Costa Calida 15 – 21 June 2023 Issue 1980

Issue No. 12 (1980) 15 - 21 June 2023

GONE TOO SOON

Catherine McGeer

MURCIA stood still to mourn the loss of young Martín, the eight­year­old boy from Molina de Segura who suffered from incurable cancer. He passed away on Saturday, June 9. As reported in last week’s edition of the Euro Weekly News Martín suffered from an aggressive incurable tumour. A relative of the family said “He has gone peacefully, calmly, with family and without suffering for a single minute.”

Diffuse intrinsic stem glioma was the type of cancer that Martín had and it affects 20 to 30 children aged five to 10 annually.

Martín’s brother said “We are carrying this moment, the loss of my brother, with love and af­

fection.” And he went on to say “We want this nightmare to serve for something.”

The family has asked the Minister for Health to increase the funding for childhood cancer.

Martín’s family arranged many charitable initia ­

Marine Mural

IN an awe­inspiring showcase of artistic brilliance, Kraser, the internationally acclaimed urban artist and a proud native of Cartagena, unveiled his latest masterpiece, ‘Inflexión Acuática’, (Aquatic Inflection) to the public on Tuesday June 6. This monumental pictorial intervention adorns the stairs and tunnel of Calle Gisbert, capturing the essence of Cartagena’s underwater heritage and marine world.

The unveiling event witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including acting councillors for Culture, David Martínez and Carlos Piñana, who marvelled at the artistic vision brought to life. Spanning an expansive

area of approximately 800 square metres, this work has rejuvenated the urban landscape, enriching the Cartagena experience through the medium of urban art.

The project, which was produced and coordinated by the Graffiti and Street Art service of the Youth Department, will become part of the catalogue of works of the Street Museum, an application that documents the works of Street Art in the city.

Kraser, also known as José Jorge Nicolás Salas, has participated in numerous international art exhibitions. His work has been collected in books and magazines.

tives to highlight their campaign and many personalities have supported it including Frank Cuesta and they have managed to get 260,000 signatures on their Change.org page. Tributes poured out over the weekend for young Martín and the Lo ­

cal Police escorted the funeral procession saying it was their “last goodbye to Martín, just as he would have liked.”

From the Euro Weekly News , we would like to send our sincere condolences to the family. Rest In Peace little man.

FREE • GRATIS

Foreign buyers

ACCORDING to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Urban Agenda, the Region has become an increasingly attractive destination for non­resident foreigners seeking to invest in real estate. Surging ahead with 14 per cent of total property purchases, the region now ranks fifth in the country, following closely behind locations such as Alicante, Malaga, the Balearic Islands, and Tenerife.

With the exception of the pandemic­hit year of 2020, this percentage has shown a consistent upward trajectory, reflecting the growing appeal of the

region among international buyers. In 2017, there were 2,883 recorded sales to non ­ resident foreigners, a number that has steadily climbed to reach 3,565 in 2022, underscoring the region’s enduring allure in the real estate market.

This looks set to continue in the coming months according to data recorded by Idealista. They reported that the weight of searches by foreign buyers accounted for 18 per cent of those registered for homes in the region, exceeding the average for Spain as a whole 10. 6 per cent.

Credit: change.org

Photo credit: Cartagena Town Hall

More funding is needed to investigate childhood cancer.

Celebrating Cartagena’s marine legacy.

Exclusive tours

GUIDED tours of two iconic locations, Cueva Victoria and the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Cemetery, are set to resume. After a period of closure, both sites will once again open their doors to visitors, offering an unforgettable experience starting this week.

On Saturday, 10 June, Cueva Victoria will welcome visitors in two shifts, accommodating a maximum of 20 people per group. This breathtaking cave, known for its mesmerizing prehistoric art, provides a unique glimpse into the past. As for the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Cemetery, it will be open on Sunday, June 11 and June 25, with two shifts available, accommodating up to 30 people per group.

Both Cueva Victoria and the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Cemetery have historical and cultural value. Visit the Cartagena Town Hall for more information and to book in advance.

RICOTE VALLEY is Nestled in the picturesque region of Murcia. This hidden gem is rich in natural beauty, rich history, and a unique blend of cultures. This stunning valley has beautiful landscapes, ancient architecture, and a friendly and charming town centre.

The Ricote Valley is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The Segura River runs through the valley, offering serene spots for picnics and leisurely walks. Hiking trails crisscross the sur­

Hidden gem

rounding hills, providing opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls and panoramic vistas.

The valley’s history dates back centuries, with influences from Roman, Moorish, and Christian civilisations.

The Moors, who once inhabited the region, left a mark on its culture and traditions. Visitors can experience the Moorish influence in the local cuisine,

Restoration puzzle

THE 17th­century cloister of Santo Domingo in Lorca that was damaged in the earthquake in 2011 is nearing a completion date of its restoration. Approximately 600 stone pieces were removed after the earthquake and over the years those pieces have been reassembled like a huge complex puzzle. It is now 12 years since the earthquake and the restoration should be complete in two months. The lower section of the arcade has now been assembled using traditional techniques.

Due to some archaeological findings during the restoration, the Dominican cloister will be different once completed. The cloister has been detached from the buildings that were built in the 1980s as they have concluded that this contributed to the collapse of one of the sections during the earthquake. A concrete supporting structure of the same size and shape as the arches has been created where the arches are anchored with seismic anchors.

music, and traditional festivals. Almond and olive trees dot the landscape, their products are celebrated through vibrant festivities like the Almond Blossom Festival. Its beauty has captured the attention of travel aficionados and is going viral on TikTok and Instagram since it was nominated to be among the 10 finalists for Capital of Rural Tourism 2023 in Spain.

The cloister, once completed will be used for cultural purposes, glass railings will be installed, and special lighting so it can be seen from the street.

SUMMERTIME in Mazarron just got a whole lot cooler with an exciting water party designed especially for children. It began on June 9 and continues until June 23 from 10.30am until 2pm. Packed with inflatable slides, games, and endless water­based adventures, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for the young ones.

Splashing fun

Puerto Deportivo de Puerto de Mazarron. The water party in the Port of Mazarron aims to encourage outdoor activities for children, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The event was organised by the Youth Department of the Mazarron Town Hall in collaboration with the

So, parents, mark your calendars and get ready to witness your children’s faces light up with delight at this amazing water party. Don’t miss the chance to make this summer truly unforgettable for your little ones in the beautiful town of Mazarron.

BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE: Discover the beauty of Ricote Valley.

Credit: Pixabay/juliohdez

Boat chaos

A BOAT detached from a trailer at Kilometre 158 of the A­30 motorway on the descent to Puerto de la Cadena in the Region of Murcia at 8.30am on Thursday, June 8. It caused a traffic jam that lasted for almost two hours.

Scotland return

SCOTLAND’S national team, led by Steve Clarke, gears up for their European Championship qualification with a return to Pinatar Arena Football Centre in San Pedro del Pinatar. The Scottish U21 team has also chosen to return to Pinatar Arena and will play a friendly there against Norway.

Coastal Charm

SUN SEA AND SELLING

HOUSES the popular TV show was spotted with its camera crew on the beaches of Cabo de Palos recently along with Micasamo Realty. Keep an eye out to see if you can catch the episode!

Calblanque rescue

A TEACHER and his students got into trouble in the waters of Calblanque Beach. The emergency services rescued the teacher and one student that could not get to shore. Some of the students needed to be treated for injuries caused by hitting the rocks. Everyone in the group was rescued and went home safe and sound.

Forbes List

THE ENAE Business School in Murcia is once again on the prestigious Forbes List of top 10 business school programmes in Spain. The US magazine selected three of their programmes among the best In the country. This business school stands out as it teaches some of its courses in English.

Shark conservation

THE International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has conducted assessments on two specific areas along the Region’s coastline in order to prioritise conservation efforts for sharks and rays.

A collaborative scientific team comprising researchers from the universities of Murcia and Alicante, as well as the Institute of Oceanography and the Centre for Oceanographic Research in the Mediterranean (CORI), has put forward the Seco de Palos

Coastal zones identified for shark protection.

and the strip between San Pedro del Pinatar and Calblanque as crucial sites for

conservation initiatives. These areas have emerged as vital habitats

for several species on the brink of extinction or severely endangered in other Mediterranean enclaves. These species include the guitar shark, manta rays, sea eagle, and stingray.

The conservation significance of these areas cannot be overstated, as they provide a sanctuary for these endangered creatures. Fifteen species of sharks and 16 species of rays were named as the most frequent species in the area including blue sharks and basking sharks.

Tuna-tastic breakthrough Pure Cosmetics

TWO entrepreneurs from Murcia, Antonio, and Omar, have achieved remarkable success with their natural products, as they emerged triumphant in the prestigious Spanish National Packaging Design Awards, ARCAPACK.

These awards are known for recognising and promoting outstanding design and innovative packaging solutions manufactured or designed either wholly or partially in Spain and Portugal. Spanning the years 2022 and 2023, Antonio and Omar’s brand, AIO Pure Cosmetic, received not just one, but two coveted awards.

Fuelled by their passion for natural beauty, the duo embarked on a journey to create

83 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

A MAN aged between 40 and 50 was trapped in an underground rubbish container in the city centre of Murcia in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The victim, who could not get out, had to be rescued by the emergency services, who later transferred him to the Morales Meseguer hospital in the capital of the Region.

something truly pure, drawing upon their extensive 20year experience in the sector.

Their vision was to develop a cosmetic that transcends gender and age, offering simplicity and effectiveness.

This vision gave birth to AIO Pure Cosmetic, a brand that celebrates beauty in all its diverse forms.

SONRISAS HARMONY was thrilled to be part of Wendy Hamilton’s adventurous day recently. They sang to a large audience when Wendy completed a mammoth swim across the Mar Menor from La Manga to Los Alcázares. Since moving to Spain, Wendy has always wanted to swim across the bay, and on June 3, her idea actually became a reality. Wendy started swimming at 7am battling the waves, and wind, and was even stung by a jellyfish on her journey. Wendy completed her swim at 11.30am.

Wendy was swimming to raise money for PAPS, a Dog rescue centre in El Mirador, where she is a volunteer, and

THE Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), the University of Murcia (UMU), Taxon Estudios Ambientales, and the Ricardo Fuentes Group have embarked on a pioneering study aimed at unravelling the complete physiology of the Atlantic bluefin tuna.

This groundbreaking research initiative seeks to enhance our understanding of the species, enabling the establishment of welfare and conservation criteria while contributing to the sustainability of the fishing industry.

The spokesperson emphasises the significance of this study in increasing knowledge about the Atlantic bluefin tuna, focusing on basal blood parameters, cortisol levels, and the role of gut microbial populations in regulating immune systems and metabolism.

This project is financed through the Complementary Plans of the Region of Murcia in the area of Marine Sciences.

Charity swim

At 00:13 hours, concerned neighbours in the Plaza de San Agustín in Murcia contacted the emergency services (112), urgently seeking assistance in rescuing the man who seemed to be under the influence of alcohol.

Local Police, firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Service of Murcia City Council, and an ambulance from the 061 Emergency and Health Emergency Department were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Working together, they successfully extricated the trapped individual, and took him to hospital.

San Jose Obrero Children Orphanage. It was an exciting day and just over €3,000 was raised for these two Charities. Congratulations Wendy!

Murcian company celebrates win.

AIOcosmetic

Photo credit:

THE ecological crisis in Spain’s Mar Menor, a unique and delicate coastal lagoon, has caught the attention of Brussels.

The European Commission has stressed the urgent need for additional measures to accelerate the recovery of this important ecosystem. Known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, the Mar Menor has suffered from a series of environmental issues, including pollution, nutrient runoff, and reduced water quality. Brussels is pushing for concerted efforts to restore and preserve the Mar Menor for future generations. The European Commission went so far as to announce sanctions for Spain if it does not protect

Mar Menor recovery

Strengthening wastewater treatment systems and preventing untreated sewage from reaching the Mar Menor is another crucial step.

Padron penalty policy

the Natura 2000 network.

Brussels encourages a multifaceted approach to revitalise the Mar Menor. This includes strict regulation and enforcement of agricultural practices, minimising the use of fertilisers and pesticides to reduce nutrient runoff into the lagoon.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

The urgent call from Brussels for additional measures to accelerate the recovery of the Mar Menor demonstrates the recognition of the importance of preserving this unique and fragile ecosystem. The European Commission has stated that the Mar Menor is in a ‘critical situation’, hopefully, their urgency will encourage the Spanish government to continue to focus on the recovery of the Mar Menor.

LORCA has taken a proactive stance toward regulating the management of the town’s Padron. In an effort to address non­compliance and irregular registrations, the acting mayor of Lorca, Diego José Mateos, and the acting councillor for Statistics, Isidro Abellán, have recently announced the implementation of a groundbreaking tool: the Ordinance Regulating the Management of the Municipal Register of Inhabitants.

The acting mayor emphasised a significant change stating that for example when eight individuals are registered in a dwelling of 80 to 100 square metres, a physical inspection is mandatory to verify their actual residency and the habitability conditions suitable for the number of occupants.

Furthermore, a sanctioning framework has been established to address non­compliance, targeting both the owners and the inhabitants of the dwellings. This new system imposes fines ranging from €750 to €3,000 for different levels of infractions concerning the obligations stated in the Padron, which are classified as minor, serious, and very serious.

The rapid population growth in Lorca over the past two years has created a challenge in managing the town’s Padron, prompting the development of these measures.

Fiesta frenzy

THE Day of Murcia was celebrated throughout the region in a variety of ways. Over the long weekend, the Region of Murcia has seen a surge in tourism, with hotels reaching an impressive 90 per cent occupancy rate. The beaches and restaurants were filled with locals celebrating their long weekend but also attracting both Madrid residents and locals from various parts of the region. Families and couples, in particular, flocked to the sun­soaked shores, making the beaches, beach bars, and restaurants brim with activity and creating a lively atmosphere throughout the area.

President Fernando López Miras delivered a heartfelt speech paying tribute to the rich heritage of the region. He said the following about his beloved region of Murcia “My world was not big, but it was the one I had and it seemed to me to be the best of all. You only had to open your eyes to see that many important things were valued, among them the authentic and the simple.”

Another unusual tribute to Murcia on the holiday came from Alicia Catalán, an accomplished artist and designer known as ‘kalonbay’, who has taken the internet by storm with her mesmerising body paintings, each one beautifully capturing the essence of the Region of Murcia.

14

Critical situation for the Mar Menor.

Credit: Flickr/Asociación Hippocampus

“Many hands make light work”

Meaning people do things more quickly and easily when they work together. A very ancient proverb known to both the Greeks and the Romans - it first appeared in English by John Heywood in 1546.

The number of overseas territories the UK has across the globe.

Catherine McGeer THANKS to the Cartagena Town Hall you can now get married on the beaches of the Costa Calida. Sixteen different locations have been authorised for these celebrations to be held along the beautiful coastline of the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean in La Manga, Cabo de Palos, La

Azohía, San Ginés, and Los Urrutias. Two hundred weddings and civil ceremonies will be held along the coast this year already proving to be popular with both Spanish couples and foreign couples. This decision will work wonders for year ­ round tourism with wedding parties usually staying in the area for three or four days, the wedding party and their guests use more than just the hotel and the facilities of the venue.

They often use local businesses like hairdressers, taxis,

Save the date Tourism triumph

CARTAGENA’S Tourism

Soars to New Heights in Record­Breaking 2023. The museums of Cartagena Port of Cultures have welcomed over 200,000 tourists in the first five months alone, indicating a remarkable increase of nearly 40 per cent compared to the previous year. Even more impressively, this figure represents a growth of almost 11 per cent when compared to 2019.

Among the months of the year so far, April stands out with more than 65,000 people exploring the cultural offerings of Cartagena. May followed closely behind,

florists, and photographers along with shops, bars, and restaurants. This is a big plus for the area and the local businesses that are always looking

for ways to extend the high season.

The beaches cannot be used from June 15 to September 15.

with nearly 50,000 visitors. However, it is the Roman Theatre that truly steals the spotlight, accounting for 34.5 per cent of visits to the museums and archaeological sites of Puerto de Culturas. This iconic landmark alone has welcomed over 91,000 visitors, reflecting an impressive increase of 31 per cent compared to 2022 and 3 per cent compared to the record­breaking year of 2019.

Individual tourists constitute the majority, accounting for 66 per cent of all visits with 41 per cent being international visitors, 31 per cent being domestic tourists, and 28 per cent being regional tourists.

With an impressive increase in tourism compared to previous years, Cartagena’s cultural heritage continues to captivate travellers from around the world.

Murcia prodigy

BRUNO, a genius hailing from Murcia, has achieved a remarkable feat by securing a €42,000 scholarship to study at Oxford. This extraordinary opportunity has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Humanism and Science Foundation, an esteemed organisation registered with the Ministry of Education and based in Madrid. At just 16 years old, Bruno’s brilliance has captured the attention of the foundation, which has recognised his exceptional talent and dedication to his studies.

José Antonio, Bruno’s father, had approached

banks and he began a crowdfunding campaign. He didn’t want money to stand in the way of this opportunity his son had achieved. When the deadline had passed on June 8 they felt all was lost when the Humanism and Science Foundation contacted them to offer young Bruno a scholarship for the tuition.

Bruno, who travels to Oxford in September to begin his degree in Mathematics, expressed his gratitude at the support he received saying “All this support has got me super motivated and I can’t wait to get started in Oxford.”

BEACH WEDDINGS: Say ‘I do’ on the Costa Calida.

Photo credit: Área Sunset website

€500 note still legal

WHEN the concept of introducing a euro zone currency was first muted, each member state was invited to join and to confirm what denomination of coins and bank notes they wanted.

At that time Germany, supported by Austria didn’t want to see large notes disappear as many transactions in those two countries were carried out in cash and as Germany had a 500 Deutschmark note, it was agreed that there should be a €500 note.

As time passed and the membership expanded to 20, so did the fear that many countries had that a €500 note was ideal for money launderers and smugglers as well as counterfeiters.

It was calculated that if they wanted to move €1 million anywhere around the world, the weight when using €500 notes was 2.2 kilos as opposed to 20 kilos if using €50 notes and obvi­

ously the packages were much smaller as well.

When new bank note designs were being considered, the European Central Bank confirmed that with effect from the end of 2018, no new €500 bank notes would be printed, except in Austria and Germany where they would continue for a further three months.

Many people in Spain are of the opinion that the €500 note has been withdrawn completely, but in fact they are legal tender across the Euro Zone and

may be used legally for transactions in Spain, although there are rules concerning the amount of cash that may be tendered when settling an invoice.

1,900 Banco Santander branches in Spain

LEGAL TENDER: Real or fake?

Credit: Ivan Radic flickr

British Embassy Cocktail Party

IT was with great pleasure that the proprietors of Euro Weekly News, Michel and Steven Euesden were invited to the Spring Cocktail Party at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Madrid on Tuesday June 6. It was a glorious day and there was a very large number of guests who took advantage of the large garden which gave them the opportunity to chat with friends old and new.

Temperatures were soaring in Madrid, a true reflection on the world of com ­

merce in the region and it seems that the after effects of Brexit and Covid now seem to be a distant memory.

Speaking to those present, Ambassador Hugh Elliott explained that interrelationships between Spain and the rest of the world have never seemed to have been in such a sturdy state.

The investments coming in from South America are most definitely making the economic recovery a far easier journey with regards

to the economic growth of Spain and the region and coincidentally there has been a massive hike in property prices in this region.

La Cámara, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce saw a change of PresidentHugh Elliott gave a massive thanks and round of applause to demonstrate his appreciation for all the work done by Aida Garciaand welcomed the opportunity to work with lawyer and long­standing member of the BCC, Ralph Smith.

The Ambassador was in excellent form on this occasion and Olaf Clayton was a wonderful networker and introducer which comes as no surprise given his role in the British Benevolent Fund, which is the oldest charity for foreigners in Spain today and Olaf is THE conduit of communication between a problem and a solution.

Be it a victim of domestic abuse ­ violence ­ dependency ­ when all help fails us the foreigner here in our adopted land ­ Olaf and his team somehow find the resources to offer a solution.

It was a superb evening of celebration and almost gaiety, although the tide of business attire did not reflect the optimism and excitement of times to come here in Spain

It is getting towards the end of the tenure of Hugh Elliott and although the Euesdens have said it about

the past three Ambas sadors they do believe he has survived some hard times with aplomb.

He is very much like the IF character of Rudyard Kipling…

IF ­ you can keep your head when those around you are losing theirs … They were and he did!

Apart from the many people they met at the event, Michel and Steven were pleased to catch up with their friend Derek Langley of the British Chamber of Commerce and

would like to thank the Ambassador for such a superb evening of commercial celebration ­ it was an honour to be invited.

Olaf Clayton with Michel and Steven Euesden. Ambassador Elliott and Steven Euesden.

Guests at the event.

Look Right, look Left

Linda Hall SPAIN, which was not due to hold a general election until December this year, will go to the polls on July 23.

Following dismal results for the governing PSOE and Unidas Podemos (UP) coalition in the May 28 local and regional elections, the president of Spain’s government, Pedro Sanchez, announced the new date the following morning.

Which way will the Spanish vote?

Partido Socialista Obrero Español (Spanish Workers’ Socialist Party) Written and referred to as PSOE (pronounced pay ­ soee) it is Spain’s oldest political, founded in 1879 by Pablo Iglesias. Middle­of­the road un­radical socialism, although the party shies away from mentioning or laying claims to being a centrist party. It has been in government since June 1, 2018 after a no­confidence vote defeated Partido Popular president Mariano

Rajoy. In power thanks to an uneasy alliance between the PSOE and far­left UP, which itself is a coalition of the Izquierda Unida and Podemos parties.

Party logo: a fist clenched round a red rose.

Partido Popular (People’s Party) Written and referred to as PP (pronounced paypay), the Partido Popular dates back to 1989 as the result of a rebranded Alianza Popular, founded in 1977 to stand in Spain’s first democratic general elections.

Middle­of­the­road conservatism now headed by Alberto Nuñez Feijoo who was president of the Galicia region between 2009 and April 2022 when he took over as the PP’s president.

The PP was phenomenally successful in the May 28 municipal and regional elections, and now controls all but two of Spain’s regional governments and most of its important city halls.

Party log: a blue seagull.

As neither the PSOE nor the PP is likely to wake up on July 24 with an overall majority, Sanchez will have to look further to the Left and Feijoo to the Right if either is to form a government.

Sanchez already knows that he will have backing from

Sumar A coalition of 15 parties to the Left of the PSOE that was only registered on June 9. Created by minister of Labour Yolanda Diaz, who belongs to Izquierda Unida and consistently overtakes Pedro Sanchez in popularity polls.

Feijoo will have no problem in enlisting the help of Vox Formed in 2013 by Santiago Abascal, Vox entered the Spanish parliament in 2019. It is old­school, antiimmigration, anti­LGTB, antiabortion, anti­EU. Although he knows Vox’s cooperation will be forthcoming, Feijoo also realises this could cloud the PP’s centre­right reputation and ambitions.

THERE is a long history of impersonators in the UK and the latest name to catch the attention is Danny Posthill who is a regular visitor to both the Costa del Sol and Mallorca.

Following a recent visit to see his aunt Sylvia who was celebrating her 90th birthday in her home in Fuengirola he was catching up with friend, popular local singer Mario Ross who asked if he would act as auctioneer at the Children with Cancer UK fundraiser at Villa Tiberio in Marbella on Sunday May 28.

After returning to the UK and then flying out to Cyprus for a show, Danny found time to speak exclusively with Euro Weekly News about his career and the way in which it has blossomed since reaching the finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2015.

Asked about how he discovered his talent for voices

Danny explained “I guess that most impressionists will tell you it dates back to schooldays, I wasn’t a great scholar but could make my friends laugh by mimicking

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The bloke who does voices

the voices of various teachers.

“One day everyone was amused by my take on a science teacher and suddenly the room went quiet and I sensed a presence behind me and sure enough it was that very teacher.

“Soon after I moved to a new class and the joke was on me, because my new teacher had obviously heard about that discovery and simply refused to allow me into his class in case I did the same, before telling me he was winding me up.”

As it happened, he went on to win the school talent show and then decided to get into entertainment, firstly working in holiday camps, being in charge of competitions for the kids and then it was off to Mallorca, but times were hard and he end­

ed up sleeping in a hotel sauna because he couldn’t afford a room.

Things got better and as he honed his skill, he got a job on a cruise ship but always wanted to be a full time entertainer and in 2013 he got an agent and became a full time professional.

“It’s not really a proper job, and although sometimes it’s stressful and there is a lot of travelling, I’m doing what I love and it’s so nice that I can make people laugh.”

Quite surprisingly, Danny mimics a number of female celebrities because he recognises his vocal range and doesn’t stray out of it, although he suspects it may change as he gets older.

“Basically, I have a fairly high pitched voice which means that I can become Sarah Millican, Dianne Ab­

bott, Priti Patel and Nicola Sturgeon, although I have to admit that my two favourite impressions are Donald Trump and Michael Mcintyre.”

If you visit Danny’s website https://dannyposthillofficial.com/ you can arrange to have a personalised message from any of the above and many more to be sent to as a special greeting to a friend, family member or as a prank.

“I think it helps that my partner Aimee Cole is a dancer and choreographer so we both have to make allowances for the other’s working pattern and it certainly makes life easier for us both.”

From early days working at the Yaramar Hotel in Fuengirola, to his time in Mallorca (where he still performs regularly) and of course his aunt being here means that he is drawn back regularly and he and Aimee will be holidaying in Spain in September.

That is if a prospective script for a TV series which he has written doesn’t suddenly take off!

Credit: Dany Posthill Facebook

Danny and Aimee outside Villa Tiberio.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Dry spell

ON June 7 Denmark’s meteorological agency DMI announced that the country had seen no rainfall for more than two weeks, the longest dry period in 17 years. Episodes without precipitation could be related to climate change, they said, although this was an area of ongoing research.

THE NETHERLANDS

Night out

A COMPUTER outage disrupted rail travel in Amsterdam and also affected other parts of the Netherlands on June 4 and 5, the Dutch railway company NS said. Hundreds were stranded and 150 people spent the night at Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome concert hall, unable to return home after a Harry Styles concert.

BELGIUM

SpyING

BELGIUM’S public prosecution service launched an investigation following complaints from the BBTK union that ING had accessed the emails of around 2,000 of its employees. According to the union, the bank viewed email traffic following the dismissal of a BBTK member alleged to have leaked sensitive information.

GERMANY

More nurses

AS part of a bid to attract more skilled workers from non-EU countries to the German employment market, Germany and Brazil have signed a declaration of intent for “fair immigration.” The main focus is on nursing, a field in which Germany faces a growing shortage, Labour minister Hubertus Heil said.

FRANCE

Not trending

THE draft of a new law regulating the activities of social media influencers, approved by French politicians from all parties, will curb the promotion of dangerous products and trends with fines and even prison terms. “We can be proud of this unprecedented agreement,” declared senator Amel Gacquerre.

NORWAY

Helping hand

NORWAY’S emergency services rescued a Russian who needed medical assistance while on board a scientific vessel stuck in ice near the North Pole. The authorities dispatched a helicopter from Longyearbyen, which was 500 nautical miles (926 kilometres) away from the ship and only just within range.

FINLAND

Not safe

FIGURES released by the Finnish Crash Data Institute (OTI) revealed that half of the people who were killed in urban accidents between 2012 and 2021 were pedestrians or cyclists. The same figures showed that 44 per cent of the pedestrians who died in built-up areas were killed on zebra crossings.

IRELAND

New idea

SOME archaeologists are beginning to question the accepted theory that Ireland’s first human inhabitants arrived from Scotland. In prehistoric times the Irish and Welsh coastlines were much closer than they are now, they pointed out, suggesting they could have crossed from Pembrokeshire into southeast Ireland.

ITALY

Home again

LAST year the US authorities returned 58 looted antiquities worth $19 million (€17.7 million) to Italy. Very often stolen from archaeological sites and smuggled out of the country over the past 50 years, they included 27 items seized from the Met in New York and the collection of billionaire Michael Steinhardt.

PORTUGAL

Angola aid

ANGOLA and Portugal signed a new cooperation agreement covering 13 areas ranging from finance to legal issues which will be in force until 2027. “We have significantly increased our line of credit from €1.5 billion to €2 billion,” Portugal’s prime minister Antonio Costa announced while visiting Luanda.

UKRAINE

Looking ahead

THE World Bank will support Ukraine with a rapid assessment of damage and needs after the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric dam. Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s managing director for operations, estimated that it would cost $411 billion (€381.3 billion) to rebuild Ukraine’s economy after the Russian invasion.

SWEDEN

New route

UNPRECEDENTED confiscations of cocaine in Sweden in recent months highlighted the country’s increasing role as a gateway for cocaine from Latin America to the rest of Europe. Swedish customs seized 460 kilos of cocaine during their latest haul at Helsingborg port, according to a government statement.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Budget meltdown

WOKING Council is effectively bankrupt with debts of £2 billion (€2.3 billion) following predecessors’ risky investments involving skyscrapers and hotels. Its chief executive said the full impact on residents was not yet clear, but all spending for non ­ essential services had been halted after issuing a Section 114 notice.

Fully-owned

AFTER obtaining a 60 per cent stake in 2021 and increasing this to 62.5 per cent last year, Santander Bank bought the remaining 37.5 per cent of its Brazilian subsidiary Toro Investimentos. Santander did not reveal the sums involved on acquiring the online brokerage company, which has 1.3 million clients.

Sad loss

THE death was announced on June 7 of Sir Ivan Menezes (63), British ­ American long ­ time chief executive of Diageo, following a brief illness. He joined London­listed £75 billion (€87.2 billion) Diageo, now the world’s largest spirits manufacturer, after its formation following the 1997 merger of Guinness and Grand Metropolitan.

Nadal plans

FOLLOWING the success of Tatel in Madrid, and the Toto Italian restaurants, tennis ace Rafael Nadal and Baleares hoteliers, the Matutes family, intend to open similar restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There are also future plans for more eateries in Marbella, London, New York and Milan.

Tough times

CHALLENGING months lay ahead, the owner of the Simply Be and JD Williams home shopping companies warned after going into the red. Shares in N Brown Group, which also owns men’s clothing brand Jacamo, slumped after reporting annual losses of £71.1 million (€82.6 million) for the year ending on March 4.

Linda

Hall

SPAIN will ask Brussels for a total of €94 billion from the Next Generation’s Recovery and Resilience plan introduced to offset the after­effects of the pandemic.

“This will activate all the transfers and loans that have been assigned to Spain,” announced Nadia Calviño, who is the government’s principal vice­president as well as minister of Economic Affairs minister.

Addressing the June 6 Cabinet meeting, Calviño explained that Spain has also added a request for a further €10.3 billion to its initial recovery plan via the Next Generation fund. This will be used for 12

STAT OF WEEK €1.5 billion

plans to build Spain’s biggest shopping centres in Torremolinos and Valencia have been renewed by Eurofund Group following changes in the local governments after the May 28 elections.

More cash from Brussels

CALVIÑO: Spain has applied for all assigned EU cash, Economic Affairs minister said.

strategic projects that are already underway, she said.

The €84 million in ‘soft’ loans will provide Spain with a safety net which would permit ‘a strong rhythm’ of public and private investment for the future.

Calviño stressed that

CHIEF executives at companies linked to the UK’s soaring household bills have enjoyed multimillion paydays.

According to figures released on June 6, the National Grid, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer rewarded their top people with top earnings although all have been accused of profiteering from food inflation and the energy crisis resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

National Grid’s John Pettigrew received £7.2 million (€8.4m) for the last financial year, compared with £6.6 million (€7.7m) in 2021 according to the FTSE 100’s Power Networks Company. Pettigrew’s fixed pay fell although his variable pay, which included bonuses and long­term incentives, increased

Sandals in

PROFITS slid by 10 per cent for Dr Martens boots, the Northampton company’s most famous product. Sales fell 10 per cent in 2022 following errors in the US after the company concentrated on other items and battled problems at its Los Angeles warehouse.

Distribution in Latin America and China was also affected. In contrast, the footwear specialist said that sales of its sturdy sandals and shoes rose by approximately 50 per cent and represented approximately a third of total sales.

The ‘challenging consumer environment’ also produced a fall in demand in the US owing to high inflation, the company announced.

Best yet

These loans will be channelled through various financial vehicles, Calviño said, citing the Autonomous Communities’ Resilience Fund, which would be allocated €20 billion to finance sustainable investment projects.

MAHOU SAN MIGUEL reported a €1.7 billion turnover last year, 18.4 per cent more than in 2021 and the best figure in its history.

this did not imply an immediate increase in the country’s debt as there will be a 30 ­ year repayment period with an extra 10 years’ grace. The government calculates that this works out at around 35 basis points cheaper than raising the money through Treasury bonds.

The EU cash is to be handled in collaboration with the European Investment Bank, the vice­president said, although the Official Credit Institute would channel a further €22.5 billion to be used for business projects ­ particularly those involving green investment ­ with €1 billion set aside for tourism.

Payday bonanza

year and earned £4.9 million (€5.7m), overtaking his rival at Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, after reaching profit, cashflow and personal targets.

The increase was partly due to a £2.3 million (€2.7m) long­term bonus, although Roberts also received a £1.7 million (€1.9m) annual bonus together with a 3.5 per cent rise that brought a £905,625 (€1.05m) salary.

Sales were boosted by higher consumption of beer and water, the company said, although net profits fell by 0.8 per cent to €102.1 million, affected by lower margins owing to higher costs.

These were not entirely passed on to consumers, while the company explained that it spent €499.2 million31 per cent more ­ on modernising factories, as well as a 6 per cent rise to reduce the impact of inflation on Mahou San Miguel’s 4,068 employees.

Good news

THE Organisation for Economic Co­operation and Development (OECD) increased Spain’s 2023 growth forecast from 1.7 to 2.1 per cent.

The OECD also increased its 2024 forecast from 1.7 to 1.9 per cent.

from £5.2 million (€6m) to nearly £6 million (approximately €7m).

Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive received a 3.5 per cent rise last

Bank takes action

THE Daily and Sunday Telegraph will be auctioned off after their owners, the Barclay family, lost control of their two principal media assets.

Earlier, Lloyds Banking Group had threatened to put Press Acquisitions, which owns the newspapers’ parent company Telegraph Media Group (TMG), into administration after the breakdown of talks regarding loans that had accumulated over time.

On June 7, the UK media reported that Lloyds had appointed consultants AlixPartners as the official receiver for the Barclay family’s shares in the holding company which controls both newspapers and the Spectator magazine.

‘Multiple’ sources revealed that the bank, finally frustrated over repayment of a loan of ‘hundreds of millions’ of pounds, had decided to take action by removing Barclay family­appointed board members before auctioning the Telegraph titles and the Spectator magazine.

As sales and profits jumped, Stuart Machin, Marks & Spencer’s co­chief executive, received £2 million (€2.9m) last year, which included a £1 million (€1.16m) bonus.

Push off

UK banks will eventually have to refund all victims of authorised push payment (APP) fraud within a week.

These scams occur when criminals trick victims into handing over a security code sent by their bank, allowing them to ransack their accounts.

Last year victims lost £485.2 million (€564.4 million) to this type of fraud, but banks are currently not obliged to refund them, although many have signed a voluntary agreement requiring them at least to consider cases.

In practice, however, banks refuse to pay around half of APP fraud refunds but Britain’s Payment Systems Regulator plans to introduce stringent rules for refunding customers in 2024.

The organisation placed Spain’s economic progress at the head of the eurozone, expecting growth of approximately 0.9 per cent this year and 1.5 per cent in 2024.

In the “challenging environment” caused the Ukraine war, the OECD predicted that inflation in Spain would fall more rapidly than anticipated, averaging 3.9 per cent both this year and in 2024.

CBI wins vote

THE Confederation of British Industry emerged unscathed from a confidence vote in London on Tuesday June 6.

Ninety­three per cent of the 371 members of Britain’s foremost business lobby group backed proposals to overhaul its ‘governance, culture, and purpose’ in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations. The result was “a really strong mandate from our members,” the CBI’s director general, Rain Newton ­ Smith said although leading companies including Aviva, BMW, BT, John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Rolls Royce, have either left or suspended their membership.

NADIA

NATIONAL GRID: Chief executive John Pettigrew received €8.4 million last year.

Photo credit: Pool Moncloa, Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

Photo credit: Pexels/Jan van Bizar

LONDON - FTSE 100

DOW JONES

Turkish delight

STRUGGLING Asos shares rose by 7 per cent following reports in the Sunday Times that it had received a £1 billion (€1.16 billion) takeover bid from the Turkish online retailer Trendyol last December.

Asos, which owns Topshop and Miss Selfridge, was valued at between £10 and £12 (€11.64 and €13.96) a share by Trendyol.

Old favourite

LINGERIE and stockings

company Marie Claire, founded in 1907, is in talks with the unions, employees and clients that include El Corte Ingles to find a solution that will allow it to survive. If an answer cannot be found, the firm will be obliged to start insolvency proceedings involving the loss of 280 jobs.

Whistle-blowing pays

Linda Hall

THE UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is stepping up its enforcement work against illegal cartels. These are businesses which cheat customers by agreeing not to compete in order to keep prices high, stopping the public and other firms from getting a fair deal and also stifling competition.

People who tell the CMA about unlawful cartel activity they have witnessed can now claim a reward of up to £250,000 (€290,308), in ­

Domestic priorities

IBERIA’S domestic flights provide 1,852 jobs and contribute €130 million to Spain’s gross domestic product as well as €199 million to tourism. Spurred by France’s decision to eliminate routes that could be covered by train in two and a half hours, the airline, together with consultants PwC, analysed the consequences of introducing a similar measure in Spain.

Economic considerations apart, the study

also established that 40 per cent of passengers took domestic flights to connect with another flight.

Eradicating these flights would require between eight and 10 high speed trains, connecting travellers with Spain’s Adolfo Suárez­Madrid Barajas airport on an hourly basis.

“At present there are none,” pointed out Iberia’s Sales director Beatriz Guillén.

No win

creased from £100,000 (€116,134).

“Businesses that participate in cartels, knowing them to be illegal, often go to great lengths to keep the cartel hidden and secret,” the CMA said.

“This makes them difficult to detect and harder to bring eliminate.”

The CMA’s ‘Cheating or Competing’ campaign has advice for people and businesses to help them spot, report and deter illegal anticompetitive practices. It encourages those who have witnessed illegal activity to report it by protecting their anonymity as well as offering a reward.

Businesses found to have been involved in illegal cartels can be fined up to 10 per cent of their annual turnover. Individuals directly involved can face up to five years in prison, while company directors risk disqualification from holding directorial positions for up to 15 years.

CORREOS cancelled the fouryear, €67 million contract for telecommunications services that it signed with Telefonica in February.

The decision to cancel the deal followed an appeal from Telefonica’s rival Orange, previously barred from the tender for alleged breaches, after the French company complained that revealing Telefonica’s financial offer had put all the other competing companies at a disadvantage.

Playing safe

JOHN LEWIS PARTNERSHIP, which experienced a third year of losses and axed the staff bonus for only the second time since 1953, is spending more than £1 million (€1.16 million) on revitalising its children’s range. Executive director for John Lewis, Naomi Simcock, said the business wanted to create “an immersive experience” and a destination, “not just a shop.”

ILLEGAL CARTELS: Britain’s CMA will pay for information

Photo credit: Pixabay/elbgau

Beer crisis

SMALL craft beer manufacturers are going out of business as consumers choose cheaper options due to the cost of living crisis. Forty­five breweries entered insolvency in the year ending March 31 compared with 15 in 2022, according to Insolvency Service statistics.

Bank on it

SPAIN’S BBVA and Santander banks are amongst those handling America Movil’s 130 billion peso (more than €7 billion) fiveyear bond issue. The phone company, which is Telefonica’s principal rival in Latin America, is also using the services of the HSBV, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan banks.

Cleaning up

MITIE, a UK professional services and outsourcing company, announced a record full­year £4.05 billion (€4.7 bn) compared to £4 billion (€4.6 bn) in 2022. Contract wins, renewals, acquisitions and inflationary contract repricing offset unrenewed contracts and the previous year’s benefits from shortterm Covid work.

Football fans

TURNER, a subsidiary of Spain’s ACS Group which is chaired by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, will build the €1.4 billion New Highmark Stadium, future home of the Buffalo Bills American football team. The installation, with a capacity for 63,000 people, is due to open in 2026.

Ash cash

WE SODA, the world’s largest producer of natural soda ash, will be 2023’s first major float in London. The Turkish chemicals giant announced that it would seek a stock market listing this year in a deal that could put a value of between £6 to £7 billion (€6.97 to €8.13 billion) on the company.

Brexit seen from afar

Linda Hall

BREXIT was a “historic economic error” that helped to fuel the UK’s high inflation, a former US Treasury chief declared.

Talking to the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme, Larry Summers said Brexit and other policies meant Britain’s economic problems were more acute than those of most other major countries.

“The UK’s economic policy has been substantially flawed for some years,” Summers said.

“Brexit will be remembered as a historic economic error that reduced the competitiveness of the UK economy, put downward pressure on the pound and upward pressure on prices, limited imports

and the supply of labour,” he added.

This all combined to contribute to higher inflation, maintained the for­

Gigaplant

mer Secretary of the Treasury who had advised both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Summers also slated the Bank of England, saying it had kept interest rates too low for too long, while the UK’s higher levels of inflation were reinforced by “very ill­judged” monetary policies that were too expansionary for too long.

The Bank of England has raised rates 12 times since the end of 2021, taking it to 4.5 per cent in May, although Summers said the only option was to stay the course with base rate hikes, although this would inevitably hit activity and growth.

“I’d be very surprised if Britain avoids a recession in the next two years,” he told the BBC.

Breaking more records

INDITEX earned a record €1.2 billion during the first quarter of the company’s fiscal year, 54 per cent more than during the same period in 2022.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) increased by 14 per cent to €2.2 billion. Earnings before interest and taxes rose 43 per cent to €1.5 billion, while profits before tax rose by 52 per cent to €1.5 billion.

The Galicia ­ based clothing giant, which owns the Zara, Massimo Dutti and Bershka labels amongst others, pointed out that this year’s results were especially buoyant, bearing in mind that last year’s first quarter figures had included a €216 million provision for Russia and Ukraine.

“The Spring ­ Summer collections continue to be very well received by our customers,” the Inditex interim report revealed. “Store and online sales between May 1 and June 4 have also increased by 16 per cent compared with the same two months in 2022.”

The Board of Directors will propose a dividend of €1.20 per share for the 2022 fiscal year at

A MULTINATIONAL car manufacturer intends to build a €4.5 billion gigafactory in the Valencian Community. The news was initially reported in the regional daily Levante­EMV and subsequently the national publication, Cinco Dias.

The regional government has signed a confidentiality agreement with the company in question while negotiations are underway. Although no name has been revealed, Tesla was mentioned by sources close to the process. Should the project materialise, investment would top Volkswagen’s €3 billion plant producing battery cells for electric vehicles in Sagunto (Castellon), although this could increase to €4.5 billion by 2026 should annual production capacity increase from 40 gigawatts per hour to 60.

Pensions result

the Annual General Meeting to be held next July.

The first interim payment of €0.60 per share was made on May 2 this year and the final dividend payment will be paid on November 2, Inditex announced.

Looking elsewhere

BEFORE the Ukraine invasion, Spain imported Russian crude oil. Now it looks to Venezuela (258,000 tons during 2023’s first quarter), Ecuador (148,000 tons) and Trinidad and Tobago (101,000 tons).

Colombia exported 586,000 tons to Spain between January and April,

four times more than during the first quarter of 2022. Meanwhile, shipments from Brazil grew to slightly more than two million tons, compared to 1.5 million tons in the first four months of 2022. Mexico, which sold over 2.7 million tons to Spain between January and April ­ 46 per cent more

ASSOCIATED BRITISH FOODS (ABF) is buying dairy technology company National Milk Records (NMR).

The company, which owns Primark and Twinings, has struck the £48 million (€55.8 million) deal in a bid to strengthen its agrifoods division. ABF is paying 215p (€2.50) a share for the Chippenham­based firm, an 87 per cent premium on NMR’s closing price two days before the announcement.

The acquisition would “significantly” boost its agriculture food business, AB Agri, which currently works with over

than during the same period in 2022 ­ is now Spain’s principal supplier of crude oil, ahead of the 2.2 million tons imported from the US. In contrast, oil purchases from Africa fell by 26 per cent, while those from the Middle East, Europe and Eurasia dropped 14 per cent.

Milky way

2,000 dairy farms globally, ABF told its investors.

NMR, founded 80 years ago, was previously part of the Milk Marketing Board, which controlled the UK’s milk production and distribution and ensured a minimum price for dairy farmers.

The takeover will also improve farmers’ profits and productivity and accelerate NMR’s strategic objectives, ABF said.

THE second phase of Spain’s state pensions reform will boost the Social Security system’s income in line with Brussels’ call for improvements ensuring the scheme’s financial viability.

A Bank of Spain analysis of the government measures that was published on June 7 concluded that this is most likely to affect middle­aged, well­paid, highlyqualified employees who work for big companies. The Bank also calculated that this would raise Social Security revenue by 0.9 per cent of the gross domestic product in 2050, two­10ths of a percentage point below the government’s estimate.

Women losing out

A WOMAN’S private pension pot in the UK is usually worth 35 per cent less than a man’s on reaching 55. After analysing data for both sexes between 2018 and 2020, government researchers found that, on average, women will have accumulated just £65 (€75.5) for every £100 (€116) in men’s private pensions.

As a result, women risk losing out on thousands of pounds as a result of the greater numbers who work part­time, their lower overall earnings and more time off for childcare or other caring duties, the investigation concluded.

LARRY SUMMERS: Brexit ‘a big mistake’ according to the former Secretary of Treasury.

INDITEX: Earnings rose by 54 per cent during Zara owner’s first quarter.

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

AH well, where shall we start this week ­ what about with young Prince Harry? Firstly we can’t of course refer to the ginger whinger as ‘poor’ Harry. He is actually sitting on millions, or the wife is! This henpecked hustler is now using up his precious gift of time by endeavouring to get a whole corporation of journalists prosecuted for handing out publicity which made him feel uncomfortable when he was a teenager.

This, sadly pathetic individual, who has been brought up with no financial or real survival worries whatsoever, has now married a partner whose life has probably been positively riddled with obstacles.

This mixed race young actress, who, when you examine her friends and nonassociation with her own father, or her attitude toward British royalty, appears to rather dislike anyone bearing Caucasian originality, has now obviously succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. She has reached the staggering achievement of becoming a

Fancy a bet?

globally recognised Princess/Duchess, a Queen of Hollywood, a Royal sister­in­law and an advisor to the brother of the future king of England. Not bad apples.

She obviously already rules the roost; in fact he’s actually just announced that he’s bringing the whole case just for her. That should get him a few cuddles! I’ll give ‘em a couple more years. Anyone fancy a bet?

Moving on. The conspiracy to bamboozle the public, particularly the youngsters, that the UK is a blissful society of mixed marriages and culturally entwined citizens is gaining ground by the day. Not only is the media now so full of misrepresentations and non ­ existent standards, it is guilty of committing enough false impressions to be up for prosecution. It has now been joined by the woke academics of the university of Cambridge, which is insisting to its students that Anglo Saxons actually didn’t exist as an ethnic group.

A further part of their conspiratorial efforts to undermine what they call the ‘myths of nationalism’. In

other words they are now trying to maintain that our ancestors never truly existed.

This of course gives even more ammunition to the multi ­ culturist brigades who are intent on overpowering the rights of the millions of true Anglo Saxon descendants that still dominate the citizenship of the United Kingdom (85 per cent)! Are they winning? Well they may be under the impression that they are, but of course the true battle, which they are too full of their own importance to realise, is actually the ever growing threat of Artificial Intelligence.

When this takes over, which it will, all their bull…t attitudes and theories will disappear along with the rest of us firmly entrenched under the new rulers of our planet ­ the purveyors of Artificial Power. An outcome which will ultimately be impossible for any of us to compete with. Whatever colour or nationality you happen to be.

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon and Friday 1pm till 3pm.

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

SAFER DRIVING OUR VIEW

IT must be assumed that speed limits in Spain are set with an eye to making it as safe on the road as possible for all parties.

However, it is not unusual to see drivers speeding and if the government really wanted to enforce the law and make a lot of money in fines, then speed cameras in every tunnel on every motorway would be the ideal option as few drivers seem able to drop from 120kph to the average 80kph which is the norm.

The Guardia Civil issue regular explanations about the proper use of lanes in roundabouts and considering how in Spain, roundabouts are almost national monuments with each being named and having special decorations, you would think that most drivers would understand the rules and follow them.

In the UK, drivers should stop if they

see pedestrians waiting to move onto zebra crossings but pedestrians are taught to actually check the safety of the road whilst the Spanish seem to have a belief that they should just be able to walk straight onto the crossing expecting as a matter of fact that drivers will automatically stop for them even if the paint on the road is so indistinct that unless you know the area, you might not even be aware that the crossing exists. Perhaps one of the most dangerous habits in Spain is the fact that many drivers of school coaches simply don’t take any notice of the speed limits, especially on dual carriageways and whilst they are charged with delivering their charges safely to and from school, they not only speed but then stop wherever they feel like to drop the children off.

VIEWS

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) has revolutionised the way we live and work, from improving healthcare to improving transporta tion systems. However, its increasing integration into our daily lives also raises significant concerns about the potential threats it poses. AI admittedly offers many advantages.

Its ability to process vast amounts of data quickly means it can analyse complex issues such as climate change or disease outbreaks more efficiently than any human. Furthermore, in industries like manufacturing, transportation and logistics, automation using AI technology can significantly increase productivity while reducing labour costs ­ and lost days due to strikes! However, unchecked development of AI technology creates serious

threats. These include job displacement due to automation leading to mass unemployment; ethical considerations when AIs make decisions where moral judgement is required; and existential risks if AIs were allowed control over critical infrastructure such as nuclear power plants or weapons systems. Clearly a balanced approach between innovation and regulation is needed. Policymakers must prioritise developing regulations that ensure accountability for organisations utilising these technologies while promoting transparency around their use. Only then can we maximise the benefits offered by this double­edged sword while mitigating against unintended consequences that may arise from unregulated development of AI technology.

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

to

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

WHILE I was still in the USA and I know I have written about this place before, but I have to relate a couple of things that happened to me whilst I was there.

I went to see a doctor in Houston and then took a flight to Las Vegas on a small puddle jumper.

That is what they call the planes that fly the short trips. I get in my seat and buckle up ready for my flight. I’m in the window seat. I look up and coming down the aisle is a large man - a very large man! I’m talking omfg large!!

Now let me point out he is not fat (I’m not even sure I can say that anymore). He is just a huge bloke and of course he manoeuvres into the middle seat next to me. Now I’m not a great chatter on a plane and never have been.

I’m not interested in striking up a conversation with a complete stranger who wants to know my life story. So as soon as I sit in my seat I make myself busy. It used to be reading all the stuff in the seat pock-

et, including what to do with the sick bag, but now I just put my headphones on either to watch a film on my laptop or listen to music.

Anyway he sits down and within a few minutes he has his head back and is asleep, but he has the whole armrest and is now well into my seat too! So what do you do? Well I’m not well known for my ‘suffering in silence’ abilities so when the cabin crew lady with the trolley asks if I want anything out comes, “Yes a bigger seat please as I’m sharing mine with him”! He looks at me and says, “What’s the matter”? I tell him that he is invading my space (I’m being American - it’s what they say).

There is no apology. Nothing. Just a big huffing noise and a horrified look from the air hostess. Well, I’m not doing this PC stuff anymore. He moves his arms so I can have my seat to myself. I really don’t get it. Why am I made to feel bad because he is a big guy?

The rest of the flight was OK but I don’t think I’m on his Christmas card list and it was interesting to see the reaction of other people that heard what was going on. What would you have done? I’d be interested to know.

Email me at mikesenker@gmail.com let me have your thoughts.

We help with your support

THE British Benevolent Fund was founded over a century ago to help those Britons in Spain facing extreme financial distress.

In that time the expat community has grown a hundredfold while the number of visitors has reached heights unforeseen back then.

Of the 18 million plus visitors from the UK to Spain each year the vast majority are without incident ­ and not all visitors are here for a two week break on the beach. Many come to see friends and family.

The UK consulates do an incredible job sorting out problems when they arise but many people are under the mistaken view that the consulates can also pay for someone’s repatriation or expenses if things go wrong.

Earlier this week we were alerted by a UK consular office of a young British woman who had come out to see her boyfriend who was working in a bar at a coastal resort.

She had planned to spend a few weeks ­ maybe longer and was thinking that maybe if things worked out she would stay and see how things went.

Nothing concrete ­ just an idea in her head to be with a guy she liked and was starting to think of something more long term.

It turned out to be the opposite ­ in fact within a few days she had already seen that not only was he a very heavy drinker but was violent towards her, so much so that the first day she was too numb to move.

He started attacking her the next night after a drinking session and hit her repeatedly causing injury. This time she screamed for help and fled into the night.

She was picked up by a Guardia Civil patrol and taken into town ­ she used the last of her money for a ticket home and tried to make the flight ­ but she arrived too late and had to contact the local consulate for help as she had no friends or family who could help ­ they in turn contacted the BBF to pay for her flight home which we were able to do on the same day.

She is now back home. We can only help people with your support. If you would like to make a donation please visit www.british benevolentfund.org to see how you can make the difference. Thank you on behalf of all the beneficiaries of your generosity.

Olaf Clayton, Chair

BBF.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

I’m not doing this PC stuff anymore

Cudeca cancer charity.

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

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

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING

AI: Saviour or Destroyer?

Unvarnished news LETTERS

I have recently taken on a new role with Euro Weekly News and am Editorial Consultant reviewing the type and style of articles that are published both in the seven weekly editions of the newspaper as well as the web page.

One story that we have been concentrating on, which appears to be ignored by much of the mainstream media, is the plight of some 104 followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light sect who have been arrested and allegedly tortured due to their beliefs in Turkey.

It has been quite incredible how many supporters of this peaceful faith community which follows many of the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed have read and responded to these articles thanking Euro Weekly News for reporting their case.

Many of the comments are in Arabic but EWN has arranged for them to be translated into English so that readers can understand their comments.

It is very heart­warming to know that the largest English language newspaper in Spain is reaching across the world and doing something, no mater how little, to spread the unvarnished news.

Visit https://euroweeklynews.com/ 2023/05/27/104­members­of­a­religiousminority­face­imprisonment­or­executionon­the­turkish­bulgarian­border/ to read the full story.

John Smith Editorial Consultant EWN

Tourism fight back

There is a Facebook group called ‘180 days in Spain’ trying to get the UK government to reach a bilateral agreement with the Spanish government giving UK citizens equal rights to those of EU citizens arriving in the UK, who can stay for six months without a visa. This would help UK citizens who own homes in Spain and allow for both Easter holidays and summer holidays.

David Candlish

To David Worboys

“Third, cats are discreet…”

And where do you think they poop? That’s right, they poop in the neighbour’s property! These selfish animals keep their home clean. That’s why they prefer the clean garden of the neighbour ­ very social!

Maybe people will get cats because they have the same mindset and traits ­ BRAVO! Sometimes your column is useful, but this time it was an ill­considered own goal...

Regards Ralph / Torre del Mar

Hi Anna

Just a quick thank you for running our football donation article. It was a great advert for the club.

Regards Duncan

Leapy

You’re welcome Graham. Yours is the first page I turn to when the paper comes out every week. I like a person who speaks their mind, and I sometimes share your column with friends in Britain. Many say that wouldn’t be allowed over there, but like your honesty.

Keep up the good work.

Hi Lee

Regards Colin

100% agree with your comments in EWN I presume that you have read ‘Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley. Prescient is a word that comes to mind.

Have you looked at Reform Party? I reckon they deserve a chance.

Vids worth watching:

History debunked

Rotten Politics

Mahyar Tousi

...and in USA:

Crossroads with Joshua Philipp

Best regards and keep up the great work!! Max

Jumped ship

Well, I expect you have heard by now that Britain’s answer to Trump has resigned. Even in his resignation statement Boris Johnson can’t tell the truth. He isn’t being forced out anti democratically. His departure is a nail in the Brexit coffin, which I expect you will have a comment to make about. He’s looked at the report, he knows the damage it will create, so he is avoiding the humiliation. He jumped before he was pushed.

I expect you know that there are now eight ex PMs and they are entitled to public financial support which was established after Margaret Thatcher resigned. The PDCA allows a former prime minister to claim up to £115,000 a year paid for by the tax payer. Of course they can earn a lot more on top of that by travelling around the world making speeches, while the average British tax payer struggles to pay electricity, gas, water and food bills.

Trump and Johnson are both Americans, both born in New York, both got silly hair cuts, both lie. The only difference is Johnson hasn’t got a ginger face.

Regards Colin

PETS

House-sitters care for dogs

HOUSE-SITTERS can play a vital role in the care of pet dogs, especially in the summer months when we tend to holiday away from home. Most of our house­sitters have dog care experience and know that keeping them cool and entertained and healthy while you are a way is vital. House­sitters can help you with that.

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

Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

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

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

Caring for birds

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

PET birds are unique and fascinating companions, offering a different ex perience compared to more tradi tional pets such as dogs and cats. Caring for these exotic creatures may seem daunting, but with a little knowl edge and dedication, you can pro vide a loving and nurturing environ ment for your feathery friend.

A bird’s cage serves as its home, providing a safe and comfortable space for it to live in. Ensure the cage is spacious enough for your pet bird to stretch its wings and move about freely. Also make sure it is away from direct sun light, draughts, and extreme temperatures and filled with everything it needs like perches of various sizes and materials for foot ex ercise and comfort, food and water dish es that are easily accessible and easy to clean, and safe toys for mental stimula­

Unique and fascinating companions.

tion and entertainment. Regular cleaning is a must.

A well­rounded diet is essential for your pet bird’s overall health. Avoid feeding your bird an all­seed diet, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Offer your bird a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables just make sure to avoid feeding your bird avocado, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol, as these can be toxic to them.

Finally, dedicate time each day to interact with your pet bird through play, training, and cuddling, and allow your bird to spend time outside of their cage daily, under close supervision. Ensure the room is safe, with all windows and doors closed, and remove any potential hazards. This time outside of the cage allows your bird to explore, stretch their wings, and bond with you.

Cat-proofing hacks

AS much as we love our feline friends, their playful nature can wreak havoc on our furniture. Scratched couches, chairs, and tables are a familiar sight to most cat owners. However, cat­proofing your home does not mean sacrificing style for function.

Thankfully, there are some easy hacks you can use to keep your home safe and kitty­friendly. One simple trick is to cover up any exposed wires or cords so that your cat can’t chew through them.

Another is to keep fragile or valuable objects out of your cat’s reach by placing them on high shelves or in cabinets

with secure doors.

Finally, make sure to keep all household cleaning products stored safely away from your cat’s reach. With these simple hacks, you can create a safe and happy home for you

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

and your feline friend.

When it comes to having cats in the house, it’s important to set some boundaries right from the start. One of the best tips is to block off areas that are off­limits to your feline friends, such as stairs or high counters. This will help keep them safe and prevent any potential accidents from happening. Using childproof locks or gates is a great way to secure these areas and ensure that your cat doesn’t explore where it shouldn’t. Remember, creating a safe and comfortable environment for your cat is key to keeping them happy and healthy.

Photo credit: Pixabay/luxstorm

Photo credit: Pixabay/JamesDeMers

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Alcaraz cramps up

ALCARAZ fell to cramp as Djokovic went on to win the French Open after a bizarre semifinal with the young Murcian tennis superstar. The 20 ­ year ­ old from El Palmar in Murcia faced Novak Djokovic in the semi ­ final of the Roland Garros tournament. Djokovic was in flying form as he moved the ball skilfully around the court and Alcaraz had to pull out many of his miracle shots to just keep up with the Serbian tennis player.

After two hours and 15 minutes of intense competition in 30degree heat, Alcaraz fell to cramp when his calf abruptly locked up in the third game of the third set. Alcaraz insisted on seeing out the contest, but it was easy for Djokovic from that point. He won 6 ­ 3, 5 ­ 7, 6 ­ 1,6 ­ 1, and went on to win a record­breaking 23rd grand slam title.

Alcaraz spoke after the game, his trademark smile ever­present, describing his physical condition during the match. He began by

stating his disappointment with how he finished the

many times. He is an incredible competitor, a very nice guy, he

Championship clash

PEDRO ACOSTA showcased his expertise at Mugello as he dominated the race, clawing background in the fight for the 2023 Moto2 World Championship title. From the very first turn, Acosta, from Mazarrón in Murcia, took control of the race, leaving his rivals in his wake. His path to victory was further aided by a tangle on the opening lap, which eliminated Sam Lowes and penalised another potential contender, Alonso Lopez. The Reed Bull KTM Ajo rider went on to win the Moto2 race before turning up the pressure on KTM.

Acosta announced that from June 13 he is contractually able to listen to offers from rival manufacturers and again highlighted that he wants to move into MotoGP. Mean

Promotion dreams dashed

Carrión rejects renewal

FC Cartagena officially announced head coach Luis Carrión’s rejection of the renewal offer. Releasing the following statement on their Twitter account. ‘We at Efesé express gratitude as Luis Carrión departs after two and a half years.’ Luis Carrión’s non­renewal came as a surprise with the feeling around the club that he would come to an agreement with the club.

Carrión appeared on TV after the announcement and he said “I would have liked to have stayed.” He went on to say the offer they gave him created some ‘doubts’. That’s why he decided to put an end to the relationship between them saying “I didn’t want to start a project badly.”

FC Cartagena has appointed Víctor Sánchez del Amo as their new head coach.

UCAM’s hopes of promotion were dashed as they had to settle for a disappointing draw against the Atlético Madrid B team. Despite their efforts, UCAM failed to secure the crucial victory that would have taken them to the Primera RFEF. The match ended 0­0 after extra time in the Cerro del Espino stadium in Majahonda, Madrid.

The team tweeted after the match ‘We are broken for not being able to bring you the long­awaited promotion. Thank you for your support throughout the season. We are already working on what is to come.’

Head coach Víctor Cea said “I couldn’t be prouder of my players. This dressing room has been a team. Everyone has transmitted their energy both on and off the pitch.”

IN a stunning display of skill and determination, Bernardo Mateos Peña, from Mazarrón, a mere four years old, achieved victory in his first ­ ever race at the Tordesillas Speed Circuit during the Castilla y León Karting Championship held last weekend. Competing in the Pre­Rookie category, Mateos emerged triumphant, leaving his opponents trailing behind by a staggering 45­second margin.

Organised by the Castilla y León Federation of Motorsport, the event witnessed Mateos’ im ­

Dominating debut

pressive performance, winning both races. Starting as the runner ­ up in the initial race, Mateos swiftly took the lead after the first lap, leaving the pack of drivers in his wake and even lapping three of them.

In the second race, despite beginning from the last position as per the regulations, based on the reverse order of the previous race’s finish, he took charge from the second lap until the finish line, ultimately crossing it a staggering 45 seconds ahead of the secondplace contender.

Farewell and best wishes to Luis Carrión.

Photo credit: Cartagena FC Twitter account

Racing prodigy sets the bar high.

Photo credit: Wikipedia/KrisMizdrak27

Young Alcaraz misses out on the final.

A hard-fought draw isn’t enough.

Acosta closer to World Championship title.

Photo Credit: Pedro Acosta’s Twitter account