Axarquia 18 – 24 May 2023 Issue 1976

HOLIDAY LETS

SPAIN’S holiday letting market faces new rules

Whilst there is a continued boom in new builds of all sorts, particularly in popular tourist destinations as well as a glut of abandoned builds handled by ‘bad bank’ Sareb, there never seems to be enough reasonably priced social housing.

A bit like Jekyll and Hyde the current Spanish government welcomes tourists, many of whom want holiday lets, whilst at the same time is making it more difficult for small home owners to let their properties out.

A Royal Decree which comes into effect on June

1 this year requires digital platforms and hosts to provide additional infor ­

HOLIDAY

Enjoy staying in a holiday home.

mation about the reservations (hosts, guests’ personal details, property details, accommodations, etc) to the Spanish national authorities (Ministry of the Interior).

This needs to be reported within 24 hours from the booking and the information must be reported

THE Cirkorama festival of the Provincial Council will bring national and international theatre­circus companies to Malaga Province from June 16 to 25.

In its seventh season, Cirkorama will offer training and advice sessions incorporating nine shows that will offer 19 performances at the MVA Cultural Centre and in 17 municipalities of the province.

This was announced by the deputy for Culture, Manuel López Mestanza, together with artists and municipal representatives through which this festival will pass on May 16.

Circuses are no longer allowed animal performances, so the participating companies bring a new look merging traditional circus with other disciplines such as theatre, dance, music, not forgetting of course plen­

on the following website https://sede.mir.gob.es

So far it is only possible to complete this with a Spanish digital certificate (DC) and you have to apply for it in person at an appropriate Government Office, although agents may well be able to assist if you are out of Spain.

When complying with this requirement you need to have previously alerted guests to the fact that you are transferring their information to the government in order to observe Data Protection requirements.

It appears that the Spanish government has indicated that it will provide the option of reporting the data without using this online procedure, although the details about this have not yet been released.

Incorrect reporting of guest information can attract a fine of between €100 and €600 whilst failing to appear on the registry is a serious offence and can be punished by a fine of up to €30,000.

CIRCUS NIGHTS

CrossFit craze

LA HERRADURA became the ultimate hotspot for CrossFit athletes on Saturday, May 13 as they flocked from all corners of Spain to participate in the thrilling second edition of the Marae Challenge.

With more than 1,000 attendees, the Box Marae sports centre in La Herradura hosted an adrenaline­fueled extravaganza, which was in fact the largest event of its kind in the country.

The event featured an impressive lineup of 350 athletes who took part in intense competitions in a variety of different sporting disciplines throughout the whole weekend. From dawn till dusk, participants and their families enjoyed the competitive atmosphere at Box Marae, which also featured some entertainment.

Spectacular scenes of strength and endurance unfolded as athletes conquered a series of challenging workouts, incorporating various disciplines such as running, paddle surfing, gymnastics, weightlifting, and more. La Herradura’s beach provided a stunning backdrop for the events.

Deputy mayor Daniel Barbero, shared his pleasure at hosting the event, declaring it a resounding success. Barbero added that La Herradura showcased its hospitality by providing a range of services and facilities to visitors.

ty of clowns.

These companies will offer 19 performances at the MVA Cultural Centre as well as Rincon de la Victoria,

Marbella, Nerja, Ronda, Coin, Antequera, Benadalid, Casares, Monda, Istan, Almachar, Genalguacil, Moclinejo and Pizarra.

Image by Alfaz Town Hall

LETS:

CIRKORAMA FESTIVAL: Bring on the clowns.

Credit: Malaga Provincial Council

Classic car showdown

MORE than 50 teams from all over Andalucia, as well as Madrid and neighbouring Extremadura, converged in the picturesque town of Comares for the thrilling fourth Clásica Villa de Comares classic car rally on Saturday, May 13.

The event showcased vehicles over the age of 25 years old, with popular classics stealing the spotlight, including the iconic Renault 8, several Abarth replica Seat 600s, a whole fleet of Minis, and a swarm of VW Beetles. The magnificent machines were all in impeccable condition and showed up ready to conquer the roads of Axarquia.

The rally kicked off with a morning route

covering an exhilarating 90 kilometres. Participants revved their engines and embarked on a route from the heart of Comares, tackling it in one go.

After lunch, the second section commenced, a more than 100 kilometre route split into six thrilling stages. This leg wound its way through the eastern reaches of Axarquia, where the race heated up.

Almeria pair, Antonio Salas and Ángel Salas, roared across the finish line first in their Alfa Romeo GTV. They outpaced the local team José Antonio Palma and his son, in their VW 1300, who claimed a commendable second place.

COMPETA, the charming mountain village, is set to captivate art and craft enthusiasts with its first monthly Art & Craft Ruta series beginning on Wednesday, May 24.

This new concept aims to showcase the dynamic creative scene of Competa while providing visitors with an immersive experience.

The Ruta will guide attendees through the town’s artistic venues like studios, shops, and an art gallery, while allowing them to explore beautiful streets and squares.

International artists and

Artistic adventure

craftspeople will be present, offering explanations and insights into their own work and artistic styles. Confirmed participants include artists Rossana Ragusa from Italy, Jo Dennison from the UK, and Lieuwke Loth from the Netherlands.

The route promises not only a day of artistic inspiration but also an opportunity to find unique art pieces for homes or handcrafted gifts.

Visitors can expect a di ­

THE Nerja branch of the Royal British Legion is preparing for their monthly lunch event which is set to take place on Thursday, May 25 at the Al Andalus Hotel in Maro.

verse array of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and textile art. Craft lovers will find exquisite leather products, natural handmade soaps, and fairtrade textiles.

Another Art and Craft Ruta event will take place on Wednesday, June 21 during Competa’s Cultural Week before the organising collective’s Grand Art Walk weekend event set to take place from Friday, September 15.

Legion lunching

Guests are invited to indulge in welcome drinks and canapés from 1pm until a lunch spread is served from 1.30pm. The menu for this month’s event includes a tropical salad, roasted chicken with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables, a tiramisu dessert, and coffee. Wine and water will be available on the tables throughout.

Tickets cost €17 for members, and €19 for non­members and can be purchased by contacting Royal British Legion through their website or Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/profile.php?id=100064650104214 or email Kim at kim_bowe1@hotmail.com

The Royal British Legion in Nerja is a vital and active branch of the renowned British organisation. Serving as a supportive community for British Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families residing in the UK and Spain, the Legion provides a crucial lifeline to those in need.

THRILLING RALLY: The classic cars bathed in the Axarquia sunshine.

Photo credit: Mi Clasico (via Facebook)

Retail treat

LA VIÑUELA is home to Axarquia’s newest market, the Camelon Market. The event was launched at the roundabout with a water feature in La Viñuela on Sunday, May 14 and will return on Sunday, May 28, taking place every two weeks.

Learning lift

VELEZ-MALAGA Council has launched an educational support project which aims to support students with learning difficulties, aiming to reduce academic failure, early dropout, and promote social inclusion.

Seeking help

AXARQUIA Animal Rescue charity has launched an appeal for volunteers to join their team working in their Torre del Mar shop on Saturdays and various other shifts. Experience is not necessary. Interested volunteers can contact Liz: 657 293 363

Drenching relief

AFTER a prolonged dry spell, the Axarquia region is set to receive some much­needed rainfall this week, giving some vital replenishment to reservoirs. Temperatures were expected to drop to 16ºC in some parts of the region due to the DANA weather phenomenon.

Project setback

WORK on Torre del Mar’s theatre suffered another setback after a technical failure on Monday, May 16. A construction issue occurred after workers poured fresh concrete, leading to a partial structural collapse. The issue delayed the project which began in 2019.

Shop support

MJM Spain Animal Rescue charity is in need of new donations at their new shop in Torre del Mar. The shop located on Calle Del Rio 25 needs donations to support the animal rescue. The shop is open daily except Sundays.

AFTER two successful editions in Motril, the Curro Segura Training Camp is heading to Almuñecar, offering six days of basketball­fuelled fun. Organisers have high hopes for the event and say that it is likely to become a fixture on the town’s sporting calendar.

The event, which is expected to attract around 140 players from all over Spain, will be held in the town’s sports pavilions for six days from Sunday, July 2. Organisers are excited about bringing the camp to Almuñecar, which is the home and headquarters for promoter Curro Segura between seasons.

Shooting for success

venir to cherish. While most participants are expected to come from Andalucia, there will also be players from other parts of Spain and even a few from abroad.

The event is not just about basketball; it will also help promote the town and attract tourists to enjoy its offerings. The council has also given their backing to the event.

Registrations for the event are now open online: www.currosegura.com/trai ning­camp.

Fire alert Home sweet home

IN a remarkable effort to improve the quality of life for its elderly residents, Almuñecar Council has embarked on a major renovation project on three sheltered living spaces in the town.

The renovations primarily focus on upgrading bathrooms and kitchens to ensure they are in the best condition possible for new residents. The renovations aim to make the spaces more accessible for residents with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Authorities shared an update on the renovation scheme on Tuesday, May 16 saying that over the past year, they have fully renovated a total of 15 sheltered living spaces which now all now have new residents settled in. The current three homes under renovation take the total homes receiving upgrades to 30.

Maria del Carmen Reinoso, the local councillor for Social Services and Elderly Affairs explained, “The renovations also include system upgrades to electric systems, the replacement of bathtubs with accessible showers, as well as essential repairs, painting, and anti ­ mould work.”

The council said that they are committed to improving the quality of life for its older residents and to giving them a safe and enjoyable environment to call home.

SABOR A MALAGA will collaborate with the third Golf Tournament Against Cancer Eastern Costa del Sol ­ Axarquia of the Spanish Association Against Cancer.

On June 17, this charity competition will take place at the Baviera Golf club, which will be linked to the Solheim Cup with the objective being to raise funds that will be used for research against cancer

THE Junta de Andalucia activated the Season of High Danger of forest fires on Tuesday May 16, two weeks earlier than normal.

This was recommended by the Infoca Plan Advisory Committee following its meeting on Friday May 12 and is expected to remain in place until the end of summer and in the case of burning of plant remains and the use of fire for food preparation, a ban will remain in

Charity golf

and the free services that the association provides in the Axarquia region.

Chef Pablo Vega, from the Ménade restaurant, will create a cocktail for those taking part made from local products and he will prepare a dessert called ‘Sabor a

Solheim’, in which he will also use products from the Axarquia.

“It is an American cheesecake with surprising textures and flavours that will serve to close the cocktail at the end of the tournament,” the chef explained.

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S

Stand Up

TIME for La Herradura to enjoy some stand up English language comedy again, tonight, Thursday May 18.

BE AWARE: Firefighters are on stand by.

place until October 15.

Minister of the Presidency Antonio Sanz asked that everyone be alert to any possible outbreak of fire and to contact 112 Emergencies in the event of any sighting of smoke or flame

Thus, across Andalucia which includes the Axarquia, the burning of scrub, pastures and residues from forestry, phytosanitary treatments and other forestry work is

Three localish comedians, Kirthy Iyer who brings his Indian take on Spanish life even though he’ll be on crutches will be taking part alongside Dave Darby and all the way from Estepona Lucy Amans, who has just returned from a successful few nights performing in Brighton.

The comedy kicks off at 9pm at La Cochera Paseo Andres Segovia 45, so if you enjoy a good laugh, don’t miss out.

prohibited, as well as the burning of stubble or residues in agricultural work carried out within 400 metres of forests.

No barbecues or ‘camp fires’ may be used anywhere including campsites and rest areas on the side of roads and it is possible that certain vulnerable areas may be closed to the general public.

Participants in the training camp will receive a unique and specially de ­

signed t ­ shirt with the colours and image of Almuñecar, making it a sou­

TRAINING CAMP: Participants are expected from all over.

Strides in support

RINCON DE LA VICTORIA is preparing to mark National Epilepsy Day by participating in the ‘One Million Steps for Epilepsy’ solidarity walk on Sunday, May 21.

This exciting event, organised by a collaboration between the Malaga Association for Epilepsy (AMADE) and the Department of Social Welfare, aims to raise awareness about epilepsy.

The ‘One Million Steps for Epilepsy’ campaign aims to shed light on the challenges faced by people living with epilepsy and advocate for increased support in terms of research, inclusion, as well as recognition of the everyday difficulties sufferers of the condition face.

AMADE is calling for more resources, including staff and facilities, in various hospitals across the province.

The walk will kick off at 12pm from Plaza Pepe El Boticario and continue all the way to Plaza del Agua, before returning to the starting point. Adding to the festive spirit, participants will enjoy a lively atmosphere with music and dance performances along the route.

PROVERB OF THE

The town band will also accompany walkers.

To register for the event, walkers can sign up online: https://bit.ly/3M4sV38. For more information, walkers can also contact organisers: 657 951 847

In the game

ONE venue in Nerja is gearing up for a day of sports and solidarity with a charity fun day in aid of APAA animal welfare charity. Monty’s Sports Bar will host a day of sporting magic for charity on Saturday, June 3.

Guests are invited to arrive from 1pm at the venue to catch the Epsom Derby. The classic horse race will be live streamed to the guests at Monty’s. The bar is also hosting a special charity betting activity where guests can compete for prizes for first, second, and third place. Next, guests can experience the heart­pounding action of the FA Cup Final, broadcast live from 3.30pm. To add an extra dose of excitement, organisers are also hosting a special challenge related to the game.

After watching sports professionals all afternoon, guests are invited to try their hand on the pool table as part of a charity tournament from 6pm.There will also be a fundraising challenge during the day.

The venue will also donate €2 from each meal ordered during the afternoon. Guests are asked to contact the venue to pre­order meals.

FRENCH luxury devel­

oper Les Rivages has unveiled an ambitious urban art project that will redefine the skyline of Almuñecar.

Wall of wonder

‘Les Rivages de Almuñécar’, a monumental mural spanning three 12­storey buildings, is set to become the largest vertical artistic masterpiece in Spain and Europe.

The sprawling artwork, covering over 6,000 square metres, will bring the sea and the enchanting promenade of Almuñecar’s Velilla area to life.

Renowned artist José Ríos has been entrusted with the

task of transforming these towering structures into a captivating canvas.

Collaborating with the talented graphic design studio Basilisko, Ríos said that the artwork will incorporate a woman gracefully strolling along the beach into a natural landscape.

José Ríos, artist from Jaén, embarks on this momentous challenge of adorning the three towering buildings, aiming to beat his own record for the largest mural in Spain, currently located in Estepona.

A presentation ceremony for the project was held at Les Rivages’ Le Grand Large development on Friday, May 12.

The mural design was unveiled at the event attended by the mayor of Almunecar, local businesses, and property agencies interested in the progress of the mural and the luxurious Le Grand Large.

Spring clean

IT’S been a long time coming but the Salobreña Council has just finalised on May 17, a contract with the Paprec company whereby the latter, as of June 1, will be in charge of the street cleaning and waste collection service in the municipality.

These are important changes that will be implemented over the weeks, both in terms of personnel and the new machinery included in the agreement.

However, already in the first fortnight of next month, an increase in the workforce will begin to be seen and collection will be implemented on Sundays, which until now only took place in the summer season.

Mayor María Eugenia Rufino promised that “the first thing that will be noticed is in the number of workers, which goes hand in hand with the beach opening plan that is already being worked on.”

She is confident that local residents will see significant improvement in the service offered.

Authorities unite for epilepsy awareness.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Rincon de La Victoria

WEEK

“If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” The meaning is don’t depend on someone else to do a good job, do it yourself. This was first used by Napolean Bonaparte.

Top 10 universities in the world include Oxford and Cambridge.

San Isidro celebrations

NERJA buzzed with agricultural and labouring prowess as it celebrated San Isidro Day on Monday, May 15. The town immersed itself in traditional festivities, featuring vibrantly decorated lorries, tractors, and horses adorned with fresh flowers.

Locals and visitors dressed in traditional Andalucian flamenco attire, adding to the en­

Autumn target

WITH hot weather more or less guaranteed for the summer, the Motril Council has decided to close the indoor municipal swimming pool at the end of May following the recent opening of the outdoor pool.

This then gives the council and its appointed operator Germanía Instalaciones the opportunity to completely renovate the interior of the building housing the pool with a complete renovation of the air conditioning systems, production of domestic hot water and solar thermal installation.

In addition, the current diesel boiler will be replaced by a more efficient natural gas boiler, which will result in a significant improvement in the building’s energy efficiency, lowering maintenance costs.

The work which is scheduled to take five months should see the pool reopening in time for the autumn season at an agreed cost of €615,890 and 80 per cent of this cost will be funded by European Federal Funds.

chanting atmosphere. Throughout the town, traditional stalls showcased the saint’s significance to agriculture and labourers. Celebrations began on Saturday, May 13, but the biggest event was the all­day celebrations on Monday, May 15.

Monday’s celebrations began with a mass in honour of the patron saint, followed by a vibrant parade that wound its way through the streets. Spectators marvelled at the meticulously adorned displays, while refreshment tents offered drinks and snacks to keep everyone energised.

Mayoral candidates also decked out vehicles in support of their campaigns ahead of the country’s municipal elections set to take place on Sunday, May 28.

The event left a lasting impression on all who experienced the captivating display of agricultural pride and communal spirit, reinforcing the town’s commitment to honouring its agricultural heritage with a joyous celebration.

Nerja’s track spectacle

NERJA is playing host to an international level sporting event today, Thursday, May 18. The town’s El Desafio Nerja is now part of the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour.

The men’s race promises an exhilarating showdown, with eyes likely to be on the formidable Fernando Carro. After intense training and preparation, Carro is said to be entering his peak form.

With his sights set on qualifying for the 3,000­metre steeplechase at the Budapest World Championships in August, Carro is ready to set the track on fire. Among his rivals are Nassim Hassaous, and talented Pol Oriach from Aragón.

However, the spotlight will also shine on the Ethiopian favourites Ayalew and Beru, who boast impressive personal bests.

The women’s race showcases African stars like Senayet Getachew and Spanish talents Carolina Robles and Águeda Marqués.

The 800­metre race features Gonzalo García and rising star Zoya Naumov. Mariano García, known as ‘La Moto’, takes on the 1,500 metres, facing tough competitors including Jesús Gómez and Ig­

nacio Fontes.

The epic rivalry between Esther Guerrero and Marta Pérez will also return in the women’s 1,500 metres. Competition details are available online.

An intricately adorned horse carriage travels through Nerja.

Photo credit: Lydia Taylor (via Facebook)

Business travel boom

SPAIN’S corporate travel industry has experienced a remarkable surge according to a report released on Friday, May 12, doubling its revenue in 2022 and setting its sights on surpassing prepandemic figures in 2023. The barometer report by Braintrust for the Spain Convention Bureau estimates a revenue total of more than €12.1 billion for 2023. The report found that more than 80 per cent of business meetings are expected to return to in­person formats during 2023, with

Betty Henderson

IN a display of solidarity with champions of democracy, the Spanish government granted citizenship to 14 Nicaraguan dissidents who were stripped of their nationality by President Daniel Ortega’s administration. The announcement came on Friday, May 12 from the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, who expressed his hope for the new Spanish citizens and praised their determination.

“Spain is a safe haven for defenders of democracy and liberty,” Albares announced in a tweet, alongside an image of him welcoming the first group of Nicaraguans who will re­

the country’s meeting spaces projected to have an average annual occupancy rate of more than 75 per cent. The report also found that the average daily spending per business traveller reached €335 in 2022, surpassing the 2019 figure of €319. Although affected by inflation, the figure is still a valuable indicator of the sector’s pandemic recovery. Business experts say that the report’s excellent findings are evidence of the value of corporate travel for the Spanish economy.

Open arms

ceive Spanish citizenship, during a meeting in Washington DC. Among the 14 recipients are notable figures including the former presidential candidate Juan Sebastián Chamorro, political leader José Antonio Peraza, activist Alex Hernández, and lawyer Hugo Rodríguez. The group represents just a fraction of the 222 dissenting politicians, journalists, human rights activists, and lawyers who were released from prison in the Central American country in February and expelled to the US.

Several other nations including Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico have also extended offers of citizenship to the group of stateless Nicaraguans.

Spanish elections

THERE will be two different elections taking place in Spain and the islands on Sunday May 28.

These are the precursors to a General Election which is likely to be held on a Sunday in December this year.

Every municipality that has its own council will be involved in the local elections whilst the regional elections are staggered with just 13 Autonomous Communities up for grabs.

These are Aragon, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla­La Mancha, Extremadura, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, La Rioja and Valencia whilst elections will also take place in Ceuta and Melilla.

In the municipal elections, 35,414,655 voters will be able to vote, including 414,581 belonging to EU countries and countries with which Spain has signed a reciprocity agreement to exercise the right to active suffrage and who have expressed their intention to vote in these elections (and this includes UK passport holders resident in Spain).

In the regional elections 18,382,505 voters will be able to vote, of which 1,046,757 are Spanish residents living abroad.

In broad terms there are several political parties contesting the elections ranging from far left to far right with a number of small local candidates also taking part.

Basically, the PSOE (Socialist Party) will be fighting it out with the Partido Popular (like the UK Conservative Party) and it is more than likely that the PP may have to form alliances with the more right wing Vox Party whilst PSOE will try to obtain assistance from left wing Podemos and the less powerful centrist Ciudadanos.

The government of PSOE leader Pedro Sánchez rules thanks to a coalition with a number of other parties and independents, but all eyes will be on these two elections as they may give an idea of how the December General Election is likely to turn out.

Two different elections are taking place.

SHUTTERSTOCK

36% of Spain is forest, that’s a staggering 18,173,000ha.

Changes for landlords

John Ensor

THE new Housing law has left many landlords wondering if they will be better or worse off, and how will it impact younger people trying to set up home.

The new law has been drawn up in over a year of negotiations and is expected to be passed before the May 28 municipal elections, according to a news source.

The main issues are the limits placed on landlords with regard to increasing the rent for their tenants and who is now responsible for monies payable to real estate agents.

Last year the government set up a temporary rent ceiling that will carry on throughout 2023. That limit is currently set at 2 per cent on increases to rents.

However, this will change in 2024 when the limit will be adjusted to 3

per cent.

‘Stressed’ areas will be subject to special controls regarding how rents are regulated. A ‘stressed’ area is basically an area with high rents which have forced tenants to leave.

Local authorities will decide which areas fall into the ‘stressed’ category and will review their status every three years.

The other major change

are the fees payable to real estate agents. In a bid to stop legal loopholes, real estate agency fees and expenses are now the responsibility of the owner, not the tenant.

Landlords will also be prevented from increasing the tenant’s payments as a result of building work, garbage collection, or other such unagreed payments.

HOUSING LAW: Landlords are now limited with regards to rent.

SHUTTERSTOCK

G7 support for Kyiv

Tipped to be new Bond

SINCE the departure of Daniel Craig as James Bond there has been much speculation as to who will take over the famous role, but it seems a frontrunner has now emerged.

A leading bookmaker has announced that 32­year­old British actor, Aaron Taylor­Johnson is their hot tip, following a sudden surge in bets they have just taken, according to a news source on Friday May 12.

Since then Coral noted a scramble to place bets on the High Wycombe­born actor to become the new 007.

In fact, the odds of Taylor­Johnson be­

coming Bond are now 2­1, following a successful screen test at Pinewood in front of Barbara Broccoli, head of the James Bond franchise.

Many other well­known names have been associated with the vacant 007 seat including, Tom Hardy, James Norton, Idris Elba and Richard Madden who all at one time have been lined up to replace fivetime Bond star Daniel Craig.

Aaron’s previous roles have included TV roles in Casualty and The Bill and film roles such as the lead character in Kick­Ass. He subsequently appeared in a host of Marvel films.

AS Germany prepared to send a €2.7 billion arms package to Ukraine, the G7 vowed on Saturday May 13, to up their support in a bid to end the war.

The G7 group, containing seven of the most economically advanced nations in the world, vowed on Saturday in Niigata, Japan, its continued support for Ukraine and for sanctions against Russia.

The summit has seen bank chiefs and ministers of finance vow to help countries suffering

from debt, high inflation and on a more individual level, the swollen cost of living. Further to this, they hope to build more diverse supply chains that offer greater stability.

And stability they believe requires an end to the war in Ukraine, with aid to the wartorn nation expected to increase to $44 billion moving into 2024.

It could be construed though that more military aid may not be the solution to ending a war, as a news

source reported on Twitter: “The UK has been threatened with a military response by Russia after pledging to send long­range missiles to Ukraine.

As more opposition mounts to Russia, there will undoubtedly come such threats of retaliation. Further to this, China, which hasn’t presented a firm position on where it stands, has been known to be an ally to Russia and may choose yet to supply them with reinforcements.

Archbishop caught speeding

JUST days after crowning a new king, the archbishop of Canterbury was convicted of speeding.

On Wednesday, May 10, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby was convicted in a private hearing for breaking the speed limit, as well as three penalty points on his licence. He also has to foot a whopping £510 bill for legal fees, ac­

cording to a news source.

This comes just days after the eyes of the world saw the 67 ­ year ­ old Church of England leader conduct the historic coronation of King Charles III.

The incident occurred on October 2, 2022, when he was clocked by a speed camera, driving along the Albert Embankment, central London in his VW Golf

towards Lambeth Palace.

After the camera footage was assessed, the Metropolitan Police contacted the archbishop, who confessed he was behind the wheel at the time.

The speed limit along the embankment is 20mph, which was imposed three years ago, and his Grace was spotted doing 25mph.

G7 GROUP: Vowed to continue its support for Ukraine and for sanctions against Russia.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Bingo bust

A COPENHAGAN court ruled in favour of the country’s official gambling regulator who found that a local association had offered illegal bingo and banko games for several years. The club, not a non-profitmaking organisation, was fined €2,014 while the authorities impounded a further €671,248.

THE NETHERLANDS

Less snow

THE Netherlands had under-average snowfall for the 10th consecutive winter, snowing on only 13 days between mid-autumn and midspring, instead of the habitual average of 20 days. The last time the Netherlands had more snow than usual was in 2013, when snow was registered on 34 days.

BELGIUM

Bombs away

A 30-KILO bomb that was approximately 60 centimetres long and 25 centimetres wide was detonated on the beach at Koksijde during ongoing work to rid the beach of explosives dating back to the Second World War. The beach was closed as a crew carried out a controlled explosion.

GERMANY

Hot topic

GERMANS assure pollsters that they are concerned about the climate crisis and the consequences of global warming. Nevertheless, opposition to the Economics and Climate ministry’s new home-heating law revealed that they are reluctant to modify lifestyles or pay higher prices to curb emissions

FRANCE

Drought crisis

THE Pyrenees-Orientales coastal region’s drought is officially classed as a crisis, with the River Agly practically dried-up since the middle of March. Restrictions to save as much of the tourist-dependent area’s drinking water as possible include a ban on car-washing, watering gardens and filling swimming pools.

NORWAY

Early settlers

ELISE, an eight-year-old girl from Vestland, went to pick up a piece of glass while playing near her school but instead found an interesting piece of stone. She showed to her teacher, who contacted the county council whose archaeologists confirmed that it was a Stone Age dagger created 3,700 years ago.

FINLAND

On record

FINLAND’S new canine register finally opened on May 7 following a delay of several months owing to technical problems. By 4pm that same day the system run by the Finnish Food Authority had registered around 4,000 dogs, following which they will eventually be microchipped.

IRELAND

Double identity

AIDAN BYRNE, 75, who used his dead brother’s identity to claim more than €93,000 in benefits, was jailed for two and a half years by a Donegal court. He hoodwinked the social welfare system with a birth certificate belonging to his brother, Anthony, who died in a 1972 drowning accident in England.

ITALY

Flat rate

THE super-rich are moving to Italy to enjoy financial benefits introduced in 2017. In exchange for an annual fee of €100,000 those taking up residency are exempt from paying tax on income generated overseas. The initiative also extends to family members for a yearly payment of €25,000 per person.

PORTUGAL

Close friends

PORTUGAL and Spain’s a new Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, which confirms their shared values, came into force on May 11. Both governments explained that the new agreement also updates the 1977 Treaty, which played a crucial role in Portugal and Spain’s parallel development as democracies.

UKRAINE

Cyberwarfare

UKRAINIAN communications have been subjected for years to slick and inventive cyberattacks from Russia and Ukraine has increasingly hit back, particularly since last year’s invasion. Now security firm Malwarebytes have tracked a new group operating against both Ukraine and Russia whose motives “are still unclear.”

SWEDEN

Taking charge

SWEDEN will make history opening the world’s first permanently electrified stretch of road in 2025 on the E20 road near Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo. The electric road system (ERS) will enable electric vehicles to recharge on the move, enabling them to travel greater distances between charging stations.

FINANCE

STAT OF WEEK €36.5 million

is the amount of Ryanair’s order for 300 Boeing aircraft, the first 150 of which will be delivered by 2025 with a further 150 ready between 2027 and 2033.

Cheaper butter

TESCO, Aldi and Lidl are following Sainsbury’s lead by lowering the price of their own­brand salted and unsalted butter from £1.99 (€2.29) to £1.89 (€2.17) for a 250­gramme pack while also cutting the price of ownbrand bread. Meanwhile, Asda and Morrison have yet to follow suit.

Tesla choice

TESLA chose Barcelona­based Holaluz to install Powerwall home batteries in Spain, an integrated battery system which stores solar energy for backup protection so that power stays on when the grid goes down. The system detects outages and automatically recharges with sunlight to keep appliances running for days.

Sporting chance

JD SPORTS plans to acquire French sportswear retailer Courir for €520 million, which includes paying €325 million via existing cash resources, and taking on a €195 million debt. The London ­ listed sportswear giant revealed that it did not expect to complete the deal before the second half of this year.

Tax break

SPAIN’S tax authority Hacienda announced a 25 per cent income tax (IRPF) reduction on the net yield of 828,000 drought­affected agricultural growers and livestock farmers. The measure applies to their 2022 tax declarations for those using the module system, the country’s official state bulletin (BOE) confirmed.

Lift-off

MELROSE INDUSTRIES’ shares soared after outstripping expectations and announcing that it would focus on the aerospace industry after de­merging its automotive business. It expects fullyear sales of between £3.35 and £3.45 billion (€3.8 and €4 billion), well within the company­compiled £3.4 (€3.9 million) estimate.

Linda Hall

A POLITICAL party’s proposal to create a chain of publicly­owned supermarkets would be unworkable, Spain’s Manufacturers and Distributors Association (AECOC) said.

The Podemos party’s scheme was “out of touch with reality,” it was “posttruth” and “contributed nothing,” AECOC’s director general Jose Maria Bonmatí declared.

He also lamented that Podemos’s secretary general Ione Belarra had labelled food distribution bosses as “capos.”

Spain’s National Statistics’ Institute (INE) announced that prices rose by 16.5 per

Not a good idea

report emphasised.

BUSINESS EXTRA Scam amends

“A public supermarket would contribute nothing in a sector that is enormously complex,” Bonmati said, speaking in Madrid on May 9. “Many links are involved and it must be taken into account this is a sector with a great deal of competition.

BANK customers refused scam refunds are receiving sizeable payouts after referring cases to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

cent in March, and Belarra’s latest outburst had irritated the sector, Bonmatí explained, as prices had risen owing to higher costs and their profit margins had suffered.

Government figures submitted to the European

THREE water company chiefs have rejected their bonuses this year.

Nicola Shaw (Yorkshire Water), Sarah Bentley (Thames Water) and Susan Davy (South West Water) have all recognised the public’s anger over the amount of dumped sewage that has reached Britain’s rivers and coastal waters.

She understood the “strength of feeling,” Nicola Shaw said on announc ing that she would not accept her first bonus since joining the com pany in May last year. This would have been between £600,000 (€691,671)

and £800,000 (€922,072) based on Yorkshire Water’s annual accounts.

“It just did not feel like the right thing to take performance­related pay this

Grifols change

BARCELONA­based pharmaceutical company Grifols announced executive chairman Thomas Glanzmann as its new chief executive.

The founding family’s move arrived at a difficult time for the multinational group, which manufactures medicines using blood plasma, but was badly hit during the pandemic due to shortages in supplies.

Glanzmann, who served on the board as vice­chairman since 2017, was named chairman in February after Steven F Mayer’s resignation as Grifols’ executive chairman on “health and personal” grounds.

The former co­CEOs from the Grifols family will remain on the board, but in new roles.

commission have demonstrated that 95 per cent of Spain’s food inflation was the result of the higher price of imported raw materials in 2022.

The steep rise was not due to internal problems in the food supply chain, the

The AECOC chief also maintained that there were “all kinds of commercial offers” in Spain and that the consumer had an “enormous capacity” to choose.

“I can’t see that this proposal would contribute much of value, not when there are so many operators who offer affordable products,” Bonmatí concluded.

Bosses forgo bonuses

year,” said Sarah Bentley who last year received £496,000 (€571,714) while Thames Water’s chief financial officer, Alastair Cochran, who received £298,000 (€343,442, also turned down 23 payout.

“This is the right thing to do. We’re listening to our customers, we get it,” said Susan Davy, whose company spilled untreated sewage 37,649 times last

Deloitte audit probed

THE UK’s Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is investigating Deloitte in connection with its audit of Joules’ 2021 accounts.

Clothing company Joules called in the administrators in November, endangering 1,600 jobs and 132 shops, after failing to secure emergency funding.

Creditors, who included HM Revenue and Customs, suppliers and staff, were owed more than £100 million (€115.2 million), according to a statement from the administrators.

The following month, fashion and homeware retailer Next came to the rescue in a £41 million (€47.2 million) deal that saved 100 shops and 1,450 jobs by teaming up with Joules’ founder Tom Joule.

Accountancy watchdog FRC revealed that it has opened an investigation relating to Deloitte’s audit of Joules’ accounts up to the year ending in May 2021 without stating the reason for its investigation.

year. Davy runs Pennon Group, owner of South West Water, and has turned down a pay rise for the last two years.

Chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water, Emma Clancy, applauded the executives’ decisions.

“Our recent research, Bridging the Gap, shows bonuses add to people’s current frustration with the water industry,” she said. “This announcement shows people’s concerns are being listened to.”

The Financial Times reported on May 8 that Britain’s privatised water and sewage companies paid £1.4 billion (€1.6 billion) in dividends in 2022, an increase from £540 million (€662.2 million) in 2021.

Another Zara

ANTONIO CATALAN, president of AC Hotels by Marriott, will make use of smaller hotels.

Teleworking has considerably reduced the volume of business tourism, Catalán recently told a news interviewer.

“It’s necessary to find an alternative use for the hotels that depended on this type of activity,” he said.

He hopes to create a low­cost brand, “a Zara of hotels,” Catalán revealed.

It now remains for him to convince Marriott, he said, explaining that he would use as an example the evolution of Armani from an elitist and exclusive label into a brand that included Armani Jeans, Emporio Armani and the cheaper Armani Exchange range.

Scam victims whose banks refused to compensate them were often trapped by a loophole which meant they lost refund rights if they had voluntarily paid somebody who was later found to be a scammer.

Legally, victims of what is known as “authorised push payment” fraud should be entitled a full refund from their bank under UK financial regulation.

Nevertheless, many failed to receive compensation until they took their fight to the FOS, receiving amounts that varied from hundreds to thousands of pounds.

King’s weather

WET weather, once known as the Queen’s weather and presumably now the King’s weather, boosted gazebo sales over the Coronation weekend.

Street party organisers began panic­buying as the rain set in, with retailers reporting an “unprecedented” rise in sales while gazebo hire firms were inundated with last­minute bookings.

“As a home and leisure retailer we are used to seasonal swings but this spike in sales for gazebos was unprecedented,” Shaun Eldridge, spokesperson for The Range told a news source.

Some gazebos sold out entirely, including a £49.99 (€57.47) line decorated with the Union Jack “which flew off the shelves,” he said.

Peace reigns

ANTONIO GARAMENDI, who is president of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), foresees social peace until 2025.

He was “especially pleased and proud,” Garamendi said, after having signed the Fifth Employment and Collective Bargaining Agreement (AEMC) with Spain’s unions. The pact was balanced as well as good for the country’s stability, the CEOE president said. He also went on to stress, in an oblique reference both to the government and to political parties, that nobody should be allowed to try to appropriate the pact.

OOD INFLATION: Not due to supply chain problems, government says.

SUSAN DAVY: Chief executive of Pennon Group, South West Water’s owners.

DOW JONES

Gold rush

AN ounce of gold now costs $2,050 (€1,877, comfortably close to the $2,100 (€1,923) that it fetched during the summer of 2020 when investors were spooked by Covid. Banking crises, interest rate volatility, economic slowdown and the war in Ukraine have all contributed to gold’s 10 per cent price rise since January, analysts explained.

Encapsulated

LIQUID capsules are the fastest­growing detergent and have become the most popular way of doing the laundry in the UK, although only 0.1 per cent are made by eco­friendly brands. Wilton have now reinvented the laundry pod, a new carbon­neutral capsule range that comes with the added benefit of 100 per cent plastic­free packaging.

What a difference!

ONLY nine women directors are included amongst the 160 highest earners working for companies listed on Spain’s Bolsa (Stock Exchange).

Minimum thresholds for female directors in listed companies have been raised over the last 10 years and the Spanish government has set a July 1, 2024, deadline for listed companies to increase this to 40 per cent.

Figures for 2022 submitted to the National Securities Commission (CNMV) nevertheless demonstrated that quotas for women in big companies focused

Trade or pin money?

not have declared tax.

HMRC, who can access abundant data, have been cracking down on online traders who have omitted to declare taxes for annual sales of more than £1,000 (€1,151).

eBay, apps and websites including De­

pop, Facebook Marketplace and Vinted, have all grown in popularity since the pandemic.

Millions use them to make some extra cash or, in cases like Etsy, to launch a business.

Most people sell a few items and are not professional traders but HMRC is likely to regard as a business anybody who sells regularly to make a profit, or buys in bulk.

mainly on quantity, not quality, the 11th survey of salaries by El Pais concluded.

Few women executives were truly in charge, analysis revealed.

The continuing imbalance was also reflected in women’s salaries, the newspaper pointed out, although this was not exclusive to females.

El Pais found that the best­paid executive directors of the Ibex 35 companies ­ equivalent to the UK’s FTSE 100 ­ earned an average of €4.73 million in 2022.

This amount was 81.5 times greater than the annual €58,095 earned by the employees of the companies they managed.

The divide has also widened in comparison to previous years, as the difference between boss and employee was 76 times greater in 2021 and 79 times more in the 2020 pandemic year.

Plan needed

BRITAIN should relaunch industrial strategies and stop ‘floundering’ over initiatives preventing it from falling behind on the global stage, warned Make UK, which represents 20,000 manufacturers.

UK businesses risked losing out to companies elsewhere around the world owing to the government’s lack of a long ­ term industrial plan while Biden’s $369 billion (€335.5 billion) Inflation Reduction Act diverted investment.

Intern misuse

MURCIA’S Upper Court of Justice High Court of Justice (TSJ) confirmed an IT company’s earlier sentence and a €52,000 fine from the Work Inspectorate for having 31 interns and 27 employees. The interns outnumbered regular staff in all departments, the TSJ judges said, demonstrating that the company’ staffing needs were covered by students in an “undercover employment relationship.”

MADRID’S BOLSA: Few women amongst listed companies’ executives.

THE UK’s tax authorities are sending reminders to thousands of online sellers whom they believe might

BUSINESS EXTRA

Drink up

THE City Pub Group said after an ‘anaemic’ Coronation Day, sales the next day, Sunday, had been “really, really” strong. Longer opening hours would bring a boost of around £104 million (€119.8 million) to the sector the Centre for Economics and Business Research had forecast beforehand.

No takers

BUSINESS­OWNERS are finding it increasingly difficult to cover job vacancies and engage sufficient staff to complete their workforces. “This is a problem affecting all sectors and qualification levels, warned Andrés Sendagorta, president of Basque multinational Senera and the Institute of Family Businesses (IEF).

Love in the air

AS predicted, ITV’s advertising revenues dropped by 10 per cent during the first quarter of this year. The broadcaster said it expected declining advertising sales to be compensated by the next series of Love Island and the Rugby World Cup which would draw large broadcast and streaming audiences.

Going green

CEPSA signed an agreement to supply European energy service provider GETEC with green hydrogen from 2026. This will give the Spanishbased oil company a direct link to its industrial customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy, Cepsa’s Hydrogen director Joaquin Rodriguez said.

School bills

IT costs families at least £39 (€44.9) a week in transport, lunches, uniform, learning materials and school trips to send a child to a state secondary school according to the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG). This fell to £19 (€21.87) a week for a child at primary school.

Linda Hall

JOHN LEWIS staff backed the group’s chairwoman Dame Sharon White during the recent twiceyearly meeting of the partnership’s 60 ­ strong council on Wednesday May 10.

The department store and Waitrose supermarket owner reported a £234 million (€269 million) loss over the year ending last January, despite £12 billion (€13.8 billion) in sales, obliging it to abandon the staff bonus for only the second time since 1953.

Although the votes were symbolic rather than binding, they also carried considerable weight, as the council has the power to oust the chair of the partnership at any time should the members decide.

Earlier, White had courted criticism following reports that she was contemplating selling a stake

Staff back Stone

billion (€2.3 billion).

“I want to be absolutely categorical,” White declared prior to the vote. “The John Lews Partnership will always be an employee­owned business, no ifs, no buts. There is absolutely no question of demutualisation.”

White also said that the company would consider external investment if the partnership should ever find itself unable to fund plans through its own means.

Stepping down

SIMON THOMPSON is allegedly preparing to step down after a stormy two years as Royal Mail’s chief executive.

Thompson, who attempted to introduce large­scale changes to existing working conditions as well as cost­cutting measures, encountered strong resistance and strikes. The unions which represent Royal Mail employees accused him of fuelling acrimonious industrial disputes.

in the company, which has belonged to the staff since the 1920s, in a bid to raise a much­needed £2

But, she pledged, this would be done in a way that was consistent with the practice of all partners sharing in the benefits of the business, as promised in the original staff ownership deal.

Repsol goes electric

REPSOL, Spain’s largest oil company, now provides electricity for just over one million customers.

It acquired 50.01 per cent of the country’s seventh ­ largest electricity company, CHC Energia, and another 356,000 customers, after CIDE Servicios Comerciales, which owns 100 per cent of CHC Energia, approved the sale on Tuesday, May 9.

The CHC operation was Repsol’s largest in the electricity sector since acquiring Viesgo ­ and more than 750,000 customersfive years ago in an operation valued at more than €730 million.

That was followed by Gana Energía ­ in which Mercadona chairman Juan Roig was a shareholder ­ that brought Repsol 37,000 more customers and another €25 million in turnover in 2021.

Repsol then went on to secure the Capital Energy’s portfolio of a further 25,000 contracts at the beginning of 2022.

The company’s quota of the energy market has now increased from 4.9 per cent to 6.6 per cent, in fourth place after Iberdrola, Endesa and Naturgy.

The CHC transaction

THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) proposes to simplify listing rules that currently discourage companies from joining the UK’s stock markets.

This arises from reproaches that the British semiconductor and software design company Arm and other businesses shunned the UK market and preferred to list in the US.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) proposes to

comes at a time when Repsol, along with its competitors, wants to divest itself of its oil company label.

Instead, it aims to become a multi ­ energy company with interests that reach far beyond fossil fuels and produce net zero emissions by the middle of the century.

Stay in the UK

simplify listing rules in the UK which are putting off companies wishing to join the country’s public markets.

Companies intending to list shares must at present hold a premium listing, obliging them to comply with the UK’s highest regulation standards.

The FCA now wants to

eliminate the requirements which include a three­year financial and revenue­earning track record that makes it impossible for newer businesses to list.

“We want to encourage more companies to list and grow in the UK,” the FCA’s chief executive Nikhil Rathi said.

Deposits shuffled

SPAIN’S six big banks lost €35 billion in deposits, a reduction of 2.9 per cent, reports for 2023’s first quarter revealed.

Sources at the banks involved hastened to clarify that in part it was a seasonal effect as 43 per cent of this amount ­ €16.34 billion ­ occurred as companies withdrew cash accumulated at the end of the previous year to pay bills, complete impending transfers and pay executives’ bonuses.

The same sources explained that there were various reasons for the loss of the remaining 57 per cent, approximately €22 billion but this was principally the result of transferring funds from savings accounts to products generating better returns.

Clients had not withdrawn money, but instead had moved it to investment accounts, the banks stressed, or had acquired Spanish government bonds.

His standing was questioned after a Commons select committee appearance in January this year, prompting some members of the board of International Distributions Services (IDS), Royal Mail’s parent company, to conclude that new leadership was required.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail and IDS said they did not comment on rumour or speculation.

Welcome reduction

ENERGY bills for an average UK household are expected to dip to an annual £1,900 (€2,187) this summer following a reduction in gas prices.

The present energy price cap, set in April, stands at £3,280 (€3,776) a year.

Annual gas and electricity charges are falling as normality returns to the energy market with lower wholesale gas prices beginning to show up on power bills.

Figures currently demonstrate that the price of gas has returned to where it was in February 2022, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine transformed the energy sector.

Telefonica increases turnover

TELEFONICA announced a net profit of €298 million for the first quarter of 2023 on May 9.

This was 57.8 per cent lower than the €706 million reported during the same period last year, owing to higher debt costs.

Revenue between January and the end of March reached €10.05 billion, 6.7 per cent more than 2022’s first quarter, with increases in all business divisions and Telefonica’s key markets of Spain, the UK, Germany and Brazil despite ongoing inflation.

The company’s net financial debt fell by €244 million to €26.44 billion.

JOHN LEWS: No change in staffowned status, Dame Sharon White pledged.

REPSOL: Now Spain’s fourth-largest electricity company.

PERSONALLY I think the voting age should be raised to 21. It’s not that I consider the young lacking in intelligence, or am ignorant of the view, that if you’re old enough to die for your country you should at least have a say in who runs it.

The fact is they lack experience; they simply haven’t been around long enough. An 18 ­ year ­ old today, was not even born when the last Labour government was elected and five when they were put out of office by the Conservatives.

They have no idea what it is like to exist under the depressing, inept incompetence of a left wing government.

They have never experienced the sight of the fat cat bully boys of the unions, fresh from their Marbella villa holidays, emerging from Downing Street and announcing that half the nation would be on strike if the ‘workers’ weren’t given what they (the unions) demanded. Of times when ‘everybody out’ issued from the

Young voters

employees of one vital institution after another, until the whole country staggered from one crisis to the next and employers were blamed for everything from the price of soap to the shortage of cat litter.

They have no knowledge of a country, run by a party who bribes its constituents by creating whole diversive cultures of benefit scroungers, and to pay for these free handouts, taxes those with any initiative to create jobs and wealth to such a degree that they leave the country in droves.

Labour is a party that has no idea how to actually create resources and always uses the wealth, painstakingly earned by previous governments to create the illusion that they are a successful organisation by pouring investments into popular schemes that will ingratiate them to their constituents.

When there is no longer any previous legacy to use, they borrow, beg and steal ( Brown stole most of the country’s gold reserves and sold it for a pit­

tance!) until ultimately there is nothing left and they are finally voted out, leaving the incoming party to once again pick up the pieces.

Margaret Thatcher actually summed up this bunch of incompetent con artists perfectly, when she stated that the Labour party were fine, until they ran out of other people’s money.

So, to all the young voters, who believe the Woke, Maoist propaganda, ‘all men are equal, tax the rich and ban the Monarchy’ that issues from the left, are the answers to what ails us, I suggest you all think again. I’m not saying it’s going to be plain sailing. But at least with the Right we have a chance.

Do you really want to witness the likes of Angela Rainer, the repetitive, insipid Keir Starmer or the pink hat of Eddie Izzard, gloating from the steps of Number 10?

Keep the faith Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon and Fri. 1pm till 4.

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

SUNDAY OPENING OUR VIEW

SPAIN still doesn’t officially allow large stores and supermarkets to open on most Sundays but there are exceptions.

This means that those areas which are recognised as being ‘Areas of Great Tourist Influx’ will be given special dispensation for Sunday opening across most of the country.

Although generally left to each autonomous province to decide, what this means is that shops with more than 300 square metres of space such as department stores and supermarkets may open on the agreed Sundays whilst certain essential services such as fuel, bakers etc are not constrained by time or day. There are also some markets (often collectibles or crafts) which are also open on Sundays so it does mean that there will be plenty of choice for shoppers during the summer period.

Starting on May 21, if you live in one of these special areas, large stores will be allowed to open between noon and 8pm every Sunday with the last approved opening being September 10 but the decision to open lies with the individual company and it is known that some stores such as Mercadona don’t open every supermarket every week.

With so many tourists expected this year, it makes sense to ensure that they are catered for but while the decision will no doubt be welcomed by the owners of those businesses that can take advantage of the relaxation on Sunday closing; it may not go down so well with workers who must give up more Sundays as well as smaller businesses who may lose out on sales. Shopaholics will also look forward to the end of November and whole of December when the stores are able to open again.

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IT’S MUSIC TO MY EARS

MUSIC is the art of sound that expresses ideas and emotions through elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and colour. Yehudi Menuhin said: “I can only think of music as something inherent in every human being ­ a birth­right. Music coordinates mind, body and spirit.” According to Anton Bruckner: “it is better to listen to music and not understand it than to understand it and not listen to it.”

Like many people I was first exposed to music through nursery rhyme jingles sung by my parents or played on the radio. At school I was a fan of Doris Day and Bing Crosby before becoming aware of some of my father’s classical music.

From the mid ­ 50s for me it was all New Orleans and traditional jazz, from the records of Jelly ­ Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong to Chris Barber and Humphrey Lyttleton, and jiving

in the ubiquitous jazz clubs. I still love this music, but it is rarely performed today by anybody under 95. Then followed Bill Haley, Jim Reeves and the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Dean Martin and Leonard Cohen.

As the 60s dawned, I began to discover classical music through Viennese waltzes and the symphonies of

Tchaikovsky. At first the melodies were the attractionbefore I discovered the ‘hidden depths’.

Music is one of the senses that anchors us to past situations, whether pleasant or not ­ rather like the fragrance of a special perfume, a movie or the sound of an air ­ raid siren. When I heard of the assassination of President Kennedy, I

was taking a break from studies and listening to Claudio Arrau playing Beethoven’s third piano concerto.

While I was buying my first property, I was frequently listening to records of Hank Snow and the Sergeant Pepper album. In both cases, the event and the music are permanently linked in my mind.

Popular music follows fashion and tends to be ethereal. People, especially the young, tend to follow the American way which is first adopted by the UK, and then Europe, before spreading throughout the world, except where it is not permitted.

Young people in China, Japan, India and Indonesia prefer western hits to their own traditional music.

Classical music transcends language, cultures and fashion to reach the universal spirit common to all of us. Its roots

lie in the imagination of European composers, many of them German and Austrian. But some of the great interpretations of these works are performed by musicians and conductors from China, Japan and the Americas, whose own traditional music is very different.

This illustrates how the music of Beethoven is for the benefit of all of us ­ not just Germans; not just Europeans. There are recent theories that listening to classical music can reduce stress and blood pressure, improve quality of sleep, boost the memory and even manage pain. It can also bring enormous pleasure.

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CRACKING DOWN ON CHEATING

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

IDENTICAL twins accused of cheating in an online US medical exam during the pandemic were awarded $1.5 million in dam ages after they sued for defamation.

Decades ago, twin cousins of mine sat a business management exam with one exam paper about the legal system, commercial law etc. They both answered the same questions and achieved similar results.

It was first thought they’d somehow colluded but the invigilator publicly stated they couldn’t have as he had seated them on opposite sides of the room with 50 other candidates.

Basically, they revised together, bounced ideas off one another and were therefore

drawn to the same questions.

A friend dealt with many sets of identical twins with identical patterns of behaviour and attainment. They chose the same exam questions, answered in the same way and got identical grades.

Even in Literature, where the choice of texts taught can make a significant difference and marking is more subjective, identical twins with different texts and teachers gained identical marks in exams marked by different examiners.

The issue here is that the online medical exam was during the pandemic when online exam fraud soared. Schools and colleges will doubtless be extra vigilant during the current exam season...

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

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

Both Josef Haydn and Dean Martin have brought pleasure to millions through their different forms of music.

Photo Credits: thefamouspeople.com and maxfm.com.tr

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

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist.

Ryanair stag-do riot ruins dream holiday LETTERS

I was on this flight! It was actually worse than described in your article. We had three female flight attendants, one of whom had been on the job for two days and admitted to me that she felt unsafe coming to work. The 20 or so men on the flight as part of ‘Ryan’s stag do’ (they all had personalised t ­ shirts) were visibly drunk when they boarded the plane. The crew told me that the mistake was made by the ground staff who “shouldn’t have let them board the plane” and that all they could do was “manage the situation”. Three tiny female humans dealing with large volatile males of the species. And they sold more booze, again and again. They were shouting profanities from the beginning of the flight. Obscenities and obscene gestures, loud arguments, I made notes, there was nothing else to do, no escape from the awfulness of the experience. Announcements were made that they would be met by police upon landing if they were drunk, vaping, drinking their own alcohol ­ which they openly did when after three rounds of bar service a decision was broadcast that there would be no more sale of alcohol on the flight. We all saw them drinking from bottles they were handing around, we all saw them openly vaping whilst walking around the cabin. Ryanair’s response is predictably driven by greedcan there be another reason for abandoning their duty of care for passengers on the flight. It was a miracle that it didn’t get nastier.

Sasha Alevropoulos

So predictable

Mr Leapy you are as predictable as a ‘cover it all newspaper Astrology page’. Can’t deny you have a bunch of fans out there. Don't know why myself but there we are, no counting for human difference.

Speaking for myself I believe in the freedom to protest peacefully for you or less right wing folk. The UK government don’t and introduce legislation to curtail peaceful protest. Again I don’t know why but there we are.

I am old enough to to remember the peaceful protest by Bertram Russell a great British philosopher, against nuclear arms in 1961. He was put in prison for a week or so and ended up getting massive publicity for CND. As a case in point the anti monarchists, few in number, are getting massive publicity even from king of Brexit David Davis MP and other top Tories because they realise this new legisla­

tion has not been thought out.

You talk of British values which have included the right to peaceful protests.

As a member of The Royal British Legion can I remind you thousands lost their lives defending freedom. Three members of my own family gave their health and well ­ being fighting in the Second World War to defend our freedom against such tyranny.

Are you clearly saying they were wrong. Freedom to express a fundamental difference to the status quo is our basic right. Yours faithfully

Helen Hallam Malaga

Used worldwide

Hi,

I'd like to reply to an article that caught my attention in Issue 1970 (6th ­ 12th April) as to wrong context written by Bernard Butler. Éire is very much used in sending postcards and letters around the world and nationally too. I use Éire all the time myself. As an Irishman Bernard doesn’t know his geography, as Ballina is in County Mayo. regards,

James Looney

Hi Leapy

Well done for your comments ref the blacks. I get so fed up watching TV commercials etc and other programmes full of blacks its no wonder we white people are beginning to be racist and as for that black actress saying on TV about our Royal family on the balcony at the lovely coronation being a white balcony, what the hell does she expect our Royals are white, thank goodness. Keep up the good work Leapy, love reading your comments you say what the majority of people are afraid to say well done.

Audrey Nosworthy

EU boiler ban

The stupidity of the climate useful idiots never ceases to amaze me. By the time the public wakes up they will have wasted billions. Then we all be better living in Senegal.

Roger Miller

Natural gas

Let’s hope now we are free of the EU that our government does not follow their idiotic rulings. It’s proved that air source heat pumps provide insufficient heat for radiators and only work for low temperature underfloor heating. Biomass has other health issues as other contributor explains. Stick with natural gas and top up with solar.

David Goulty

PETS

Sitter cares for Rio at his home

A DOG-SITTER is a companion as well as a pet minder to your pets. The most important thing to note is that they care for your pets in their own home. Their routine stays the same, the place where they sleep stays the same, it is more relaxing for your pets and less disruptive. Find a dog­sitter to care for your pets at home and help to minimise any separation anxiety by keeping them where they feel at home.

If you’re planning a trip, register now to find pet­sitters in time. Whether your trip is short or long, you’ll know that sometimes you must leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

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WHAT are the symptoms and how do you treat them? Unfortunately, arthritis in dogs is very common, especially in more active dogs as they get older. If your dog is slow to rise or struggling to walk, lethargic, depressed, or even aggressive, and struggles to climb stairs or to sit or go to the toilet they could be showing signs of arthritis.

Arthritis in dogs

Sometimes they can have a limp or be seen to lick painful joints as well. Experts say you may notice some changes to their body shape as they can shift their weight from one leg to another for example, you will notice the muscles

shrink in the affected area.

Weight control is vital to help ease the symptoms to make sure excess weight is not put on the inflamed joints. Make sure they don’t overdo it when it comes to exercise.

Deep comfortable dog beds are good for reducing pressure on their joints while they sleep. Physiotherapy can really help with the overall health of joints and muscles. Fish oils are also good for joints and general health.

Of course, if you are worried about your pet please make sure to make an appointment with the vet.

Pet owners should know first aid

THE people’s dispensary for sick animals (PDSA), a leading animal care charity has stated that the vast majority of people are not trained in pet first aid.

The charity wants to encourage pet owners to learn basic pet first aid which could help an animal in distress before a vet can be seen.

In a survey carried out by the PDSA they found that 80 per cent of pet owners don’t own a pet emergency first aid kit and don’t know how to deal with common injuries or illnesses.

The survey also highlighted the fact that 75 per cent of pet owners said they wouldn’t know how to perform CPR on an animal and 46 per cent of owners said they wouldn’t know how to treat their pet for heatstroke.

As a result, the PDSA has written a guide to first aid

which you can download from their website. It gives pet owners information about how to deal with injuries such as bleeding, or broken bones. There are also tips about reducing the risk of an emergency such as not feeding pets toxic human foods and keeping medicines out of reach.

Lynne James, a PDSA vet said “The figures highlight the extent of the skills gap when it comes to basic pet

first aid skills. However, owners often don’t realise how important first aid training is until they need it, which can sometimes be too late.”

She went on to say “I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t feel confident providing treatment to their furry friend in an emergency to download our pet first aid guide, which includes a host of resources that could prove vital.”

your parrot

PARROTS are social animals and have remarkable intelligence that requires stimulation to keep them entertained. Parrots are very popular pets and are often chosen because they are low maintenance when compared to other animals. For this reason, parrots can spend a lot of time alone and are suffering from loneliness and even depression.

In some cases, the isolation of parrots causes them emotional distress or even psychological disorders which can manifest some self ­ harming behaviours

such as plucking feathers.

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typically consisting of a five­minute video call!

The carers noted during the experiment that the birds enjoy contact with other parrots: they approach the screen, offer food to them and even sing in coordination. And when they move or disappear from the screen the parrots reacted by looking behind the device hoping to find them there. The experiment is ongoing but has already demonstrated an improvement in the

FIRST AID: Learn the basic skills, it could be important.

A dog-sitter cares for your pets at home.

VIDEO CALLS: The birds enjoyed contact with other parrots.

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The Walking Dead win the EWN Walking Football Over 60s League

EWN Over 60s League

Torrox Tornadoes 1 v 5

The Walking Dead Fresh from their recent victory over AC Benahavis, their nearest rivals, The Walking Dead confidently and comprehensively beat Torrox Tornadoes to achieve the one win they needed to win this year’s league! However, the home side gave the visitors a run for their money; they fought determinedly and in the right spirit of the game, but were overcome by a team who knew that they were in sight of winning the season’s coveted title! Congratulations go The Walking Dead Over 60s EWN

Over 60s League ­ winning squad and to the club as a whole! Well done, all!

EWN Over 50s League

El Canadon 1 v 7 Malaga

WFC

Malaga were once more slow to start and, also due to stalwart defence by Canadon and a fine display by their goalkeeper, found themselves just 2 ­ 0 up at half time, having hit the post twice. However, the restart saw them begin to gel once more, as they have done regularly in previous games, and they

MMA fighter shot dead by police after violent bar fight

MMA fighter Mauro Chaulet has been killed after he was shot dead by a police officer, following an altercation at a bar.

According to a news source, the incident happened in Porto Alegre in Brazil around midnight, after a female companion of the 34 ­ year ­ old became involved in an argument with another woman, who was accompanied by a military police officer.

The officer was reportedly off duty at the time and the incident got aggravated further after a gun was pulled out by him at the Aum Bar in the Floresta neighbourhood.

As per the local media, Chaulet shot the officer in the groin, after he disarmed him and was then shot himself in the back, while his female companion was shot in the stomach twice.

Chaulet then reportedly tried to drive away from the scene and was then chased by the police.

He was then shot dead at the scene after his car crashed into another vehicle at Rua Almirante Barroso.

Both the military police officer and Chaulet’s companion were rushed to the hospital and are now out of danger.

Chelsea reach agreement to appoint new manager

gradually piled on the pressure and ran out easy winners, with Canadon’s only reply coming from a running offences penalty. This victory cements Malaga’s runners’ up league spot, only one point behind AC Benahavis.

And Elsewhere…… Malaga WFC recently accepted an invitation from

Marbesula WFC to play two memorial matches, an over 50s and an over 60s, to honour the passing of a past club president. Both games were played in a friendly and spirited atmosphere, with the over 50s match being won by Malaga 6­3 and the over 60s by Marbesula 4­1. It is hoped that the Marbella outfit may apply to join the EWN Walking Football Leagues next season, along with other existing Costa teams, to make those leagues even more competitive!

It's a Date!

The old BAHA Cup, now newly named the Costa del Sol EWN Walking Football League Cup, will be played between Malaga WFC and The Walking Dead WFC at El Canadon on Tuesday May 30, kick off at 7.45pm.

CHELSEA have reportedly reached an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to be the club’s next manager.

According to BBC Sport, the Argentine 51 ­ yearold former Tottenham boss is expected to take the role at the end of the season. He will become the sixth permanent manager at Stamford Bridge in the last five years.

Frank Lampard is currently looking after the players in the role of interim manager following the sacking of Graham Potter in early April.

The team has endured a spell of just one win in the last 11 matches, including eight defeats, and are languishing in 11th spot in the table. Hopes of qualifying for

any European football next season appear to be well out of their reach now.

Their hopes of a successful Champions League run came to an abrupt end at the hands of Real Madrid in the quarter­final stage.

Pochettion was the favourite to land the Chelsea job after former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann turned down the opportunity to replace Potter. He has been out of work since the summer of 2022 after parting company with Ligue 1 giants PSG. Prior to managing Spurs, Pochettino was in charge at Southampton. In March of this year, he rejected an offer to rejoin Tottenham after they fired Antonio Conte.

FC Barcelona crowned champions

BARÇA clinched the league title with four more games to go in LaLiga, as they celebrate their first Spanish title since Messi left the club.

FC Barcelona were crowned LaLiga champions on Sunday, May 14, after beating Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.

Barça won the title after registering a score of 4­2 against

forced to rush into their dressing rooms after the pitch was invaded by Espanyol fans.

Two of the goals were scored by Robert Lewandowski, which helped the Catalan club clinch its first league title since 2019.

Xavi, Barcelona FC’s coach, also won his first major title since he took over at the helm, with four games remaining,

Madrid, who placed second.

This was the first time the club won a league title without Messi, since 1998­99, as per Aljazeera.

Two more goals were scored by Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé for Barca, taking the total number of league titles won by the club to 27.

This victory against rivals Es­

panyol resulted in Barcelona scoring a total of 85 points from 34 matches in the league after Madrid won 1­0 against Getafe on Saturday, May 13.

A statement after the match by Xavi said, “It’s a magnificent feeling, a feeling of job well done,” adding, “This is important to give the club’s project some stability. The league title shows that things have been done the right way and that we

Barcelona won against Espanyol, scoring 4-2.

THE WALKING DEAD: Confidently won the League.