiene prod‐ucts to help crisis ‐ hit resi ‐dents.

Milk, flour, sugar, tomato sauce, pate, tinned tuna, pas‐ta, chicken stock, fruit juice, eggs, yoghurts and fruit are the most needed foodstuffs, and regarding hygiene prod‐ucts the Red Cross is asking for shampoo, shower gel, de‐odorant, disposable razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary towels and nappies.

Donations can be handed in at the Pabellón Pau Gasol until Sunday April 30.

As well as the permanent

Public garden for Denia

DENIA Town Council has announced an investment of nearly €900,000 to cre ‐ate a new public garden at the site of the old health centre on Calle Marqués de Campo.

The project to turn the 1,286 square‐metre plot into a ‘Mediterranean oasis in the centre of town’ has been put out to tender with work expected to take four months to complete.

Traffic and parking in the area will be reduced while promoting pedestrian and cycling mobility, with a stage erect‐ed in the centre surrounded by trellis

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

New shelter

TEULADA Council has cre‐ated a new climate shelter in the Pinar del Pla pine tree forest.

with climbing plants and trees provid‐ing shade and creating “a kind of Ro ‐man theatre,” according to the project plans.

The aim is to provide a meeting point for neighbours and an open‐air setting for cultural and social events, as well as a children’s play area.

It will also be used to store the chairs ready for major events such as the Car‐nival, Moors and Christians and Three Kings parades in the high street, and last year it housed the municipal Christ‐mas market.

collection point in the pavil‐ion, the Red Cross will set up a stand at the Parking La Bolleta on Saturday April 22 from 12pm to 3pm as part of the Mig Any de Penyes festivities.

The Red Cross thanks resi‐dents for their solidarity and reminds them that the organ‐isation has an office on Calle Francia where they provide help to the most vulnerable sectors of the population in‐cluding those affected by poverty, victims of gender vi‐olence, children, the elderly and dependant citizens, as well as working in the fields of health, emergencies, edu‐cation and the environment.

The town hall has in‐vested €52,340 in creating the facilities near the mu‐nicipal swimming pool and next to the recently inaugurated dog park in the area commonly re‐ferred to as the Pinaret de la Costa. Work has fo‐cused on adapting the plot to create a leisure area with games for chil‐dren, picnic benches and other services using equipment that maintains an adequate temperature and which will be open to the public during periods of excessive heat.

Teulada Services coun‐cillor José Antonio Bis‐quert explained that the climate shelter will offer “residents and visitors a new leisure area to be en‐joyed all year round and especially during the sum‐mer, when we all look for somewhere in the shade to spend a nice time with family and friends.”

Photo credit: Earth Day 2023 (via Facebook)

Millions of people take environmental action on Earth Day.

20 Years of water

EXPANSION work is now complete on the Villajoyosa drinking water treatment plant.

The total capacity of the installations has been increased by 73 per cent, guaranteeing the supply for 50,000 residents ­ double the current population of the town ­ for the next 20 years.

As well as increasing the quantity of stored water, work has also focused on improving the quality, with new filter and disinfection systems and waste product treatment technology.

In addition, the plant has been made energetically self­sufficient by installing solar panels that will prevent

the emission of 9.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Villajoyosa mayor Andreu Verdú visited the site this week, accompanied by Town Planning and Water councillor Pedro Alemany.

“This was an essential project to satisfy the demand for drinking water in Villajoyosa and to continue to maintain the high quality of service,” said Sr Alemany.

Regarding the solar panel installation, Mayor Andreu Verdú said it is part of a series of measures carried out by the council to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions through actions based on sustainable development.”

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

PATIENTS receiving anticoagulation therapy at Denia hospital can now access their results and instructions through the mobile phone application Taulell Virtual.

Until now, patients who underwent regular anticoagulation checks by finger pinprick were required to wait or visit their local health centre to collect the results and the date of the next checkup.

But this information is now available in their personal account on the Marina Salut Taulell Virtual app. Users can download the app through the Google Playstore on Android phones or the Apple Store

Easier by app Green light

for iPhones.

Once downloaded, the user creates an account with their SIP number and date of birth. They will then receive a verification code by text message that they must introduce, and finally create a password.

Marina Salut haematology department chief Alfons Serrano stresses the importance of reading the new guidelines carefully, “as they will also include the instructions that until now were given verbally by the nursing staff at their local health centre.”

The app can also be used for a wide range of other services such as checking in when arriving at the hospital, requesting and modifying appointments and renewing prescriptions, among others.

Keeping it clean

BENIDORM Town Council has launched a drive to reduce littering and other antisocial behaviour.

Under the title ‘Benidorm, my town. Look after Benidorm. It’s your home’, several simultaneous campaigns are targeting specific areas of street cleanliness.

smokers not to throw cigarette ends on the ground.

BENIDORM Council is finally set to legalise the first of seven hotels built at the start of the millennium and which are still sitting in a legal limbo.

The first to receive the green light nearly two decades later is Hotel Deloix in the Rincon de Loix, a four­star­plus establishment for which Benidorm Town Hall will receive €371,000 in compensation due to the hotel occupying more space than permitted when it was built.

This is a medieval Spanish saying and is used ironically when someone boasts about his own qualities.

Following an initial campaign stressing the importance of cleaning up after pets in the street, this week efforts are focusing on encouraging

‘Don’t let cigarette buts end up in the sea’ is the slogan for the new campaign, which, added to the placing of stickers and plaques next to manholes and drains, is aimed at reminding passers­by that anything thrown down there eventually reaches the ocean.

In addition, a new series of bins have been installed at several points throughout the town.

The compensation will be paid by the company in charge of the Deloix, who was allowed to go over the permitted floor space limit thanks to a special piece of legislation approved by the local government at the time to promote the construction of four and five­star hotels.

The condition to go over the allotted floor space was that the company should compensate the council, either financially or with land for public use, which had not been done till now.

• 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 Marina Salud/Facebook

Denia hospital.

Mayor Verdú and councillor Alemany are shown around the plant.

Image by Villajoyosa Town Hall.

“Each peddler praises his own needles.”

47% of British holidaymakers use sun cream with a factor higher than 10.

BENIDOR M’S new public car parks have worked “splendidly” over Easter, according to the council.

There are currently 7,600 free parking spaces in 40 car parks around the town, 600 of which were created over the weeks leading up to the bank holiday week-

Benissa up, Javea down

SECOND-HAND property sale figures for the first three months of the year in the Valencia Region throw up some interesting results.

Prices for used houses in Spain have risen drastically over the last year, with Valencia as one of the Spanish regions with the highest increase. The average cost per square metre for a second-hand house in Spain sat at €2,016 in March - a 6.5 per cent increase on 2022 - according to a leading Spanish second-hand property sale website.

But surprisingly, one of the Spanish towns where prices dropped the most in this time was Javea, historically one of the most expensive places to buy. At the same time, Benissa experienced the sharpest increase, climbing by 9.29 per cent between January and March this year and a whopping 25.4 per cent compared to 2022.

Benidorm parking success

end, and most were full up. The ones in Calles Salt de l’Aigua, Italia and Cuba, Avenida de Beniardá and the one located next to the fire station were the busiest last week, as well as the new one on

Avenida Armada Española that will continue to open at weekends and bank holidays until the summer. According to Mobility councillor José Ramón González, this shows that “the town is more than

Big spenders

vehicles at the car parks and walking into town to visit the local shops and businesses.

ready to deal with the avalanche of vehicles registered at peak times such as Easter or the summer.” Sr González highlighted the “splendid behaviour of visitors, who had no problem leaving their

“The town works and does so in an organised manner,” said the councillor.

Visit the municipal website benidorm.org to find out where the free car parks are.

TOURISTS from the UK and France are the biggest spenders in the Valencian Region.

The news comes as tourism celebrates the figures for 2022, which improve on those of the last year before the pandemic, and predictions are for an even better result in 2023.

Foreign tourists left the Valencian Community with more than €6 billion in its pocket in 2022.

Records confirm the recovery of the sector after the effects of the pandemic surpassed those marked in 2019, the last year of normality before the outbreak

of Covid. An experimental study by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) reveals that visitors from other countries spent or withdrew cash with their credit cards for a total amount of €6,750,185,386.

The figure would be even higher if the INE included cash transactions and pocket money that tourists bring already changed from their countries of origin.

HOSBEC estimates that it would mean more than 55 per cent of the total, which is the percentage of tourist production that corresponds to Alicante within the Valencian Community.

TOURISM FIGURES: Have improved over the last year.

Image: Per Bengtsson / Shutterstock.com

Primary health care overhaul

DENIA will have a new public health centre. The new 1,500 square­metre facilities will centralise the local A&E service as well as covering part of the town’s GP and paediatric requirements.

Denia Health Department chief Javier Palau presented the plans at Gata health centre this week during the launch of a campaign entitled ‘Primary goes first’ aimed at improving primary health care through­

out the Marina Alta.

“We are focusing on primary assistance as it is the basis of our health care system, “declared Dr Palau, adding that improvements will include “infrastructures, human resources, training and accessibility.”

The department chief highlighted the coverage carried out over Easter for “the floating population” at Calpe’s Fossa and Javea’s Arenal beaches,

Bracing for change

as well as infrastructure and service improvements implemented over recent months in Denia, Pedreguer, Ondara and Benissa.

Dr Palau added that the overhaul also includes reinforcing 24­hour auxiliary staff at Gata and Pedreguer health centres, as well as boosting the workforce in other departments “to improve the quality of the service and adjusting the patient­professional ratio.”

Not good for claustrophobia

A TEAM of expert divers, geologists and speleologists from all over Spain are working to uncover the mysteries of the Riu del Moraig ­ an underwater salt and freshwater river said to be unique in the world and located under Benitachell.

Also known as the Riu Blanc (white river), it was first discovered 50 years ago but not much is known about its many galleries and sinkholes.

This prompted the creation of the Moraig Exploration Group (GEM), who since 2013 has managed to get further than anyone ever before while continuing the studies of German speleologist Bernhard Pack, who died during an immersion in the river Moraig in 1992.

Pack, together with Spanish colleague José María Cortés, managed to reach 1,125 metres into this complex cave, with a group of British explorers going further some years later and reaching a distance of 1,350 metres.

Now the GEM has smashed those records by reaching 2,500 metres in distance and 100 metres deep. Added to

all the various secondary galleries explored by the group, a total 6,000 metres of cave have now been explored and documented ­ the previous map drawn up by Bernhard Pack totalled 2,500 metres.

CALPE Town Hall has approved a municipal plan to adapt to climate change.

The aim of the document is to prepare for any possible eventuality that may occur in the near future as a result of the climate emergency.

It identifies nine types of risk, namely drought and scarcity of water resources, extreme temperatures and heat islands, torrential rainfall and flooding, rising sea levels, energy dependency, economic stagnation, environmental degradation, and loss of marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Experts analysed each issue and established predicted scenarios for 2023, 2037 and 2050, suggesting 29 adaptation and mitigation measures to face each risk.

For this year, the document establishes water scarcity and torrential rainfall as the top risks, although they are classed as “manageable”.

Municipal Territory councillor Juan Manuel del Pino said the report is “an action plan to carry out future projects according to the needs of each moment”.

The document was presented during the town hall plenary session, in which the council also approved the new drainage and rainwater management plan.

Dr Palau presenting the campaign at Gata health centre.

Image by Marina Salud.

RIU BLANC: Discovered 50 years ago.

Image by Benitachell Town Hall

UP to 73 per cent of holiday visitors to Javea come from other parts of Spain, according to figures published by the Spanish Transport and Mobility ministry.

The town currently has a stable population of around 30,000 inhabitants that is usually multiplied by four during Easter and the summer, reach-

Top for Spanish tourism

ing more than 200,000 people. Interestingly, the vast majority of these visitors come from other parts of Spain - and more specifically from elsewhere in the Valencia Region.

Valencia City accounts for the largest number of visitors

to the town, followed by Alicante, Elche and Castellon.

Next on the list are Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza and Bilbao.

Of the remaining 27 per cent of holiday visitors to Javea that come from other coun-

Sailing success

ALICANTE is to host the final of the Iberdrola Women’s Sailing League which will be held from October 20 to 22 at the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante.

Deputy mayor, Mari Carmen Sanchez, highlighted the fact that Alicante has managed to host this great final against the candidacy of major national clubs.

“It is great news that Alicante will host the final of the Iberdrola Women’s Sailing League, which will bring together the best sailors in Spain and promote our city.”

The mayor added: “Alicante has everything it needs to host this event. Our climate, the comfort of our infrastructures, our experience in other sailing competitions such as The Ocean Race or

the Tabarca a Vela regatta.

“Alicante is committed to women’s sailing and equality in sport which has made us an excellent host for the best sailors in Spain to play for the title here.”

Digital information panels

TEULADA Town Hall has invested €100,000 in the installation of four digital information panels for local events. The aim is to make municipal advertising more environmentally friendly and save the council money on paper and ink, as well as ensuring that the information is available to all in various languages. There are currently 13 regular panels for printed announcements that will continue to be used for longer-running events

and information, with the digital ones reserved for shorter or more immediate announcements that require less display time.

“The goal is to rely less on printing, thus reducing the use of energy, paper and ink and developing a more sustainable advertising policy that has the least impact possible on our environment,” in the words of Teulada mayor and Communication councillor Raúl Llobell.

tries, the UK is in first place followed by Germany, Holland and Belgium.

The figures also show that Spanish tourism in the town is mainly middle-aged and family-based, and mostly concentrated during the summer.

WOMEN’S LEAGUE: The best sailors play for the title.

Image: Synto / Shutterstock.com

Marvellous March Ficus trees replaced

VILLAJOYOSA C ouncil has begun work on replacing 240 ficus trees in La Cala with orange and cypress trees.

A team of experts will remove the ficus trees and replant them elsewhere to guarantee their survival, while the new species can adapt easier to the weather conditions and will contribute to improving biodiversity in the area.

It was decided to remove the ficus trees as the roots had begun lifting up the pavements. The council reassures

Image by Villajoyosa Town Hall

Trees to be replanted.

residents that the work is being carried out with the utmost care to preserve the trees and minimise impact on the surroundings.

Similar work will then be carried out in other areas of the town.

Drugs recalled

THE Spanish pharmaceutical authorities have removed two types of medication for type 2 diabetes after considering that they were unsafe for use.

Several batches of the products containing metformin hydrochloride and sold by various manufacturers have already been recalled from chemists

throughout the Valencia Region.

The affected products are Metformina VIR and Metformina Combix, which have been returned to the laboratories as they were found not to meet the required standards for purity.

Metformin is commonly used to lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.

IN great news for tourism, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport enjoyed the best March in its history with more than one million travellers walking through its doors.

The airport management group AENA has proudly confirmed that AlicanteElche Miguel Hernandez Airport closed the month of March with 1,045,004 passengers.

This figure represents an increase of 4.9 per cent compared to the number of passengers in the same

month in 2019 and an increase of 25.8 per cent compared to the same period last year 2022. AENA’s airports recorded nearly 54 million passengers in the first quarter of the year which is 41.6 per cent more than in the same period of 2022.

There were 180,627 aircraft movements and 96,566 tonnes of cargo were transported across the network.

In the month of March 2023, AENA reached 20,093,589 passengers.

Event discounts

LIBRARY card holders in Villajoyosa and members of the parents’ association (AMPA) at local schools can now claim discounts for events at the Teatre Auditori.

The town council has launched a scheme offering cut-price entrance for concerts, theatre performances, dance shows, cinema screenings and other cultural events at the auditorium. All residents are entitled to the Cristóbal Zaragoza municipal library card, which is free to obtain upon asking at the desk and which offers access to all the library’s services.

Commitment for Denia

COMPROMÍS Denia political party have presented their project for sustainable mobility in the town if they win the upcoming local elections on May 28.

Their plans focus on promoting bicycle use and public

transport, pedestrianising more parts of the town and increasing the number of green areas, as well as creating a new public car park.

Candidate for mayor Mònica García explained that “Denia is lacking a safe and efficient network of cycle and electric scooter lanes connected to secure parking facilities.”

In addition, Compromís plans to “connect the towns of the Marina Alta via more cycling routes through nature areas, pacify traffic by limiting speeds to 30 kilometres per hour, and create a series of

Helipad for Relleu

municipal grants for electric bicycles.”

Sra García also revealed plans to improve the accessibility and efficiency of public transport in Les Rotes and Les Marines, the extension of the service to the Montgó area, new public transport lines connecting Denia with La Jara and Jesus Pobre, and free access for students, pensioners and long­term unemployed workers.

Residents are invited to make suggestions via com promisdenia@gmail.com, social networks or by calling 658 717 850.

Visitors splash out

BRITISH and French tourists are the international visitors who spend the most in the Valencia Region.

According to figures published by the Spanish National Statistics Institute for 2022, foreign visitors spent more than €6.7 billion in the region last year ­ more than in 2019, ie before Covid.

But the final figure is believed to be much higher, as it only includes card operations at hotels, restaurants and other businesses plus cash withdrawals, but not transactions carried out with money already changed in the visitors’ countries of origin.

This makes Valencia the fourth Spanish region with the highest income from the tourist trade in 2022 after Catalonia, Andalucía and the Balearic Islandsbut the only one with better figures than in 2019.

By countries, the UK accounts for the largest fraction with British visitors spending more than €1.2 billion last year, followed by French tourists with €853 million and Dutch visitors with €680 million.

Analysts have welcomed the figures as a return to form following the pandemic and believe that this year they will be even higher.

RELLEU will have its own heliport for emergencies.

The town council has donated an 800 squaremetre plot of land to the Alicante provincial government to build a landing pad for helicopters and aeroplanes during forest fires, traffic accidents or mountain rescue operations in and around the town and in neighbouring Sella, Jijona and La Torre.

Relleu mayor Lino Pascual pointed out that the town, despite having just 1,200 inhabitants, has a very large municipal extensionmore than 76 square kilometres, double the size of Benidorm.

This means that “there is a lot of available land but, on the downside, the risk of forest fires is higher than in other areas,” declared Sr Pascual.

In addition to forest fires, the council leader also pointed out the increase in rural tourism in the area with more mountain walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists, making it imperative for the aerial rescue services to be able to arrive quickly in case of accident.

Denia town hall focusing on bicycles and public transport.

Image by Chrisdorney/Shutterstock

THE elite athlete, mountaineer and climber Beatriz

Flamini exited from a cave in the coastal town of Motril in the province of Granada on Friday morning, April 14. She had completed a ‘Timecave’ marathon 500­day stay living alone, some 70 metres underground. In the process, this amazing woman also set a new world record.

World record completed

Shortly after 9am, with the assistance of members of the Motril Speleological Activities Group, Beatriz emerged from her solitude into the light of day once again. She was reportedly in apparent good health and wearing a beaming smile as she left her home of more than 16 months. Two speleologists and a

Betty Henderson

MULTINATIONAL infrastructure company Ferrovial’s plans to relocate from Spain to the Netherlands are facing immense scrutiny, but the company stands by its decision. The move will have significant implications for the future of the company and its shareholders.

Some 93.3 per cent of the company’s Board of Directors voted in favour of the relocation and have expressed concern over the Spanish government and some media outlets’ negative reaction to their move.

psychologist entered the cave earlier on the day, to prepare Beatriz for her eventual return to the outside world. Waiting outside the cave were her friends, who welcomed the lady who had entered her new home aged 48 and today left it at the age of 50. She did not hesitate to thank and highlight the professionalism of the group of psychologists, speleologists and physical trainers who

A united front

They said at a press conference on Thursday, April 13, that the government’s perceived attacks on the company, “border on illegality”. More than 100 national and international media outlets attended the meeting.

The move to the Netherlands is still expected to go ahead in the second quarter of this year, and Ignacio Del Pino, son of Rafael, will be the le­

gal representative in Spain for the new Ferrovial with its headquarters in the Netherlands.

Despite concerns from some shareholders, advisors and proxies have backed the move, citing increased stability and access to financing in strategic markets such as the US. It is hoped that this decision will have a positive impact on the company’s future and profitability.

had been involved in the project.

During her time underground, a schedule was in place with the speleologists, where food delivery and garbage removal took place without any communication.

Spam in Spain

ARE you fed up of receiving unwanted spam calls?

To avoid receiving advertising from entities or companies in Spain to which you have not given your express consent, you can register on the Robinson list at: https://www.listarobinson.es/

If an entity or business wishes to send you personalised advertising and you have not given your express consent to do so, it is legally obliged to consult the Robinson List and, if you have registered, it will not be able to send you the advertising. The Robinson List Service allows you, easily and free of charge, to avoid advertising from companies to which you have not given your consent to receive advertising. It works for telephone, postal mail, email and SMS/MMS advertising. Anyone may register for the Robinson List service, voluntarily and free of charge. In the case of children under 14 years of age, parents or guardians must register on their behalf.

This service is protected by the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD) and allows for quick and free registration with the aim of reducing the reception of commercial communications (calls, SMS, post and e­mail).

Two months after registration, if you continue to receive advertising, you can file a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Agency.

TIMECAVE: The athlete spent 500 days living underground.

Credit: Pixabay

THE construction of the largest artificial beach in Europe is nearing completion. Alovera Beach is being developed in the municipality of Alovera, in the province of Guadalajara, only 50 km along the A ­ 2 from Madrid. It is expected to be open for the summer of 2023.

The project has the initial

Largest man-made beach

approval of the government of Castilla­La Mancha.

According to the calculations, between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors are expected to visit the attraction annually. There will be an initial entrance fee of around €10 per person with separate charges inside the facility for the use of its activities.

Grupo Rayet shares the project with Crystal Lagoons, a firm specialising in the construction of artificial beaches all over the world.

The complex will include a large car park, areas for water sports such as sailing and surfing, children’s

pools, zip lines, and various restaurants.

More than 300 direct and

indirect jobs are expected to be created in Alovera Beach.

Teenager hit at crossing

A TEENAGER was rushed to hospital after he was run over by a vehicle at a pedestrian crossing in Las Tablas, located in the neighbourhood of Valverde, in the district of Fuencarral­El Pardo, Madrid.

According to official reports, cited by a news source, SamurProtección Civil medics received a call about the incident and rushed to Calle Quintanavides.

Emergency services said that after arriving on the scene, they discovered that the boy had suffered from a traumatic brain injury.

The medical staff intubated the injured boy, and he was rushed to Hospital Niño Jesús in a serious condition.

Meanwhile, an investigation has been started by the Madrid Municipal Police after the incident.

Nine million sterile males released

THE Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition announced that it will increase the release of male tiger mosquitoes this year to nine million specimens.

This is part of a pilot project of biological control through the Sterile Insect Technique (TIE) that the government department has been promoting since 2017 in the Ribera Baixa region of Valencia.

In previous years, this technique has reportedly managed to reduce the population of tiger mosquitoes by up to 75 per cent.

Eight million insects were released in the Ribera Baixa in 2022. The release of sterile males was resumed at the end of February in this new sea ­

son in order to anticipate the appearance of the first wild individuals, which usually occurs in springtime.

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a method of biological pest control that consists of the mass breeding of male insects of the same species that are intended to be combated. They are sterilised by irradiation and subsequently released in the area of action.

These sterile males mate with wild females, which causes the eggs they produce to be inviable. As a result, no offspring are produced, resulting in reduced levels of the pest.

This is the same technique that the department has used in the past in the fight against the Mediterranean fly in citrus fruits.

Construction is nearing completion.

Credit Alovera Beach

New court success. Life insurance policy claim. Compensation

WHITE Baos Lawyers has an extensive and successful experience in assisting our clients to claim a life insurance policy. In today’s article we would like to share with our readers a new court success of our firm. A claim filed

against an insurance company that refused to pay the €150,000 compensation set out in the policy that the widow of the deceased was entitled to. You can read the full judgement by visiting our website.

The health questionnaire: an essential document

One of the most important documents when taking out a life insurance policy is the health questionnaire. This document consists of a series of questions about the policyholder’s health: having suffered from previous illnesses, having medical tests pending, being under treatment of certain medications, being a smoker, etc.

When the policyholder dies due to an illness, the first step for the insurance company will be to compare the medical history of the deceased with the questionnaire that was signed by him/her when the insurance was taken out. So that if the deceased omitted any illness or pathology that could be related to his/her death, the insurer will refuse to pay the corresponding compensation. In summary, to claim a life insurance policy, in the event of death due to an illness, this document is of the utmost importance.

The case as argued

In March 2019, Mr ‘J’ went to a well­known private hospital to request a blood test. He did so of his own free will and without presenting any health problems. The doctor who attended him also ordered a chest X­ray. The results of both tests were correct. The X ­ ray showed absolutely normal values, and the cholesterol levels were ‘very low’. No further tests were ordered, and no medication was prescribed. He was only given a generic recommendation (applicable to almost everyone): to exercise from time to time and a to keep a healthy diet.

Life insurance contract, sudden death and the insur­

ance company’s refusal to pay

A month later, by the end of April 2019, Mr ‘J’ took out a life insurance policy, naming his wife as the beneficiary. Sadly, four months later he passed away due to a sudden heart attack. The insurance company refused to pay the compensation, arguing that it had been hidden in the health questionnaire that the deceased had cholesterol. And that there were pending medical tests which the deceased failed to report in the questionnaire.

First Instance Judgment and appeal to the Provincial Court of Alicante

The Court of First Instance dismissed our client’s claim and ruled in favour of the insurer. However, we appealed the decision to the High Court of Alicante, convinced that our clients were entitled to compensation. On appeal, we

were able to prove that the medical report submitted by the hospital (indicating that there were pending medical tests) was issued after the death. In other words, the tests were not properly prescribed to the patient prior to his death. Therefore, there was no concealment whatsoever. As requested by our firm, the Provincial Court of Alicante has ruled that the insurer must pay the compensation of €150,000 to the widow of the deceased.

Conclusions

If an insurance company refuses to pay compensation for the life insurance of a family member, do not hesitate to contact us. At WhiteBaos we are experts in legal claims. We will study the viability of your case, and we will offer you expert legal advice on how to claim a life insurance.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.

THE British embassy in Spain has issued an appeal to search for the most wanted criminals in the UK, who are believed to be living in Spain.

The list includes seven crimi‐nals, who are believed to be liv‐ing in different parts of Spain.

This includes Asim Naveed, who has been accused of sup‐plying “Class A drugs”.

The second fugitive is named

UK’s MOST WANTED

Mark Francis Roberts, who has been accused of “grievous bod‐ily harm”.

The third fugitive is named John James Jones and is want‐ed for “grievous bodily harm” as well.

Calvin Parris from Cardiff is the fourth fugitive, wanted for “supplying Class A drugs”.

Callum Michael Alan is the fifth fugitive, who is accused of “trafficking in controlled drugs”. CrimeStoppers stated that

he is wanted for “supply of co‐caine and possession with in‐tent to supply heroin”.

Jack Mayle is the sixth fugi‐tive and is wanted for “supply

of MDMA, Methyphenidate (a pharmaceutical drug) and di‐azepam”, as per CrimeStop‐pers.

Alex Male is the seventh fugi‐

tive, who is wanted for “supply of Class A drugs”.

CrimeStoppers states “any‐one with information about any of the men is urged to call anonymously on 0800 555 111, while callers in Spain should call the freephone number 900 926 111, which will be answered by CrimeStoppers in the UK.

Unmanned aircraft patrol

THE Mossos d’Esquadra is to deploy an unmanned aircraft to monitor marihuana plantations, train lines and other critical areas across Catalo‐nia.

The Mossos d’Esquadra will strengthen its Drone Unit with a new device, an unmanned, drone ‐ style, fixed‐wing aircraft.

This new aircraft will be used to pa ‐trol critical areas such as the AVE train lines, the coastline, and also in water areas to prevent marihuana plantations, which are often connect‐ed to rivers and ponds, due to the need for constant irrigation.

According to a news source on

Thursday, April 13, this unit, made up of a dozen officers and pilots works throughout the territory of Catalonia, as it’s expected to further expand its operational capacity.

Officials have now started a process to issue tenders in order to purchase this fixed‐wing drone.

Police in Spain have decided to start using these drones due to short‐comings in the present multi ‐ rotor devices that they use.

Coastal patrols can also be planned to detect and anticipate dangerous situations such weather phenomena or potential waste spills at sea or on the banks of rivers.

Mobile marvels

SLOW internet connections are one of the most frustrating problems in the 21st century, but one recent report has shown the best mobile internet providers in Spain. The report, released on Friday, April 14 has analysed Spain’s main mobile providers to determine which ones offer the best connections and performance. The study, conducted by NPerf, analysed the results of more than 193,350 internet connection tests using iOS and Android mobiles throughout 2022. The research focused on the top five mobile companies: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Digi, and MásMovil/Yoigo.

Border breakdown

In 2022, Movistar offered the best performance to its users, earning a total of 81,764 points. When it comes to download speed, Movistar is way ahead of the competition, with speeds close to 65 Mb per second, followed by Orange with 49 Mb per second.

When it comes to streaming videos, Movistar also reigns supreme with an impressive 84 per cent efficacy, followed closely by DIGI with 83 per cent.

In terms of request and response time, DIGI takes the top spot with 54.62 milliseconds, followed by MásMovil/Yoigo with 49.91 milliseconds.

Inflation up

INFLATION in Las Canaria is the highest in Spain, reaching a record high of 4.6 per cent on Friday, April 14.

Food and non­alcoholic drinks are thought to be the major culprits driving the rise, with their prices going up by a staggering 17.4 per cent year­on­year, well above the national average. Spiralling inflation is causing issues for residents in Las Canarias. Prices within the hospitality industry have also increased by 9.4 per cent, while leisure and culture costs have increased by 5.7 per cent. Alcohol and tobacco prices have also gone up by 4 per cent. It’s a grim picture for the locals, who have seen the cost of living rise faster than their wages can keep up with.

However, it’s not all bad news! Housing and transport costs have dropped by a staggering 15.3 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively. The textile and shoe industry has also seen a decrease in costs of 1.3 per cent, while the cost of medicine has fallen by 1.8 per cent.

Betty Henderson

SPANISH authorities held a temporary closure of the Ceuta border with Morocco on Friday, April 14, after observing an attempt by hundreds of individuals from sub­Saharan countries to cross the border illegally.

National Police and Guardia Civil forces were deployed to the border crossing between Morocco and Spain’s enclave in North Africa on Friday morning, where several officers remain. Spanish authorities said they are working with Moroccan authorities to contain movements by illegal immigrants.

Hours later the state of emergency ended and regular traffic resumed at the border crossing.

According to official data from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, 220 immigrants have entered Ceuta and Melilla illegally so far this year, a significant decrease from the 1,122 entries recorded during the same period last year. Of those 220 entries, 199 were recorded in Ceuta.

The Minister of the Interior, Fernando GrandeMarlaska, said that migration policy is a key focus for his department which has sought to build agreements with partners including

Morocco. Spain’s relationship with Morocco has reached several flashpoints during Marlaska’s tenure, but appears to be on the mend.

CEUTA: The border is an area of contention.

Pensioner holidays

THE Imserso trips for pensioners will soon go on sale again in Spain, some with slightly higher prices but with more choices available than in previous seasons.

There are only a few months left until the application period for the Imserso 2023/2024 trips opens.

Pensioners who opt for one of the 886,269 places on offer (70,000 more than this year) will be able to choose from a wider range of travel options than before.

Prices range from €124 to visit the Spanish provincial capitals for four days, to €436 to travel to the Canary Islands for 10 days.

These prices will be 7.5 per cent more expensive in order to maintain the quality of the programme.

The most expensive option for the mainland

coastal areas of Andalucia, Catalonia, Murcia and Valencia, with transport included, will be the 10 day stay (nine nights) for €290.06.

One per cent of trips are reserved for people with economic resources equal to or less than the amount of non ­ contributory retirement or disability pensions from Social Security.

In these cases, the Imserso will assume 50 per cent of the cost of the place, while in all other cases, the Imserso contributes 22.5 per cent

and the users contribute the remaining 77.5 per cent.

Imserso has appointed several travel agents to promote the holidays and to accept bookings.

CANARY ISLANDS: Available for only €436 for 10 days.

1.22% of the population of UK are regular golf players.

Roaring into action

Betty Henderson

SPAIN played a pivotal role in pressuring Germany to authorise the delivery of Leopard combat tanks to Ukraine. The revelation was made by the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Oleksii Reznikov during a press conference held in Madrid with his Spanish counterpart, Margarita Robles, on Wednesday, April 12.

Reznikov revealed he had spoken to Robles privately about the need for the tanks earlier this year. Robles informed him Spain could not authorise the delivery without

Spain’s Defence Minister has met with Ukrainian defence representatives several times in recent months.

Germany’s approval, as they manufactured the tanks. However, Robles offered to allow Ukraine to use the Leopard 2E tanks deployed in

THE former King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, is making a surprise return to Spain, without seeking permission from the Zarzuela Palace. Sources close to the monarchs claim that he not only failed to ask for permission to travel, but also did not inform the Royal Palace of his intentions until a date for the visit was announced on Thursday, April 13.

His decision to return has raised eyebrows and has been seen by some as a snub to his son Felipe VI. The pair had a four hour conversation on the subject last year, which led to the cancellation of a previous trip.

Latvia for training Ukrainian soldiers. The German Defence Ministry subsequently authorised the delivery of 18 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, following Spain’s offer.

Spain is currently finalising training for operatives on the first six tanks that will be sent to the front. During the press conference, Reznikov also requested Spain’s help in enhancing Ukraine’s military abilities, including resources like drones and aircraft to support the Ukrainian navy in protecting its national territory and maritime interests.

Royal snub

Despite ongoing legal investigations, there have been no new developments that would warrant further investigations into the former king's finances or evidence of any other tax violations.

Despite his return to Spain, Juan Carlos I is now registered fiscally in the United Arab Emirates, where he has been living for over two years.

Legendary musician talks to Euro Weekly News

IT was some 60 years ago that a young Paul Jones hit the limelight as the singer for the hugely successful Manfred Mann group and he is still singing today.

Things have changed in one particular way for Paul and his wife of 38 years, singer and actress Fiona Hendley­Jones and the pair, who are now committed Christians are travelling to Denia in Costa Blanca to entertain and share their Christian testimony.

Entitled Story and Song ­ Hear how faith in God has changed our lives they will be appearing at 7pm on Saturday April 29 at the Evangelical Church Bautista de Denia, Calle Erminta de Santa Maria 13, Denia Montgo.

The event will see the couple performing a number of songs, some of which are from their album Personal and they will of course speak about how they came to Christianity and how it has guided their way of life.

Entry is free but in order to ensure that there is no overcrowding, those wishing to attend need to register by calling or sending a WhatsApp to Brenda Muckley on 617 197 045.

Paul is not a regular visitor to Spain and was last over when the Manfreds (a band made up of some close friends and former band mates) performed a spectacular concert at Benidorm Palace last year and he re­

ceived a handwritten note from Brenda asking him about his faith.

It was after several exchanges that Paul and Fiona agreed to come over and not only entertain but promote their view of Christianity.

Many years ago, the then atheist Paul, who formed the Blues Band (which released some 20 albums) and also became an actor,

songwriter and BBC DJ appeared on a TV dis cussion show with Cliff Richard who was encouraging people to welcome evangelist Billy Graham to the UK.

In his own words Paul explained “Looking back I was quite unkind to Cliff about his religious beliefs and I wasn’t a fan of his music but he was very generous and never turned his back on me.”

Several years later, Paul received a call from Cliff asking him and Fiona to attend a presentation at the White City Stadium in London being hosted by Argentine evangelist Luis Palau with the promise of a good meal afterwards if they attended.

Attend they did and during the event “we both shed tears of joy at the positivity of the entire evening and it was then that we both gave our lives to Jesus!”

Now 81, Paul who now admits to being a fan of Sir Cliff, doesn’t believe that age should ever be a barrier and said “I intend to live to at least 120.”

His first musical love, the Blues, attracted many young musicians in the 60s because it came from a poor working class African American centre and many saw the Blues as a major artistic achievement.

Whilst not accepting for a moment that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in order to become a great guitar player, he now recognises that there can be a darker side to some parts of the music which should not be ignored.

Whatever happens, Paul still relishes being a musician and recently played with the Manfreds on a Caribbean Cruise and continues to sing and play his harmonica with the band as regularly as possible.

Paul and Fiona will visit Denia.

Credit: Paul Jones

THE Hillsborough disaster will never be forgotten, as Liverpool players and staff remembered the 97 supporters who lost their lives that day.

Saturday, April 15, was exactly 34 years to the day when the tragedy took place during the FA Cup semi ­ final against Nottingham Forest.

And on Saturday the whole of Liverpool FC held a minute’s silence in respectful memory of the children, women and men who died as a result of the events that happened that day in Hillsborough, as reported by Liverpoolfc.com.

Visits to the Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield

Never forgotten Football fan hit by train

A BRITISH football fan who travelled to Belgium to watch his team play was killed when he was hit by a train, in an ‘unfortunate accident’.

At Ghent’s Sint ­ Pieters station on Thursday, April 13, the 57 ­ year ­ old man was travelling back home following that night’s match, when he was involved in a fatal accident, according to a news

Royal quiche feast

were made by club officials, managers and players from the men’s, women’s and Academy squads to lay wreaths and pay their respects.

On Sunday, April 9, at Liverpool’s match against Arsenal, the stadium held a minute’s silence before kick ­ off and the Kop displayed a mosaic showing the Eternal Flames along with the number 97.

Tributes were displayed on LED boards around the pitch, while the team played wearing black armbands as a mark of respect, and fans bought special edition matchday programmes commemorating the tragedy.

Betty Henderson

KING CHARLES and Camilla have chosen a mouth­watering dish as the signature dish for their upcoming coronation ­ the ‘coronation quiche’! The pair hope the dish will be enjoyed at street parties on Saturday, May 6 to celebrate their big day.

Their regal recipe was published on Royal Family social media on Monday, April 17 and features spinach, broad beans, cheese, and tarragon, and can be served hot or cold.

The delectable dish is perfect for sharing, and suits different dietary requirements.

The King and Queen Con­

sort chose this dish because it’s not too complicated or costly to make, and can be adapted to different tastes. The recipe was created by royal chef, Mark Flanagan, who was even caught on video preparing the dish.

The dish was released as part of the Royal Family’s ‘Big Lunch’ initiative which is a chance for communities to come together and celebrate occasions. Camilla has been a patron of the initiative since 2013, and has attended Big Lunches across the UK and beyond.

This dish follows in the footsteps of other royal signature dishes.

source.

The unnamed West Ham supporter had just watched his team in a 1–1 draw against Belgian side Ghent, at the KAA Stadium, before travelling back via the train station.

It was an important Europa Conference League fixture for David Moyes’ team, with ardent fans making their way across the channel to see the

game.

Following the incident, he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment but sadly was later pronounced dead.

Ghent’s Sint ­ Pieters investigators referred to it as an ‘unfortunate accident’.

Train services were disrupted for several hours.

A coronation quiche is King Charles III’s signature dish.

Photo credit: royal.uk

27% of the potatoes consumed worldwide are consumed in China.

ON Sunday, April 23, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, invites Londoners and visitors to the capital to enjoy an afternoon of free, family‐friendly entertainment in Trafalgar Square to mark St George’s Day.

There will be a wide range of live music, entertainment and traditional food stalls.

Family‐friendly activities in‐

St George’s Day

clude an all‐day silent disco, face painting, a dragon selfie station, an interactive Horrible Histories workshop, The Bonkers Balloon Science Show, interactive sessions of

storytelling and The Knights Training School.

There will be a range of food and drink stalls, while vis‐itors will also have the chance to sample food from kitchen

demo sessions taking place over the course of the day, in‐cluding crumpet making, banoffee pie, bubble and squeak, and one of Britain’s most favourite dishes, chicken

Let’s be friends

THE official programme for the coronation of King Charles has been released featuring a family photo including con‐troversial royals, Harry and Meghan.

Although invited, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, recent‐ly announced she will remain in California with her children rather than travel to the coronation at Westminster Abbey in London, on Saturday, May 6.

In spite of this, in a reconciliatory gesture, the Royal household has seen fit to include a photo of the warring family all together in the Coronation programme which went on sale on Tuesday, April 18 said a news source.

Harry and Meghan ended months of speculation recently when they announced that Meghan would stay at home with daughter Lilibet, and son Archie, who will celebrate his fourth birthday on the same day.

Within its pages is a full‐page photograph of the whole family. Taken to commemorate the King’s 70th birthday in 2018 it shows a happy Harry and Meghan, Charles and Camilla, and William and Catherine together with their chil‐dren.

tikka masala.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Our St George’s Day festivities are a wonderful celebration of everything that’s brilliant about England.

“I’m looking forward to wel‐coming Londoners and visitors to the heart of our nation’s capital for a full day of free, family ‐ friendly events in Trafalgar Square.”

Arrests at Grand National

FOLLOWING threats from radical animal rights activists, police arrested three people at the Grand National which was held on Sat ‐urday April 15.

The newly named Ani‐mal Rising group planned their ‘biggest action yet’ at the Grand National, vowing to ‘end horseracing’ re ‐ported a news source.

Well‐briefed police ar‐rested two women aged 33 and 25 and a man.

The 33 ‐ year ‐ old un ‐named London woman was arrested in Greater Manchester and

charged with suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance in re ‐gard to the planned co ‐ordinated protests at Aintree.

Meanwhile at Ain ‐tree, a man and a 25 ‐year ‐ old woman from London were detained outside the racecourse also on suspicion of con‐spiracy to cause a public nuisance.

An Animal Rising, vol‐unteer Dora Hargitai, 37, said, “I do believe we can have non ‐ vio ‐lence on both sides. The race has to stop. Today and forever.”

27% of the potatoes consumed worldwide are consumed in China.

St George’s Day.

Image: Creative Photo Corner Shutterstock.com

Back to his roots

Betty Henderson

THE President of the United States arrived in Dublin on Wednesday, April 12, but it’s his visit to his ancestral roots that stole the headlines.

Joe Biden, a proud IrishAmerican, returned to the land of his forefathers, and the Irish rolled out the green carpet for him. Crowds lined the streets of Carlingford in County Louth, where Biden’s greatgreat­grandfather Owen Finnegan once lived, to catch a glimpse of the presidential

motorcade. Heavy rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the locals, who welcomed their long­lost relative with

open arms. Biden also met with distant relatives in the Cooley Peninsula, where he visited ancestors’ graves.

But it wasn’t just a personal visit. Biden met with political leaders in Northern Ireland before crossing the border and called for the restoration of the power­sharing government at Stormont.

And he made time for a joke too, telling embassy staff he couldn’t qualify to be a cop, firefighter, or priest, so “here I am.”

Private jet from Portugal

A LUCKY air passenger was left in astonishment when he realised he was the only passenger on board a scheduled Jet2 flight.

As reported in a news outlet, Paul Wilkinson, 65, from St Annes, Lancashire arrived at Faro airport in Portugal on March 30, only to be informed that he was the only passenger. Hailed as a ‘king’ by Jet2 staff, Paul was literally treated to a luxury private jet experience.

On arriving at the airport, Paul’s initial reaction was panic when he got to the depar­

ture gate with no queue in sight. Asked if the flight had been delayed or cancelled, airport staff told him that he was their VIP guest.

He said "The service was second to none. They did a one­on­one safety demonstration; we took photographs, and the captain came out and spoke to me.

Paul paid £130 for the three­hour flight, and had three cabin crew at his 'beck and call'. He added, "It was like being on my own private jet.”

President Biden thanked Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for the welcome.

Photo credit: President Joe Biden (via Facebook)

Bear hunt intensifies Taiwan tensions

THE French President, Emmanuel Macron, caused a stir with his recent comments about Taiwan. Macron declared that France should not be caught in the middle of a conflict between the US and China over the weekend.

He stood by the comments during a press conference in the Netherlands on Wednesday, April 12, insisting that being a US ally did not mean being a “vassal”, and that France had the right to think for itself.

While his comments have been met with criticism from

politicians on both sides of the Atlantic, Macron stands by his words, asserting that nothing has changed in France’s support for the “status quo” in Taiwan. However, his remarks have left some analysts feeling puzzled, as they suggest the US

is to blame for rising tensions over Taiwan, making it difficult for the EU to take a hardline with Beijing.

China, on the other hand, has praised Macron’s comments and shrugged off the criticism, accusing other nations of wanting to coerce other countries into obeying their will.

Meanwhile, self­ruled Taiwan remains resolute, vowing to work with the US and other democracies to combat China’s ‘authoritarian expansionism’.

Flight averts disaster

DUBLIN airport was the scene of a near disaster on Thursday April 13 as a passenger plane was forced into an emergency landing, just minutes into the flight.

En route to Chicago, Aer Lingus Flight EI123, had to make an emergency landing after a flock of pigeons was sucked into the aircraft’s engine, according to a news source.

The aircraft took off from Dublin Airport at around 11.30am but just 15 minutes into the

flight it had no option but to turn around.

The first sign of trouble was when passengers noticed the plane start to vibrate when the right engine was hit by a flock of birds.

Video footage taken by those on board showed the plane, an Airbus A330­300, getting up to speed on the runway, but landing soon after with emergency vehicles rushing toward them. Engineers were later called to assess the damage.

Betty Henderson ITALIAN authorities are still in pursuit of a bear that viciously attacked and killed a 26 ­ year ­ old jogger, Andrea Papi, in Trentino ­ Alto Adige last week. Dubbed JJ4 by experts, the bear was identified through genetic testing as the same one that attacked a father and son in June 2020.

The tragic event has sparked grief and mourning across the region, with hundreds of locals attending Andrea’s funeral on Wednesday, April 12. Andrea was a keen athlete and loved the outdoors, according to his girlfriend who shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram.

The provincial government ordered the killing of the female bear last year, but a court overturned the decision. This time, however, authorities have decided to euthanise the bear. “We are

doing everything we can to locate the bear and ensure the safety of local residents,” said Maurizio Fugatti, the President of Trentino province.

The attack has rekindled the debate about the coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region. Despite being a protected species, bears pose a risk to human safety, especially in residential areas. Locals are also calling for

changes to a plan to reintroduce brown bears in the Alps.

Andrea was an avid runner and loved the great outdoors.

Macron has returned from a state visit to China.

Photo credit: Andrea Papi (via Instagram)

75% of the world population consume meat or by-products.

JAVEA waves goodbye to April and welcomes in May over the next two weeks with the tradi ‐tional fiestas in honour of Jesús Nazareno.

Eight days of intense activity that begin with the bous al carrer bull ‐running in the Placeta del Convent (from Wednesday April 26 to Saturday 29) and will end with the solemn procession of the Ascent of the image of Jesús Nazareno to the Cal ‐

A vibrant, colourful celebration of women artists

INSPIRED by a talk on women in art by the respected art historian Karla Darocas, and hearing of the difficulties of being a woman artist in years past, the local Marina Alta branch of European Union of Women ‐ Mujeres en Igualdad had the idea of exploring the situation today for women artists.

The result is the ‘Women artists of the Marina Alta’ exhibition, taking place at Javea Golf Club on Friday April 21.

The paintings, some abstract, some detailed portraits, all colourful and vibrant, mostly feature women.

“We want to explore if women paint differently from men,” said association president Mar‐garet Hales. “Do they allow us more into their world, do they ask us to look into ourselves, to question more about what we are?”

Most of the artists are able to be present at the exhibition and Margaret is looking forward to the opportunity to ask these and other questions as well as enjoy their art.

All are welcome to the exhibition from 11am until late.

The Golf Club is located on the road from Javea to Benitachell, just before the village of Beni‐tachell. For more information email euwmarinaalta@gmail.com.

vario hermitage on the afternoon of May 3.

Javea spring fiestas Walking for breast cancer

Events also include a mobile disco (Friday April 28), Children’s Day on May 1 with free breakfast and games in the Plaza de la Constitu ‐ción, a giant paella, a street parade to visit the Cruces de Mayo (Crosses of May) flower arrangements (also on Monday May 1 at 8pm), a flower offering to Jesús Nazareno (Tues ‐day May 2) and a the ‐atre performance by Garum Teatre.

To house these events a large marquee will be erected in the Plaza de la Constitución, where the following week the Xàbia Folk Festival will also take place.

Religious events will include a singing Mass at midday on May 3 fol ‐lowed by a mascletà firecracker display and the Ascension proces ‐sion, ending with a spec ‐tacular firework display.

For full programme visit Xàbia.com/Fiestas (available in English)

THE Anémona Associa ‐tion is holding its yearly fundraising walk for breast cancer in Altea on Sunday April 23.

For this 2023 edition ‐held by Altea and Alfaz del Pi town halls and the Anémona Association ‐the route, which will start from the new Paseo Sant Pere, is suit ‐able for the whole fami ‐ly. It starts at 9.30am, goes to El Albir and then back to the starting point. The length of the walk is approximately six kilometres.

Also, for those who wish to collaborate with the cause, there will be different points of sale to purchase the solidari ‐ty t ‐ shirt for €10: Vigela Estilistas, Tina Márquez Peluquería, Farmacia Guillén, Farmacia Lerma,

Farmacia Vicent, Solea ‐da, Jijonenca, Valen ‐zuela Peluqueria, Fisio Dues, Farmacia Gorgoll, Luis Aibar, María Ánge ‐les Sellés.

Anémona is an inde ‐pendent, non ‐ profit making, countywide as ‐sociation, focused on the women of Marina Baixa. It already has more than 500 members and its aim is to help those affected by breast and gynaecological can ‐cer, fighting for a better quality of life and sup ‐porting a sustainable health system. For further informa ‐tion visit anemona marinabaixa.org , follow Anémona Marina Baixa on Facebook, email info @anemonamarina baixa.org or call 865 680 385.

Javea mayor José Chulvi (centre) during the presentation of this year’s fiestas.

Image by Jávea Town Hall.

ON Monday April 10, a group of 16 U3A Marina Baixa members enjoyed a picnic overlooking the gorge between Polop and La Nu‐cia where the air was filled with the scent of orange blossom.

The weather was again beautiful and a lovely after‐noon was spent chatting with friends and trying to

U3A MARINA BAIXA

complete a quiz all about sweets and chocolate.

Thanks to group leader Hazel Layt for providing the quiz, which certainly got the grey matter working! There will not be a picnic in May due to the Coronation Gar‐den Party so the next picnic will be on Monday June 12, venue to be announced.

The next Sunday stroll will be at 2pm on April 30 with the CEM El Captivador being the starting point followed by the Coronation Garden Party on May 7 at 1pm. Full

GROUP PICNIC: A lovely afternoon spent with friends.

details can be found on the U3A Marina Baixa Facebook page.

If you would like to be ‐come a member why not go

along to their next monthly meeting at the Casa de Cul‐tura, Alfaz del Pi on Monday April 24 at 11am. Member‐ship costs €10 for the year.

Poetry and music at La Sacristía

LA SACRISTÍA Café in Denia is housing a poetry and guitar recital today, Thursday (April 20) with internationally renowned poet Germain Droogenbroodt and music by Vicent Ballester.

“The poetry of the famous Belgian‐Spanish poet Germain Droogenbroodt is known for its thematic richness, its depth and, at the same time, its sim‐

plicity and conciseness. His book The Road of Being, al‐ready available in several lan‐guages, is one of his most rele‐vant works, in which one can observe the very distinctive character of his poetry that has made him world‐famous,” said Dr Luis Cruz‐Villalobos, Chilean editor of The Road of Being.

Denia‐born guitarist Vicent Ballester is emeritus professor

of guitar and an extraordinary soloist. He has been teaching guitar at the Tenor Cortis Pro‐fessional Conservatory in Denia since its creation in 1983 and conducted the Orfeó de Denia choir from its first public ap‐pearance in 1982 until 1987.

La Sacristía is in Carrer Pare Pere, 4. The recital begins at 7pm. Best to park in the La Vía car park (close to the café).

Celebrating springtime

WE celebrate the won‐der of spring with a con‐cert by the soprano Tere‐sa Albero and the pianist Jesús María Gómez, who return to the Jardín de l’Albarda to offer us a lyri‐cal gala with a journey that starts in Italy and ends in New York.

After the concert there will be an aperitif offered courtesy of Bataille Liv‐ing.

Please reserve your ticket and pick it up at the garden box office on the day of the concert.

Tickets cost €12 for members and €15 for non‐members. For fur‐ther information and to book, call 696 975 290 or email fundem@fun‐dem.org. Also visit Jardín de l’Albarda on Facebook or jardinalbarda.com

Jardín de l’Albarda is in La Sella urbanisation, C/Baix Vinalopó, 8 (Pe‐dreguer).

MOFTAG springs into action

ON Saturday April 29 the MOFTAG Club of Calpe will be hosting their Spring Fayre at Pub Delfin (Calle Delfin, Calpe).

The Fayre opens at 10.00am and will run until 1pm with the raffle being drawn at 12.30. It is recom‐mended to come early as things sell out very quickly!

Home‐made cakes, pas‐tries, chutneys and mar ‐malades will be on sale in

Coffee Morning

THEIR next Coffee Morning will be on Saturday April 22 at Bar El Hollandes Errante from 10.30am to 12.30am, where you will be offered a free coffee and entertain‐ment from the Denia U3A Guitar Group. The following coffee morning will be on May 6, pending confirma‐tion due to the Coronation.

There will be a reserved table for new members to meet the Committee and the opportunity for you to pay your subscription and

addition to handmade greetings cards and materi‐als.

There will be a top‐class bric ‐ a ‐ brac stall, bottle tombola and fun games for the whole family. Raffle tickets will be on sale for stunning prizes. Please go along and support their cause and enjoy a fun‐filled morning!

MOFTAG is the oldest ‐running English ‐ speaking

club in Calpe and raises thousands of euros for local charities every year. Apart from fundraising, MOFTAG is a very active social club and weekly events are or‐ganised for their members. If you would like to know more about joining MOF ‐TAG (Mighty Oaks from Tiny Acorns Grow) please contact Jenny Godfrey on 639 139 518. New members are always welcome.

U3A Denia

for any future social event or travel trip.

The Coffee Morning is a very popular fortnightly event and gives members the chance to catch up with each other, meet new members and keep updat‐ed on groups, events and trips.

They look forward to see‐ing you!

Quiz Group

The Quiz Group meets on the last Wednesday of ev‐ery month at Restaurant DeniArros at 6.30pm. Tick‐ets cost €16.50 per person for a fun night out with tapas and wine (1/2 bottle), beer or soft drinks and prizes for the winning teams.

For further information and to book email roberta. walker@outlook.com

MOFTAG: New members are always welcome.

Advertising Feature

Magnum Concert Productions present ‘The Desperados’ in concert on Saturday 13th May 2023 at 8.00pm

MAGNUM PRODUCTIONS’ next concert will fea‐ture the fabulous talents of ‘The Desperados’ ‐ in Tribute to The Eagles. This very accomplished band will present all the iconic hits that have made the Eagles so legendary and will feature Take it to the Limit, Desperado, Lyin’ Eyes, Witchy Woman, Life in the Fast Lane and of course ‐ Hotel California plus many more.

The show will be again held in the Teatre Audi‐torio , Beniarbeig on Saturday May 13 and is scheduled to start at 8.00pm.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 618 017 201 or by email: magnum.concerts@gmail.com.

Tickets will also be available online at www.magnumconcerts.com.

So come along and see a fab show, in a lovely theatre, especially as all profits go to local chari‐ties including the Alzheimer’s centre in Teulada, which is a great local cause.

Many thanks for your support and they hope to see you soon.

You can join their mailing list which will give you prior notification of all their future events by emailing: magnum.concerts@gmail.com.

Marina Alta Floral Club

THE next floral demonstration is on Thursday April 27 when Gill McGregor, international floral art designer, demonstra‐tor, teacher and author will be visiting the Club for the first time. Gill’s demonstration is entitled ‘Simply, Sumptuous, Floral April Artistry’.

Through her own inspira‐tion and passion for floral art, Gill has travelled extensively, not only in the UK and Europe but also in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and the US sharing her knowl‐edge and inspiring others with her floral talent.

They meet at the Salon de Actos, La Senieta, Moraira. Doors open at 2.15pm and the demonstration starts at 3pm. Entrance for members is €7 and €10 for visitors.

If you have never been to a floral demonstration do go

along and enjoy a relaxing af‐ternoon, watching as Gill turns boxes full of flowers and foliage into stunning exhibits which are raffled off at the end of the afternoon.

The flowers are supplied by Antonio and Friends at PAICHI Garden Centre.

For further information check out their website www.marinaaltafloralclub.c om , follow them on Face ‐book or contact Pat on 622 921 812 or Christine on 602 246 546.

They look forward to wel‐coming you!

Alfaz Spiritual Friends

THE Alfaz Spiritual Friends were delighted to give a do‐nation of €500 to Jonny for his deserving charity Project 4 All.

This project provides sup‐port for homeless people and for families in need. They have a food bank, a halfway house for men and

a safe house for women.

Project 4 All supply meals and distribute clothes and blankets together with vital support and friendly advice to those who genuinely need a helping hand. The Project is self‐funded and re‐lies entirely on donations.

The Alfaz Spiritual Friends

Multiadventure Day in Villajoyosa

VILLAJOYOSA Sports de‐

partment has organised the second edition of the Multiadventure Day on Sunday April 23.

The event is free and will take place at La Tor‐reta sports centre from 10am to 2pm, offering a wide range of fun events including a climb‐ing wall with zip line, el‐liptical circles, ‘whip out’, archery, an Ameri‐can track and 'jumping burgers'.

has been serving the spiritu‐al community for two decades and meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at the Forum Mare Nostrum in Al‐faz del Pi.

For further information on Alfaz Spiritual Friends contact Kenny at kennycor ris@icloud.com.

The Multiadventure Day is mainly aimed at all residents and visitors aged 16 to 30, and free water and fruit will be available for partici ‐pants.

All activities will be led by experienced su ‐pervisors. The Sports de‐partment recommends participants to wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes.

Stunning floral displays.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Staying home

QUEEN MARGRETHE of Denmark, 82, who recently underwent major back surgery, will not attend her grandson’s Confirmation in Paris next month. She will also miss the coronation of her distant relative King Charles III on May 6, but will be represented by Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary.

THE NETHERLANDS

Their choice

ACCORDING to Statistics Netherlands, (CBS)

8,720 requests for euthanasia were approved last year, revealing that 5 per cent of recorded deaths were the result of legally assisted dying 2022. Euthanasia in the Netherlands is allowed only when requested by the patient, not their family or friends.

BELGIUM

Flying high

FIVE US paratroopers were stuck in a tree during a training exercise at the Hechtel-Eksel military base in Limburg province. Two were soon freed using a ladder lorry, but three others who were too high up in the tree had to wait for firefighters using specialist treeclimbing equipment.

GERMANY

Shut down

GERMANY has abandoned nuclear power, taking the last three plants off its national grid after the government decided not to keep them operative. Two thirds of the population opposed the shutdown and advocates of nuclear technology argued that abandoning it was “premature.”

FRANCE

On watch

A 2013-2017 survey by France’s public health service found that two-year-olds spent 56 minutes a day in front of a screen, increasing to 80 minutes by the time they were threeand-a-half. The survey also found that 13.7 per cent of parents admitted ignoring recommendations restricting screen time.

NORWAY

On their way

MORE than 30 Norwegian billionaires and multimillionaires left Norway in 2022 after the wealth tax rose by 1.1 per cent, the Dagens Naeringsliv newspaper reported. This was more than the total number of super-rich people who left Norway during the previous 13 years, the newspaper said.

FINLAND

Name-calling

AS in 2021, Olivia and Leo were the first names most often chosen for the country’s Finnish-speaking children in 2022. “There has been little variation in names in recent years, and traditional names continue to be the most popular,” Finland’s Digital and Population Data Services Agency said.

IRELAND

Bard on display

THE only copy in Ireland of the first edition of William Shakespeare’s collected plays has been put on public display, 400 years after it was published, at Trinity College Dublin. The exhibition can be visited in the Long Room of the Old Library at the college until June.

ITALY

Deadly attack

A BEAR that killed 26-year-old Andrea Papi earlier this month while jogging in woods close to his home in Caldes in northern Italy, has been identified as a 17-year-old female that had previously attacked two people. Papi was the first person to die in a bear attack in modern times.

PORTUGAL

Money spinners

A TOTAL of 59,470 Portuguese families declared incomes of more than €100,000 a year in 2021, a 14 per cent increase on 2020, the country’s tax authority (IRS) revealed. These households declared a combined income of €9.4 billion, amounting to approximately 8.8 per cent of the taxman’s gross 2021 income.

UKRAINE

Ikea helps

UKRAINE has received household supplies worth €9 million from Ikea, the Swedish home furnishing chain, and Ingka, the group’s largest retailer. Approximately 200 lorries have now delivered 850,000 items to UN’s Refugee Agency to assist relief efforts in Kyiv and Lviv.

SWEDEN

Wrong choice

SWEDEN’S biggest pension fund, Alecta, sacked chief executive Magnus Billing after his confidence in failed US lenders Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank left the fund with losses of almost $2 billion.(€1.8 billion). Alecta, said on April 11 that these losses had “seriously damaged confidence” in its investment strategy.

Spend big

THE TUC, which represents 48 UK unions, called for a “radical increase” in investment in public transport. More spending on the trains, trams and buses that are needed to cut down on car use could give the economy an annual boost of £50 billion (€58.6 billion) a union report claimed.

Scant interest

SPAIN’S banks save an annual €1.5 billion by paying lower interest on savings accounts than their Eurozone counterparts, according to the European Central Bank (ECB). As a result, Spanish families lose €924.16 million on their savings accounts, while non­ financial bodies lose €548 million, the ECB found.

Never-never

YOUNG Britons and Millennials aged up to 42 are four times more likely to take on debt to meet rising costs this year, credit broker Credit Karma found. Unlike those aged between 59 and 69 who use credit cards, the young tend to choose an overdraft or a pay now, pay later arrangement.

IT blip

COMPUTER sales are at their lowest in 10 years, falling worldwide by 29 per cent to 56.9 million systems during the year’s first quarter. “Demand has slowed but we expect it to overtake pre­ pandemic levels in the second half,” said Alberto Ruano, Lenovo’s director general in Spain.

Co-op hiccup

CUSTOMERS threatened to leave the Co­operative Bank after its mobile app stopped working for three consecutive Fridays recently. After the latest incident a Co ­ operative spokesperson apologised and said the bank “would put right” any problems clients might have encountered when making payments.

Linda

Hall

ACCOUNTANCY firm Ernst & Young (EY), which is London­ based, has abandoned proposals to restructure its global operations.

Plans to separate the consultancy and audit divisions were scuppered by EY’s New York office following disputes over the future structure of the new businesses.

Spadework for what was codenamed Project Everest began last year, as the big four accounting firmsDeloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers

KPMG and EY ­ faced increasing criticism regarding conflicts of interest between their two divisions.

Politicians and regulators, particularly those in the UK, questioned whether EY’s ability to challenge audit clients could be conditioned by the possibility of securing juicy consulting, tax and deal­advisory contracts from

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted that the UK would be one of the world’s worst­performing major economies this year.

Popularly known as the G20, these 20 countries include sanctions­hit Russia.

The IMF expects the UK economy to shrink by 0.3 per cent in 2023 and to grow by 1 per cent in 2024, according to the World Economic Outlook report presented on Tuesday April 11 in Washington.

The IMF had already forecast that the UK would experience a downturn in 2023, descending to the bottom of the G7 group of

Padua exit

ANTONIO CATALAN, chairman of AC Hotels by Marriott, continues to reduce commitments in destinations he does not view as priorities.

Sources close to Catalan confirmed to the Spanish media that he is negotiating the sale of a hotel in Padua (Italy).

This will be his second Italian disinvestment following the 2008 sale of an hotel in Rome to the Spanish chain H10.

The same sources emphasised that the AC Hotels by Marriott sale was not linked to asset rotation but to the strategy of relinquish ownership of a hotel while continuing to run it after reaching agreement with the new owner.

STAT OF WEEK €38 billion

is the amount that Europe’s telecommunications companies have recovered via improved business, a series of mergers and, prompting operators to foresee a slight increase in revenue and new dividends.

BUSINESS EXTRA Chain sold FINANCE

No change at EY

and advisory divisions worldwide.

But, bearing in mind the strategic importance of the now­unhappy US member firm to Project Everest, EY halted the project.

FULHAM SHORE, owner of the Franco Manca and The Real Greek restaurant chains, is selling them for £93.4 million (€106 million).

the same companies whose books they were scrutinising.

The UK’s accounting and audit regulator, the Financial Reporting Council, said that auditing operations should be isolated from the rest of EY’s businesses. In the event, EY went further still with a restructuring operation that would have separated audit

“The global executive remains committed to moving forward with creating two world­class organisations that further advance audit quality, independence and client choice,” explained a note to staff from EY’s global executive committee.

“We will begin taking actions based on what we have learned from the work done over the past year, actions that will both benefit our businesses today and better prepare us for a new transaction,” the executive committee added.

Ups and downs

ic recovery in 2022.

Despite the sobering outlook for UK economy, this latest prediction is rather better than the IMF’s January prediction of a 0.6 per cent contraction.

Buyer is the Japanese giant Toridoll which is listed on the Tokyo stock exchange, owns 5,500 restaurants and has worldwide sales of £1 billion (€1.13 billion).

Toridoll already runs the Marugame Udon, Shoryu and Wok to Walk chains in the UK and is teaming up with Capdesia, the private equity company behind Wasabi Sushi & Bento, for the Fulham Shore deal.

Shares in Fulham Shore soared by a third to 15p (approximately 16 cents) when the deal was announced.

Shared out

countries regarded as the world’s seven most advanced economies. The UK topped this group, which dominates global trade and the international financial system, during the pandem­

Meanwhile the IMF has raised Spain’s 2023 growth forecast by four­tenths of a percentage point to 1.5 per cent but lowered next year’s prediction by another fourtenths, to 2 per cent.

This year’s improved forecast matches those of other organisations, especially af­

Could do better

LADBIBLE GROUP, part of LBG Media, made light of a disappointing financial performance.

The group, which is based in Manchester, pointed out that it is now the leading news publisher on TikTok, and by December 31 last year the number of its followers had grown by 72 per cent compared with 2021.

LadBible’s global audience grew by 39 per cent year­on­year to 366 million, with 98 billion content views, 56 per cent more than the previous year.

Nevertheless, pre ­ tax profits dropped 10 per cent to £7.3 million (€8.3 million) over the same 12­month period, while a 15 per cent revenue increase to £62.8 million (€71.3 million) missed forecasts.

The year’s adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was also down 6 per cent at £15.7 million (€17.8 million).

ter Spain’s 2022’s strong 5.5 per cent growth. Two months ago the Organisation for Economic Co­operation and Development (OECD) raised its 2023 forecast to 1.7 per cent, while the Bank of Spain upgraded its own from 1.3 per cent to 1.6 per cent.

Despite these reasonably encouraging figures, they fall short of the Spanish government’s overestimate of a predicted 2.1 per cent growth announced in its Budget.

Stepping stone

MULTINATIONAL natural stone company Cosentino continues to diversify production beyond its Silestone brand.

After launching Dekton in 2013, the company has now opened a new €120 million factory covering 40,000 square metres in Cantoria (Almeria).

This brings up to 140,000 square metres the area allocated to Dekton, with everything in place for a fourth production line in the near future.

Despite announcing plans to float the company in the first quarter of 2023, Cosentino said that its board had not made a firm decision.

“All options are on the table but it is not true that this has delayed until next year,” a statement insisted.

ELEVEN top executives at Inditex received 202,500 shares that are worth more than €6 million. This corresponds to the second and last phase of the company’s 2019­2023 incentive plan, which makes up part of the variable salary for senior executives and other personnel and is linked to meeting specified targets.

The volume of this year’s shares was 21 per cent lower than that distributed during the incentive plan’s first phase which ended in April 2022, although each share is worth €30.39, a 20 per cent increase on their 2022 value.

More to go

BARCLAYS announced that it intends to close 15 more branches across the UK this summer.

The high street bank revealed that it will be pulling down the shutters on two locations in Northern Ireland, one in Wales and 12 in England next July.

These latest closures bring a total of 73 Barclays branches that have closed, or will close, this year.

The industry routinely justifies closures by pointing out that fewer people now use branches after learning how to bank from home during the pandemic.

EY LONDON: Headquarters are located near the Thames.

TOBIAS ADRIAN: IMF’s Financial Counsellor and director of the Monetary and Capital Markets department.

Photo credit: CC/Arpingstone

DOW JONES

Stretching it

DISCOUNT shopping

chain Poundstretcher has reportedly hired advisers to look into the possibility of a stock market float after sales boomed during Covid. The group, created in 1981, now has around 350 outlets and announced in February that it would open another 50 stores across the UK in 2023.

Sea change

BANCA is preparing to sell a majority stake in frozen food company Nueva Pescanova. The financial institution, which owns 97 per cent of the fishing group’s capital, is negotiating the transfer of 80 per cent of its shares to Canadian company Cooke Inc, which also specialises in seafood products.

Simply the best

THE Good Money Guide recently held its annual awards ceremony, celebrating the best in financial service organisations.

This year the UK­based guide to trading, investment and currency accounts, welcomed more than 160 guests at Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London for a black­tie, 20­table gala dinner.

Currencies Direct won Best Currency Broker in recognition of their commitment to a fivestar experience for all their clients. This includes great rates, exceptional services, and

swift, simple transfer solutions. What are the Good Money Guide Awards?

For the last six years, the Good Money Guide has been running an annual awards

Bank branches lopped

BANKS in Spain’s rural areas are becoming hard to find.

Over the past year, Spain’s high street banks left another 121 municipalities without branches despite agreeing to provide financial inclusion for vulnerable groups.

According to the Bank of Spain, 4,618 of the country’s 8,131 municipalities ­ 57 per cent ­ no longer have a bank branch al ­

though in practice, a few still have banking facilities.

Following the Unicaja­Liberbank merger, the Andalucia­based bank has maintained offices under its own name through a franchise system which did not show up in the Bank of Spain statistics.

Meanwhile, the province of Palencia in Castilla­Leon is Spain’s worst­hit province.

A tough year

event to highlight outstanding firms in the financial services sector.

It its own words, “The Good Money Guide Awards aim to champion financial services firms that excel in innovation, product, and customer service.

“Each year thousands of clients tell us what they think to help others make smarter decisions about who to invest, trade and transfer currency with. They also provide valuable feedback to improve the online investing, trading, and currency transfer industry.”

Deciding the winners is based on professional testing, data and pricing analysis, together with customer feedback survey results. This year, 17,000 votes were cast to pick the final winners from the 62 companies that took part.

Currencies Direct is also up for the Business Moneyfacts Awards in April, where they’ve been shortlisted for two more accolades. Will the winning streak continue?

TESCO’S profits halved to £753 million (€852 million) in 2022.

The year was “incredibly tough for customers,” Tesco admitted as it dealt with “significant operating­cost inflation” and wrote down the value of some properties.

The UK’s biggest retailer said sales rose 7.2 per cent to £65.7 billion (€74.3 billion) in the year to February 25. This included a 3.3 per cent increase at Tesco’s UK supermarkets, although it sold fewer items as shoppers chose their products carefully.

UK food sales rose by 4.6 per cent over the last year, led by the group’s own­label ranges, while sales of its premium Finest products increased by 7 per cent and its cheapest ‘Exclusively at Tesco’ items grew by 6 per cent.

The chain said the volume of items sold had fallen, partly because customers wasted less and used up leftovers but once Covid restrictions were eased, they were visiting restaurants and cafes more often, buying less to eat at home.

GALA EVENING: Award-winning Currencies Direct.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Time to read

WATERSTONES managing director James Daunt, a former JP Morgan banker, said the pandemic was both negative and positive for many retailers although it was “fantastic” for booksellers worldwide. “It made people pick up books again,” said Daunt, who has 1,000 bookshops under his control.

Jobs boost

SPAIN’S Cabinet approved a €2.8 billion allocation for the country’s autonomous regions this year to implement employment policies that promote hiring the long­term unemployed. This would be the largest investment of public funds to improve employability since 2011, said Minister of Labour, Yolanda Diaz.

Switchback

ALMOST one million people in the UK switched their current account in 2022, as banks competed to offer the best perks, cashbacks and bonuses. Last year’s 985,000 switches were 20 per cent up on 2021, said the Current Account Switching Service, which simplifies the process of moving to another bank.

Situations vacant

RECORD Easter occupancy accentuated difficulties in finding qualified staff to attend to the needs of Spain’s tourists. The problem, worsened by the pandemic and still unresolved, would become more noticeable as tourists returned en masse, warned Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Melia hotel chain.

Nectar deal

SAINSBURY’S has taken on Tesco’s Clubcard with key changes to its Nectar loyalty card which include discounts on 300 products.

The supermarket chain has introduced ‘Nectar Prices’ in major stores and online although discounts are not available in Sainsbury’s local stores or petrol stations.

SSE goes deep

Linda Hall

THE world’s deepest wind turbine foundation has been installed off the Angus coast.

The Scottish energy company SSE installed the 2,000­ton foundation ­ or jacket to use the industry term ­ that will support Seagreen’s 112th turbine at a depth of more than 58 metres.

The record­breaking turbine is part of SSE’s £3 billion (€3.4 billion) project in partnership with French energy company Total. Due to be completed this summer, the windfarm’s 114 turbines will be able to power the equivalent of 1.6 million homes.

This latest installation was a significant step towards completing a project

The Seagreen windfarm is included in SSE’s plan to invest £12.5 billion (€14.1 billion) by 2026 in projects that have been designed to speed up the UK’s target of becoming a net zero economy.

By the end of the decade, SSE, which is also developing the world’s largest offshore windfarm at Dogger Bank in the North Sea, intends to invest a total of £24 billion (€27.2 billion) in the UK alone.

London plans

BUSINESSMAN and socialite

Bruce Colley, whose family owns multiple McDonald’s franchises in the US, now plans to open luxury hotels and restaurants in London.

The 69 ­ year ­ old who is cochairman of Park Lane, the company that is leading the project, is joining forces with New Zealand financier Rayo Withanage to raise an initial $200 million (€181.6 million).

that demonstrated how the company was able to innovate and push the boundaries of the technology of change in power production, SSE’s chief executive Alistair Phillips­Davies, said.

SSE, one of the UK’s biggest renewable energy producers, has increased its full­year profit forecast for the financial year ending on March 31 on two occasions, thanks to its money­making gas power plants.

Juan Roig lowers prices

MERCADONA, Spain’s largest supermarket chain, is cutting the price of 500 items by 10 cents to ease the cost­ of ­ living crisis.

The initiative should bring an annual saving of €150 for each client, Mercadona said.

The family­owned company would remain faithful to its commitment to lower retail prices as cost prices fell, Mercadona sources added. These were already falling but because it was a slow process, they explained that the company had decided to get ahead by lowering the price of 500 staple products, which would be singled out in the shops.

The chain also plans to take advantage of market opportunities to lower the price of fresh produce.

The initiative will cost the company around €200 million with a 0.6 percentage point effect on its profit margin, which Mercadona calculates has shrunk by 1.1 percentage points since 2020.

Presenting last year’s accounts and announcing net profits of €718 million, Mercadona president Juan Roig admitted that prices had increased “tremendously” but pointed out that these

AMAZON’S proposed takeover of iRobot, makers of Roomba vacuum cleaner, is under scrutiny from the UK’s Competition and Markets authority (CMA).

Amazon is keen to expand its smart home appliances operation, but the CMA is looking into whether the deal could lead to what it described as a “substantial lessening of competition.”

rose by 10 per cent while the company’s overheads increased by 14 per cent. The discounts were not a temporary measure, Mercadona said. Nor were they a “shopping basket” of products with fixed prices like those of French supermarkets but were permanent reductions.

Checking out

Amazon announced that it was buying Massachusetts­based iRobot last August in a $1.7 billion (€1.5 billion) takeover agreement but a month later the US authorities announced that they would review the deal.

In February 2023, the Financial Times revealed that European competition au­

thorities also planned to examine the takeover.

Both Amazon and iRobot said they were “working cooperatively” with the regulators over the merger.

The CMA is also investigating Amazon’s fake online reviews while another probe centres on anti­competitive practices.

Striking a balance

WHEN anti­Covid restrictions were at their strictest in Spain, three million people began working at home.

They accounted for 16.2 per cent of the working population, compared with 4.8 per cent in 2019, according to Eurostat, the European Union’s official statistics office.

By late 2020 the number of teleworkers had decreased and fell to 9.5 per cent throughout 2021, Eurostat said.

At the same time, the digital transforma­

tion brought work­life balance and co­responsibility to the forefront, with the option of remote working creating a new generation gap.

“The younger generation has embraced the idea that teleworking is a must,” Josep Capell, a lecturer in Human Resources at the Autonomous University of Madrid.

Reconciling work and family life is now recognised as crucial by employees and recruitment experts alike, he said.

They also intend to raise further funds to finance investments in London and elsewhere worldwide over the next two years. Colley and Withanage have already earmarked two London sites, UK media sources revealed.

“The goal is to capitalise on development and consolidation opportunities in the luxury sector,” Colley said.

Scent success

PZ CUSSONS, which owns the iconic Imperial Leather brand, achieved its sixth successive quarter of revenue growth.

Like­for­like sales rose by 6.2 per cent to £166 million (€188.4 million) for the quarter that ended on March 4, boosted by growth in Europe and the Americas thanks to more demand and higher prices.

Despite higher raw material, labour and logistics costs, turnover rose by 13 per cent thanks to favourable currency movements and sales from Childs Farm, the skincare brand that Cussons bought for £36.8 million (€41.8 million) in March 2022.

Power shock

ITALY’S government announced that Francesco Starace, president of Enel, is to be replaced.

The company will now have Flavio Cattaneo as chief executive, while Paolao Scaroni was named president. Enel is the country’s principal electricity producer and also owns Endesa, which is Spain’s biggest electricity supplier. These substitutions were already being discussed in the sector in a change that is expected to have a direct impact on the Spanish company.

Starace had been in charge since 2014 and Endesa has until now played a significant role in the group’s strategy.

SEAGREEN WINDFARM: Jackets waiting at Dundee harbour’s quayside.

Photo credit: Flick/Tobias Verfuss

MERCADONA: Spain’s largest supermarket chain.

Photo credit: mercadona.es

LAST week I had a post removed from my FB pages. The short video was indeed distasteful, but one I felt deserved as much publicity as it could get. The film showed a naked white man being kicked and stoned to death by a number of black youths on a busy street in South Africa. This horrific act was taking place in broad daylight with no assistance whatsoever from any law enforcement or indeed passers­by.

The whole incident made me sick to my stomach and in normal circumstances I would never have dreamt of passing it on to friends and pursuers of my Facebook page, but these are not ‘normal’ times, are they?

Not only did the piece make me wonder how the public, particularly the ‘diversity’ brigade, would have reacted had it been a black man being kicked to death by a gang of whites, but it made me seriously wonder where the priorities of the faceless individuals who control the social media actually lay.

At any given time, on many of

Truly horrified

these outlets you can see women stoned to death and if you delve deep enough the goriest executions imaginable, so why, can anyone enlighten me, do they find the murder of a white man by blacks so abhorrent they deem it necessary to take down?

Would it, I wonder have anything to do with the fact that South Africa has been a democratic disaster and a place of danger and injustices for white people for years, far worse in fact than it was for the black residents during apartheid? I have regular contact with a number of friends, who are among the dwindling numbers of those whites who still try to exist in this most dangerous and blatantly anti­white racist country.

Basically, the terrorists are now in charge and, like Saudi Arabia, which is also run by an undemocratic bunch of cruel dictators, control so many of the world’s natural rich resources, they literally get away with murder on a grand scale and are never brought to book.

I am subsequently truly horrified but not too surprised, by the news

GRUMPY OLD MAN OUR VIEW

that the new series of ‘I’m a Celebrity’ is also coming from that disgracefully run country. No doubt the hierarchy running the TV and advertising will be delighted to show their hugely biased brainwashing diversity propaganda and will gain a wonderful reception from the crooked SA authorities and the relatively small numbers of the British public who are in agreement with their policies, including participants in a show; which will undoubtedly be crammed with diversity.

Personally I think presenters Ant and Dec should have refused to partake at all. Sandy Shaw and I only agreed to an SA tour during apartheid if we could work to mixed audiences. We too were supporting the black citizens, but would never have even contemplated doing so had they been attacking and murdering the white population!

WITH the Coronation of King Charles III just a few days away, it does seem that the new monarch is doing his best not to heal rifts within the family but instead is relying upon protocol to act like a grumpy old man.

First and foremost, whilst Harry has announced that he will be attending his father’s coronation, he will be kept very much on the periphery, is not likely to wear any ceremonial costumes and will be expected to keep a low profile.

It appears that his wife and children will remain in the USA and he will simply make a token appearance before jetting back for son Archie’s fourth birthday.

Prince Andrew who has made a total fool of himself over the past few years (although has not been convicted of any criminal offence) may or may not attend, but if he does, he will be precluded from any official role and although his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie will attend, they may not take part in any official capacity as they are non­working royals.

Sarah Ferguson is not invited although it has been suggested that she, like Prince Andrew was a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

When one considers that apart from Prince Edward, every other member of the Queen’s immediate family has been divorced or involved in some scandal or other, surely now would be the time to try to bring the family together and present a united front to the world at large rather than continue to highlight the rifts?

Contact the team at Drainbusters

THE Drainbusters was created by John Clark, an English plumber who came to Spain 25 years ago at the age of 22. The business has become very reputable in the area where he has also created a fami‐ly of three children.

The three main undertakings of this company apart from 24‐hour drain clearance with drain camera inspections and leak detection are EU oxidation septic tanks and con‐nections to mains drainage.

These are fundamental aspects required for all homeowners in Spain as the law obliges all proper‐ties to be connected to the main drainage system or to have an EU approved septic tank installed where connection to mains isn’t possible.

This EU law serves to prevent the contamination of the water table making these works neces‐sary in order to sell, purchase or obtain new certificates of habita‐tion.

The Drainbusters undertake all aspects of this procedure with the utmost efficiency and profession‐alism avoiding delays in the pro‐cess.

Apart from the manual side of each job, their team is fluent in many languages and can take care of all paperwork and legalities too.

They also have experts that deal with the Hydrographic Confedera‐tion and home insurance claims, so they can help you with these

applications and requests too. Call them to arrange a site visit at your convenience, free of charge to assess the work needed and offer you a no obligation quote.

They cover the entire Costa Blanca with a fleet of vehicles working from Gandia to Murcia. Their base is in Alicante and they don’t charge a call out fee for dis‐tance.

This established company know the market well and therefore of‐

fer competitive prices for very good quality approved systems that are fully guaranteed.

As a 20+ year recognised busi‐ness in Spain, with many satisfied customers, we feel safe to say they can be highly recommended to take care of your needs.

The detection of leaks and sub‐sequent repair is also a large part of their workload. Their state of the art equipment is able to de‐tect leaks in or under any material without the need to excavate or

destroy your property or garden saving you hundreds if not thou‐sands on water bills, property damage and repairs.

For any drain related work, drain cameras, blockages, septic tanks, sewage systems, connec‐tions to mains, leak detection and repair, root removal, new water mains, these are your people! Their friendly team of staff is available via phone, email, or WhatsApp to help, advise and guide you through your enquiry.

Health benefits

RACHEL GARRICK, who is a Monmouthshire county councillor was criticised for knitting during a council meeting. She began knitting in 2012 to alleviate the pain of osteoarthri‐tis and Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome which affects tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessel, she explained. Making an uncom‐plicated item like a baby blanket also helped her to concentrate during meetings.

“Workplaces should be more accepting of knitting as a way of focusing,” she said.

DON’T spurn the humble potato. Rich in antioxidants, potatoes supply beneficial vita‐mins and minerals including Vitamin C, B6, and potassium, although nutritional content depends on the variety chosen and its preparation. Studies have linked pota‐toes to impressive health ben‐

Spud love

efits which include improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of heart disease and boost‐ed immunity.

They can also improve di‐gestive health and combat signs of ageing.

By Clinica Britannia

Do not suffer in silence

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) is when there is a persistent inability of getting and keeping an erection firm enough for sex, but men should not suffer in silence as treatment is available.

But let’s be clear, it is not just the men that suffer when suffering with Erectile Dysfunc ‐tion but their partners also. Surprisingly it is es‐timated that half of all men over the age of 40, will have at some degree suffered the problem, causing problems in the personal relationships and self‐confidence.

Now available is a non‐invasive Extracorpo‐real Shock Wave Thera ‐py (ESWT), this is a clini‐cally proven method and has been used for treat‐

offers a cure for ED.

ing various medical con‐ditions in the past.

Treatment consists of low ‐ intensity sound waves passing through the erectile tissue, help‐ing to restore the natu ‐ral erectile function by clearing plaque out of blood vessels and en ‐couraging the growth of new blood vessels.

The shockwave treat ‐

A cuppa tea

TEA has the potential to benefit 40 different areas of our health, a review of 96 different studies found. The authors of the review, published in the Molecular Nutrition and Food Re ‐search Journal, linked drinking two to three cups a day to better gut health and a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

ment offers a cure in that it reverses the prob‐lems that cause the dys‐function in the first place ‐ the most desired win‐win outcome covet‐ed by men with ED.

Making healthy lifestyle choices like tak‐ing regular exercise, drinking less alcohol, and stopping smoking can help with ED.

Don’t suffer in silence and put unnecessary strain on your relationship, make an appointment with our Specialist here at Clinica Britannia for more information.

Drinkers of ordinary ‘builders’ tea also ap ‐peared to have a reduced risk of certain cancers, and there were additional ben‐efits for bone health and brain power.

It’s allergy time

APPROXIMATELY 30 per cent of Spain’s population have some type of allergy, generally caused by pollen.

Tree and grass pollen are the main culprits, but as well antihistamines and nasal sprays, Vaseline can also help.

“A barrier of petroleum jelly around your nose will help to trap pollen and re‐lieve dry and uncomfort ‐able skin resulting from repetitive nose ‐ blowing,” Dr Nisa Aslam said in the UK.

Too much of a good thing

DRINK coffee for a headache.

When your head pounds, blood vessels swell, producing greater blood flow around the brain. This increased blood flow pressures surround ‐ing nerves, which send pain messages to the brain, bringing on the headache.

Caffeine has vaso ‐ con ‐strictive properties so blood vessels narrow to re‐strict blood flow, alleviat‐ing the pain.

Be careful, however, be‐cause the body becomes dependent on caffeine and reducing or eliminating consumption triggers with‐drawal symptoms.

ESWT: This treatment

Karan Sud: Your British dentist in Moraira

BASED in K Sud Dental & Medical Centre in Moraira, K Sud Dental is your British dentist on the Costa Blanca. Providing general, conserva‐tive and cosmetic dentistry for the past 16 years, the qualified clinicians are all originally from the UK and aim to give you an honest and friendly service at a great price.

The clinicians at K Sud Dental are passionate about oral health, focusing on conservative dentistry and services to help patients to keep their own teeth for as long as possible. The majority of treatments are minimally invasive, ensuring as little pain as possible during and after treatment.

Dentist Karan Sud specialises in treatments that require a more personal touch, focusing on the comfort and trust of his patients. Most restorative treatments are done chairside in one visit, removing the need for impressions, temporary fixtures and even injections.

Karan said: “We aim to continuously main‐tain and build the trust and loyalty of our pa‐tients through high‐quality dental treatments, excellent patient care and open, honest ad‐vice. We are excited to have a young talented

By Clinica Britannia

team who are all equally as passionate about what they do as how they do it.”

Along with Karan, Dr Gabriella Borsi is an English‐speaking Orthodontist at K Sud with over 30 years of experience in the speciality. In addition to Karan and Gabriella is Dr Maria

24-Hour emergency dentist

WE cannot pick or choose what time of the day that throbbing toothache starts or when we suffer a dental accident.

With both these issues there comes a point where painkillers stop working, causing the pain to become incessant and debilitating. Female pa‐tients often say that child‐birth was much less painful. This is when it is essential to seek the help of a 24‐hour Emergency Dentist.

So, what could be the cause of the toothache?

There are many dental issues that can cause a throbbing toothache, but the most common are:

1. Dental Cavities.

Don’t neglect your teeth.

2. Dental Abscess.

3. Root Canal Infec ‐tion.

4. Irreversible Pulpitis.

5. Trauma (essential to be repaired within 24 hours).

6. Acute Sinusitis.

Most dental emergen‐cies are however prevent‐

ed with good hygiene. Simple things, such as brushing and flossing the teeth after every meal, will help keep the mouth healthy. If engaged in contact sports, wear a mouth guard to shield the teeth.

Book an appointment with our Dental team here at Clinica Britannia as regular check‐up and cleans can help spot any potential issues that can affect tooth health. Don’t wait until a den‐tal emergency to contact us. Prevention is better than having to cure a problem created by ne ‐glect. Dental treatment can be surprisingly cheap‐er and faster than you think.

Ruiz, a British dentist who carries out tooth whitening, oral hygiene and all standard den‐tistry practices.

Using state‐of‐the‐art technology and the best materials on the market, K Sud offers general dentistry and check‐ups, cosmetic

dentistry, teeth whitening, smile design, hy‐gienist appointments, and tooth replacement. All work is completed to a high standard and designed to last for many years to come, with the team undergoing continuous training to make sure they are up‐to‐date on all of the lat‐est techniques.

The practitioners will decide the best treat‐ment for each patient, focusing on keeping their natural teeth rather than invasive and expensive treatments. For example, using the same fibre system used to replace missing teeth to reinforce loose ones as opposed to ar‐tificial replacement with dentures or implants.

Make the most of your natural teeth with whitening treatments at K Sud Dental, which is achieved using airflow and a mix of water, powder and air under pressure to effectively remove staining. See their advert in the news‐paper to find out how you can make your teeth sparkle for just €250!

The full list of services provided at K Sud in‐clude fillings, dentures, partial acrylics, crowns, veneers, extractions, root canal, and peri‐odontal treatments.

Fast talking

Linda Hall

SKINCARE fasting has had 205.8 million TikTok views to date.

This involves abandoning all skincare products for pe‐riods that can last from 24 hours to a week or even longer.

Washing your face with water can help to soothe breakouts and eliminate redness, fasting proponents maintain, a pronouncement that has prompted an im ‐mediate reaction from der‐matologists.

Scrapping skincare would be fine if we never went outside or if we didn’t have blue light from screens or pollution to contend with, skin expert Kate Kerr ar ‐gued.

“All these things damage our skin if we don’t take steps to protect it,” she said.

“If you see benefits from skin fasting, that’s because the products you were using weren’t working for you.”

SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Eliminate them, skincare fasting proponents say.

Copper copout

CAN a copper bracelet really bring relief from sore muscles, joint pain or carpal tunnel syndrome?

“People think that copper is absorbed through the skin and that this will help arthritis, but there is no strong evidence for it,” Dr Wendy Holden said. A consultant rheumatologist at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust, she is also medical adviser for the charity Arthritis Action. “Neither is there any evidence that copper bracelets can help with fibromyalgia and carpal tun‐nel,” she said. “But wearing a copper bracelet will not cause any harm, so if patients feel better because of it, then that’s good and could have a placebo effect.”

SUD DENTAL & MEDICAL CENTRE: Specialising in treatments with a personal touch.

Photo credit: Pexels/silviarita

Wrong context LETTERS

IN your Issue No 1970 (6‐12 April) in Euro‐pean Press, you carried a piece on Ireland, with a caption of Welcome Home, which as an Irishman I was very pleased to see.

However we would never use the Gaelic word, Eíre in this context. Instead we would say, Ballina, situated in County Sligo.

Moreover, most people, particularly Irish would not use Eíre, only because most other nationalities wouldn’t recognise it!

On the other hand the name, Ireland, in the caption is very acceptable.

Always enjoy your paper.

Hi Linda,

Regards

Bernard Butler

Many thanks for your speedy reply.

Actually whilst on the subject of Ireland. In Mijas Pueblo, on the building beside the Council Offices, wall plaques have been erected to acknowledge various nationali‐ties’ presence in the area.

I recall some years ago, Ireland was one of the first countries to be honoured in this way, however on a recent visit to the Peublo I noticed that someone has removed the plaque. Vandalism no doubt?

Perhaps you might consider following up this matter?

Thank you for you time and attention to this matter.

Kind regards Bernard

Dear Leapy

I take objection to the letter printed re Jed‐dah. I worked in the King Fahad Hospital there in those years and found the Saudi people nothing but respectful. Please don’t use that term r s for those people Mr Kite. Have you not been to British beaches over the last 50 years? You can hardly sit down without all the rubbish left by selfish people of all nations.

Carole Burton

Dog park

While it is good to see the Euro Weekly News back, I would like to point out an incor‐rect statement in the news about the dog park. It was not built on waste land, but on a park area that the garden group had spent a lot of time, effort and money to gravel and maintain for the last 20 years. But no one thought fit to liaise with the garden group about where would be the best place for it. Perhaps not near the medical centre and the play park. It will be also interesting to know who is going to maintain it and empty the bins?

Yours sincerely, Marion

Hi Leapy

I am not sure you get to glance through the Sun newspaper where you are situated but I have been following this guy for some time now. His name is Lee Anderson and I am sure what he says in this article (page 16/17 Sunday 16/04/2023) is just what we have been trying to tell people for ages, but do they listen NO!! Because they are all too steeped in woke and human rights etc etc to see the wood for the trees. Now I know you can’t reply because so many people contact you, be it agreeing or disagreeing with your views, but if you can get it up on your screen see what you think. Keep up the good work trying to educate the uneducated.

Joe

Mixed up

Four words used in Loopy Lee’s latest col‐umn but used inappropriately in conflicting ways in the wrong order. Firstly he calls the Johnson partying as Mere Bagatelle words meaning petty triviality and unimportance, does he really think that the charlatan who was eventually ousted from office through his law breaking and continuous lies is petty, trivial and unimportant? Try telling that one to the thousands who stayed at home unable to hold the hand of loved ones suffering in hospitals and care homes. Secondly in his continuous weekly bias towards the opposi‐tion party he calls, simply because they have more female members, an armoury of Schemes and Skullduggery against the Tories, words of course meaning artful and sharp practice, as I have pointed out he has got the words mixed up and used in the wrong order.

Ramon Osborne, Los Alcázares.

No benefit

Brexit, the gift that just keeps on giving. Still no benefits to Brexit. If you voted for it, you’re part of the problem called, Brexit Bro‐ken Britain. The whole world is laughing at the UK!

Andrew Cremona

Big brother

How sad that big brother is bringing such a wonderful historic way of travelling to an end. As for providing education details when travelling ‐ what on EARTH has your educa‐tional history have to do with travelling to an‐other country. It’s time people stood up to this BS and told the so called authorities what they can do with all this unnecessary data harvesting. It’s just spying on people for no good reason.

Naimah Yianni

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Animalets: Where your pets are family

TAKING your pet to the vet can be a stressful and worrying time ­ for both of you ­ but the team at Animalets will provide you with a relaxed environment, using techniques and handling of your cat, dog, bird, reptile or exotic animal that will make your visit as comfortable and calm as possible.

The team has been taking care of and treating animals for the past 20 years, so you can be sure that your pet is in the best possible hands. Looking after your animal like it’s their own, the experienced and professional practitioners are dedicated to finding the best treatments, providing essential advice, and a wide range of other services to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Collaborating with various specialists such as neurologists, dermatologists, ethologists (specialising in behaviour), traumatologists, oncologists and ophthalmologists, your animal will receive the highest level of care and diagnosis as quickly as possible for your peace of mind. Animalets also has a laboratory for all types of analysis and two operating rooms for surgeries. The practitioners have regular

ANIMALETS: Your best friends deserve the best treatment, get in touch today.

and continued training, using the most advanced technology in their field, including the best and latest diagnostic technology to determine the right treatment needed.

For older pets or animals that have had an accident and now find it difficult to move around like they used to, Animalets provide physiotherapy treatments to make them more comfortable, prevent injuries, reinforce

and maintain physical fitness, restore movement, and improve overall welfare.

It is impossible to predict when our pet will become sick or need urgent care. That’s why Animalets has 24­hour emergency services so that you can be sure your animal will get the treatment they need at any time of the day, including public holidays. Other services at Animalets include:

Address: Avenida de Ausias March, 9, 03730, Javea - Telephone: 965 086 386

• Pet Identification

• Pet passports for legal and safe travel

• Surgery

• General internal medicine

• Ultrasound dental cleaning

• Vaccines for disease prevention

• X­ray and ultrasound equipment

• Exotic medicine

• Hospitalisation

What we feed our pets is really important and affects their skin, coat and weight. Animalets has a large stock of specialised food for the treatment of the most common pathologies such as kidney and gastrointestinal problems, allergies, and food intolerances. The team will be happy to discuss and advise you on the best food for your pets.

The clinic also collaborates with the Javea Feral Cats Association, Catland, APASA and Rama, treating sick animals and, importantly, sterilising wild cats to try to control the population of Javea ­ contributing to lowering the number of cats living on the streets.

Your best friends deserve the best treatment, get in touch with Animalets today.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm, Saturdays 10am until 2pm Facebook: @animaletsveterinario - Instagram: @animalets_centro_veterinario

Springtime trip must-sees

SPRING is a wonderful time to get out and explore the great outdoors with a camping trip. From stunning beaches to rugged mountain ranges, there are countless places to pitch a tent and experience the natural beauty of this country. Today, we’re bringing you some of the best destinations for a spring camping trip.

• Sierra de Guadarrama Parque Nacional

Located just an hour outside of Madrid, Sierra de Guadarrama Parque Nacional offers a perfect countryside escape. The park boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. There are several campsites where you can set up your tent and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. The park is also a great spot for hiking and mountain biking.

• Cabo de Gata­Nijar Parque Nacional

If you’re looking for a coastal camping experience, Cabo de Gata­Nijar Parque

Nacional is the perfect spot. Located in the province of Almeria, this park offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean surrounded by rugged cliffs. There are several campsites within the park, many offering pitches with sea views. The park is also home to several secluded beaches and coves.

Camping health benefits

• Picos de Europa Parque Nacional

Located in the north of Spain, the Picos de Europa National Park is a must­visit destination for nature lovers. The park is home to some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in Spain, with peaks reaching over 2,000 metres.

Alpincamper

THE Opel Vivaro has mainly been known as an all­rounder for businesses seeking a light commercial vehicle that is as flexible as it is efficient. But the Vivaro can do much more, as an ‘Alpincamper’, it is now a practical, comfortable campervan.

The specialists from the Bavarian town of Lenggries, which sits almost directly on the German­Austrian border, are converting the bestselling Opel commercial vehicle into an extensively equipped motorhome, available in two variants.

The Alpincamper Vivaro 2 offers plenty of space for up to two people while the Alpincamper Vivaro 4 can accommodate up to four people.

The Opel Vivaro comes with a wide range of features as standard such as air conditioning, a multimedia system including digital radio reception and numerous assistance systems, cruise control and speed limiter as well as Rear Park Pilot, which makes manoeuvring much easier..

ARE you planning your next trip, trying to convince a loved one to go camping with you, or looking for a new adventure? Whatever the reason let me give you the lowdown on why camping is good for your health.

Spending time in nature is good for you. Scientists believe that our brains respond positively to nature and natural views as it is a natural mood booster. Surrounding yourself in nature combined with exercise, whether it be a stroll around the area or a more intensive hike, will improve heart health, making for a faster metabolism and more resilient joints and muscles.

If that is not enough camping is proven to help you sleep better as we are distanced from

NATURAL SURROUNDINGS: Time outdoors is good for you.

everyday life and technology and surrounded by natural sounds like the crashing of the waves rather than cars honking or neighbours shouting.

And finally, camping helps us live in the moment.

It is a mindful experi ­

ence and keeps us grounded in what is happening right now. Mindfulness keeps us from worrying unnecessarily about things that have not happened and stops us from dwelling on past issues, all of this has a positive impact on our mental health.

Photo credit: Shutterstock Air Images

PETS

Adopting advantages

WITH approximate‐ly five to seven mil‐lion companion an‐imals given to animal shelters worldwide each year let’s have a look at some of the best reasons to adopt your furry friend.

Adoption associ ‐ations are really helpful and they help match families to their pets mak ‐ing sure that every‐one will be happy together. You can even ask them if you can foster the pet for a while to make sure you are right for each oth ‐er.

The cost of adopting your pet is much lower and usually just covers the cost of sterilisa‐tion and the vacci ‐nations they have received.

I know puppies are cute but some ‐times an older dog can be the right choice as they are usually toilet trained and calmer and you can teach an old dog new tricks don’t worry!

By adopting you help to reduce the inhumane pet breeding trade.

Usually, mixed ‐breed dogs what people usually re ‐fer to as a mongrel, not designer pug ‐gles or cockapoos, are healthier and less vulnerable to diseases unlike purebred animals or the designer crossbreeds men ‐tioned before.

With pet adop ‐tions down 36 per cent since the pan ‐demic think about adopting a pet from a shelter near you.

Sitters stay with pets for free!

IT can be reassuring to find pet minders who will care for your pets and maintain their rou‐tines. It keeps the pets happy and you can have peace of mind on holiday.

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

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com

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

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

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. House‐sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

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

How do you join?

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

Do you need a 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

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Xylitol poisoning danger to dogs

IT’S regularly found in sugar ‐ free chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamin supplements and other sugar‐free products.

Xylitol can cause in dogs hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) because the dog’s pancreas will confuse it with real sugar and makes it release more insulin. The insulin then removes the real sugar in the body, leading to plummeting blood sugar levels.

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Puffin loves playing on the beach, the pet minders take her every day.

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

VARIOUS music CDs, DVDs and DVD box sets. Job lot €100. Listings available. 604 185 014 (302910)

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

WIGS

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MOTOR INSURANCE . For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

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

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

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

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EWN 20 - 26 April 2023 53 CLASSIFIEDS euroweeklynews.com

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REMOVALS/STORAGE

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TRANSLATIONS

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

Hyundai i20 a lot of car for not much money

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

WITH the imminent demise of Ford’s Fiesta, the choice of small hatchbacks contin­

ues to diminish in favour of an SUV style. Thankfully there are still manufacturers with tempting offers in the sector and Hyundai is one of them.

The diminutive i10 might

conceivably be a little small for some, but the larger i20 slots in nicely size­wise for those wanting maximum space in compact form.

A smart looking car, if comments on my test model are anything to judge, the i20 range starts at €22,270/ £19,725 and encompasses the entry level through to the luxury and sporty and finally the very sporting i20N.

My Ultimate model sits at the top of the normal tree with a €27,633/£24,475 price tag and seven­speed automatic transmission.

Standard fare across the line­up is very good with alloy wheels, air conditioning, high beam assist, powered and heated door mirrors, cruise control, rear parking sensors and camera, Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

My Ultimate added climate control, heated seats, privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, wireless charging, navigation, keyless entry and start, power fold door

mirrors and a Bose sound system.

The range uses a three cylinder, 1.0 bocharged petrol developing 100PS, or 120PS for the NLine version. The i20N goes much further with a 1.6 ­ litre, 206PS power plant.

Manual cars have sixspeeds and automatics a seven­speed double clutch type of automatic. It’s a very effective power delivery aided by a 48v battery to make a mild hybrid that benefits emissions, power and economy.

It’s a practical car too with even the lead ­ in version having a 60/40 split folding rear seat and good rear legroom when the rear seats are in position. Certainly not a performance

model though when 62 mph takes 11.4 seconds, but in normal use the i20 doesn’t feel pedestrian. The manually geared versions fare better being a second quicker to that benchmark speed and arguably allows you a bit more control. That said the automatic isn’t bad and provides a more refined change than many pseudo automatics.

Most i20s will spend their

life pottering around towns and cities with the occasional long run. Which is a shame as it handles rather well on cross country roads and especially with the nicely slick manual gearbox that would be my recommendation on the gearbox choice. Overall the i20 is refined, comfortable and very well equipped. It offers rather a lot of car for not a lot of money.

HYUNDAI i20: Refined, comfortable and very well equipped.

Laporta attacks Real Madrid

JOAN LAPORTA ESTRUCH , lawyer, business‐man, politician, and cur ‐rently the president of Barcelona Football Club is back in the headlines af ‐ter his verbal attack on Real Madrid. In his efforts to defend his club that is caught up in the ‘Negreira Case’ he has lashed out at his rivals.

The ‘Negreira Case’ al ‐leges that between the years 2016 and 2018, Barcelona paid Jose María Enriquez Negreira, the vice ‐ president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), to tell players how to behave

with each individual refer‐ee to give them a better chance of favourable treatment.

With reports coming out that Barcelona may be sanctioned by leaving them out of European competitions next season an angry Laporta has lashed out at Real Madrid saying they also received favours from referees.

Laporta said “I think it is worth remembering that for seven decades, most of the presidents of the CTA have been ex ‐ part ‐ners, ex ‐ players, or ex ‐managers of Real Madrid. In some cases all of them at the same time. This tri‐al will serve to expose them. It is an unprece ‐dented exercise in cyni ‐cism.”

He went on to attack Javier Tebas, the presi ‐dent of La Liga, accusing him of a lack of profes ‐sionalism with regard to the documentation he has reportedly supplied.

Nagelsmann on the shortlist

ACCORDING to reports Chelsea has held preliminary talks with ex‐Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann and he is now on the shortlist to take over at the London club. Other names reported to be on the list are Luis Enrique, Mauricio Pochettino, Luciano Spalletti, and Rúben Amorim.

The word from sources at Stamford Bridge says there is no clear favourite yet. Frank Lampard has been appointed as the interim coach and some discussed the possibility of him staying on, but with his third defeat in nine days we can guarantee Chelsea will be sticking to the candidates on the shortlist.

Nagelsmann, who many feel should not have been re‐moved as Bayern Munich head coach, has also been men‐tioned in relation to a vacancy expected at Real Madrid soon and a possible job opening at Paris Saint‐Germain, will the German coach opt for Chelsea if selected?

Chelsea meanwhile must focus on their next fixture, the Champions League quarter‐final second leg against Real Madrid. They trail 2‐0 after their defeat in Madrid last week.

Joan Laporta speaking on the charges against Barcelona.

Photo Credit: Barcelona’s official website

83.22% wins is the figure for tennis pro Novak Djokovic.

Paul Ince contract terminated

READING football club announced on Tuesday, April 11, it has terminated the contract of manager Paul Ince. The former Manchester United and England legend will leave the Championship strugglers with immediate effect.

A statement released by the club read: “Reading Football Club can confirm that the contract of firstteam manager Paul Ince has been terminated with immediate effect.

“Ince was appointed initially on an interim basis with his assistant Alex Rae in February 2022 and, alongside the likes of Academy Manager Michael Gilkes and Under18s manager Mikele Leigertwood in the dugout, he did an admirable job in helping the club stave off the threat of relegation with four wins from the final 14 fixtures last season.

“Ince took the reins on a permanent basis in the summer and, having to

Favourite wins Grand National

cope with strict transfer embargo restrictions, he helped to piece together a new squad on a much­reduced wage budget ­ and with five wins from our first seven home games, the season began brightly.

“However, without a win in our last eight matches and with a relegation battle to fight following a six­point deduction imposed last week, owner Mr Dai Yongge has decided that a change is needed.

“Assistant Manager Alex Rae has also departed the club. Our Under­21s Manager and former Royals striker, Noel Hunt, has been installed as Interim First Team Manager until the end of the season.”

Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: “I would like to thank Paul and Alex for their efforts through a frustrating and exceptionally challenging season so far. We would like to wish them well in their future endeavours.”

THE 2023 Grand National at Aintree in Liverpool held on Saturday April 15 was won by the 8­1 favourite, Corach Rambler, ridden by Irish jockey Derek Fox.

After a delayed start thanks to animal rights activists staging a protest at the Aintree racecourse in Liverpool, the Grand National was eventually won by the 8 ­ 1 favourite, Corach Rambler.

The win comes six years after Fox first teamed up with Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell to ride One For Arthur past the finishing post at Aintree.

Last year’s winner, Noble Yeats, had to settle for fourth on this occasion. Second place went to Vanillier while Gaillard Du Mesnil cantered home in third.

The big event was sadly marred by the intrusion of a group of protesters from ‘Animal Rising’ onto the famous track. Merseyside Police finally made a total of 23 arrests, causing the race to start 12 minutes late. Two of the activists went so far as to attach themselves to one of the jumps by applying glue and lock­on devices.

“We are continuing to work with The Jockey Club and other partners to keep people safe during the Grand National Festival,” said Merseyside

Police. They continued: “We are aware of people who planned to protest at today’s event. This has been factored into our plans. We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but criminal behaviour and disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.”

Peta UK was quick to react and publish a statement after three horses died during this year’s Grand National races. Envoye Special died after an incident on Thursday April 13, followed by Dark Raven during Saturday’s third race. Hill Sixteen also fell at the first hurdle and had to be put down.

HORSE RACING: A race at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool.

Credit: Google maps - David Stoddart