Mallorca 18 – 24 May 2023 Issue 1976

THE Mallorca Island Council has announced a clampdown on party boats following a series of complaints by residents over the last few weeks.

Guardia Civil maritime patrols are on call at all times to act when requested by local councils in coastal towns, with severe penalties announced for those who break the law.

More specifically, the authorities are targeting the socalled non­stop parties and ‘sea discos’, which have become more frequent than usual in the run ­ up to the summer.

Residents in the Colonia de Sant Jordi (Ses Salines) recently reported a large gathering of up to 20 boats off the coast with loud music all night long, which as well as the disturbance due to the noise, constitutes unfair competition for nocturnal leisure establishments who abide by the rules, generate employment and pay their taxes.

Other affected areas have included Campos, Llucmajor, Santa Margarita and Son Servera.

Regional leisure and entertainment union Abone have called on the Mallorca Island Council to take a wider view “as the problems caused by the ‘tourism of excess’ are not just concentrated in Platja de Palma and Magaluf.”

ONE in every 25 houses in the Balearic Islands are used for holiday rentals, the highest percentage in Spain.

According to figures published by the National Statistics Institute (INE) for the first three months of 2023, there are currently 20,210 houses reserved for holiday lets of the total of 470,000 properties on the islands.

This means that the Balearics dedicate 4.3 per cent of homes to holiday lets, the highest percentage in Spain, with the Canary Islands in second place with 4.1 per cent.

With regards to Mallorca, 46 of the island’s 53 towns break the regional average with Alcudia as the municipality with the highest per­

centage ­ 37.3 per cent of all houses in the town are reserved for holiday lets, according to the INE.

In a related development this week, the Balearic Islands will be the first Spanish region to apply the new national Housing Law.

Regional President Francina Armengol made the announcement during the first meeting of the Balearic housing commission, when the committee also agreed to begin obtaining all the necessary infor­

mation to request the declaration of ‘stress zones’ in the islands that will enable the Govern to carry out specific measures to improve the housing situation.

The information to be collected includes rental and sales prices of different types of property and their evolution over time, as well as the level of disposable income of resident households.

AMAZON owner Jeff Bezos was in Mallorca this week with his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez.

The couple spent some time onboard their new superyacht Koru, anchored in Palma bay and valued at $500 million.

Party boat clampdown Bezos in Palma FIRST FOR HOUSING

It is the largest sailing yacht in the world, with two decks, a helipad, a deep pool and 40 crew members.

The presence of the happy couple was reported by the UK press, who explained that they arrived in Europe by private jet before taking a helicopter to the yacht. Turn

Image by the Balearic Islands Government

President Francina Armengol.

Sea discos have become more frequent recently.

Image by DisobeyArt/Shutterstock

Moving forward

“We made this commitment because we are aware that the Islands have a huge challenge to ensure that access to housing is a right for residents, and we needed a national framework to move forward,” declared President Armengol to a local news source.

She added that the regional housing law approved in 2018 has already enabled “pioneering measures” to be carried out, including an increase of 74 per cent in public housing and a seven ­ fold rise in the number of beneficiaries of rental grants.

Bookings taken for CCC drive

BOOKINGS are now being taken for the Classic Car Club (CCC) Mallorca’s East Coast Eco Tour on Sunday May 28.

The event will start at the Hollister Bash Saloon (Avinguda de Carles V, 1, 07620 Llucmajor) at 10.30am, and will be the first organised by CCC committee member Gerton Bijiholt and Cindy.

The drive will go from Llucmajor out on some beautiful roads to the east coast and then back to the restaurant close to Petra.

The cost is €40 per person for members and their co­pilot and for non­members an additional €15 per car will be charged to cover the administration cost.

CCC organiser Helen has issued the following statement: “I am very sorry but I am having issues with the booking element of the website.

“To make sure that you can book now and enjoy our rally can you please either send me a private message on 646 752 276 or email info@ccc ­ mallorca.com

with your Membership Number or write Guest, your name, phone number and

choice of food from beef, fish or vegetarian.

“Sorry for any inconve ­

Lifeguards on strike

Image by Classic Car Club/Facebook

nience and as soon as the website is repaired I will let you know. Regards, Helen.”

Holiday vacancy cutback

THE island authorities have eliminated plans for 17,000 new hotel and holiday rental vacancies in tourism hotspots in Mallorca.

The aim is to restrict the growth of all tourist areas and not just those classed as ‘saturated’ by the Balearic Environment Commission.

Mallorca Island Council President Catalina Cladera announced the restriction of new tourism vacancies back in March, when the Commission advised suspending the awarding of new hotel and tourist rental places in saturated areas such as Platja de Palma, Palmanova, Magaluf, Santa Ponça and s’Arenal.

But Sra Cladera went one step further and announced the measure was to be extended to the whole island and not just those spots. Recent modifications to the Mallorca town planning regulations eliminate the possibility to build more than 2,370 new tourist places, with land declassifications enforced in Son Duri in sa Rapita, Campos, Llucmajor, Soller and Plama, among other areas. Under the new legislation, the council no longer specifies where town halls are required to build new developments, but outlines how they must do so to respect the area.

Summer water restrictions

THE regional government has warned that there could be water restrictions in Mallorca again this summer.

Councillor Miquel Mir last week visited the supply con­

trol centre in Son Pacs and announced that certain towns, even in coastal areas, may be forced to limit consumption.

However, Sr Mir added that this is more a forecast

than an official statement, as it depends on the level of rainfall over the coming months.

Further, the councillor pointed out that Mallorca, just like the rest of the Balearic Islands, is currently enduring the effects of climate change and that rain is becoming increasingly scarce.

Previous years have seen restrictions being enforced in a number of towns, a situation that Sr Mir believes could be repeated this year in areas previously unaffected by the limitations including coastal resorts, where the large influx of visitors leads to a spike in water consumption over the summer.

The decision to enforce restrictions for consumers falls to individual town halls and not the regional government.

Sr Mir highlighted the good work carried out by the Govern in recent years to reduce leaks in the public system to a mere 1.5 per cent.

PALMA lifeguards will go on an indefinite strike from Sunday May 21.

As previously reported by the Euro Weekly News, the sector is up in arms over the fact that improvements to salaries and working conditions that were agreed last year have not yet been implemented.

Spokespeople for the Lifeguards Union have warned that the entire workforce ­ 45 workers during the low season and 60 during the high season ­ will walk out and leave the capital city’s beaches without coverage until the managing company, Emergencies Setmil, carries out the promised contract improvements.

The Palma lifeguards carried out two strikes last year to demand better working conditions, which resulted in a three­way agreement between the employees, the company and Palma Town Hall to boost the workforce, increase wages, improve infrastructures and bring the start of the season forward to the beginning of April this year.

But none of these promises has yet materialised, leaving the workers no option but to take industrial action.

Emergencies Setmil is accusing Palma Council of not paying them enough to carry out the improvements.

Too hot to work

BUSINESSES in Mallorca will be forced to stop certain activities during heatwaves this summer.

The Spanish government has passed a series of measures to protect workers during periods of extreme heat, including stopping high­risk activities at specific times of the day when there is an orange or red alert for high temperatures issued by Sate weather agency Aemet.

Each case will be assessed based on the characteristics of each job and will oblige the employer to adapt the working conditions, including reducing or modifying working hours.

CLASSIC CAR CLUB: The next event is being held on Sunday May 28.

Police unite

THE Local Police forces of Palma and Marratxi have launched a cooperation programme to act together in areas bordering both towns. One such area is Can Garriga urbanisation, which representatives of both departments visited this week.

Nadal back

MANACOR tennis legend

Rafa Nadal was seen practising at his local academy this week, quelling fears about his physical condition following the publication of a video last week that showed him apparently still suffering from an injury sustained during the second round of the Australia Open in January.

Congratulations!

THREE Mallorca female football stars were present on the celebration bus with FC Barcelona that toured the streets of the Catalan capital this week after both the male and female squads won the Spanish league.

Rain coming

MALLORCA is bracing itself for the effects of an atmospheric phenomenon called DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) that is expected to form between Morocco and Cadiz this week, bringing cloudy skies to the island on Friday followed by strong rainfall and lower temperatures.

Drinking water

THE Balearic Water Agency announced an investment of €18 million to channel drinking water between Petra and Manacor as part of a wider project to improve the supply to the Levante area.

Waiting lists

PRIMARY health care activity at health centres and hospitals in Mallorca so far this year is higher than before the Covid pandemic in 2019. This increase has enabled appointment waiting times to be reduced by up to 52 per cent.

Solar farm opposition

SA POBLA local council has confirmed its plans to appeal against a project to build a solar power farm at the entrance to the town.

Council representatives recently met with residents in the affected area, located on the Llubi road very close to the first houses, to hear their opposition to the plans and vowed to file an appeal against the project.

In a related development, the Balearic Islands government has refused permission for a solar farm in Inca and Selva due to the expiry of the access and connection permits

for the electricity supply.

Residents, environmentalists and the local councils had also firmly opposed the plans to install more than 74,500 solar

panels in what was to become a ‘megapark’ occupying 52 hectares of land in both towns, and had collected 1,000 signatures for a petition against the

project due to the scenic damage it would cause.

The decision could still be appealed by the company in charge of the project.

Big budget boost Billion-euro hotels

HOTELS in tourism hotspots in Mallorca have a combined value of €14.7 billion.

Valuation society Tasalia has assessed 740 establishments in 17 tourist towns on the island to obtain the global value for 2022.

The study revealed that each hotel room is valued at more than €134,230, with each establishment valued at an average of €19.8 million.

According to Tasalia’s figures, the sector has increased its value by nearly 21 per cent since the last

study carried out in 2018, mainly due to a reduction in the number of threestar hotels and an increase in four and five­star establishments.

Regarding individual towns, Andratx has the most expensive hotel rooms in Mallorca with an average of €194,160, followed by Muro with just over €172,500, Sant Llorenc with €165.348 and Calvia with €160.074.

Tasalia also predicts that average prices per room will increase by 8 per cent this year, reaching an estimated €144.970.

THE regional Women’s Institute has increased its budget for this year by an extra €2.4 million.

IB­ Dona now has a total €9.1 million to improve and increase its activities and services in the fight against gender violence and in favour of equality.

Institute Director Maria Duran announced the budget boost during the presentation of last year’s campaign results that focused on four lines of action, namely “empowering women in the economic sphere, working on co­education, reducing the ratio between victims of gender

Uncovering the past

ARCHAEOLOGISTS working in the Bellpuig monastery in Arta have discovered a series of ceramic remains that date back to prehistoric times.

Members of the team explained their findings last week in a conference at the Cafeteria Teatre Arta.

According to the Mallorca Island Council, the aim of the archaeological dig, which is part of a general restoration project in Bellpuig, was to “obtain all the available informa ­

tion on the history and evolution of the buildings and surrounding areas.”

Experts have also discovered elements of late antiquity and the Islamic period ­ sixth and 12th centuriesincluding a large necropolis with 41 tombs, as well as other discoveries thought to date back to the Spanish Civil War or the Second World War.

Bellpuig was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2004.

violence and the population and, finally, making the islands a territory free of sex tourism.”

Two of the main services offered by IB­Dona, the 24hour gender violence helpline and the accompaniment of victims, have evolved significantly between 2019 and 2022.

Calls reportedly increased by more than 34 per cent, while numbers of accompaniments for victims shot up by more than 58 per cent.

Contact IB­Dona by calling 971 178 989, WhatsApp 639 837 476 or visit ‘IBdona’ on Facebook.

THE countdown has begun to demolish the controversial campsite in Colonia de Sant Pere.

Owners have a maximum of five months to raze the 88 bungalows of the old tourist complex that was declared illegal 17 years ago, which triggered an ongoing legal battle that finally came to an end in February last year, when the Balearic Islands High Court ruled that the installations had to be demolished.

The owner of the campsite recently offered the bungalows to the regional government free of charge in a bid to help solve the housing shortage on the island.

The offer had to be turned down, as the court also ruled that the bungalows cannot be dismantled and moved elsewhere.

Photo credit: Comercio Justo Orihuela (via Facebook)

SOLAR POWER: Residents and councils are firmly opposed to the proposed plans.

Record employment figures

MALLORCA and the Balearic Islands as a whole are nearing 100 per cent employment with record numbers of workers currently signed on to the Social Security.

Unemployment statistics for April were at an all­time low and Social Security inscriptions increased by 6.6 per cent with regards to last year, hitting 552,290.

Analysts point out that there have never been that many people working on the islands in April before.

Since June 2021 the enrolment figures for each month have been higher than a year earlier and since November that year numbers have been even higher than before Covid in 2019, setting record employment numbers for 18 consecutive months.

Unemployment last month dropped by 26 per cent compared to April 2022 and by

30.7 per cent compared to the same month in 2019.

Similar unemployment levels had not been registered on the islands since 2001, although back then occupation figures were not as high as they are now.

The regional government has described the figures as “extraordinary”, suggesting that the start of the tourist season has now officially moved forward to as early as March.

Walk Against Cancer success

By Rebecca Upton, Cancer Support Mallorca Coordinator

WE would like to give a massive thanks to all those who contributed to the Walk Against Cancer Challenge.

This was the first time arranging such an event and we had no idea how it would go, we were amazed that 84 people registered to take part in the challenge, many of them children taking part with their parents.

Apart from those taking part in the challenge, we would like to thank the many local businesses that donated prizes for the final event, it was a glorious day and a lot of extra money was raised thanks to these amazing prizes.

Thanks too go to The Olive Tree and Sa Vinya for their

generosity in hosting the opening and closing events, and of course we can’t forget all the volunteers that worked so hard behind the scenes to make the whole challenge a success.

Thanks to all of you we

Greener town planning

ALL new urbanisations built in Palma from now on will have to be energetically self­sufficient and include rainwater reuse systems.

The city’s new general town plan (PGOU) incorporates a series of measures to adapt and help combat effects of climate change.

In addition to the points affecting urbanisations, the PGOU also targets mobility with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The ‘15­minute city’ plan features a series of measures to ensure that residents and visitors can get to all the local green areas, ser­

vices and facilities without having to travel long distances by motorised transport.

Among them is the creation of 2.2 million square metres of green areas around the city, establishing a network of more than five million square metres of public spaces and doubling the current number of square metres of green areas per inhabitant from five to 10.

The PGOU also foresees a 30 per cent increase in new municipal facilities to ensure that residents in all areas of the city can reach them without having to drive.

raised over €9,000 that will go a long way in helping cancer patients on the island.

So now we are ready to start planning next year’s challenge!

July opening

JULY 1 has been set as the date for the inauguration of Manacor tennis ace Rafael Nadal’s spectacular new hotel in Palmanova.

Hotel ZEL Mallorca, jointly owned by Nadal and Melia Hotels International, is located on the site previously occupied by Innside Cala Blanca and will offer guests a typical Mediterranean experience.

It is the first in a global expansion project by Nadal and Melia, with ZEL hotels set to open in various other parts of the world.

Among the many exclusive facilities on offer will be Beso Beach, a chiringuito beach bar chain that first opened in Formentera.

THANKS: Over €9,000 was raised to help cancer patients.

PROVERB OF THE 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.

10 Top 10 universities in the world include Oxford and Cambridge.

Image by Cancer Support Mallorca

Image by Victority/Shutterstock

WORKERS: Record numbers are currently signed on.

Hotel dispute

AN environmental organisation has filed an official complaint with Pollença Town Hall to demand a halt to construction work on the new Hotel Formentor.

According to the Balearic Ornithology and Nature Defence Group (GOB), the hotel does not have a municipal town planning permit.

As a result, the association is calling for “an immediate stop to the work and the opening of the mandatory urban planning proceedings for a serious infringement, as determined by the Balearic Islands Town Planning Law.”

The GOB claims that there is no record of a licence being awarded for the construction of the

building or of the council approving the necessary land reclassification project as established in the Pollença general town plan.

In addition, the group points out that on the plot of the old Hotel Formentor there are still “illegal buildings that have not been demolished, which would al­

so make the granting of a new licence unfeasible as long as they still stand.”

Pollença Town Planning councillor Tomeu Cifre insists that the council has done everything by the book and that they are still waiting for a solution from the regional Environment department.

French tourism boom

FRENCH tourism is expected to increase by more than 40 per cent in Mallorca this summer.

Several airlines have boosted the number of seats on flights to and from French cities by more than 70 per cent with regards to last year and ferry companies are expecting to break all previous records.

More than 800,000 French visitors arrived on the island in the summer of 2022 by air and sea,

with the figure predicted to rise to at least 1.2 million this year ­ possibly much higher, if ferry company Corsica Ferries finally increases the number of boats operating this year as expected.

Air Nostrum will move its connection between Nice and Son Sant Joan forward to the beginning of June ­ one month before schedule ­ and Volotea, Vueling and Air Europa from July will increase

their weekly flights to Palma from Toulouse, Marseille, Strasbourg, Paris, Lille, Montpelier, Lyon, Nantes and Nice.

Mallorca travel operators and hoteliers reveal that France has become the fourth main tourism market after Germany, the UK and Spain.

Soller, Platja de Muro, Alcudia, Calvia and Palma itself are said to be the preferred destinations of French travellers.

Sea turtle campaign

THE regional Environment department has launched the second edition of its awareness campaign to protect nesting sea turtles.

More specifically, the Govern and the Balearic Islands Fauna Recovery Consortium (COFIB) are calling on residents and visitors to call 112 if they spot nesting turtles on the beaches so that the experts can cordon off and protect the area to ensure the animals’ survival.

The COFIB reminds the public that it is vital not to disturb the turtles, to avoid noise and bright lights and to keep a distance.

Cycling for ALS

A PROFESSIONAL musician from Porreres will perform a spectacular cycling challenge in June to raise funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or ELA in Spanish).

Bernat Xamena, a trumpet player with the Porreres philharmonic orchestra and also a triathlete, will attempt to climb the equivalent of two Everest mountains in one go at the Monti­Sion sanctuary on June 24.

The feat, which entails covering nearly 17,700 metres of positive altitude difference, is effectively double the distance of what has become known as the Everesting Challenge, ie cycling the equivalent of climbing the Everest.

To achieve this, Xamena will try to cycle up to MontiSion and down again 170 consecutive times over 35 hours.

He is currently looking for sponsors for the event and will donate all the funds raised to the ELA

Balears association.

“We hope the challenge will help all those who suffer from one of the cruellest diseases there is and also their families,” the athlete told a local news source.

Donations for the campaign entitled ‘Un Kilian per ELA Balears’ can be made through bank account number CC ES57 2100 8634 2902 0002 1004 or Bizum number 02186.

A series of stickers will be handed out at beaches, tourist information points, council buildings, ports, yacht clubs, diving centres and tourist establishments.

The stickers include a QR code that leads to a video in several languages providing information on how to act in case of finding a sea turtle laying eggs, a nest, a trail or newborn turtles on the sand or arriving at the sea.

During the first edition of the campaign last year the video racked up more than 10,000 views.

The campaign began this week and will continue until October 15.

SOLLER celebrated its traditional Es Firo celebrations on Monday May 15 recreating the arrival of Turkish and Algerian corsairs at the port on May 11, 1561.

The festival commemorates the victory of Capità Angelats and the villagers over the invaders, with several ‘battles’ taking place at several key points of the town throughout the afternoon.

More than 800 corsairs burst onto the sand on Can Generos beach at 5pm, where a spectacular battle ensued in which all the historical characters wanted to fight against their leader, Ulutx Alí.

The skirmishes continued throughout the afternoon, and at around 7pm they reached the Camp de Sa Creu for a new confrontation on the Pont d’en Barona.

But the final outcome of the day came at around 8.30pm when some of the invading troops burst into the square to engage in looting and pillaging, with blows from scimitars and cutlasses in a spectacular display that ended around 9.30pm.

Shortly before then, after a first win by the invaders, the regrouped troops of Angelats stormed into the square for the final battle that ended in victory for the local troops.

HOTEL FORMENTOR: Calls for a halt to construction work.

Image by TripAdvisor

Keep it down!

RESIDENTS living near Palma bullring were up in arms last week due to a two­day open­air German music festival that broke municipal noise pollution laws. The Schlagersterne festival kicked off on Wednesday May 10 with a series of concerts by bands from Germany, Austria and Switzerland from 6pm to 12am.

Residents in surrounding areas took sound tests and reported readings of up to 80 decibels indoors when current legislation sets a maximum of 30 decibels with the windows open and 25 with them closed, according to a spokesperson for the affected neighbours.

The same resident declared that they fear a return to previous times, when the volume from open­air events at the Coliseo caused many neighbours to suffer anxiety attacks, depression and insomnia.

Affected residents in 2007 set up the Coliseo

Neighbourhood Association to campaign against the noise from the bullring, which included motorbike and car shows that recorded up to 100 decibels inside the surrounding houses. The Association held a meeting ib Thursday May 11 to discuss the issue and draw up a strategy for the summer, which they believe will be a tough one.

‘Nordic’ extras wanted

MALLORCA casting agency

Studio Cactus is looking for people with a ‘Nordic look’ to act as extras in an upcoming German series for Amazon Prime.

Filming for Last Exit Schinkenstraße will take place at s’Arenal from May 22 to June 1.

Candidates must be “men and women between 18 and 60 years old, with blonde or brown hair and white skin.

“All body types and sizes” are needed, said the agency, and it is essential that those registered have a Social Security number, not just a health card, as well as a valid work permit in Spain.

“Once you have registered, it is important that

you do not change your look, and if you do change it, that you let us know,” the agency pointed out.

Participants will play partying holidaymakers in the series and will earn €80 a day, taking part in one or more days of filming of 11 hours each, including breaks.

Last Exit Schinkenstraße

A sea of knowledge

THE Balearic Islands are taking part in a nationwide marine science and investigation project. Think in Azul is financed by the EU’s Next Generation funds and also includes the participation of Galicia, Andalucia, Cantabria, Murcia, the Valencia Region and the Canary Islands.

The initiative was launched in Mallorca this week and will include the construction of an international submarine observation platform off the coast of Portocolom.

It will provide existing observation systems with new generation technologies and facilities to analyse and predict the

responses of marine ecosystems to climate change.

The results will make it possible to adapt environmental management decisions and to create specific technology for tourism and fishing.

The project is also aimed at raising awareness about ocean protection and guaranteeing the sustainability of natural resources.

Regional European Funds, Universities and Culture councillor Miquel Company declared during the presentation Think in Blue will “enable us to reinforce the leadership of our islands in the field of marine sciences and technologies.”

Restrictions to stay

PALMA Town Hall has announced it will not authorise bar and restaurant terraces in the Plaza de La Lonja to close one hour later.

Last week the High Court ruled in favour of establishment owners who were requesting permission to close at midnight on workdays and 12.30am on festive days instead of 11pm, as reported by the Euro Weekly News.

But the council has announced it will not enforce the court verdict until it decides whether or not it will ap­

peal against the ruling, so in the meantime the terraces must continue to close at 11pm.

The court sentence was met with strong opposition by residents in the area, who demanded that the town hall appeal against it and complained that the authorities were not doing everything in their power to guarantee the neighbours’ right to rest.

Spokespeople for the council insist they will ensure that the time limitation is obeyed.

Conservation gathering

THE Mallorca Preservation Foundation (MAPF) is part of the Conservation Collective (CC) network, which connects organisations from around the world dedicated to addressing local environmental challenges.

The CC network provides support and growth opportunities for its members, offering an annual global gathering that serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and synergy­building.

This year, the CC gathering took place on the island of Corfu (Greece), hosted by the Ionian Environment Foundation. Representatives from 18 foundations took part in the event including the MAPF, engaging in learning sessions, spotlight presentations and visits to showcase sustainable waste management and conservation work.

During the gathering, MAPF had the opportunity to share the Stellaris project, an endeavour centred around the cultivation of Nursehound ­ a species of catshark ­ in controlled environments.

A momentous occasion was recently attained as a batch of these small sharks was effectively reintroduced into their natural habitat.

stars actor Heinz Strunk, who has also written the script for this series set in the famous Ballermann on Platja de Palma.

FILM EXTRAS: Wanted for an upcoming German series.

Image by Gnepphoto/Shutterstock

UP IN ARMS: Residents near Palma bullring.

Image by Gmstockstudio/Shutterstock

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.

Good Samaritans

THE luck of the Irish was smiling down on a Spanish motor cyclist on May 14 as six Dublin firefighters were heading for Malaga Airport after attending a course in Sevilla.

As they were driving along the A92 near to the town of Alcala de Guadaira which is about 17 kilometres outside of Sevilla they saw that the biker had just fallen from his motorbike so as trained personnel they sprang into action.

They set up a protected area, posted signs and got on with finding what they could do to help the middle­aged biker who was unconscious, with multiple injuries and couldn’t breathe.

The team of paramedics managed to stabilise the injured man so that he could start to breathe which they believe saved him from potential respiratory failure and a cardiac arrest.

A team from the Spanish Emergency Service arrived shortly afterwards and took over the situation and he was rushed to hospital.

Two different elections are taking place.

SHUTTERSTOCK

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

Prescription service extended

PATIENTS across Britain will be able to get prescriptions from pharmacies, rather than the doctor for seven conditions. People who are suffering from sinusitis, impetigo, earache, shingles, sore throat, infected insect bites and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) can now get prescriptions to treat the conditions from pharmacies.

The reforms were set out in a Primary Care Plan on Tuesday May 9 by the government and NHS England. They have been designed to help free up 15 million GP appointments over the next two years. Data shows that 24 million consultations have taken place over the past five months with an average waiting time for an appointment being a fortnight.

But not everyone is in agreement. Experts said not all pharmacies would

be able to offer all or any of the new services. This would mean patients would end up back at their GP.

Pharmacies will also now offer ac­

cess to blood pressure checks and women who use oral contraception can attend the pharmacy rather than speaking to a practice nurse or GP.

Rod Stewart sued by fans

John Ensor

FANS of Rod Stewart got more than they bargained for when they suffered injuries at the hands, or

rather feet, of the star himself.

Sir Rod Stewart has confessed he’s had to stop one of his favourite concert

stunts after being sued twice by fans who suffered injuries according to reports in an American journal. During his gigs, Rod would

Jewellery auction

JEWELLERY worn by the Late Princess Diana is to be auctioned on June 27 with part of the proceeds used to help rebuild war­torn Ukraine.

Princess Diana wore the jewellery in her last official engagement at the Royal Albert Hall in June 1997 for a performance of Swan Lake, according to a news source, just weeks before her fatal car crash in Paris.

The ‘Swan Lake Suite’ jewellery was allegedly a gift from Dodi Al­Fayed and is believed to be the only personal jewellery she owned to have been put up for sale.

One hundred and seventy­eight diamonds valued at 51 carats, together with five matching South Sea pearls make up the necklace, along with earrings which were made after her tragic death.

A Ukrainian family currently owns the jewellery after acquiring the set in 2008. However, owing to the war in their homeland they have had no option but to put the iconic jewellery up for auction.

Their hope is that some of the money will go towards rebuilding Ukraine once hostilities have ceased. New York auctioneers, Guernsey’s have valued the set between £4m and £11m.

No licence for 50 years

give fans the chance to bag themselves a rare souvenir, a signed football.

The Celtic­mad rock star would sign footballs before booting them high into the air for eager fans to nab, but has now decided to give it up after it earned him two red cards. The 78­yearold­rocker admitted, “I got one or two lawsuits. In fact, when I got to the Hollywood Bowl last year, a dear friend who came all the way over to see me got smashed in the face with a ball.”

Nowadays, he only allows female members of his band to throw the signed footballs.

OFFICERS from Derbyshire police pulled a car over on Saturday, May 8.

The driver had committed several offences but when police asked to see the 69­year­old’s driving licence he admitted he had never passed his test.

But he obviously had a conscience because he made sure the car was insured by tricking the insurance companies into thinking he had a licence.

According to one insurance company he had even made a claim after

an accident. A statement from Derby police on Twitter said: “The driver of this vehicle has never passed a test despite being 69 years of age and having been driving for over 50 years.

“He has systematically provided details to insurance companies indicating that he had a licence but the flaw in his dastardly plan was bragging.

“His long reign came to an abrupt end once we found out. Vehicle seized and driver reported for numerous offences.”

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 32 ­ year ­ old 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 2 ­ 1, 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.

PHARMACIES: Will now be able to issue prescriptions and offer other services.

MIDDLE AGES: The village dresses up as a medieval town and is held every year.

Capdepera medieval market

CAPDEPERA is gearing up to host its yearly medieval market this weekend.

The event will take place from Friday May 19 to Sun­

day 21 in the castle and surrounding streets.

The village dresses up as a medieval town and is filled with lights, colours, sounds

Japan Lab: Where quality is priority

BOTH with a background in the hotel and hospitality industry, restaurant manager

Irene and chef Roberto decided to open a Japanese restaurant where diners can relax, enjoy excellent Japanese food, a good Sake, and where almost everything is made fresh by hand ­ from sauces to desserts and sushi to hot dishes.

and smells that transport visitors back to the Middle Ages.

Craftsmen, blacksmiths, herbalists, silversmiths, carpenters, jugglers, shoemakers, magicians, embroiderers, sculptors, cheese makers and potters, among many others, will show off their skills.

Highlights also include music, clothes and games typical of medieval times.

The event is held every year during the third weekend in May to commemorate the official founding of the town.

Japan Lab, based in Pollensa Pueblo just a step away from the central square, brings you authentic Japanese food and sushi. A small but cosy restaurant with just a few tables, the menu has something for all tastes, including lots of gluten­free and vegetarian options. The team celebrated its second anniversary this year, on May 7, firmly placing itself as the best Japanese restaurant and takeaway in the north of the island.

Manager Irene told the Euro Weekly News: “We are a small family restaurant where everything is handmade using gourmet products. We use local ingredients, and our fish is of very high quality.”

When Italian chef Roberto had the opportunity to work in a sushi restaurant in London and learn the art of Japanese cooking, his passion was born. Fascinated immediately, Roberto worked in several award­winning restaurants, learning from the best master chefs of Japanese food, techniques, styles, and skills. This gave Roberto the experience to offer diners the authentic, high­quality Japanese food now found at Japan Lab.

Restaurant manager Irene, also from Italy, met Roberto at hospitality school and has since gained unrivalled experience working in Italy, Germany, and London until she decided to start Japan Lab with Roberto. With a pas­

For excellent Japanese food.

sion for food, wine, and Sake, this team has created the perfect balance of high­class food that can be enjoyed in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere ­ or at home.

Get the best Japanese dishes to takeaway from the restaurant and enjoy in the comfort of your own home with Japan Lab’s takeaway services. Choose from starters including tuna or salmon tartare, various donburi dishes, hosomaki and uramaki, tempura dishes, sashimi, and nigiri.

The restaurant also offers amazing combos to share, consisting of 14, 30, or 50 pieces of sushi, and special dishes weekly. Finish on a sweet note with Japan Lab’s home­made desserts, such as Sake and matcha tiramisu or creamy coconut and red bean pannacotta. Experience a taste of Japan in Mallorca with Japan Lab’s fresh, vibrant, and homemade dishes.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 7pm until 11pm, Friday to Sunday 12pm until 4pm and 7pm until 11pm, closed on Mondays

Address: Japan Lab, Calle Munar, 6 Pollensa 07460

Phone: +34 971 949 231

Email: japanlabmallorca@gmail. com

Website: www.japanlabmallorca. com

Facebook: Japan Lab Pollensa

Instagram: Japan_lab

Tripadvisor: Japan Lab

Google: Japan Lab

Image by Capdepera Town Hall

Betty Henderson

JEWISH organisations across the world have expressed their dismay over a jewel sale which took place on Wednesday, May 10. The extraordinary collection of jewels, valued at a staggering €137 million, once belonged to the late billionaire, Heidi Horten.

The outrage stems from the murky origins of Horten’s husband’s fortune, which was amassed during the dark days of Nazi Germany. Helmut Horten, a German tycoon and former member of the Nazi party, acquired businesses from persecuted Jewish owners in 1930’s Germany.

Despite the unsettling associ­

Tainted treasures

90­carat ‘Briolette of India’ diamond necklace by Harry Winston and the exquisite Sunrise Ruby ring by Cartier, valued at a staggering €18 million.

While Christie’s said it would contribute the proceeds to charity, Jewish groups demanded the auction to be halted.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Bingo bust

ation, Christie’s auction house decided to proceed with the sale, featuring 700 breathtaking pieces, including the renowned

IN a heartwarming tale of generosity, one of Italy’s wealthiest individuals, Patrizio Bertelli, has come to the rescue of a historic newsstand in the charming Tuscan town of Arezzo.

The newsstand, which has been an integral part of the town since 1953, belonged to Piero Scartoni, a sprightly 91­year­old with a passion for journalism.

Finally, after decades of tireless dedication, Scartoni can bid farewell to early mornings and retire, thanks to the intervention of his former customer turned saviour, Patrizio Bertelli, one of the visionaries behind Prada, and husband of Miuccia Prada.

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre, a prominent Jewish human rights organisation, wrote a scathing letter to Christie’s, denouncing the sale as a distressing seizure of profits generated through the Nazis’ abhorrent ‘aryanization’ policies.

Prada power

In an interview on Wednesday, May 10, Scartoni fondly reminisced, “Bertelli was a special customer, buying stacks of newspapers and magazines during the 60s and 70s. I am absolutely delighted he has saved my beloved newsstand.”

Despite being eligible for retirement since 1996, Scartoni soldiered on, supported by his daughter, Cristiana. But with his advancing age, Scartoni acknowledged that it was time to bid farewell to his cherished trade. “I’m almost 100, so I should really stop,” he admitted with a hint of resignation.

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.

Horten wearing the opulent ‘Briolette of India’ diamond necklace.

Photo credit: Christie’s (online)

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.

Young voters

SUNDAY OPENING OUR VIEW

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 18­year­old 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 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 pittance!) until ultimately there is nothing left and they are fi­

nally 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.

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.

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

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CRACKING DOWN ON CHEATING

IDENTICAL twins accused of cheating in an online US medical exam during the pandemic were awarded $1.5 million in damages 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... However, any kind of cheating in exams is understandably a serious issue that affects the integrity of the educational system and the credibility of the qualifications obtained.

So it’s important to understand the various forms of cheating ­ including, sometimes, by identical twins too. Identical twins share a unique bond, and in some cases this can lead to collaboration. This might take the form of one twin taking an exam for the other or communicating answers during the exam itself. This type of cheating’s particularly difficult to detect, as the twins often have similar physical characteristics and mannerisms, making it difficult for invigilators to simply tell them apart! While it may seem like a harmless prank or a way to help each other, cheating has clearly serious consequences.

Students who cheat are essentially breaking the rules and undermining the

value of their own and others’ qualifications. This can lead to loss of credibility and a tarnished reputation that can have long­term implications for their future careers. Cheating may even result in disciplinary action like suspension or expulsion with a significant impact on a student’s future prospects. This whole issue of exam cheating by identical twins and others, especially during the pandemic, highlights the need for a robust system to prevent and detect it. Measures such as increased surveillance and monitoring during exams, stricter procedures for student identification and random checks of answers against past papers are of paramount importance.

Basically, though, what’s truly essential is to address the root causes of cheating, such as pressure to perform, lack of understanding of the subject matter or fear of failure. Teachers and parents can play a key role in creating a supportive environment for students, providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to succeed. This should include encouraging them to seek help when they’re struggling and promoting a culture of honesty and integrity. With talk of artificial intelligence taking over jobs from us all, the future’s only going to get tougher...

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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.

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

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

IT’S MUSIC TO MY EARS

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.

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.

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

Couldn’t or wouldn’t

LINDA HALL

THERE were things that ‘nice’ girls and women didn’t do more than half a century ago.

But men encountered restrictions too, although these centred on etiquette rather than morals.

Things like never carrying any kind of package, parcel, luggage or ­ heaven forbid! ­ a shopping bag in the street. Like only wearing navy blue or black socks. Always walking on a woman’s outside on a pavement and never letting her pay for anything in public, in case he looked like a gigolo.

Of course, men were also burdened with the millstone of being his family’s sole provider although this automatically allowed them to avoid all involvement in domestic affairs.

That included pushing a baby’s pram as well as holding an infant anywhere except in the home, as I discovered when our daughter was a couple of months old.

We were shopping in Alicante and had left our 600 in a back street. Baby

slings didn’t exist and by the time we’d shopped, lunched and were returning to the car, she had become a heavyweight.

“I can’t carry her anymore,” I said. “You’ll have to take her.”

My husband looked reluctant, but as the street where we’d parked appeared to be deserted, he reluctantly took the leaden little bundle from me but began to look panicky as we saw an elderly woman approaching.

Dressed in black from head to toe, although she was probably younger than I am now, she looked at us in amazement.

She continued to stare at us both, but concentrated mainly on my husband and child as we drew level with her. After we’d passed her, I glanced over my shoulder and saw that she’d turned, too, and was still looking at us.

“You see!” the child’s father hissed.

“I told you that men can’t carry babies!”

But that was a long time ago in what seems like another country. Especially when I see unashamed young men who are proud to hold babies in public.

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

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.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

Gala Fundraising Evening

THE British Benevolent Fund was founded over a century ago to act as the ‘charity of last resort’ for Britons who face extreme financial hardship in Spain.

The BBF works with charity partners across the country as well as the UK consular network to help.

The British Ambassador to Spain is the honorary patron. The British community in Spain has grown enormously since its inception and the needs of Britons grown with it.

We help those who have nowhere else to turn and who face the worst that life can throw at them many times exasperated by illness and incapacity. We can only help people with your help.

The BBF is part of the British community in Spain and works 365 days a year for it with an all­volunteer membership of people from all walks of life and all parts of Spain. There is no office and there are no

salaried staff.

To help raise funds and awareness the BBF has joined forces with the Fundacion Cudeca for a flagship fundraising gala to be held at the Uppery Club in Malaga on Saturday May 20.

Guests will be treated to a VIP night at Malaga’s newest and most sought after locations for a glittering evening including welcome reception, three­course dinner with all wines, star raf­

fle with thousands of euros worth of prizes and late bar.

Tickets are €125 with both the BBF and Cudeca as the beneficiaries of the evening. If you would like to support our work and cause we would be delighted to welcome you.

For ticket enquiries please contact olaf.clayton@ britishbenevolentfund.org.

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

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

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!

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 Standard account (£69 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. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

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

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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.”

Call 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.

In a mission to combat these issues, some scientists designed a technological interaction model so that a group of parrots could make video calls with almost no human intervention. Eighteen parrots were chosen for the experiment and the first step was to teach them to recognise the digital tablets bell and the next to show them how to call or decline a video call. The results showed that out of 234 possible calls the parrots made 147 calls, and 74 per cent re sponded positively to re quests to hold video con ferences with other parrots

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

VIDEO CALLS: The birds enjoyed contact with other parrots.

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

A dog-sitter cares for your pets at home.

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Renault Arkana - presence and style

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

ITS looks more coupe crossover, think slimmed down BMW X6, and Renault’s Arkana certainly adds a dash of style with my test model looking particularly stylish thanks to its splendid Zanzibar Blue paint finish. Although it adds €747/£650 to the car’s price tag, it’s a standout colour for all the right reasons.

Prices start at €32,630/£28,395 for the lead ­ in Evolution model, with three further trim levels and full hybrid powertrains. The 1.6 ­ litre petrol full hybrid unit develops 142hp and has a six­speed clutchless automatic.

Standard equipment is good with all models having automatic lights and wipers, climate control, front and rear parking sen­

sors and rear view camera. My test model was the Techno model starting at €34,928/£30,395, in cluding adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, LED lights, keyless entry and start, navigation, privacy glass and auto dimming rear view mirror plus a host of safety and other kit. Oddly there’s no rear wiper, although it doesn’t seem to ob struct vision in wet weather, but still a strange omission.

The Arkana’s full hybrid system allows the car to

sort out when to go electric, petrol or both, and to

lect pure electric for short distances. It makes for a

very easy drive with smooth transitions be ­

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Renault Arkana Techno Full Hybrid

• Engine: 1.6-litre petrol developing 142 bhp with hybrid electric power

• Gears: 6-speed clutchless automatic

• Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 10.8 seconds/Maximum Speed 172 kph (107 mph)

• Economy: 3.99l/100km (58.9 mpg) Combined driving (WLTP)

• Emissions: 108 g/km (WLTP)

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

Yellow junctions

THE RAC has uncovered problems with nine ­ in ­ 10 yellow box junctions that UK councils want to enforce.

On the back of the government’s decision last year to let councils outside London and Cardiff apply for powers to enforce moving traffic offences, some 27 local authorities have put forward proposals to enforce 111 yellow box junctions, a new re ­

port from the RAC reveals.

After commissioning chartered engineer Sam Wright, who was formally responsible for the design and approval of yellow boxes on the Transport for London road network, to review the applications the RAC believes there are issues with 90 per cent of the boxes which are likely to lead to drivers being fined unfairly.

The RAC confirmed:

“More than half (61, or 55 per cent) directly contravene the current government guidance, sometimes on multiple counts.

“The purpose of yellow boxes is to prevent the blocking of ‘cross’ or ‘through’ traffic movements. If a box, or part of a box, does not protect a cross­movement, it serves no purpose and any fine issued there is unnecessary.”

hard acceleration, as the engine revs rise and wait for everything else to catch up. It’s a trait that isn’t unique to Renault transmissions of this type, and to be fair this is one of the better systems in this regard. Go for smooth, progressive acceleration and the Arkana will power itself away with a delightfully unruffled air.

With a 107 mph top speed and 62 mph passed in 10.8 seconds it’s by no means pedestrian. Despite a taller stance the Arkana handles well and rough roads do not upset the car’s comfortable ride.

Inside there’s a nicely laid out, modern looking dash with buttons (hurrah!) and sensible touchscreen operations. The central touchscreen is portrait orientated, rather than the more usual landscape, and works better for it in my view.

The Arkana’s style won’t be to everyone’s taste but it has real presence without the compromised looks of similar coupe crossovers. There’s a feel of quality along with decent levels of interior space. It’s definitely one that should be high on the buying hit list for those seeking something a little different to the conventional norm.

Health issues and driving

ACCORDING to the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) in Spain, getting behind the wheel of a car if you have certain physical and psychological conditions can put both the driver and other road users at risk.

The DGT stated that “Driving is an activity that requires our full attention and whether on a motorway or on the streets of a city, the rules of the road govern how we should act in different situations to avoid accidents, problems on the road or difficulties for other road users.”

Some of these rules are commonly known and yet they continue to be broken and prosecuted, such as using a mobile phone while driving, not respecting

the maximum speed limit, not resting on long journeys, and running a stop sign.

But as reported, added to this are the practices that many drivers carry out without knowing that they are prohibited by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), and could have serious consequences both for the driver and for others.

This includes driving a vehicle if you have certain illnesses.

DGT states that “Far from being discrimination, these rules are set because it is considered that a person’s physical or mental condition prevents safe driving.”

Drivers in some cases can in fact even completely lose their licence, due to their illness.

ARKANA’S STYLE: Won’t be to everyone’s taste but it has real presence.

BEHIND THE WHEEL: Certain illnesses will exclude you from driving.

Image: Shuterstock

Yellow box junction.

Image: DESIGNFACTS / Shutterstock.com

Doubles partner of tennis legend passes at 79 Chelsea reach agreement to appoint new manager

THE doubles partner of Billie Jean King has passed away at the age of 79.

Australian Owen Davidson was a 13 times grand slam winner with eight of those wins whilst partnered with Billie Jean King.

He also reached the singles finals at Wimbledon in 1966.

From 1967 to 1970 he was head pro at the All­England Club as well as being the coach of the British Davis Cup team. He was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010

Billie Jean took to Twitter to pay tribute to her former tennis partner. She said that Davisdon had proudly represented Australia and that he was a long­time friend to both her and llana.

She said he was the only man with whom she could have won eight mixed doubles and that although her heart was broken, she had a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Australian, Rod Laver also wrote on Twitter, commenting that Davidson

was a fellow left­handed player and a great sporting champion.

The player was famous for his strong left hand, he beat John Clifton in the first round of the British Hard­

Court Championships which took place in Bournemouth. He was only one of three players to win all four major mixed doubles tournaments in the same year, 1967.

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.

OWEN DAVIDSON: The player was famous for his strong left hand.

Arsenal drop baton on the final leg Premier battle

ARSENAL’S 0­3 loss to Brighton on Sunday, May 14, may have been the end of their title race as they hand the initiative to Manchester City, having led the Premier League for most of the season.

Arsenal flew out of the blocks this Premier League season and led the table up until recently, locking horns with Manchester City as the two teams exchanged the top spot.

But for an Arsenal who mid seemed capable of salvaging any match, with what must have been some heroic half ­ time talks from manager Mikel Arteta, they have come up short at the crucial part of the season.

Arteta, a prodigy of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola even issued an apology after their de feat to Brighton. BeIN SPORTS posted a video of his state ment on Twitter: “We have to apologise for the perfor mance in the second half. Mikel Arteta reflects on a frustrating afternoon for Arsenal.”

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard speaking to

Sky Sports said: “It is going to be very difficult now, we have to be honest. It is tough to take. It is not a good feeling at the moment. The way we played, particularly in the second half, I don’t know what happened to be honest.”

Football Talk on Twitter posted a disconsolate photo of Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, saying: “On January

teams can catch Manchester City and Arsenal now, so it is left for these two to tussle it out, but City have one hand on the title and it really is theirs to lose now. With a win on Sunday, May 21, against a floundering Chelsea the title is theirs.

Manchester City have a game in hand against Arsenal, meaning Arteta’s side would need to win both of their final two games of the season against Nottingham Forest and Wolves respectively, while City at the very least require two draws from three games.

With City currently on a 20­goal advantage in terms of goal difference, Arsenal look likely to be very disappointed with a season that began in magnificent fashion. They need a small miracle now.

With seasoned campaigners like Guardiola and notably Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, having to dig in and show plenty of grit this season, it seems like Arteta has lessons to learn.

But looking at how an exciting, young Arsenal side fared for much of this Premier League campaign, it would be impossible to write off this talented young coach.

AFTER another hectic weekend of Premier League action, this season’s relegation battle in the English Premier League looks like it could go right to the final round of matches.

Southampton are already doomed to drop into the Championship after 11 seasons in the top flight. Their fate was sealed last week following a 2­0 loss against Fulham.

Hovering about the Saints, four teams are separated by just four points. Two of these four will definitely be playing in the lower league next season after May 28.

Leicester City have a formidable run of final matches. They occupy 19th spot right now and must face Liverpool at Saint Mary’s Stadium, followed by an away fixture at Newcastle United, and then, West Ham at home on the last day of the season.

Sam Allardyce has a monumental task on his hands at Elland Road. Their new manager must keep Leeds United from dropping back into the Championship with his side now in

18th spot. They gained an important point on Saturday, May 13, in a thrilling 2­2 draw at home to Newcastle. They only have two games remaining, one of which is massive, away to West Ham United. After a 3­0 home defeat on Sunday 14, to Manchester City, Everton currently stand just one point above the three relegation places.

Their climax to the season is somewhat easier with Wolves away and finally, Bournemouth at Goodison Park. New manager Sean Dyche must rally his players for one final attempt at remaining in English football’s top league. Over at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest have two matches left to play. They are currently in 16th, four points clear of Leicester City, and three more than Leeds United. Steve Cooper’s men face Arsenal at home followed by a trip to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace in the final game of the campaign. Meanwhile West Ham United appear to be safe.

Credit: Mikel Arteta Credit Arsenal FC Twitter Seems like Arteta has lessons to learn.