Costa Blanca South 25 – 31 May 2023 Issue 1977

WORLD-CLASS

ON May 17, Alicante City & Beach proudly confirmed that the city is collaborating with the Club de Regatas with regards to the organisation of the 420 Sailing World Championship in July.

The nautical facilities of the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante (RCRA) in La Cantera will host the Championship between July 21 and July 29.

The world famous event is expected to bring together the main competitors in this sector with a total of 270 boats and 800 people from 35 countries.

The councillor for Project Coordination, Antonio Peral, confirmed: “During the nine days of competition, the Alicante brand associated with the positive values of sport and the sea will once again be projected on a global scale.

“In addition, the city will receive a considerable economic impact, thanks to the overnight stay of some 800

people during the regattas and the days before, with the consequent impact on hotels, restaurants and shops.”

He added: “Positioning Alicante as a world­class sporting

destination helps us to diversify and deseasonalise our tourism sector.”

The councillor also highlighted the “magnificent conditions offered by the city of Alicante

for holding these competitions, as well as the proven organisational capacity and efficiency of the Yacht Club which is an institution that is the pride of all Alicante residents.”

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Expected to bring together main competitors in this sector.

Image: Alicante City & Beach

Pop-up Charity Shop

Anna Ellis

A POP ­ UP store for sustainable clothing opened its doors on Thursday, May 25, at Zenia Boulevard.

The space will be managed by the Help at Home Association, an organisation in Orihuela Costa that already operates a charity shop and uses the funds raised to assist disadvantaged families in the area.

This space has been designed for all customers

THE forecast arrival of cruise passengers in Alicante this year beats all the records registered to date.

The figures managed by the Association for Cruise Tourism amount to more than 200,000 passengers on 86 ships. These include stopovers as well as embarkations and disembarkations with Alicante as a home port.

The operations as a home port correspond to the com­

who want to renew their wardrobe while supporting a circular economy and sustainability.

In January, Zenia Boule­

vard managed to collect over 2,000 garments during the Renew Your Wardrobe campaign.

Now, with the help of Help At Home, donated clothing will be given a new life and sold at the Rincon de la Cultura, Alcampo Gallery, three days a month, from 10.00am until 9.00pm.

In May, the store will be open from Thursday, May 25, until Saturday, May 27 at 9.00pm. Dates for June will follow.

New record

pany MSC Cruises, which in 2023 has doubled its commitment to Alicante after the good results obtained in its first year with the city as a port of embarkation.

In total, MSC Lirica and MSC Orchestra will operate 25 times.

In these cases, the average

expenditure per tourist exceeds €300 when adding the night or nights spent in hotels, shops and excursions before setting sail or on the return trip.

It is also noteworthy that seven cruise ships will make their first call in the city this year.

Mushroom St

THE area around Plaza

Gabriel Miro and Calle San Francisco in Alicante was revolutionised with the installation of gigantic mushrooms just 10 years ago. Popularly known as Mushroom Street, business owners have called on the council to upgrade the area to prevent it from falling into disrepair.

Security tender

AENA (the airport management group including Alicante­Elche Airport) has tendered the private security service for the network’s 46 airports and two heliports in Spain for €1,500 million. The award period is four years, extendable for a further year.

120 nationalities

TORREVIEJA has an official population of 83,543 inhabitants according to the National Statistics Institute, a figure which the Town Hall has raised to 92,000 in its census. Of these, 45 per cent are foreign citizens which translates into more than 120 different nationalities.

Birdy education

NURSES from the Torrevieja Health Department have used birds of prey to educate on health, protection and respect for the natural environment and biodiversity. The activity was aimed at the pupils of CEIP Poeta Miguel Hernandez in Rojales.

Gaming garden

SOUTH Alicante’s Alcahofa Vega Baja Association is distributing 10,000 board games among schoolchildren in 11 municipalities in the region. The jewel of the vegetable garden is the main character.

School days

SANTA POLA has confirmed a new school in Gran Alacant for 1,120 students will soon be a reality. The new building will be next to the current primary and infant school, Vicenta Ruso.

Anna Ellis

ELCHE’S door­to­door collection service closes its first year with more than 10,000 alerts and 970,000 kilos of pruning waste.

Hector Diez, the councillor for Cleaning, is encouraging citizens to begin or continue using this free service which includes the collection of pruning waste with the aim of putting an end to pruning debris abandoned along the roads of Camp d’Elx.

This collection service can be accessed via Whatsapp at (+34) 680 363 774

The pruning collection service is aimed at private individuals but the councillor has pointed out that it will not include collecting dry trunks or large tree or palm tree trunks.

The councillor explained that the service vehicle

Door to door

Walking Football

Football Team in Quesada took a trip to Mojacar in Almeria on May 13 to compete in the Los Amigos Walking Football Charity Tournament.

has a 24 cubic metre open rear box lorry and is equipped with a crane and grapples, as well as a

shredder and containers. There are also two additional teams, one in the morning and one in the

afternoon from Monday to Friday, to collect the bags dumped around the containers.

Chemistry Olympiad Palm Grove

GUIDED Guided visits to the Palm Grove and Interpretation Centre of Orihuela have resumed and can be enjoyed during the month of June.

The visits must be made prior reservation through the web www.palmeraldeorihuela.com where you can select the day and time.

During the visits, the participants will explore the fauna and flora of the Palmeral and learn details of its history and contribution to the cul ­

ture of Orihuela. In addition, the Interpretation Centre will be visited, in which an interactive introduction of the visit is offered.

The Palmeral de Orihuela, recognized as an Asset of Cultural Interest and Picturesque Landscape, is made up of nearly 9,000 palm trees and is one of the most significant examples of the Arab footprint on the Iberian Peninsula and a window into the historical past of the city of Orihuela.

ÁLVARO MAIRLOT ÑÍGUEZ

a student of IES Azud de Alfeitamí in Almoradi will represent Spain in the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO).

The IChO is an annual competition for the world’s most talented chemistry students at secondary school level.

Álvaro will travel to Zurich in Switzerland next July to represent Spain after achieving two extraordinary achievements, an Honourable Mention in the Physics Olympiad held in Lugo at the end of April and in the National Phase

Anticancer discovery

A TEAM led by the professor of Biology Rosa Maria Martinez and formed by the Applied Biochemistry research group of the University of Alicante in collaboration with Doctor Balmis of Alicante General University Hospital has identified the anticancer capacity of bacteriorruberin.

Bacteriorruberin is a pigment pro ­

duced by a certain type of halophilic archaea which are found both in the salt flats of Santa Pola and in the Torrevieja lagoon and in the salt flats located in the interior of the province of Alicante.

With research ongoing on the matter, could the Costa Blanca South hold the key to fighting cancer?

of the Chemistry Olympiad he received one of the first four gold medals. His teacher Alfredo José Martínez Lorenzo said “Álvaro is an example for our school and his classmates.” He went on to say “The results are magnificent” congratulating him for “his good work, his predisposition to learn, to be better in all areas, and always maintaining his humility and honesty.” Good luck Álvaro from all at the Euro Weekly News.

Six teams took part from the Almeria region and one team from the UK joined in.

Esquina, being the current trophy holders from 2021, were desperate to retain the trophy to add to their vast collection and spectacularly won their five games.

A great team effort meant the team scored 14 goals and only conceded three.

If you are interested in joining the team email es quinaparkrangers 2018@yahoo.com.

ESQUINA Park Rangers

Image: Elche City Council

COLLECTION SERVICE: Aimed at private individuals.

Esquina Park Rangers.

Image: Esquina Park Rangers Football Team

Anna Ellis TOURISM for Valencia has signed an agreement confirming it will allocate €130,000 to VisitElche to boost the promotion of tourism in the city during 2023.

Through this agreement, the aim is to promote the tourist and cultural offer of Elche in the Portuguese market which is an emerging market and has a direct connection to Elche through the airports of Lisbon and Oporto.

Through this agreement, a promotional street marketing action will be promoted, which

Visit Elche

agents. In addition, a communication campaign will also be promoted to transmit the heritage and cultural values of Elche in the Portuguese capital.

Win for Torrevieja

TORREVIEJA has officially overtaken the city of Valencia in terms of the number of regulated tourist flats on offer.

will take place in a public space in Lisbon to publicise the Palmeral de Elx.

In collaboration with the Spanish Tourism Office in Lisbon, a presentation of Elche as a destination will also be held in Lisbon for specialised media and tourism sector

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

The city of Elche is one of the few cities with three properties inscribed in the different categories of UNESCO World Heritage: the Palm Grove, the Misteri d’Elx and the Puçol School Museum, to which must be added its beaches, natural spaces, culture, gastronomy and festivals.

The city has 26,829 places distributed among 6,309 flats, a number of accommodation places in tourist flats that has increased by 16.9 per cent in the last year according to data from Turisme Comunitat Valenciana of the Generalitat.

The offer of this type of accommodation available in Torrevieja is only surpassed by Benidorm and Xabia.

Most of the places are in the standard category

25,653, while 673 are in the first category and 503 are in the superior category. In one year the city has climbed from seventh to third place and in two years it has added 5,327 new beds and 924 flats to the register so that it has overtaken the capital of the Community.

The city of Valencia has also suffered a setback after several years of strong growth. Overall, the supply of tourist flats and dwellings in the Valencian Community on December 31 already exceeded 450,000 bed places, with a year­on­year increase of 4 per cent.

Happy Toby

ELCHE RIO Safari (RSE) is pleased to announce that Toby has adapted well since his arrival.

Toby is a pygmy hippopotamus and came to live at RSE in December 2022, after a specialised road journey from Dvur Kralove Safari Park (Czech Republic), his birth zoo, to the park.

The pygmy hippopotamus is an endangered species, present today in extremely fragmented territories in patches of wetland forest in only four West African countries, namely Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire.

The latest estimates suggest the presence of, at most, 2,000 to 3,000 pygmy hippos in the wild in 2008.

Pygmy hippos are very se­

Charity Choir

CRESCENDO International Choir performed a concert at a new venue on May 15, raising more than €200 for ADISMON, a Spanish charity that helps disabled children integrate into normal life.

Robin Myers, the new Crescendo Choir President, confirmed the new venue was the School of Music and Culture in Los Montesinos and he hopes this will be the start of a successful relationship between this school and Crescendo Choir. On Saturday, June 17, in the evening, Crescendo Choir performed its final concert before the summer break, at the Club, located at Calle Toledo, 24, in Quesada. For more details about the choir or upcoming events, please see crescendo­choir.com. You can also follow the group on Facebook at CrescendoTorrevieja.

cretive and remarkably solitary animals, often heavily marking their territory to warn others of their presence and not to encroach on their space. As soon as Elche Rio Safari received the recommendation to take Toby in, the team hastily began to modify and rebuild the pygmy hippo facilities in the park to accommodate him, so that he and the females they were already housing, Peggy and Leishan, would each have their own space.

If you have questions, email info@crescendochoir.com. The choir would be delighted to have more singers, especially basses. This international group sings a variety of songs ranging from musicals to spirituals, from pop to classical, mostly in English or Spanish. Rehearsals take place at Rincon de Miguel in Los Montesinos on Mondays between 5.45pm to 8pm. All singers are welcome!

Boosting tourism.

Toby has adapted well.

Image: Rio Safari Elche

“Laughter is the best medicine.”

Laughter relaxes the whole body, relieving

tension

and

stress.

This phrase originates from the Bible - Proverbs, Chapter 17, verse 22.

21 nations speak Spanish on a daily basis.

Pinoso promotion

Anna Ellis

PINOSO Football Club joyfully celebrated with their fans after its recent promotion to the Preferente Divison.

More than 200 people attended the Perfecto Rico Mira stadium on Thursday May 18 to support and celebrate the promotion of the town’s senior team, who after last week’s win at Cox, secured a direct promotion place with one game to spare.

Next season Pinoso Foot­

SENIOR TEAM: Secured a direct promotion place.

ball Club will play in the Preferente League, as there are three teams that are promoted directly in each group of the first regional league.

Along with Pinoso, in second place after the end of the

THE popular Elche fruit the date, datil, has now been awarded the Quality Mark.

The news was announced on Friday, May 19, by the councillor for Rural Development, Felip Sanchez, who confirmed: “This recognition is achieved after two years.

“The council has been supporting the Elche Date Producers Association with an annual agreement of €30,000 with the intention of promoting its cultivation and as a measure to diversify our agriculture and to preserve the Palm Grove.”

game, Torrevieja and San Fulgencio were also promoted.

After the match, the party and celebrations continued, the attendees enjoyed a wine of honour and the music of DJ Pipol.

The councillor added: “The fact that our most distinctive product has this brand will serve to provide it with greater protection and to promote it at fairs and exhibitions when it comes to selling it.”

He also explained that apart from Elche, dates grown in Crevillent and Santa Pola will also obtain this distinction.

The councillor then congratulated and acknowledged the great work carried out by the association in the municipality to achieve this quality mark.

Image: Pinoso Town Council

Anna Ellis

SINCE their busy Christmas season, Spangles have concentrated on updating their repertoire with new songs and welcoming new members.

They have kept their performance skills honed too!

One of many recent concerts was held at the Centro Cultural in Sucina on May 6.

“We were honoured to be invited by the Cantos del Corazon group to sing with them,” confirmed Lyn Baines, Spangles’ Chorus Manager.

“We thoroughly enjoyed hearing local traditional songs and perform­

Spangles

ing to a new, appreciative audience. We’re delighted to have been invited to perform alongside them again later this year.”

Spangles is actively looking for a new and enthusiastic Musical Director. If you think you would fit the bill and are within travelling distance of Los Alcazares, please get in touch by email at info@spangleschorus. com.

Spangles is a ladies’ a cappella chorus, singing in

Cruising in Alicante

CRUISE passengers who have arrived in Alicante in the first four months of the year particularly value the safety, mobility and cleanliness of the city, according to the survey carried out by the Alicante Cruise Tourism Association in collaboration with the Alicante City & Beach Tourist Board.

The association consulted nearly 700 cruise passengers between January and April on different aspects of their experience during their stopover in the city.

The ratings range from 0 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. The results were public safety with 4.59, mobility with 4.45 and cleanliness

with 4.44 are the aspects most highly rated by tourists.

They are followed by the climate, with 4.38, gastronomy, with 4.18 and the beaches with 4.14.

The profile of the cruiser who visits Alicante is that of a person of 51.73 years of age on average who travels with a family.

By nationality, the United Kingdom accounted for 23.4 per cent of those surveyed, followed by Spain (20.63 per cent).

The average expenditure per cruiser per day was €75.12, divided between gastronomy/hospitality (€40.57) and commerce (€33.87).

four ­ part harmony. They rehearse every Thursday, from 10.30am to 1.00pm at the Centro Municipal Las Claras, Calle Helena, Los Narejos, Los Alcazares and visitors are always welcome.

If you’d like to book the chorus for an event or you are thinking about joining them, you can find out more on their website: www.spanglescho rus.com or email info@spangleschorus. com.

Cave paintings

A DRONE has made it possible to discover a highly valuable site of Neolithic cave paintings which are 7,000 years old in several caves. The caves, which are very difficult to access in PenAguila, in inland Alicante, are part of a pioneering project in which three archaeologists linked to the University of Alicante (UA) have participated.

This is one of the first discoveries of prehistoric cave paintings thanks to the use of one of these small unmanned aerial vehicles in almost inaccessible mountain shelters, which otherwise could only be inspected directly af­

ter several days of preparation and the opening of complex climbing routes.

The drone has worked in the area of Barranquet del Castellet­Barranc del Salt and Port de Penaguila, where it has photographed and recorded videos of the cavity walls of 18 shallow shelters.

The drone has facilitated the discovery of paintings in two of the shelters, the first results of which have just been published in one of the best archaeology magazines on the Iberian Peninsula, in issue XLII of Lvcentvm.

CENTRO CULTURAL: Spangles and students appeared in concert in Sucina.

Image: Øyvind Dammen and Maite Alonso

Happy anniversary Joining forces

Anna Ellis

ON May 19 in 2003, the first Jet2.com flight landed in Alicante from Leeds Bradford Airport and over two decades later the leading leisure airline is celebrating 20 years of operating awardwinning flights to Alicante.

Today, the companies operate to Alicante from 10 of their UK bases (Belfast International, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle International and London Stansted) with 10 routes on sale, and over 800,000 seats on sale this summer.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “This year marks 20 years since we started operating to Alicante, when we had just one route on sale.

“Today, we operate an enormous programme with unrivalled frequency to Alicante from the UK and have

flown millions of customers to this magnificent destination. Such growth and success over the last two decades would not be possible without the fantastic partnerships we have in Alicante.”

He added: “I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to hoteliers, airports, tourist

boards and all our partners. As we continue to grow and take more customers to Alicante on our award­winning flights and holidays, we will continue to put that partnership approach at the very heart of everything that we do and bring even more happy holidaymakers to the destination.”

IN a bid to attract tourists Alicante and Murcia have joined forces to promote both destinations. The city of Alicante and the Region of Murcia have now reached an agreement to exchange tourist information about both destinations in tourist offices in order to attract tourists visiting one of the two cities.

This means the Tourist Office on the Paseo del Puerto in Alicante will offer information on Murcia including the gastronomy of the neighbouring community.

In the same way, Murcia will soon be offering tourist information about Alicante so that

both tourists visiting the city and locals from Murcia themselves can travel to the capital of Alicante.

The Alicante City & Beach Tourist Board has already explored this type of tourist exchange with success with other Spanish destinations such as Ibiza.

In the case of the Region of Murcia, the geographical proximity and the different options in terms of mobility are a point in favour of being able to attract a greater number of visitors who can get to know and enjoy both cities on the same trip.

Grow your own

ZENIA Boulevard has confirmed that it wants to raise awareness and support sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable agriculture is a way of growing food that minimises its impact on the environment. This means using fewer chemicals, reducing water and air pollution, and taking care of the land so it can continue to

produce food in the future.

One way we can all help is by learning how to grow our own food. If you have a garden or a space to plant, you can try growing your own vegetables and fruits!

That’s why, at Zenia Boulevard, until June 5, they are giving away seeds so you can start your own garden.

To participate, you just

have to be or become a member of their Loyalty Club and present receipts between the dates stated that amount to €20 or more.

For more information head along to Zenia Boulevard at Jade 2, 03189 Orihuela Costa.

Alternatively, email: con tacto@zeniaboulevard.es or call (+34) 966 761 530.

JET2.COM: The first flight landed from Leeds 20 years ago.

Image: Jet2.com / Facebook

Solar bandwagon

Anna Ellis

SOLAR energy ideas have now arrived in Torrevieja as the first 83,000 square metre plant is currently being planned.

Only 10 metres separate the proposed land from the most protected area of the Natural Park of the salt flats, the CV ­ 905 and the CV ­ 945 of Los Montesinos.

The fixation on the solar energy sector is so intense that even in a municipality like Torrevieja, where there is hardly any land available for new activities, a project for a solar plant of

some importance has just been presented.

If authorised, it would be the first solar plant located in Torrevieja.

The proposal is located on the plot of land bounded by the junction of the CV ­ 905 road that connects Torrevieja with Rojales and the CV ­ 945 of Los Montesinos, which delimits the Natural Park of the salt flats of Torrevieja and La Mata.

It is located in the middle of the corridor between the two lagoons, identified as a common passage for wetland birds.

AENA (the airport management group which includes Alicante­Elche Airport) closed the first quarter of 2023 with 77,466,138 passengers, 32.7 per cent more than in the same period last year and 1.9 per cent more than in the first four months of 2019.

Nearly 24 million passengers were reached in April, exceeding pre­pandemic data for the fourth consecutive month. This also represents an increase of 16.4 per cent compared to April 2022.

Of the total travellers recorded in April, 23,756,597 were commercial passengers.

Of these, 15,996,343 passengers travelled on international flights, down 0.1 per cent from April 2019 and up 16.9 per cent from 2022.

Meanwhile, 7,760,254 passengers travelled on domestic flights, 8.8 per cent more than before the pandemic and 15.4 per cent more than last year.

Alicante­Elche Airport alone recorded 1,435,274 passengers representing a 7 per cent increase compared to April 2019 and a 19.5 per cent increase compared to April 2022.

ALICANTEELCHE:

Nearly 24 million passengers reached in April.

The rain didn’t appear

THE seventh round of the Carp­R­Us Spring Series was fished at the El Bosquet complex. Everyone had been carefully watching the weather as heavy rain had been predicted, but in the end the match was fished in cloudy but warm conditions with a light but awkward breeze.

As tends to be the case here at the moment, the fishing was patchy, to say the least. What is a ‘hot’ peg one day is not always the next. The match was won by one of the longest serving members of the club, Jeremy Fardoe. Jeremy often does not get the results he deserved so it was nice to see him weigh­in 16.12kg from peg 1 caught using pole and an assortment of different hookbaits. A broken pole section caused by a larger barbel, took some of the shine off his day.

Second, continuing his run of good form, was Roy Dainty with 12.50kg from peg 27. Roy used pole and pellet tactics. Third was Paul Davis from peg 1b with 11.58kg (pole and pellet) and fourth with 10.90kg was Steve Fell on peg 7 (pole and bread).

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp­r­us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page CarpR­Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

SALT FLATS: The area is a common passage for wetland birds.

Image: Generalitat Valenciana / Parque Natural de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja

Too good to be true?

Are the investments being offered to you a little too good to be true? We look at some past examples where people have lost capital through fraudsters and failed schemes, and reveal some red flags you should look out for.

We’re all familiar with the saying, “If the investment is too good to be true, it probably is”, and there is a good reason for that. There is no shortage of individuals, even companies, that will try to sell you an investment under the false promise of large, guaranteed returns – often within a short period of time.

It’s happened before – it will happen again

You may remember the notorious Barlow Clowes case, where around 15,000 people, many of them retirees, were invested in the fund which was wound up by the

By Jon

invested in low-risk government gilts but promised returns higher than gilts were paying.

Equitable Life carries another cautionary tale. This was a reputable company which came unstuck after offering customers

ers to be caught out when inflation and interest rates dropped, leaving the mutual insurance society struggling to fund its commitments.

In 2009, there was the welldocumented fraud of Bernard Madoff – a ‘Ponzi’ scheme where money from new clients was used to pay older ones. Bernard lured investors through promises of between 10 and 12% annual returns on investment – by the time the US government caught up with him, he had cheated clients out of $65 billion.

These are just a few examples. As long as there are markets, there will be those trying to get rich by selling hope to the less informed. Those taken in by these schemes were intelligent people – victims often of misleading claims by an individual or company they believed they could trust. Renowned

said,

“There are some frauds so well conducted that it would be stupidity not to be deceived by them”.

A statement that describes the cunning, charm and resourcefulness of fraudsters, and the vigilance and discernment we must maintain whenever we are asked to invest our money.

Avoid investments that sound too good to be true

Be wary of promises that guarantee high returns. There aren’t any absolute guarantees with investment, and you’ll likely get a lower return the safer your money is. Compare the yields that have been promised with current returns on well-known stock indexes. If the numbers don’t match up, where could such returns possibly be coming from?

Be wary of anyone pressuring you with a sense of urgency.

no reputable professional would push you to make an immediate decision.

To protect the financial security you have built for you and your family, consult the advice of an expert that is regulated by a reputable authority before committing to any investment being sold to you – and focus on the fundamentals.

You have probably worked hard over decades to build your wealth for you and your family – if something seems too good to be true, don’t put that wealth at undue risk.

All advice received from Blevins Franks is personalised and provided in writing. This article, however, should not be construed as providing any personalised taxation or investment advice.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at

Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

Winning end

HÉRCULES CF finished their season in winning ways beating Club Deportivo Ibiza Islas Pitiusas at El Estadio Municipal de Can Misses in Ibiza. The only goal of the match came from an own goal by Ibiza’s defender Dennis Nieblas in the 45th minute.

Hércules finish the season in a comfortable seventh position but they will be disappointed as they were only four points off the playoffs.

Ibiza unfortunately finished

Torre Tennis Champs

the season in 16th position and so relegated to the Tercera Federación which is the fifth tier of Spanish football. They might need to rethink the name of their stadium.

Speedy stretch

Anna Ellis

A STRETCH of road with two DGT traffic radars located in the province of Alicante totalled 35,828 fines for speeding offences in 2022.

This amounts to 98.1 penalties per day or four per hour, with one fine every 15 minutes.

The data is provided by the association Automovilistas

Europeos Asociados which has drawn up a top 100 list of the controls which registered the most speeding offences in Spain last year.

In total, the province of Alicante has two, both on the same stretch: the first at kilometre 4.3 of the A70, with 20,624 penalties, and the second at kilometre 4.6, with 15,204.

THE female youth team of the Torrevieja Tennis Club has clinched the third spot in the First Division Championship of the Valencian community.

After defeating Alicante Tennis Club by three games to none in the quarterfinals and losing to number one seed Valencia Tenniscenter 2 ­ 0 in the semifinal, they finally defeated CA Montemar de Alicante 22 in the third ­ place match bagging one in the super tiebreak of the deciding double.

Congratulations to the tennis stars of the future.

Hercules finishes the season in 7th.

Photo credit: Hercules CF Facebook page

Bruce Foxton is From the Jam

ON Saturday June 3, the very popular From the Jam will make their first ever Spanish appearance at the Benalmadena Auditorium.

Prior to their arrival, one of the founding members of The Jam spoke exclusively to Euro Weekly News about his long career and how this band was formed.

It was in 1977 that The Jam obtained their first recording contract and the trio consisting of former Woking schoolboys, Bruce Foxton, Paul Weller and Rick Buckler burst on the scene.

They couldn’t really be categorised as punk but with their Mod image and biting music certainly ruled the record charts until 1982 when they broke up.

During that time, they had 18 consecutive top 40 singles before Paul Weller decided to call it a day in 1982 and they disbanded.

Bruce, the bass player spent 15 years in punk band Stiff Little Fingers and then formed another

band Casbah Club with Russell Hastings and more by luck than judgement they were booked to play a gig with a band which included former Jam drummer Rick Buckler.

Bruce explained, “we had no intention of forming a new band but thought it might be fun to play a couple of old numbers during the sound check and it sounded and felt really good!

“There were a few more similar sessions and we kept in touch with each other and then in 2007 decided to form From the Jam.”

That lasted a couple of years but in 2009 Bruce said “I received an email from Rick simply saying he was leaving the band with no explanation and I still don’t know what happened, although he appears to have wanted to become a writer.”

Having worked with guitarist Russell for so long and having seen the reaction from fans who enjoyed the music so much, the pair decided to

keep on playing the songs that they and their audience loved so much.

They are still going strong with literally hundreds of gigs booked through to 2024 but there was an opportunity to visit Spain for the first time, so the expanded band which has added Andy Fairclough on keyboards and Mike Reddon on drums decided it was time to bring their brand of music to a Spanish audience.

“The closest I’ve been to Spain is when my wife came as part of a hen party” laughed Bruce “but why ignore a chance to bring our music to both an established as well as a hopefully new audience.”

When asked if he ever got bored with playing the same songs, Bruce said ”Although the set will be pretty much all Jam songs apart from a couple from my album with Russell Butterfly Effect there are so many Jam songs, we can change the set list every time we play.”

Tickets for the June 3 event (where they are supported by veteran British punk band The Wasps) are available at https://www.ticketsource.eu/wag-promotions and let’s hope for viewers of BBC 1’s Have I Got News For You that they play News of the World, a definite Jam favourite.

If you can’t make the gig then visit https://www.fromthejamofficial.com/ to get their live album.

FROM THE JAM: The latest line-up on stage.

Credit: Steve White

Air Force jet crashes

A SPANISH Air Force F ­ 18 fighter jet aircraft crashed at the Zaragoza airbase on Saturday, May 20. Thankfully, the pilot managed to eject before the plane hit the ground.

As reported by the Air Force, the jet was participating in an aerial exhibition when the incident occurred just after midday.

The plane came down on one of the runways at the airbase in the Aragonese capital.

The pilot was immediately rushed to the Miguel Servet Hospital in Zaragoza. He was said to have suffered trauma and injuries to his legs, hips and arms on impact.

According to a news outlet, the pilot was a veteran captain with more than 1,000 flight hours experience.

IF you would like to get your 15 minutes of fame, have an eye for a bargain and are a British expatriate living in Spain then here is your chance to get on TV.

This opportunity to get your face and story on the small screen is here so if you fit the bill it’s time to apply. The TV company are looking for contestants based in Cos­

At the time of the crash, he was conducting aerial manoeuvres in preparation for an exhibition that will be staged during an event at the facility in Garrapinillos on June 10.

The F ­ 18 Hornet was completely destroyed after exploding on impact with the ground.

Brits wanted

ta del Sol and Costa Blanca.

Sofie Hegre Olsen is looking for potential candidates for this Red Sauce TV production with this post on Facebook:

“Hi everyone! If you are interested in joining the next

season of Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun please feel free to contact me on the email below or message on Facebook. sofie.hegre olsen@redsaucetv.com

Looking forward to hearing from you!”

F-18 HORNET: The aircraft was completely destroyed.

Credit: Bernardo Fernandez copado/Creative Commons Attribution

A majestic affair

Betty Henderson

THE British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott and his wife, María Antonia Martín, threw a lavish party to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in Madrid on Wednesday, May 17.

More than 1,000 guests attended the event, including politicians, business leaders, and cultural figures. The party, initially planned at the ambassador’s residence, had to be moved to the Crystal Gallery of the Cibeles Palace due to the overwhelming response.

The Madrid City Hall was

adorned with British and Spanish flags, and even resembled London’s Regent Street in some areas. The venue was decorated with images of the coronation and provided a regal atmosphere with red decorations and

Fire-raiser

A WOMAN has been placed under investigation by the Guardia Civil in the Zamora region of Sanabria. She is suspected of allegedly attempting to start a forest fire.

The suspect was caught in the act by the police while trying to set fire to an area of brooms located on a mountain in the municipality of Robleda­Cervantes.

thrones for guests to experience a taste of royalty.

During a speech, Ambassador Elliott praised the unity between Spain and Britain, highlighting the shared values and close relationship between the two nations. He also expressed support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion and emphasised King Charles III’s commitment to environmental issues.

Ambassador Elliott later shared his personal impressions of the coronation, highlighting Prince George’s role as a pageboy, the beautiful music, and the festive atmosphere in London.

Officers from the El Puente barracks, assisted by a Seprona patrol from Puebla de Sanabria established a discreet surveillance operation in the region. This was initiated on April 20, after a fire was detected in the area.

According to a statement on Saturday, May 13, from the Government Sub­delegation in Zamora, fires of similar characteristics had occurred in this same region in previous years.

As reported in the statement, on April 27, the operation finally paid off. The officers caught a middle­aged woman ‘red­handed’ as she tried to start a fire using a direct flame.

British Ambassador Hugh Elliott greets a guest.

Photo credit: British Embassy, Madrid (via Facebook)

Breaking the ice

Betty Henderson

IN a remarkable thawing of relations, the new ambassadors of Venezuela and Nicaragua to Spain presented their credentials to King Felipe VI on Wednesday, May 17.

This ceremonial act marks the end of years of political and diplomatic disagreements between Spain and the two Latin American countries. The Venezuelan ambassador to Spain is Coromoto Godoy Calderón, a 57­year­old diplomat and lawyer. The new

head of the Nicaraguan mission is Maurizio Gelli, a 64 year old Italian­born diplomat recently naturalised as Nicaraguan.

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry hailed this event as the result of their commitment to reinstate friendly relations and cooperation with Spain, dubbing it ‘Poetry for Peace’ on social media. Godoy has already been serving as the Venezuelan Chargé d’Affaires in Spain for a year.

These diplomatic break­

IN a groundbreaking decision, the United Nations Human Rights Committee ruled in favour of the exiled President of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, on Thursday, May 18. The UNHRC stated that Spain unlawfully stripped him of his parliamentary seat without a valid legal basis.

The committee concluded that Spain violated Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which safeguards every national’s right to participate in public affairs, vote, stand for office, and have access to public service.

The UN has demanded that Spain provide information within 180 days on the measures taken to prevent similar violations from occurring in

throughs come after years of tensions. Spain’s recognition of Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim president strained relations with the country, but recent negotiations have prompted a shift toward engaging with Nicolás Maduro’s government. Similarly, Nicaragua’s political repression and human rights violations prompted Spain to withdraw its ambassador, but discussions are underway for normalisation of political and economic relations.

Political foul play

the future.

This landmark decision comes five years after British lawyer Ben Emmerson lodged a complaint with the UN on Puigedemont’s behalf. Emmerson said the blocking of Puigdemont’s candidacy for the presidency of Catalonia after the December 2017 elections and the suspension of his parliamentary mandate were unlawful. The UN committee agrees with Puigdemont’s complaint, but they believe that simply recognising it is enough to make up for what happened and say he is not automatically entitled to become the President.

Holiday letting rules

SPAIN’S holiday letting market faces new rules according to information compiled by Spence Clarke & Co.

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

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

There are some new requirements to report information to the Spanish government for property owners renting on a holiday basis further to the Spanish Real Decreto

933/2021, of October 26 and in theory these changes are effective from June 2023.

This Royal Decree requires digital platforms and hosts to provide additional information about the reservations (hosts, guests personal details, property details, accommodations, etc.) to the Spanish national authorities (Ministry of the Interior).

This needs to be reported within 24 hours from the booking and the information must be reported on the following website: https://sede.mir.gob.es /opencms/export/sites/d efault/es/procedimientos­y­servi cios/hospedajes ­ y ­ alquiler ­ de ­ vehiculos/

So far it is only possible to complete this with a Spanish digital certificate (DC) and you have to apply for it in person at an

appropriate Government Office, although agents such as Spence Clarke may well be able to assist if you are out of Spain. When complying with this requirement you need to have previously alerted guests to the fact that you are transferring their information to the government in order to observe Data Protection requirements.

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

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

Power struggle

IN an escalating disagreement over hydrogen production methods, Spain has issued a stern warning to France.

While Spain has been exporting excess electricity to its neighbour to support their domestic needs, it refuses to continue doing so if the electricity is going to be used for generating nuclear­based hydrogen, also known as ‘pink hydrogen’.

Spain champions renewable green hydrogen derived from sources like wind and solar power, and rejects classifying nuclear hydrogen as green.

France has been successful in advocating for nuclear­based hydrogen, even allowing it to be transported through the BarcelonaMarseille submarine cable as part of the H2Med project. Spain, however, firmly believes that only hydrogen derived from renewable sources should be considered truly green.

Environmental Minister Teresa Ribera emphasised Spain’s position during a meeting in Malta with Mediterranean EU countries on Thursday, May 18. She stressed the importance of transitioning to green hydrogen and investing in offshore wind and solar parks. Spain has become a major exporter of electricity to France due to the latter’s nuclear plant shutdowns and energy disputes.

Ticks - A rising health threat in Spain

GARRAPATAS as they are known in Spain can be passed from animals to humans and they can cause some serious diseases. Common illnesses associated with tick bites include Lyme disease and encephalitis.

Those at risk of tick bites are people that walk in rural areas, especially during the spring. The problem is that the number of ticks appears to be rising.

The warmer weather is increasing

the tick’s reproductive period and so they are producing more ticks, more often in a greater space of time.

This year the weather has favoured a species of ticks that don’t require humidity to reproduce.

People should be aware when walking through grassland, but each government administration should be working towards controlling the

tick population by looking after grassland and rural areas where people like to walk.

It is recommended that people walking their dogs should have their pets treated to avoid the parasite. And, when they have finished their walk people should check their bodies for any signs of ticks. The places a tick like to attach itself are around the groin area, the head, the back of the ears, elbows and knees.

Dangerous toxins in almonds

AS reported in a statement from the Guardia Civil on Saturday, May 20, a joint operation with the Tax Agency saw 25 tons of almonds with very dangerous toxins seized in Spain.

‘Operation Nuts’ was conducted in the Spanish territories of Mallorca and Alicante.

As a result, three Spanish na tionals were arrested along with a Dutch citi zen. They

were detained for the alleged crimes of forgery of documents and against public health.

The operation was launched last January following the arrival in Spain of 25 tons of almonds from Australia.

Once the almonds arrived in Alicante, an analysis of the fruit was carried out, with very high levels of aflatoxins being found. The importer of the shipment was sub­

sequently informed they had to be destroyed.

Residing on Mallorca, this individual undertook to do so and requested authorisation for the transfer of the cargo to Mallorca.

However, once the almonds arrived in Mallorca, those re­

sponsible for transporting the merchandise allegedly broke the seal of the container. Instead of destroying the almonds, they replaced the merchandise with shells of other almonds with a similar volume. Fake certificates were then obtained for the goods.

Dogs raise money

A CHARITY that promotes the protection of dogs and fights against abandonment hosted a dog surfing tournament last weekend, which also included dog shows and exhibitions.

From May 20 ­ 21, the second European Dog Surfing Championship took place on Salinas beach in Castrillón, Asturias.

The dog­friendly charity aimed to promote strengthening the bond between people and dogs through play, and also campaign against abandonment.

The event, organised by

Maratondog and Dingonatura in collaboration with Castrillón Town Council, was a charity event. Winners of the championship chose which animal shelters across Spain would benefit from the 5,000 food donations from Dingonatura.

The organiser of the competition and director of events, Manuel Calvo commented: “After the success and feedback from last year, we decided to continue with a second edition of the championship that we are sure everyone will remember.”

Three arrested for kidnap scam

THREE people have been arrested in Zaragoza for a virtual kidnap attempt on a family living in Ibiza.

The scam is put into action when one of the scammers contacts a person saying a family member has been kidnapped. The message includes a voice in the background saying for example, “Mum I need your help.”

The scammers then ask the victim’s family for an amount to free the kidnapped person. In the case of the family in Ibiza the amount was €11,000. Of course, a kidnap hasn’t taken place, it is all an elaborate hoax. Police are said to be investigating 20 complaints in Aragon of a similar scam.

During the call, the scammer doesn’t allow time for the person to check out the story and demands that the ransom is paid quickly through a money transfer online. Police have advised people if they receive such calls to make an excuse to hang up. It’s also important not to give any personal or bank details.

Almonds were imported.

Adventurer’s record stay

SCIENCE teacher Chris Cameron, a 53­yearold adventurer, is embarking on a two­month solo expedition to Rockall, a desolate islet located deep in the Atlantic Ocean.

In his quest to break the record for the longest occupation of this inhospitable lump of granite, Cameron will set sail for Rockall this week, where he plans to spend 60 days on a small ledge raising money for charity.

The lump of granite in question is situated northwest of Scotland and is permanently exposed to the elements making the decision to do this challenge over the summer months

wise, or maybe just a little less crazy.

Rockall is located around 230 miles from the nearest inhabited place in the Outer Heb Rockall has bountiful fishing grounds and has seen ongoing territorial disputes between Ireland and the UK, with British ownership established in 1955. Mr Cameron hopes to beat the previously held record of 45 days set by Nick Hancock from Edinburgh, in 2014. Hancock had also planned to last 60 days on the islet, but bad weather conditions caused him to lose essential supplies and necessitated an early end to his stay.

Avoiding speeding ticket

UK Home Secretary Suella

Braverman has been accused of asking civil servants for special treatment to avoid a ticket or fine it has been claimed. Labour called for an investigation on Saturday, May 20.

Braverman has been accused of asking for a private speed awareness course, a one­off measure that ‘retrains’ drivers rather than giving them a direct penalty. The speed awareness

course is only available once every three years, so a second penalty within that time frame would result in a ticket and fine.

Ms Braverman was accused of first consulting civil servants who refused to help her, and then asking course providers who also turned her down, eventually having to accept three points on her licence. She had allegedly petitioned for a private 1­to­1 session or a video course in

which she could turn her camera off and use a false name. She was thought to have had concerns about being recognised.

A Tory MP reported that Ms Braverman asked on her first day in parliament whether she could claim a speeding ticket as an expense. The Cabinet Office has declined to comment on this latest misdemeanour as the Home Secretary continues to agitate opponents.

SHOCKWAVES have reverberated throughout Serbia when two mass shootings occurred within days of each other earlier this month. However, what followed has been a wave of outrage and a call for change.

Tens of thousands took to the streets of Belgrade, joined by smaller rallies across the country, united

under the banner ‘Serbia Against Violence’. Their message was clear: an end to the pervasive culture of violence believed to have contributed to the tragic incidents in Belgrade on Wednesday, May 3 and Mladenovac on Thursday, May 4.

While the government downplayed the protests, both demonstrators and au­

thorities have found common ground on the issue of gun control.

President Aleksandar Vucic swiftly announced a “general disarmament”, implementing a month ­ long amnesty for illegal weapons.

Severe consequences were warned for those defying the gun permit requirements.

The response to the disarmament initiative was largely positive.

According to a report released on Wednesday, May 17, within just two days on the initiative, more guns

and ammunition were surrendered than in the three previous amnesties combined.

However, protests continue over the issue of a deeper culture of violence.

Volcanic ash rains down

VOLCANIC ash fell from the sky on the Italian island of Sicily on Sunday, May 21, after Mount Etna erupted again.

According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, this occurred in at least one town located on the slopes of Europe’s most active volcano. Residents of Catania, eastern Sicily’s largest city, also found ash raining down on them.

As a result of reduced visibility, officials at the island’s Catania Airport grounded all flights. The weather in Sicily was already wet and cloudy so the materials thrown up by the volcano only added to the murky skies.

A post on the facility’s

Facebook page read: “Catania Airport: operations suspended until tomorrow morning, Monday May 22. Any updates will be communicated in due time.”

Sunday’s eruption should not have come as a surprise to anybody in Sicily. An alert was issued on Thursday May 18 by Italy’s Civil Protection Agency. It warned residents of possible ‘sud­

IN a disturbing turn of events, the greatnephew of France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, was brutally assaulted in an apparent politically motivated attack.

Jean­Baptiste Trogneux fell victim to antigovernment protesters in Amiens shortly after President Emmanuel Macron’s televised address about the country’s hugely unpopular pension reforms on Monday, May 15.

The vicious attackers mercilessly targeted Jean­Baptiste Trogneux, causing severe injuries to his head, arms, and legs.

den’ variations’ in Etna’s mood after increased seismic activity was registered in recent days.

Etna is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and towers impressively above the Mediterranean holiday destination at a height of 3,330 metres (10,925 ft).

The last major eruption however was back in 1992.

Targeting violence Crossing the line

President Macron swiftly condemned the assault as “unacceptable”, saying that violence has no place in a democracy. Brigitte Macron also stood in solidarity with her family, vehemently denouncing the attackers for their cowardice and brutality.

Local authorities announced on Wednesday, May 17 that eight suspects who fled the scene have been arrested thanks to intervention from members of the public.

MOUNT ETNA: The airport had to ground all flights.

Credit: Austin Ingram - US Navy/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

FOREIGN embassies in Beijing, including European embassies, have been instructed to remove what China’s foreign ministry calls “politicised propaganda” from their buildings according to reports released on Wednesday, May 17.

It is believed that this directive is aimed at the Ukrainian flags proudly displayed by several missions as a show of solidarity following Russia’s invasion. The notice, issued earlier this month, cautioned against placing provocative displays on the exterior walls of embassy buildings that could incite disputes between nations.

The UK, Canadian, US, and EU embassies, along with others, have been exhibiting the Ukrainian flag as a symbol of support. Embassies often display flags or banners to express solidarity with var­

Flag fiasco

ious countries or causes, such as the LGBTQ+ Pride flag.

However, at least one diplomat told Reuters that their mission has no intention of complying with the request.

China’s stance on the Russia­Ukraine conflict has drawn attention. While Western nations have condemned Russia’s actions, China, a staunch ally of Moscow, has remained notably silent.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has attempted to position himself as a mediator in the conflict while openly expressing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Race against nature

ITALY’S northern Emilia­Romagna region has been plunged into chaos as torrential rains triggered catastrophic flooding, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The deluge has claimed the lives of nine individuals, with several others still missing. Desperate scenes unfolded as 10,000 residents were forced to evacuate, some desperately clinging to their rooftops until rescue helicopters swooped in on rescue missions.

The flooding caused fourteen rivers to burst their banks, submerging 23 towns in the region. Landslides have severed crucial roads, isolating communities and exacerbating the already dire situation.

The devastation came just days before the Emilia­Romagna F1 Grand Prix, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 20, which had to be cancelled.

With further rain on the horizon, Emilia­Romagna has

braced itself for the possibility of more devastation. Regional President Stefano Bonaccini has spoken out, urging residents to steer clear of rivers and seek shelter on higher ground.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also chaired a crisis meeting and expressed gratitude to the brave rescuers risking their lives to save others. Volunteers have flocked to the region to provide support to overwhelmed emergency services.

Birthday bash

TORREVIEJA U3A

Event’s Team are proud to announce their summer party on Friday, June 16.

Expect an exciting evening filled with fun to celebrate His Majesty King Charles III’s official birthday.

Bookings are now being taken and it is advised to grab your tickets early as there is limited seating.

Enjoy a glass of cava on arrival, a choice of BBQ options and desserts. With a raffle offering fun prizes and amazing entertainment delivered by Johnny Scott, it is an event not to be missed.

The fun takes place on Friday, June 16, from 7.00pm until late at the Lakeside Restaurant, C. Toledo, 16, 03170 Cdad. Quesada, Alicante.

For more information, email: torreviejau3aso cialteam@gmail.com

Rock Against Cancer

Anna Ellis

ON Tuesday, May 30, Rock Against Cancer will be holding an event at the Stagger Inn in Rojales followed by another at the Oasis Bar in Benijofar on June 6. Both events will raise money with the help of local businesses and both bars.

Rock Against Cancer will also be holding its first event at Cerveceria Dsas3 in Los Palacios on June 20, followed by another event at Stagger Inn on June 27.

An event definitely not to be missed is the Rock

Against Cancer concert which is being held on September 8 and 9 in Torrevieja.

Tickets are now available, prices are €20 a day or €35 for the two days before the event. Tickets can be bought at any

Chinese Legacy

charity event or online at www.rockagainstcancer.e

s Every fortnight leading up to the concert the charity is running a Spin the Wheel, where the prize for the lucky number will be two weekend tickets for the Rock Against Cancer concert in September. Contact any one of the stall holders to get a Spin the Wheel number. Numbers are from 1 ­ 50 and tickets are €5.

The first spin will be on Friday, May 26 at 7.00pm on Facebook.

Learn the lingo

ARE you struggling to learn the lingo? Do you need to practise your Spanish?

The best way to learn is to practise with native speakers who in turn can practise their English with you. With free entry there is no excuse not to join the international commu­

nity for a Language Exchange, Intercambio de Idiomas, on Tuesday evenings at 7.00pm at the Robin’s Irish Pub on Calle Virgen del Socorro, 66, 03002 in Alicante. For more information pop in to the bar or call (+34) 632 777 678.

STUDIO32 Musical Theatre

Company are delighted to announce their show Hello Dolly will be on at the Cardenal Beluga Theatre in San Fulgencio, from Wednesday, May 31 until Saturday, June 3.

Any group who books 10 or more tickets for the Wednesday or Thursday night performances will get a €2 refund on

THE exhibition, The Legacy of the Qin and Han Dynasties, China is a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of China through the exhibition of impressive terracotta figures of warriors and horses, some of which date back to the third century BC.

These masterpieces of Chinese art are a showcase of the skill and ingenuity of the ancient artists of the Qin and Han dynasty, who created these incredible figures to accompany their leaders in the afterlife.

The exhibition presents a selection of figurines, as well as other objects from the period, such as ceramics and bronzes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the culture, politics and daily life of ancient China.

The exhibition is a unique experience for all history and art lovers, and is a chance to appreciate one of the great wonders of the world, don’t miss this opportunity to travel back in time and immerse yourself in China’s rich history!

For more information, head to the website: www.marqalicante.com, email: info@marqali cante.com , or call (+34) 965 149 000.

The exhibition can be viewed until January 2024 at The Archaeological Museum of Alicante, located at Plaza Dr Gomez Ulla, S/N, 03013.

HelloDolly

each ticket on production of their ticket receipt at front of the house on the night of the performance.

The more tickets sold, the more the theatre company can give to local charities. Since

its inception in 2013, the group have contributed over €40,000 to local charities.

To book tickets online for the show visit the website www.studiothirtytwo.org, email: tickets@studiothirty two.org or call Linda on (+34) 679 062 272.

Those unsure of how to use the booking system can call in at The Post Box in Dona Pepa, or Quesada Tech where someone will be on hand to assist you with booking tickets.

You can also head along to one of the rehearsals at Casa Contenta in Rojales on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm where someone will be available to assist you.

The history of China.

Image: El Museo Arqueologico de Alicante

Studio32 will entertain.

Image: Studio32 Musical Theatre Company

Image: Rock Against Cancer

Vatican gate breach

A MAN was arrested by officers protecting the Vatican after rushing through a gate before finally coming to a halt in a palace courtyard.

At around 8pm on Thursday, May 18, in Rome, a 40year ­ old unnamed man breached Vatican security when he drove his car into a palace courtyard, according to a local news source.

It is understood that the driver of the vehicle was suffering from psychiatric problems.

A statement issued on behalf of the Vatican reported that a car sped through a Vatican gate, and past Swiss Guards.

Despite the efforts of Vatican gendarmes, who fired at the vehicle’s front tyres, the driver failed to stop and continued into the San Damaso Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace.

Once the car had come to a halt the driver got out and was immediately seized by security officers. The driver

was believed to be in his 40s and was alleged to be in a ‘serious state of psychophysical alteration.’

The incident happened after 8pm at the Santa Anna gate, which is one of the major routes to the Vatican City State.

Visitors are allowed access to St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums during business hours, other areas are strictly off­limits to members of the public, especially after nightfall.

Tight security surrounds

the Apostolic Palace, which is guarded 24 hours a day by Swiss Guards and gendarmes who guard certain areas.

Pope Francis’ residence is on the other side of Vatican City at the Santa Marta Hotel, and at the time the incident occurred he would normally be expected to be enjoying dinner before retiring for the evening.

It was not revealed if the Pope was anywhere in the vicinity when the event occurred.

SWISS GUARDS: Tight security surrounds the Vatican.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Shook up

SEISMOLOGISTS could not understand why they recorded minor tremors on the Danish island of Bornholm on May 13. They called the recordings “acoustic pressure waves” and after ruling out earthquakes and explosions as the source, now believe that “some unknown atmospheric event” is the only answer.

THE NETHERLANDS

Short read

CHILDREN'S reading skills have deteriorated faster in the Netherlands than other countries, education experts found. They concluded that lessons missed during the pandemic were unlikely to be the only cause and believe the short texts used in Dutch schools do not prepare pupils for longer passages in literacy texts.

BELGIUM

On mute

BELGIAN workers now have the legal right to switch off their work phones outside working hours without fear of complaints from their employer. The new regulations apply only to firms with 20 or more employees and excludes those working in emergency services or the aviation sector.

GERMANY

Print job

HEIDELBERG will boast Europe’s largest 3Dprinted building, which will be 54 metres long, 11 metres wide and nine metres high. The ground-breaking project, which commenced on March 31 this year and should be completed by late July, will eventually house an IT company’s cloud and data centre.

FRANCE

Green scheme

FRANCE is promoting green initiatives and tax credits to attract billions of euros in investment, boosting French industry and countering Biden’s $369 billion (€422.3 billion) Green Plan. Measures include linking subsidies for electric vehicles to environmental restrictions that favour European manufacturers.

NORWAY

Wedded bliss

MORE couples are marrying in Norway and staying together longer than in the past, with approximately 21,000 people formalising their partnerships in 2022, an increase of 4,700 compared to 2021, the Norwegian Statistics Agency said. Although 17,000 spouses separated, this was the lowest number since the 80s.

FINLAND

War-torn

FINLAND awaits news regarding the European Union’s position regarding Russians who fled the country to avoid conscription. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) said 1,109 Russian citizens so far have sought asylum in Finland to avoid being called up to fight in the Ukraine war.

IRELAND

Cool it

JIM CHAMBERS, 62, and Stephen Cole, 40, who operate rival ice cream vans, appeared at Falcarragh District Court (County Donegal), the pair accused of fighting over the same beachside pitch. Both faced breach of the peace charges but were let off after agreeing to put aside hostilities for the summer.

ITALY

Fewer babies

FOR the first time, the number of annual births fell below 400,000 in Italy, averaging 1.25 babies per woman, official figures for 2022 revealed. The replacement rate is now negative, with the number of deaths currently exceeding the number of births, with 12 people dying for every seven babies born.

PORTUGAL

Home again

DOZENS of European Jewish community leaders attended a conference on communal strategies in Porto, whose 1,000-strong Jewish community has tripled in recent years. This was partly thanks to a 2015 law giving Portuguese citizenship to descendants of Jews expelled during the Inquisition, which began in 1536.

UKRAINE

Grain deal

AGREEMENT has been reached on extending by two months the deal allowing grain exports from Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea. The agreement between Ukraine and Russia, signed last year and brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, would otherwise have expired on May 19.

SWEDEN

Smoke-free

SWEDEN could become one of the world's first ‘smoke-free’ countries, with less than 5 per cent of the adult population smoking. With smoking rates falling from 15 to 5.6 per cent over the past 15 years, it is on course to reach this milestone within months, 17 years ahead of the EU's 2040 target.

STAT OF WEEK €1.4 billion

will go to Spain’s rolling stock manufacturer for supplying a second delivery of 56 trains under the contract it signed with Germany’s rail operator Deutsche Bahn in 2019.

BUSINESS EXTRA Sorry about that

Tasty pasty

GREGGS announced that sales have increased by 17 per cent over the last year, saying its products remained “compelling” to customers in the cost ­ of ­ living crisis. The bakery chain, which first opened in Newcastle in 1951, opened 63 new shops this year and extended some opening hours.

Defence gambit

AEROSPACE, defence and security company, Escribano Mechanical & Engineering, acquired 3 per cent of Indra, Spain’s leading IT and defence systems multinational. The €65 million transaction makes Escribano’s Indra’s second industrial partner and strengthens its presence in the Defence sector.

Winter duels

STRIKES wiped out more than 2.8 million working days in the UK during the ‘winter of discontent’, with 566 lost in March alone, official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed. Industrial action between October 2022 and the end of March was the worst since 1989, the ONS said.

Main concern

DESPITE the cost of living crisis, 30 per cent of Spanish consumers are more concerned about sustainability than price, EY consultants found. The tendency to take environmental factors into consideration before looking at price tags was usually generational, and more common amongst the young, researchers said.

Helping hand

FAMILY members spent £38 billion (€43.76 billion) on assisting relatives over the last five years, according to a survey by insurance firm SunLife. The most common reason amongst the over ­ 50s was helping their children to buy a house, with 26 per cent contributing an average of £26,680 (€30,730).

Linda Hall

THE European Commission (EC) gave the go­ahead to Microsoft’s $69 billion (€63.21 billion) merger with Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard.

Brussels made the proviso that Microsoft had to ensure that Activision’s game catalogue was freely available on other cloud gamestreaming providers over the next 10 years.

The decision was announced weeks after the merger was blocked by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), whose chief executive Sarah Cardell defended the watchdog’s earlier decision.

It was not her intention to

Game on, Brussels says

countable” regulator, maintaining the English Channel had never seemed wider for attracting businesses.

“There’s a clear message here, the EU is a more attractive place to start a business than the UK,” Smith declared.

HUW PILL, the Bank of England’s top economist, apologised for suggesting that people should accept they were poorer.

create a hostile environment for businesses in the UK, Cardell told MPs a day after the European Commission approved the merger.

The CMA wanted to “create and support” the best conditions for competition, enabling companies big and small to thrive, she insisted.

REPSOL and Italian energy company Eni could begin importing Venezuelan gas and gas condensates by June.

The news was announced by Pedro Tellechea, president of state­run Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), who confirmed that both companies wanted to increase the volume of their operations inside the Latin American country.

The agreement increases Europe’s supply options in the context of the energy crisis created by the Ukraine war, while bringing investment and royalties to Venezuela’s beleaguered economy.

The deal will allow Repsol and Eni to concentrate on their Perla gas field, a joint project located in the Cardon IV block in the Gulf of Venezuela. Regarded as having ‘enormous potential’, the offshore operation has increased activities reccently, up 30 per cent on 2019.

Apollo backs off

PRIVATE equity firm Apollo abandoned its £1.66 billion (€1.91 billion) takeover of the oil and gas services company, Wood Group.

The Aberdeen­based company said earlier that it would “engage” with Apollo’s final offer of 240p (€2.76) per share, after rejecting four earlier proposals which it said were too low.

Instead the New York firm announced on Monday May 15 that it would not make another offer for the business, two days before the deadline for making a firm bid or turning its back on the deal.

The European regulators said the commitments offered by Microsoft and Activision to maintain competition provided significant benefits for competition and consumers.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s vice­chairman Brad Smith referred to the UK’s “unac­

“Global innovators will take note that, despite all its rhetoric, the UK is clearly closed for business,” Smith had said following the CMA’s decision to block in April.

Microsoft and Activision are currently setting up legal team to challenge the UK ruling.

Gas from Venezuela

stepped up sanctions against Venezuela.

Washington hopes this will encourage Nicolas Maduro’s government ­ regarded as a dictatorship ­ to allow more political freedom inside the country.

“Economic projects like these benefit both Europe and Venezuela,” said EU’s High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

Censured by unions, businesses and the public, Pill’s critics included his own chief, the governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey, who said the economist’s choice of words “was not right.”

“If I had the chance again, I would use somewhat different words to describe the challenges we all face,” Pill said.

“Although we have some difficult messages to bring. I will try to bring them in a way that is perhaps less inflammatory than maybe I managed in the past.”

Google’s Spanish profits

GOOGLE SPAIN made a €44.7 million profit in 2021, a 79.5 per cent increase on 2020.

Income rose to €214 million, 44 per cent more than during the previous year, thanks to increased demand for the company’s services, according to Google Spain’s accounts filed with the Registro Mercantil.

The Venezuela exports also required US State Department authorisation as its oil­for­debt arrangement was halted two years ago when Washington

No quick solution

MARGHERITA DELLA VALLE, Vodafone’s new chief executive, confirmed on May 16 that the company would “strategically review” the future of Vodafone España.

The telecoms company faced stiff competition in a country that was “obviously very complicated,” Della Valle acknowledged on the same day that she announced worldwide staff reductions of 11,000, approximately 10 per cent of Vodafone’s workforce.

She was reluctant to specify whether this review envisaged a sale of Vodafone Spain, as analysts already suspect.

“We cannot jump to conclusions about the steps we will take,” she said, while admitting that there were no quick solutions for Vodafone’s Spanish business.

The company had a turnover of €3.9 billion in its fiscal year that ended on March 31, a 6.5 per cent reduction on the previous fiscal year’s €4.18 billion.

“Venezuela is at present burning gas it cannot use, although its gas is not subject to sanctions, only oil,” he told news source last month. “It is one of the countries that produces the most methane but this is benefiting nobody, while in the EU we need gas,” Borrell said.

Up for sale

THE Center Parcs chain of holiday villages has been put up for sale by its owners, the Canadian private equity firm Brookfield.

The company, which bought the business for approximately £2.4 billion (€2.77 billion) in 2015, expects to raise between £4 and £5 billion (€4.61 and €5.76 billion), the Financial Times said.

Center Parcs real estate was independently valued at £4.1 billion (€4.7 billion) in April and Brookfield has also spent £100 million (€115.19 million) on technology upgrades.

Revenues for the year ending April 21, 2022, reached £503.4 million (€571.9), with £245.6 million (€282.9) profits returning the company to the black following 20202021’s pandemic losses.

As is habitual with US technology multinationals who operate abroad, these figures do not reflect the company’s real business in this country.

Google Spain registers its sales in Ireland and only takes into account earnings from marketing and support services to Google Ireland and research and development services for Google LLC.

Bank offers

SPANISH banks continue to vie with each other to attract new customers.

Banco Santander, for instance, promotes online accounts by paying €50 for each recommendation resulting in a new customer whose salary is paid directly to the bank.

The new customer also receives €150 thanks to this offer which ends on June 12.

Another Santander offer, which continues until June 30, pays €150 to new customers who open an account and pay in a monthly salary of at least €600. This rises to €350 for salaries of more than €2,500.

SARAH CARDELL: Defended CMA’s opposal to MicrosoftActivision Blizzard merger.

VENEZUELA: Huge gas deposits will help to ease Europe’s energy crisis.

Photo credit: CC/British Government

Photo credit: Luis Noguera for PDVSA

DOW JONES

No break

SEAT plans to take on 900 temporary workers between June and September to ensure that production need not be affected during the holiday period. Above all, this should prevent the Martorell (Barcelona) factory from having to close in August and allow the plant to produce an additional 14,000 cars, principally the Cupra Fomentor model.

Going up

CURRYS increased its annual earnings outlook following better­than­anticipated sales across the UK after initially reducing its full­year prediction to £104 million (€120 million). The electrical goods retailer adjusted its forecast and now expects pre­tax profits of between £110 million (€126.8 million) and £120 million (€138 million) for the 12 months ending on April 29.

Royal Mail in red

ROYAL MAIL reported a £1 billion (€1.15 billion) loss for the year ending March 26.

Bosses blamed industrial action by employees and a failure to increase productivity during 12 months in which 10,000 jobs were cut.

International Distributions Services (IDS), Royal Mail’s owner, announced an overall loss of £748 million (€869 million) compared with a £577 million (€861 million) profit a

Home comforts

WORKING from the office should be employees’ default mode, according to the UK’s Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt.

Speaking on Wednesday May 17 to business leaders attending the British Chamber of Commerce conference in London, Hunt said that he believed working from home could stifle creativity.

He added that he felt firms were gradually reversing the shift to teleworking that began during the Covid ­

19 pandemic.

Despite the Chancellor’s conviction that employees would return to offices “unless they had a good reason not to,” flexibility was a top reason why employees accepted new jobs, post ­ Covid research confirmed.

In deciding between jobs with similar pay or benefits, the opportunity to work flexibly could become a deciding factor, investigators found.

Wind power

7

year earlier.

IDS said Royal Mail was in the red mainly due to strikes by “unionised staff” over pay and working conditions. This unrest ultimately led to the departure of Royal Mail’s chief executive Simon Thompson who resigned on May 12 after only two years in the post, although he will remain until October as IDS seeks a fourth chief executive in as many years.

Royal Mail’s owners also attributed the postal service’s losses to its “inability to deliver the in ­ year benefits of planned productivity improvements.”

Although the company has finally thrashed out a deal which the union agreed to put to its membership in April, Royal Mail has been affected by the consequences of a drop in demand for Covid test deliveries. There was also a dip in delivering online shopping, which had flourished during the pandemic.

ARDIAN, a leading private investment company, agreed to sell for an undisclosed sum its ASR Wind portfolio of 12 windfarms as well as a hybrid solar energy plant, to Naturgy, the Spanish renewable energy group. The windfarms, which are located in several regions across Spain and have 422MW of installed capacity, were all built between 2005 and 2012.

Boo-hoo!

ONLINE fast fashion retailer Boohoo.com plunged almost £91 million (€105 million) into the red as annual sales dived and the retailer had to cope with higher levels of returned products.

The label aimed at the 16 ­ 30 age group announced that sales fell 11 per cent to £1.8 billion (€2.1 billion) in the year ending on February 28.

POSTAL SERVICE: £1 billion (€1.15 billion) loss for last fiscal year.

BUSINESS EXTRA

All change

BRITISH American Tobacco’s finance director Tadeu Marroco took over immediately after the announcement of his appointment as new chief executive. Marroco, who has worked for the tobacco giant since 1992, replaces boss Jack Bowles, who stepped down after four years as CEO and 20 with the company.

Cloud cover

CAIXABANK and Google

Cloud signed an agreement to speed up the Catalan bank’s digital transformation. Under the deal the bank will use the cloud to boost data analysis technologies in the coming years while creating new products and services by personalising its commercial offer.

Worse off

BRITONS’ overall wealth fell to a 10­year low as a third had to dip into their savings over the last year, taking out an average of £3,500 (€4,033). More than half told LifeSearch insurance firm’s Health, Wealth and Happiness 2023 Index that they were worse off financially than last year.

Cheap labour

WOMEN residents born outside Spain account for 6 per cent of the population but occupy 160,000 ­ 44 per cent ­ of the 368,000 new jobs that were created over the last year. They earn an average €11,800 pre­tax, lower than the minimum wage and less than half the national average.

Course work

OVERHAULING apprenticeships would help to kickstart the economy, Tesco chief Ken Murphy said. Despite a huge increase in the number of courses equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree between 2014 and 2022, courses equivalent to GCSEs had plummeted by 70 per cent, Murphy pointed out.

Negotiation needed

STELLANTIS, which manufactures Vauxhall and Fiat vehicles in the UK, called on the government to renegotiate Brexit rules.

“The UK must reconsider its trading arrangements with Europe,” Stellantis told a House of Commons enquiry.

Not doing so could mean closing some UK operations and endangering thousands of jobs, said the world’s fourth­biggest carmaker, which also produces Citroën and Peugeot vehicles.

Two years ago, Stellantis declared that the future of its plants in Ellesmere Port and Luton were assured, but it now warns that it can no longer meet Brexit trade deal requirements.

These stipulate that 45 per cent of

the value of a vehicle’s components should be sourced in the UK or the EU by 2024, but the manufacturer can no

Aussie takeover

longer comply with these conditions, owing to an increase in the cost of the raw materials used for electric car batteries.

This means the electric vans made at the Ellesmere Port plant will face 10 per cent tariffs when exported to mainland Europe in 2024 as they will have too few locally­sourced parts.

This would put the future of the plant in question, the company said.

Ellesmere Port, where electric vehicle production is due to start later this year, provides jobs for 1,000 workers, while another 1,200 make Vauxhall and Fiat vans in Luton.

Thousands more work in UK businesses dependent on the plants.

Rafa hits a winner

TENNIS legend Rafael Nadal is as successful off the court as on it.

The Mallorca ­ born sportsman’s investments in several companies made an €11.4 million profit ­ a 104 per cent increase ­ in 2021 via his Aspemir company, according to accounts submitted to Spain’s Registro Mercantil, equivalent to the UK’s Companies House.

Nadal owns, or has invested in, companies in the sports, real estate, hotels, renewable energy and brokerage sectors. He is involved in Netflix series like Soy Georgina and La Marquesa through Mabel Capital, in which he has a 33.3 per cent holding.

This company has also built luxury apartments in Madrid and owns restaurants in Madrid, Ibiza and Valencia as well as six other cities outside Spain, together with projects in the Costa del Sol, Portugal and California.

The holding company’s turnover improved by 15 per cent to €20.75 million, of which €12.6 million originated outside Spain.

The 2021 result also profited from currency fluctuations to the tune of €3.3 million.

THE GMB union wants the government to intervene if Australian banking group Macquarie gains control of a vital section of the UK’s gas grid.

The Macquarie Asset Management­British Columbia Investment Management Corporation consortium acquired 60 per cent of the equity in National Grid’s gas transmission and meter business in a £7.5 billion (€8.6 billion) deal last January. This covers 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometres) of gas pipes.

According to a UK news source, a clause in the deal allows the consortium first refusal to buy the remaining 40 per cent later this year.

Digi digs in

Aspemir’s principal holding is the Centre Esportiu Manacor, which runs the facilities and accommodation linked to the Rafa Nadal Academy. Centre Esportiu Manacor had a turnover of €19.7 million, a 40.9 per cent year­on­year increase, in 2021, and showed a profit of €2.3 million.

Taxed to death

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE, one of Britain’s richest men, warned that the UK government’s windfall tax could destroy the North Sea’s oil and gas industry.

“Taxes are so high that profits no longer fund future investments,” the Ineos chemicals group founder told a UK news

source.

The government resorted to ‘primitive politics’ when Rishi Sunak, who was Chancellor at the time, put an extra 25 per cent tax on industry profits following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This was later raised to 35 per cent by Jeremy Hunt, who took over as Chancellor.

Ratcliffe argued that the levy ­ in effect a 75 per cent tax on North Sea profits which helps to fund government support schemes for household fuel bills ­ jeopardised the energy industry. No thought was given to the long­term consequences of this “tax it to death” concept he said.

Knotty Banco Popular tangle

THE European Central Bank (ECB) had never expressed concerns about the situation of the defunct Banco Popular.

José María Sanz Olmeda, a PwC audit partner who examined the Banco Popular books between 2009 and 2015, told an investigating National High Court judge that he detected “no anomalies” during this period. Meanwhile, the ECB decided on June 6, 2017 that Banco Popular was “failing or likely to fail” and noti­

fied the Single Resolution Board. According to the financial daily, Cinco Dias, legal sources familiar with the proceedings maintained that this was one of the cases “most relevant testimonies.”

This, they say, could clarify contradictions in various reports from expert witnesses regarding whether or not the Banco Popular should have reflected losses before the 2016 capital increase of more than €2.5 billion.

SPAIN’S mobile phone operators announced their first quarter accounts in a period that was dominated by fierce competition from the low­cost segment.

Romania ­ based Digi again demonstrated its strength compared with the bigger companies’ modest growth while the sector is at fever pitch owing to the MasMovil­Orange merger and the Vodafone crisis.

Digi, meanwhile, increased its earnings by 29.4 per cent to €143.3 million, owing to its aggressively low tariffs. At the same time, the company’s commercial aggressiveness also reduced the average spend per client by 4.1 per cent to €9.3.

Kid glove treatment

NEW regulations coming into force on July 31 will ensure that people receive better treatment from companies providing them with financial products.

Banks, building societies, insurers, investment firms and other businesses have been warned to prepare for one of the UK’s biggest­ever consumer­finance upheavals. The Financial Conduct Authority’s new regime will see the introduction of the ‘consumer duty’, which sets higher and clearer standards of protection, while explicitly requiring companies to put customers’ needs first.

The FCA want the initiative to produce ‘good outcomes’ for consumers, with reduced call­waiting times and an end to rip­off fees.

FIAT VANS: Manufactured by Stellantis in Luton.

RAFAEL NADAL: Savvy businessman as well as a tennis champion.

Photo credit: Flickr/Tanya Cicconte

TRULY don’t quite know where to start this week. So much has occurred I would need a couple of pages to achieve some kind of completion.

It actually started out with a number of letters (some obviously not for publication) thanking me for using subject matter that would simply not be allowed in the woke infested PC society that has now impregnated the UK.

One missive from a friend informed me that were my views publicised in a UK national I could be expecting a ‘knock on the door’­ What! Some PC authority knocking on my door presumably to threaten me for doing nothing more than applying my totally lawful freedom of speech?

Don’t scoff; I’m utterly convinced that if Starmer’s lot finishes up in Downing Street there will undoubtedly be an Orwellian department created to impose this devious control. The diversity dealers are already ensconced among the media hierarchy and they are not even in power yet.

The casting and presentation of TV programmes has now gone completely off the non­equality scale. Mixed mar­

Where to start

riage contestants are now being featured in a totally disproportionate number of quiz shows.

These special quizzers must be extremely difficult to find as the majority only actually make up 0.2 per cent of the population. Presentations such as ‘Rip Off Britain and ‘Front Line Fightback’ which are aimed at the seedier side of the UK, predominately feature the white populace appearing as investigators, victims and of course perpetrators.

Programmes displaying run down living accommodation and poorly treated tenants mainly depict nonwhite or immigrant residents. ‘Homes under the Hammer’ now primarily promotes property investors of non UK descent. If a news subject is considered ‘racist and possibly undermines black residents, it is given minimum coverage or ignored altogether.

This was exampled this week by the disgraceful attack on a fairly elderly teacher by a young black student after the teacher had confiscated his phone. Not only was he unassisted by any member of the now utterly brainwashed teenage youngsters that were

INVESTING IN PROPERTY CAN

REBECCA SERWOTKA ­ “We sell houses!

It’s what we do, it’s ALL we do!” Certified API Associate 00493. Your favourite local resale property expert, of Inmobiliaria Estate Agents in Ciudad Quesada. Prestige Award WINNER for Real Estate Agency Of The Year 2021/22 & 2022/23. Luxury Lifestyle Awards WINNER, Alicante Spain 2023.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a primary residence or an investment property, here are three top reasons why investing in real estate is beneficial to your financial future:

1. Potential for Appreciation: Real estate can appreciate in value over time, meaning that

present, but the attack was actually filmed by a number of his classmates. Naturally none of this was featured on the main news media, but a considerable number of disgruntled observations were prominent on social outlets.

Recently I was informed from a very highly placed source that large numbers of immigrant staff employed by hospitals are so low in understanding that they are actually affecting the running of many establishments. As bosses are unable to sack any at the risk of being accused of racism (or the knock on the door!) they are promoting them to different departments, (bit like the civil service!) which is resulting in whole organisations teetering on the brink of disaster.

If you honestly don’t consider the UK in the grip of a conspiracy to reshape the whole of British society, then I truly believe that these faceless people will one day take over the whole shebang. Assuming they haven’t already done so.

AS fewer people are required to wear masks in public places, so at least one Human Resources Department has come up with new advice for employers as how best to deal with those who still want to wear a mask for a variety of reasons.

Employees are to be advised that they should be tolerant of those continuing to wear masks, as to make fun of them or comment about their decision is an example of what is now termed mask shaming!

Indeed, they go as far as to insist that anyone who needs to speak to someone who is wearing a mask should put their own mask on as a mark of respect and understanding.

Whilst it is difficult to see what anyone could gain from teasing or criticising someone who wants to continue to wear a mask, it seems surprising that HR advisors should actually go into print to require this and at least one entity requires individual staff members to confirm in writing that they will comply with the instruction.

There is no doubt that HR guidance in many areas is very useful, especially as far as bullying in the workplace is concerned, but nowadays it almost seems that some of these apparent professionals are creating rules that really aren’t needed just to justify their position.

Interestingly, during times of global depression, HR advisors aren’t particularly needed as staff are generally anxious to keep their jobs or management who can’t see the point of employing them but in times of financial growth, with staff more mobile and difficult to retain, a good HR department is useful for both sides.

DECISION

the property may be worth more than what you initially paid for it. This appreciation can provide a significant return on investment when you decide to sell the property.

2. Cash Flow: Rental properties can generate steady cash flow from rental income. The rent you receive from tenants can cover your mortgage, property taxes, and other expenses while also generating passive income.

3. Future proof: Unlike any other forms of investment, real estate can’t be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away.

Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROCKY!

membered best about the show he shared two memorable events:

‘THE Rocky Horror Show’, the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world ­ its influence seen everywhere from Halloween costumes to references in movies, TV shows and books ­ is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Catch the sell­out special anniversary production at London’s Peacock Theatre!

Now, all my books are available in ebook/Apple Book/paperback and audiobook formats. But this wasn’t always so. Imagine my surprise when a well­known, celebrated British actor visiting Spain ­ Rayner Bourton, who in fact created the role of ‘Rocky’ in the original London productioncontacted me. He enjoyed reading my EWN column ­ especially my novels ­ and would I like him to record them as audiobooks?

With numerous TV/movie credits to his name, Rayner’s produced all my psychological suspense crime thrillers, each one expertly narrated with authentic accents. Listen yourself to free audio samples on Amazon/Audible of ‘Death in Windermere’ etc (my latest, ‘The Couple across the Street’, will soon be

available too!). Additionally, Rayner does considerable ‘voice over’ work, ‘voicing’ The Unseen Elder in ‘Witcher 3’, one of the world’s best­selling computer games.

When I recently asked Rayner what he re­

“After the first night performance at The Royal Court Theatre Upstairs the British Hollywood actor Vincent Price, who had appeared in countless horror movies and was in the audience, popped his head around the dressing room door and said in his unmistakable voice: “Thank you all very much” and disappeared as quickly as he arrived. He was the first of what would become a nightly procession of ‘star’ names to pop their heads around the dressing room door to offer congratulations and thanks for a truly unique theatrical experience.”

“While performing ‘Touch A Touch Me’ at the Theatre Upstairs (where our actual stage depth was less than three metres between the first row of the audience and the screen hiding the band), I was spinning around and around while holding Julie Covington (the original Janet) at arm’s length with her head inches from the floor while we were both singing the chorus when, over the music, I heard an enormous crack. I’d slightly got out of position and Julie’s head hit a concrete pillar, which was hidden by the screen. Julie just carried on singing and finished the perfor­

mance. The next day one side of her face was black and blue that make­up couldn’t disguise. My admiration for her professionalism and talent was and, remains, immense.”

Catch all Rayner’s unique, first­hand memories in his own audiobook/memoir: ‘The Rocky Horror Show: As I Remember It’.

One of the most enduring aspects of ‘Rocky’ is its music. The show’s score, composed by Richard O’Brien, features catchy, upbeat tunes instantly recognisable to fans. Songs like ‘Time Warp’, ‘Sweet Transvestite’ and ‘Science Fiction/Double Feature’ have become iconic in their own right and often performed at concerts and karaoke events. The show’s soundtrack has sold millions of copies worldwide and continues to be immensely popular with new generations of fans.

In brief, ‘Rocky’ has lasted because the music, lyrics and concepts are unique and the whole work was inspired by genius.

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.no ra­johnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

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

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

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

Inmobiliaria Estate Agents cements position as experts in Spanish

Luxury Real Estate with victory at Luxury Lifestyle Awards

LUXURY Lifestyle Awards

has announced the winners of its highly anticipated 2023 awards, and Inmobiliaria Estate Agents has claimed the title of Best Luxury Boutique Real Estate Brokerage in Alicante, Spain. The Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a globally recognised organisation that honours the best in luxury goods and services, and Inmobiliaria Estate Agents’ victory is a testament to their exceptional service and commitment to excellence.

Since 1989, Inmobiliaria Estate Agents has been a trusted name in the Spanish real estate industry. Founded by three of the topranked agents ­ Lyn Dallow, Tony Dallow, and Rebecca Serwotka, Inmobiliaria has become a leading power­

house in the real estate industry. As a family­owned business spanning three generations, they have a strong commitment to providing high­class customer care and service their community relies on. With such a longstanding reputation for excellence, buyers and

2023 AWARDS: The

sellers can trust they’re always in good hands.

Their team has over 100 years of combined estate agency experience in Spain, earning them the reputation of being trusted leaders in the Alicante region when it comes to selling or buying properties. Their journey be­

gan 34 years ago. Since then, Inmobiliaria has been providing exceptional service as an English family business of Professional Estate Agents in Ciudad Quesada, near Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.

Inmobiliaria offer a stressfree experience for clients looking to buy their dream home. Their process is simple and effective, with just three steps to owning your perfect property.

First, choose your ideal home from their exclusive portfolio of properties. Next, reserve your chosen property with the guidance of their expert team. Finally, move in and start living your dream!

In winning the Best Luxury Boutique Real Estate Brokerage in Alicante, Inmobiliaria

Estate Agents has solidified their position as the go­to experts in the region. With an unwavering commitment to integrity, service and a deep understanding of the market, they’ve earned and kept the trust of their clients.

Their victory in the Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a remarkable achievement and a clear indication of their leadership and innovation in the real estate industry. Congratulations to Inmobiliaria Estate Agents on this welldeserved recognition!

Working with them to sell your property has many benefits. Their expertise, personalised approach, extensive network, legal compliance, proven marketing techniques, and transparency make them the go­to ex­

perts in the region.

Due to their continued success in the resale market, Inmobiliaria now offer a dedicated luxury department known as ‘Selling Alicante!’ Offering coastal properties for sale from €500,000 +.

Selling your luxury home anywhere along the coast of Alicante or on the market with no offers? Contact sales@SellingAlicante.com

They have high­end clients, who are constantly seeking the epitome of luxury and sophistication.

Claim your reduced commission rate with this limited time offer of only 3 per cent to anyone listing their luxury home for sale in June 2023. Don’t miss this valuable deal!

Best Luxury Boutique Real Estate Brokerage in Alicante.

Are you sitting comfortably?

Linda Hall

NUMEROUS studies link poor health to a sedentary lifestyle.

Menopause game changer

A NEW non­hormonal drug will revolutionise menopause treatments.

As long ago as the 1950s a study found that bus drivers were twice as likely to have heart attacks as bus­conductors.

Since then, research has consistently tied prolonged sitting to multiple ailments, not least because this immobilises some of the body’s largest muscles, putting it into standby mode.

When sitting for long enough, the metabolism will slow, constricting circulation and affecting the ability to deal with glucose.

If sitting is unavoidable at work, keeping your computer screen at eye level and your feet flat on the floor will help, allowing you to keep your spine and hips in less painful positions. The simplest way to make a noticeable difference, though, is to get up every 15, 30 or 60 minutes.

The drug, fezolinetant, which acts directly on the brain to prevent hot flushes, was licensed in the US earlier this month and could be prescribed in the UK by the end of this year.

Made by Astellas Pharma, the medication could transform the misery that hot flushes cause for hundreds of thousands of women who are unable ­ or do not want ­ to use hormone replacement drugs (HRT).

“This is a completely blockbuster drug,” declared Prof Waljit Dhillo, an en ­

docrinologist at Imperial College London who headed 2017 trials which opened the door for developing the drug.

SEVERAL UK cancer charities want to see VAT removed from sunscreen.

This is classed as a cosmetic product, incurring a 20 per cent tax which adds an average £1.50 (€1.72) to the cost.

High­factor sunscreen should be free of VAT, the charities said. The cost of living crisis meant there are items which people now think twice about buying, and a survey by Melanoma Fo­

“It’s like a switch, the flushes go away in a day or two,” he told the UK media. “It’s unbelievable how well these drugs work.”

Sunscreen plea

cus found that 50 per cent believed sunscreen was too expensive.

Most skin cancers are caused by skin damage, the charity said, but few people realised that getting sunburnt just once every two years could triple the risk of skin cancer.

HOT FLUSHES: Revolutionary non-hormonal treatment.

Retrain a sweet tooth

SUBSTITUTING sugar with sweeteners does not assist weight loss, according to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) findings.

Using them could actually cause health problems, the WHO warned.

Their advice suggested that people should not turn to sweeteners like aspartame ­ routinely used in fizzy diet drinksif they wanted to lose weight or prevent diet­re­

lated diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Other popular sweeteners that were cited included saccharin and stevia, generally regarded as a healthier option.

Instead, they should consider eating foods with naturally occurring sugars, like fresh fruit, or switch to unsweetened foods and drinks.

The WHO based the new guidelines on a systematic review of evi ­

dence which concluded that non ­ sugar sweeteners did not confer any long ­ term benefits in reducing body fat in adults or children.

Too tired

A YOUGOV poll of 2,086 adults in the UK highlighted the obstacles that people face when aspiring to adopt, and stick to, healthy habits.

Many who wanted to exercise more, eat more wisely and lead a healthier lifestyle faced the problem of feeling too tired.

The YouGov survey found that tiredness stopped 35 per cent of people from making the changes to their diet and physical activity levels that would help them close the divide between good intentions and definite action.

Photo credit: Pexels/Mali Maeder

WHO ADVICE: Eat foods with naturally occurring sugars.

Dear Leapy LETTERS

Everything you said is absolutely true. Yes, you are totally free to say what you believe to be the case, but at what cost? If you said this in Britain your ability to continue earning a living would be made almost impossible. The direction Britain is heading is very frightening.

Keep up the fight.

Justice

Phillip Walker

Having happily lived in Spain since 2003 my wife suddenly and unexpectedly passed away a little over a year ago.

I need to return to the UK to be close to family but have to realise the equity from the house sale.

This is proving to be a huge problem despite numerous viewings.

The problem is three noisy dogs next door, when would­be buyers hear the dogs they immediately write the property off.

I have spoken to the neighbours on several occasions but they choose not to take action.

Can you please help me with this health threatening predicament.

Paul Greswolde

Good morning Lee

I know you often get flack for your printed views. I would like you to know that I look forward to Thursdays to hear your latest rant. I moved to Mallorca in 1997 and I did meet you a couple of times and have seen you perform several more.

I think it’s a pity you never moved in to politics. You have some great ideas.

Greetings from the Spanish Aragonés Mountains.

Bruce

Mrs Feelgood

Something seriously amiss within the BBC. All part of the conspiracy I sometimes mention. Onward all.

With thanks

Thank you very much indeed, again, for including our article, about Celebrating the Coronation, in last week’s EWN!

It was good of you to have included our article and is much appreciated.

Thank you for your continuing support, also much appreciated.

From a very soggy Moraira.

Warmest regards.

James Bond

who only payed him once. After Roger Moore I gave up, they just didn’t have the authenticity.

Naimah Yianni

Intruder arrested

How can you get arrested when you are on public property, not on private property? you can go and stand in any street anywhere surely? As long as you are not committing a crime then how can you be arrested? No sympathy for these idiots as it goes.

Life of Brian

Symbolic of his struggle against reality. Absolutely says it all. What is going on in our country. Now we have a theatre that wants to put on a play for a black audience, no whites allowed. God help us all and I am not religious.

John Little

Good evening,

It is wonderful to have our own regional newspaper ­ thank you. But, it would be nice to have the two motoring pages which you print in the Costa Blanca South edition.

Best regards Annie Busch

Dog attacks

Far too much of this is going on throughout the UK and Europe. Maltreated, fighting dogs that turn on their owners. I have no sympathy for the victim, only regret that the animal had to be destroyed. From my point of view, a huge crackdown on the breeders/owners of fighting dogs is long overdue.

Bob Saunders

Brexit fail

It must be something in the water, or the food, or the air. Or all three, to produce such brain­dead people. Sadly, though, Brexit was never about making the public more prosperous, only to bring more prosperity to a chosen few. And that doesn’t even appear to have been successful ­ yet.

Stephen Ashley

War on Wagner

Max, Aircrew Association

That makes it sound like Sean Connery only played Bond once, but it was George Lazenby

I as well as my guys were actually digesting the good ideas from your website then at once I had a terrible feeling I never expressed respect to you for those secrets. The men ended up for that reason warmed to read them and have really been enjoying them. Appreciation for actually being quite kind as well as for making a decision on certain amazing subject matter most people are really wanting to be informed on. My sincere regret for not expressing gratitude to you earlier.

Cornwell

Springtime dangers for dogs

Dog-sitter entertains Tilly

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. Tilly is a smart black Labrador who needs entertainment and challenge, not just physical exercise. Her dog­sitter knows she loves playing and they tease each other constantly. With the live­in dog­sitter her routine stays the same, and she is stimulated and entertained.

Dog central

SPRING arrives and many plants bloom and the high season for mosquitoes, fleas and ticks returns. Just like people, pets can have indoor and outdoor allergies that are exacerbated by the spring weather. Pollen, grass, flowers and weeds can increase and allergy symptoms may appear. Plant spikes can penetrate natural openings such as ears and noses causing serious problems.

Dogs enjoy nosing around.

With the return to activity of fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, care must be taken with diseases transmitted by them such as Ehrlichiasis and Leishmaniosis and also flea allergy dermatitis. It is important to use insecticides and repellents. Plants such as tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils can cause vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmia, respiratory difficulties and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Dogs and cats can get stung by wasps or bees during the spring and summer when they enjoy nosing around flowers in the garden or chasing flying insects.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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 How do you join?

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

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

Pet allergies

PETS can suffer from allergies just like you and me, especially dogs and cats. They tend to be determined by their genes and their breed but in the last 20 years, we have seen an increase in pet allergies. This increase is due to an increasingly artificial diet, and a polluted environment. The most common types of allergies in dogs and cats are atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and flea bite dermatitis.

If your dog is scratching more than usual and you notice redness in the folds of their skin, especially around their armpits and neck areas, their paws, and ears it is possible they have an allergy. They may also have conjunctivitis.

Cats tend to have more specific allergic reactions, it is also called Feline Cutaneous Atopic Syndrome. They can have respiratory

COMPLICATIONS: Cats can suffer from asthma.

complications like asthma, which is rare in dogs, and digestive or food atopic syndrome which basically means they have an intolerance to certain foods.

Some breeds of dogs are more likely to suffer from allergies like the French bulldog, the West Highland white terrier, the German

THE Ifema events, trade fair and congress centre in Madrid are hosting the 100x100mascota (100x100pets) show on May 27 and 28. This will be the 12th edition of the fair turning Madrid into the dog capital of the world. They expect to welcome around 3,000 dogs from more than 250 different breeds and more than 12,000 visitors.

Special guests at the event will be the Chongqing Dog, one of the rarest and most unknown breeds in the world. They have a long history in China and have become the symbol of the area of Chongqing in the southwest of the country.

The fair is aimed at dog lovers but also cats and pets in general as there will be 20 different breeds of cats such as Russian Blues, Persian and British shorthairs.

Fifty animal shelters will also be present at the fair as many people take their first steps to adopt a pet at this fair.

shepherd, and the golden retriever.

If you suspect your pet has an allergy their vet can help you determine if they do and then take steps to find the cause. They will then look for a treatment that can ease the symptoms like a hypoallergenic diet.

A dog-sitter cares for your pets at home.

AIR CONDITIONING

ALARMS

AIRPORT TRASNFERS

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

AIR CONDITIONING

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

CONSTRUCTION

BALUSTRADES

BLINDS

BUILDERS

BLINDS

BOILERS

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

GATES

GRILLS

LOCKSMITHS

REMOVALS & STORAGE

REMOVALS & STORAGE

ARCHITECT

Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablan ca.org (93323)

LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangeli calchurch.org (10005)

BUILDING SERVICES

J & J PAINTERS. Insideoutside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (1296232)

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

KENWOOD CentriFugal Juicer Excel IE850 €99ono. 628 860 606 (303013)

MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7@hotmail.com (294686)

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 email aecc_campello@hotmail. com (95475)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com.(10006)

FREEMASONRY . Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@ glpvalencia.com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja. com. We also have a 24hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA

PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459)

PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www.pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463)

ROYAL Air Force Association

Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org. uk Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION -

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant.secretary@rbl.communi ty

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkinspain@yahoo. co.uk (10004)

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorre vieja@aol.com (95455)

STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain

MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm –3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@ amscb.org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb. org.es (295976)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com for online quote. (303063)

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your lifedamaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa

Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorre vieja.org (95476)

CHARITY

Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branches.britishlegion.o rg.uk/branches/orihuela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co.uk. (95457)

(formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email strokesupportgroup@ hotmail.com , website: torre viejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.aca costablanca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465)

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461)

THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458)

THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)

THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiritualistcentre-benijo far.com . Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindrou te66@hotmail.com . Fiscal G54713789

ELECTRICIAN FOR SALE/WANTED

MR FIXIT . For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434

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

GOLD WANTED

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225 (301319)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATHROOM & KITCHEN

Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434.

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsurancein spain.com or email tracey@sosinsurancein spain.com (290139)

INTERPRETER MASSAGE

NEED HELP WITH SPANISH? British expat with 39 years’ experience offers translation/interpreter/teaching services. Tel: Gary 676 893 572 (302830)

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE , slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302439)

EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (302232)

CLASSIC SPANISH LADY , Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 40€. Ana 657 603 495 (302835)

ATTRACTIVE, Girlfriend, Professional Masseuse relaxing and therapeutic Masseuse. Tel: 693 357 526 (295448)

ANA SLIM ELEGANT LADY. PROFESSIONAL RELAXING TANTRIC AND PROSTATIC MASSAGE. ALICANTE. HOME VISITS ONLY 24HRS. TEL 697 207 715 (302917)

MATURE MALE GIVES SENSUAL RELAXING FULL BODY MASSAGE IN PLAYA FLAMENCA. WHATSAP 633 361 938 (302926)

TORREVIEJA Miriam. Gives relaxing body massage. Speak English. Call 604 382 799 (303524)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

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

MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905

PIANO , Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (302201)

INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (303488)

KAMAGRA Gold 100mg plus Kamagra Jellies. Collection or Delivery. ROY HAS A NEW TEL. - 613 584 915 (295447)

Male /Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 krugercanopies@ yahoo.co.uk (295010)

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033

or sales@easyhorsecare.net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, deflead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com (95708)

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spamasafor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain. com (291452)

FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC.COM

TEL: 902 889 070 (2001)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at +34951386161

SEAT Tarraco FR Sport - a touch of style

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

MOTORISTS of a certain age might recall the days when we had the Morris Oxford and Austin Cambridge. SEAT has taken to the same idea with their Tarraco, the largest of their SUVs. Named after the Spanish city of Tarragona, apparently Tarraco is what it was called when Rome ruled this part of Spain.

The range comprises of six trim levels with both petrol and diesel power along with manual and DSG automatic gearboxes. The 1.5­litre TSi petrol engine comes with 150PS while the 2.0 ­ litre diesel also develops 150PS and both engines are available with either six­speed manual or seven ­ speed DSG automatic gearboxes.

Standard equipment across the range includes

seven seats, LED lights, powered, folding, heated mirrors, auto wipers, keyless start, trio­zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirrors, rear parking sensors and Apple Car Play and Android Auto plus Bluetooth.

With the Tarraco there’s a rather different ­ and welcome ­ approach to the usual somewhat brutish, huge ­ grilled look of many SUVs. The sharp styling looks classy and understated, and as ever with VAG products there’s

a feeling of quality throughout, both interior and exterior.

The Tarraco looks smaller and less intimidating

Facts at a Glance

• Model: SEAT Tarraco FR Sport

• Engine: 2.0 Turbocharged diesel developing 150PS

• Gears: 7-Speed DSG Automatic

thanks to that subtle styling but the result is a capacious family hold ­ all that mixes a touch of style to the job of getting on with

things in a world where reaching the school gates in time is more important than playing grand prix wannabe. There’s plenty of space inside the Tarraco

150PS, and riding on 20” ‘Cosmo’ Grey machined alloy wheels. The FR Sport adds rear privacy glass, front fog lights with cornering function, navigation, keyless entry and start, park assist and heated front and rear seats.

With its sporting credentials the performance is pretty decent with 62 mph reached in just under 10 seconds. Considering its size the FR Sport handles remarkably well too, with little body roll thanks to firmer suspension. It’s not at the expense of ride comfort though.

• Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 9.9 seconds/Maximum Speed 196 kph (122 mph)

• Economy: 5.6l/100km (50.4 mpg) Combined driving (WLTP)

• Emissions: 147 g/km (WLTP)

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

seats are fine for an adult on short journeys.

The range starts at €38,466/£33,415 and my FR Sport was €48,567/ £42,190 with DSG automatic gearbox, 2.0 ­ litre diesel power, developing

Unfortunately, as with most VAG products there is an increasing amount of digitalisation instead of more practical and easier to use switches. That said time would soon bring familiarity and there is much to like in the Tarraco. It’s classy, spacious and generously equipped and makes a fine family holdall.

Porsche & golf

Magic of Mehari

Porsche

THE 40th staging of the long­standing Porsche European Open tournament will present top international golf and a spectacular fan experience from June 1 to June 4.

To mark the brand’s 75th anniversary, a special Porsche World will be awaiting visitors as Porsche is the title sponsor for the

eighth time this year.

In addition to the famous trophy that has been presented since 1978, a dream car will be on offer on the 17th hole for a dream shot over the water hazard.

Anyone aceing the Par 3 can look forward to a Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo in Mamba Green Metallic. Chances of

achieving the feat this time around are perhaps greater than ever before as the spectacular almost 140 ­ metre 17th will be playing a little shorter this year.

The last ace on the penultimate hole was struck in 2017 by Marcel Siem. It earned the German a Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo.

IT was in May 1968, 55 years ago, at the heart of the French student protest movement, that Citroën revealed its new vehicle at the Deauville golf course: the Mehari.

The vehicle is an atypical pick­up offering from 28 to 32 hp, with an ABS plastic body, designed by Roland de La Poype.

Built on a Dyane 6 platform, it was given the name Dyane 6 Mehari on its release.

Produced for almost 20 years between 1968 and 1987, 144,953 units were built (including 1,213 4x4 Mehari), making a surprising success for this unusual vehicle.

The Mehari was produced, for the most part of it, in the Citroën factory in Forest, Belgium, but also in seven other factories in France, Spain and Portugal.

The name of the Mehari comes from the masculine name mehari which is the name given to dromedaries in North Africa and in the Sahara.

Anna Ellis

EUROPEAN OPEN: A special Porsche World will await visitors.

Image:

Manchester City crush Real Madrid Vinicius Jr racial abuse: Real Madrid call out hate crime

ON Friday, May 17, Manchester City not only went through to the Champions League Final, but they did it in style, beating a dejected Real Madrid 4 ­ 0 at the Emirates Stadium.

It’s a 5 ­ 1 aggregate win for Pep Guradiola’s side, with two goals from Bernardo Silva, one from Julian Alvarez and an own goal from Madrid’s Militao to cement Manchester City’s progression to the Champions League final.

This keeps them on track for a triple trophy haul this season as they lead the Premier League and they play the FA Cup final on June 3 against Manchester United.

But the Champions League is the one that evades them and they will be very hungry to take that trophy under Guardiola. They are now set to take on Inter Milan on June 10, at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey.

Mirror Football said on Twitter: “Man City have knocked Real Madrid out of Champions League for a place in the final.”

With a few domestic duties to see to on the way, we look forward to seeing you all for what could be Pep and Manchester City’s crowning glory in Istanbul.

REAL MADRID have filed a legal ‘hate crime’ complaint following abuse to star winger Vinicius Jr as they lost to Valencia on Sunday, May 21.

Racist abuse was hurled at the Brazilian which he highlighted to the referee. As he became more and more infuriated with the abuse he had an altercation with Hugo Duro and was shown a red card.

Luis Miguel Echaegary posted this post­match interview with Carlo Ancelotti on Twitter. The Real Madrid Manager only wanted to talk about the racist incident. Echaegary said:

“Interviewer wants to ask about the game itself. Ancelotti: “You want to talk about the game?” Interviewer: “Well yesI want to ­.” Ancelotti proceeds to use his time to talk about the disgusting racist abuse towards Vinicius Jr.

Ancelotti was quoted as saying in the a local news source:

“La Liga has a problem. For me, Vinicius is the most important player in the world. These episodes of racism have to stop the match.”

“It’s the entire stadium that is insulting a player with racist chants and the match has to stop. I would say the same if we were winning 3­0. There is

no other way.”

Real Madrid released a statement in which they said: “These events constitute a direct attack on the model of coexistence of our social and democratic State under the rule of law.

“Real Madrid considers that such attacks also constitute a hate crime, and has therefore filed the corresponding complaint with the State Attorney General’s Office, specifically with the Prosecutor’s Office against hate crimes and discrimination, so that the facts can be investigated and responsibilities can be established.”

It remains to be seen if the formal complaint will lead to any prosecutions, but it is the continuation of a problem that many footballing nations have suffered over the years. It is a problem that appears to keep rearing its ugly head.

VINICIUS JR: Ended up being shown a red card.