Costa Blanca South 22 – 28 June 2023 Issue 1981

HELP NEEDED

Anna Ellis

MANY say Sue and Rod

Weeding would give their life for the horses under their care at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, and tragically, Rod has come very close to that actually happening.

Sue explained that her husband has been working so hard recently trying to prepare the centre with the correct installations ready for an inspection to help them achieve the all­important Farm Licence.

Sue added: “Rod has been working relentlessly for around nine or 10 months, seven days a week including Christmas Day.

“The equipment needed was around €30,000 which we managed to raise but we couldn’t afford labour so Rod has been doing it all himself.”

It was around three weeks ago that Rod started feeling seriously unwell after ignor­

ing health warnings, wanting and needing to complete the work required. It was only after he collapsed and suffered convulsions and was rushed to the hospital that the seriousness of his illness was revealed.

Sue is now caring for and nursing Rod at home as she single­handedly takes on the epic task of running the Res­

PULL-OUT PAGES 16 PROPERTY INSIDE

cue Centre in Rojales.

Easy Horse Care is still waiting for their Licence which will permit them to be able to get more funding and help, including the money to be able to afford to pay for some staff.

The couple has dedicated their whole life since moving to Spain to the rescue and care of these animals, build­

ing a reputable, safe and nurturing environment for them, but for them to continue, help must come soon.

For more information or to find out how you could help or support, contact by email: rescue@easy horsecare.net, via their website: www.easyhorse care.net or by WhatsApp (+34) 652 021 980.

Image: Easy Horse Care Rescue

Sue Weeding working at the Rescue Centre.

ALICANTE has been awarded several flags for its beaches and, rightly so, the mayor is proud of the city’s achievements.

Mayor, Luis Bacala, proudly raised the Ecoplayas Award flag of Postiguet Beach on Thursdsay June 15 highlighting: “The cleanliness and quality of the water and sand.”

The Ecoplayas Award has been obtained for the outstanding management of cleanliness, services, innovation and public environmental awareness on the beaches.

The mayor added: “All of Alicante’s beaches have a blue flag indicating their quality. This Ecoplayas beach has a special emphasis on re ­

Raising the flag

spect for the environment, sustainability and conservation.”

He also stated that this award “is the result of a lot of effort” and listed the actions carried out that have made the beach worthy of this recognition: “maintaining a level of cleanliness and quality in both the sand and the water.

“The campaign to preserve the sand and Posidonia, keeping the algae on the coast so that when the Levante comes in it does not destroy the beach and can be in perfect condition for the high season.”

PINOSO’S representatives of the Fran Saez Equestrian Club, who travelled to Chiva to participate in a new round of the regional championship of Doma Vaquera, managed to win the two categories they competed in.

Horsing around

tion 1, obtaining the first position. Whilst the Club’s instructor, Fran Saez, with the horse Capricho in the test of five ­ year ­ old colts obtained the highest score.

Lette Moortgat, made her debut with the horse Camaron in the test promo ­

The qualifying rounds for the regional championship were held at the Corcel Negro club on June 10 in the Valencian town of Chiva.

Proud of achievements.

Image: Alicante City Council

Top quality

THE company Velet Cosmetics from the Science Park of the Miguel Hernandez University (UMH) Elche has been awarded in the ‘Health, Beauty & Wellness’ awards as the best brand of high­quality vegan and cruelty­free cosmetics in Spain.

Classic comics

MORE than 2,000 people visited the comic exhibition that concluded in Elche on June 18. The special comic collection enjoyed newer editions and historical comics from the 1940s, which were enjoyed by all who viewed them.

Best player

HECTOR MARTIN , a student of the Miguel Hernndez University of Elche has been proclaimed the best player of the European football championship for people with cerebral palsy. The footballer is a native of Segovia but lives in Elche and plays for Club Empleo Aspe.

Dream drama

ORIHUELA Town Council has commissioned the production of dramatisation recordings of the historical heritage made by children in order to inform other children visiting the city about the monuments and places of interest.

Football farewell

FOOTBALLER, Gonzalo Verdu, has said farewell to Elche Football Club CF. The captain for the last six seasons said that his intention is to continue playing football in another team where he can enjoy more prominence.

Seagull attack

ALICANTE’S Local Police were shocked when a seagull attacked their drone during a police inauguration event. The birds are in the breeding season and can be very territorial when it comes to defending their nests.

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

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

YOUR

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Road closures

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.

Consumer vouchers Safari school

RIO SAFARI ELCHE is proud to confirm it is preparing for its first­ever summer school.

Among the activities programmed, there will be Knowledge Adventures around the zoo. Some days will be focused on learning about certain animals and how important it is to take care of them.

There will also be time to enjoy the Splash Park.

The whole programme of the Summer School is focused on motivating a

ORIHUELA City Council has announced its participation as a partner in the European E­Connecting Network.

The E­Connecting Network is a program that aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and innovation between European city authorities. This enables the cities to share experiences and collaborate in the development of solutions for common urban challenges.

Along with Orihuela, other European cities have been selected to form part of the E­Connecting Net­

perception of wonder and admiration in everything related to animals and plants and stimulating an attitude of respect for the environment and conservation of natural environments and all the fascinating species that the children will have the opportunity to observe.

If you would like information about the Summer School 2023, email: an abel@riosafari.com , call (+34) 966 638 288 or WhatsApp (+34) 611 612 351.

THE town council of Aspe has launched a voucher campaign, Bono ­ consumo, aimed at the end consumer to encourage local shopping during the summer.

The Department of Commerce reports that Aspe consumers can benefit from the vouchers with a discount of €10 for every €20 on purchases in shops, hotels, services and professional businesses in general.

The councillor for Commerce, Toni Garcia, has encouraged citizens to purchase vouchers and confirmed: “The vouchers went on sale on June 20 and an amount of almost €132,000 will be allocated to promote shopping in our town.”

Vouchers can be purchased from the app. Head to your phone’s Play Store and search for the BUYBONO app, then select ‘ASPE’.

Everyone registered with the app, is permitted up to three vouchers per registration.

E-Connecting

work. These cities include Emilia­Romagna (Italy), Ormoz (Slovenia), Nagykallo (Hungary), Dytiki Mani (Greece), La Comunidade Intermunicipal Viseu Dao Lafoes (Portugal), Tori Vallavalitus (Estonia), Ennis (Ireland) and Berane (Montenegro).

Each of the municipalities involved will contribute their experience and knowledge, thereby creating a network

for the exchange of good practices that will promote sustainable urban development throughout Europe.

The E­Connecting Network will start in July 2023 and it is estimated that it will last two years and five months. To carry out this project, a total financing of €834,121.05 has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund.

TRAVELLERS in and out of Alicante might face unexpected delays as the Canalejas, Doctor Gadea, Federico Soto and General Marvá axis will be closed to traffic due to urban transformation works from June 26 until the end of the year. Access and exit roads will remain open. The councillor for Transport, Manuel Villar, also confirmed that from July 3 the Paseo de los Mártires will be closed until the start of the school year at the beginning of September to complete the renovation work on the seafront.

Alicante City Council advises drivers to avoid the seafront and use the ring roads of the A ­ 70 motorway, Vía Parque and Gran Vía to get around the city, in addition to the use of parkand­ride car parks and public transport.

and in

is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

SAN JUAN: People flock to the beaches.

Second runway?

THIS summer, from June to September, Alicante Airport will operate 14,700 flights with 3.5 million seats, which represents a growth of more than 10 per cent compared to the data for summer 2022.

The United Kingdom is the main connection point, which consumes almost 34 per cent of the air operation in this period, with 1.2 million seats and a growth of almost 7 per cent.

Especially relevant is the recovery of the German market, which this summer will double the number of flights and seats compared to last summer, which is a very interesting indicator for the po­

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

sitioning of the Costa Blanca in Germany.

The Hotel and Business Association of the Valencian Community (HOSBEC) said: “Alicante airport lives mainly from international traffic, which represents 85 per cent of its total traffic and is breaking absolute records of operations and passengers every month.

“The planning of new infrastructures for the Alicante ­ Elche Miguel Hernandez airport is essential for the programming of growth and the planning of the necessary infrastructures must be brought forward. What will the second runway be like?”

“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.

AENA airports have recorded more than 25.4 million passengers in May which is up by 14.4 per cent from last year of which Alicante­Elche Airport welcomed 1,500,278 passengers.

This figure is 3.4 per cent higher than in 2019.

At airports throughout the network, 215,257 aircraft movements were recorded and 87,583 tonnes of cargo were transported.

In the first five months of the year, Aena handled almost 103 million passengers, 27.7 per cent more than in 2022 and 2.3 per cent more than in 2019.

May is the fifth consecutive month in which they have surpassed the figures of four years ago.

Of the total travellers recorded in May, 25,417,978 were commercial passengers. Of these, 17,335,127 passengers travelled on international flights, up 14.9 per cent from May 2022. Meanwhile, 8,082,851 passengers travelled on domestic flights, 13.5

Flying high

per cent more than the same month last year.

Adolfo Suárez MadridBarajas Airport recorded the highest number of passengers in the fifth month of the year with 5,053,366, representing an increase of 16.8 per cent compared with May of last year.

It is followed by BarcelonaEl Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport, with 4,477,108 (+17.2 per cent compared to 2022); Palma de Mallorca Airport, with 3,421,182 (+9.7 per cent); Malaga­Costa del Sol

Airport, with 2,151,259 (+16.1 per cent); Alicante­Elche Airport, with 1,500,278 (+18 per cent); Gran Canaria Airport, with 998,304 (+10.7 per cent); and Ibiza Airport, with 971,129 passengers, representing an increase of 13.4 per cent on the number of passengers reached in May of 2022.

As for the number of operations, Alicante­Elche Airport had 9,619 movements with landings and take­offs which is a 9.6 per cent increase compared to 2022.

Trafficking victims

OFFICERS of the National Police have freed 15 women victims of trafficking in premises located in the region of Murcia and in the province of Almeria thanks to a complaint received at trata@policia.es

Two criminal organisations have been dismantled and 16 people have been arrested15 in Murcia and one in Almeria ­ of whom seven have been remanded in custody.

The victims were vulnerable women, mainly recruited in Colombia and Ecuador, who were subsequently forced into prostitution after arriving in Spain where they were subjected to surveillance by video surveillance devices.

They received around 50 per cent of the profits obtained, were forced to use narcotic substances and only in some cases were freed from sexual exploitation, but in exchange they were exploited for work as managers in the brothels.

This operation is part of the National Police Plan against Trafficking in Human Beings for Sexual Exploitation.

The National Police has a freephone telephone number 900 105 090 and e­mail tra ta@policia.es to facilitate citizen collaboration and anonymous and confidential reporting of this type of crime. Any calls to the number will not be shown in your phone bill.

3.7 million passengers in Malaga airport during first quarter 2023.

AIRPORTS: Have recorded high passenger numbers.

Image: Toniflap / Shutterstock.com

PABLO RUZ VILLANUEVA was sworn in as mayor of Elche by an absolute majority on Saturday, June 17, at Elche Town Hall.

The new mayor said: “My office is not going to be a fortress. Rather, my office will be the street: not only of the city but of the whole municipality.

“We will go out to listen, as we have done, to ask for opinions, to get a feel for the reality of this blessed Elche through you, its neighbours, the people of Elche, those who make Elche so great,” he added.

“From this moment until the next municipal elections we have 1,436 days and that is a valuable and precious time to improve the lives of our citizens and transform our city.”

Finally, Pablo Ruz ended his speech by assuring that “as soon as all the public administrations are formed, I will go to demand

THE airline, British Airways has included Alicante among the 10 best destinations in the world to travel with children.

The news comes after the airline conducted a study based on the opinions of 200,000 British parents who have travelled abroad with their young children.

The ratings have taken into account the score of the destination in terms of accommodation, restaurants, activities

New mayor

what Elche needs and what Elche is owed with firmness and perseverance. Let there be no doubt about it.”

World top 10

and local attractions.

In the case of Alicante, they also value that “it is a historic city that has been inhabited continuously for more than 7,000 years and, as such, there are numerous places of

interest such as the Castle of Santa Barbara and the Old Town.”

In addition, covering the entire province, they cite Aqua Natura, in Benidorm, as a park that “offers many attractions for children.”

The ranking prepared by British Airways is headed by Krakow, Lisbon and Dubai. The first Spanish destination on the list is Tenerife in position six and Alicante closes the ‘Top 10’.

SWORN IN: Pablo Ruz Villanueva.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante / Facebook

ELCHE’S acting councillor for Tax and Financial Management, Patricia Macia, has highlighted the good behaviour of the people of Elche when it comes to paying taxes and municipal fees. This is evidenced by the fact that the collection of vehicle and parking tax in the voluntary period has exceeded 85 per cent.

Pinoso champs

THE women’s football team of Pinoso are proud to call themselves champions of the cup in the infantile­cadet and juvenile category.

The team from Pinoso won their last match on June 10 by two goals to one against the team of San Vicente of the Raspeig.

The pavilion of the city of Villena was the scene of the finals in all the established categories and where the Pinoso Atlethic fans made their presence felt.

Cristóbal Martínez, coach of the Pinoso team, was happy with the work carried out by the team. “It is a prize for the whole season and concludes a cycle,” she confirmed.

Good behaviour!

The councillor confirmed that a total of 159,529 payments worth €14,014,098.71 were collected in the first voluntary period (this includes both vehicle and parking taxes).

In relation to vehicle tax, 154,735 payments were col­

lected, amounting to €12,723,899.83. Of this total, 84.46 per cent were collected on a voluntary basis, ie 132,132 payments amount to €10,848,393; the remaining 15.54 per cent were collected on an enforced basis.

In terms of parking tickets,

FOLLOWING on from the resounding success of Hello Dolly, Studio 32 are excited to recruit cast and crew for their next show, The Pajama Game. Although not as well­known as Hello Dolly it has some great music and the potential to bring joy and laughter under the guidance of their experienced show director, Kevin Spicer.

All are welcome to nip along and find out more about Studio 32’s winter show by popping into Casa Contenta on Tuesday June 27 at 7.00pm.

Studio 32 was formed in 2013 with the aim of bringing high quality musical theatre to the Costa Blanca and, in the process, raising money for local charities. During that time they have donated over €35,000 to various causes, most notably the San Fulgencio Alzheimer’s Association.

The group are always happy to audition new members into performing roles in the company, and to engage people in non­performing roles such as backstage crew, lighting,

4,794 payments were made amounting to a total of €1,290,198.88. Of this total, 94.6 per cent were collected on a voluntary basis, i.e. 4,549 payments amounting to €1,222,155.16.

In comparison with 2022, this year 1,702 more vehicle payments and 232 more payments for parking were collected, which means an extra €58,951.62 in the kitty.

Casting call

More flags!

ON Friday June 16, Alicante’s El Postiguet beach received the Qualitur 2023 flag awarded by Turisme Comunitat Valenciana to endorse the excellence and accessibility of the Community’s sandy beaches.

A total of 90 beaches and coves in 11 municipalities in the province of Alicante that have quality, environmental or accessibility certificates have received this flag, which represents nearly half of the total number of flags awarded in the Community.

The Tourist Board explained that “this Qualitur flag endorses the quality certificates already awarded to this beach, where the Ecoplayas flag was hoisted for the first time on June 15, in addition to the blue flag also flying at the Postiguet.” In this sense, they anticipate that “we will continue working to maintain and even increase the level of quality in all the beaches of Alicante.”

sound or wardrobe.

Since being formed the company has gone from strength to strength, taking on ever more challenging shows.

The Qualitur flag recognises the efforts of municipalities that offer beaches with clean water and well­kept sand, surveillance measures, hygienic services, leisure facilities, environmental protection measures and guaranteed universal accessibility, according to Turisme Comunitat Valenciana.

In total, 204 beaches and coves in 39 municipalities in the Valencian Community have this recognition.

QUALITUR 2023: Endorsing the excellent beaches.

Image: GVA Turisme / Facebook

Previous performance of Chicago by Studio 32.

Image: Studio 32

RENFE trains have confirmed that the Madrid­Alicante route is now a new pet­friendly route on selected trains.

The transport company announced that, from June 19, dogs weighing up to 40 kilos will be able to enjoy journeys on AVE trains connecting these two cities, joining the Madrid­Zaragoza­Barcelona and Madrid­Malaga.

Since the launch of the inno­

MEMBERS of the

Men’s Shed have been very pleased to support and complete two important projects for the community of San Fulgencio.

Dog-friendly trains

vative Large Pet Project last September, Renfe has successfully transported more than 800 large dogs on its AVE trains. The success of this initiative has led the company to extend the offer to include selected AVE journeys between Madrid and Alicante, and be­

Men’s Shed Group

Both of the projects are for the Garden of Reflection, which is run by volunteers and used as an area of reflection by people who wish to remember those who have passed away. It is situated in the urbanisation, just above the Thursday Market area on the corner of Calle Lisboa.

The first project was to refurbish and repair the Rainbow Bridge, which is a memorial to animals.

A further community project the

THE good performance of the foreign market has allowed the province of Alicante to extend the real estate positive market run a little longer.

In contrast to the 10 per cent drop recorded at national level in the sale and purchase of homes, Alicante closed the first quarter with a total of 13,662 transactions, 2.3 per cent more than in the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Transport, Mobil­

tween Madrid and Valencia from Monday June 26.

As for the Madrid­Malaga route, on weekdays there will be two direct AVE trains and two semi­direct trains or trains with intermediate stops. At weekends, there will be one direct service and one semi­di­

Men’s Shed was asked to support, was the construction of a specific sized, square framework covered in artificial grass making a display wall which will be used to reflect important awareness days such as breast cancer.

Membership of The Men’s Shed is open to anyone in the San Fulgencio area or its urbanisations.

You do not need to have any particular skills to join the group, but you will find them at Calle Azorin, Urbanisation La Marina from Monday to Friday between 10.00am and 4.00pm.

They look forward to seeing you.

Good performance

ity and Urban Agenda.

Of these purchases, Spaniards have accounted for less than half (46.6 per cent) of all buyers, with a total of 6,363 transactions, down 3.6 per cent.

However, the decline was particularly significant among the clientele coming from other provinces. In other words, among buyers of second homes from the inte­

rect service.

Renfe, in collaboration with Nestle Purina, has also provided recommendations to ensure the well­being of pets during the journey. It is suggested to take the pet’s own blanket, a soundless toy and to avoid feeding the dog during the three hours prior to the journey to prevent possible motion sickness.

rior and north of the country, went from 1,772 to 1,493, almost 16 per cent less than a year earlier.

This is a decline that indicates not only the greater difficulties in accessing financing due to the Euribor, but also the decision of many families to postpone this expense, given the uncertainty of the economic situation.

RENFE: Ensures the well-being of pets during the journey.

Image: GVA Turisme / Facebook

SNOW WHITE has a vacancy for an Elf!

The Rojales Pantomime Group are ready to rehearse their next Christmas Pantomime production, Snow White and the Seven Christmas Elves, and find themselves an Elf short.

Please help! Snow White and the other six elves need you to join them to take part in this very funny Christmas show which they are hoping will raise lots of money for local charities.

Don’t worry if you’ve never acted before, join in the fun, meet some new people and do something very different.

Rehearsals recommence after the summer break in September and are held in Quesada.

Just as important, the Group are also looking to recruit backstage crew for the performances which will take place from December 14 to 16 at the Cardinal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio. If you don’t want to be on stage with the rest of the cast, helping backstage is just as much fun.

If you would like to be part of this amateur Theatre

Elf vacancy

Group, whose members also enjoy some fabulous monthly social events, send an email to

rojalespanto@yahoo.com and you will be contacted with further details.

Tourist plan

ORIHUELA’S Department of Tourism is taking the first steps to prepare the Municipality’s Tourist Accessibility Plan. This is a document that will serve to promote the town as a tourist destination for everyone, including those with accessibility needs.

Maria Garcia, councillor for Tourism, explained: “Orihuela has to be an accessible tourist destination for all visitors regardless of the type of disability they present. We want to make our municipality an attractive and inclusive destination for both national and international tourists regardless of their physical ability.”

SNOW WHITE: The group are an elf short.

Image: Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock.com

The 2022/23 tax year proved to be yet another record year for UK inheritance tax (IHT) receipts. HM Revenue & Customs received an extra £1 billion over the last tax year, generating a total of £7.1 billion. The number of people paying this tax jumped 24%, up from 33,000 the previous year to 41,000.

The government expects IHT revenue to continue to increase, bringing in £38 billion over the next five years.

Frozen reliefs and rising property prices

The standard inheritance tax nil rate band has been frozen at £325,000 since 2009. It is scheduled to remain fixed until April 2028, by which time it would have been frozen for 19 years. In contrast, house prices have risen over this long period, pushing more estates into the IHT net.

The residential nil-rate band (RNRB) was introduced in 2017 to help protect families, but has limitations. It only applies to a main residential home directly passed to children and grandchildren, and where the estate is valued under £2 million. Higher value estates are

More families than ever caught in UK inheritance tax net

applies to their worldwide estate, regardless of residence. Non-UK domiciles are assessed on UK situated assets.

Your liability is calculated on your entire estate – property, savings and investments, insurance policies not in trust, household contents, jewellery, vehicles etc. Outstanding mortgages and loans are generally deducted from the total.

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

eliminates the RNRB entirely when an estate exceeds £2.35 million. The current £175,000 allowance is also frozen until 2028.

Is your estate liable for UK inheritance tax?

UK IHT is charged on death and

If the total value of your estate is lower than the two allowances, your heirs do not have to pay this tax. If it exceeds the thresholds, your heirs pay 40% tax on the excess. Where the allowances are not used on the first death, or only partly used, the balance can be transferred to the surviving spouse/civil partner – make sure your estate is set up to take full advantage.

Expatriates and the domicile issue

UK inheritance tax follows you around the world since your estate is liable for as long as you remain a UK domicile. Domicile is a complex and adhesive UK common law concept, and many British expatriates are UK domiciled their whole life.

That said, you can take steps and cut ties with the UK to adopt a domicile of choice in Spain, though it can take up to four years to shed a UK domicile for inheritance tax purposes. Getting your domicile status wrong could result in an unexpected large tax bill for your family, so professional advice is essential here.

UK inheritance tax planning

Inheritance tax is often referred to as a voluntary tax, since there are various steps you can take to eliminate or

and heirs. Don’t risk leaving it too late, especially if you are planning on making lifetime gifts (‘potentially exempt transfers’).

Cross-border estate planning can be a minefield – more so if you are subject to inheritance taxes in more than one country as is the case with British expatriates in Spain – so take specialist advice today to get it right and take advantage of the planning opportunities available.

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.

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

Charity heroine

SYLVIA GALLIMORE, a British national now based in San Miguel De Salinas, Alicante, has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for ‘services to charity and community’, as part of the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours list, published on June 17.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott said:

“Sylvia has dedicated her life to helping others. Her significant contributions for over 50 years of community and volunteer work have improved the lives of countless individuals, from her native Bristol to southern Spain.

“She has worked tirelessly and given generously to numerous causes. This Honour represents a lifetime of service and is very much deserved.”

Sylvia Gallimore said:

“I cannot say how proud and honoured I am to receive the British Empire Medal from His Majesty.

“I was rather thrown into the world of the poorly sight­

ed when my son lost his sight of him in 1996; since then, I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful visually impaired people and tried to enhance their lives as best I could.

“I could not have done this alone and believe there are others that deserve the BEM more than I do.”

Sylvia first became involved in charity work through the Horfield Prison in Bristol, where she taught literacy skills to help improve inmates’ future prospects.

She did this alongside running a canteen for the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, fundraising for a pre­school, and running an animal rescue

and rehousing project.

In 1996, Sylvia shifted her focus to the visually impaired community in Bristol, fundraising for the Royal National Institute of Blind People and for Avon Sports and Leisure.

Sylvia played a crucial role in establishing the charity Have Stick Will Travel, founded in 2002 by her son Daniel Gallimore, who lost his sight at the age of 21.

More recently, Sylvia has supported the Help at Home charity, which helps people with mobility or health issues.

She’s also written a book called Sleeping Rough to raise money for the homeless charity Shelter.

Sylvia Gallimore.

Credit: British ~Embassy Spain

Shark scare at the beach

BEACHGOERS in Orihuela had a scare on Thursday morning, June 15, when a shark was spotted swimming in the shal low waters near Aguamarina Beach in Alicante Province.

The incident occurred in the Dehesa De Campoamor Cove at around 10am where the creature was observed by a life guard and also by several bathers who were in the water.

Obviously alarmed at seeing such a sight near them in the water, the bathers quickly darted for the safety of the beach.

Orihuela Local Police officers were immediately deployed to the beach where they proceeded to evacuate the area. What is believed to have been a blue shark decided not to hang around and was reportedly swimming back out to sea after just a few minutes.

A tweet from MeteOrihuela, the local meteorological site, accompanied by video footage of the incident, read: ‘Attention! This morning (15/06/2023), a two­metre­long blue shark has

almost approached the shore of the Beaches of #Orihuela ( #Alicante ), specifically in the Aguamarina Cove of #DehesaDeCampoamor. Video: @inf_vegabaja’.

According to the Twitter profile of the Local Police, everything was ‘calm’ by 11.25am at the beach with the green flag displayed. Once the shark was confirmed as having left the area, the bathers could return to the water.

Blue sharks are not uncommon along the Spanish coast. They are characterised by their elongated body with a long, conical snout.

Almost one year ago, a simi­

lar event occurred near Arenal Beach in Tarragona province where two sharks were spotted in the water on June 26. Located in the municipality of L’Hospitalet de l’Infant, the beach was evacuated until the creatures were confirmed to have disappeared.

Historically, blue sharks ­ also known as great blue sharkshave rarely been known to bite humans. According to sharksinfo.com, in the last 400 years, the blue shark was implicated in only 13 biting incidents. Blue Sharks are pelagic, meaning that they prefer the open ocean to the coastlines.

Blue shark.

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 culture in India

IT would appear that the world is embracing Spanish tapas culture, with the casual and social eating style reaching the plates of top Indian restaurants.

In Spain, tapas is more than just food. It is a way of life, a way of socialising. It is woven into the social fabric, when you are hanging out with loved ones. It is the perfect accompaniment to a good glass of wine or a beer.

Tapas is also a great way to explore a wide range of Spanish foods quickly. Bitesized portions mean you can try a regional cheese, cured ham, olives, tortilla, bread, seafood and much more.

Numerous Indian restaurants have pounced on the idea of serving tapas, introducing specially curated menus. These are prepared to be enjoyed in a social environment with drinks just like in Spain.

The tapas culture bares some resem ­

blance to Indian appetisers, with the likes of onion bhajis, samosas and pakoras being perfect bite­sized accompaniments to a beer or wine.

Tapas in Spanish literally means lids. The tradition comes from 13th­century tavern owners who would cover customers’ drinks with a slice of bread, ham, or cheese to keep out insects and dust.

British man for mayor

FOR the first time ever in the history of the Balearic Islands, a British man has been elected as the mayor of a small town in Mallorca. Fifty ­ two ­ year ­ old,

Richard Thompson and his wife, settled in Mallorca nine years ago, is now the mayor of Sant Joan, according to a news source.

Sant Joan has a population of around 2,000 people and sits in the centre of Mallorca. However, it has found itself in the news recently due to its new British mayor.

Mr Thompson originally hails from West Sussex, where he worked as a teacher. Although married to a native of Sant Joan, Richard is not a Spanish citizen, but his resident status

was enough for him to serve on the council and qualify to run as a mayoral candidate.

Despite his appointment being a first for the islands, he will not be the first British person to occupy mayoral status in Spain.

In 2008, the Costa Blanca saw Briton, Mark Lewis, become mayor of a small town following the arrest of a number of corrupt councillors. And in Leon, Briton, Carmen McPhee, became mayor of a farming village some 10 years ago.

TAPAS: Perfect with a glass of wine or beer.

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

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

Jet2 adds more 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 delight­

incredible miniature dishes.

Tapas takeover Seat for Nadal in Parliament

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.

ed 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.”

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, however, his father, Rafael Nadal Homar, was a councillor for the PP in Manacor Town Hall.

World Tapas Day celebrations kicked off in Ireland.

Shark spotted in hotspot

ACCORDING to recent reports a shark has been spot ted in Spanish waters. This report comes not long after another one was spotted in Alicante.

The sea ­ going predator believed to be a tintorera or blue shark was spotted early on Thursday, June 15 in the port of Ciutadella, in Menorca according to a news source.

Video footage emerged of what was thought to be a blue shark swimming among the boats and almost reaching the coast, images which thanks to social media went viral.

There was much excitement in Ciutadella as the

only topic of conversation seemed to be about this rare shark sighting so close to land.

According to eyewitnesses, it is believed that the huge fish may have been injured or sick, as this particular species of shark does not usually swim almost to the coast

and in such shallow wa ­

The blue shark is not considered a serious threat to humans.

One man posted footage of the shark accompanied with the message:

‘The security measures have already been installed so that people do not jump into the port of Ciutadella for Saint John’s Day.’

This latest sighting comes hours after a large shark was seen off the beach at Aguamarina Beach in Alicante, again this was believed to be a blue shark approximately two metres long.

Flying high

AENA airports have recorded more than 25.4 million passengers in May which is up by 14.4 per cent from last year.

This figure is 3.4 per cent higher than in 2019.

At airports throughout the network, 215,257 aircraft movements were recorded and 87,583 tonnes of cargo were transported.

In the first five months of the year, Aena handled al­

most 103 million passengers, 27.7 per cent more than in 2022 and 2.3 per cent more than in 2019.

May is the fifth consecutive month in which they have surpassed the figures of four years ago.

Of the total travellers recorded in May, 25,417,978 were commercial passengers. Of these, 17,335,127 passengers travelled on international flights,

up 14.9 per cent from May 2022.

Meanwhile, 8,082,851 passengers travelled on domestic flights, 13.5 per cent more than the same month last year.

Adolfo Suárez MadridBarajas Airport recorded the highest number of passengers in the fifth month of the year with 5,053,366, representing an increase of 16.8 per cent compared with May of last year.

It is followed by Barcelona­El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport, with 4,477,108 (+17.2 per cent compared to 2022); Palma de Mallorca Airport, with 3,421,182 (+9.7 per cent); Malaga ­ Costa del Sol Airport, with 2,151,259 (+16.1 per cent); and Alicante­Elche Airport, with 1,500,278 (+18 per cent).

1,403 number of hours of sunshine in the UK.

Shark near the coast.

New Air Baltic routes

LATVIAN airline Air Baltic announced on Thursday June 15, their intent to open a new set of routes to Gran Canaria, from Latvia and various Scandinavian countries.

Air Baltic will open a base at Las Palmas Airport on Gran Canaria and they hope to do it in time to bring some winter sun to passengers from colder climes.

Latvia can experience winter temperatures around ­ 40 degrees Celsius, similar temperatures experienced in Norway, Finland, Lithuania and Estonia from where they also will fly to Spain. Although much more temperate in winter, Air Baltic has also proposed routes from Demark.

President and CEO of Air Baltic, Martin Gauss said this on the new routes, as quoted in Aviation Source News:

“When preparing for the upcoming season, we

always carefully analyse the market dynamics. For winter months, when the overall passenger demand worldwide is traditionally lower, we have identified an opportunity to optimise our capacity to be as efficient as possible.

“By establishing a seasonal base and operating two aircraft from Las Palmas we can serve the demand for sunny and leisure destinations. Such expanded presence in Gran Canaria not only enhances connectivity but also provides passengers with a wide range of convenient travel options.”

Air Baltic began direct flights between Riga and Las Palmas in 2022, but will now look to connect Gran Canaria to nine new airports around Scandinavia and Baltic states, putting them up against the likes of Norwegian Airlines and SAS.

Gran Canaria ­ Tallinn, Estonia: one weekly flight from December 7.

All tickets went on sale on June 21, but as yet no pricing had been announced, so get ready to hop online in the next few days and hopefully grab yourself a bargain winter break to this perfect holiday destination.

AIR BALTIC: Will open a base at Las Palmas airport.

135 Number of years Sagrada Familia under construction.

Goalkeeper won’t be held back

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 Fanáti­

cos de lo Real.

Pedro’s mother describes him with a single word: resilience. She acknowledges that since his birth, overcoming challenges has been a constant part of his life. De­

spite 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 en­

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 talked

thusiasm 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 foot ­

ballers 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.

CAN THE SPAM

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 one ­ year 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 hard­earned free time.

PEDRO PAYARES: Wants to succeed in football.

Betty

Henderson

THE summer season is nearly upon us and Ryanair is surging ahead. The low­cost airline is overpowering rivals including Iberia and Vueling. That’s according to the latest industry data released on Wednesday, June 15.

In May, Ryanair commanded an impressive 23 per cent of shares in the market, serving nearly 5.8 million passengers across its 12 airport bases in Spain.

According to data collected by airport operator Aena, Ryanair continues to dominate over its closest rivals, Iberia and Vueling.

Vueling saw a 14 per cent improvement in May on last year’s figures, welcoming a total of 4.1 million passengers. Meanwhile, Iberia achieved a respectable 17 per cent growth on last year’s figures, transporting 1.8 million passengers during the month of May.

Air Europa secured the fourth spot with remarkable

figures, experiencing a significant resurgence. The airline welcomed 1.36 million passengers, surpassing both last year’s numbers and pre­pandemic levels. Despite potential disruptions from pilot

strikes, Air Europa bosses are anticipating a busy summer. Foreign carriers, including Jet2, easyJet, and Eurowings, also made their mark, entering the top 10 airlines during May.

Reign over Spain Job seekers delight

SPAIN’S job market is experiencing an unprecedented surge with 149,645 unfilled job vacancies, setting a new record.

The Quarterly Labour Cost Survey (ECTL) by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), released on Friday, June 16, revealed approximately 9,000 more vacancies than during the previous quarter of 2022.

Interestingly, Spain stands out in Europe with less than 1 per cent of job vacancies remaining unfilled, much lower than the European average of 2.8 per cent. Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands have the highest vacancy rates at 4.7 per cent.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment highlights that these vacancies are relatively small compared to Spain’s employed population of 20.8 million. They also cite data from the final quarter of 2022, indicating constant improvements in Spain’s employment figures. Minister Yolanda Díaz is confident that Spain doesn’t face a job vacancy crisis, stating that companies are not struggling to fill employment needs statistically. Spain’s thriving job market, with a record number of unfilled job vacancies,reveals its potential for economic growth by attracting job seekers and bridging the employment supply to demand gap.

Birthday Honours

KING CHARLES’ birthday honours list was released on Friday June 16, and of course honours unsung heroes alongside those in the public eye.

Charles has honoured some incredible people this year who have achieved through bravery, perseverance and sheer belief in a cause.

Amongst the unsung heroes, Charles has included a woman who lost her son, her father and her brother in the 2015 Tunisia beach massacre. Suzanne Richards’ holiday had only just begun when the brutal tragedy took place at Port El Kantaoui, near Sousse.

She has since, with her surviving younger son Owen, set up the Smile for Joel charity, which has raised more than £500,000 for families bereaved by murder. Suzanne will receive an MBE.

During the pandemic, centenarian Joan Willett raised over £60,000 for the British Heart Foundation by walking up and down a hill near her house. The heart attack sufferer was 104 years old at the time of her feat and will be 106 as she receives her BEM.

Razvan Constantinescu will be awarded an OBE for making sure over 4,000 aid parcels found their way to Odesa, as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

Of course, there are many more unsung

heroes who contribute so much to the daily life of UK citizens, but there are also those known celebrities and politicians who symbolise or enact our aspirations.

Arsenal footballing legend and current football pundit, Ian Wright, 59, will be recognised with an OBE for his work with the Football Association (FA) and his services to charity.

Davina McCall, 55, is set to receive an MBE for her TV work, with her 10 ­ year run on Big Brother. Ms McCall is an advocate for women’s health and also has taken on charity work for Sport Relief.

Legendary Radio DJ Ken Bruce is known best for his long ­ running BBC Radio 2 show as well as his standout feature, Pop Master. Bruce will receive an MBE.

You can read the full list on the UK government website.

King Charles’ honours incredible people.

Herd heroes Flying Scotsman

Anna Ellis

A SMALL herd of traditional cattle will be helping to bring wildlife back to Northern Ireland’s highest peaks following a devastating fire two years ago.

In April 2021, flames ravaged 720 acres of land in the Mourne Mountains in what was to be one of the biggest fires of its kind recorded in Northern Ireland.

An area once brimming with flora and fauna was scorched, vegetation destroyed, and species diversity reduced.

Since then, the National Trust, which cares for much of the area, has been trialling different methods to rejuvenate the land and bring it back to full health for the plants and animals that live there.

The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest

and home to beloved animals including the Irish hare, and rare plants like the pale butterwort and starry saxifrage.

Now, the charity is working in partnership with its tenant farmer to add a herd of Luing cattle to its restoration efforts. The herd of six cows will trample bracken and chomp through the dominant purple moor ­ grass that has sprung up since the fire, providing the space for native plants

and heather to return, and creating habitat for newts, lizards, groundnesting birds and hares.

HIS Majesty The King celebrated 100 years of Flying Scotsman and 50 years of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. On Monday June 12, Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous locomotive, hauled the Royal Train into Pickering Heritage Railway Station as part of its centenary tour of the UK and to mark 50 years of North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Flying Scotsman, which turned 100 on February 24,2023, had been specially prepared for the occasion: its roof painted white and new lamps fitted to the cab, in line with the tradition of hauling

Looking up

the Royal Train.

Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum, said: “To have Flying Scotsman haul the Royal Train in its centenary year and in the first year of His Majesty’s reign is a huge honour.

“It takes a dedicated team of people, with important heritage skills, to keep this engine running as it is the oldest steam locomotive on the main line.”

She added: “We are deeply appreciative of His Majesty’s interest in and support for our historic railways and the skills needed to maintain them.”

THE Royal Institutions for Chartered Surveyors UK (RICS) have expressed a more positive outlook for house prices, despite rising interest rates that are expected to impact buyers’ affordability. RICS’s reported that new buyer inquiries, prices, and expectations for the market were all less negative in May compared to previous months.

Despite their positive outlook for the property market, RICS warned that an increase in mortgage rates could constrain the market in the future.

While new buyer inquiries registered at minus 18 per cent in May, the least negative reading in a year, the measure of house prices rose to minus 30 per cent, marking the third consecutive increase.

505,935 km² (195,342 mi²) is the land area of Spain

DESTROYED: Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains.

Image: National Trust / Joe Cornish

100 YEARS: King Charles supports the historic railways.

Image: National Railway Museum

Golden Leaves Funeral Planning: Reliability with a human touch

OVER the decades, Golden Leaves has been recognised as one of the most respect ed brands in funeral care and planning. Its evolution at the vanguard of cham pioning best practices throughout the United Kingdom and abroad and its reputation for innovation and ‘client first’ business practices have firmly placed Golden Leaves as a symbol of quality, reassurance, and compassion ate service to thousands of customers.

International Operations Director of Golden Leaves, Emma Quantrill, leads her team in helping clients to navigate which plan is best for them and their loved ones from their direct, simple, tra ditional, and repatriation plans. Each of these plans has been designed with the expat in mind, guaranteeing to cover the cost of your funeral when the time comes. Emma and the team's caring, thoughtful, and sensitive approach helps take away the pressures of having to ar range a funeral while supporting grieving families and friends during these tu multuous times.

Specialising in providing funeral services and plans for expats living in Spain, Golden Leaves has unrivalled international expertise in understanding the unique requirements and providing services that are tailored to cultural and religious preferences. The multilingual services help to bridge the gap with language barriers, offering full support and ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout.

“My husband and I arranged funeral plans with Golden Leaves a year ago. The staff are amazing - kind and always helpful and professional, just as you would hope they would be in this type of industry. I have no doubt that, when we come to avail ourselves of the funeral service itself in the fulness of time, they will be every bit as helpful, kind and professional.

“I was very impressed with the process from the start to the sale. I would recommend this service to everyone.

The documentation was clear and a credit to you all.

On July 29, 2022, all UK funeral plan providers must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to sell or administer a funeral plan, these also include ANY International funeral plans (those sold in Spain) that can also be utilised in the United Kingdom if desired. Golden Leaves is one of only two companies selling FCA-regulated funeral plans across the Spanish mainland and both the Canaries and the Balearic Islands.

Inspired by her team and the service they provide to their clients, Emma told the Euro Weekly News that it is their range of plans, customer support, and payment plan options that set Golden Leaves apart from the rest. The team has helped thousands of expats in Spain prepare everything for their funerals, providing a dedicated and caring support system in times of needwhatever your financial situation. Here at Golden Leaves we give a helping hand.

all the paperwork in Spain when you need it most.

Thank you, Golden Leaves.”

– Janet Lambert

Planning a funeral is a stressful and emotionally challenging process, particularly with the complexities of navigating foreign procedures and another language to contend with. Emma and her team at Golden Leaves understand this situation deeply and have been helping thousands of expats put their minds at ease by getting their affairs in order before the time comes. With a ‘one call does it all’ service to help take care of

Address: Avenida De La Pla 123 – 125

Their prepaid funeral plans allow individuals to arrange and pay for their funeral in advance, taking the stress and worry away from grieving family members and friends. This provides the peace of mind that everything is taken care of and that all of the financial arrangements are in the best possible hands. Their range of funeral plan options are flexible and accommodates different preferences and budgets –whether it be a simple and small ceremony or an elaborate service with many guests to cater to.

“Many thanks for your help in the few days leading up to Christmas and your extra efforts on Christmas Eve staying at work to do all you could to help us. It was most appreciated. You will be pleased to know that my son managed to get his emergency passport and arrived on the morning of the funeral service.

We would also like to thank all those in Spain who helped us provide a wonderful celebratory service for Mum. Thanks to all of you for doing more than providing a professional service and providing a helpful and personal one.” - The Dorrington Family

Caribe, Local 1, Javea 03730 Alicante Telephone: +34 966 493 082 Email: info@goldenleavesinternational.com

Golden Leaves accept both Euro and Sterling payments, with options to suit all budgets and requirements.

Emma is an avid believer in the product.

Thank you” - Christine O Peckham

Golden Leaves’ Emma Quantrill: Caring for you and your loved ones

PLANNING our funeral isn’t something most of us like to consider. However, it is especially important for those living in a foreign country to plan ahead for when the time comes, alleviating some of the stress for bereaved loved ones and giving them the peace of mind that everything is arranged and paid for. That’s where Golden Leaves can help, a professional and empathetic company that has been in the funeral planning sector since 1984.

The international team, led by international operations director Emma Quantrill, provides support to friends and family of the deceased during these tumultuous times by alleviating some of the stress. Particularly for those living abroad, the multilingual professionals will explain everything in a language that you can understand, giving you full confidence and peace of mind.

“Golden Leaves were a godsend in guiding me through the residency process; they booked my appointments, and ensured I had met all the requirements, including health cover to ensure a swift process. A special thank you to Victoria for her assistance.”

Deborah Lomax

We spoke with Emma about the services from Golden Leaves. Emma told us: “In our case when dealing with funerals, we see many people grieving and not thinking as they normally would. We are there to safeguard the client and ensure that everything is carried out as per their wishes, taking the distress and financial burden away from family and friends when the time comes.”

Although death can be an uncomfortable subject for many of us, Emma’s leadership, humility, strength, and dedication to her clients allow her to deal with situations compassionately. In what has

been a male-orientated profession for centuries, Emma has broken the glass ceiling to lead one of Spain’s most trusted and respected funeral plan providers over the past nine years. This extraordinary woman has become wellknown as a caring, thoughtful, and committed leader in the field, supporting many in

“I decided it was time to consider a funeral plan so my family had no worries when I am gone. Golden leaves were very helpful and the staff are amazing . After a chat I decided to proceed and they helped me all the way. So easy thank you Golden Leaves.” –

Jacqueline Gage

their time of need.

We asked Emma how she achieved her success and what inspires her to provide such amazing service through Golden Leaves. Emma told us: “My life in the sun began in 2007 and I have worked as the International Operations Director at Golden Leaves since 2015. A huge part of my success is the passion I have for our products, and I am an avid believer that a funeral plan is vital for expats to have their affairs in order when living in a foreign country as we don’t always fully understand the system and legalities.”

We asked Emma about her journey in Golden Leaves, and

“I contacted Golden Leaves as I needed quotes for a few different insurances. They were very friendly and helpful, and they talked me through everything. They are always happy to answer any questions I have and it’s good to be able to have all my insurances in one place. An excellent service and I would recommend them to anyone.”

Callam

now with insurance company ASSSA – who provide British nationals with insurance policies in Spain – Emma told us: “I had worked in the industry previously for a number of years and gained a lot of experience, then I discovered

“Just a note to say thank you for the friendly and efficient manner in which you handled my recent insurance claim for expenses incurred following a car accident in the UK. I would heartily recommend your services to any one seeking travel insurance.»

Pat McCue

provider of pre-paid plans in Spain.

I felt aligned with their focus on customer care, services, range of plans, and payment options – and I still feel the same nine years later.

I am proud to be a part of this innovative and ground-breaking company, and I am proud to lead the international team at Golden Leaves.

I believe it is hugely important to love where you work; this is my inspiration and what motivates me to achieve the best for our clients every day.”

We asked Emma what motivates her to provide the best services to expats and what she enjoys most about her role, she told us: “I am motivated and inspired by my team, our clients, the company and the products that we offer. Also knowing that we are in some small way helping that individual and their families at a very difficult time in their lives, this is something we are very privileged to be part of.”

“I really enjoy helping clients and, secondly, seeing my team flourish and the business growing,” she added.

Funeral plans with Golden Leaves are designed around your needs.

The international team led by Emma can help you to navigate which plan is best for you and your loved ones, from their direct, simple, traditional and repatriation options.

Here at Golden Leaves we give a helping hand.

Emma Quantrill and her team has helped thousands of UK expats in Spain.

Testimonials and Reviews – Golden Leaves

Victoria Gregory, UK

“I already had a plan with Golden Leaves for some six years which is why my friend asked me to join her when she went to make enquiries about a plan for her. The experience was exemplary and Emma, the interviewer (or Operations Director for Golden Leaves as we since found out!) was outstanding. Empathetic, informative, practical and what was most welcome in view of the conversation taking place, enormous fun. Not surprisingly my friend after talking with her family (at Emma’s strong recommendation) took out a plan. Taking out a funeral plan does not speed up your demise but it does make the inevitable a less stressful and more comforting experience for your loved ones…..so my advice would always be ‘go for it’. Huge thanks to Emma and the team…..and my friend and I will certainly be taking you up on that offer of a cuppa in the near future.”

Callam

I contacted Golden Leaves as I needed quotes for a few different insurances. They were very friendly and helpful, and they talked me through everything. They are always happy to answer any questions I have and it’s good to be able to have all my insurances in one place. An excellent service and I would recommend them to anyone.

Christine O Peckham

I was very impressed with the process from the start to the sale. I would recommend this service to everyone. The documentation was clear and a credit to you all. Thank you.

Julian Taylor

We got in touch over the phone and the helpful representative... thoroughly explained everything in a dear and informative manner. We both chose a plan, and it was such a relief to know we were covered for when the time came.

Pete Freestone

Explained everything perfectly. Very pleasant and efficient handling of the paperwork (thanks Emma). Hope all goes well when the time comes but not yet thanks!!

K White

I called Golden Leaves, a representative came to visit and explained everything to me. They payment was taken over the phone and my wife covered immediately.

The Dorrington Family

Many thanks for your help in the few days leading up to Christmas and your extra efforts on Christmas Eve staying at work to do all you could to help us. It was most appreciated.

You will be pleased to know that my son managed to get his emergency passport and arrived on the morning of the funeral service.

We would also like to thank all those in Spain who helped us provide a wonderful celebratory service for Mum.

Thanks to all of you for doing more than providing a professional service and providing a helpful and personal one.

Many thanks

L. Musgrove

My mother felt that she didn’t want me to have to deal with all of this alone when the time came, so she set up a Golden Leaves Funeral Plan, taking away all the worry and stress.

Golden Leaves were a godsend in guiding me through the residency process; they booked my appointments, and ensured I had met all the requirements, including health cover to ensure a swift process. A special thank you to Victoria for her assistance.

We don’t say we are the best - we leave that to our esteemed clients as seen below.

Deborah Lomax

PASSIONATE about helping people in their time of need, Golden Leaves’ International Operations Director Emma Quantrill has been assisting clients in the UK and Spain to plan their funerals since 2015. A dedicated, caring, and empathetic leader of the international team, Emma will now be working with trusted insurance company ASSSA, offering clients the peace of mind that their health and safety are taken care of.

ASSSA is a well-respected and renowned national insurance company with more than 80 years of experience in providing quality health insurance primarily in Spain. With comprehensive English-speaking assistance for those living abroad, their customer service representatives and medical professionals can assist you with any inquiries or medical needs.

ASSSA Insurance offers a range of healthcare coverage options, including medical, dental, accident and other health-related services, and their plans typically provide coverage for consultations, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency medical care.

When considering insurance

Golden Leaves’ Emma Quantrill partners up with ASSSA Insurance

providers, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions, coverage limitations, premiums, and any exclusions or waiting periods that may apply. Additionally, speaking with insurance providers and obtaining quotes can help in making an informed decision based on your unique circumstances and preferences. ASSSA places a strong emphasis on personalised attention to its policyholders, and provides a high level of customer service support and advice on all of their policies.

Offering tailored solutions based on individual needs and preferences and different plans with varying coverage options, you can choose the policies to suit your requirements and budget. Characterised by providing quality, solvency, care, commitment, and vocation, ASSSA’s extensive experience has made them one of the most experienced entities in the health insurance sector.

Emma’s involvement with

ASSSA is a natural progression from the sensitive subject of helping people to plan and prepare for their funerals. The Euro Weekly News spoke with Emma about working with ASSSA and her dedication to helping expats in Spain, she told us: “ASSSA are a name that people can trust, which is what attracted me to the company and what led me into insurance after enjoying such success with funeral plans and Golden Leaves.”

When asked about her passion for continuing to look after those in their adopted land of Spain, Emma said: “The synergy

was obvious. After taking care of such delicate matters of the aftercare of loved ones – the most valuable and important people in our lives – it made sense to work alongside another reputable company such as ASSSA. The Golden Leaves team takes care of policies for assets such as your home, your car, and your boat, as well as your health, the health of the loved one in your life, and the health of your family pet.”

After more than a decade of looking after people who have chosen a life in another country, Emma is never phased by any situation and has come to learn to always expect the unexpected. She is calm under pressure, with a relaxed manner that will put your mind at ease, navigating her way through any and all obstacles or pitfalls you may encounter. The combination of using such a trusted company like ASSSA, with Emma providing you with all of the information and advice you need, is a quick, reasonable, and profes-

sional service that is tailored to you as an individual.

ASSSA Insurance has thousands of happy expats across Spain, with Leslie William Willis and Sheila Willis praising the company. They said: “Like many British, we decided to make a life for ourselves here in Spain and were impressed by ASSSA's professional service. We can truthfully say that keeping our ASSSA policy has been the best thing we could have done.”

The benefits of ASSSA’s experience in serving the expat community, together with the best doctors, the best technology and a personal service in your language, are available whenever you need them. You will have a lifetime guarantee, immediate access and no waiting lists, a choice of the top doctors and medical professionals, no premium increase, and no co-payment health policy to pay. Your health and safety, as well as that of your loved ones, are in the best hands with ASSSA Insurance.

Their Basic, Standard, Plus, Master, and Summum health policies offer various coverages to suit your needs and are suitable plans for visa and residencia applications.

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.

A haven for property buyers

THE southern Costa Blanca area in Spain is a much sought-after destination for property buyers seeking an idyllic Mediterranean lifestyle.

Boasting stunning coastal landscapes, a pleasant climate and a wealth of amenities, this area offers a multitude of advantages to those looking to invest in real estate.

One of the prime attractions is its pristine coastline. Stretching for miles, the area offers picturesque sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs. From popular hotspots like Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa to hidden gems like Cabo Roig and Punta Prima, the

southern Costa Blanca offers a diverse range of coastal landscapes, ensuring that every buyer can find their own personal paradise.

Another advantage is the area’s exceptional climate, with an average of 320 days of sunshine per year and temperatures hovering around 20ºC.

This makes it an ideal place for year-round living or as a holiday destination, allowing residents and visitors to indulge in outdoor activities and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

From an investment perspective, the southern Costa Blanca presents many attractive opportunities. The area has witnessed a steady growth in

property values over the years, making it an appealing choice for investors. Additionally, the demand for holiday rentals remains strong, allowing property owners to generate rental income when not using their homes. With the tourism industry flourishing, buying property in the southern Costa Blanca can prove to be a wise longterm investment.

In addition, the area offers a diverse range of real estate options to suit varying budgets and preferences. Whether one seeks a modern apartment, a luxurious villa with a sea view, or a traditional Spanish-style townhouse, the market has something for everyone.

La Zenia in Orihuela Costa.

Image by Ron Zmiri/Shutterstock

Currencies Direct C u r re n c i e s D i re c t

Casas Wilson: Property with a personal touch

FIRST established in 2017 by Lorena Wilson and her husband Keith, Casas Wilson is a small family-run business where clients are the priority. With a background in customer service management and a degree in business management, Lorena’s main focus is providing honest and personal service, while Keith’s extensive background in property maintenance makes them the perfect real estate team.

The multilingual agents can help clients in English, French, Dutch, German, and Spanish, and have built a great collaborative relationship with local agents, builders and foreign exchange companies to help you on every aspect of your property journey in Costa Blanca South and Murcia areas. The team can also provide you with assistance on getting your residence permit, your NIE

Number, opening a bank account, applying for a mortgage, and key holding services.

Specialising in new builds and resales, including chalets, apartments, townhouses, farms and plots, every client is treated as an individual. No matter what your needs, requirements and budget are, Casas Wilson are the property finders to help you on your search - even if your perfect property isn’t listed on their website.

The team will endeavour to find exactly what you are searching for, with no budget too small and no queries too big.

Their unrivalled aftercare services ensure that you are looked after during your search, through-

out the contracting process, and even after the sale has been made - with no fees for buyers. If you purchase a new build through Casas Wilson, they will provide you with a furniture voucher of €3,000 to get you started on making your new house feel like a home.

For those selling property, Casa Wilson uses the best marketing tools to get your property in front of potential buyers. This includes listings on international property portals and in newspapers, social media advertisements, and inclusion in their monthly newsletter. Not only this, Casas Wilson will ensure that your property is featured on more than 100 other agency websites and will always provide you with the best advice to make your decision.

Casas Wilson is also API (Agente de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria) reg-

Be a smart buyer

IF you are thinking of purchasing a property either as a forever home or as a holiday paradise, take time, especially with a second hand property, to consider all of the pros and cons.

You need to be certain that there is a proper title to the land so that there is no unwelcome surprise further down the line if it was built without permission.

Generally, this has not been a major prob lem in Costa Blanca but has caused significant heartache in some other parts of the country.

If it’s part of an urbanisation, find out early what you monthly or annual community charge is going to be and whether it’s managed by fellow residents or is outsourced to a professional company.

In the UK we tend to have properties surveyed either in

order to obtain a mortgage or to ensure that the property we have fallen in love with is generally considered sound and won’t fall down around us.

For some reason, people don’t appear to be quite so worried about surveys in Spain but there are good surveyors around, so you need to consider whether Spain should be any different than at home.

Next think about glazing, air conditioning and heating as some properties can get very hot in the summer and chilly in the winter and you want to ensure that you are comfortable.

Nowadays so many of us are environmentally conscious so perhaps look into the possible cost of solar panels to save electricity charges.

Contact any of the top agents advertising in this supplement for advice.

istered and a member of the APIAL in Alicante. This ensures extensive training, experience, and ethical obligations for all agents, providing buyers and sellers with the maximum guarantees. You will have the peace of mind that all regulations and legalities are followed and that you are protected.

Whether you are buying or selling, contact the friendly team at Casas Wilson for a free personal and friendly chat!

Music the Food of Love

THERE could be a misconception about entertainment on the Costa Blanca as some may erroneously think it’s all night clubs and tribute shows, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

If that is what you looking for, then you won’t be disappointed but there is so much more to enjoy all along the coast and further inland.

This year some top stars are appearing at major concerts with a special appearance from Black Eyed Peas, Sir Tom Jones, Gipsy Kings, India Martinez, and many more top artists throughout the area.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as all during the summer months in particular, even the smallest village hosts its own fiesta with a fantastic range of entertainment including musicians of all types.

If you like classical music then there’s plenty of that around as well as blues, jazz and some Flamenco.

Many towns also have their own theatres and although most productions are in Spanish, there are quite a few musicals and there are a number of expat theatre groups who produce shows in English, with panto always popular.

The Spanish entertain in the Summer but that’s often a bit hot for the expats, so they hold most of their production in the Autumn and Spring and if you are a budding performer there are plenty of groups to join.

Lorena and Keith make the perfect real estate team.

Benefitting from solar panels.

Credit: Neil Cummings flickr

LIVINatSPAIN: An ethical approach to real estate

LIVINatSPAIN is more than your average estate agency. A group of truly passionate property specialists, the team of professionals are dedicated to adapting to clients every need with personalised and honest service.

The multilingual team direct all of their efforts towards clients to understand, anticipate, and efficiently satisfy their requirements. Whether you are looking for a modern villa, an apartment close to the beach, a townhouse in the countryside, or a luxury penthouse, the close-knit team promise to assist you in a way that is right, fair, and ethical.

Using a flexible approach, the experienced agents will adapt to any changes to achieve client satisfaction every time. You will work with a local agent who will advise you on the best areas for your lifestyle, keep you fully informed about the administrative processes, provide you with a lawyer and notary, and can even assist you in obtaining your NIE number, opening a Spanish bank account, and ap-

plying for a mortgage.

The agency is proud to announce that they are certified and registered RAICV and APIAL real estate agents, offering and selling properties under the new Decree for Real Estate Agents Registro Agentes Inmobiliarios Comunidad Valencia (RAICV). This is an important differentiator from other agencies on the Costa Blanca and in Spain’s currently unregulated real estate market, and means that LIVINatSPAIN is officially recognised as a serious, professional, and knowledgeable company.

This new law will lead to an improvement in guarantees and quality of service which results in better protection for future home buyers – those agencies that do not qualify will simply disappear from the market.

Focused on providing quality and offering unrivalled support due to the close cooperation of the team, as well as their new RAICV certification, the agents’ services are continuously monitored to keep

providing the best services to buyers, sellers, and tenants. And the service doesn’t stop after the sale. LIVINatSPAIN can help you with the interior design of your new property, including furniture packages, gardening, and cleaning. They can also provide a final check over your house so that you can start enjoying your new home as soon as you step through the door.

Storing DIY tools Ideal for Golf

WHETHER you have a modest set of DIY tools, such as paint and brushes, to perform simple tasks and updates to your home, or a large tool kit that would make any decorating expert jealous, it’s essential to store your items appropriately. Common DIY supply storage errors result in destroyed materials and tools that are no longer functional, as well as possible safety issues from improper storage.

Storing products next to ra diators is not only detrimental to the quality of your products, but also dangerous. When radi ators heat up, any adjacent liquids and soluble sub stances are at risk of altering consistency because of the increased temperature

Additionally, aerosols, for example, can quickly overheat and expand, causing their containers to explode, rup ture, or even blow up, endan gering everyone in the house and inflicting damage to walls, furniture, and other goods.

Experts also warn against

storing your DIY products in bathroom cabinets. Anywhere with increased moisture and damp air can spoil liquid supplies like paint and glue. Cabinets and cupboards that aren't subject to changes in temperature are ideal for storing your decorating essentials.

Stacking supplies, such as cans of paint, on top of each other or too close together can cause serious injury or damage as well as leading to spillages and leaks. Instead, create compact shelving that provides a firm platform for each heavy object, making them less prone to move

It’s also essential to clean your tools before storing them, however tempting it may be to store paint brushes without washing them first. After cleaning them by soaking in water, put paint brushes in a jar with the handles down, or hang on the wall or pegboard to maintain the bristles.

GOLFERS on Costa Blanca South are spoilt for choice with more than 30 courses running along the coast of the Costa Blanca mainly between Alicante and Torrevieja although further south you can find one of the best golf courses in Spain Las Colinas Golf, awarded the ‘Best Course in Spain’ at the world golf awards five times. La Finca Golf, designed by the famous Spanish designer Pepe Gancedo, is located in the area of Algorfa and Los Montesinos and has wide and generous fairways with spectacular unique greens.

Every time a new course is built you can be sure that there will be a development of housing, often a mix of apartments, townhouses, and villas, and those who purchase a property around a new golf course can normally expect to negotiate very good club membership deals. So, you may see more

golf courses popping up near Benijofar

It seems almost perverse that an area that doesn’t have a huge amount of annual rainfall and can be very hot for those enjoying the past time is looking to build more courses, but you can reckon if these companies are prepared to invest 10s of millions of euros, their research will have shown that the market exists.

Golfers are often happy to

travel a reasonable distance in order to play on different courses and as they become more skilled, they want to be on the most challenging.

Costa Blanca South is very popular with golfers offering a wide variety of top-class courses that are easily accessible with Alicante Airport only a 30-40 minute drive away. September is a popular month for golfers and the region will attract many golfers during that period.

They

Image – Robert Kneschke/shutterstock

Keep your DIY tools safe and well-maintained.

Golfing gems of the Costa Blanca South

Photo credit:lascolinasgolf.com

INMO

INVESTMENTS REAL ES -

TATE are leading property specialists on the Costa Blanca. They pride themselves on their quality properties, expert advice and professional yet friendly service.

Established in 2003 this familyrun business in La Zenia has expanded and grown over the past two decades, and their local offices in Orihuela Costa are staffed by a motivated, multilingual and friendly team of professionals.

Their Managing Director, Alexander Pichlmayr, has been working in the property industry for 20 years, and has a clear vision of offering a transparent and honest service. This ethos has paid off in the past, with many of Inmo Investments clients coming from satisfied clients' recommendations.

The company offers a comprehensive and inclusive service under one roof, including legal and financial services, and assistance in every aspect of buying or selling a home in Spain.

Sellers can rest assured that their property is in the safe hands of an established and trusted local

Property specialists

ensuring the ease and convenience of a single focal point of contact.

When it comes to marketing, digital content is invaluable, and Inmo Investments

has invested in the latest web technology to ensure maximum exposure for the properties that they represent in six of the most popular European languages.

The company is highly active on social media, and engages with some of the most effective property portals in Europe. Their multilingual sales force deal with incoming enquiries every day.

Knowledge of the current market is paramount and they advise potential sellers on an accurate and true value of their home so it is marketed at a realistic price.

company, receiving regular updates and reports each month on the progress of the marketing and sale of their home.

Choose Inmo Investments as your sole agent and you are guaranteed maximum exposure, profiting from the extensive network of trusted and respected local and international collaborators, whilst

Interior design trends

FROM bold wallpapers to muted tones, clashing patterns and multifunctional spaces, these are some of the interior design trends we will see in 2023!

As more people work from home after the pandemic, multifunctional spaces have become more important. Designers are finding creative ways to blend living, working, and learning spaces seamlessly. People are also incorporating nature into indoor spaces more, known as Biophilic Design. This could include incorporating plants, natural light, and natural materials such as wood and stone.

As people become more conscious about their impact on the environment, sustainable design has become increasingly popular. This involves using ecofriendly materials, energy-

efficient appliances, and reducing waste. Warm neutrals such as beige, taupe, and caramel have become popular as they provide a cosy and inviting atmosphere. These colours are versatile and can be used as a base for different styles.

The maximalism trend involves mixing and matching patterns,

colours, and textures to create a bold, eclectic look. It's all about creating a space that is visually stimulating and expressive. While the Grandmillennial Style is a modern take on traditional design. It incorporates vintage furniture, classic patterns, and heirloom pieces, and embraces typically outdated decor,

such as floral-patterned curtains and China plates.

Wallpaper has made a comeback in interior design. Bold prints and patterns can add a unique touch to a room and create a focal point. Curved furniture has become popular in recent years. It softens a space and creates a more organic flow.

The administration team spends time in ensuring that all the necessary and correct paper work is in place, and with an in-house lawyer onboard, there won't be any unwanted surprises during the exchange process.

With professional photographers and best-in-class digital photographic equipment, Inmo Investments provides a high quality presentation of your home, including aerial photography and video. Their passion for a firstclass presentation is second to none.

The best indoor plants

THERE are many benefits to having plants inside your home, including better sleep, improved focus, better air quality, and a reduction in stress hormones. Let’s take a look at some of the best houseplants for your home!

Snake Plant: This is a hardy plant that can survive in almost any light conditions and doesn't require a lot of watering.

Aloe Vera: This plant is easy to care for and can be used for its medicinal properties to soothe burns and cuts. Lavender: Lavender is a low-maintenance plant that has been proven to lower heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels, which is why it's perfect for the bedroom. Spider Plant: Another easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in low to bright light and produces small white flowers.

Peace Lily: This plant has beautiful dark green leaves and produces white flowers, and it can help purify the air in your home.

Rubber Plant: This plant has large glossy leaves and can grow up to eight feet tall - a real state ment piece for your home!

Philodendron: These plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can thrive in low to bright light.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): This plant has variegated leaves and can thrive in low to medium light, making it the perfect option for an office or bedroom.

Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): This plant has beautiful wavy leaves and can thrive in low to medium light. , making it a good addition to a bath room or other humid area of your home.

The company offers a comprehensive service.

Alexander Pichlmayr has a clear vision.

Earthy tones and sustainable materials are just one of the interior design trends of 2023.

Image –shutterstock/Artyart

MUEBLES Hermanos García is a group of companies dedicated to the retail sale of furniture and appliances, as well as activities related to the import and distribution of furniture. Since its foundation in 1984, it has become a benchmark in the sector thanks to its adaptation to the market and continuous changes in trends, offering a wide range of quality products at the best price, and having a great team dedicated to providing the best service to customers.

They have a large showroom of over 14,000 m2

Visit our showrooms

spread across three stores located in Torrevieja, one of the most emblematic cities on the Costa Blanca. This showroom is the largest in the Vega Baja region and one of the largest in the province of Alicante.

* The first store, opened in 1984, is located at Calle Orihuela No. 94-96, just in front of Las Naciones Park.

* The second store, opened in 1989, is located at Avenida Cortes Valen -

cianas 54-56.

* The third store, opened in 1998, is located at C/Joaquín García Sánchez, at the entrance of the Doña Inés urbanisation. These three stores have exhibition areas where customers can purchase all types of furniture, appliances, lighting, and bathroom fixtures. Additionally, these stores have a logistics warehouse with a product delivery area for customers.

They also have a website with an online store, muebleshnosgarcia.com , which offers delivery service throughout Spain and has more than 6,000 products for sale.

They have a 6,000 m2 logistics warehouse located in the town of Dolores, specifically at Avda. De la Comunidad Valenciana 23-27 (Industrial Estate Los Azarbes). They have a fleet of large lorries equipped for the profes -

sional transportation of furniture and appliances.

Their great sales team is prepared to professionally assist and advise customers in various languages such as English, French, German, Dutch, Flemish, and Russian.

Their logistics team consists of highly skilled professional transporters and assemblers who take care of the transportation and assembly of furniture, appliances, ceiling fans, air

conditioning, kitchen assembly, bathroom furniture, shower screens, and everything your home may need.

Since the beginning, they have always focused on assembling a great team of professionals to provide personalised attention in multiple languages, a wide range of products (both in the showroom and catalogues), quality delivery services, real after-sales support, different payment and financing methods, etc, in order to offer faster and better service to their customers.

Calle Orihuela No. 94-96, just in front of Las Naciones Park. • Avenida Cortes Valencianas 54-56. • C/Joaquín García Sánchez, at the entrance of the Doña Inés urbanisation.

The first store opened in Calle Orihuela.

The second store is at Avenida Cortes Valencianas.

The third storie is at the entrance of Doña Inés urb.

Discover beautiful kitchens

WELCOME to our custom kitchen and furniture business ‘IQ KITCHENS’, where we bring your unique vision to life with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Our passion lies in creating personalised kitchens and furniture pieces that cater to your individual needs and style. Whether you’re looking for a modern and sleek kitchen or a beautiful and practical wardrobe, we have the expertise to design and build exactly what you want.

Our team of skilled workers and designers will work closely with you to understand your preferences and transform them into reality. We will draw your kitchen in 3D for perfect visualisation. Every cabinet, countertop, and fixture is handcrafted, ensuring the highest level of quality.

You don’t need to come to us, we come to you and we take all our materials with us.

In addition to kitchens, we also specialise in making cus -

tom furniture that adds both elegance and functionality to your space. From beautiful TV walls with a bar to wardrobes that maximise storage, each

piece is made with timeless appeal using only the finest materials from Alvic, EGGER, Blum and many more.

At our core, we believe in providing outstanding customer service. That’s why we offer a free design service to help you visualise your dream space, and we provide a complimentary quote to ensure transparency and peace of mind. All is included, no extra costs afterwards.

Choosing us means embarking on a journey that surpasses the ordinary. From concept to installation, we promise a seamless experience characterised by exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled quality. We are dedicated to creating spaces that truly embody your style and transform your house into a home.

Experience the joy of own -

Home Staging ideas

THE goal of home staging is to present your property in the best possible light to attract potential buyers. It involves making strategic improvements, arranging furniture and decor, and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the home. Here are some key steps to consider when staging your property to sell!

Declutter and clean

Start by removing any personal items, excess furniture, and clutter from the space. A clean and organised home allows buyers to visualise themselves living in it.

Depersonalise the space

Minimise personal touches like family photos and unique artwork. Neutralise the decor to create a blank canvas that appeals to a wider range of potential buyers.

Create curb appeal

First impressions matter, so enhance the exterior of

your property. Maintain the lawn, trim bushes, add potted plants, and ensure the front entrance is welcoming and well-maintained.

Neutral colour scheme

Paint the walls in neutral colours to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Neutral tones make it easier for buyers to envision their own furniture and decor in the

space.

Furniture arrangement

Rearrange furniture to create an open and spacious feel. Consider removing or replacing bulky pieces that may make rooms appear smaller than they are.

Highlight the best features

Showcase the unique selling points of your

property. If you have a beautiful fireplace, highlight it by arranging furniture to draw attention to it.

Staging accessories

Add tasteful accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork to enhance the overall appeal. These elements can create a warm and inviting ambiance.

ing a custom kitchen and furniture ensemble that is as distinctive as you are. Let us bring magic into every corner of your space, crafting masterpieces that resonate with your soul and create a truly personalised environment.

Visit our showroom today and let us inspire you with our creativity and expertise. Discover the beauty of tailormade kitchens and furniture that elevate your living experience and make a lasting impression. We look forward to working with you and turning your dreams into reality at IQ Kitchens where we combine Intellect with Quality at an affordable price.

New Spanish housing law

AT the end of April 2023, Spain’s housing law was updated to solve issues on annual rent increase rates, price limits, and eviction procedures in the country. But what does the new law mean for homeowners?

Annual rental increase rates will now be capped to reduce living costs and lessen the burden on tenants. The new law will cap the rental price increase at 2 per cent in 2023 and 3 per cent in 2024.

There will now be no agency fees for tenants and all estate agency fees must be covered by the landlord/homeowner.

There will be new control mechanisms over vacant properties and if the landlord will not live in or rent their property for a period of two consecutive years, they will receive a fine. If the property remains empty without justifiable reasons for over two years, the penalty will be applicable on the IBI tax amount, which changes between 50 per cent and 100 per cent.

Landlords who own five or more properties in a stressed area will be considered ‘large landlords’. They will be distinguished from regular owners and will have specific measures to comply with as large property owners.

There is now an improved eviction system whereby tenants can only be evicted by a predetermined date and reason. Tenants will now have enough time to find an alternative living place until their eviction date and it is prohibited for the landlord to evict the tenant before this pre-set date.

IQ KITCHENS: We combine Intellect with

First impressions really do matter!

Image –Followtheflow/shutterstock

A good investment

MANY of us have dreamt of owning a property in Spain, whether it be as an investment to use during the holidays or as a permanent new home, but what are some of the advan tages of owning a property in Spain?

During times of political in stability, such as the pandem ic, war, and high inflation, gold and real estate are safe havens for people and ensure capital. Owning a property in Spain can also stave off infla tion as savings sitting in the bank disappear because of ris ing inflation. Real estate offers a safe way to look after and deposit your life savings.

Real estate is also a tangible asset that is under your control, unlike investments such as cryptocurrency and other ethereal investments that are hard to understand and monitor. Property also offers security, as the laws in Spain give property owners a solid legal framework and with some regions having slashed property tax and

Declutter your home

stamp duty on buying property.

It’s no secret that, unlike volatile investments such as stocks and bonds, real estate offers a gradual and constant increase in value over time. According to Idealista, property prices in Spain have risen by 16 per cent in the last five years. You can also generate passive income on your property by renting it out as a holiday home when you are not there.

A lot of people don’t know that Spain offers lenient tax allowances which reduce a landlord’s bill by 70 per cent or more (applies to EU residents only). You can deduct all property maintenance costs, including legal fees (used to compute the rental tax) and mortgage interest! Property provides excellent returns on investment after deductions.

DECLUTTERING your home can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the right attitude and approach, you can easily transform your cluttered space into an organised one. By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy a clutter-free home in no time!

In the living room, get rid of any old magazines that you have read, or books on the shelf that you won’t read, by donating them to friends or charity. Get rid of any excess blankets or ones that are threadbare. Remove anything that is broken, uncomfortable, or no longer of use - such as DVDs and CDs that can be streamed and broken photo frames.

In the kitchen, remove any out-of-date food and old condiments, freezer food with frost burn, and old herbs and spices. Throw away any chipped or excessive glassware and ceramics such as mugs and glasses,

Decluttering leaves you feeling relaxed and in control of your home.

containers without lids, drinks bottles and flasks that are no longer used, and the hundreds of carrier bags we all collect!

In the bedroom, declutter your wardrobe and donate any unwanted clothes, jewellery, scarfs, belts, and shoes that no longer fit or are uncomfortable. Throw out any make up you no longer use or that may be past its best, organise any loose change

and receipts, get rid of odd socks, and use stylish hangers inside your wardrobe or on walls to make sure everything is tidy.

In the bathroom, get rid of old or expired toiletries, old or tatty towels, shower caps and bath robes you don’t use, stained cloths and flannels, and cleaning products and tools that haven’t been used in a while (we’ve all got them!)

Off-plan properties Bringing nature indoors

OFF - PLAN properties are homes that are still in the design or planning phase, meaning that the construction has not yet started. Purchasing off-plan has a range of advantages, with the main draw being more reasonable pricing. Let’s take a look at some of the other advantages of buying an off-plan prop erty!

Perhaps the most exciting part of pur chasing an off-plan house is that you will have more design options, for example, the choice of an open plan kitchen and living room rather than two sep arate rooms. Another benefit is that today’s construction rules are more centred around sustainable and en vironmentallyfriendly designs, meaning you will be saving money on energy bills.

Off-plan properties in Spain are much cheaper than resales or finished homes,

Purchasing an off-plan property has many advantages.

priced at almost 15 - 20 per cent cheaper than existing properties. They are also a great investment opportunity, as the value of the property will increase as it gets closer to completion. This means you may have profit at good rates while waiting for the construction to be completed.

Off-plan properties also offer better payment plans. A downpayment of 30 - 40 per cent in instalments is usually expected, and the remaining value will be paid after completion. When buying a property from a construction company in Spain, the seller has to guarantee the important parts of the property against any structural defect, securing it for at least 10 years.

AN increasing number of people are incorporating plants and flowers into their homes and offices, either in pots, hanging baskets, plant walls, plant ladders, or a good old vase. Bringing nature indoors can clean the air and remove toxins, enhance mood, increase productivity, and even help with sleep. The Euro Weekly News has been looking at some of the best reasons to bring plants into your home and office spaces, and how they can improve our health and well-being.

As well as providing decoration, plants can help remove toxins from the air, such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. They also release oxygen, which can help improve air quality.

Plants and flowers can have a positive effect on our mood and mental health and can help improve our overall outlook, making us feel happier. Nurturing and caring for plants in the home also has a calming effect and can reduce stress levels and blood pressure.

Having plants indoors can also increase productivity and concentration levels. Studies have shown that plants can help reduce distractions and improve focus, and that people with plants in their workspace feel more productive, happier, and calmer.

Plants and flowers can add a beautiful and natural touch to any indoor space, and some plants, such as lavender and chamomile, are known for their relaxing properties as well as helping to improve sleep.

Snake plants, spider plants, rubber plants, peace lilies, ferns, and English ivy are some of the best indoor plants for increasing oxygen levels and purifying the air.

Image –Iammotos/shutterstock

Real estate in Spain is always a good investment!

Image - Watchara Ritjan/shutterstock

Super Trouper

Anna Ellis GRAB your dancing shoes and be ready to boogie to some unforgettable amazing Abba tunes.

Abba Elite formed in 2006 is considered by many to be one of Europe’s top Abba Tributes.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the essence of catchy tunes that marked the lives of many in the 70s and 80s and have managed to

Piano man

remain in the collective memory of several generations.

Abba Elite will be at La Zona, Calle Penelope, 10, 30710 Los Alcazares on Saturday June 24, they will be performing at Bushwacka, Calle Cielo, 03189, Cabo Roig on June 25 and, finally on Monday, June 26, they will be entertaining the crowds at Emerald Isle, Urbanización La Florida, Calle Marte, 2, 03189.

IF you are looking for an event of great entertainment then look no further than the Lucky Lion in Cabo Roig which is playing host to Benny Conway, the piano man.

Benny is an experienced and incredibly talented pianist and vocalist who covers everything from Billy Joel to Elton John, The Beatles and other popular music. You can catch Benny on Thursday, June 29 from 7.00pm. For more information, head to The Lucky Lion, Calle Cabo Roca 13, CC La Ronda, Lomas de Cabo Roig 03189, email: irishpubtheluckylion @gmail.com, or call (+34) 865 943 100.

Fiesta fun

CELEBRATE the Fiesta of San Juan at Zenia Boulevard! On June 23 and 24, the Boulevard will hold a series of activities to mark this celebration.

On June 23 enjoy DJ Ariel and Fuego Cabaret Duo and on June 24 a fantastic tribute to Tina Turner.

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

Stoked up

NATIONAL GRID is in talks with power generation group Drax over bringing two coal­fired units at its Selby (North Yorkshire) plant out of retirement. ESO, the grid’s system operator, has discussed restarting the units, shut down this year after 50 years of coal­fired power generation, to prevent power cuts in winter.

Prove it

SPAIN’S Supreme Court ruled temporary public­sector employees who are not covered by the 2021 Employment Stability Act and sacked after working for several years, are not automatically entitled to compensation. Instead, they must demonstrate that dismissal has caused them significant ‘moral or financial’ damage.

Pigging out

SWIZZELS, which also makes Refreshers and Parma Violets, will redesign the Pig Mugs it has sold since 1996, after M &S argued they were too similar to their own product. M & S sells 271 bags a minute of Percy Pig fruit gums since their 1993 launch, generating a £131.7 million (€153.9m) turnover since then.

Des res

ANA GAMAZO HOHENLO­

HE, who is the wife of Juan Abello, one of Spain’s richest businessmen, intends to sell one of her properties in Calle Padilla in Madrid’s Salamanca district, equivalent to London’s Mayfair. The sale of the 8,500sqm five­storey building is expected to raise around €80 million.

Ashes to ashes

ALASDAIR WARREN, WE Soda’s chief executive, said New York could eventually be a “credible alternative” for a stock market flotation. The world’s principal natural soda ash producer abandoned plans to list in London, claiming valuations were “unrealistically low.”

More HORSEpower for Madrid

HORSE, the new Renault company, will be based in Madrid.

Romania, which produces the Dacia range, was competing with Spain to be chosen by the joint venture initiative between Renault and the Chinese automotive company Geely. Instead, the June 14 announcement has underlined Renault’s commitment to Spain, its second­most important industrial hub after France.

The new company, Horse, will focus on developing internal combustion engines, hybrids and new technologies including e­fuels, although the announcement will not have immediate investment repercussions.

Nevertheless, the presence of Horse in Madrid will put Spain at an advantage regarding decision­making by a company that foresees an annu­

al turnover of €15 billion for its 15 production plants worldwide.

Renault’s currently operates a gearbox factory in Sevilla and an engine factory in Valladolid, both of

Letting go

which will become Horse assets.

While the future Renault spinoff Ampere will focus on electric vehicles, Horse represents Renault’s endeavours to continue producing combustion engine vehicles using less polluting technologies both in Europe and outside it.

The company believes that synthetic fuels will prolong the combustion engine’s life inside Europe, although the European Commission is banning the sale of polluting vehicles, including hybrids, from 2035 onwards.

While Italy totally opposes the ban, Germany is calling for an exemption for vehicles that use climate­neutral synthetic fuels, although at present these are exceptionally expensive compared with petrol or diesel.

Inflation’s toll on salaries

PAY in the UK has fallen once it has been adjusted for inflation, even though most salaries have increased.

Global employee pay company, CloudPay, warned that more sustainable benefits packages needed to be adopted to offset this problem.

“It’s clear that the rising cost of living is continuing to put significant pressure on businesses as staff and potential recruits seek higher pay packages in what remains a tough economic climate,” CloudPay’s John Pearce said.

Inflation had created a scenario where salary rises were having little or no impact on household budgets and firms seemingly faced an unsustainable level of demand for more increases, he added.

“The challenge, of course, is that employers are already struggling with skills shortages, meaning that many are having to use pay inflation as an attraction and retention tool,” Pearce said said.

“But this can only be sustained for so long and businesses will need to find an alternative soon,” he warned.

Benefits packages, which were more cost­effective long­term for businesses, would be increas­

SPANISH engineering and construction company Elecnor will cede a controlling interest in its wind power subsidiary, Enerfín.

It no longer seeks a financial partner to take a ‘relevant but not majority stake’ in Enerfin, as it did a year ago.

Until now Elecnor has been able to finance growth and pay shareholders dividends of €31 million last year and €29 million in 2021, but now requires more cash to maintain commitments.

Parallel to the Enerfin operation, Elecnor, worth an estimated €1 billion, has launched a new programme to place €400 million in promissory notes. This will finance multiple projects in Spain and internationally, the company announced.

Top secret

ingly relied on, CloudPay foresaw.

“That includes flexibility around pay solutions allowing individuals to control when and how often they access their pay to help mitigate against some of the budget challenges that the UK population is facing,” Pearce said.

5G comes in to land

AIRPORTS group Aena and Cellnex Telecom are launching the first private network based on 5G technology at Spanish airports.

The pilot project at San Sebastian airport in the north of Spain is one of the first at a European airport, Aena announced.

The agreement with Aena will takes Cellnex a step

forward in developing a strategy based on organic growth within the company rather than the multi­million acquisition of telecommunications infrastructure it has made recent years.

Aena regards 5G as a key technology in its digital transformation process, a source at the state­owned company explained.

THE UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has rebuked Sainsbury’s and Asda for irregular land agreements that hindered rival chains from opening up nearby.

It had found a total of 32 examples where the chains had placed restrictions on land agreements which, the regulator said, were anti­competitive.

Sainsbury’s and Asda respectively hold the second and third highest market shares in the UK, but both had breached the Groceries Market Investigation (Controlled Land) Order 2010, the CMA said.

This had been brought in precisely to

Connectivity at its airports has existed for years, but the new technology would enable the development of applications in important fields, Aena said.

These included the advancement of the internet of things (IoT), which connects and exchanges data with other devices and systems via the internet.

Big players’ stitch-up

stop supermarkets imposing new restrictions to stop rivals from opening competing stores nearby.

“By ensuring that supermarkets can compete freely, the CMA is ensuring that shoppers have more choice and so benefit from a wider range of groceries and access to cheaper prices,” the watchdog said.

TUFAN ERGINBILGIC, chief executive who took over £12 billion (€14 billion) engineering company RollsRoyce in January, has joint British and Turkish citizenship.

Owing to his dual nationality, Erginbilgic cannot access top secret UK government documents relating to its submarines business, RollsRoyce sources told the Guardian Rolls­Royce’s submarines division builds the nuclear reactors powering Britain’s submarines, including the Vanguard armed with nuclear warheads, and Whitehall security protocols prevent him from viewing ‘UK eyes only’ documents.

Chris Cholerton, the group’s president since March, has instead been given responsibility for handling sensitive information.

Pilot scheme

SPAIN’S BBVA bank is trialling a scheme to close less­used urban branches for two or three days each week.

This does not affect staff, who provide support for busier branches in the same locality, BBVA sources explained.

The pilot scheme is currently operating at 12 branches in Valencia, according to unions quoted in financial daily, Expansion.

The bank ‘constantly’ tries out new projects, it insisted, adding that the current trial did not entail staff reductions or branch closures. Neither did it mean that BBVA would leave more towns in future.

RENAULT HORSE: Madrid, CEO Luca de Meo announced.

PAY INFLATION: More pressure on businesses and staff.

Photo credit: Pixabay/Joergalman

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

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

Not trusted

and financial gain Scottish independence would bring them. For 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 arrest­

ed and questioned, this whole affair 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

TRAIN STRAIN OUR VIEW

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.

Pagan Spain II

LINDA HALL

SPAIN’S biggest celebrations often coincide ­ not entirely by chance ­ with a solstice or equinox.

Valencia’s Fallas are ostensibly burnt in honour of San Jose whose feast­day falls on March 19 near the spring equinox. In Alicante City you have Hogueras on June 24, San Juan’s day, and midsummer as near as dammit, so there is a pagan pedigree too.

Bonfires were always lit in the city and the surrounding countryside on June 24 when pieces of wood and anything that no longer served a useful purpose went up in flames.

Hogueras only left their humble beginnings behind and entered the big time in the 1920s, when Alicante businessmen decided to upgrade them into a Fallas rival.

Meanwhile San Juan bonfires were always lit throughout Spain, often on beaches but also where you wouldn’t expect to find them.

That happened in the small square where I live in inland Valencia Province

Advertising Feature BUYING? IS LOCATION IMPORTANT?

when San Juan fell on a Saturday, a working day for me but nobody else.

The jollity began mid ­ morning as people ate and drank their way through industrial quantities of food and alcohol, accompanied by the usual thumping music until late.

It was the last straw when they started hammering away at something and I could hear them breaking up what sounded like wooden pallets.

The shutters were halfway closed and I couldn’t be bothered to investigate even though there was a great deal of shouting. I had been subjected to shouting all day, since silence is a vacuum that people in this part of Spain feel obliged to fill, and it was pointless to look for its source.

That was when I heard a dulzaina, a kind of recorder, and glimpsed a flicker of flames through the shutters. Opening them I saw my neighbours walking with linked hands round a small bonfire.

And yes, some of the younger men did jump over the flames, although at its outer edge, not the centre. Nothing organised, nothing bigtime, just pagan and Christian Spain together.

REBECCA SERWOTKA ­ “We sell houses!

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

When searching for the perfect property, it’s essential to consider various factors that will contribute to your overall quality of life. Proximity to amenities and healthcare facilities plays a significant role in ensuring convenience and accessibility for your future home.

1. Amenities: Proximity to supermarkets, local markets and general convenience stores. Look for

a property close to dining options, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions.

2. Healthcare facilities: Evaluate the proximity to reputable hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities for your healthcare needs. Check the accessibility of nearby pharmacies for any unforeseen situations.

3. Evaluating proximity: Consider how accessible the property is to major motorways for easy commuting and connectivity. Assess the distance to the nearest airport if frequent travel or international connectivity is important to you. Most of all, consider your lifestyle. Prioritise the amenities that are most important to you and align with your lifestyle preferences. Explore the neighbourhood’s overall infrastructure and development plans to ensure long­term accessibility and convenience.

THE WRITE STUFF - THE CHALLENGES OF WRITING A NOVEL

EVER thought of writing a novel? I’m often asked what it’s really like, so here goes...

Writing novels, a whimsical journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, offers both great benefits but mind­boggling challenges. It’s a wild ride that can be controversial and, at times, downright off­the­wall.

One of its greatest perks is the power to fashion extraordinary worlds out of thin air. You can create realms where pigs fly, people can communicate with plants and gravity decides to take a day off. The boundless freedom to construct unique landscapes and bend reality to your will is like having a backstage pass to the circus of your imagination.

Yet, lurking in the shadows are challenges that would make Sisyphus rethink his boulder­pushing gig. Writer’s block, the bane of your existence, strikes when inspiration is but a distant memory. Your characters may be waiting with bated breath, but your creative juices have gone AWOL. Overcoming this tormenting challenge can be as elusive as finding the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Creating characters is like playing matchmaker with bits of your own personality, sprinkled with a dash of chaos. As a novelist,

you get to breathe life into these figments of your imagination, making them walk, talk and embark on adventures. They become your mates, your confidants and occasionally your

greatest critics. Writing novels grants you the extraordinary ability to create characters that are often far more interesting than the people you encounter in real life!

However, be warned! These great characters often develop a mind of their own. They might hijack the plot, taking it in directions you never intended. They’ll insist on having longwinded conversations or make decisions that leave you scratching your head in bewilderment. Trying to rein them in and keep them on track can feel like herding caffeinated cats.

Novels provide a welcome escape from the mundane realities of life. They whisk readers away on a journey, allowing them to engage with fictional heroes and solve convoluted plots. As a novelist, you have the power to create this captivating escape for others, offering them a much­needed respite from the current cost­of­living crisis.

But once the final word’s been written, the editing process rears its head. It’s a necessary evil that requires a sharp eye, merciless red ink and the willingness to murder the characters you’ve been ‘living’ with for ages. Revising and refining your manuscript can feel like try­

ing to navigate a particularly treacherous maze blindfolded. Every sentence, every paragraph, every page becomes a battleground to get it right.

Writing novels is a bittersweet experience that brings both benefits and challenges. From the thrill of crafting extraordinary worlds and breathing life into characters to the struggle against writer’s block and the torment of editing, the journey of a novelist is wild, controversial and occasionally downright off­thewall.

So, dear aspiring novelists, embrace the chaos, savour the perks and buckle up for the exhilarating rollercoaster ride that awaits you! Who knows? You may just create the next great literary sensation or, at the very least, provide your friends with endless amusement when they discover your unfinished manuscripts buried in a drawer years later...

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

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

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

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

NORA

Getting a grip

HAND strength has always been tied to general wellbeing.

A person’s grip is also a biomarker for overall health owing to its links with many other healthrelated variables.

These include bonemineral density, nutrition, cognitive impairment, sleep problems and quality of life, according to Richard Bohannon, author of ‘An Indispensable Biomarker for Older Adults’.

An earlier 2015 study, which monitored nearly 140,000 older adults over four years, found that a frail grip was related to higher incidences of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

The researchers also found that it foretold the likelihood of early death more effectively than blood pressure.

HAND STRENGTH:

Long-accepted as a biomarker for overall health.

Cider decider

IMMUNOLOGIST Darshna Yagnik, a senior lecturer at Middlesex University, began taking interest in Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) after it unexpectedly calmed her upset stomach.

Dr Yagnik’s research found that ACV killed as much E coli and MRSA in petri dishes almost as effectively as common antibiotics, but admitted that it was not clear how this would translate to the human body.

Other studies have found that ACV can help to normalise blood ­ sugar levels, reduce inflammation, aid weight loss and improve cholesterol levels.

University of Chicago Medical Centre agreed, in principle, that ACV had antibacterial properties, could boost weight­loss on a calorie­controlled diet and was able to “moderately” lower blood glucose levels.

But it had no effect on high blood pressure and could erode your tooth enamel, the Chicago doctors warned.

Cold comfort

A COLD shower could result in fewer days off sick.

The results of a study published in Public Library of Science (PLOS) journal found that 29 per cent of those who turned on the cold tap for 30, 60 or 90 seconds needed less sick leave compared with people who had warm showers.

The cold shower group also felt they had better quality of life and suffered less anxiety.

Researchers concluded that the cold water stimulated leukocytes, the immune cells that help fight off infection, and increased levels of elating endorphins.

Photo credit: Pixabay/Johns Stocker

1

No 1 healthiest food in world is lentils.

A walking workout

WALKING at a steady, unhurried pace helps to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Extending the length of your walk can reduce the possibility of premature death and diseases like cancer, medical research has found. Increased intensity brings further benefits.

If walking is your principal exercise, turn it into a mini­workout, by bringing along kilo, or half ­ kilo weights. Alternatively, swap these for filled ­ up water bottles which can do double duty by keeping you hydrated later in your walk, suggested Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences professor, Dr Janet Dufek. She pointed out that it’s also possible to boost a walking workout by choosing a different terrain, especially a beach, since dry sand is an ‘extreme surface’ demanding much more effort.

Do it gradually

FORGET the old assumption that you must first go red to get a suntan.

Abi Cleeve, a beauty expert and managing director of a sun­protection firm, explained that the skin turns darker in the sun as it releases melanin to protect itself.

That did not mean it was necessary to turn lobster­red first, she insisted.

“As soon as the skin goes red, it’s in trauma.”

The skin appears to have tanned quickly but has burned, ensuring that you will eventually peel, she added.

To avoid this, Cleeve recommended gradually building up time spent in the sun, using a higher SPF sunblock to protect the skin while still getting a tan.

DRY SAND: More effort required when walking on a beach.

Food for thought

EXPAND YOUR SPANISH

SOME say the Menú del Día was made compulsory by Franco in the 1950s so that workmen could have a reasonably­priced square meal.

I’m not convinced, because they generally took food from home in a tartera or lunchbox, and I’ve heard the Menú was cooked up in the 1950s by the Minister of Tourism, Manuel Fraga Iribarne, so that tourists were assured of a reasonablypriced square meal.

Either way, the following is intended to help when you don’t opt for a Menú:

Could I see the menu, please… ..¿me trae la carta por favor?

Except in deepest, darkest Spain, linguistics are rarely needed when getting something to eat, and even inland some attempt will be made to translate what’s on offer.

Thanks to translation programmes, the results are less hilarious than in the past, although I recently saw Sod Fish when Cod would have done, although that was probably a typo anyway. The menu will be divided into four sections:

First course, starters…..primer plato

Main course…..segundo

Dessert…..postre

Vinos…..wine

I’d like a well ­ done, medium, underdone fillet steak/entrecote…..quiero un solomillo/entrecot muy hecho/azul/poco hecho

I’d like local fish…..quiero pescado del día/pescado de la bahía

If it’s that kind of restaurant and if you don’t like bones, ask (assuming the fish is big enough):

I’d like my fish filleted, please…..¿me puede quitar la espina, por favor?

Sometimes things don’t work out the way you’d like:

This isn’t what I ordered…..esto no es lo que pedí

We’ve been waiting a long time… ..hemos estado esperando much tiempo

This is too hot/too cold/too small/too big…..esto está demasiado caliente/frío(a)/pequeño(a)/grande

There’s lipstick on this glass…..hay pintalabios en este vaso

After which, whether the experience was good or bad you’ll need to pay:

The bill, please…..la cuenta por favor

Do be circumspect when ordering eggshuevos because eggs are balls in Spanishnot the kind you play tennis with ­ and referring to them can be the cause of much merriment even in the staidest establishments.

Wine friend summer

LOUIE ON WINE

Article by Louie Rodrigues

WHILST most are preparing for their Hot Girl Summer ­ becoming the healthiest, happiest version of yourself ­ I’ve been focusing on something a little, well, different. I’m prepping for my Wine Friend Summer (WFS). Having just moved to Spain, this will be my first WFS here, and it’s essential I do some prep.

So what is a WFS? Well, it’s being the friend who’s always good for a wine recommendation, the friend you want to pick the wine for your special occasion, the friend you ask to try the wine at a restaurant: that friend, is me.

The prep list:

You need at least three obscure wine references. Telling the truth is optional.

Example:

If you like this, I’ll ship over a bottle of my favourite, this is nothing compared. Oh, there’s no way you’ve had it, it’s made by monks. I actually helped press the latest vintage, with

my feet.

Tasting notes that are hard to disprove:

Oh, this brings me right back to the grass my auntie’s summerhouse in the south of France, on a day three cut. Stock of a good quality wine that you can whip out of every party invite: My favourites right now are absolutely anything from Recaredo. Miranius from their Cellar Credo range is a party pleaser.

And knowledge:

Channel your inner master of wine and give the movie ‘Somm’ a watch. You’ll soon be smelling fresh tennis balls and wet forest floor in every glass.

Watch out summer, hear I come. Or here WE come.

They make it easy!

I KNOW I’m a grumpy old sod but the world around me don’t half make it easy.

I have written about my car before and people spoke to me and said it was something that ticked them off too. But this one has given me the serious hump.

I got in my car after being away for two weeks and two warning lights came on, one saying ‘code 82’ and the other was a filter light. So having three years warranty and three years free servicing, I wasn’t too worried. I looked up ‘code 82’ in the hand book and it just said ‘change oil soon’. I thought that was strange as I’ve only done 18,000 miles in two and a half years.

I take it to my local garage where I purchased the car but who now don’t sell them as Chevrolet has pulled out of Europe. The mechanic then proceeds to tell me I’ve been driving the car wrong and it’s all my fault and it’s not covered by god knows how many warranties I have on the car.

What? How can I be driving it wrong? It’s a

fully automatic turbo diesel and, for your information young man, I’ve been driving for 50 years and never had an accident! What came next left me flabbergasted like never before. He says I can’t turn the engine off; I mustn’t drive it out of the garage because if I do and I quote ‘you will break the engine. We have to change the engine oil immediately!’

Wait - it gets better. He asks me if when I stop, the engine fan carries on after I turn the engine off? “Yes, it does sometimes”. “Oh. Well if it does, start it up again and take it for a run getting it up over 3000 rpm”. “Are you loco?” “I’ve just got home why would I want to go out again?” “You have to take the car to Malaga once a week reaching 4000rpm. Don’t use the automatic gearbox.” “Whoa, whoa hombre, what are you talking about?

Why on earth would I want to do that?” “Because these cars, and many others, have this problem with big diesel engines.” I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing. That just doesn’t make any sense that the car I paid extra for to have an automatic gearbox I have to drive manually, at speeds that break the law, to a place I don’t want to go to at least once a week! “Oh and it’s going to cost you €207 too.”

I now have to phone GM Europe and find out exactly what’s going on because surely this can’t be right. I’ll let you know!

NEATER HEATER WANT ‘SQUIRRELS’ AS CUSTOMERS

RICHARD and Tony from NEATER HEATER are urging all our readers to start prepar ing for next winter now. “We really want people to imitate squirrels,” said Tony “As we know; all the other woodland creatures just laze about in the summer, relaxing.

“So when the winter comes they have to furi ously compete with each other for the scraps left over or hide away and hibernate, waiting for next summer.

But not the squirrels! Squirrels plan for the winter by hoarding nuts, berries and seeds in the summer, so when winter comes they are well prepared for it, and are

nice bright winter days when the sun does come out. They are obviously the wisest creatures in the wood. And that is what we want our customers to be.”

“What Tony is trying to say” interjected Richard, “is that when winter finally arrives in Spain, northern Europe has been cold for months. This means that Chilly Czechs, Frozen Fins and Shivering Swedes have been stripping the shelves for months. Every year we have panicking customers calling us in December,

desperate to have heaters supplied and fitted by Christmas. Frequently these customers have to compromise on their choice, or be put at the back of a long queue. Every year we think to ourselves ­ ‘It’s a shame you didn’t order them in the summer when we had loads of them in stock and, equally as important, the time to process the orders’.”

NEATER HEATER is the sole Spanish distributor for BEHA and ADAX NEO convector heaters. We currently have more stock than ever before at various locations, just waiting for the ‘squirrels’. Please feel free to call us on 634 312 171 for more information, or visit our web site www.neaterheater.es , or email info@neaterheater.es.

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

Clean camping Outjoyment Report

THIS camping accessory is a must­have and will convert many non­campers into camping aficionados. The lack of showering facilities is high on the list of reasons why people steer clear of camping.

A number of camping shops and websites are now selling portable outdoor shower systems. These portable showers are pretty compact and come equipped with a water tank or pump that can be heated by battery or solar power. Some brands provide a hook to hang the shower from a tree or a vehicle to make the experience more comfortable.

They range in price from €10.99 to €50. If you travel light while camping or are still not convinced camping is for you, it still might be a worthwhile purchase. Many users recommend them saying they are convenient to have in your garden or terrace to shower off after the beach. They can also be used to wash your pet or for watering areas in your garden or home where a hose cannot reach.

Anna Ellis

A MAJOR new study has revealed how camping in the great outdoors improves people’s well­being and mental health.

The Outjoyment Report was commissioned by the Camping and Caravanning Club and undertaken by a team of academics at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Sheffield Hallam University.

The study included a survey of nearly 11,000 campers and non­campers, assessing their attitudes towards the benefits of all types of camping such as pitching up in a tent, caravan or motorhome, or going glamping.

Sabina Voysey, The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Director General, said: “The findings of The Outjoyment Report have never been so relevant as they are today. Camping in all its different forms puts us on the doorstep of the great outdoors and provides a clear pathway to a healthier and happier lifestyle ­ one in which people appreciate nature more and are active outdoors.

“Given the many negative events that have been happening in recent times at home and abroad, anything that helps people to feel better about themselves and each other is vitally important.”

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.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

Glamping bubbles

Catherine McGeer

CAMPING is back in fashion and with that, we have seen a rise in a variety of different camping and glamping experiences. From luxurious cabins with private bathtubs on the terrace to Tipi and Yurt camping.

Another camping experience that is growing worldwide is Glamping bubbles or domes. The craze started in areas like Lapland where the Northern lights are visible, hotels began providing glass domes as accommodation for a perfect view of the Northern lights and the starry skies. This type of accommodation became more popular in other rural areas throughout Europe and now it is in demand worldwide.

This type of accommodation is usually on a plot of land with a beautiful rural view and is a favourite with stargazers,

some glamping bubbles come equipped with a telescope. They usually have a statement bed in the centre of the bubble/dome with beautiful clean natural décor and a private bathroom. Some bubble hotels even offer a private sauna or pool.

For people who like to connect with nature but

don’t enjoy the rustic qualities of camping in a tent, this could be the perfect option.

If you prefer to ‘glamp’ by the sea, bubble hotels are popping up along the coast now too. You can even purchase your own DIY bubble tent if you like camping in your backyard!

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

Glamping bubbles are in demand worldwide.

Photo credit: green land bubble hotel website

The great outdoors.

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.

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

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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.

RESPONSIBLE: Injection initiative safer and kinder.

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 lov­

able 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 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 de­shedding 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

PET HAIR: Keep your home clean and fur-free.

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.

Sometimes our dogs need to be cared in their own home.

AIR CONDITIONING

ALARMS

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

AIR CONDITIONING

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

CONSTRUCTION

BALUSTRADES

BLINDS

BUILDERS

BLINDS

ARCHITECT

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER

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

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

BUILDING SERVICES

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

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

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

ROYAL Air Force Association

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

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

email: marion.smith@amscb. org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org.e s (295976)

MASSAGE

Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

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

FREEMASONRY . Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca?

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

BUY & SELL CARAVANS

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

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

CARS FOR SALE

There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@glpvalencia. com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

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

CHARITY

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you.

English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scan dinavian: 659 779 222. www. aa-costablanca.org (93323)

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

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ELECTRICIAN FOR SALE/WANTED

MR FIXIT . For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (292158)

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

GOLD WANTED

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

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

CLASSIC SPANISH LADY , Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 40€. Ana 657 603 495 (302860)

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (294098)

INSURANCE

ATTRACTIVE, Girlfriend, Professional Masseuse relaxing and therapeutic Masseuse. Tel: 693 357 526 (295448) ANA SLIM ELEGANT DISCREET RELAXING MASSAGE. 24HRS HOME/HOTEL VISITS ONLY. ENGLISH AND FRENCH SPEAKING. TWITTER.COM/MISSTRESANNE. 697 207 715 (302933)

MATURE MALE GIVES SENSUAL RELAXING FULL BODY MASSAGE IN PLAYA FLAMENCA. WHATSAP 633 361 938 (302930)

TORREVIEJA Miriam. Gives relaxing body massage. Speak English. Call 604 382 799 (303718)

LA ZENIA English lady for masseuse. Full body relaxing massage, in own apartment or 10 kilometres from La Zenia WhatsApp 711 041330 (303620)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granala cant.secretary@rbl.community

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim

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

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL?

CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsurancein spain.com or email tracey@sosinsurancein spain.com (290139)

MISCELLANEOUS MOTORING CHARITY

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

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

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

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

MOTORHOMES

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

MUSIC TUITION

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

NAUTICAL

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

OTHERS

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

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

PERGOLAS

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions.

Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 krugercanopies@ yahoo.co.uk (295010)

PET CHARITY

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorse care.net www.easyhorse care.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

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

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

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500

animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama -safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

Spain/UK budget prices. Urgent jobs undertaken. www.costalessexpress.co .uk Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

PETS BACK HOME Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.petsbackhome. co.uk Removals also arranged in other vehicles Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (292158)

PETS TRANSPORT PLUMBERS POOL

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

COSTA LESS EXPRESS , small removals and deliveries.

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

FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC.COM TEL: 902 889 070 (2001)

INSURANCE

Ifyoucan readit, socanyourclients. Contactusand haveyour businessgrowat +34951386161

Abarth 595 is a characterful gem!

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

ICONIC is a very overused word but particularly in regards to cars. However, there are a few cars that can genuinely claim to be iconic and the Fiat 500 is certainly one of them. In its modern incarnation, like BMW’s MINI, it is heritage reborn and continues to be a huge success for Fiat. It is hard to believe it has been around since 2008 and in Abarth form is a particularly fun drive. It’s not especially fast, but really emphasises that cars don’t need to be fast to be fun.

Priced from €27,251/ £23,225 the Abarth 595 line­up is all powered by a 1.4 ­ litre turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels through either a manual or CVT automatic gearbox. There’s a firm but still comfortable ride with the benefit of confident

cornering across more twisting roads. The petrol powerplant offers two power outputs, 165 hp or 180 hp, and compromis es of the 595, 695 and 500e all­electric, with both saloon and cabrio versions in the line ­ up. The Abarth 500e will take you 164 miles on a single charge, so not long­distance ma terial, but a strik ing commuter car. The lead ­ in 595

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Abarth 595

• Price: €27,251/£23,225

• Engine: 1.4 T-Jet turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol developing 165 hp

• Gears: 5-speed manual

• Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) Petrol 7.3 secs

• Maximum Speed: Petrol 217 kph (135 mph)

• Economy: Petrol 5.8 l/100km (40 mpg) WLTP

• Emissions: 158 g/km WLTP Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

offers standard fare such as dual ­ drive electric power steering with a sports function and fabric sports seats. Also present is air conditioning, Bluetooth, Car Play, Android

Auto, front seat height adjustment, auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and powered and heated door mirrors and 16 ­ inch alloy wheels.

Where the 595 shows its age is in terms of practicality with a small boot and only three doors. Huge fun on cross country roads and

easy round town, things are not so settled on major A roads or motorways. It tends to be a bit noisy with a drone from tyre noise. Although it has been recently tweaked these are tweaks rather than a major overhaul to its design. Therefore, it may be beaten by competitors in terms of practicality and equipment, but the Abarth has a character lacking in more mainstream rivals

Apart from looking the part the Abarth sounds gorgeous at tickover, not in a broken exhaust kind of way but there’s a lovely burble and once on the road and pushing the revs the sounds continue to impress.

It has such character compared to many modern cars and also broad appeal. My young supermarket delivery chap went into verbal overdrive when he saw it. This was one I was VERY sorry to hand back.

ABARTH 595: This is one I was very sorry to hand back.

EV price decline

Gaming and driving

THE BMW Group is partnering with the gaming platform AirConsole to bring a unique kind of incar gaming to the road for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series.

It allows the driver and passengers to play socalled casual games while the vehicle is stationary as a way of passing time while waiting for the vehicle to charge, for example.

UK used Electric Vehicle (EV) prices continue to decline in the wake of supply surge, but growing affordability fuels strong demand.

According to the latest data from the Auto Trader Retail Price Index, the average price of a used car increased 2.8 per cent last month to £17,815, making May the 38th consecutive month of year ­ on ­ year (YoY) retail price growth.

Although it’s the largest YoY increase in six months, potential retail growth remains constrained by used EV prices, which fell 18.6 per cent in May, as the huge surge of stock entering the market (up 201 per cent YoY in May) continues to outpace very robust levels of consumer demand (up 44 per cent YoY). Market dynamics of high demand and low sup­

ply in the used EV sector last year, which caused prices to rise, meaning that current price drops largely represent a recalibration. Despite marking the highest rate of YoY retail price contraction recorded by the Index, there are signs of used EV values beginning to stabilise, with the rate of decline only marginally greater than the ­18.1 per cent drop seen in April.

For the in­car gaming experience, the players simply need their smartphone, which acts as a controller, and the BMW Curved Display. After starting the AirConsole app in the vehicle, the connection between the smartphone and the vehicle is intuitively established by scanning a QR code on the Curved Display. Then players can get straight down to playing.

USED EVs: Values are beginning to stabilise.

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.