Costa de Almeria 1 – 7 June 2023 Issue 1978

SKY AT NIGHT

A VERY distinguished guest, 2020 Nobel Prize Winner for Physics, Professor Reinhard Genzel, director of the Max Planck Institute of Physics in Germany arrived in Almeria City to be the first speaker at the eleventh Astronomical Conference of Almeria on Monday May 29.

His speciality ­ on which he spoke on the opening of the conference ­ is those mysterious black holes that almost everyone has heard of but few really understand.

This annual event, organised by Almeria City Council and the Provincial Council, attracts not just local astronomers and simple star gazers but a large number of enthusiasts from across Spain and it runs from May 29 to June 3.

There will be a total of five conferences, and apart from Herr Genzel, another fascinating guest will be the NASA engineer, Begoña Vila Costas.

The conference takes place at the Teatro Apollo from Monday to Friday at 8pm each night and admission is free until capacity is reached so, there is time to attend tonight (Thursday) to listen to emeritus research professor at the Institute of Astro ­

physics of the Canary Islands (IAC), John E Beckman.

The following night it will be the turn of the NASA engineer, Begoña Vila Costas, who currently lives in Washington DC, with her talk about the James Webb Space

Telescope Instruments. There is a related exhibition in the Patio de Luces de Diputación celebrating 24 years of the Astrohita Observatory in Toledo that you can visit throughout the week and there will be the tradi­

tional night of astronomical observation conducted at the facilities of the Association Orion in Retamar, from 10pm on the night of Saturday June 3 with the presence of Begoña Vila Costas and the added bonus of a picnic.

Credit: Almeria Provincial Council

ASTRONOMICAL CONFERENCE: Professor Genzel (centre) at the event on May 29.

Walk with us

ALMERIA’S Municipal Sports Board (PMD) is constantly working with the population to get them involved in physical activity and has now opened the registration period for a new walking route to be held on Sunday June 4.

The circular route covers the Sendero de las Arrodeas in Olula del Rio and is expected to take four and a half hours to complete.

With more than 14 kilometres of path, those interested in participating will have the opportunity to contemplate the impressive views offered by the Andarax Valley, the sea by Mojacar-Garrucha, Vera and the Sierra de los Filabres, among others.

The departure is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, from the Maestro Padilla Auditorium at 9.00am.

The PMD suggest you bring food and water and

wear suitable clothing.

All those interested in registering should access the PMD Almeria application, which is available for both iOs and Android.

If you would rather reg-

ister in person, users can attend the offices located in the Palacio de los Juegos Mediterraneos between the hours of 9.00am and 1.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Triumphant transformation

THE transformation of Almeria’s Parque La Hoya into the Parque Jardines Mediterraneos is entering its final stretch with work progressing rapidly.

The aim is to open the new recreational area for the public, framed by the Alcazaba and its walls and the Cerro de San Cristobal, in barely a month.

The planting of more than 20,000 plants, shrubs and trees is continuing with the work now more than 80 per cent complete.

CIRCULAR ROUTE: Expected to take over four hours.

Image: Almeria City Council / Facebook

NIBS EXTRA

Busy Almerians

THE people of Almeria make love, on average, 9.29 times a week which is a figure well above the national average of 7.66 times. The data are taken from the report published by Diversual, which analyses different factors regarding diversity in Spain.

Almeria Astronomy

THE 11th Edition of the Almeria Astronomy Days will run until June 4. This event has positioned Almeria as one of the most outstanding cities in the world in the dissemination of knowledge on the subject.

Grab a stall

ALMERIA C ity Council is launching a tender for a total of 36 lots of vacant stalls in the capital’s food markets. These 36 lots are divided between the markets of Plaza Pavia (one), Cabo de Gata (three), La Canada (10), and Los Angeles (22).

Feeling sporty

THE Provincial Council of Almeria has approved the award of the works of the Ejido Norte Multiple Use Centre with a total budget of €2,262,037 for the promotion of the infrastructure and the future Sports Complex of Almerimar.

Dance awards

FLAMENCO groups from Almeria led by Ines de Ines won three national awards in Avila on May 27. They won first prize in the Adult category, another two in the Youth category and the Spanish Flamenco dance championships.

Welcome home

TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY components of the third rotation of the 38th Lebanon Brigade contingent (Brilig), under the command of Brigadier General Melchor Marin Elvira, arrived home in Almeria on May 27 after spending six months on a mission in Lebanon.

Hospital welcome

TORRECARDENOS University Hospital is delighted to welcome the 80 new resident specialists who have chosen the leading hospital in the province of Almeria to begin their professional careers.

This number equals last year’s figure and is the highest on record at this hospital, both in terms of number and origin.

There are 50 medical speciality residents: two Pharmacy residents, three Clinical Psychology residents, 11 specialist Nursing residents and 12 Family Medicine residents

in which the Hospital Universitario Torrecardenas is their reference hospital, although

they do not depend on the teaching unit, but more so on the Almeria Health District.

YOUR EWN HAS

The Managing Director of the Hospital, Manuel Vida, welcomed the new professionals saying: “We wish you all the luck in the world in this new professional stage that you are beginning because your luck will also be ours.”

He added: “There are 24 residents from Almeria, 31 from other Andalucian provinces, 18 from other autonomous communities, one from Italy and six from outside the EU from countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Chile and the Dominican Republic.”

Pavement extension Airport addition

ALMERIA Airport has just inaugurated two new refreshment points in the terminal building, after Lagardere (the company that manages them after winning the last tender) completed the remodelling work on them.

One of the new points serves the check­in hall under the Tribs brand name, while the second point serves the boarding area under the Beercode brand name. Both are open­plan premises, with a concept focused on optimising the user experience.

Tribs operates as a cafeteria and has a multi­shop with small electronic equipment, toiletries and souvenirs, among other products. At Beercode, the menu includes beers, wines, hot dishes and cold dishes to be consumed on the premises or taken on board your flight.

Almeria Airport has a third restaurant located on the terrace on the top floor of the terminal with views of the airfield and a children’s play area. These premises will also be remodelled shortly, with the aim of reopening to the public in the coming months.

ALMERIA City Council has completed the works to extend the pavement and update the lighting of Carretera de Níjar.

The councillor for Urban Planning and Infrastructure, Ana Martinez Labella, confirmed: “A commitment to the residents of the area happily materialised thanks to the transfer of 1,267 square metres of land made by the land owners, negotiated in exchange for urban use.”

The execution of this project has meant the extension of the pavement,

Smoke-free run

ALMERIA will run on Sunday June 4 for ‘a life free of smoke and full of health’.

The Almeria City Council and the Torrecardenas University Hospital have teamed up for another year to celebrate the ‘Second Smokeless Race’, which will be held in the surroundings of the hospital complex on June 4.

The activity will be carried out on the occasion of World Tobacco Day and is part of the third Municipal Plan for Drugs and Addictions and has the objective

100

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

White Night

ALMERIA once again thoroughly enjoyed White Night, Noche en Blanco, on May 25 when the streets of Almeria were jampacked with thousands of residents and visitors.

where it did not exist, in a length of about 700 meters, to give continuity to an interrupted route from the tunnel of the Carretera de Níjar to Calle Pilares, in the direction of the neighbourhood from Los Molinos towards Levante.

The work in this area has been completed with the provision of new lighting, new trees and signage.

Twelve new trees (tipuanas) have been planted and six new light points, staggered from those existing on the opposite pavement, have also been added. The eight existing luminaries have been replaced by technology LED bulbs.

The mayor of the city, Maria del Mar Vazquez, also enjoyed the activities and expressed her “satisfaction of seeing the streets overflowing with people who enjoy the programming that the city council prepared.”

“It is great to see movement in the shops and catering establishments with a continuous coming and going of people who enjoy their leisure time boosting the local economy.”

The mayor added: “Enjoyment and boosting the economy is the double objective of Noche en Blanco.”

of promoting healthy habits and eliminating tobacco consumption.

On this occasion, the solidarity funds will be used for research by the Spanish As­

sociation Against Cancer.

The race consists of two modalities with distances of five and 10 kilometres, although there is the possibility of taking a shorter route on foot to facilitate maximum participation.

Children’s races and games have been planned so that the little ones can have fun while the race is being held.

If you would like to join the fun, registration is now open and can be done through the website www.cruzandolameta.es.

WELCOME: To eighty new resident specialists.

For a life free of smoke.

Talented youths

ATHLETES from Almeria have demonstrated their talent in the World Youth League which is the world karate competition for lower categories.

The event brought together 2,800 participants from 72 different countries and the Karate Kanku Municipal Sports School in Almeria has been represented with great results.

On Friday May 26, the councillor for Sports, Juanjo Segura, awarded Cayetano Garcia, technical director of the Kanku Sports School, as well as the athletes, Víctor Carrillo and Zaira Blanes, who have obtained two medals

PROVERB OF THE

in the world event of To Coruna.

The councillor confirmed: “I cannot stress the importance of the municipal sports schools in Almeria. They work with the youth, training them and bringing out their best version so that they obtain the best results on the mat.”

The councillor also congratulated the athletes “for their talent and for being great ambassadors of Almeria in the different championships in which you participate. Karate is giving a lot of joy in our city and it is thanks to the work that is carried out in the schools.”

Population growth

THE foreign population is growing six times faster than the native population in Almeria.

According to data from the Office of National Statistics Institute (INE), during the first three months of the year, the province gained 2,040 inhabitants, of which 298 are Spaniards and 1,742 are foreigners.

In total, Almeria now has a population of 751,959 people. The province has 168,189 foreigners.

Among all the foreign nationalities, the Moroccan community stands out as the most numerous, with an impressive total of 61,590 people registered in the current census, significantly sur­

Meaning no-one is truly capable of living alone. We need human connection to be healthy. This orginated from a sermon by the 17th century English author John Donne.

ADIF AV continues to promote the construction of the Murcia-Almeria High Speed Line ( HSL ) with the start of the drafting of the project to install the track on a second section of the line which runs between Lorca and Almeria, along 140 km.

According to the planning and deadlines foreseen in the elaboration of the project and the contracting of the

passing the 34,798 registered in 2007.

The Romanian population has also experienced a notable increase, from 18,562 to the current 22,607.

In addition, there has been an increase in the number of Britons, with a total of 16,968 individuals registered, even surpassing the Russians, as clear evi ­

dence of the distribution of foreigners in certain municipalities, where their number has risen from 2,870 to 3,117.

The Chinese community has experienced a significant increase, going from having only 547 citizens registered in the entire province of Almeria three decades ago, to 1,286 at present.

High speed

works, the track assembly will be underway in 2024. After track assembly, the construction of the MurciaAlmeria high-speed line will continue with the installation of the line’s systems: electrification, signalling and safety and communications

equipment.

With an investment of €3.5 billion, Adif is deploying the Murcia-Almeria high-speed railway which, apart from being the first direct railway connection between the two cities, is a strategic axis of the Mediterranean Corridor. After the arrival of highspeed rail in Murcia, the line under construction will integrate Almeria into the Mediterranean Corridor and connect it with European rail networks, as well as with the Madrid-Castile La ManchaComunitat Valenciana-Region of Murcia high-speed line, contributing to the structuring and cohesion of the territories.

5,000 the world’s oldest wooden wheel is this old.

ALMERIA: Now has a population of 751,959 people.

WEEK

“No man is an island.”

Anna Ellis

THE Exceltur Tourism Alliance has included three municipalities in Almeria among the 100 most important tourist towns in Spain in its ‘Municipal Atlas of the Social Contribution of Tourism in Spain’, of which 81 are coastal towns.

The national ranking is ordered by the number of tourist accommodation places they have.

The first municipality in Almeria to appear in this ranking is Roquetas de Mar, in 38th place. It has 27,130 tourist accommodation places, of which 65.4 per cent are hotels, 20.7 per cent are key flats, campsites and rural tourism, and 13.9 per

cent are dwellings for tourist use. According to this study, this generates almost 4,000 tourist jobs.

Mojacar is in 66th place, with 18,370 tourist places. Almost half of them (49.8 per cent) are hotels, while 30.4 per cent are key flats, campsites and rural accommodations, and 19.8 per cent are dwellings for tourist use. According to this report, these tourist places generate a total of 1,340 jobs in Mojacar.

The third municipality of Almeria in the top 100 is Vera, which occupies the 89th position. In 2022 it had 12,891 tourist accommodations, most of them (35.4 per cent) being tourist dwellings.

The remaining 33.9 per cent are hotel accommodations and 34.1 per cent are campsites, rural accommodations and keykey flats.

This generates 1,072 jobs.

WITH around 60 participating establishments from Almeria’s capital and province there is something for everyone at the Tapas Route through Almeria.

The Ruta De Tapas por Almeria will be held until June 18 and those participating have the chance to win some great prizes.

SUPPOSEDLY some passengers travelling First Class on certain British Airways flights were worried about a redesign which meant some lavatories have windows.

A woman travelling to New York complained

that there were no blinds.

She was told by a quick thinking stewardess “Madam if some pervert is clinging to the side of this aircraft at 35,000 feet, they deserve to see everything!”

The prize draw which will take place on June 22 at ASHAL’s headquarters includes prizes such as three baskets of Sabores Almeria products, four romantic dinners and Asperger’s earrings Almeria by Laussette. All participating catering establishments will be provided with tickets so that their customers can participate in the draw which is open to customers over the age of 18.

THE days ticked away and thankfully rain didn’t stop play when Saturday, May 20, finally arrived and the Hippie Peace and Love Party finally opened its doors and welcomed 200 people into The Yemaya Beach Bar in Mojacar.

Local, Jackie Miles Kirby, not only wanted to celebrate her birthday in style but also wanted to raise funds for The Vera and District Lions Club.

Money raised from ticket sales, a raffle, Hobby Horse racing (kindly handmade by

Flower power

Maddy Moon Norris) and generous donations raised a ‘blow your mind, out of sight’ amazing amount of €2,185.94.

Jackie would like to thank all those people who helped make the event possible and those who assisted during the evening.

“It is just wonderful, knowing that as a Lioness, I have raised this incredible amount of money which will help so

many people within our local communities; struggling with different situations and desperately needing help from this charity,” she said.

For further information regarding nutrition, reflexology, anatomy and physiology massage practitioner help from Jackie, email: jmileskir by@yahoo.co.uk

For information regarding the Lions, email: veralions secretary@gmail.com.

Charging points

THE Andalucian Health Service (SAS) will install a total of 36 energy charging points for electric vehicles in health centres in the province of Almeria.

The objective of which is to promote electric mobility and reduce pollution.

The double­take charging points will be distributed in health centres in all the provinces and will be located both in parking spaces for public use and in those reserved for SAS professionals.

The semi­fast charging stations have a power supply at the post recharging up to 22 Kw in

alternating current.

Among other features, they will have a light indicator and a screen display, which will provide users with data on the energy consumed and the instantaneous power at the charging point, as well as the information they may need during the service.

The stations will have a control and management system using GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G or 5G technology, through the OCPP communication protocol that will allow their communication and remote management, enabling the different options for booking, charging and billing.

Special tournament

ENJOY a fun day playing a round of golf with a buggy while raising some muchneeded funds for the animal charity Paws-Patas.

Putt for Paws-Patas is being held on Friday, June 23, at Marina Mar, Mojacar Playa with a midday shotgun start.

There are 18 holes to complete and each one will feature a photograph of an animal currently being looked after by the shelter and awaiting a foster home, or even better their ‘furever’ home. Please help support them by sponsoring €25 towards their daily care.

The entry fee is €70 (€10 being donated to PawsPatas). This includes one

free drink plus a hot and cold buffet being held at Valery’s music and cocktail bar in Mojacar from 5.00pm.

The evening will include music by Melvin, a charity auction, a sponsorship raffle, surprises, giveaways and much much more.

Partners are welcome to join in the evening’s enter-

tainment.

Don’t delay, purchase your entry ticket from James Bound of Easy Golf Almeria at El Chachos, next to the Best Indalo Hotel in Mojacar or call (+34) 681 355 796.

For further information on how you can help the charity visit their website: www.paws-patas.org

Samaritans in Spain

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN

provides a confidential listening service to all English speakers, of any age in

mainland Spain and the islands totally free of charge. They do this because they believe in the impor-

tance of having the opportunity to explore difficult feelings and in doing so, alleviate the despair that can lead to suicidal thoughts.

Samaritans in Spain want everyone to know that there is someone there who is ready to listen, without judgement or prejudice.

It is important that people understand that they do not need to be feeling suicidal in order to call, their trained listeners are there to provide confidential support to anyone who is feeling in distress or despair.

Samaritans in Spain are available on freephone 900 525 100 between 10.00am and 10.00pm, 365 days a year.

As a self-funded charity run entirely by volunteers, they rely on donations and support from businesses as well as the general public. It costs an average of €16 per each call taken, or to put it another way, to hear the words “I am feeling better about things now.”

Further information about Samaritans in Spain is available at www.samar itansinspain.com. Together we are stronger.

FUN

Image: kasakphoto / Shutterstock.com

3x3 in Costacabana

THE Costacabana neighbourhood of Almeria has a new sports court for playing 3×3 basketball.

Located in El Charco, it will

allow young and old not only to enjoy the sport, but the recreational area can be used to practise other sporting activities.

Organic production

ACCORDING to a report drawn up by the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, the area dedicated to organic production in Andalucia now exceeds 1.3 million hectares.

By provinces, in Almeria, protected crops stand out, mainly horticultural crops, which have grown by 8.5 per cent to over 4,750 hectares.

However, the ranking is led by Cordoba with 248,000 hectares, followed by Huelva (237,200 hectares) and Sevilla (206,300 hectares).

In the case of organic livestock, Andalucia has more than 5,400 farms; and in the case of industry, there are more than 3,350 after the recently new addition of 300.

The councillor for Rural Development, Vicente Perez, pointed out that “these figures highlight the importance of organic agriculture and livestock farming in Andalucia” and added that the Andalucian Autonomous Community “leads the sector at a national level.”

By way of example, the Deputy Minister explained that the involvement of Andalucian producers in this type of sustainable technique is reflected, among other indices, in the fact that “more than 25 per cent of the Useful Agricultural Area (UAA) is already used for organic agriculture and livestock farming.”

The mayor of Almeria, Maria del Mar Vazquez, confirmed: “The Costacabana neighbourhood is going to experience spectacular growth in the provision of sports facilities in the coming years.”

Next year, the city council wants to build a new sports court in the Costacabana neighbourhood. The future sports court, which the mayor wants to include in the 2024 budget, will follow the standard of the free­use facilities of the municipal network.

Although the project still has to be carried out, the forecast is that it will be equipped with a football field, a 40 x 20­metre indoor handball room and two transversal basketball courts on a resin pavement applied on a base of asphalt agglomerate.

It will be fenced around its entire perimeter and with background nets behind the goals. In addition, it will also have lighting towers with LED projectors.

THERE are 10 lucky lottery winners celebrating in Roquetas de Mar as €350,000 is distributed by ONCE.

Antonio Francisco Perez, who has been affiliated and a seller with ONCE since 1991 sold the 10 lucking­winning coupons worth €35,000 each.

Suppressing his emotions, Antonio confirmed: “It’s great that they are my customers. They spend money with me every day. Then one day BOOM, the reward.

“I have a feeling of joy for them. When they arrive and check their coupon and it appears on the TPV ‘Pay at an authorised centre’ I’m going to ask them what they’re going to do with so much money.”

He added: “To see people smile, it’s worth the merit. I have a feeling of joy for them.”

The ONCE is a Foundation for the Cooperation and Social Inclusion of People with

IN the northern area of La Rambla, IKEA Almeria is almost complete and on target to open in July 2023.

The shop covers two floors plus a basement area and offers 7,950 square metres of commercial space.

Disabilities and was born in February 1988.

In addition to ONCE itself, as a founding entity, it is the main organisation for people with disabilities in Spain. It brings together the main organisations of persons with disabilities in Spain, representing the 3.8 million persons with disabilities and their families.

Lottery winners July opening

IKEA awaits the thousands of customers who will visit the exhibition areas which offer offer 5,000 products. The IKEA food corner and Swedish Food Store can also be enjoyed under the same roof. The establishment will be open from Monday to Saturday, from 10.00am until 10.00pm. The large car park has a capacity for 314 vehicles, of which 10 are for electric vehicles, 10 spaces are adapted, five spaces for vans and two for vehicles with trailers, in ad­

dition to 12 motorcycle spaces.

The trading company IKEA was registered on July 28, 1943. But it was a far cry from the furniture company we know today. In his early years as an entrepreneur, Ingvar Kamprad imported pens, watches and nylon stockings, learning the ropes of purchasing step by step.

After some problems with import licences, he started looking for new opportunities and then decided to focus on furniture.

LOTTERY SELLER: It’s great news.

Image: ONCE / Facebook

HISTORY shows that Brothers in Bands are often initially a recipe for success and then can quickly become a saga of fights and falling out.

The Everly Brothers, the Gallaghers in Oasis, the Knopflers in Dire Straits and many more bear witness to this reality. There is one band however that completely bucks the trend and although not everyone will have heard of them, The Jets have been playing together since 1978 and are constantly in demand. There are three brothers, Bob, Ray and Tony Cotton and whilst their music is most easily explained as Rockabilly, oldest brother Bob doesn’t quite agree.

Speaking exclusively to Euro Weekly News following two triumphant gigs in Benidorm, Bob said “We understand that everyone likes to buttonhole music, but we are really more than Rockabilly as we play a blend of 1950s Rock and Roll.

“Funnily enough we are coming back to Spain for the

EXCLUSIVE: True Brothers in Arms

youngest brother Tony who started off with them before he was in double figures was too young to play officially but was there with tambourine and percussion in the background until he became old enough to join the band full time.

myself, Ray on guitar and drummer Tony it was quite a challenge to adapt to doing everything at out home studios independently but it worked!”

Psychobilly Meeting which takes place in Pineda de Mar (Barcelona) between July 4 and 11 as one of the headline bands.”

Bob said “We really enjoying playing in Spain and normally visit two or three times a year with our next visit to the Costa del Sol in the autumn in Torremolinos where we find a very mixed audience of British, Spanish and other Europeans who love their music.

Back in 1974, Bob and Ray

were members of the Boy’s Brigade in their hometown of Northampton and they decided to form a band with two friends to entertain at one of that organisation’s concerts.

Bob explained that “I got hold of a KTEL album of rock and roll’s greatest hits and had seen Showaddywaddy on Top of the Pops so that was us, we learnt all of the numbers and seemed to go down pretty well.”

They kept going and

So, The Jets released the first of 16 albums in 1978 and had a couple of hit singles in the 1980s with Yes tonight Josephine and Love makes the world go round which saw them playing in a host of TV programmes like Tiswas and Crackerjack and they have just kept going.

To show how close the brothers are, two of them suffer from an inherited kidney complaint so Bob donated one of his kidneys to brother Roy and then happily Tony was able to obtain a transplant from a general donor.

During lockdown, they

Visit https://www.thejets.co.uk/ to find out more about The Jets, the brothers that play together and stay together. Credit: The Jets UK Facebook EWN 1 - 7 June 2023 13 FEATURE euroweeklynews.com

Shocking charge

Betty Henderson

THE race towards electric vehicles is on, but Spain seems to be stuck in the slow lane, trailing behind the rest of Europe. Findings from the latest Barometer of Electromobility report released by Anfac on Thursday, May 25 reveal that despite a growing array of electric car models, Spain’s adoption of these eco­friendly vehicles is dragging its wheels.

According to the report, Spain only managed a 0.6 point increase in electric vehicle purchase and public charging in­

Anna Ellis

IN Spain’s Catalonia region there are 27 species in critical danger and 84 in danger of extinction.

In this scenario of the silent extinction of biodiversity, places like Barcelona Zoo play a vital role in halting the disappearance of species that are on the verge of extinction.

Since its creation in 2013, the Barcelona Zoo Foundation has created

frastructure during the first three months of this year. With a total score of 11, they’re far from the 2030 goal of 190,000 electrified cars needed to tackle high carbon dioxide emissions.

Madrid may be leading the pack with a score of 27.6 out of 100, but the rest of Spain can’t seem to catch up. The charging infrastructure situation is no better, with a 4.5 out of 100 score.

The report also found that a total of 6,475 charging points are out of service, leaving electric vehicle owners frustrated.

Saving species

multidisciplinary teams with the aim of planning and carrying out conservation projects ex ­ situ and in the environment itself, as well as global conservation plans to reverse the progressive disappearance of the most endangered native species.

Projects such as the reintroduction of the trito, the peat bog or the

ferret endorse this project.

Within the framework of the study The State of Biodiversity in Spain, the Barcelona Zoo Foundation will carry out an educational project on citizen science through the iNaturalist app.

The aim is to raise awareness and increase public awareness.

Murcia trends on Twitter

MOLINA DE SEGURA in Murcia, became a trending topic on Twitter after it experienced heavy rain on Thursday, May 25, which led to videos being posted featuring cars and pushchairs being swept away.

Significant flooding took place on Calle San Juan and videos were seen on Twitter of a red BMW being swept downstream after attempting to cross the flooded street. AMETSE on Twitter posted a video saying:

“Do you remember the red car dragged by the water yesterday afternoon in Molina de Segura? Well, every story always has a beginning.”

The driver of the car appeared to enter the main road without a second thought, but the vehicle is quickly swept up by the rapidly moving water and dragged down the street as the driver completely lost control. The amateur camera operator can be heard commenting on the amazing

scene as it unfolds.

Luckily for the mother who attempted to get across the road with her child in a pushchair, there was a gentleman on hand to grab the child, as they were almost swept away too.

Comments on Twitter compared the scenes to a Martin Scorcese movie as the unreal incidents continued.

Maria Marin wrote: “Terrible images of Molina de Segura, with many people trapped in their cars without warning.

“We have lived through months of long drought, now

followed by destructive rains. They are the consequences of climate change, which is already here, although some continue to deny it.”

16

PRESIDENT VISITS: Mr Miras met with the fire service in the middle of the floods.

All credits: Fernando Lopez Miras on Twitter

out of every 24 hours is devoted to leisure by the Spanish.

General election for July 23

WITH Spanish regional and municipal elections, May 28, strongly favouring the opposition parties, President Sanchez has called an early general election as the left­wing coalition prepare to fight for their position.

A news source posted a video of Sanchez on Twitter saying: “Breaking news: Sanchez brings forward the general elections to July 23 after the PSOE’s debacle in the municipal and regional elections.”

Sanchez believes the time is due to let the Spaniards have their say, as he himself was not elected by the Spanish people. He had in fact come from a more administrative role in the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) where he had been Secretary­General.

He only became leader to try and fight the threat of the left ­ wing opposition Podemos party, with whom he is now in the coalition. He replaced Mariano Rajoy when he was ousted via

a vote of no confidence in 2018. Rajoy subsequently stepped down as leader of the conservative People’s Party (PP) but the PP have become resurgent in last weekend’s local elections.

Sanchez had the option to wait until December to call a general election.

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

It would appear though, with an apparent lack of faith in the current government, the time is ripe to put the decision of national governance back to the Spanish people. July 23, could see a wholesale change of direction in Spanish politics.

July 23 could see a complete change in Spanish politics.

Photo credit: Pedro Sanchez/Twitter

DESPITE Britain leaving the EU in 2020, the predominant language is English, even though only one member has it as one of their official languages, Ireland.

While on a trip to Brussels, a Tory MP noted that the signs at the European Parliament were mostly written in English, according to a news source on Thursday, May 25.

The issue is further compounded amid talks that train drivers across all EU countries are to be required to speak English in line with a bloc­wide directive, a move which has provoked much amusement with pro­Brexiteers.

It is expected that new rules, due in autumn, as part of the EU’s Train Drivers’ Directive are likely to recommend a single com­

English No1

mon language to ensure stronger unity between the EU27 members.

Word has it that there’s a very good chance they’ll pick English, an irony not lost on gloating Brexit advocates.

Former Conservative and Brexit Party MEP, Ann Widdecombe, 75, couldn’t contain herself: ‘Hee! Hee! It is wonderfully ironic but English is the lingua Franca of a vast chunk of the globe so it makes sense’.

Whatever your views, it demonstrates that the English language is still the preferred choice for international communication.

TV star’s health update

John Ensor

DAME Esther Rantzen, one of television’s legendary presenters has given details of her condition after she revealed she had cancer in January this year. The 82­year­old star had to decline an appearance on The One Show on Tuesday, May 23 due to illness and has said in an interview that her lung cancer diagnosis is now at stage four, according to a news source.

Like many celebrities, she

initially kept the results of her test private, but decided to make it public as she didn’t like, ‘skulking around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise’.

Speaking of her life, she said she was grateful and bravely announced that despite her condition getting worse, she remained optimistic.

Esther became famous as a journalist and TV presenter and was instrumental in setting up charities such as Child­

Line and later The Silver Line to help older people combat loneliness.

50% of Copenhagen residents ride a bike to work or school.

THE EU Commission has put forward proposals for the most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union since its establishment in 1968.

The measures proposed present a world ­ leading, data­ driven vision for EU Customs, which will massively simplify customs processes for business, especially for the most trustworthy traders.

Embracing the digital transformation, the reform will cut down on cumbersome customs procedures, replacing traditional declarations with a smarter, data­led approach to import supervision.

At the same time, customs authorities will have the tools and resources they need to properly assess and stop imports

which pose real risks to the EU, its citizens and its economy.

The reform responds to the current pressures under which EU Customs operates, including a huge increase in trade volumes, especially in e­commerce, a fastgrowing number of EU standards that must be checked at the border, and shifting geopolitical realities and crises.

It will make the customs framework fit for a greener, more digital era and contribute to a safer and more competitive Single Market.

EU Customs Redefining history

ADOLF HITLER’S birthplace in Braunau am Inn, Austria, is undergoing an unexpected transformation according to an announcement made by the Austrian government on Tuesday, May 23.

Instead of demolishing the house that holds significant historical weight, the Austrian government has decided on an alternative path, the house will be revamped into a hu­

man rights training centre for police officers.

Back in 2016, the government acquired the property through a compulsory purchase order, and long­awaited construction work is set to begin later this year. However, this unique decision has sparked lively discussions among the public.

Some argue that the house should be demolished to pre­

vent it from becoming a potential magnet for neo­Nazi groups. On the other hand, proponents believe preserving the structure in a constructive way is essential in confronting Austria’s troubled past.

Anticipation builds as the house construction project is expected to conclude in 2025, transforming it into the new headquarters for local law enforcement.

RENOWNED Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan was acquitted of rape charges by a Swiss court on Wednesday, May 24, bringing a sense of relief to his supporters and igniting speculation about what lies ahead.

The case, launched by a Swiss woman who accused Ramadan of raping her in a Geneva hotel in

Court clears scholar

2008, has been a turbulent journey for both the alleged victim and the defendent.

Ramadan thanked his legal team and supporters in a Twitter post.

Norwegian connection

AFTER a lengthy three­year wait, Dumfries in Scotland is eagerly gearing up to celebrate its extraordinary wartime connection with Norway. Originally planned for September 2020, the event had to be put on hold due to the pandemic.

However, the town is now poised to host a magnificent commemoration, marking the 80th anniversary of its historical alliance with Norway. Although plans to celebrate fell through in 2020, they have now been resurrected for this year, it was announced on Wednesday, May 24.

The highlight of the event will be the unveiling of a memorial stone near Devorgilla Bridge, organised by the Scottish Norwegian Connection Association.

Approximately 300 Norwegians found solace in Dumfries after landing in Hamilton in June 1940, fleeing imposing German forces at home. As their numbers grew, Dumfries became a headquarters for the Norwegian army.

Some reports say up to one third of Dumfries’ residents were Norwegian following the Second World War. Nowadays, the town celebrates its Norwegian heritage and enjoys a strong bond with the Scandinavian country.

Ramadan was once hailed as a leading voice in Islamic thought and academic at Oxford University, but his reputation came into question due to the trial. Known for his condemnation of terrorism and opposition to the death penalty, his career took a drastic turn in 2017 when he faced similar rape allegations from a French woman, leading to multiple charges against him.

Maintaining his innocence throughout, Ramadan argued that the accusations were politically motivated to discredit him.

After a tense courtroom atmosphere and detailed testimonies, Swiss judges delivered their verdict, declaring Ramadan not guilty. However, the possibility of future trials in France continues to linger.

Photo credit: Tariq Ramadan

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Own choice

DENMARK is lowering the age of abortion without parental consent from 18 to 15, Gender Equality minister Marie Bjerre announced on the 50th anniversary of the law granting women the right to terminate a pregnancy. “We want young people to choose whether or not to involve their parents,” she said.

THE NETHERLANDS

Too darn hot

A GROUP of people with Dutch citizenship living on the Caribbean island of Bonaire, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, have asked the government to protect the island from global warming. Failing to do so would result in a court case along with Greenpeace, the islanders said.

BELGIUM

Riot act

LEFT-WING political parties and unions in Belgium are opposing a proposed law banning ‘rioters’ from protests. The new legislation could be misused to curtail the freedom to participate in protests and strikes, they said, voicing doubts shared by the High Court and the Federal Institute of Human Rights.

GERMANY

Climate crims

GERMAN police swooped on the homes of climate activists from the Last Generation environmental group in Hesse, Hamburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Bavaria, Berlin, and Schleswig-Holstein. They are charged with having organised a campaign to raise funds that would have been used to finance ‘criminal actions’.

FRANCE

Fizzled out

BORDER police in Le Havre destroyed 35,000 bottles of a bright orange soft drink called Couronne Fruit Champagne originating in Haiti but destined for consumption in France. Only sparkling wine products from the French Champagne region can use the word, according to a ruling accepted by 121 countries.

NORWAY

Spy whale

NORWAY’S Fisheries Directorate asked the public to protect a friendly beluga whale living in the inner Oslofjord from accidents or injury by limiting contact with him. Hvaldimir became famous in 2019 when he appeared wearing a camera harness, suggesting that he was trained by the Russian military.

FINLAND

Overpowered

FINLAND produced so much clean electricity on May 24 that the price was “slightly below zero,” energy provider Fingrid announced. The price drop was triggered by an abundance of renewable energy thanks to a new nuclear reactor while spring floods pushed up production at hydroelectric plants.

IRELAND

Meta cutback

META, parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, announced that jobs are to be cut at its Irish headquarters. Inside sources revealed that the reductions, thought to number approximately 490, would affect several teams including finance, sales, marketing, analytics, operations, and engineering.

ITALY

Bear appeal

MAURIZIO FUGATTI, governor of Trentino, is awaiting a court decision on his latest attempt to put down the bear believed to have fatally attacked and killed Andrea Papi. The 26-yearold runner’s parents oppose Fugatti’s reprisal, arguing that killing the young bear “will not give us back our son.”

PORTUGAL Law row

PORTUGAL’S president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signed a euthanasia and assisted suicide bill last week. The law is not yet in force and opposition from the medical and political establishments, including the president himself who is a practising Catholic, could make it difficult to put into practice.

UKRAINE

Future plans

EUROPEAN companies are already earmarking locations and planning projects in Ukraine for reconstruction worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Most projects focus on restoring infrastructure damaged or destroyed since the Russian invasion, but also anticipate a wave of investment once fighting ends.

SWEDEN

Fewer homes

SWEDEN is experiencing its worst construction crisis since the 1990s, affecting young adults hoping to get a foot on the property ladder. Sweden’s Housing minister, Andreas Carlson, blamed the worsening conditions on external factors that were related to rising interest rates, inflation and increased energy prices.

FINANCE

STAT OF WEEK €128 billion

- 7 June 2023 is combined worth of the portfolio of current projects that belongs to Spain’s multinational infrastructure and construction companies ACS, Ferrovial, Acciona, Sacyr, OHLA, FCC, and Grupo San José.

BUSINESS EXTRA Green hydrogen

Front runners

JD SPORTS expect profits of £1 billion (€1.15 billion) this year as it expands into the US and Europe, foreseeing a continuing trend for trainers and sports leisurewear. Re gis Schultz, chief executive, said that JD’s young shoppers had more work opportunities, enabling them to “buy the gear they love.”

Cigarette break

SMOKING has been banned in all Spanish workplaces since 2011, but a study by the Jobatus employment agency found that each employee who smokes spends an average of 16 minutes a day smoking outside. This costs companies a yearly total of €26 billion, the agency calculated.

Damage done

FORMER CBI president and outgoing Tesco chairman John Allan will also step down as chair of housebuilder Barratt Developments on June 30. The latter company announced that Allan was resigning to prevent allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ against him from becoming ‘disruptive’ to the company.

Opposing views

SPAIN has 140,000 unfilled jobs, the highest proportion in its history, and eight out of 10 companies cannot cover vacancies, according to professional services company KPMG. Meanwhile, the unions claim that with a 13 per cent unemployment rate, three million people were unable to find work.

Oil recoil

REPRESENTATIVES from Trinity and Jesus colleges in Cambridge and the Universities of Newcastle, Sussex and Bristol have written an open letter to the asset management industry. All are calling for ‘bold action’ on their part to rebel against the boards of fossil fuel companies and their backers.

Linda Hall

EU red tape on wine will unlock £180 million (€206.9 million) and give the UK’s wine industry the freedom to flourish.

SCRAPPING

Cheers for British wine

“The UK has over 800 thriving vineyards at home with hundreds of millions of pounds worth of wine trade that goes through UK ports every year,” said Food and Drink Secretary Therese Coffey.

“But for too long our producers have been held back by cumbersome inherited EU regulations. We can now give them the freedom that they need to thrive.

“These reforms will put a rocket under our wine makers’ businesses, growing the

economy, creating jobs and supporting a vital part of our food and drink sector,” Coffey declared.

Thanks to the proposed changes to retained EU laws on the production and marketing of wine, makers will now be free to select from a wider range of vines, includ­

IGNACIO GONZÁLEZ steps down as the Nueva Pescanova Group’s chief executive on June 16, seven and a half years after joining the company.

A statement from the frozen fish group, a household name in Spain which is popularly referred to by its original name of Pescanova, announced that González’s reasons were “strictly personal” and had been reached “by mutual agreement.”

His resignation comes not long after the news last April that Nueva Pescanova’s largest shareholder, the Galician bank, Abanca, was selling 80 per cent of its holding to Canadian seafood company Cooke Inc. The transaction, which put an €800 million value on the company, has yet to be definitively formalised.

The outgoing chief executive’s role will be taken over by José María Be­

Loophole

SPAIN’S banking sector has found a way of reducing the amount of the temporary windfall tax it must pay the government since 2022.

Currently subject to a 4.8 per cent levy applied to income from net interest and net fees over €800 million, the banks insist they are complying with regulations introduced to help the government ease the cost of living crisis.

Banks also admit that they are making their own interpretations of what constitutes the tax base. As a result, the majority exclude income from their overseas branches and operations that are not related to the granting of credits.

ing more disease­ resistant varieties.

Domestic wine makers will also be free to show a variety and vintage of any wine without having to go through laborious, previously EU­mandated applications processes.

“Needless red tape stifles

innovation and growth. Now we have taken back control of our laws, we can ensure they work in the best interests of our businesses,” Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said.

Meanwhile, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association welcomed the new measures, many of which it had already publicly proposed.

“By introducing greater flexibility, wine producers and importers won’t be forced to do anything differently but will be able to innovate,” he said.

Pescanova exit

process,” a Nueva Pescanova communique announced on May 23.

Gonzalaez, who is also president of AECOC, which represents 26,000 Spanish companies dedicated to manufacturing and distribution, has been Nueva Pescanova’s only chief executive since its creation in 2015 following the collapse of Pescanova.

CHEMICALS and sustainable technologies company Johnson Matthey signed a three­year supply agreement with Norway’s Hystar to increase green hydrogen production.

The London­based firm, most of whose income is earned from catalytic converters, is increasingly focused on new sustainable technologies, including green hydrogen. This zero­carbon fuel is produced using renewable wind and solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and Johnson Matthey will supply Hystar with membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) to ramp up its green hydrogen production. The latest partnership follows a similar Johnson Matthey deal this year with Plug Power, a US company which is producing green hydrogen.

Co-op concern

NINETY­SIX per cent of the Cooperative Group’s 32,000 members voted at the last annual meeting to improve welfare for chickens reared for meat.

navent, who has been the group’s executive chairman since 2020 and chairman of its board of directors since 2019.

“His extensive experience in the company will allow him to continue with the

Strong M&S results

DENIM, dresses, office wear and more affordable food increased sales and profits at Marks and Spencer over the past year.

The retailer will restart dividend payments to shareholders after underlying pre ­ tax profits rose by 21.4 per cent to £475.7 million (€546.4 million) in the year ending on April 1, with sales increasing 9.6 per cent to £11.9 billion (€13.7 billion).

Chief executive Stuart Machin nevertheless warned of a challenging year ahead as costs continued to rise but stressed that, unlike many other retailers, the number of clothing and food items sold had risen at M&S, helping to increase the company’s market share.

The company had made changes to its ranges, Machin added, taking a hit on profit margins to hold down prices relative to rivals, while improving its clothing styles.

In 2021, the last year for which figures were available, Nueva Pescanova made a net profit of €7 million ­ its largest to date ­ with a turnover of €1.09 billion. In contrast, its principal shareholder Abanca’s 2022 accounts revealed losses of €60.5 million during the first nine months of the company’s financial year.

Increased hold

LONDON­BASED Amber Capital has increased its holding in Indra to 7.239 per cent, equivalent to 11 million shares.

This provides the investment fund, which is also a majority shareholder in Prisa (El Pais and Cinco Dias publisher), with the opportunity of sitting on the technology, transport and defence company’s board, which requires a minimum holding of 7.14 per cent.

There also happens to be a seat to spare on Indra’s board, following the resignation of former director Axel Arendt on May 18.

Arendt announced his own departure after that of Indra’s former chief executive, Ignacio Mataix, and his substitution by José Vicente de los Mozos.

A motion led by the Humane League UK campaign group asked the mutual to adopt the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) standards already accepted by Waitrose, Marks and Spencer and Greggs, reporting on welfare improvements in a year’s time.

They were partly overruled by the company’s directors, who explained that they wanted to keep prices down, but warned that profits were likely to fall over the coming year.

Phasing out

THE European Commission (EC) called on Spain to phase out its energy support measures by late 2023.

Introduced in October 2022 to counteract high energy prices caused by the Ukraine war, these should be totally eliminated in 2024, Brussels said.

This would limit spending and make savings that could be used to reduce the public debt.

Should future energy price increases make further support measures necessary, these should be fiscally affordable and introduced to protect only the most vulnerable households and businesses, the EC said.

BRITISH WINE: Camel vineyard in Bodmin (Cornwall).

IGNACIO GONZÁLEZ: Nueva Pescanova’s CEO steps down next month.

Photo credit: CC/Nilfanion

Photo credit: Nueva Pescanova

DOW JONES

Flight fight

SPANISH airlines will not follow France’s lead in banning domestic flights for journeys that can be completed in two and a half hours by train. Javier Gándara, president of the Spanish Airlines Association dismissed it as “more theatrical than effective” while Willie Walsh, director general of International Air Transport Association (IATA), described it as “completely absurd” and “useless.”

On the spot

STATE­OWNED Ineco intends to open a permanent office in California as plans are reactivated to build the first high­speed railway line between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Spanish engineering company will now seek short­ and mediumterm opportunities to participate in the $400 billion (€93 billion) project.

Tata plum for Bridgwater

INDIAN carmaker Tata has reportedly chosen the UK and not Spain for a multi­billionpound electric car battery plant.

According to the BBC, the owner of Jaguar­Land Rover intends to build its new factory in Bridgwater (Somerset) near to the M5 motorway.

Tata’s chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran is due to fly to London within days where he will meet the UK prime minister Rishi Sunak. Although the

No time to relax

THE days of fiscal relaxation are numbered.

The European Commission (EC) announced that it will no longer turn a blind eye to countries that exceed their debt limit stipulated by EU regulations­

In recommendations to members states issued by Brussels on Thursday May 25 Spain ­ along with 13 other EU countries ­ will be placed under fiscal

surveillance in spring 2024 owing to its excessive debt.

According to Brussels’ forecasts, Spain’s debt will rise to €50 billion, 4.1 per cent of its gross domestic product (PIB) by the end of this year, although the Spanish government places it at 3.9 per cent.

Whichever figure is accepted, this is still above the EU’s 3 per cent threshold.

deal has yet to be signed, proceedings have progressed from negotiations to drafts and outlining how the project is to be presented, sources close to the initiative have said.

The plant will be the most significant investment in UK car manufacturing since Nissan came to Britain in the 1980s, industry insiders said, and will create up to 9,000 new jobs.

Money was not mentioned, and while the government has not confirmed subsidies of around £500 million (€576.8 million), “hundreds of millions of pounds” will be involved, the BBC said.

Tata has important UK steel interests which include its Port Talbot plant in South Wales and the government will offer approximately £300 million (€346.1 million) to subsidise, upgrade, and decarbonise operations there.

The two investments will not be announced simultaneously but are linked, government sources confirmed.

VAT gaffe

BURBERRY’S chief executive Jonathan Akeroyd said the UK was at a “competitive disadvantage for global shoppers” after scrapping the VAT tax break for tourists. Sales to foreign visitors rose by 19 per cent in London during the first quarter of 2023, but increased by 300 per cent in Paris and 43 per cent in Milan, Akeroyd pointed out.

Going down

THE UK government’s holding in NatWest now stands at below 40 per cent after selling £1.26 billion (€1.45 million) of its stake. The government has set itself a 2026 target for reprivatising the bank, 18 years after the taxpayer paid £46 billion (€53 billion) to save NatWest Group, then known as Royal Bank of Scotland Group, from collapse.

BRIDGWATER: Practically confirmed as site of Tata’s new electric car battery factory

Photo credit: visitbridgwater.co.uk

Euro EUR/GBP: Down from £0.88 to £0.87

EUR/USD: Down from $1.10 to $1.07

The euro weakened at the end of April after Eurozone GDP missed forecasts, before the start of May brought more headwinds for the single currency as markets responded to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate decision. The ECB slowed its pace of policy tightening and did not commit to further rate hikes, triggering an EUR selloff.

Hawkish comments from ECB officials cushioned the euro’s losses. ECB President Christine Lagarde insisted that ‘we’re not pausing’, while other rate setters advocated more tightening.

However, consistently weak German data raised fresh concerns about a recession in the Eurozone’s largest economy, keeping pressure on the common currency.

A strengthening US dollar also

BUSINESS EXTRA

Crashing down

VIRGIN ORBIT, billionaire Richard Branson’s satellite launch company, is shutting down and selling off assets worth $36 million ( €33.1 million ) Branson had little luck with the venture, which included the failed orbital mission in the UK that received funding of more than $20 million ( €18.5 million ) from British taxpayers.

US project

COSENTINO, the marble multinational based in Almeria, will build a production plant in the US. The company announced that it has signed an agreement with city hall in Jacksonville ( Florida ) to acquire land for the future factory which will require a total investment of approximately $270 million ( €250 million).

CURRENCY OUTLOOK: EURO WEAKENS AS MARKETS REIN IN RATE HIKE EXPECTATIONS, US DOLLAR REBOUNDS ON FRESH FED BETS

weighed on the euro due to EUR’s negative correlation with USD, although ongoing hawkish ECB rhetoric saved the single currency from steeper losses.

The ECB’s June policy decision is in the spotlight for EUR investors over the coming month. A 25bps hike is expected. But could a dovish outlook see the euro fall further?

Pound

GBP/EUR: Up from €1.13 to €1.14

GBP/USD: Down from $1.24 to $1.23

Sterling found success through late April and early May, despite a scarcity of impactful UK economic data. Market bets on another Bank of England (BoE) interest rate rise boosted the pound.

An upward revision to the UK’s final services PMI then lent GBP further support. Activity in the UK’s vital services sector hit a one-year high in April.

However, the middle of the month brought headwinds. Following the BoE interest rate decision, the

bank’s Governor Andrew Bailey said inflation is set to fall sharply from April, which saw markets pare back expectations for further tightening.

Mixed GDP data then saw Sterling waver. The UK economy expanded by 0.1% in the first quarter of this year, but unexpectedly contracted by 0.3% in March.

The pound still rose against its weaker peers, despite a shock rise in UK unemployment, as concerns about second-round inflation effects kept BoE bets alive and GBP afloat.

The BoE will meet towards the end of June to set interest rates. If persistently high core inflation prompts the bank to raise rates again, Sterling could soar.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Unchanged at £0.80

USD/EUR: Up from €0.91 to €0.92

A pullback in Federal Reserve rate rise bets put the US dollar on the backfoot through the end of April.

Fresh turmoil in the US banking sector saw markets revise their expectations for further policy tightening,

Inflation-food seesaw

Linda Hall

UK inflation fell last month although the reduction was less than hoped for.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that annual inflation as measured by the consumer prices index (CPI) dropped to 8.7 per cent in April, following March’s 10.1 per cent cutback. The rate peaked at 11.1 per cent last October.

Electricity and gas prices contributed approximately 1.4 percentage points to the fall according to the ONS.

This was partly counterbalanced by food prices which continued to rise at their fastest annual rate since 1977, with the increased cost of the weekly shop shooting up by 19 per cent in the year ending in April owing to soaring food and non-alcoholic drink prices.

Economists had predicted a larger drop to 8.2 per cent, while the Bank of England said earlier this month it had expected inflation to fall to 8.4 per cent in April.

These latest ONS statistics were announced as analysts warned that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s target of halving

the rate of inflation this year would be closer run than was originally envisaged.

The ONS announcement prompted financial markets to

forecast it was practically a given the Bank of England would increase the base interest rate by a quarter-point from4.5 per cent when they next meet in June.

while weaker-than-forecast GDP added to the downside.

USD faced further losses through the first week of May. Although the Fed raised rates by 25bps, it signalled a potential pause in its hiking cycle.

A souring market mood helped the safe-haven ‘greenback’ recover as the month went on, despite some disappointing US economic data.

Hawkish comments from Federal Reserve policymakers also helped USD continue to claw back its earlier losses.

Looking forward, the Fed’s rate decision in mid-June is the key event. If the bank leaves rates unchanged, USD could slump. Before then, investors will use the latest inflation and jobs data releases to gauge how the Fed might act.

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

Ace year for Acerinox

THE Acerinox Group’s 2022 results were the best since its creation in 1970, announced chief executive Bernardo Velázquez. The Spanish stainless steel group’s €8.69 billion turnover was 30 per cent up on 2021 thanks to good demand, although net profits of €556 were 3 per cent down, owing to €204 million losses by Bahru Stainless in Malaysia.

Acerinox had an EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of €1.27 billion, Velázquez announced, despite the instability caused by the geopolitical situation with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The company also had to contend with inflation - especially energy prices in Spain - supply chain problems and the collapse of nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange in March, he added.

Following an unsuccessful merger attempt with the Mittal family’s Aperam last year, the company continues to look for opportunities to continue growing especially in the US.

Damm good A toxic situation

BREWERY group Damm foresees a record turnover this year. Announcing sales of €1.87 billion for 2022 at the recent shareholders’ meeting, executive chairman Demetrio Carceller Arce revealed that the Barcelona-based company expected an even better 2023 despite inflation and its consequences for consumers and monetary policies.

Damm’s €101 million net profit last year was 10 per cent down on 2021 and the lowest since 2016, although Carceller pointed out that the company had increased its market share.

ROYAL MAIL’S woes do not abate. A vote by employees on a deal intended to end a rancorous dispute over pay, jobs and working conditions while securing the future for all involved was suspended owing to differences between the postal service and the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

The environment in which it was endeavouring to deliver the agreement remained ‘toxic’, the CWU said on May 24.

As a result, it suspended the timetable for a member vote until it is satisfied that what it described as “attacks” on members in the workplace had come to an end.

Royal Mail had agreed a new deal with the union in April following months of tense negotiations and a series of strikes which it blamed for losses of £1 billion (€1.15 million) and the departure of its chief executive Simon Thompson in mid-May.

FOOD INFLATION: Families still spending more on food.

Photo credit: Pexels/Julia M Cameron

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

WITH their, plastic bottles, food cartons and litter left laying everywhere in their wake, plus causing the output of untold thousands of vehicle exhausts as they idled in traffic jams, badly mislead young ‘climate changers’ are leaving a carbon footprint that will probably not be ‘offset’ until they reach their coming of age.

This present generation has to be the most spoiled, self­centered, misinformed bunch of easily led youngsters the civilised world has ever produced. They have air­conditioning in the classrooms, mobile phones and gismos, they ride in cars to school, they suck up junk food like hoovers and insist on the latest trendy outfits at all times.

All of these luxury products, which they seem to think are their God given right, are manufactured or supplied by ginormous companies that pour billions of tons of carbon dioxide emission into the Earth’s atmosphere. These children’s selfish attitudes and life styles cause far more damage to our environment than the previous generations they are so

No respect

keen to accuse. Those preceding them were mobile and ‘designer’ free and took bicycles or walked to their destinations. Most had never experienced jet travel or air conditioning and opened windows when it was hot, instead of closing them.

They received new shoes or clothes only when the previous attire needed replacing, ate home ­ made sandwiches instead of Whoppers and read books. However, in these modern day youngsters’ defence, most have of course been brainwashed and mislead by the ‘usual suspects’!

Many of the culprits are those who laughingly profess to be ‘schoolteachers’. Stringy haired trendies, who actually started the rot when the first long haired leftie ‘free thinker’ plonked his behind on his desk and told the class to call him Jon! The same leftie brigade who welcome drag acts into the classrooms to ‘enlighten’ four­year­olds, abolish winning and losing and teach tiny tots to ‘touch’ and ‘feel’ themselves. Well this is the result.

WATER WOES OUR VIEW

A whole generation of young children who not only have no respect for their elders, but truly do believe they are actually superior. Unfortunately, ever increasing numbers of them would rather walk into the class with a knife than a ruler. What I did find interesting this week however was the reaction to something I shared on FB. I literally received hundreds of ‘likes’ to the following notice, publicly displayed on a notice board by a youngster of around seven or eight. It read. ‘I’m not old enough to drink, let alone choose my sexuality or gender. How about you let me enjoy being a child and leave me alone?’ Sounds good to me; perhaps there is still some semblance of true stability in their young lives yet?

You listening out there? All you woke infested imbeciles that should actually be locked up ­ and would be if I had any say in the matter. Keep the faith. Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon and Fri. 1pm till 4.

AFTER the devastating rainfall which hit Almeria as well as parts of Costa Blanca and Murcia last week it seems that the weather simply isn’t being favourable to Spain at the moment. Certainly, there have been repeated fears of drought conditions across parts of the country which is threatening the livelihood of a very large number of farmers, yet torrential rains are also likely to devastate crops.

There is internal wrangling, some of it clearly political, about the allegedly illegal incursions on protected areas of wetlands where farmers are being allowed to drain water and to some extent, we must recognise commerce may on occasion be stronger than conservation.

The governments of Spain and Portugal are now jointly approaching Brussels asking for the adoption of measures to alleviate the effects of the drought on European agriculture and this of course means that they want more money and to be able to give more money to the agriculture section. Water however doesn’t grow on trees although it does help trees to grow and neither does money, although with €2.2 billion already allocated by the Spanish Government to drought relief it might appear that it does. If aquifers are being raided and there isn’t enough rain, it seems that one option is to build more desalination plants in order to provide water, hopefully potable, but if not, at least suitable for agricultural purposes. Another option is to ensure that sewage plants, many of which simply seem to exist to cause nasty smells around their vicinity are updated so that they can supply more water for agriculture and the ever thirsty golf courses that so many people enjoy.

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

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Person’s Night-time Assistance. And their car insurance includes helpful services such as Legal Assistance that can provide help when applying for or renewing your driving licence in Spain.

EXPAT2EXPAT REWARD PROGRAMME

When an existing Línea Directa customer recommends a new customer, they both receive €30. Línea Directa’s Expat2Expat programme is free and open to all existing customers. You can recommend up to 10 people and earn up to €300 in cash per year. Simply ask your friend to call 917 002 006 and quote your full name. Then once their application for car, bike or home insurance has been approved, Línea Directa will pay the reward straight into the bank account following payment of next or first premium.

For more information, see terms and conditions at lineadirecta.com.

LOWER THE PRICE OF YOUR INSURANCE

Change to Línea Directa and they will lower the price of your insurance. Línea Directa has been providing comprehensive car, motorbike and home insurance to British expatriates and residents in Spain for over 25 years. With over three million customers nationwide, Línea Directa makes sure you get the best possible price for the kind of insurance you really need.

Call their English-speaking customer service staff on 952 147 834 or get a competitive quote now at lineadirecta.com

THE world of wine can be intimidat ing, but it doesn’t need to be! I’m Louie and I’ve made it my mission to explore wine and all its jargon, and report back to you in a way that makes sense.

I run a digital agency, Corking.Digi tal, that helps wineries with their so cial media presence, and during that time I’ve tasted my fair share of wine … and food to go with it. If you like what I write, you can head to @Corking.Wine on Instagram, where I snap photos of things I eat and drink ­ it’s not as boring as it sounds, I promise.

This week we are talking canned wine ­ the portable and sustainable little sister to the glass bottle. Al though not necessarily the cheapest option, canned wines are becoming a popular staple amongst those picnic hampers and beach bags. In fact, I’m finding that the quality of canned wines often surpasses many of their glass bottled brethren.

Quick tip: look for canned whites with Macabeu or Verdejo grapes, and rosés from Garnacha.

Head online to find my full article with recommendations, including my favourite ­ Can Vi.

In a pickle

PROBIOTICS are a combination of live bacteria and yeasts living naturally in the human body.

Devotees maintain that they are extremely beneficial as the ‘good’ bacteria in probiotics occupy space in the gut, crowding out ‘bad’ bacteria and helping to improve or restore the gut microbiota.

Probiotics are often taken as a supplement, but occur naturally in foods that include yoghurt, kefir, cottage cheese and other cheeses like cheddar, gouda or gruyere.

Sourdough bread is another source as are most green vegetables, garlic and onion. Naturally fermented pickles are another good source but avoid those in vinegar and look for ‘live cultures’ on the label.

Gain without pain

EVEN gentle exercise could help to alleviate pain.

A University Hospital of North Norway study split volunteers into four groups who took vigorous, moderate or light exercise for at least four hours weekly, or none at all.

Heart of the matter

Sunscreen test

AFTER the Costas’ recent un­springlike weather, you might be bemused to learn that skincare specialists agree you should be wearing sunscreen yearround.

It is important to apply it even when indoors, explained Dr Elizabeth Hale, senior vice­president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, as UVA rays can penetrate glass.

The experts also recommended a broad­spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 35, protecting against the UVB rays that cause sunburn and play a role in developing skin cancer, and UVA rays leading to skin damage along with ageing and wrinkles.

After they were asked to plunge their hands into icecold water to assess their pain tolerance, researchers found that the most active could keep their hands in the water 16 seconds longer than the sedentary group.

Even those in the light activity category, who walked or cycled, withstood the discomfort for seven seconds more than the sedentary group.

“This suggests that regular physical activity can help to improve pain tolerance, just as the so ­ called ‘runner’s high’ after a jog can make discomfort seem less painful,” said Dr Anders Arnes who led the study.

A STUDY in Portugal found that women have less chance of surviving a heart attack than men.

“Females are at a particularly high risk of a poor prognosis,” said Dr Mariana Martinho from Hospital Garcia de Orta in Almada.

Women could be in greater danger of dying after a heart attack because they tend to have them when they are older than men, and consequently are in poorer health, Dr Martinho pointed out.

In the UK, the British Heart Foundation warned that thousands of women are at risk of being misdiagnosed and less likely than men to receive rapid life­saving treatment and medication helping to prevent a second heart attack.

GENTLE EXERCISE: Raises pain threshold, a Norwegian study found.

Bottled up

WE live in a country where drinking bottled water is the norm.

Nevertheless, Andrea Burton, a nutritionist who was quoted recently in the UK media, maintained that consuming only bottled water could have a detrimental effect on the body.

“It could even be worse than drinking tap water,” she warned.

She said that it was important always to read the label on bottled water, as this would reveal if it came from a registered spring or was filtered.

“If not, it might be less healthy than you’d imagine,” she said, recommending instead that people should filter their own tap water.

WATER: Bottled water not always better than tap water.

Drink up

MORE conflicting ­ or reassuring ­ information regarding alcohol.

New research in Australia found that people who consumed ‘low to moderate’ amounts of alcohol each week suffered less stress, a known cause of inflammation. This is also a principal cause of the aches and pains that can include arthritis.

Seven glasses of wine or pints of beer each week appeared to be the optimum amount in helping to relieve stress, the investigation by the universities of Cambridge and Sydney concluded.

The study’s lead author, PhD candidate Rachel Visontay conceded that ‘harmful drinking’ was globally responsible for significant disease.

“'However, some research suggests that, compared to abstaining, lower levels of drinking may actually be beneficial when it comes to inflammation,” she said.

Be gentle

TEMPTING as it is to sweep your hair back into a tight ponytail, don’t do it too often.

Repeated tension and pulling on hair follicles can lead to hair loss known as traction alopecia, which can be irreversible.

To cause as little damage as possible, take care never to put your hair up when it’s still wet and will be at its weakest. Before tying it up, use serum first which will help the band to slide over the hair without any pulling or snagging.

Picture that!

STARING at pictures of food that you crave could help suppress the appetite and stimulate weight loss.

Tjark Anderson, a Food scientist at Aarhus University in Denmark who led recent research, found that participants who saw the same food picture of M&Ms 30 times, felt full.

Those seeing them three times were ‘significantly’ more likely to say they wanted to eat an M&M than those who saw them 30 times.

Silent killer

GRAHAM MACGREGOR, is a professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and chairman of Action on Salt.

Quoted in the Guardian recently, he said salt was “unequivocally bad” but admitted that getting this message across was not easy because salt is regarded as a normal part of our diet.

“It’s not,” he declared. Salt raised blood pressure and increased the risk of hypertension, known as the silent killer.

“High blood pressure is the biggest cause of death in the world,” Professor MacGregor said.

3 ‘A’s Almonds, avocados and arugula can improve fertility.

Problem solved LETTERS

Hi all, I would like to thank you and your readers for your help re my travel insurance.

I contacted the people you suggested and I now have insurance.

The people in their office were very helpful, and the price was reasonable.

Once again I thank you all, I can now enjoy my holiday.

Regards Gwendoline Ottley

Thank you

Thank you for what you are writing.

I’m a Dutch guy currently residing in Spain. Reading your article on Propaganda in the Euro Weekly. It is a relief to find you and read what you are saying.

So, just saying: THANKS!!

Stay strong.

Dear Leapy

With Love, Louis

I am an avid reader of your column every week but am surprised you have not mentioned the dangerous antics of the, fast becoming more popular, scooters on the roads, or pavements! Risking life and limb to themselves and other road users. However, there seems to be no action taken by the police! Would love to read your comments in one of your weekly comments.

Best regards, DMP, Albatera

Dear Editor

A simple question for Remainers

Do you want to be ruled by the unelected EU or our own elected Parliament?

I know Leapy’s answer!

Spain joined the EU and have prospered with approximately €800 billion in loans. Greece borrowed approx €2 trillion. I wish I could get a big money interest free loan that never needs to be paid back or does it?

Brian Johnston ­ Benalmadena

Well done

To Lee Graham

Fantastic, keep up the good work.

Regards

Are you watching?

will send an email, but I thought you probably get too many emails in your busy life. However, having just now read your article in EWN I thought I would email anyway. I am not racist and all the people in the programme were very nice. It’s just a matter of fair representation of course and it is annoying.

Best Wishes, Graham PS I remember you on the telly with Little Arrows

Hooked

In my nearly 40 years of residence here I have never had much interest in the English language media but I am becoming hooked on your comedy page featuring Lee. I use the surname as he refers to a knight of the realm as Starmer. His ultra right wing, and often racist, rantings are hilarious in their eccentricity, but as one of the few expat socialists on the coast I know that he is preaching to the converted.

Philip Flaxman Mijas Costa

Closer ties

The UK left the EU because the government didn’t want to accommodate the ‘humanising’ rules imposed by the EU and wasn’t prepared to relinquish any sovereignty. The vote was really close. The UK has to undertake a new referendum to see what the outcome might be. It could be a lot different. Also, wanting to re­apply will require that the UK follows the requirements of the EU, will less protest.

Dik Coates

Stormy forecast

Biblical storms and hailstones have battered the area here hard with the aftermath of cleaning up yet to start, let’s hope every drop of water is not wasted, and will give us a head start in the coming months.

Mark

Deportation

Shirley Hunt

I was watching CH5 Rich House Poor House recently where they swap houses for a week. The Poor House ­ Single mum was black and the Rich House featured two gay men. This programme often includes minorities. I thought at the time, I wonder if Leapy is watching this. Perhaps I

This article sheds light on the heartbreaking situation faced by the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light at the TurkishBulgarian border.

It’s truly disheartening to see how they are being denied entry, facing violence, and the threat of deportation. Their religious beliefs should not be a reason for persecution. We must stand together to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their faith.

K Jula

HARNESSING the abundant energy from the sun is one of the benefits of living in southern Spain, creating a renewable, environmentally friendly, and cost­effective energy solution. In the current climate and due to recent energy price increases, more and more people are going green ­ and it’s clear to see why.

Having lived off­grid for over 30 years and installing solar power for the last 22 years, owner of Sunergy Almeria, Phil Reynolds understands the benefits behind this type of energy. Sunergy Almeria can design and supply solar and wind power systems for on­grid (auto consumption) and off­grid systems across Almeria, Murcia and Granada.

The team use only the highestquality equipment with the longest warranties, such as Victron, Dyness, Pylontech, Canadian Solar, REC, and Kostal, so you can be sure your equipment will stand the test of time.

Electricity supply is often an expensive business for properties that are in more rural areas and not on the local power grid. But Sunergy Almeria can provide a solution to

Sunergy Almeria: Renewable energy solutions and installations

nance, and enhanced safety.

Sunergy can also help you save money on your swimming pool costs by installing a Lorentz solar pool pump that is suitable for any size pool. Compared with traditional pumps, you could see a quicker return on your investment and much lower running costs in the future. These pumps have a longer life expectancy, are quiet and efficient, feature a smart modular design, and offer speed control to match your pool size exactly.

your needs with auto­consumption and off­grid systems. Auto consumption systems are increasingly popular and can provide your home or business with free power during the day while accumulating excess power on the grid ­ also known as ‘virtual battery’ or ‘cloud storage’. With most suppliers, your power

can be stored for later use, for example, to generate excess power during the spring and summer months to use during the winter. Any leftover excess may be bought by some suppliers, currently at a rate of €0.11 per kWh, meaning that you may pay absolutely nothing for your supply.

GO LOCAL

WHEN YOU GO SHOPPING - GO LOCAL!

Off­grid systems use batteries as the main source of power for your property, with Sunergy Almeria mainly using lithium batteries. The benefits of off­grid power lithium batteries include higher energy density, longer lifespan, efficient energy conversion, faster charging, greater depth of discharge, minimal mainte­

As a Lorentz­approved partner, Sunergy can install Solar PV systems that are an economic alternative to borehole pumps. Solar water pumps reduce dependence on electricity or diesel and, once installed, there is no recurrent cost for electricity or fuel. Compared to conventional water pumps, solar water pumps require very little maintenance. The team will size a system unit to suit your water consumption levels.

Get in touch with Phil and the friendly team now to find out the best renewable and low­cost energy solution for your home or business.

SUNERGY ALMERIA: Get in touch with Phil and the team now to find the best solution for your home or business.

PETS

How to find a cat-sitter

FINDING suitable cat­sitters for when you go on holiday can be a challenge. You want your cats to be cared for where they are comfortable, their routines maintained. It means that when you get home after your absence, your pets are relaxed and happy to see you, just like you’ve both had a lovely holiday.

Finding a cat­sitter through Housesitmatch means you have someone to care for your pets at home that doesn’t cost you any more than the annual membership fee!

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

Doggy day-care

DOGGY day­care or pet play schools are becoming more popular around the world. Pet parents are opting to pay approximately €350, in Spain, to leave their pets at daycare rather than leave them home alone.

Keeping

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.

Better with pets

PURINA the pet nutrition company announced the winners of their Better With Pets Prize 2023. The objective of these awards is to fund impactful organisations that are ‘striving to change society in a positive way through the power of the pet ­ human bond.’

Two UK charities and one Spanish charity were chosen as the winners from more than 110 organisations across Europe.

The first prize went to Pets As Therapy, a national charity that enhances the health and well­being of thousands of people across the UK by pro­

viding therapeutic pet visits to establishments such as care homes, hospitals, hospices, schools, and prisons. Pets As Therapy was awarded a two ­ year grant of €50,000 per annum.

The second prize went to the Spanish organisation Center de Teràpies Assistides amb Cans(CTAC). CTAC is a charity that provides dog­assisted therapies and activities at care homes, schools, prisons, and residences for people with disabilities and hospitals. They were awarded a two­year grant of €30,000 per annum.

And the third prize went to

Street Vet, a team of professional vets and veterinary nurses that provide essential care to over 2,000 people and their pets across the UK. They were awarded a two ­ year grant of €20,000.

These centres say they offer a solution to loneliness which can sometimes cause behavioural problems and help dogs socialise with other dogs. Some of these centres provide an individualised training programme for your dog. Your furry friend will be fed and walked all while you are at work. They promise that when you pick up your dog you will find them relaxed and happy.

The day­care centres have a sleeping area and playrooms where the dogs are usually separated into groups selected by size, temperament, and age.

In Spain, people are adopting or purchasing more and more dogs with an increase of 38 per cent in the last three years. According to experts, there is a ‘greater sensitivity’ to their needs saying ‘People who have dogs focus a lot on giving them everything they need.’ With this combination, it is clear to see why these services are on the rise.

Doggy day care owners said they noticed that after the pandemic more people chose

These services are on the rise.

to leave their dogs with them. Dogs suffered from separation anxiety in the wake of the pandemic and this prompted pet parents to seek solutions to reduce their pet’s stress.

WINNERS: Three charities were awarded grants.

cats safe and happy at home while you are away.

Photo credit: Wagwag guarderia website

AIR CONDITIONING

CARS FOR SALE

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION -

BUILDERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS : Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.com (253556)

ESTATE AGENT

OTHERS

SOLAR ENERGY

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

BUY & SELL CARAVANS

MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7@hotmail.com (302142)

CHURCHES

LOCAL ANGLICAN (C of E) church services at Mojacar Los Llanos Del Peral and Alhambra. Communion every Sunday in Mojacar at 11am. Communion at Los Llanos every Sunday except the last Sunday in the month when there will be Prayer and Praise all at 11am. The services that were being held in the South American church Albox have now returned to the chapel and Communion is held on the second Thursday of the month at 11am. Priest in charge Rev Canon Alan Bennet telephone number 680 243 436. For further information, please go to The Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Calida web page. Or contact Tony Noble 950 069 103. (10002)

BEDS

INSURANCE

Why not make this year the year you volunteer? Call and 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 tbuddyhhvi sits@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, www.britishle gion.org.uk/counties/spain -north ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email zurgenar blchairman@gmail.com(253989)

DRAINAGE

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the HuercalOvera, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

FOR SALE

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel –678 716 693 (288662)

INSURANCE

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

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

LANGUAGE CLASSES

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

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@sunergyalmeria.com (303112)

PETS

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €7.75, medium dogs €8.50, big dogs €9.25, cats from €7.00 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotel turre@gmail.com fiveboneho tel.com (301372)

PLUMBERS

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (302581)

PROP FOR RENT WANTED

ELECTRICAL

Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (303141)

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

MISCELLANEOUS MOTORING

FOR SALE

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 exce llent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

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

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

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

ABBOTT ELECTRICS . From a Light

SsangYong Rexton - luxury as standard

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

IT may be an unfamiliar name but SsangYong has been producing vehicles since 1954. The company currently has a three model line­up ­ the Tivoli, Korando and Rextonplus the Musso pick ­ up range.

It’s the large Rexton SUV that’s the focus of our road test this time. There are three versions, the Ventura, Ultimate and Ultimate Plus, with the lead­in version priced from €44,698/£38,745. All use a four ­ cylinder 2.2litre diesel power unit mated to an eight ­ speed automatic gearbox and selectable four ­ wheeldrive with low ratio.

The standard equipment list is very generous even on the lower specification model. Across the range you get a heated

steering wheel, powered front seats, third row seating, front and rear heated seats and the front are also ventilated, cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights and wipers, LED lights front and rear, powered, heated and folding door mirrors, keyless entry and start, front and parking sensors plus camera, dual zone climate control even for the rearmost seating, navigation and of course Bluetooth

Facts at a Glance

with Car Play and Android Auto connectivity. Phew!

To say the Rexton is large is somewhat of an understatement. With seven seats it’s not only a genuine family holdall but a capable off roader too.

Fold down both rear rows of seats and you have the carrying capacity of a small van, albeit a

very luxuriously appointed one.

On the road the Rexton’s slightly old­tech 2.2­

litre diesel isn’t the most refined unit, particularly under hard acceleration, but nonetheless has a de­

signed for pinpoint handling and twisting roads do highlight some body roll if you’re too exuberant.

The build quality is excellent and it has a premium feel throughout with sensible controls and buttons as opposed to the increasing trend of over digitalisation. Styling is very subjective and it’s fair to say the Rexton is distinctive, that overly large grille certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste.

• Model: SsangYong Rexton Ventura

• Price: €44,698/£38,745

• Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel

• Gears: 8-speed automatic with selectable all-wheel-drive and low ratio

• Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 10.7 seconds/Maximum Speed 183 kph (114 mph)

• Economy: 8.59l /100km (32.9 mpg) WLTP Combined

• Emissions: 225 g/km WLTP Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

punch and returns decent fuel economy.

If you found the roughest road surface possible I really don’t think it would upset the Rexton’s interior comfort, such is the suppleness of the ride. No vehicle of this size is de ­

At its price the Rexton is tremendous value, but residuals will not be to the level of more established badges. Having already driven the excellent Korando, SsangYong’s smaller SUV, the Rexton is a similarly impressive story. Even bearing in mind the residuals, don’t let the relatively unknown badge put you off investigating the range more thoroughly.

Not on target

THE UK Government looks unlikely to meet its target of having six or more rapid or ultra ­ rapid electric vehicle chargers at every motorway service area in England by the end of 2023, new research conducted by the RAC reveals. Less than a quarter (23 per cent ­ 27) of 119 motorway services reviewed by the RAC on Zapmap currently have the target number of chargers to serve the UK’s estimated 760,000 battery electric vehicles.

The RAC’s research found there are around 400 high­powered charging units situated at motorway services capable of charging 682 electric cars at one time.

This means there is currently an average of just over three (3.4) rapid or ultrarapid chargers at motorway services.

RAC EV spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Installing these types of units is not straightforward as connecting to the electricity grid is expensive and timeconsuming, but clearly more needs to be done to make this process simpler than it is currently.

“While we understand the government is taking steps to expedite matters, the importance of ensuring sufficient high ­ powered charging is readily available up and down our motorway network can’t be emphasised enough.”

REXTON SUV: Don’t let the relatively unknown badge put you off investigating the range more thoroughly.

ELECTRIC CHARGING: Less than a quarter of motorway services have enough chargers.

Image: Southworks / Shutterstock.com

Sharing for speed

Next generation

Anna Ellis

KIA is introducing a suite of smart technologies that aim to make electric vehicle (EV) mobility more convenient, accessible, and efficient than ever before.

“Delivering the next generation of sustainable mobility solutions involves the seamless and holistic interaction of electrification, connectivity and new services,” said Sjoerd Knipping, Vice President of Marketing and Product at Kia Europe.

“Starting with the new EV9, Kia is working towards making EVs fully connected and futureready to enable vehicles to be updated as new

innovations and features become available.”

Kia’s global strategy is to make charging both frictionless and convenient for our customers, whether at public charging stations, at dealerships, or with the wall box at home.

The Kia Charge app enables customers to utilise a comprehensive charging network from a single point of access.

The network in Europe includes more than half a million charging points in 28 countries, and it continues to grow thanks to pan­European partnerships with Ionity and Digital Charging Solutions (DCS) as well as local charging providers.

UK ambulances, police and fire vehicles across the capital will have access to bus lanes on London’s main arterial roads while on duty, even when not dealing with an emergency.

This follows a successful trial with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust that saw fewer missed appointments, and no negative impact on bus journey

times.

The trial was set up to help people travel to appointments smoothly.

Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Strategy & Policy at TfL, said: “Bus lanes have a proven track record of speeding up journeys, and we’re delighted to see further benefits in this trial for Guy’s and St Thomas’ and thousands of

its patients.”

She added: “We look forward now to more patients across the capital being able to get to their appointments on time and supporting the vital work of the other emergency services, be it a forensics van needing to get to a crime scene or London Fire Brigade equipment needing to be in the right place at the right time.”

BUS LANES: Now ambulances, police and fire vehicles will have access to them.

Image: Artono / Shutterstock.com

Making EV mobililty more accessible.

Image: Kia

New Chelsea manager

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has finally signed as the new head coach of Premier League side Chelsea.

The Argentine put pen to paper at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, May 28. He will replace interim manager Frank Lampard on a deal that ties him to the club until June 2026. His appointment was confirmed on Twitter by the respected sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, who wrote: ‘Mauricio Pochettino has finally signed the contract as new Chelsea head coach after verbal agreement reached two weeks ago’.

‘#CFC Official statement ready, he’s starting his job as Chelsea manager next week. Contract will be valid until June 2026. Here we go confirmed’, he continued.

The 51 ­ year ­ old was expected to be announced as Chelsea’s new boss after a lengthy period where the club interviewed several potential candidates after sacking Graham Potter. An official statement from Chelsea FC was expected to be released confirming the news.

Pochettino will be fully aware of the task he faces with the Blues currently enjoying one of their worst seasons in a long time, languishing in mid­table.

Todd Boehly splashed an incredible amount of cash on new players before the start of this season but they were unable to inspire the team to success. It is rumoured that many of those same new recruits now face be ing moved on to fresh pastures, along with a number of the origi nal squad.

Rice could join Bayern Munich

A GIANT spanner was thrown in the works on Monday, May 29, when it was revealed that Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel allegedly called Declan Rice.

According to the reputed football journalist Florian Plettenberg, the West Ham and England star had a ‘good talk’ with the former Chelsea manager who is now in charge of the Bundesliga champions.

In a tweet, he wrote: ‘News #Rice: There was a phone call with #Tuchel a few days ago! Been told it was a good talk. Both appreciate each other. Rice is open to join Bayern & Tuchel. FCB wants to in tensify their efforts now. He’s still a transfer target. But: Time is run ning as he could sign for Arsenal. @SkySportDE’.

That news will not have been music to the ears of Mikel Arteta and Erik ten Hag, both of whom are known to be chasing the signature of the

old midfielder and West

Although his team struggled in the Premier League, eventually avoiding relegation, he has led the Hammers to a Europa Conference League final with Serie A side Fiorentina. Winning West Ham’s first major trophy since 1980 would be a rather fitting way to say goodbye to London at

Tuchel has also been the subject of rumours regarding his future in Germany since the club won the title. As reported by a news source, just after Bayern were proclaimed champions, CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic were both fired.

Rice is open to joining Bayern Munich.

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Mauricio Pochettino.

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