Axarquia 22 – 28 June 2023 Issue 1981

IGNITING THE SUMMER

Betty Henderson

TOWNS across Axarquia are eagerly awaiting the magical Night of San Juan, an age­old celebration commemorating the birth of John the Baptist. Locally the event is ingrained in local customs with all­night parties set to take place.

In Nerja, families are set to gather on Playa Burriana on Friday, June 23 to bid a warm welcome to summer. The beach will be the heart of celebrations for the town with the traditional ‘sanjuaneo’.

As the clock strikes midnight, the ‘juas’, symbolic effigies designed by locals, burst into flames, creating huge beach fires. Thrilled youngsters joyfully leap over the glowing embers before plunging into the inviting sea, traditionally whispering three wishes.

In neighbouring Torre del Mar, the Night of San Juan brings live musical

performances too. Efecto Pasillo, El Regreso de la Década, and We Are Sau will grace Copo Beach. El Regreso de la Década will provide a blast from the past with hits from the 60s to the 80s.

As the crowd enjoys the live music,

Equine extravaganza

ANIMAL lovers are in for a treat as Almachar revives its traditional Livestock Fair this weekend.

the aroma of fresh sardine skewers wafts through the air before a vibrant firework display. The event is the only day that beach fires are allowed and promises to be a memorable experience.

Sun and sounds

THE final touches are being put on preparations for Axarquia’s biggest music festival, Weekend Beach Festival.

The festival grounds in Torre del Mar are being transformed into a haven for music enthusiasts ahead of the event which is set to begin on Wednesday, July 5 and runs until Saturday, July 8.

In less than two weeks, Torre del Mar’s sun­kissed beach will play host to an incredible lineup of more than 85 renowned international and national artists.

The roster includes music sensations such as Maluma, Editors, Mando Diao, Carl Craig, and Della Fuente, to name just a few.

The festival is famed for its diverse range of musical genres, offering something to all music fans.

The town will come alive with the sound of thundering hooves with more than 200 majestic equine animals this weekend. The fair, which will run from today, Thursday, June 22 until Sunday, June 25, will see farmers and breeders show their horses, mares, donkeys, and mules.

The fair will offer activities from 8am until 8pm during the weekend with shaded areas and a refreshment bar available for guests.

Almachar Livestock Fair serves as a unique platform where owners and

potential buyers can connect. It also highlights the vital role that these animals play in agriculture, particularly in an area like Axarquia.

The fair will launch on Thursday, June 22 with a talk entitled ‘Animal Health for Livestock Farmers’ which will be run by the vet Nicolás Bazaga Velasco at the Casa de la Cultura from 5pm.

The fair will also feature live entertainment including a performance by the Dúo Adhara, on Saturday.

Almachar is one of the few places to still have an agricultural fair, and it is supported by authorities as an important aspect of cultural heritage.

This year’s festival will boast four stages equipped with top­of­therange acoustics technology and 500,000 watts of dazzling lighting. Festival organisers have upped their game in this year’s edition, investing 20 per cent more in technical production compared to last year.

With more than 300 square metres of high­resolution screens, all festivalgoers are guaranteed an interactive experience during the live shows.

With a sprawling venue spanning 38,000 square metres and a capacity of 40,000 attendees at once, Weekend Beach Festival offers plenty of space to enjoy the music.

Last year’s event attracted a total of 135,000 music fans over the four days of performances.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Nerja

WARM WELCOME: Giant effigies burn on Playa Burriana, Nerja.

ENTHUSIASTS: The music festival brings thousands to Torre del Mar’s coast.

BEACH FESTIVAL: Thousands of music fans will revel in the concert atmosphere.

Photo credit: Weekend Beach Festival

LIVESTOCK FAIR: Regional authorities have given their backing to the event.

Photo credit: Mancomunidad Costa del Sol Axarquía

Pilgrimage

THE village of Canillas de Albaida will be hosting a charity pilgrimage on June 25 with funds from a voluntary contribution of €5 going to the AEFAT Association (Spanish Association of Families Affected by Ataxia Telangiectasia).

Ataxia ­ telangiectasia (A ­ T) is a rare, inherited disease which affects the nervous system, immune system, and other body systems and tends to appear in children normally before they are five.

Many towns and villages celebrate the night of San Juan which takes place on June 23 and typically includes family celebrations and a massive bonfire but Canillas

Natural wonders

de Albaida prefers to wait until the next Sunday so that more people can take part in the annual pilgrimage, thus raising even greater amounts for the charity.

There will be a mass at 10am followed by breakfast and then as the pilgrims move off, they will stop to share paella at the recreational area of the Fábrica de La Luz.

Music is part of the event with contributions from several choirs and the Municipal Band and with 40 families in Malaga Province needing help with this rare but so far uncurable disease, every euro donated will be most welcome.

Betty Henderson TICKETS are still available for Lux Mundi Torre del Mar’s June excursion, set to take place on Thursday, June 29. This month’s trip to Antequera and El Torcal promises a day filled with history, natural wonders, and social fun.

The excursion will begin with a scenic drive to the ancient city of Antequera, with a brief 30 ­ minute stop for refreshments en route. Once there, guests will be treated to a one hour guided tour in English, exploring the intriguing burial complex known as Los Dolmenes. This archaeological marvel is sure to impress visitors.

The tour then proceeds

THE Arts Society Nerja is thrilled to announce its 30th anniversary in season 20232024, and they are inviting the whole community to join in their celebrations.

The anniversary year includes a lineup of 11 intriguing lectures and an array of exciting events that will make the season unforgettable.

To kick off the celebrations, the society is planning an Anniversary Lunch on Saturday, October 21 at Restaurant 34 in Nerja. In October, the society will also host a music competition

Senior sportscape

to the heart of Antequera’s historic centre. Guests will then discover the town’s architectural gems, including the Plaza del Portichuelo and the Alcazaba. Guests will then have free time for a leisurely lunch.

After lunch, the journey continues towards El Torcal de Antequera, a vast nature reserve known for

its dramatic limestone tower rock formations. After a picturesque drive through the countryside, visitors will enjoy a twohour guided tour, learning more about El Torcal.

Tickets cost €32 for Lux Mundi members with a card and €35 for nonmembers. Guests are asked to wear suitable footwear for walking.

Turning thirty

showcasing the incredible talent of young musicians on piano, strings, and wind instruments.

Members will also be treated to a presentation of a beautiful calendar created by the Alsharq society, featuring the breathtaking alcazaba palaces of Al Andalus.

Other activities include a guided tour to the Alcazaba of Almeria, an engaging AGM talk, a New Year’s

Concert in January, an Art Exhibition in February and a trip to Vall de Boi, next April.

The Arts Society Nerja is a member of the British organisation, The Arts Society and is part of a global community of over 90,000 members.

Membership information can be found online: https://www.theartssoci etynerja.com/indexSum mer2023.php

Catherine McGeer IN a bid to promote senior sports and cultivate healthy habits among the residents of Colmenar, an educational hiking day was organised recently. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the sports programme for seniors. With the generous collaboration of the town council of Colmenar, Diputación de Malaga, CEDEFO (Centre for Sports Development and Training), and the Provincial Park of the Fire Services, this event was a resounding success.

The day began with a hearty breakfast to fuel the participants for the day ahead. The group, accompanied by their instructors and dedicated volunteers, embarked on a hiking expedition through the picturesque trails of Colmenar.

The highlight of the event was the visit to the local fire station and CEDEFO. They had the unique opportunity to interact with the firefighters and learn about their profession by witnessing demonstrations, including firefighting techniques and equipment used during emergencies.

Credit: Mancomunidad Axarquia

Photo credit: Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre

Lux Mundi has a vibrant social community.

FOR CHARITY: Announcing the event.

Dynamic duo

JUAN Montero y Francisco

Pineda emerged victorious in the AECC Charity Golf Tournament which was held in Velez­Malaga last weekend. The tournament, which was held at Baviera Golf Club was extra special as it formed part of the ‘Road to Solheim’.

Page turning

LIBRERIA EUROPA , the book shop near Nerja’s Balcon de Europa, celebrates its 50th anniversary this June.

Founded in 1973 by Federico Bomberelli and his colleague José Carneros, it has become a gathering place for bookworms and visitors.

Mariners Market

TORRE DEL MAR’S Mariners Market is set to return to the town’s Paseo Larios seafront promenade from Friday, June 23. The traditional fair, which has mediaeval roots, features a range of fresh marine produce and other local goods.

Helping hand

THE APAA charity shop in Nerja has launched an appeal for staff members during the summer holiday period. Volunteers are needed to work from 10am until 2pm and can visit the shop or contact the charity via Facebook for further details.

Power shuffle

TOWN halls across Axarquia welcomed their new councillors in official ceremonies on Saturday, June 17. Many mayors have returned to their positions after May’s local elections with some new faces. Councillors have now pledged to start implementing their electoral promises.

Sunday shops

PERIANA monthly market is set to return on Sunday, June 25. The market takes place on the final Sunday of the month in the town’s Plaza de Andalucia from 10am until 2pm. Local businesses run stalls with a variety of goods.

San Juan Festival

SPANISH and foreign citizens alike will flock to the beaches on the evening of Friday June 23 for the annual festivities of the noche de San Juan (San Juan night). This cherished tradition captivates people of all ages, offering a delightful mix of ancient customs and modern festivities.

The Spanish San Juan festival is renowned for its captivating bonfires, symbolising the purification and renewal of the soul. Locals and visitors gather on the beaches, creating a mesmerising ambience that truly sets this festival apart.

At midnight the night sky is illuminated by dazzling fire­

works, set off from various locations all along the Spanish coastline from Cadiz, through the Costa del Sol and Almeria to the Costa Calida and Costa Blanca.

It is not uncommon to see lines of people waiting to

YOUR EWN HAS

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Roman

jump over the embers of one of the many moragas (bonfires), an act based in the belief of fire warding off evil spirits and curing disease. Whether taking a picnic and chairs down for a night on the beach, or enjoying a

meal with friends in one of the many chiringuitos that the Spanish coast has to offer, food and drink will be a central feature, with espetos de sardinas and plenty of ice cold beer and tinto de verano consumed.

Only the best Fire averted

Catherine McGeer

A SWIFT response and community cooperation prevented disaster at the Competa light factory on June 20 in Competa in the southwest of the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park. In a heartening display of swift action and community vigilance, emergency services successfully averted a potentially catastrophic fire at the factory.

Thanks to the timely information provided by a vigilant resident, disaster was averted and the situation was quickly

brought under control.

The incident, which could have had dire consequences for both lives, property, and the beautiful Natural Park was thwarted due to the rapid response of the fire services and the invaluable assistance of the locals. The collaborative efforts of all parties involved, including the town hall, played a vital role in ensuring the safety and well­being of the community.

This incident serves as a reminder of the significance of staying vigilant, reporting any potential hazards promptly.

Anna Ellis

SEVEN restaurants from Rincon de la Victoria have completed the first edition of the RestaurACCION programme.

Government training has allowed the restaurants to have a more global vision of their business concept. It has also helped to lay some foundations that will allow them from now on to provide a better experience for their customers, a better digital positioning and a better contextualisation of their gastronomic offer.

The restaurants that have

Dancing dreams

Betty Henderson

ALMUÑECAR’S Juan Pablo García Professional Dance School is set to delight audiences this weekend with their dazzling endof­year gala.

The school will perform two shows, on Saturday, June 24 at 9pm, followed by a matinee on Sunday, June 25 at 12pm.

More than 130 talented students between the ages of three and 17 are set to take the stage performing a variety of different dance styles, including classical ballet, flamenco, and urban dance.

The ‘Our Little Universe’ Gala promises stunning performances curated by choreographers Rocío Pulido, Mari Lozano, and the school’s namesake, Juan Pablo García himself.

The school’s Flame Dance Crew is particularly known for their talent. Under the guidance of teacher Rocío Pulido, the Flame Dance Crew will also represent Almuñecar in the upcoming European Urban Dance Finals in Athens, Greece.

The shows will both take place at Almuñecar’s Casa de La Cultura.

taken part in the training which took place from February to May are Alma Playa, La Finca, La Chalaura, Lo de Vito, El Porton, Lekker and La Ola.

Through the programme, the establishments encountered a series of strategic face­to­face and digital consultancies.

This was accompanied by 10 hours of face­to­face training on certain topics: sales techniques, digitalisation, restaurant operations, menu profitability, scandals and cooking techniques.

ROMAN Villa of Rincón de la Victoria, Villa Antiopa, has been recognised for its outstanding preservation efforts, securing the runner­up prize at the EXPONE Awards. Councillors for Tourism and Town Planning and Historical Heritage, Antonio José Martín and Miguel Ángel Jiménez, proudly accepted the accolade.

The award acknowledges the remarkable work undertaken to restore this ancient Roman villa from the late third century, ensuring its accessibility and enjoyment for residents and tourists.

The archaeological site, along with the development of the Torre de Benagalbón Roman villa, Villa Antiopa, was nominated for the prestigious EXPONE Awards for Best Practices in Innovation in Museums and Exhibitions. This serves as a testament to the continuous efforts made by the Association of Museologists and Museographers of Andalusia (AMMA).

Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

SAN JUAN: People flock to the beaches.

Betty Henderson

THE mayor of Torrox had an important pledge to make as he returned to office in a ceremony on Saturday, June 17. The mayor, Oscar Medina España said he will focus on Torrox’s key economic sectors, tourism, and agriculture, to propel the town forwards.

Bliss on the beachfront Turning the tide

COASTAL gems Torre del Mar and La Cala del Moral are among Spain’s most sought ­ after property hotspots. They have emerged as highly coveted destinations for homebuyers, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and enticing real estate opportunities.

According to data from Fotocasa, Torre del Mar’s average property price stands at €2,605 per square metre, making it an attractive investment prospect. Meanwhile, Cala del Moral boasts a price tag of €3,267 per square metre.

The pandemic reshaped housing preferences, placing increased emphasis on spaciousness, natural light,

and proximity to nature. As a result, living near a beach has become the ultimate aspiration, and the southern coastal region remains the top choice for many.

María Matos, Director of Studies and Spokesperson for Fotocasa emphasises the significance of beachside living in the wake of the pandemic, stating that it not only fulfils housing needs, but also provides respite from scorching summer temperatures.

As the housing landscape continues to evolve, Torre del Mar and Cala del Moral shine as prime coastal havens, beckoning property buyers with their remarkable beauty and investment potential.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, Medina emphasised his commitment to addressing energy and water issues.

Medina pledged his commitment for a new substation to ensure a stable power supply for new developments. He also highlighted his goal of securing support from the Andalucian regional authorities to construct a desalination plant.

THE BeSoccer CD UMA Antequera futsal team gets set to ignite the pitch in Competa this summer.

Led by José Antonio Borrego ‘Tete’, the club is hard at work, sealing player deals and scouting fresh talent. Preseason training kicks off in August, with their first match of the season set for Monday, August 14 in the Axarquia town.

Facing off against Andalucian rivals, Cordoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad, UMA Antequera is warming up to compete in Competa’s

PROVERB OF THE WEEK “Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You”

Meaning don’t treat badly the person who is helping you or has helped you. This was originally used about 600 BC by the Greek poet Sappho, this metaphor of a dog biting its master was first recorded in English in 1711.

A desalination plant would remove salt and impurities from seawater, providing a reliable source of fresh water. It would be particularly valuable in Torrox since the town has faced drought issues and limited access to traditional freshwater sources in recent years.

In his quest to continue making Torrox into a premier tourist destination, Medina also highlighted his goal of creating a Sports Marina and Golf Course in the Calaceite area. He shared his view that luxury tourism holds the potential for prosperity in Torrox.

Futsal showdown

third Noche de Vino trophy at the Marcial Navas Guerrero sports centre.

With the match falling just before the town’s Tourism Festival, Club President Eloy Cano explained that the atmosphere will be electric. He said, “Expect exciting futsal action in this town. We invite fans from the region and the Costa del Sol to

SUMMER lovers, prepare for a refreshing treat in Almuñecar!

Aquatropic Water Park splashed into its 35th season on Wednesday, June 14. This Costa Tropical gem boasts a wide variety of water slides

join us and revel in both the match and the town’s celebrations.”

Tete also reflected on the significance of the Andalucian derby. “Coming to Competa is always special. On August 14, fans can witness a clash between the top­ tier team Cordoba and us, a second­division team considering ourselves top level.”

Diving into summer

and activities for all the family to enjoy. In addition to the rides, the park also has vast green areas for visitors to enjoy picnics and event spaces for birthday parties and occasions.

Renowned for its commitment to excellence, the team at Aquatropic have carried out impressive renovations to enhance the visitor experience over the winter. The improvements include better accessibility, an exclusive VIP zone, and a bigger team of highlytrained lifeguards.

The water park is also a ma­

jor source of capital and employment for the Axarquia region. Aquatropic is aiming to surpass last year’s impressive record of over 100,000 visitors.

3.7 million passengers in Malaga airport during first quarter 2023.

The mayor made the pledge as he returned to office.

Catherine McGeer

ANDALUCIAN towns with populations between 50,000 and 100,000, including Velez­Malaga and Rincon de la Victoria, will have access to a €1 million aid programme offered by the Junta to combat climate change.

The Regional Ministry of Sustainability, Environment, and Blue Economy has announced a non­competitive subsidy call to implement climate change mitigation plans in these towns as part of the PIMA Climate Change Plan.

Climate aid

Other eligible towns are El Ejido, Chiclana de la Frontera, La Línea de la Concepción, El Puerto de Santa María, San Fernando, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Motril, Linares, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Estepona, Mijas, Alcalá de Guadaira, and Utrera.

This funding complements the €56 million allocated by the ministry for waste management and an additional

Coastal clean-up

€53 million under consideration for municipalities. The aid will cover 90 per cent of eligible costs, ranging from a minimum of €58,800 to a maximum of €200,000 per beneficiary. Eligible actions include mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving energy efficiency in public buildings, and implementing measures to prevent climate change risks in urban areas.

Going for green glory

THREE Axarquia towns have launched their campaigns for the nationwide Ecovidrio Green Flag contest, recognising sustainable towns.

Velez­Malaga, Rincon de La Victoria and Algarrobo will all compete for a chance to win the coveted award, nationally or in the regional category of Andalucia. The award aims to acknowledge coastal towns’ commitment to glass recycling and fighting climate change.

More than 1,100 hospitality businesses across the region of Malaga have already announced their participation in the contest. In Andalucia, 43 cities, towns, and villages will compete, with

over 4,600 hospitality businesses participating, meaning that the Axarquia towns will face stiff competition.

Last year’s winners including Fuengirola and Chiclana in the Andalucia category, have also already announced their participation, aiming to defend their titles.

The victorious towns will receive green flags, showing visitors their commitment to the environment. The environmental impact of the Green Flags is also notable. In 2022, participating coastal towns collected 52,302 tons of glass, reducing CO2 emissions by 30,335 tonnes.

Betty Henderson

ONE of the most magical celebrations of the year in Almuñecar is set to take place this weekend, on Saturday, June 24. The San Juan festival is set to arrive, transforming the town’s beaches into a vibrant spectacle, complete with fire displays.

In light of the celebrations Almuñecar’s mayor, Juan José Ruiz Joya, has issued a statement, urging festivalgoers to be safe and keep the beaches clean.

The mayor issued a public decree on Thursday, June 15 highlighting the activities that are not permitted during the festival.

The decree states that structures, such as canopies and sunshades, cannot be put up before 10am on Friday, June 23 and must be taken back down by 10pm on Satur ­

day, June 24. Bars and businesses are similarly not allowed to place equipment or furniture on the beach during this time.

The mayor also highlighted the importance of leaving the beach areas in

pristine condition, particularly in light of their recent Blue Flag awards. He urges beachgoers to clean up after themselves, to ensure that no litter is left behind on the beaches which could also cause damage in the ocean.

The San Juan festival is set to return this weekend.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Almunecar

135 Number of years Sagrada Familia under construction.

LIVING with Down Syndrome, Pedro Payares from Puerto de Santa María has chosen not to let it hold him back. Whether as a goalkeeper for Cádiz Genuine or starring in a documentary Fanáticos de lo Real.

Pedro’s mother describes him with a single word: re­

Goalkeeper won’t be held back

silience. She acknowledges that since his birth, overcoming challenges has been a constant part of his life. Despite initial difficulties, Pedro has come a long way and continues to bring joy to everyone who knows him.

Being an advocate for his city, Pedro is well­known, enjoys an active social life and has many fans. One daily ritual Pedro never misses is having breakfast at his favourite bar. Every morning, he occupies his regular spot at the bar, surrounded by waiters and clients who have become his friends.

But his absolute favourite activity is going out to parties with his cousins. With a mischievous smile, Pedro affirms that music makes him feel great, which is why he loves going to discos.

Alongside his infectious enthusiasm for life, Pedro also nurtures a dream that he tirelessly works towards. Becoming a professional

goalkeeper like his idol, Keylor Navas. He is already a goalie for Cádiz’s team in LaLiga Genuine Santander, a project that aims to provide a space for footballers with mental disabilities.

Pedro has already earned a place in the official Cádiz store. A poster of him there serves as a reminder to other people with disabilities that they too can succeed in football.

SPAM sales phone calls will be banned in Spain from June 29. This will be a great relief to those who still pick up the phone to unknown callers who refuse to let you go.

You know the scenario. You’ve just got home from another long day at the office. Time to relax! No! Time for a barrage of unsolicited sales calls, with some of the callers being more polite than others.

With phone, TV and internet calls, they’ve always got a better deal on your mobile and internet and won’t be

CAN THE SPAM

talked down.

Then there are the energy companies. Now everyone needs a better deal for energy at the moment, but they are completely undeterred when you say the bills are not in your name.

They are often quite aggressive and rude, and refuse to go away.

However, the good news on June 29, 2022, the General Telecommunications Law was published in the Official State

Gazette (BOE) and this was the beginning of a one­year process for the motion to pass into enforceable law.

Under Article 66 of this law, end users have a right not to receive unsolicited sales calls. This will bring a huge sigh of relief from those who spend their evenings hounded by persistent and very annoying sales reps, determined to grind you down and cash in on your hard­ earned free time.

PEDRO PAYARES: Wants to succeed in football.

Ryanair’s ban on alcohol on board

OVER recent days, Chris King, online news reporter with the Euro Weekly News has reported on the Ryanair ban prohibiting passengers from taking alcohol on board its aircraft when travelling from the UK to Spanish destinations. Passengers had reportedly been sent an email stating that any customers would not be able to carry alcohol on board, and any alcoholic drinks purchased in the airport would be placed in the baggage hold.

With most people boarding a flight from the UK to one of the popular Spanish resorts for a relaxing holiday, the consumption of alcohol is a common occurrence. However, when does this become a problem?

The Euro Weekly News was inundated with comments and responses from readers on our website and Face ­

book.

Among the online commenters, John McLean, said “They wouldn’t have so much trouble if they stopped the drunks from getting on the aircraft at the gate in the first place,” while Dave Moores added “There is nothing new about this, but Ryanair do not check! They also allow passengers who are clearly drunk to board the aircraft, pushing the problem on to the flight attendants who also do nothing.”

On Facebook the comments heated up with Ben Brady stating “Nothing has changed, they’ll still buy alcohol on board” with Michael Stanton agreeing “Ryanair makes more money” (from buying on board).

Social media feedback also included responses from people who see the step as positive: Susan Stewart said “about time.” and Hans Albert commented, “not everyone likes to fly with drunken lads.”

RYANAIR: Banning alcohol being taken on board.

Tapas takeover

WORLD TAPAS DAY arrived with a burst of flavour on Friday, June 16.

Seat for Nadal in Parliament

RAFA NADAL is to take his place in the Balearic Parliament, representing the People’s Party, but by way of clarification, it isn’t the legendary tennis player, but rather his namesake cousin.

The 26­year­old cousin of tennis player Rafa Nadal has won a seat in the Balearic Parliament. Rafael Nadal Barceló will take the seat that belonged to the secretary general of the party, according to a news source on June 14.

The relative of the former world’s number­one tennis ace will fill the void left by the secretary general of the party, Sandra Fernández, who resigned after being designated number 2 on the PP Balearic candidacy for the Congress of Deputies in the general elections on July 23.

Not much is known about Rafael Nadal Barceló other than this will be his first introduction to public office, and until this point, there is hardly any information about him, except his famous family connection, as he maintains a discreet private life in Mallorca.

However, his father, Rafael Nadal Homar, has been a councillor for the PP in Manacor Town Hall and a member of Parliament.

The mouthwatering event, organised by Saborea España, the leading brand in Spanish gastronomic tourism aimed to honour a quintessential aspect of Spanish cuisine and society, tapas.

Now in its fifth year, World Tapas Day is a favourite event among food enthusiasts and an excuse to discover more of Spain’s rich culinary scene.

To mark the date, a series of exciting initiatives took place across the country.

The National Tapas and Pintxos Competition was held in Valladolid on Friday. This year marked its 25th anniversary bringing together top culinary talents to create incredible

miniature dishes.

World Tapas Day also made its mark on the international scene with an appearance at the Taste of Dublin fair. Experts showcased top culinary destinations like Cambrils, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Mallorca, and Zaragoza along with their standout dishes. The prestigious Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon also hosted a presentation with representatives from destinations such as Cambrils, Denia, Pamplona, and Sevilla.

Representatives from the Chinese market also visited Spanish cities like Sevilla, Segovia, and Valladolid, aiming to promote culinary tourism and to strengthen trade relations.

Jet2 adds more flights

JET2 have announced plans to expand its services to Spain and Europe in order to meet the increasing demand for spring vacations.

Starting early next year the holiday airline is going to add extra services from Manchester Airport to Spain and other popular destinations across Europe, according to a news source.

As of March 2024, Jet2 will offer flights to Girona, while also boosting its capacity to destinations such as Ibiza and Reus.

Jet2’s Chief Executive Officer, Steve Heapy said: “As the UK’s largest tour operator, we are continuing to react quickly to the demand we are seeing by adding on even more capacity for Summer 24 from Manchester Airport.”

He went on to explain how the company was quick to spot new trends and meet demands: “Customers and independent travel agents in the region have been flocking to book holidays for the early summer season, so we are delighted to be offering even more choice and flexibility to eight sun destinations and giving holidaymakers many opportunities to get away on our award­winning flights and holidays.’

Speaking about the exciting new development he concluded: “By adding additional services during peak times such as the Easter holidays, we are giving customers exactly what they want ­ an early slice of summer sun.”

World Tapas Day celebrations kicked off in Ireland.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Last act

WARNER BROS INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION PRODUCTION (WBITVP) is closing its Denmark production centre and centralising Scandinavian operations in Sweden. The decision was prompted by ‘ongoing uncertainty’ in the Danish media market and the rising costs of content creation, Warner Brothers said.

THE NETHERLANDS

Screen scheme

SUN cream dispensers will be available this summer in schools, universities, at festivals, parks, sports venues and in open public spaces in the Netherlands. Skin cancer levels have soared, and it wants everyone to have access to sun protection without concerns about cost or inconvenience, the government said.

BELGIUM

Bittersweet

A YOUNG Ukrainian refugee now living in Brussels won €500,000 after buying a €5 lottery scratchcard. The unnamed winner had “very mixed feelings”, a lottery spokesman said, as his mind was clearly in Ukraine and it was difficult to be happy with all that was happening in his country.

GERMANY

Rare find

ARCHAEOLOGISTS in Bavaria announced that they had found a well-preserved Bronze Age sword in the town of Nordlingen. The discovery of the 3,000-year-old sword was extremely rare for this part of Germany as most burial mounds were looted during antiquity or opened during the 19th century.

FRANCE

Red line

NUCLEAR power was an absolute, non-negotiable red line, declared France’s Finance minister Bruno Le Maire following Franco-German disagreements over nuclear energy in Europe. “France will not relinquish any of the competitive advantages linked to nuclear energy,” Le Maire insisted at the Electricity Union’s annual conference.

NORWAY

Going up

NORWAY’S krone rose to €0.088 on June 14, the strongest it has been since steady growth began in June, attributed by currency strategists to unexpectedly high core inflation. The value of the krone against the euro had declined steadily since spring last year, when it was worth more than €0.1.

FINLAND

Cry wolf

FINLAND’S wolf population has increased by an annual 10 per cent since 2017, with an estimated 310 now living in the country, the Natural Resources Institute said. Wolf packs are nevertheless creating tension after allegedly killing 1,261 reindeer and 518 sheep and attacking approximately 50 dogs last year.

IRELAND Big data

WHILE Ireland is failing to meet climate targets, its data centres consumed almost a fifth of the country’s electricity in 2022, the same amount used by all the country’s urban homes. Central Statistics Office showed that this was a 31 per cent increase on 2021 and nearly 400 per cent more than 2015.

ITALY Uber exit

IN line with the company’s policy of focusing on markets with opportunities for sustainable growth, Uber is winding up its food delivery business in Italy where it trails Just Eat and Glovo. Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi previously said Uber will invest only in markets where it can be the largest or second-largest player.

PORTUGAL Not going

COLM MURPHY, a senior cybersecurity advisor at Huawei said that Portugal appears to have gone further than other European countries regarding 5G restrictions. Asked whether this could lead to Huawei’s departure Murphy said, Huawei had “legal and contractual obligations” in Portugal and “would never let customers down.”

UKRAINE

Cood reception

ELIZABETH GILBERT, author of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, announced on Monday that her upcoming book set in 1900s’ Siberia will not be released as scheduled. She made the decision following a backlash from Ukrainian readers who feared the book would romanticise Russia at a time when the country is accused of war crimes.

SWEDEN

No harm done

THE Monet painting, The Artist’s Garden at Giverny, daubed with red paint by environmental activists, is undamaged, said the Orsay Museum in Paris, which loaned the picture to Stockholm’s National Museum. The Restore Wetlands campaigners had also glued their hands to the protective glass without harming the picture.

BUSINESS EXTRA Linda Hall

Sun spots

UNIVERSITIES and tech companies will receive £4.3 million (€5 million) in funding from the government to develop spacebased solar power, which collects energy from the sun using satellite­mounted panels and beams it to Earth. The scheme has huge potential, Energy Security Secretary, Grant Shapps, said.

Shanghai deal

GRIFOLS, Catalonia ­ based multinational pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturer, is taking steps to reduce its debt with a corporate manoeuvre within the Chinese company, Shanghai RAAS. If the transaction goes ahead, Grifols will receive $1.5 billion (€1.4 billion) while remaining ‘a significant’ Shanghai RAAS shareholder.

Shell payout

SHELL intends to boost its dividends by 15 per cent as part of the company’s plans to hand back more cash to its shareholders under its new chief executive Wael Sawan. Shell has told investors that the dividend increase would become effective from the second quarter of its financial year.

No vote

PORTUGUESE company Western Gate, with a 2.18 per cent stake in the Dia supermarket chain, will vote against Benjamin Babcock as a major shareholder­director representing LetterOne, which owns 77 per cent of the company. Minority shareholders should have more weight on Dia’s board, Western Gate said.

Not the same

FREETRADE, the investment app, has slashed its pre­money valuation by 65 per cent while blaming current conditions and a “different market environment.” Freetrade’s valuation rose to £650 million (€760 million) during the pandemic, but the company announced that it has since fallen to £225 million (€263 million).

THE UK economy recovered from the impact of strikes and returned to growth in April. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) registered a 0.2 per cent upturn owing to increased car sales and more spending in shops, bars and restaurants.

Growth over the first quarter increased by 0.1 per cent.

“Gross domestic product (GDP) bounced back after a weak March,” announced Darren Morgan, ONS’ director of Economic Statistics.

Bars and pubs had a comparatively strong April while car sales rebounded. Education partially recovered from the effect of the previ­

STAT OF WEEK €649 million

was the record turnover figure which Ayesa, the Sevilla-based IT consultancy firm, announced for 2022, a 130 per cent increase on 2021 following a year that included several acquisitions.

Networks merge The road to recovery

4.5 per cent.

Analysts explained the regulator is concerned that core inflation, which does not cover energy and food, remains stubbornly high.

VODAFONE and the owner of Three will merge their British networks to create the UK’s largest mobile phone operator.

ous month’s industrial action, he said, although health output was affected by the junior doctors’ strikes.

“There were also falls in computer manufacturing and the often­erratic pharmaceuticals industry,” Morgan added.

April was a poor month

HAWALA has existed for centuries as an informal method for transferring money.

“It is used to transfer funds from one location to another through service providers, known as hawaladar, regardless of the nature of the transaction and the countries involved,” according to an International Monetary Fund report.

Requiring no documentation, it is an anonymous way of moving money in Muslim communities in the Middle East, North Africa, the Horn of Africa and India although its use is not limited to Muslims.

Illegal in the US, and some EU member nations, the practice is allowed in the UK, where the hawala system must comply with regulations set in England

More Waitrose reductions

WAITROSE has invested £100 million (€116.9 million) in lowering the price of its own­brand range.

After cutting the prices of more than 300 items in February, the supermarket chain has reduced another 200 products as it competes with cheaper rivals like Aldi and Lidl.

More than 100 items have been slashed by at least 10 per cent, Waitrose announced, as it hopes to woo shoppers looking out for bargains.

“We want customers to benefit every time they shop with us,” Charlotte Di Cello, Waitrose’s commercial director said.

for house builders and estate agents, under pressure from rising interest rates and falling property values, the ONS report revealed.

The latest ONS figures coincided with the certainty that the Bank of England was about to hike interest rates for the 13th time in succession from its current

The UK’s Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, said he backed the Bank over increased interest rates, and the country was in a situation very different from last autumn’s.

“The International Monetary Fund, the international commentators, think the British economy is on the right track and the government is doing the right thing to support the Bank of England.”

Old custom, new uses

minimal documentation make it vulnerable to abuse by individuals and groups transferring funds to finance illegal activities.

Misuse of the system has been linked to the financing of terrorism and money­laundering, although it is also used to bypass sanctions against Iran.

The companies are the UK’s third­ and fourth­biggest operators respectively and, once the merger is completed, will have more than 27 million subscribers between them. This will put them ahead of EE, owned by BT, and Virgin Media O2, jointly owned by Spain’s Telefonica and the US­listed company Liberty Global.

The deal will be closely examined by competition regulators, although the UK’s telecommunications’ regulator, Ofcom, announced last year that it was less opposed to consolidating the sector than in the past.

Mega-station

DIF has announced a €514.3 million contract connecting the highspeed networks linking northern and southern Spain.

The project will create a huge Madrid station with terminals in Chamartín and Atocha connected by a tunnel, explained the stateowned company which maintains and manages Spain’s rail networks.

HAWALA: Exact scale unknown, said EC’s Executive vice-president Valdis Dombrowskis.

and Wales, register with HMRC and comply with UK money laundering. Although routinely used by legitimate businesses, hawala’s anonymity and

Everest not climbed

CARMINE DI SIBIO, global chief executive at Ernst & Young (EY) will retire next year.

Di Sibio, aged 60, was responsible for Project Everest, a plan to separate the consultancy and audit divisions of the Londonbased company, which was scuppered by EY’s New York office.

This would have involved spinning off EY’s consulting arm and listing it on the stock market, bringing multimillion­dollar windfalls to the firm’s partners.

The initiative cost more than $600 million (€554.2 million) but Di Sibio still maintains that the deal was necessary to free consultants from conflict­of­interest rules that restricted them from advising audit clients.

Di Sibio will not step down immediately, he said, but would oversee the organisation through a transition period lasting until the end of the next financial year in June 2024.

Valdis Dombrowskis, the European Commission’s Executive vice­president admitted in 2020 the hawala system was regarded as a matter for concern.

“Its exact scale in the EU is unknown,” he said. “Tracing the value flow is virtually impossible for law enforcement agencies.”

Far reaching

LEADING aerostructures company

Aernnova is taking part in building the new Honda Jet 2600.

The Basque company will design the aircraft’s wings and their components, including the flaps, ailerons, the spoilers that open during landings, and the empennage or tail fin.

The Honda Jet 2600 takes its name from the aircraft’s range target of 2,625 nautical miles (approximately 4,861 kilometres) and is designed to be the world’s first light jet capable of non­stop transcontinental flight across the United States.

Honda plans to market the aircraft, which will have seating for 10 passengers and cost between $11 and $13 million (€10.1 and €12 million), in 2026.

The project will ensure maximum capacity for the second phase of Spain’s rail liberalisation, providing Atocha with four new tracks and two platforms under the existing station and Calle Mendez Avaro.

This will connect with the new high­speed southern access ­ operational since July 2022 ­ and allow trains to stop at either Chamartin or Atocha.

Bending rules

ANTONIO GARAMENDI, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) president, allegedly wants to lift restrictions on the number of terms a president may serve.

When re­elected in November, Garamendi was adamant changes to the statutes, were “out of the question.” Seven months later, however, Garamendi has met the CEOE’s vice­presidents to discuss altering the rules and “modernising” the election process.

All involved insisted any modifications were at an early stage and would first need to be discussed at the June board meeting and the General Assembly in July.

ONS HQ: UK’s Statistics Office, based in Newport (Wales).

Photo credit: ONS

Photo credit: audiovisual.ec.europa.eu

DOW JONES

Top changes

SANTANDER, which is currently renewing its top executives in Europe, announced the appointment of Pedro Castro e Almeida, until now chief executive of Santander Portugal, as its new Regional Head of Europe. He takes over on September 1 from Antonio Simões, who is leaving the bank to join the British insurer Legal & General.

Football fund

TWENTY top­flight UK football clubs were consulted over making permanent a funding package that was set up during the pandemic. Sources revealed the government proposed to increase the existing £100m (€116.7m) allocation for grassroots, community and other football projects to £133m (€155.2m), subject to future increases in Premier League revenue.

No good options to hand

LEADING market analysts at CMC Markets hardly predicted a wave of cheerful news after UK inflation failed to fall as low as hoped.

The latest Ofgem price cap changed little for household bills, they pointed out, but the end of the two government schemes helped to lower inflation.

Experts at CMC, a leading global provider of online financial trading and institutional technology solutions, foresaw a further squeeze

Zara soars high

INDITEX shares have shot up since the textile giant, which owns Zara and other fashion labels, presented record quarterly figures on June 7.

The shares went above €34 for the first time in six years and now approach their all­time high of €34.85 in June 2017

On June 14 they stood at €34.21, an increase of 7.5 per cent following Inditex’s

quarterly figures, giving the company a value of €106.6 billion.

According to financial daily Cinco Dias, 65.7 per cent of investment and trading analysts recommend buying Inditex now. A further 28.6 per cent advised those who already had shares to hang on to them, while just 5.7 per cent said they should sell.

Riders law

on consumers and a possible rise in the base rate.

Nor did they rule out a recession like Germany’s, with reduced household and business expenditure, reduced demand for debt, and a rise in unemployment.

“We already know from the Kantar grocery numbers earlier that food inflation is slowing down. In May, it came in at 17.2 per cent, but the process looks increasingly glacial,” said Michael Hewson, CMC Markets’ chief market analyst.

“For now, the central bank is in the invidious position of having no good options,” he declared.

“Do nothing and inflation will take longer to work its way out of the system, squeezing consumers further. Raise by 0.25 percentage points to show they are trying to do something,” Hewson said. “Or be more aggressive and push the economy into recession.”

THE majority of Labour Ministers from the EU’s 27 member states voted in favour of a directive setting out the working conditions for the food delivery and other riders employed by digital platforms. Spain abstained, as Yolanda Diaz, who is also second vice­president, considered that the new measures were insufficient and were “difficult to understand in democratic terms.”

Export fiasco

FIGURES from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that the UK’s goods and services exports had a value of $813 billion (€756 billion) in 2012 but rose only 6 per cent by 2021. Overall, the EU’s 27 member enjoyed a 29.1 per cent increase in the value of their exports during the same period.

UK REGULATOR: Tricky choices for Bank of England.

Photo credit: CC/Colin Smith

I HAVE never trusted the SNP. Because I retain quite a number of Scottish friends I have always kept my views pretty much to myself.

Many rather agreed to the quest for independence and despite the fact I would have simply hated to have seen the rebuilding of Hadrian’s Wall and Lord knows how many rules and regulations, including border passport control, a change in currency and a slow decline into oblivion as they endeavoured to rejoin the EU, I always respected their opinions and ideas for an independent Scotland.

To me Scotland will always be independent. To have this glorious country for a partner has always instilled a great deal or pride into the ol boys psyche. Touring and appearing all over, including the notorious Glasgow Empire, has always granted me lifelong wonderful memories.

In my opinion all the SNP were after was control. Nothing they ever did was beneficial to the people of Scotland. All they are truly interested in, is the power and financial gain Scottish independence would bring them. For

Not trusted

15 years they’ve achieved precisely nothing. The Royal Hospital opened nine years late and cost the taxpayer £23 million. Drug deaths have tripled. The NHS maintenance backlog is over £1.3 billion.

The SNP tax rises mean the Scots pay more income tax than any other part of the UK. They are wasting over £8 million a year employing 52 members of staff in overseas offices. They have spent £7 million on government car services with a fleet of chauffer driven cars at their disposal and between 2020 ­ 21 spent over £1.3 million on car trips. They attempted to cover up their loss of a £10 billion Chinese investment. Crime rates are rocketing. I don’t really need to go on.

They are all power mad crooks. Sturgeon’s resignation, in the middle of her ambitions and promise to continue the fight for independence to her last breath, was almost unbelievably suspicious and now with half of her cabinet hurriedly resigned and both she and her husband arrested and questioned, this whole affair

TRAIN STRAIN OUR VIEW

looks like becoming the scandal of the century. The idea of Sturgeon in prison uniform waiting for her dinner in line with fellow female prisoners simply defies the imagination! Welcome back Scotland. The only country in the world I never purchased a brandy ­ not with all that wonderful whisky available.

I’m just trying to take in the reports of the horrendous slaying of the two young students and caretaker of the Nottingham University. Repetitively, as usual, the woke inveigled immigrant authorities are attempting to rule out terrorist connections.

At the time of writing I have no idea of the final decision, but can once again assure all of them that the UK is now impregnated with thousands of these people, all waiting for the call to arms. Heaven help the plunder of the innocents when that time arrives. Which, unless they rid themselves of woke diversity doctrine, most surely will.

Keep the faith. Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com

IT seems quite incredible that with the Costa del Sol being such a major tourist attraction there is no way to travel by train from Fuengirola to anywhere along the western coast.

As Spain takes advantage of so much European Funding and is expected to persuade travellers to move out of their cars and use public transport as much as possible there is just no way of catching a train.

There are more and more relatively low cost connections from Malaga City to Cordoba, Madrid and Sevilla, as well as Granada, but apart from a short route to Velez­Malaga nothing east to Axarquia and of course nothing past Fuengirola heading west.

For decades there have been calls to at least extend the suburban rail link to Marbella, if not Estepona, but it seems unlikely that this will ever happen.

The problems of course are three­fold, firstly the cost, secondly the need to take over huge amounts of land currently in private hands and thirdly the time it would take to complete such an operation.

Good news for taxi drivers, the ubiquitous private hire companies and car rentals, but this is not going to help reduce pollution or the number of vehicles currently clogging up the main roads and making parking an often impossible task made worse by those who park on pavements or double park. There are of course bus services, but they can be quite a slog for even the most hardened holidaymaker, often laden down with baggage and maybe a baby carriage and young child.

The same need exists across much of the nation but it’s probably too late to do anything about it.

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

TRICKY DICKY IS NOT THE ANSWER

ABOUT 10 times a year I watch the juvenile farce called ‘Prime Minister’s Questions’, hoping that something will have changed.

Since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister I have never heard an attempt to respond to the Opposition Leader’s question. Instead there is a tirade of irrelevant fictitious statistics, blame games, excuses, personal insults and total complacency. After the Liz Truss interval it has continued with ‘Tricky Dicky’ Sunak ­ in this respect a clone of Johnson.

How then, can we ever expect the nation’s problems to be solved by the Conservatives? And what are these problems? Hmmm, where do we start? Perhaps with the ineptitude and arrogance of the government and the resulting Johnson legacy.

The handling of Covid and the results of Brexit have been a disaster. The UK has no control over immigration and, with growing illiteracy and innumeracy, a shortage of

labour. The health service and care homes are dangerously unreliable. Inflation and the economy are out of control and the country is on the brink of recession. There are no significant guaranteed trade deals. Solutions to many of the above issues were pledges by the Conservatives for re­election. Furthermore, the police, judiciary and prisons are in a state of crisis; the roads are peppered with potholes; the rivers and coastlines are infested with untreated sewage; racism is endemic in

many institutions; the children are the unhealthiest in Europe. Then the strikes. We know that, after two ­ and ­ a ­ half years of Sunak’s chancellorship, there is no money left to satisfy the demands of the unions. Millions of people are under real hardship with rampant inflation (the highest in Europe), soaring food, energy and mortgage costs and no increase in their income. Because the Prime Minister refused to meet and negotiate with the unions, the situation was exacerbated by hugely

disruptive strikes in the public sector, including health workers, teachers, transport workers, border controllers, the passport office, fire brigades and civil servants.

Since 1939 (my lifetime), Britain has never needed effective, accountable leadership more than today. Since David ‘Cameraman’, two rather different image­obsessed incumbents have occupied Number 10. Admittedly, being Prime Minister in these circumstances is an incredibly difficult

job. It makes managing England’s football team seem like a walk in the park. Having said that, I would not trust anything ‘Tricky Dicky’ says, any more than ‘Honest Boris’.

Do I have a solution? No. Except that the UK needs a fundamental change. After 13 years in opposition, who knows how Labour would perform? Under Keir Starmer, growing into the role, things could hardly be worse than they are now. And, once a new government is installed to pick up the pieces and repair the damage, many more things will need to change. It could take decades. Sunak is the question ­ not the answer. Any idea that the Conservatives deserve another chance next year is simply loopy.

Mi Colchón - new stores and brand launch

MALAGA-BASED company Mi Colchón continues to take steps to increase its commercial weight in the city with the opening of two new stores and the launch of a new brand.

Mi Colchón will be opening new stores in Estepona and El Viso, investing €2.5 million and cementing themselves as the leading experts in rest on the Costa del Sol. The new Estepona store, situated on Fahrenheit Street in the industrial estate area, will open on July 3, making it the 11th store for the group. It will offer the same high ­ quality mattresses and armchairs in different styles and provide jobs for two people.

Mi Colchón is also preparing to open a 500 square ­ metre store in the capital next August, in the same El Viso industrial estate where they are already located. Specifically, the group plans to launch the ‘Nightland’ brand, a new company that will sell medium­ quality mattresses and sofas at affordable prices. Manager of Mi Colchón Jacobo Guerrero said that this new store will be located on Avenida de Los Vega, 28, and

will specialise in holiday rentals. The group will be hiring two people to work in the store.

10 stores and over 80 employees

In parallel to the new openings, Mi Colchón is also undertaking a complete refurbishment of the main store on Avenida de Los Vega, 62, which has been refurbished to improve the shopping experience and to incorporate some of the most in ­ demand brands.

Facebook: micolchon - Instagram:

The new store will include a dedicated space for Emma, Tempur and Stressless, brands that are highly recognised by foreign customers living in the province.

Mi Colchón is celebrating the third anniversary of their Benalmadena store, and currently has 10 stores in the province and one in Motril ­ which was their first experience outside Malaga. Although the store has only been open for a few months, it has received a good

reception and large footfall, inspiring the group to look at opening premises in Granada.

From humble beginnings in Palma del Río

Heir to the historic Colchonería El Palo, the Guerrero family has spent more than 40 years focusing on improving sleep and rest for the people of Malaga. The chain originated in Palma del Río (Cordoba) in the early 1980s when Jacobo’s father, Manuel Guerrero, opened a mattress store that quickly achieved great notoriety in the surrounding area.

His entrepreneurial character and spirit of self­improvement brought him to El Palo, where he set up the mattress shop. When Manuel decided to retire 21 years ago, his sons Jacobo and Francisco took over and set up Mi Colchón.

Today, Jacobo is at the helm of the business, with aspirations of setting up the largest mattress company in Europe and no limits on the growth of the group ­ which already has an annual turnover of €6 million.

MI COLCHÓN: Continues their expansion with the opening of two new stores and a new brand.

David Worboys’s

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

Sunak and Southgate. Two of the most high-profile men in the UK. Leadership demands honesty, judgement - and results.

Photo credits: wealthyspy.com and Eurosport2

Spanish beaches LETTERS

I lived for almost 10 years close to Nerja in southern Spain where the beaches were supposed to be safe as it is an upmarket tourist spot. Raw sewage was pumped directly into the water as the local authorities had not finished building the waste treatment plant, even though they had been allocated the money to do so. The EU fined them thousands of euros yet it still didn’t get completed. That is only one instance reported whilst I was living there, as another previously named blue flag beach was at Caleta and Torre del Mar, yet it was reported the mussel farms had to be closed because the sea water was contaminated.

Alan

Cooks warning

You wrote: Neither meat nor fish should be washed and do not need any additional treatment such as washing. You have no clue what you are talking about. Even the Spanish health authority mandatory classes for restaurant workers tell you to wash all fresh meat in water (no soap) before cooking, to remove bone fragments and specks of fecal matter. As long as proper kitchen cleanliness rules are followed, there is little chance of cross contamination.

Ernst Tibres

Thank you

Editor’s letter

We thank you and everyone who spoke about our cause and supported us, and we hope that everyone will stand with us because there is a humanitarian issue that must be highlighted and that the detainees of the Religion of Peace and AlNour Al ­ Ahmadi detainees in Turkey be immediately released and this tragic file be ended as quickly as possible.

Shadi Mahdi

Sad subject

Thank you so much Euro Weekly News for cover up on this sad subject in the injustice, torture and violation of human rights, it is a criminal act against humanity and we hope that human rights organisations will intervene immediately and save the lives of innocent people.

Nesrin

A better world

Hey, Euro Weekly News it’s so amazing to see a beating heart behind a news report. We thank you for collaborating with humanity and making this world a better world just by bringing to light important

matters that otherwise have no voice and are shouting at every second “help!” and “injustice!” Thank you.

Veronica

Short flights

Agree with Alexander, this is just headlining actions without real facts and data. Are they going to keep prices low and services as at least equal to flying, no stop changes and in some cases longer travel times?

DJH

Vaccine passports

This is another attempt at a controlling mechanism. It is quite clear from the Covid era that none of the so called ‘vaccines stopped or prevented transmission’, and were there for monitoring and control purposes. People are now aware of this overwatch mentality under the guise of ‘Virus control’. Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice shame on me!

Mark

Very fair

Dear Sir,

Not one for usually adding comment to newspaper articles, I would just like to thank you for your recent article Leapy.

Absolutely fantastic piece to which I concur 100 per cent and written in such a frank, common sense and experienced tone and yet very fair.

It is rare these days to hear a voice that reflects mine and my wife’s view, as we become more ignored by the powers that be in the UK or Spain.

Thank you once again and continue your wonderful articles. Keep up the good work and keep the faith : )

Steve (60 years) Jalon, Marina Alta and Leeds UK

San Juan

Having bonfire night and fireworks so near the summer solstice is pretty silly. Much better to have them at a time when it gets dark earlier, so that you can enjoy the fireworks and then still get a good night’s sleep. November is much better.

Joe

Flamingo colony

Tell them to come to our salt water lagoon near Obidos, Portugal. It’s the biggest salt water lagoon in Europe and it’s fed by the Atlantic so never dries up.

David Goulty

PETS

Dog-sitters come to your home

YOU may be planning a trip this summer and thinking about how to find dog­sitters who come to your home. Well we can help. We have dog­sitters and house­sitters who love to come to Spain to care for your pets as part of their working holiday in exchange for free accommodation.

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.

Revolutionary injection

Catherine McGeer

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 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.

find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

BRAIN games for dogs are a fantastic way to mentally stimulate and entertain your furry friend. Dogs, like humans, benefit from exercises that challenge their minds. Here are some engaging brain games that will help keep your dog’s cognitive abilities sharp.

Treat­dispensing toys are a popular choice for interactive

Pawsome puzzlers

play. These toys require your dog to solve a puzzle to access the hidden treats inside. By engaging their problem­solving skills, dogs remain focused, stimulated, and rewarded for their efforts.

Hide­and­Seek, this classic game is perfect for dogs with

a strong sense of smell. Hide treats or favourite toys in different spots around your home or back garden, and encourage your dog to find them. It’s a great way to exercise their scent­tracking abilities and provide a mental challenge.

Incorporating brain games into your dog’s routine is a wonderful way to keep them mentally sharp and entertained. Whether it’s solving puzzles, searching for hidden treats, or playing interactive games, these activities provide a fun and engaging experience that strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion.

CAT sterilisation is widely recommended by veterinarians and animal welfare organisations as a responsible approach to cat care, population control, and promoting the well ­ being of both individual cats and the community as a whole. For this reason, veterinarians recommend sterilising cats to improve living conditions and prevent certain health issues associated with uncontrolled reproduction.

The CER method (capture, sterilisation, and return) is commonly used to manage cat colonies and prevent overcrowding. A recent study published in Nature Communications introduced a new injection developed in the United States for sterilising female cats.

The injection delivers a hormone called anti­Müllerian hormone (AMH) that inhibits ovulation and prevents pregnancy.

The study involved nine female cats, with six receiving the treatment and three serving as a control group.

The initial results showed the method’s effectiveness without any observed side effects after four years.

While there may still

be considerations and further research needed, the injection method for sterilising cats shows potential as a positive step towards improving the welfare of domestic cats and those in colonies.

The use of injections is seen as preferable to invasive surgeries with open wounds, especially when considering the subsequent release of cats into the environment.

Fur-bidden mess

LIVING with pets brings immense joy and companionship, but it also comes with the inevitable challenge of dealing with pet hair.

Whether you have a lovable dog or a cuddly cat, the sight of their hair scattered around the house can be a bit overwhelming. However, fret not we will discover the tricks to effectively clean the hair that our beloved pets leave behind. One of the most effective ways to combat pet hair buildup is through regular grooming sessions.

Depending on the type of pet you have, establish a

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

grooming routine that includes brushing or combing their fur. This not only helps to remove loose hair before it has a chance to scatter around the house, but also promotes healthy skin and reduces shedding.

To efficiently tackle pet hair, it’s essential to invest in the right tools. Consider purchasing a high ­ quality pet brush or de ­ shedding tool that suits your pet’s coat type. Additionally, lint rollers and vacuum cleaners with pet­specific attachments can be helpful.

To prevent pet hair from

embedding itself deep into upholstery and bedding, consider using protective covers or throws. These covers are easy to remove and wash, making it simple to keep your furniture and bedding free from pet hair.

Living with pets doesn’t mean you have to surrender to the constant battle against pet hair. Remember, regular grooming, investing in the right tools, and maintaining a cleaning routine are key to keeping your living space clean and comfortable for both you and your furry friend.

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view.

SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@solarshadetinting. com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (287972)

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

New Life Church Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us

for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards. Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780

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Record-breaking Ronaldo

CRISTIANO RONALDO, the legendary Portuguese footballer, marked his 200th international appearance with a crucial goal in Portugal’s triumph against Iceland. The match, a European Championship qualifier, saw Ronaldo secure victory for his team in the 90th minute.

This remarkable milestone was honoured by Guinness, they presented Ronaldo with a certificate. Additionally, the Portuguese Football Federation presented him with a commemorative t­shirt featuring a unique number to acknowledge his historic achievement.

Ronaldo’s 200 caps surpass any previous records, highlighting his unparalleled dedication to representing his nation. The atmosphere was electric as fans celebrated the milestone, but the game itself was lacklustre, with the winning goal arriving in the final moments.

Unsurprisingly, it was Ronaldo who left his mark on the match, securing the victory for Portugal. With a total of

123 goals for the national team, Ronaldo’s remarkable performance places Portugal at the top of their Euro qualifying group, having achieved a flawless record of victories in the first four out of 10 scheduled matches.

The suspenseful nature of Ronaldo’s goal was intensified by a three­minute delay caused by the video assistant referee, who scrutinised a potential offside po­

Rubik’s cube world record

MAX PARK, 21, of the USA broke the Rubik’s Cube world record in an incredible 3.13 seconds on June 11. The feat was achieved on a 3x3x3 cube in a matter of 3.13 seconds, beating Yusheng Du’s time of 3.47 seconds.

Max is a star in the ‘cubing’ world and one of the subjects of a Netflix documentary called Speedcubers. Max who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, learned his skills from his mother who saw his new interest as a way to overcome his impaired motor skills.

Record (3.13) breaking 4.5 year­old record of (3.47).”

In the video, you can see the way in which Max prepares for his record before he sets his world­beating time. He warms up on a cube he has with him. Then the cube he has to solve is revealed to him and he is given time to pick it up and observe the configuration. He then places it in front of him on the table which is equipped with sensors. As he picks it up again the clock starts and when he places it down solved the clock stops.

sition by Iceland’s centreback, Gonçalo Inacio. However, the goal was eventually given. Reflecting on the match, Ronaldo stated, “You can’t ask for more. Everything had a special flavour, from the tribute for my 200th game to the surprises from both the Federation and Guinness. It wasn’t a good game, but you can never dictate how you want to play.”

This is something Max did with aplomb and quickly progressed to speedcubing and then onto competitions, where he won his second­ever competition.

Now Max has taken a huge chunk out of the former 3x3x3 record in the Pride competition in Long Beach, California. The 3x3x3 is the standard cube, with three squares per side but Max also competes on cubes with more squares per side.

He is world number 1 in most of the categories he competes in from the 3x3x3 right up the 7x7x7 cube, only missing falling into second place in two categories, where his average times are lower than a rival.

Max Park posted a video of his achievement on his Twitter page saying: “Rubik’s Cube 3x3 World

Max seems to know immediately what he has achieved and stands and cheers in wild celebration. It is an amazing feat that from someone with once highly impaired motor skills, comes this incredible dexterity.

His parents hail Max’s cubing as life­changing for him and hope it can be used to boost acceptance of others on the autistic spectrum. In a statement quoted in USA Today, Max’s father Schwan Park said:

“As parents of an autistic child, we’ve seen firsthand how life­changing cubing has been toward Max’s personal growth. We hope this encourages further acceptance, understanding and appreciation for talents within the autistic community.”

Max Park sums up his attitude and incredible focus in his motto: “Don’t think, just solve.”

Spain wins Nations League Canadian GP victory

MAX VERSTAPPEN drove his Red Bull to a relatively easy victory in the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on Sunday, June 18.

The reigning world champion led from start to finish at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to increase his lead in the driver’s championship to a stunning 69 points.

In the process, the Dutchman racked up his 100th win for Red Bull Racing in his very short career in Formula One, with his sixth win from eight races this season.

He also equalled the total of 41 wins achieved by the late Ayrton Senna. At 25, Verstappen is nine years younger than the Brazilian legend who died tragically in 1994 after a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso was in incredible form in the Aston Martin to finish in second place. One can only imagine how unbeatable the Spaniard would be if he was to sit behind the wheel of the Red Bull.

By the time he crossed the finishing line, he was 9.5 seconds adrift of the winner. He managed to fight off a late challenge from Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes, with whom he had endured a game of cat and mouse throughout the race.

Going into Turn 1, Hamilton got the jump on Alonso who had started on the front row of the grid alongside Verstappen. It took him until the final chicane on Lap 23 to regain second.

The final podium featured three of the biggest names in F1 at this moment. Charles LeClerc managed to bring the Ferrari home in fourth followed by his teammate, Carlos Sainz.

Sergio Perez simply lacked the pace to get any higher than a disappointing sixth in the other Red Bull. Alex Albon continued his spectacular form to allow the British­born Thai driver to cross the line in seventh in the Williams.

Alpine’s Esteban Ocon finished a respectable eighth, ahead of Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin. Valtteri Bottas proved that there is still a fight in him by rounding out the Top 10 in the Alfa Romeo.

SPAIN are the new holders of the UEFA Nations League trophy after overcoming Croatia on penalties in Rotterdam on Sunday, June 18.

A 0­0 scoreline after open play saw the two teams head into a penalty shootout which the Spaniards eventually won 5­4. This was Spain’s first trophy since 2012 when they won the Euros.

Croatia came into the match in the famous De Kuip Stadium looking to pick up their first piece of silverware in an international tournament but Unai Simon’s save from Bruno Petkovic’s spot kick ended that hope, after previously saving Lovro Majer’s kick with an outstretched leg.

On that occasion, Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte delayed the win when his shot hit the crossbar. Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal eventually cheekily chipped the decisive 12th penalty into the Croatian net to seal victory for Spain.

In the process, Spain emulated France in winning the treble of the World Cup, the European Championship and the Nations League. The French achieved this historic feat after beating Spain in the previous final.

Luis de la Fuente has the honour of being the first Spanish coach to pick up international silverware in 11 years although he will probably admit that it did

not all go according to plan this evening.

Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric did all that he could to inspire his team in the middle of the park. The 37­yearold was playing in his 166th match for the Balkan side.

In a remarkable season, two of the Spanish side, Aymeric Laporte and Rodri, have now picked up a total of four major medals each.

Both are part of the incredible all­conquering Manchester City side that won the historic treble of the Champions League, FA Cup, and Premier League.

Rodri also became the first player to be named Man of the Match in the UEFA Champions League Final and to also win the UEFA Nations League Finals Best Player award.

Another record fell to Jesús Navas who entered the match as the oldest player in Spain’s history. He is now the first player to ever win the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League.

In the third­place playoff that took place earlier in the day, Italy beat the Netherlands 3­2.

VICTORIOUS: This was Spain’s first trophy since they won the Euros in 2012.

Ronaldo’s legend continues, 200 caps and counting.

The 3x3x3 Rubik’s cube.

Photo credit: Selecao Portugal’s official Twitter account