Costa Blanca Nort 13 – 19 July 2023 Issue 1984

Issue

FEWER SIGHTINGS OF JELLYFISH LIKELY

EXPERTS have lowered the level of alert for Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish in Alicante Province.

The last three specimens of the dangerous sea creature were recorded at the end of April in Benidorm and El Campello, and since then no new sightings have been reported.

It is not a common type of jellyfish in the area, although several of them have been seen in the waters of San Juan, Benidorm and Calpe over the last few years, when they were dragged up by sea currents from warmer waters in Cadiz and Huelva in southern Spain.

According to the Coastal Ecology Institute in El Campello, it is possible for the Portuguese man o’ war to appear along the coast of

Alicante between spring and the beginning of summer if the necessary weather and hydrographic conditions occur ­ but so far there is no reason for alarm, they say.

The experts add that the risk of finding the jellyfish in

the waters of Alicante will progressively drop throughout the month and by the end of July it will be ‘practically inexistent’.

Either way, the scientists will continue to monitor the

Turn to page 2

Image by Karen H Black/Shutterstock

A Portuguese man o’ war.

BEACHGOERS who install parasols or deckchairs on Calpe’s beaches before 9.30am could be fined this summer.

The council has once again launched the yearly campaign reminding residents and visitors about the local beach regulations, which include penalties for taking up space on

That’s my spot!

the sand with chairs, parasols or deckchairs before 9.30am to avoid getting in the way of the cleaning services.

The legislation states that any objects found in the way of the cleaning

personnel before that time are liable to be removed and the owners fined.

In addition, any beach furniture left unattended for more than three hours throughout the day may also be removed by the Local Police or council staff and taken to the Municipal Deposit.

Calpe Council has received numerous complaints over the last several summers regarding the reservation of spaces on the sand, with beachgoers turning up throughout the morning to find large stretches of beach occupied without the owners of the chairs and umbrellas being present.

Calpe Beaches councillor Pere Moll pointed out that “we want to guarantee the work of the beach cleaners, so we appeal to the civic ­ mindedness of users so that they do not occupy the beach without being present.”

DONATIONS: Delighted to provide assistance.

A

month of giving

THE Original Charity Shop and Library in Javea had a very busy June. Several requests for financial aid were received and, as usual, they were delighted to provide help. After all, this is what they do best!

AMADEM, a Marina Alta organisation which provides assistance such as therapy, social activities and rehabilitation to those suffering mental health problems, requested financial help to replace two windows in their supervised apartment in Denia. A total of €2,000 was donated towards the cost.

The Autism Association Javea requested help to continue to run their summer school, as it is vital that these children be given the opportunity to continue their daily routines on a regular basis. A cheque for €2,000 was gratefully accepted by Ruben and colleagues.

Daniel den Hartog, son of two of their volunteers, raised €620 which was presented to Montse Villaverde, Javea councillor for Equality. The money will be used to help finance the town hall’s psychological support programme for women suffering from gender violence.

The Original Charity Shop and Library also had a most welcome visit from the Bomberos of Balcon al Mar, who thanked them for their contribution of €2,100 to purchase chainsaws.

Jellyfish

area to report on any possible sightings throughout the summer.

The Portuguese man o’ war is commonly found in warm waters in the open sea, generally in tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its presence in Alicante in June coincided with several weeks of prolonged heat that also led to an increase in bathers at the province’s beaches.

In fact it was several swimmers and divers who reported the presence of the creature, which was then confirmed by the Coastal Ecology Institute.

The experts point out that while the arrival of individual specimens is not that strange in the spring and early summer, the situation reported five years ago when several sightings were recorded as late as July was a freak one­off.

Going to Bolivia

A SOCIAL worker at Alfaz del Pi Town Hall has been selected to take part in a regional Valencian solidarity project in Bolivia. Adriana Franco will join a team of nine council workers from the Valencian Community to travel to the South American country for one month.

No correfocs

ONE of the main events of this week’s summer fiestas in Denia, the correfocs had to be cancelled on Tuesday night due to the red alert for forest fires, which was stepped up to the maximum category on the same day.

Nudist accident

A MAN had to be rescued by helicopter from the nudist beach in Les Rotes (Denia) after falling and hitting his head on a rock, causing him a severe head trauma that left him semi­unconscious. He was airlifted to Denia Hospital.

Teulada grants

TEULADA Council has opened the application process for grants to help crisishit residents face the economic and energy crisis and to house Ukrainian refugees. The deadline to request them is September 1, for further information call 965 741 001 or email serviciosso ciales@teuladamoraira.org.

Pest control

ALFAZ DEL PI Town Hall this week launched the third stage of the yearly pest control operation that will take place until August 2 in the town centre and the urbanisations.

Bye dolphins

A HISTORIC Benidorm landmark could soon disappear. The famous blue dolphins painted on the side of the hostel of the same name in La Cala in the 1960s, which is now shut down, will be demolished as the building makes way for a new hotel and apartment block.

Too many pools

THERE are too many swimming pools in Alicante Province for the amount of available water.

According to the Spanish General Directorate of the Cadastre, there are currently nearly 128,000 swimming pools in Alicante, the equivalent of one for every 14 inhabitants, making it one of the provinces with the most pools in Spain.

But the ratio increases in certain individual towns such as Javea, De ­

nia, Teulada, Benissa, Calpe and La Nucia, where the equivalent is one pool for every three ­

Magnifying glasses ready

CALPE will host one of the most important stamp ­ collecting events in Spain this year.

The Marina Alta town has been chosen as the setting for the 17th yearly convention by the AFINET Philatelic Society, one of the largest associations of its kind in the country with members from all over the world.

It will take place at the Gran Hotel Solymar from October 12 to 15 with the collaboration of Calpe and Benissa stampcollecting societies.

More than 50 participants have already confirmed their attendance,

leading organisers to predict that this will be one of the largest ever conventions held by AFINET.

All activities will also be open to the public, including stamp exchanges, book presentations and conferences by experts.

In addition to the actual fair, the Society is also planning to organise day trips to neighbouring areas such as Teulada Moraira, Benissa and the Vall del Pop, as well as offering participants the chance to explore Calpe’s town, beaches and cuisine.

11 inhabitants due to the type of houses, ie large urbanisations with individual pools and big, sin ­

gle ­ family houses with huge pools.

But the figure is thought to be even higher, as there are said to be many ‘unofficial’ pools that are not registered with the Cadastre.

To fill them all up at the same time would reportedly require an estimated 10 cubic hectometres of water ­ which contrasts with the fact that the area has an endemic shortage of water compared to other Spanish provinces.

Hello again Diana

A LOGGERHEAD sea turtle lay 85 eggs on Denia’s Marge Roig beach on Sunday night, July 9.

A passer ­ by who witnessed the event contacted the 112 emergency services just after midnight, triggering a joint rescue operation by Valencia’s Oceanographic institute and Polytechnic University, Denia Local Police and environmental experts from the town hall.

Up to 72 of the eggs were taken to Albaranes beach where they will be watched by a team of volunteers until the babies

A load of bull in Denia

A BULL drowned during the bous a la mar (bulls in the sea) festivities in Denia on Monday July 10.

A team of volunteers on boats brought the animal ashore and tried to reanimate it, but nothing could be done to save its life.

The bous a la mar is by far the most famous event of the local Santíssima Sang summer fiestas, but also the most controversial, as this kind of accident happens nearly every summer.

Animal welfare organisations have been campaigning for years to cancel

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

New thoracic surgery unit

SAN CARLOS Hospital in Denia now has a new Thoracic Surgery Unit.

the event, which they describe as “barbaric” and which they believe constitutes a clear case of animal mistreatment.

Coincidentally, dozens of people had protested against the bous a la mar in Denia the day before.

Several animal rights organisations and representatives of various local political parties gathered outside the town hall on Sunday and marched through several streets in the town centre to demand an end to an event that continues to attract large crowds at every session.

hatch in mid­September.

The rest of the eggs were taken to the Oceanogràfic, where they will also be kept under observation until they hatch.

The turtle that lay the eggs was already monitored by the experts. Her name is Diana in reference to Denia, as this is the second time she has visited the town’s beaches to spawn.

This is the third instance of egg ­ laying by sea turtles in Denia so far this year, the highest of any town in the Valencia Region.

According to department head Israel Rodriguez: “Our unit specialises in minimally invasive procedures such as the management of pleural effusion and pneumothorax, as well as diagnostic­therapeutic fibrobronchoscopy. The surgical portfolio consists mostly of minimally invasive surgery of lung, pleura, chest wall, mediastinum, intrathoracic sympathetic nervous system and surgery of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis, diaphragm, cervical­thoracic trachea, thyroid in its intrathoracic situation and intrathoracic oesophagus.”

The thoracic surgery team will work closely with the Oncology, Pneumology, Internal Medicine, Neurology and Clinical Dermatology Units, among other hospital departments.

WATER SHORTAGE: Alicante has a large number of pools.

Image by KDdesignphoto/Shutterstock

SCAN, the Society for the Care of Animals in need, held their annual Summer Fashion Show on Sunday July 9 at the Casa Cultura in El Verger.

An enthusiastic audience enjoyed an afternoon of music, a fashion parade and, of

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

This means that both parties involved in a situation or argument are equally responsible for it. The phrase refers to the South American dance tango which requires two partners to perform. It originated in a song written by AL Hoffman and Dick Manning in 1952.

SCAN fashion show

course, some retail therapyall helping to raise funds to support the SCAN animal shelter in El Verger.

The afternoon began with some delightful music by the Debi and Janette duo from the Angel Station Band whilst shoppers browsed the wide range of clothing and accessories on display.

The SCAN boutique volun­

teers team had worked hard to bring the shop to the show with some great bargains to be had.

The host for the show, Jerry Kirlin from The Entertainers, guided the models down the red carpet and held an appreciative audience in the palm of his hand as they viewed a spectacular range of summer fashions from beach wear to cocktail party and dinner

date, all modelled by ladies who had volunteered to help.

The event raised €2,236 for the animal sanctuary and at the end of the afternoon there were many happy, smiling faces.

For further information about SCAN and future events visit www.scan costablanca.com and email scaneventscostablanca@gma il.com.

Trees going mad

CITRUS trees in Alicante Province are blossoming twice this year.

• Diagnostic imaging and ultrasound Rx

• Clinical tests and serological tests, internal medicine, parasitology

• Soft Tissue Surgery and Traumatology

• Ethology, behavioural disorders and animal behaviour

• Physiotherapy, acupuncture, custom recovery and Healing touch

• Ophthalmology

• Dentistry and dental surgery & more

• Import - Export

The high temperatures and lack of rain in March, followed by heavy rainfall in May, prevented flowering from developing normally and conditioned the quality and quantity of oranges and tangerines, warns farming union Asaja.

Blossoming twice in the same year is highly unusualand not good news. Trees first flowered in March, but the process was reportedly very weak and resulted in little flower and of poor quality.

But now the trees are resprouting when they would normally be fattening the fruit for next year.

Asaja­Alicante president José Vicente Andreu explained that “the plants are going mad, they think it’s spring and they’re flowering again,” as quoted by a local news source.

The problem will reportedly come when temperatures reach 40ºC on two consecutive days, which usually happens in

30

Species of dolphin found in Spanish waters.

the province in July and August. When that occurs the current flowers will drop off and the trees will produce fruit that is of very low quality and not suitable for fresh consumption, only for industrial use, which allegedly has no real value.

Montgo Golf

MONTGO Golf Society played a Stableford competition at Oliva Nova Golf Course on Friday July 7 sponsored by the Society.

The day’s winner was Peter Gardiner with 38 stableford points, in 2nd place was Sally Cottrell with 36 and in 3rd place was Alan Lowans with 33 stableford points. The club had two ‘Nearest the pin’ prizes on offer for the 5th in 2 and 18th in 2, and taking home the spoils were Nigel Siddall and John Day. There were no 2s. There were two guests on the day, Ronnie Dalzell and John Quinn.

This week’s competition is the John Costigan Memorial Trophy sponsored by the society.

“We look forward to seeing you all again on Friday!” said a spokesperson for the Society.

LADIES: Modelled the range of summer fashions.

“It takes two to tango.”

Image by SCAN

Calpe to join EU club

CALPE Council will apply to join a European pilot project to create a network of local political representatives to improve communication between the EU, municipal administrations and residents.

The project is entitled Building Europe with Local Councillors and Calpe is currently the only Marina Alta town to join, as Javea’s membership expired at the end of the former local government’s term of office before the elections at the end of May.

Marco Bittner, the local councillor for Residents and Next Generation, has been named Calpe’s representative to request the inclusion

Poster contest

in the programme.

“It is about bringing Europe closer to citizens through their local council,” explained Sr Bittner.

“In this way, local administrations become ‘ambassadors’ for the EU so that residents can find out more easily about the policies and workings of the community, which is often perceived as a distant institution.”

His functions will include presenting EU projects to residents, promoting debates about community initiatives and policies, encouraging citizen participation in these issues, and attending seminaries and visits offered by the EU, among others.

Smoke signals

SMOKING on bar and restaurant terraces is sparking heated arguments in Benidorm this summer.

It was banned throughout the country in August 2020 due to the Covid restrictions and in most Spanish regions the prohibition ended in March last year.

The Valencia Region and the Balearic Islands were the only two areas where smoking was still prohibited, but the latter finally dropped the restriction last week.

But in Valencia the pro-

hibition still stands, which is causing confusion among visitors that arrive from other parts of Spain where they were allowed to smoke only to find that waiters - and sometimes other customers - here are stopping them from doing so.

Spokespeople for the hospitality sector are insisting that “we are not policemen” and are requesting that the regulations are made the same throughout the country to avoid problems in the middle of the tourism high season.

ALFAZ DEL PI’S fiestas committee has organised a competition to design the official poster for the Santísimo Cristo festivities taking place from November 7 to 10.

The contest is open to all artists and designers, both individually and in groups, with the possibility of presenting up to two proposals each.

All entries must be original and previously unpublished, with posters measuring 50x70 centimetres, vertical and without margins.

They must also bear the slogan, in Valencian, ‘Festes del Jubileu i del Santíssim Crist del Bon Encert. L’Alfas

del Pi. Del 7 al 10 de Novembre de 2023’.

Deadline for presentation is July 31 at 2pm. All designs can be presented by email via Alfaz Town Hall website www.ciudadano.lalfas.es or in person at the Registro de Entrada.

There will be a €300 prize for the winning entry, which will be chosen by a jury made up of representatives of the Fiesta Committee and the local council, with the winner being announced during the coronation gala of the fiesta queens at the Casa de Cultura esplanade on Saturday August 5.

ALFAZ DEL PI: Contest is open to all artists and designers.

Image by Alfaz del Pi Town Hall /Facebook

CRICKET fans in the Marina Baixa welcomed a very special visitor last week.

St Peter’s Cricket ClubVatican is officially the Pope’s very own international team and is made up of priests and seminarians from Ireland, India and Pakistan who study and work in the Pontifical University.

The team was founded in 2014 and on January 26 it became part of the Athletica Vaticana, the Vatican’s official sports team and affiliated with the Italian Athletics Federation.

It travels the world every year or two to play cricket, promote intercultural and religious dialogue and raise funds for social causes.

St Peter’s Cricket Club visited Alfaz del Pi, La Nucia and Benidorm from Monday July 3 to Friday 7,

Howzat?

before travelling to Malaga, Cartama and Granada (Andalucia) from Saturday July 8 to Wednesday 12.

Their visit was billed as a “social, cultural, tourist and sporting trip” and was organised by the Cricket Spain (Agrupación Cricket España) federation.

Their activities included visits to churches, cathedrals and other temples, outings to each area’s most characteristic spots accompanied by local council representatives and, of course, several cricket matches against local teams.

Turtle protection campaign

CALPE Council has joined a national campaign to raise awareness about the protection of Mediterranean sea turtles.

The aim of Tortugas del Mediterráneo, launched by several national conservation foundations including Valencia’s Oceanogràfic, is to inform the public about how to act if they come across a loggerhead sea turtle or a nesting site on the beach.

A series of posters have been put up at the busiest points on the town’s beaches, calling on bathers to call the 112 emergency helpline straight away to activate a rescue and protection operation organised jointly by Valencia University, the re­

gional government and the Oceanogràfic.

When a sighting is reported, experts from the Oceanogràfic rush to the scene and take the animal, if necessary, to their installations where it can recover before being returned the sea.

The dates of the cam ­

paign are crucial for the conservation of the species as this is nesting season, so it is essential that the females are not disturbed.

Four instances of nesting have been reported in the Valencian Community so far this year ­ two in Denia, one in Gandia and another in Elche.

Guardia Civil egg attack

VANDALS attacked the Guardia Civil barracks in Pego with eggs last week.

The Spanish Guardia Civil Association (AEGC) has denounced a lack of security measures at several stations throughout the province for many years, including the one in Pego, which does not have a CCTV system.

This enabled the vandals to “act with total impunity,” said the AEGC.

But Pego was not the only town to register attacks against the force last week, as in El Verger an officer found all four tyres of his car

slashed as he left the station to begin his patrol.

The AEGC reports that “at every meeting we have with the authorities responsible for the force” they have requested that 12 barracks in Alicante Province be fitted with CCTV and other security measures “to protect the buildings, the members of the public who visit them on official business, and the families of officers who live there.” The Association added that all political parties in the province and in the provincial government are aware of their demands but “to date no one has done anything to help.”

Image by St Peter’s Cricket Club –Vatican/Facebook

SPECIAL VISITOR: The Pope’s very own international team.

Image by Calpe Town Hall

RAISING AWARENESS: Protecting the Med’s sea turtles.

ONCE again, on Wednesday June 28, the residents of the Benimeli Club Residential were seen dancing and singing along with the Pick n Mix group of musicians.

Pick n Mix is made up of members of the U3A Denia guitar group and the Jukes of El Verger, the El Verger ukulele group.

They perform at many local residential establishments and charity events

Pick n Mix

and play a large variety of music from the 1960s and even perform some of the Spanish classics.

“Music is by far the best medicine” is proving to be a very profound statement, with the musicians seeing many examples where an audience member, who despite

suffering with some form of memory loss or reduction in communication skills, suddenly recognises a favourite tune and comes alive with the memories it creates.

It is what makes music such a worthwhile pastime for members of Pick n Mix.

Helping autistic children

ON Friday July 7, the Freemasons of Arenal Deportiva Lodge No 65 in Javea were delighted to help with the funding of the annual summer school for autistic needs children from the local area.

Worshipful Brother Peter Johnson, who is the current Master of the Lodge, together with lodge members and their partners as well as representatives from Todas Juntas Javea, Jean Halse and Marion Kenworthy, met Reuben, the Director of Asociación Autismo of Javea, to present a cheque for €1,000 which will help fund the summer school this year.

Reuben was delighted to receive the donation and explained that the summer school could now afford another teacher,

DENIA indoor market has launched a summer fundraising event for a cancer association.

Every Thursday in July and Wednesday in August, local ice cream producers Gelart will set up a stall selling cutprice products made with ingredients bought at the mar-

who is very much needed, as the summer school accommodates over 40 children on a daily basis from many different nationalities over the summer months.

These children, who are from the Javea area and are aged between three and 18 years old, benefit from one-on-one and group therapy at the school, as well as having lots of fun and playtime, splashing around in the temporary pools and playing on the garden swings and equipment in the summer sunshine.

The funds were raised by the Arenal Deportiva Lodge following an initiative from the women members who suggested that the group hold a 1920s-themed dinner dance to support this very worthy cause.

Solidarity ice cream

ket and with all proceeds going to Amunt Contra el Càncer.

In addition, shoppers who spend more than €10 at any market stall will enter a raffle

to win an ice cream and on July 15 and August 15 a dinner for two at La Casa del Ratón will also be up for grabs.

Another project on the cards is a ‘tapas route’ at La Plaça, where local chef Miquel Ruiz will prepare tapas with products from the market.

LOCAL MUSICIANS: Perform at many local residential establishments.

Image by Richard Millington

GANDIA is officially the most profitable coastal town in Spain to invest in housing.

A report entitled Profitability in Summer Coastal Municipalities 2023 published by a leading national online real estate platform shows that the capital of La Safor has a profitability margin of 11.6 per cent, the highest all along the Spanish coastline and a figure that is 6.5 percentage points higher than 10 years ago.

This effectively means that the investment of buying a house in Gandia is recovered in less than 10 years - a profitability that is not usually found in other types of investments, with the exception of renewable energies.

Average profitability for housing in Spain is said to currently be at 6.6 per cent, meaning Gandia practically doubles the figure for the

AT the beginning of July, BigDataHosbec prepared a predictive report on how tourism demand will behave over the next two months.

All destinations in the Valencian Community were anal-

Best to invest

The website reveals that the profitability of housing has gone through different scenarios over the last 15 years and, in 2023, Spain’s coastal towns and cities have experienced a change that makes the idea of investing in housing increasingly attractive.

country as a whole - a fact that is reportedly not new as the trend has continued for some time.

Among the reasons suggested for Gandia’s leadership as the most profitable coastal municipality in Spain are having one of the best known and attractive beaches in the coun-

try, being well communicated with Valencia City, offering first-class services and, of course, a pleasant all-yearround climate.

Gandia is followed by Laredo in Cantabria (11.1 per cent) and La Manga del Mar Menor and Aguilas in Murcia (both with 10 per cent).

The growing demand for holidaying in coastal areas has caused profitability of housing to soar two or three times over the last 15 years, the portal confirms. Whereas in May 2008 only nine coastal towns and cities exceeded the average profitability in Spain - then set at 4.2 per cent - in 2023 there are 26 municipalities with a profitability equal to or higher than the national average.

Exceeding figures

ysed by HOSBEC’s tourism intelligence system and the data indicates that the region will exceed the figures for 2022 over the summer months.

The summer of 2022 is already a valid period for comparative analysis as it was the first summer free of restrictions, masks and any limitations to travel.

If we compare the forecasts with 2019, we only find that in July the forecast is still a little lower (-1.2 per cent), but the rest of the season also shows positive data and slight

growth. Moreover, this drop in July data has two clearly identified causes: firstly there is the electoral period, which will have an impact on the holiday

calendar, and also there is the period of school exams that take place during the first two weeks of July, which especially affects family tourism.

Fede Fuster, president of HOSBEC, confirmed: “Bookings are currently at 80 per cent for July and verging on 90 per cent in August, with this forecast being practically uniform on the Costa Blanca and in the Valencian Community.

“However, the predictive models tell us that we will reach 89 per cent for the month of July as a whole.”

In terms of crystallised bookings (those that are already effectively settled in the booking systems and many of them paid and confirmed), the four-star superior hotels in Benidorm are the best performers in the statistics with almost 84 per cent of confirmed bookings, while the rest of the destinations in the Valencian Community are between 70 and 80 per cent.

GANDIA BEACH: The most profitable coastal town.

Anna Ellis

Image by Victor Torres/Shutterstock

TOURIST DEMAND: Bookings will exceed expectations.

Image:

HOSBEC

Albir Dental: Home of your Hollywood Smile

ROMINA and Ruben, proud owners of Albir Dental Studio, are revolutionising dental care in the heart of Albir with their brand new, state­of­the­art clinic. Their dedication to advancing oral health services in their community has culminated in the creation of a facility that expertly fuses top­tier dental expertise with cutting­edge technology.

At Albir Dental Studio, patients step into an innovative world where preventative care and complex dental procedures are handled with the utmost precision. From general and cosmetic dentistry to orthodontics and oral surgery, the services provided cater to a myriad of dental needs.

What truly sets this clinic apart is the owners’ commitment to personalised care. Understanding that dental health is a deeply personal matter, Romina and Ruben ensure every pa­

tient receives an individualised treatment plan, attentively addressing concerns and questions along the way. This creates a re­

assuring atmosphere where patients feel valued and comfortable.

But perhaps the most remark­

able feature of Albir Dental Studio is its signature service: the Hollywood Smile. Capitalising on their cutting­edge technology and extensive expertise, Romina and Ruben have designed a process that allows patients to walk out with a flawless Hollywood Smile in just 24 hours. This incredible turnaround time is a testament to the efficiency and skill that defines the Albir Dental Studio experience.

www.albirdentalstudio.com

Moreover, the team at Albir Dental Studio passionately believes in empowering patients through education. They offer resources on various dental conditions and treatments, helping patients make informed decisions about their oral health. This dedication extends to accessibility, with flexible scheduling options and various payment plans to cater to all patient needs.

With a remarkable combination of advanced technology, personalised care, and dental excellence, Albir Dental Studio goes beyond traditional dental services. Owners Romina and Ruben have created an exceptional dental care environment that transforms oral health and imbues patients with newfound confidence. For those seeking a professional, caring, and efficient dental experience, look no further than Albir Dental Studio.

HOLLYWOOD SMILE: Defines the Albir Dental Studio experience.

Romina and Ruben, proud owners.

Jalon Valley Help

THERE is virtually never a day when Jalon Valley Help (JVH) is not doing something for the community.

Sunday July 2 was another glorious summer’s day when JVH welcomed guests to their monthly afternoon tea at Animo in Alcalai.

The JVH afternoon tea provides an opportunity for a casual get ­ together from 3pm to 5pm to meet new people and connect (or reconnect) with Jalon Valley Help members and the residents of the local villages and urbanisations.

“It is a great, fun ­ filled afternoon when we are able to find out more about what Jalon Valley Help offers in the community whilst enjoying a delicious ‘high tea’, complete with the quintessential dainty sandwiches,” said JVH member Marie Fitzgerald, adding that, “I

cannot guarantee Queen Elizabeth II ­ style cucumber sandwiches, but they are jolly good, plus scones and cake. Not to forget unlimited cups of tea!

“High tea is the kind of pick ­ me ­ up we should all indulge in now and then. So if you are living in the Valley, ie Jalon, Orba and associated areas, and would like to come along to the next event, please contact Jalon Valley Help’s secretary at secre taryjvh@gmail.com for

by JVH

Image

more information or to reserve you place at the table.

“Please help Jalon Valley Help to be able to support even more people who are in need in our community, which for JVH spreads well beyond the valleys of Jalon and Orba.”

For further information about future events email eventsjvh@gmail.com and for information about the charity visit www.jalonvalleyhelp.com

AFTERNOON TEA: An opportunity for a casual get-together.

Javea Green Bowls

WITH a full complement of 32 teams, that is 64 competitors, dressed in red, white and blue themes, turned up to battle it out for top place for the Javea Green BC Corcovo Independence Pairs.

It was rather a hot day, matched by the determination of the competitors to be at the top of the league table. After the second game there was a team that looked untouchable, with second and third places very close.

The next four places were all square, so it was anybody’s guess what the third game would bring for the teams. As expected, there were some changes, but the top spot belonged to Calpe Bowls Club, with ‘The Cavalry’ ­ because they came in at the last moment ­ formed by Doreen Cornthwaite and Steve Upton lifting the trophy and grinning like Cheshire Cats.

In second place, jumping

up from fourth, were ‘The Mavericks’, ie Jeff Richards and Dee Hamilton, a combo team from Javea Green and Benitachell BC.

In third place were a team from Calpe Paseo BC, ‘The Seasiders’ with Marjorie Parnham and Steve McNally, who with homemade tshirts they looked the part. There was even a prize for fourth place, with ‘Jack Reachers’ Dudley and Carol Davies, who received a couple of nice bottles of the Corcovo Red for their efforts.

The awards didn’t stop

there, as the prize for the best ­ dressed pair went to Maria Morawiec and Dave Dickinson ­ and very smart they were too ­ who took home a nice bottle of red from Franco, who also provided a nice wine tasting session at the end of the day. The Club would like to thank their sponsors Corcovo Winery from Valdepenas and represented by Franco who presented the prizes, Calpe BC for hosting the event and all the competitors who made the day such a success.

SUCCESSFUL DAY: Competitors dressed in red, white and blue.

Image by Dee Hamilton

AS explained in previous articles, there are different reductions in the Gift Tax in the Valencian Community. One of the most well­known is the Gift Tax reduction of €100,000 in gifts made between certain family members (for instance, from parents to children). In this week’s article we analyse the requirements that must be met in order to make use

How does the Gift Tax reduction of €100,000 work in the Valencian Region? We analyse its main requirements. Gift tax. Donation tax.

of this reduction. Gift Tax reduction of €100,000 due to kinship. Valencian Region

Let’s start with the basics.

When a gift is made, the individual obliged to pay Gift Tax is always the donee. That is,

the person receiving the gift. Art 10 Bis. 1º of Law 13/1997 states that when a gift is made from parents to children (or from the children to his/her parents) the first €100,000 are exempt and do not pay Gift Tax. This reduction also applies among grandparents and grandchildren, provided that the parents between them have passed away.

What requirements must be met in order to be able to make use of this reduction?

A common misconception is to think that if the amount of the gift is less than €100,000, automatically no Gift Tax is payable. Nothing could be further from the truth. The use of this reduction is conditioned to the fulfilment of several requirements:

It is essential that the gift is formalised in a public deed signed before a Notary Public.

If the donor or the recipient are foreigners, they must have an NIE (Foreigners’ Identification Number). And their NIE must be registered with

the Spanish Tax Agency.

It is necessary to provide the birth certificate, to prove the kinship relationship between donor and recipient. If this document is issued outside of Spain, it may need to be apostilled and translated.

The pre­existing assets of the recipient must be under €600,000. Otherwise, this reduction cannot be applied.

Cases in which the reduction does NOT apply

In addition to the abovementioned requirements, there are three specific cases in which the gift tax reduction of €100,000 cannot be used:

1. When the donor applied this tax reduction, in the acquisition of assets of the same value in the previous 10 years.

For instance: Pedro receives a donation of €100,000 from his father Miguel. And Pedro uses the reduction for kinship, so that he does not pay Gift Tax. Later, Pedro wants to gift €100,000 to his daughter María. She will only qualify for the €100,000 reduction, if at least 10 years have elapsed from the previous donation.

2. When the recipient, in the previous 10 years, made a gift to a third party, who used this reduction when declaring the Gift Tax.

In other words, Pedro wants to gift €100,000 to his daughter Ana. However, Ana will not be able to take advantage of this reduction if, in the previous 10 years, Ana had gifted €100,000 to someone else, and this person made use of the kinship reduction.

3. When the donor received from the recipients, by inheritance and by their pure and simple renunciation, assets of

the same value in the 10 years, making use of the reduction of €100,000.

Let’s imagine there is an inheritance in which two heiresses (daughters) renounce to what corresponds to them, and their rights go to their mother. Their mother, when inheriting their share, applies the reduction of €100,000. If the mother, after that, wishes to make a gift to her daughters, they will not be able to apply the kinship unless 10 years have elapsed.

Conclusions

The gift tax reduction of €100,000 is one of the most frequently used tax benefits when calculating the Gift or Donation Tax. However, there are many requirements that must be fulfilled to avoid surprises, in the form of a notification from the Valencian Tax Agency. At White ­ Baos Lawyers we are experts on Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax. Do not hesitate to contact us, we will study your case, and offer you expert legal advice.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information related to legal issues.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC has published a list of the best beaches in the Valencia Region to enjoy this summer.

Top of the list is the Cala Granadella in Javea, which

the publication describes as “a jewel; a picture postcard setting with crystal clear turquoise waters makes this one of the regulars on the list of the best beaches in Spain.”

National Geographic goes on to explain that the Granadella is “a beach of gravel and white rocks ideal for scuba diving. Despite being a wild ­ looking cove, it has several services and fa­

cilities that make it a favourite for many locals and visitors.”

Next on the list is l’Albir beach in Alfaz del Pi. The publication recommends it “for those looking to escape the bustle of Benidorm” and explains that it is “a semi ­ urban beach made of small, soft pebbles and not sand, which can be an advantage for those who don’t like to take sand home with them.”

It adds that “its translucent waters are ideal for snorkellers.”

El Portet beach in

Best beaches in the region Keep it down

Moraira also makes the list:

“This is a beautiful cove of fine sand and calm, crystalclear waters that is ideal for family bathing as it is shallow and has no steep slopes.”

RESIDENTS and visitors to Calpe can breathe easy now that their summer holidays will not be disturbed by loud noises from construction work.

A new municipal ordinance came into effect on July 1 banning all noisy building work and use of heavy machinery in residential areas in August and establishing time limitations this month in order to reconcile construction activity with the right to rest.

In July all construction work likely to produce noise, whether public or private, must be carried out between 9am and 2pm and then again from 5pm to 8pm.

Exceptions shall be made for urgent works or those in the public interest, carried out for reasons of necessity or danger.

It will be completely prohibited between August 1 and 31 except smaller types of building or repair work that do not cause noise or disturbance to residents.

In addition, “On the promenade that surrounds it there are many beach bars where you can end a wonderful morning of sun and beach with a bite to eat.”

Hitting the catwalk

A COLLECTION of bikinis designed in Pedreguer were the star of the show at this year’s Mediterranean Fashion Beach (MFB) that took place at the Óscar Esplá amphitheatre in Benidorm.

Resident designer Alessandra Raga presented her collection Garota de Ipanema (Girl from Ipanema) named after the famous song that popularised the Rio de Janeiro beach.

She also dedicates the title of the collection to her sister Luciana Fontenelle, who was named Garota de Imanema in 1985.

The spectacular creations are elegant, in carioca tones and green prints on exclusive fabrics, designed in Pedreguer but manufactured in Brazil and sold all over the world.

Needless to say, the aforementioned song was played during the catwalk presentation of the male and female swimwear in Benidorm, with Mayor Antonio Pérez present in the audience.

PICTURE POSTCARD: Cala Granadella in Javea.

Image by MiniMoon Photo/Shutterstock

John Ensor

EUROPE’S largest gold reserves are located in northern Spain, but it appears that no one dares to touch it.

Gold has played an important role in history and to this day still exerts a strong influence on currencies around the world.

Spain has the largest untapped gold reserves in Europe, located in Tapia de Casariego in Asturias, northern Spain, wrote a news source on Saturday, July 8.

It is estimated that under the Salave lagoons, there could be 30 tonnes of gold, a huge amount that would represent 10 per cent of the gold re ­

Gold deposits buried in Spain

serves held by the Bank of Spain. And they have remained untouched for more than 2,000 years.

One company, Exploraciones Mineras del Cantábrico (EMC) has applied to exploit the deposit, assuring that there will be no impact on the environment. Although the first few months could be a little tricky, drilling will be ‘minimally invasive.’

A spokesperson for the company said: “The project is awaiting environmental assessment and now we have to wait and

let the officials work. A completely different project has been presented that has solved the environmental impact problems detected in the past, such as the one affecting the water.”

However, opinion is divided in the village as to whether it is a good idea to extract the gold. It has long been a bone of contention with the association ‘Oro No’ (No Gold) created almost two decades ago by those opposed to the idea.

One ‘Oro No’ spokesperson commented: “People

live from livestock, fishing and tourism. With the exploitation of the mine, the heavy metals from the

mine would affect all these sectors.”

On the other hand, ‘Idoa’ is in favour of the

mine, arguing that it could create many jobs in the area and stimulate the local economy.

What’s it all about?

Linda Hall

SPAIN goes to the polls on July 23, five months earlier than expected.

Pedro Sanchez, president of the Spanish government, decided to cut his losses by announcing a snap poll after the PSOE’s disastrous results in the May 28 municipal and regional elections.

As well as Sanchez’s face, the posters and billboards on Spain’s streets and squares also show Alberto Nuñez Feijoo (PP), Santiago Abascal (Vox) and Yolanda Diaz (Sumar). The PP is conservative and Vox is further to its right. The PSOE are socialists while Sumar, a 17­party coalition, is further to its left.

Neither the PP nor the PSOE is likely to obtain an overall majority of at least 176 MPs, so Feijoo must turn to Vox, whose parliamentary seats would allow him to form a government.

The PSOE and Sumar will form a similar alliance.

Although there are other parties, mainly nationalist, the next government will in­

evitably be a PP­Vox or PSOE­Sumar tandem.

The PP promises a tax reform, will eradicate sexist violence and improve the education system. It is determined to eliminate Sanchismo, Feijoo’s term for Sanchez’s policies, laws and actions which the PP considers “erroneous and anti­constitutional.”

Vox wants a “fiscal revolution” and will repeal the abortion and euthanasia laws. Abascal would centralise a future government with far less power for the autonomous regions, while making it harder for immigrants to acquire Spanish nationality. The PSOE intends to “consolidate the welfare

state”, shorten hospital and specialist waiting lists, provide free transport for the under­24s and free further education for students who consistently pass their exams. Sumar will build two million homes with affordable rents, pay a children’s allowance of €200 per child up to the age of 18, introduce higher taxes for the rich and help with mortgages for the less well­off. Following outraged reactions, sanctions for purveyors of fake news were dropped as soon as they were announced.

winner ­ or winnerswill then have a four­year parliamentary term to fulfil their election pledges and promises.

The

SPANISH PARLIAMENT: Change due after July 23.

Photo credit: Pool Moncloa, Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

To speak or not to speakthat was the question!

AFTER five years in Spain, my Spanish is much better than the few words I could tentatively utter upon landing with four suitcases and no clue what we were doing.

Looking back, those first weeks of fumbling our way through the simplest of tasks is cringe­worthy. We were a curiosity in our building, and our neighbours, thankfully, barely acknowledged the odd American newcomers. They thought we were holidaymakers renting the apartment during Valencia’s biggest party of the year, Fallas. But the month of March came and went, and we were still there. We tried not to stand

out, whispering in hushed tones to avoid drawing attention to ourselvesridiculous in one of the loudest countries in the world, where everyone speaks at volume. Our incessant muttering marked us strangers more than if we shouted at each other in the lobby. Avoiding eye contact so as not to invite conversations we knew we couldn’t hold, convinced it made us invisible. After a few months, there were terse chin nods directed our way. Upon entering and exiting our elevator, we might receive a Buenos dias. Jeff and I celebrated these moments with high fives and more whispers.

“Did you hear that?”

It called for a celebratory glass of wine at the local café. We ordered the same thing every day. The owner stopped coming to the table to ask ­ she just brought it out. After a few months, the accompanying snack went from potato chips to empanadas. We learned the better the customer, the better the snack.

Today, I can carry on conversations in español. And I know what people are saying in every context. Yes, we are still strange. That will never change. But I wouldn’t go back to those fumbling early days for all the empanadas in the world.

Kelli Field is an American expat writer/blogger living in rural Galicia, and a volunteer for Age in Spain.

€2 Cinema tickets

NOWADAYS, almost everyone uses streaming services, whether it’s Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime or another platform, and trips to the cinema are becoming less and less common.

In a bid to boost cinema attendance, the Spanish government has launched an initiative with the participation of 420 cinemas including Kinépolis, Yelmo and Cinesa to bring audiences back to the cinema.

Those over 65 will be able to get cinema tickets priced at only €2 on Tuesdays at 3,000 cinemas in Spain, starting from July 11.

According to data from the Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts

Anna Ellis

THE price of housing rental in Spain increased by 9.2 per cent over the last 12 months, according to a report published by the property management company, idealista.

At the end of June 2023, renting a property in our country had a cost of €11.8 per square metre.

Francisco Inareta, spokesperson for idealista, confirmed: “As long as the available supply does not increase, there will be no way to contain prices.

“Neither the limits established in the Housing Law nor the promises of future developments seem to be able to contain the escalation of rents, which is getting worse for Spanish families every day.”

Prices reached record highs in 25 capitals, includ­

Fiesta of flavour

(ICAA), an estimated 9.5 million people over 65 will be able to benefit from this discount, as one of the sectors of society most affected by the pandemic.

After the Covid­19 pandemic, cinema attendance has slumped, however, those aged 65 or older are the age group that has shown the most reluctance to return to the cinema.

The average cinema ticket costs around €8 in Spain.

Ione Belarra, a politician in the Podemos party, is urging Sanchez to extend this offer to the unemployed, disabled and young people between the age of 15 and 29.

Rental increase

SPAIN places third in the European Union in terms of its number of quality labels like the Geographical Indications (IGPs) and Protected Designations of Origin (DOPs). The European Commission recently published its list of unmissable Spanish food and drinks this summer.

It’s no secret that Spain boasts a wide array of gastronomic treasures, from the diverse landscapes of the Balearic Islands to its vast, world­renowned wine regions.

Image: fizkes / Shutterstock.com

ing Alicante, Palma, Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona. The price increased in all regions over the last 12 months.

The largest increases were in the Balearic Islands (27.3 per cent), Valencia (15.7 per cent), the Canary Islands (14.6 per cent), Andalucia (12.4 per

cent) and Cantabria (12.4 per cent).

In Catalonia they rose by 10.8 per cent, while in Madrid they grew by 9.2 per cent. The Basque Country recorded the lowest increase (4.1 per cent), followed by Aragon (4.2 per cent) and Navarre (4.3 per cent).

This summer, the European Commission invites visitors to indulge in products including the DOP Mahón­Menorca cheese, sobrasada, and ensaimadas from Mallorca, and to savour the unique taste of the IPG­certified Ibiza olive oil while in the Balearic Islands.

While in mainland Spain, the European Commission says guests should treat their taste buds to the finest varieties of jamon including Teruel, Serón, Trevélez, and Jabugo, which all boast distinguished IPGs. And, naturally, they also invite guests to relish the distinctive flavours of DOP wines like Rioja, Rueda, and Rias Baixas.

PROPERTY RENTAL: Prices have reached record highs.

HAVE you ever decided to go to a place after seeing it on social media? Increasingly, people are choosing where to spend their beach holiday after spotting a beach they fancy on Instagram or TikTok.

One holiday rental company, Holidu, recently conducted a study into the most popular beaches in Spain and Europe, according to the social media buzz surrounding them. Experts say that these findings, from the report released on Friday, July 7, could tell us something about the most

Riding the trending wave

popular beaches in Spain this summer.

The report ranked Playa Las Canteras in Gran Canaria in first position with a staggering 286,340 Instagram hashtags and 14.6 million TikTok views. Its golden sands, crystal­clear waters, and coral reef have gained international recognition

Self-employed figures

THE Special Regime for SelfEmployed Workers (RETA) has lost 99 self­employed workers throughout the last year.

The news is according to data published by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and is compiled by the National Federation of Associations of Self­Employed Workers (ATA).

This means the number of self­employed workers totalled 3,338,296 in June 2023.

In relative terms, the Balearic Islands has led the growth in the number of self­employed workers over the last year, with an increase of 2.2 per cent, followed by the Canary Islands (+2.1 per cent), the Valencian Community (+0.9 per cent), Andalusia, the Community of Madrid (+0.5 per cent) and Catalonia (+0.1 per cent). However, in absolute terms, the Valencian Community has been the

region that has gained the most self­employed workers in the last year, after adding 3,366 affiliates.

It was followed by the Canary Islands (+2,914), Andalusia (+2,895), the Balearic Islands (+2,170), the Community of Madrid (+1,920) and Catalonia (+420).

Between 30 June 2022 and 30 June 2023, the largest falls in relative values were in the autonomous city of Ceuta (­4.5 per cent), La Rioja (­2 per cent) and Asturias (­1.8 per cent).

Self­employed persons were also lost in Castilla y León ( ­ 1.6 per cent), Extremadura (­1.3 per cent),

Murcia and the Basque Country ( ­ 1.1 per cent), Aragón (­1 per cent), Castilla ­ La Mancha ( ­ 0.93 per cent), Galicia and Melilla (0.8 per cent), Navarra (­0.7 per cent) and Cantabria (0.5 per cent). The largest decreases, in absolute terms, were recorded in Castilla y Leon (­3,003), the Basque Country (­1,920) and Galicia (­1,725). The president of ATA, Lorenzo Amor, confirmed: “The data disproves the falsehood that when salaried employment grows, self­employment falls.” “In the six autonomous communities where the self­employed are growing, salaried em­

through social media.

Playa de Muro, Mallorca is where tranquillity meets beauty. Despite its calm atmosphere, the beach has garnered 100,058 Instagram hashtags and 2.6 million TikTok views, placing it in second position.

Completing the top three was Praia As Catedrais in Galicia. This unique beach has unusual Gothic features thanks to its stunning geology. It has gained 55,660 Instagram hashtags and 1.6 million TikTok views, sure to translate into many visits this summer.

Self-employed figures

Image: National Federation of Associations of Self-Employed Workers

Education links

ON Monday July 3, the UK and Spain completed the signing of a UK­Spain bilateral agreement on cooperation in matters of education and access to university and other higher education institutions. This follows the close collaboration between Spain’s Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and Ministry of Universities in Spain and the UK Department for Education and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The agreement was signed by the British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, on behalf of the UK, and the Spanish Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Pilar Alegría, and the Spanish Minister of Universities, Joan Subirats, on behalf of Spain, and will enter into force on August 2, 2023.

This agreement enables students with UK qualifications (including A­levels and equiva­

lents) to access universities in Spain without the need for the Spanish general university entrance exam. Additional entry requirements will only be necessary for certain competitive courses, as was the case prior to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Students from the Spanish education system are able to continue to access UK universities and other higher education institutions with additional legal certainty.

The agreement also establishes a framework to increase cooperation between the UK and Spain in the field of education and is symbolic of our desire to build on our strong education links. The UK is grateful for the support of its Spanish partners in reaching this agreement and looks forward to continue expanding the UK­Spain bilateral relationship.

Cannabis study

THE University of Huelva is searching for young people between the ages of 18 and 25 who have used cannabis in the last year, according to a news source Saturday, July 1.

The university’s Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology has launched the ‘Psicocann’ project which aims ‘to analyse what people who consume do to minimise the damage’.

The campaign has seen posters displayed both in Huelva and in Sevilla which advertise how to participate in a questionnaire. It comes with a prize: an Amazon voucher worth €15.

When asked about the monetary prize, researcher Fermín Fernández Calderón, said that without an incentive it’s very difficult to get enough people to participate.

He added “But it’s very common for us to compensate participants for spend

ing their time with us.”

Willing volunteers could receive €35 in total, ‘€15 for each face­to­face meeting, of which there are two. And later, another €5 after a last online participation.’

The ‘Psicocann’ project is

financed by the Ministry of Science and Innovation and the team that is working on it published a preliminary report in May of this year. So far, a total of 466 people have already taken part in the first questionnaire.

Tourism employment

NATIONAL Insurance contributors in Spain linked to tourism activities increased 5.5 per cent in May compared to the same month the previous year to stand at 2,752,872.

The year 2023 has had the best May since records began, according to data published by Turespana.

Tourism employment now accounts for 13.3 per cent of the total number of contributors in all sectors of the Spanish economy.

The Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Hector Gomez, confirmed: “These figures are extraordinary news to start off a summer that will also be historic in terms of both the number of tourists and spending.

“Employment is growing and, even better news, the quality of employment is growing.

“The figures show that the tourism sector has not only recovered quantitatively but that qualitatively it is making a great effort to improve levels of care, service and categorisation, while at the same time professionals in the sector enjoy greater social protection and guaranteed labour rights.”

UNIVERSITY ACCESS: The UK and Spain have signed a bilateral agreement.

Valencian Estate Agents

THE role of the Estate Agent is a very important one in Spain, especially in areas where there are large numbers of tourists, some of whom are looking to purchase a second home or to settle in Spain.

For many years, especially in the boom or bust times, it was very easy to set up as an estate agent and there is little doubt that whilst the majority have always been decent and above board, there have been more than a few ‘bad apples’.

Now the Valencian Community has decided that it’s time to ensure that those wishing to enter the profession are not only qualified to do so, but also are regulated in the same way that they are in much of Europe and the USA. A new law which came in to effect in July of this year ensures that agents will have to demonstrate that they have a proper knowledge of the profession and take responsibility for their actions.

There will be a register of recognised estate agents operating in the region which

will ensure that any ‘cowboys’ will be weeded out.

This law will therefore lead to an improvement in service guarantees and quality of service which will result in better protection for future home buyers.

Agents will have to have a physical location in Valencia even if they only trade online, they will have to undertake recognised training and pass exams in order to be able to display their right to practise in the real estate profession.

To be able to offer their services in this area, any company will need to be able to demonstrate that it has insurances and other guarantees in place to cover its liability for any damage caused by its actions and there is deadline for registration at the end of August 2023.

This can only be a positive move to protect the public and should be welcomed not only by genuine real estate professionals but should also be considered a requirement throughout the nation.

Exile immunity withdrawn

ON Wednesday, July 5, the European high court determined that the former president of the government of Catalonia does not enjoy parliamentary immunity and thus brings his extradition to Spain closer, according to a news source.

In 2017, Puigdemont ap­

2.55m people helped by Citizens Advice UK.

proved laws for permitting a Catalan independence referendum, with plans that would replace the Spanish constitution if a vote for independence was returned.

Despite a ruling by Spain’s government, the referendum took place. With a result of 92 per cent supporting independence. This caused the Spanish government to impose direct rule on Catalonia, dismissing Puigdemont and the Catalan Government. On October 30, 2017, charges of rebellion and sedition and misuse of public funds were brought against Puigdemont and others.

Puigdemont fled to Belgium and was elected as a member of the European Parliament in 2021. He was granted parliamentary immunity in 2022.

Following the latest ruling by the EU, Judge Pablo Llarena will now have to issue a new Euro­order, which the Belgian courts will be forced to accept.

Puigdemont had used the repeal of the crime of sedition by Pedro Sánchez’s government as part of his defence strategy.

Several months ago, the EU Court of Justice had on the table the appeal that Carles Puigdemont had lodged against the European Parliament’s decision to waive his immunity as a member of the European Parliament.

The court’s removal of immunity and their rejection of Puigdemont’s appeal opens the door for him to appear before the Justice in Spain to face the charges against him.

John Ensor

Buy or sell with confidence in Valencia

Credit: Gerd Altmann Pixabay

John Ensor

AUTHORITIES at a beach in Galicia have gone one step further in inclusivity by adopting flags for people suffering from colour blindness.

It was announced that from Wednesday, July 5, the municipality of Sanxenxo, near Pontevedra in Galicia, has introduced lifeguard flags adapted for people with colour blindness onto its beaches.

The flags are a well ­ known sight on Spanish beaches which combine colours and symbols that inform bathers about the condition of the sea.

The flags use the award ­ winning ‘ColorADD’, a system which was developed by a Portuguese graphic designer and a university professor. It remains the only language in the world adapted to people with colour blindness.

According to statistics from ColorADD, there are 350 million colour­blind people worldwide, with one in 12 males and one in 200 females.

The Sanxenxo Council issued

a statement: “This makes the beaches more inclusive, as people with colour blindness will be able to access the information on the flags independently.”

It is worth remembering that the most frequent variant of colour blindness makes it difficult to distinguish between the colours red and green, which are two of the main colours used in any code related to risk and safety.

Therefore, the red, yellow and green flags are accompanied by a new symbolism. Specifically, the red flag has a triangle, the yellow flag has a diagonal stripe and the green flag has a diagonal line and a triangle.

The authorities at Sanxenxo have again decided not to place showers on its beaches in order to save water.

‘Colour blind’ flags now introduced Where do you find the most jellyfish?

IT is a well­known fact that Spanish beaches are some of the most popular in Europe, but it’s also a fact that as the water temperature rises, so do the occurrence of jellyfish. It must be said that the jellyfish around Spain’s coast beaches of Spain are not really dangerous, but it’s good to know where to expect them and what to do if stung, wrote a news source on Thursday, July 6.

Despite some beaches having a higher presence of jellyfish, this does not mean these areas should

be avoided. The sensible advice is just to be careful and be informed of the conditions.

The report reveals the Spanish beaches with the highest number of sightings are in Andalucia, specifically in Huelva and Cadiz. Others include Bajadilla beach and Guainos Bajos beach in Almeria. Getares beach in Cadiz and the beaches of La Rada, Malaga and Calahonda in Granada.

Eastern Spain too was highlighted, Muchavista beach, Alicante;

Venecia beach, Gandia; Casetas beaches, Barcelona and Cala Fuster, Mallorca.

If you do get stung, it is important to first remove the tentacles if they have stuck to your skin. Never scratch or rub them, because more toxins can be released. They are best removed with tweezers, a card, or any flat, rigid object. Never touch them with your hands.

The next step is to wash the area with seawater, but do not rub, simply rinse the area. Never use fresh

They also took the decision not to place litter bins on the beaches.

Bathers will throw their rubbish into a container when they leave the beach.

This is to avoid bathers having to lie next to smelly litter bins and also to avoid seagulls picking up waste from these bins and scattering it on the beach.

water as it could make matters worse!

Apply cold or heat to the affected area to relieve the pain. Both options can help reduce inflammation and itching.

Apply appropriate solutions to the sting area. One method is to apply baking soda mixed with seawater for five minutes. It will help prevent residual tentacle poisoning. If the pain persists, it is recommended that medical attention is sought.

New flags to be installed.

SPORTS enthusiasts in Denia and Teulada Moraira have no excuse to stop keeping active this summer with free and open activities at the towns’ beaches throughout July and August.

In Denia, Esport a la platja (‘Sport on the beach’) is taking place at the Marineta Cassiana and Punta del Raset until August 31.

From Monday to Friday (except the bank holidays on August 15 and 16) everyone is welcome to practise Tai chi, maintenance exercises, aerobics, fitness, pilates and Kyusho dim mak.

All activities take place at the coolest times of day ­

Sport on the beach

also features a series of free sporting and fun activities for all ages at Portet and Ampolla beaches with no prior inscription needed.

Moraira fiestas continued

MORAIRA’S patron saint fiestas continue this week.

8am, 8.30am, 9.15am and 8pm ­ to avoid heatstroke or dehydration.

No prior inscription is nec­

THE Almadrava Rock Valencian music festival takes place in Els Poblets on Saturday July 22 starting at 10.30pm.

Smoking Souls and Kela, both from Pego, Suasi from Mallorca and Cate DJ from Italy make up the bill for the triumphant second edition of the festival that was first held from 1999 to 2003 before returning last year.

Smoking Souls are one of the most popular young bands in the Valencian Community of the last few decades, winning numerous awards for their albums Translúcid and La Cura (The cure).

essary, for further information visit www.denia.es

Teulada Moraira Saludable (‘Healthy Teulada Moraira’)

Activities include pilates (take mat, towel and sports clothes), Tai Chi and circuit training (sports clothes), and aqua gym (swimming costume). A water bottle is also recommended for all sessions that take place from Monday to Saturday until September 30.

For full programme visit www.teuladamoraira.com.

Almadrava Rock

This year they are presenting their tour entitled Flors i finals (Flowers and finals) that will culminate with a last concert at the iconic Wizink Centre in Madrid.

Electronic music artist Kela won the highly prestigious Ovidi Montllor 2022 award for break ­ through Valencian artist and will present her debut album El Mirall (The mirror) at the Almadrava Rock.

Suasi, led by the legendary Balearic Islands rock star of the same name, return to Els Poblets 23 years later to present their latest record Peces d’antiqüari (Antiques).

The lineup is completed by Valenciabased pianist and DJ Cate DJ who will close the event in style.

Entrance to the open­air festival is free of charge.

Today, Thursday July 13 features a performance by the Font Santa Dance Group in Calle Dr Calatayud at 10pm and show by La Metro Orchestra at the Castle esplanade at 11.30pm.

Friday July 14 starts with a street parade at 1pm, gathering of all those who wish to take part in the flower offering to the patron saint in Avenida del Portet at 7.30pm and flower offering at 8pm. Show by the Mónaco Party Orchestra at midnight.

On Saturday July 15 there is a singing Mass in honour of the Virgen de los Desamparados at 12pm, mascletà firecracker display at 2pm, Mass at 8.30pm, religious procession at 9pm with traditional music followed by firework display and DJ show for all the family at the Castle esplanade. Show by La Fiesta Orchestra at 1am.

Sunday July 16 starts with a singing mass in honour of the Virgen del Carmen at 12pm, mascletà at 2pm and ‘soapy pole’ game at the port, religious procession on land and sea ay 8.30pm, firework display at the Castle esplanade and family DJ show. Performance by La Óxido Orchestra at 12.30am.

Monday July 17 is the second children’s day with bouncy castles at the Castle esplanade at 11am and Mass at 12pm.

Tuesday July 18 and Wednesday July 19 are the bous a la mar (bulls in the sea) sessions at 7pm and 11.30pm.

For full programme visit www.teuladamoraira.com.

KEEPING ACTIVE: Exercising during July and August.

Image by Teulada Moraira Town Hall

Denia summer fiestas

DENIA’S main summer fiestas come to an end this week with the last four days of events.

Today, Thursday July 13 kicks off with a bous a la mar (bulls in the sea) session in the makeshift bullring at the port at 1pm followed by a children’s bull show and tea at 6pm and a second bous a la mar session at 7pm. Then at 8pm there is a children’s show at Plaza Valgamediós and pensioners’ evening with free cocas (bread ­ based pizzas) and drinks with music in Calle La Via at 9pm, followed by concert by Andrea Motis in the Plaza del Consell and mobile disco in the Explanada de Torrecremada at midnight.

On Friday July 14 there will be bous a la mar at 1pm and bull­running from Calle Marqués de Campo to the bull­ring at the port at 7pm, followed by bous a la mar. Then at 8pm there will be a children’s show

entitled The magomic show in the Plaza Valgamediós and Moors and Christians parade through Marqués de Campo at 9.30pm, live concert by Macaco in Calle La Vía at

11pm and mobile disco in the Explanada de Torrecremada at midnight.

Saturday July 15 starts with a pool tournament at the Club de Pool de Dénia followed by bous a la mar

at 1pm and spectacular float parade through the streets starting in Marqués de Campo at 7pm. Then a show by Tokyo Band in Calle La Vía at midnight and at the same time mobile disco in the Explanada.

The last day, Sunday July 16 begins with bous a la mar at 1pm, Valencian pilota ball game in Trinquet El Rovellet at 5.30pm, children’s party in Marqués de Campo from 5.30pm to 8pm, bous a la mar at 7pm, family show El Pot Petit in Calle La Vía at 8pm, and spectacular end­of­fiestas firework display in the Explanada de Torrecremada at 10pm (approx).

Gelada by kayak

ALFAZ DEL PI Council has organised a series of free weekly kayak trips around the Serra Gelada nature park for local young people aged between 16 and 35 years old throughout July and August.

This is the 13th year the Youth department has organised this very popular event that is aimed at promoting the area’s environment, culture, history and geology with special focus on the highly valuable Posidonia oceánica seagrass, whose care and conservation is a major priority for the local council.

Participants will learn about the nature park and observe various species of fish, birds, starfish, sea urchins and

underwater plants, among others.

Outings take place every Tuesday in July and August in groups of eight people, starting at 10am and lasting around two hours.

Hamacas Playa Albir will provide single and twin kayaks, as well as lifejackets for all participants.

Inscriptions can be made at the Centro de Información Juvenil de L’Alfàs del Pi (CIJA) at the Casa de Cultura, for further information email juventud@lalfas.com or telephone 965 887 435 or 610 205 329

Under ­ 18s are required to provide an authorisation signed by their parents.

FIESTA TIME: There are many parades throughout the event.

Serra

Image by Bodiaphvideo/Shutterstock

The smallest circus in the world

A FUN ‘imaginary flea circus’ for the whole family takes place at the Jardí Doña Concha La Barbera dels Aragonés in Villajoyosa today, Thursday July 13.

El Circo de Pulgas by the Wizard Josemari features a circus show where the performers are imaginary fleas. It is a tribute to the authentic flea circuses of the mid­1800s. Evarista the tightrope walker, Manolín the pole vaulter, Manuela and Tomasa the clown fleas... These are just some of the protagonists of the smallest show in the

world. Each flea has its own story: why is Facundo the strongest flea in the world? Why does Merlina know so much about magic?

Josemari will explain each flea’s story with a touch of humour that is guaranteed to entertain audiences of all ages. Performances last about 37 minutes each and take place at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm. They are suitable for children aged over five years old.

Entry is free but requires an invitation that can be obtained at the box office. Limited places available.

For further information visit www.villajoyosa.com and ‘Cultura Villajoyosa’ on Facebook.

Getting to know Altea

ALTEA Council is offering free guided tours of the town this summer. The Coneix Altea (Get to know Altea) outings are in English, Spanish, French and Valencian with groups of up to 25 people and open to all residents and visitors.

All excursions start at 7.30pm and take place on Friday 14, 21 and 28 and Saturday 15, 22 and 29 in July, and in August on Fridays 4, 11, 18 and 25 and Saturdays 5, 19 and 26.

In September there will be two guided visits on Friday 1 and Saturday 2. Participation is free

of charge but requires prior inscription by email at touristinfo@altea.es, telephone 965 844 114 or in person at the Tourist Info office (Carrer Sant Pere, 14).

“The guided tours are a great way for visitors and residents to learn about the history and culture of Altea by visiting the most emblematic places and with explanations by experts,” declared local Tourism councillor Xelo González. For further information contact the Tourist Info office (see above).

Flea circus for everyone.

Image by Villajoyosa Town Hall

DENMARK

Allowance declined

PRINCE CHRISTIAN OF DENMARK, the future king, has decided to decline his governmentfunded royal allowance upon turning 18. He aims to prioritise his education instead. This decision reflects the Danish royal family’s ongoing efforts to modernise the monarchy. Breaking with tradition effective from October he marks a notable departure from conventional expectations.

Airport CEO

THOMAS WOLDBYE , the former CEO of Copenhagen’s Kastrup International Airport has been appointed as the new CEO of London Heathrow Airport. After 10 years in charge of Britain's busiest travel hub, John HollandKaye steps down later this year, at which point, the keys will be handed to Woldbye.

THE NETHERLANDS

Government falls

AFTER just 18 months in office, Mark Rutte's coalition government collapsed on Friday, July 7. According to media sources in the Netherlands, the dramatic moment came after the four political parties involved in the coalition failed to reach an agreement on measures to curb the flow of migrants therefore a General Election will need to be held.

Ancient row

IT was in 2013 that museums in Ukraine agreed to lend 535 ancient Scythian artifacts for display to museums in Germany and Amsterdam. Finally, after nearly 10 years of wrangling, a Dutch Court of Appeal has ruled that they belong to Ukraine not Russian Crimea and will be returned eventually.

ITALY

Eating fine

VISITORS to Sant’Antioco in Sardinia need to be on guard as the town’s mayor has introduced some unusual new beach restrictions. There are now a staggering 23 activities that have been prohibited on its beach, anyone caught eating could face a fine of up to €500. The council hopes to put an end to large gatherings and to reduce litter.

Career move

LONDON-BORN actor, Ray Winstone, 66, is currently living high in the Sicilian mountains. The Sexy Beast star reveals he has taken on labouring work as the Hollywood writer’s strike has had an impact on available acting roles. He said: “I’ve been doing a bit of labouring out here, a bit of graft. I hurt my back a couple of years ago, so I’ve been building my back up a little bit.”

PRESS EURO

BELGIUM

Bicycle hearses

RECYLING takes on a whole new meaning when the concept of ecological friendly funerals is considered and in many European countries bicycle hearses are all the rage, but not in Belgium as yet. There is however a move afoot to change legislation to allow an eco-friendly farewell to loved ones.

A bicycle hearse can be ecofriendly and dignified

Mastodon surges

Back operation

A SPOKESPERSON has confirmed that the Irish president will cut back on his work schedule as a result of a medical procedure booked for next week. In an official statement on Sunday July 9 it was announced: ‘President Michael D Higgins, 82, on Tuesday, 11 July, will undergo an elective medical procedure to relieve back pain.

Double tragedy

TWO classmates have died in separate incidents while on holiday on the Greek Island of Ios. The two former students of St Michael’s College in Dublin, have been named as 18-yearolds Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall. Last month the teenagers completed their Leaving Certificate exams and were pictured together on the college’s Facebook page.

Free transport

THE German alternative to Twitter Mastodon is experiencing a significant boost in its user base, thanks to the recent restrictions implemented by Twitter. With Twitter's limited visibility of user posts causing turmoil, Mastodon's userdriven structure has attracted an impressive surge of 110,000 new active users!

Contract terminated

BAYERN MUNICH FC has terminated its sponsorship agreement with Qatar Airways following mounting criticism from fans and external sources. The club announced the end of the controversial deal, which lasted for five years, stating that it was a mutual decision. Bayern Munich will no longer display the Qatar Airways logo on their sleeves or anywhere else.

GERMANY FRANCE

Emergency law

PRESIDENT MACRON has promised to approve an emergency law to help 'rebuild much faster' after the Paris riots. After a week of riots following the death of a 17-year-old boy in Nanterre, Macron invited the mayors of the municipalities most affected by the recent violence to a meeting at the Elysée Palace to reaffirm his support.

Mobile snooping

A MEASURE discussed by lawmakers in France could allow the police to remotely activate mobile phone cameras, microphones and GPS of potential suspects in order to spy on them. This latest attempt to reform the justice bill in France was met with disdain by members of both the right and left in the Assemblée Nationale. They described the action as an 'authoritarian snoopers’ charter'.

MONDAY, July 3 marked the inauguration of free public transport in Stavanger, Norway delighting morning commuters. The initiative encountered minor hiccups, but overall, the reception was positive. Citizens eagerly embraced the convenience and affordability of this new transportation paradigm, making their daily journeys smoother and more accessible!

Unusual preparation

NORWAY’S Casper Ruud made headlines by skipping traditional grass-court events and playing golf instead as his preparation for Wimbledon. Despite doubts about his commitment, Ruud started the tournament with a victory, showcasing his talent. Unfortunately, Liam Broady ousted Ruud, the world number four in the second round.

NORWAY FINLAND

Novelist dies

ON Wednesday July 5, Miki Liukkonen, one of Finland’s most promising writers suddenly passed away at the age of 33. The publisher of one of Finland’s most promising literary prospects, announced his death. During his all-too-brief career, Liukkonen had already produced five novels, three poetry collections and a picture book for adults.

Presidential visit

FOLLOWING a summit for the leaders of NATO, American President, Joe Biden was scheduled to visit Finland on Thursday, July 13. Finnish President, Sauli Niinistö will host the visit of the US President and a US-Nordic Leaders’ Summit in Helsinki. The summit will also be attended by the prime ministers of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

President faints

PORTUGUESE President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was discharged from hospital after fainting on Wednesday, July 5. The incident occurred while he attended an event in Caparica, Setúbal. He was taken by ambulance to the Hospital de Santa Cruz, in Oeiras. He was subsequently given a device to check his blood pressure and was due to visit his cardiologist.

Jellyfish warning

ALGARVE beachgoers have been warned to watch out for drum jellyfish. They have been sighted more than 120 times on many beaches recently from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António. The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said it is a large jellyfish, whose bell can reach 60cm in diameter. People were warned not to touch them.

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

Disobedient Greta

SWEDISH climate activist Greta Thunberg has been charged with disobedience to law enforcement after an incident in the oil port in Malmö last June. Along with other activists, she blocked tankers from driving out of the harbour by standing in front of them. According to the indictment, she refused to leave the scene when the police ordered her to.

Deep freeze

A 55-YEAR-OLD man was charged in Sweden on Thursday, July 6, with several different crimes in connection with keeping his dead partner in the freezer for several years. He is charged with a breach of civil peace, a serious breach of civil peace, serious fraud, and falsification of documents, after he was found to have been claiming her pension.

Unclaimed medals

MANY former servicemen and women proudly wear their medals at special events such as Remembrance Sunday, but it is surprising that there are still a large number of unclaimed medals.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is creating a major programme which will allow those who are entitled to their medals (including family members of those who are deceased) and to achieve this, it needs volunteers to assist its research.

The plan is to create a digital service to make it very simple to claim the outstanding medals but first the MOD is looking for people to take part in its research.

A research session will last 30­ 45 minutes, will be held remotely and the MOD will arrange a suitable date and time

Anna Ellis LEAVE your Kindle or tablet at home because the book is back on holiday!

Researchers from easyJet Holidays, surveyed the nation’s holidaymakers and revealed a staggering 87 per cent insist a real book is better on holiday than any form of tech.

The research was commissioned to celebrate the operator’s new partnership with WHSmith, the global travel retailer, curating a Perfect Summer Reads edit for jetsetters.

The partnership will see the list promoted in 140 WHSmith stores, which will be co ­ branded with easyJet holidays, based in UK airports and train stations.

Seventy ­ seven per cent of Brits maintain they always read a real book on holiday, with 56 per cent saying it is one of the only times they take a proper break from looking at a screen.

More than a third (35 per cent) even love the

with you.

If you have previously served in the armed forces (or have a relative that has) with an unclaimed medal, they would like to speak to as many people as possible as long as they can.

Join the session from a computer or tablet/phone, with an active internet connection and come prepared to offer completely honest and open feedback

There is no monetary incentive for this research, but the feedback will help them shape the service for all users.

If you would like to find out more, please contact DBSDIT ­ AGPFDSUserResearch@ mod.gov.uk, (perhaps not the most accessible of email addresses) and they will share more details about what to expect.

Back in fashion

HOLIDAY READING: Most people prefer a real book.

smell of a book, while 24 per cent said a device doesn’t have the same aesthetic as the front cover of a novel.

What’s more, almost a quarter (22 per cent) reckon holding a book makes them appear more cultured, while 11 per cent of modern Brits deem oldschool hard copy books as retro and hip.

One in 10 (10 per cent) like that other people can see what they’re reading, in fact, 79 per cent think that a holiday isn’t a real holiday with ­

out a book to read.

Amazingly, almost half (49 per cent) read more books on holiday than they do for the rest of the year.

123

Number of Spanish embassies abroad.

Image: Ivan Kurmyshov / Shutterstock.com

DIGITAL SERVICE: This Major has claimed all of his medals.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Good for you

DIAGEO has invested £21 million (€24.6 million) in an extension to its St James’s Gate brewery in Dublin to meet a surge in demand for alcoholfree Guinness. The addition will house equipment capable of producing 500,000 ­ hectolitres of the non­alcoholic Guinness, equivalent to approximately 90 million pints.

Making plans

THE Circulo de Empresarios business association called on whichever government is elected on July 23 to set the voluntary retirement age at 68 or even 72. This would help people to decide when to retire and what income deferral they wanted, enabling them to plan for the future, the Circulo said.

Two stories

PRIVATE bank Coutts reportedly closed Nigel Farage’s account with them after he fell below the elite lender’s wealth requirements. This questions the former Ukip and Brexit party leader’s assertions that Coutts had targeted him owing to his political views and his status as a “politically exposed person.”

Naturgy CEO

IGNACIO GUTIERREZ­ORRAN­

TIA will be the new chief executive of Naturgy, formerly Gas Natural Fenosa, with the approval of the chairman, Francisco Reynes. According to media reports, shareholders are in agreement and the board of directors will approve the appointment at Naturgy’s next ordinary meeting.

Cost-cutting

MORRISONS is closing a fruitpacking plant in Bradford, putting 450 jobs at risk. The cash­strapped supermarket chain, taken over in October 2021 by US private equity group Clayton Dubilier & Rice, will be moving operations to Thrapston (Northamptonshire) and Wakefield (Yorkshire) in the second half of this year.

Linda Hall IN just over a fortnight, the UK’s Alcohol Duty system will become much simpler.

On August 1, alcoholic drinks will be taxed according to their alcohol by volume (ABV), the government announced as it introduces the widest­ranging duty changes in 140 years.

This replaces the current system’s four separate taxes covering beer, cider, spirits, wine and made­wine.

“It makes the system fairer and more responsive to new products entering the market as consumer tastes evolve,” Gareth Davies, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said.

“Because we left the EU, we can now make sure our

STAT OF WEEK 1.88 billion

turnover for Samsung Iberia in 2022, an 11 per cent increase on the previous year, with a net profit that increased by 7 per cent to €36.8 million.

Better deal for pubs

with an ABV of less than 8.5 per cent will be eligible for reduced rates if they produce less than 4,500 hectolitres per year, Davis said.

Recognising pubs’ vital community role, Draught Relief will reduce Alcohol

Red to black

AO WORLD returned to profit thanks to an economy drive, prompting the electrical retailer to predict a return to sales growth in the coming year.

The Bolton­based company, listed on the London Stock Exchange, now operates in the UK after previously operating in Germany and the Netherlands.

alcohol duty system works for us,” Davies said.

After listening to feedback from industry, economists, public health groups and business owners, the new Alcohol Duty system based on taxing alcoholic products by strength ensures consistency for the

first time.

Six standardised alcohol duty bands across all types of alcoholic products apply to all UK individuals and businesses involved in making, distributing, holding and selling alcohol.

All small businesses producing alcoholic products

Duty on qualifying beer and cider by 9.2 per cent and by 23 per cent on qualifying wine­based, spirits­based and other fermented products sold in pubs and restaurants.

Every pint in every pub across the UK will pay less duty than their supermarket equivalent, in line with the government’s Brexit Pubs Guarantee.

No changes for Endesa

ITALIAN energy company Enel, which owns 70 per cent of Endesa, rejected out of hand rumours that it was planning to sell the Spanish electricity provider.

It had no intention of divesting itself of its Endesa stake “neither now nor in the future,” Enel said, responding to a report in a Spanish newspaper.

On the contrary, it viewed Endesa as ‘key’ to Enel’s future strategy and a company statement dismissed the reports as ‘totally unfounded’ on July 5, putting an end to speculation that any

Windfall tax

SPAIN’S banks and energy companies are on edge regarding the next government’s stance on the current windfall tax introduced to beat the costof­living crisis. The Partido Popular’s presidential candidate Alberto Nuñez Feijoo has revealed that he will maintain the temporary tax if he presides the next government.

While the banking sector is said to be resigned to paying the windfall tax, Spain’s energy companies are less reconciled and are asking to be taxed on their profits, rather than on their income. Should there be no change in government, however, both sectors suspect that the tax could be extended beyond 2023.

kind of operation was afoot.

The unprecedented profits of the Spanish electricity company in 2022, which allowed Enel to pocket a historic dividend of almost €1.1 billion in 2023,

Dove of peace (not)

UKRAINE recently named Unilever, still operating in Russia, as an “international sponsor of war.”

The London­based company which owns Marmite, Dove and Domestos amongst other brands, has been put on the International Sponsors of War list along with Procter & Gamble (P&G), and French group Leroy Merlin.

The Moral Rating Agency, which estimates that the London­based giant contributes £579 million (€675.4 million) to the Russian economy each year, also accused the firm of facilitating Russia’s invasion.

Companies like Apple, Levi’s and Spain’s Inditex have abandoned their Russian operations, although Unilever insisted it sold only essential food and hygiene products.

“Exiting is not straightforward,” a spokesperson told the BBC.

“If Unilever were to abandon its brands in Russia they would be appropriated and then operated by the Russian state,” they added.

made this even more unlikely, insiders said.

A day earlier, the news source maintained that the president of Repsol, Antonio Brufau, had spoken to Endesa’s former chief executive Borja Prado. They allegedly discussed the possibility of merging both groups, given the likelihood that the Partido Popular’s Alberto Nuñez Feijoo would win the July 23 general election.

“There has been no meeting, not between Enel and Repsol executives, nor with Borja Prado,” the statement said.

Lower inflation

FOOD inflation is starting to fall, according to Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts.

Shoppers were beginning to put more items in their trolleys now that the supermarket chain had cut prices on some basics, he explained. With household budgets under more pressure than ever, Sainsbury’s was putting all its energy and focus into battling inflation, the chief executive added.

“We have zero complacency on this issue,” he declared, citing the chain’s Aldi price­matching tactic together with specific price cuts for members of its Nectar loyaltyscheme.

“Inflation is still going to be a challenge and customers need to be assured we are really on their side.”

It posted a pre ­ tax profit of £7.6 million (€8.9 million) for the year ending on March 31, compared with a £10.5 million (€12.28 million) loss the previous year.

At the same time, diminishing demand for white goods and weak shopper confidence resulted in turnover slumping 17 per cent to £1.4 billion (€1.6 billion).

Correos woes

CORREOS lost €217.2 million in 2022, more than double its 2021 losses of €105.6 million.

Only 2020, the pandemic year, was worse, when the publicly ­ owned postal service plunged €264 million into the red.

Postal and parcel operations contributed €1.57 billion, 79 per cent of the group’s total, down 6.7 per cent on 2021, while Correos Express reported a €412.2 million turnover, 0.3 per cent more than in 2021.

The last time Correos made a profit was in 2019, albeit after an interlude of five years, with earnings of €14.8 million.

Stellar work

VEHICLE manufacturer Stellantis España closed the 2022 financial year with a €289.7 million profit.

This was almost five times more ­ and a 380 per cent increase ­ on its €60.5 million result in 2021, following the creation of Stellantis España after Opel España’s takeover of PSAG Automoviles Comercial España and Peugeot Citroën Automoviles España.

Stellantis España’s turnover increased by 268 per cent to €14.37 billion, of which 98.5 per cent originated from sales (€14.150 billion).

The remaining €219.8 million came with the company’s services division.

ALCOHOL DUTY: UK government has simplified the existing system.

ENDESA: 70 per cent stakeholder Enel has no intention of selling.

Photo credit: Pixabay/Skitterphoto

Photo credit: Endesa

DOW JONES

BUSINESS EXTRA Watching the gatekeepers

CAF contract

BASQUE rolling stock company CA, which builds environmentally sustainable transport, was awarded a contract worth more than €150 million to supply electric trams, trains and buses for Cagliari, Naples and Palermo in Italy. The 98 Cagliari buses will be built by CAF’s Polish subsidiary, Solaris, with the first deliveries due to arrive in 2024.

Dress stress

VAMPIRE’S WIFE fashion label worn by the Princess of Wales received a ‘winding­up petition’ allowing the courts to close the firm for failing to settle outstanding debts. The company expects £6.6 million (€7.7 million) in sales this year, 38 per cent up from 2021 when it lost £2.1 million (€2.5 million) during the pandemic.

SEVEN companies have informed the EU that they are affected by new anti­competitive practices regulations.

These affect companies valued at more than €75 billion on the stock market, with European sales exceeding €7.5 billion, at least 45 million active end­users and 10,000 business users inside the EU.

On July 4, the European Commission named the companies as Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Meta (Facebook), Apple and Microsoft, plus Samsung and ByteDance, the Chinese

JOHN LEWIS intends to build and rent out 11,000 properties as it makes plans to generate 40 per cent of its profits from outside retail by 2030.

The group, which owns Waitrose supermarkets as well as department stores, has made planning applications for projects in west and south­east London, while preparing to manage apartments built by other developers.

This, sources said, would enable the Part­

Branching out

nership to try out services and ideas for its own sites.

“We are absolutely committed to this,” Nina Bhatia, Strategy director at John Lewis, said. “At a time when there is a housing crisis and people want homes to buy or rent we are making a huge contribution,” she insisted.

Tax-free

owner of the social network TikTok.

After years of fruitlessly pursuing transgressions resulting in never­ending legal proceedings, the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) gives the Commission the power to impose regulations which the big hitters must comply with or pay huge fines.

The goal is to take action before abusive behaviour destroys competition, the Commission explained.

Only gatekeepers ­ companies which cannot be ignored because of their standing in online sales, search engines, social networks and operating systems ­ will face DMA bans and obligations.

Gatekeepers had until July 3 to notify the Commission once the DMA came into effect in early May. The Commission is now drawing up a list of all potential gatekeepers who will be given six months to comply with the DMA, the Commission said.

THIERRY ANDRETTA, chief executive of luxury leather goods firm Mulberry, declared that scrapping taxfree shopping for tourists was affecting UK sales. Andretta and other retailers contradicted Treasury claims that eliminating the tourist tax would cost an annual £2 billion (€2.35 billion) a year and maintained that there would be a net gain of around £350 million (€410.4 billion).

Not so sweet

FERRERO IBERICA, Spanish subsidiary of the Italian group Ferrero which owns Nutella, Kinder and Ferrero Rocher, improved sales by more than €17 million to approximately €289 million last year. The increase was the result of higher overheads caused by inflation and the Spanish company, whose margins were reduced, earned €5.7 million, 3 per cent less than in 2021.

THIERRY BRETON: Internal Market commissioner outlines the DMA.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION: New legislation prevents anticompetitive practices.

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

THERE are now so many brainwashing racial overtones in the offerings of the British media that laws should be introduced to ban the faceless omnipresent mob who are consistently using their public positions to change the nature of British society and its ancestral heritage forever. These devious conspirators are now hell bent on initially convincing UK citizens, particularly the young, that at the moment the whole country is now a happy bubbling pot of mixed diversive cultures, which is of course ridiculous.

The bias of their TV reporting and in particular their advertising has now become deplorable and completely unacceptable. To give viewers the impression that non­whites and immigrants are the least of the country’s problems, they involve and present as many as possible in commendable actions and situations, including quiz shows, newscasts and documentaries. Subsequently keeping any reports or accusations of crime involvement and anti­social behaviour at an absolute minimum.

So far this year eight black teenagers have been shot or stabbed to death in London alone. On May 5 two were mur­

British media

dered within seven hours of each other. Notice any amount of extra TV coverage appertaining to any of these terrible events? Of course you didn’t. Almost unbelievably two black machete gangs clashed a week ago, terrorising London’s famous and generally peaceful Hyde Park. Personally I only noticed two TV news reports on this incident, which was completely dropped the following day.

A recent finding showed that nine out of 10 suspected UK gang members are from minority ethnic groups. Recently the Stephen Lawrence case has been saturating news and documentary programmes with reports against the police and those white perpetrators involved in the case which occurred some 30 years ago. This was a tragic event, but then so was the cold blooded murder of Lee Rigby by the two black terrorists, which has hardly received any publicity whatsoever for the last 13 years.

On a recent popular TV programme, they were interviewing some London residents who call themselves ‘Black Seeders’. These people were advocating that certain areas of London should be inhabited by black businesses and resi­

OCTOPUS FARM OUR VIEW

dents only. Can you imagine the outcry if this was a suggestion by residents of the white culture? If the media presentation happens to cover a pessimistic subject, particularly concerning an organisation like the NHS, they will invariably interview and reproach predominately white coordinators.

Whatever you may think of this whole worrying situation, have no doubt someone or some organisation somewhere are making these decisions, they are most certainly not arrived at by chance. Personally I have nothing against different cultures existing peacefully together, but refuse to stand by and watch our colleagues and ancestors undermined and made to feel inadequate. A path that could culminate in civil violence, bringing the voters and country to its knees.

Personally I believe this is the result some New World organisation somewhere is almost certainly looking for! They’ve already stirred it up in France! Keep the Faith Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon. and Fri.

WE have all become used to the concept of fish farming around the world and although there have been some problems in the past with poor hygiene and unfortunate outbreaks of disease, they are generally accepted.

If we are to try to conserve fish stocks in the seas and maintain the marine balance, then it is relatively clear that these farms are not only here to stay but will increase in both size and the species that are produced.

One of the first of the fish farms featured salmon but since then expansion has seen oysters, mussels, crustaceans and even sturgeon here in Spain, as there is a never ending desire for fresh fruits de mer.

According to several scientists and the pressure group Anima Naturalis, the latest development in Las Palmas, Canary Islands may however be a step too far.

The first ever octopus farm has now been opened and environmentalists are strongly opposed on a number of grounds, foremost being that the octopus is actually a very intelligent and sentient creature as exemplified by the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher and therefore deserves much better treatment.

Even renowned Ape specialist Dr Jane Goodall has joined in the criticism, not only speaking up for the mental health of the estimated 300,000 cephalopods that will be slaughtered in the farm annually, but also due to the possible damage done as sea currents distribute the chemicals and antibiotics used in the farm.

There is always a balance that must be found between the needs of humans and the protection of the environment, but this latest development may just be too much.

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

Honey : Nature’s beauty secret

FROM the hive to your vanity, honey is a potent beauty ally. Packed with antioxidants, honey neutralises ageing free radicals, promoting a youthful glow. Its natural antibacterial properties battle acne, while its humectant nature ensures skin stays moisturised.

For a soft, supple pout, it works as a gentle lip exfoliator. Honey is also a saviour for damaged hair, acting as a moisturising hair mask. Remember, always patch test before trying any new skincare product, even natural ones.

Honey, your sweet route to natural beauty, is just a cupboard away.

HONEY: Will help to promote a youthful glow.

Spain’s 2023 beauty triumphs

SPAIN’S 2023 beauty scene blends tradition with innovation. ‘La Roche ­ Posay’s Anthelios Sunscreen’ leads the charge, highlighting the importance of sun protection. Close behind is ‘Natura Bissé’s Diamond Cream’, renowned for revitalising skin. An unex ­

pected favourite is ‘Zara’s Emotions Perfume Collection’, developed with British perfumer Jo Malone. Its variety and affordability make it a hit. Spanishborn ‘ISDIN’s Fusion Water’, a unique waterbased sunscreen, showcases national pride

LAUGHTER, a natural antidote to life’s stressors, holds a remarkable healing power. Initially, it’s an excellent stress­buster, releasing endorphins that promote a sense of well­being and reduce stress hormones.

Furthermore, it enhances our immune system, with studies indicating that laughter triggers immune

By Clinica Britannia

Try our Express Denture Service

LIVING with missing teeth is not a viable option for most people, as it causes them embarrassment when smiling or talking, inhibits the basic daily activities, and unfortunately negatively affects how others perceive them.

You may think you can hide a missing molar, but a missing front tooth is impossible. But also, importantly if a gap is left, the other teeth will shift position causing them to become misaligned, changing the natural shape of your face.

At Clinica Britannia we make custom made high quality partial or full dentures, to give your smile a full and natural look. With proper fitting dentures you will have no problems chewing food, talking, or smiling confidently.

Have your dentures cleaned and polished while you wait.

record time, you could even have them made without interrupting your vacation.

We are also happy to offer our existing and new patients an Express Service for the repair of any type of Dental prosthesis (denture) within as little as one hour, due to our onsite laboratory and technicians.

and innovation in skin protection. Lastly, ‘Gisèle Denis’ Eye Contour Gel’ rules skincare, reflecting Spain’s preference for targeted, quality treatments. These bestsellers embody Spain’s dynamic beauty market, where luxury, quality, and value harmoniously blend.

Did you know that a completely new set of dentures can now be made within four days, allowing you to enjoy your NEW smile within

Laughter’s healing power

responses, potentially helping to fight off disease. Moreover, laughter acts like a mini workout for the heart, boosting blood vessel function and heart rate, akin to the benefits of a light exercise session. It also stimulates the production of

the body’s natural painkillers, helping to ease discomfort. Plus, the social bond created by shared laughter contributes to overall well ­ being. So, remember to laugh ­ it’s not only the best medicine, but the most joyful one.

If you already have existing dentures and want them to look like new again, then why not have them cleaned and polished, we can make that happen whilst you wait.

Fibre’s health impact

NATURAL fibres are wellness warriors. Consuming fibre­rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, supports digestive health, preventing constipation and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Moreover, they help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reducing heart disease risk. By promoting satiety, fibres aid weight management. Even in sleep, a high­fibre diet is beneficial, associated with deeper, more restorative slumber. Embrace a high­fibre diet; it’s a simple route to improved health and well­being.

FIBRE-RICH: Fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Conquering adult acne

BATTLING adult acne can feel overwhelming. The journey starts with a simple skincare routine, favouring gentle products over harsh ones. Incorporate cleaners and creams that are made specifically for acne. Keeping stress in check can help too, as anxiety often makes acne worse. Regular physical activity and relaxation techniques like yoga can be beneficial. Eating balanced, nutritious meals also contributes to clearer skin. Patience and consistency are key in this journey to clear skin.

Yoga for over 50s

YOGA is an excellent practice for those over 50, offering numerous physical and mental benefits. It enhances flexibility, combating agerelated stiffness. Regular yoga improves balance, a critical aspect for preventing falls in older age. It’s also a gentle way to build strength, supporting bone health and overall fitness. Yoga aids in maintaining a healthy weight, critical for heart health and diabetes prevention. Beyond the physical, yoga promotes mental wellness. It’s a stress­reliever, helping manage age­related anxieties.

Its meditative aspects can boost memory and concentration, potentially delaying cognitive decline. Plus, it’s a social activity, fostering community and reducing feelings of loneliness. For over­50s, yoga is more than exercise; it’s a lifestyle for holistic well­being. It’s never too late to start ­ yoga embraces all ages.

By Clinica Britannia

Get an instant boost to your smile

IF you want to get an instant boost to your smile in as little as just one visit, then contact us at Clinica Britannia as veneers may be one of the viable options for you. These thin shells of ceramic act like false nails to your teeth, bonding to the front of the tooth. Ideal for treating cracked, or discoloured teeth or to close unsightly gaps. Veneers can dramatically alter your entire smile, restoring confidence quickly.

Straighten your teeth to give you that perfect smile with adult invisible braces. These discreet solutions can act in as little as 10 weeks.

Now with leading technology, complex procedures such as white fillings, dental crowns, bridges, inlays, and veneers can be done in a single appointment, making treatments quick, effective, and hassle­free.

Professional tooth whiten­

ing is one affordable way to transform your smile and release your inner sparkle. Whether you choose the inhouse or take­home system you will have a whiter and brighter smile within no time.

Finally get a brighter, cleaner, and healthier smile

that restores your confidence with the Flash pearl cleaning system. Stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and more are easily removed by gently abrading off stains and plaque without damaging enamel, restoring your smile to its former glory.

CLINICA BRITANNIA: Contact the team for advice.

Choosing the best hair clinic for a transplant

CHOOSING the best hair clinic for your transplant requires careful consideration. Insparya’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr Carlos Portinha highlights 10 important factors to keep in mind:

1. Qualified Team: Look for a clinic with specialised doctors experienced in hair surgery. The Insparya team, for example, is trained in the exclusive Insparya Method, recognised by prestigious medical organisations.

2. Quality Certification: Ensure the clinic has quality certification to guarantee adherence to standards, patient safety, staff competence, and continuous improvement. Insparya holds ISO 9001 certification.

3. Facilities: Consider the clinic’s facilities and technology. Insparya operates 10 clinics equipped with cutting ­ edge

technology like the BotHair® UltraPlus, which allows precise extraction without harming the donor area.

4. Experience: Choose a clinic with an experienced medical team and a track record of successful outcomes. With over 14 years of experience and 50,000 satisfied patients, Insparya is a leader in hair health.

5. Specialisation in Hair Transplantation: Opt for a clinic dedicated solely to diagnosing, treating, and researching hair health, like Insparya. They specialise in providing tailored high­quality hair treatments.

6. Reviews and Testimonials: Genuine case studies and patient testimonials are important indicators. Insparya has over 50,000 successful patient results, serving as strong recommendations.

7. Innovative Technology: Consider clinics that adopt in ­

novative technology. Insparya revolutionised hair transplantation with the BotHair® UltraPlus device, ensuring natural ­ looking and accurate outcomes.

8. Post ­ Surgery Care and Follow­ Up: Proper care after a hair transplant is crucial for a successful recovery. Insparya provides personalised support and follow­ups to ensure optimal results.

9. Personalised Financing: While price shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, choose a clinic that offers quality services and tailored financing options. Insparya prioritises accessibility for each patient.

10. Trust: Consider the clinic’s reputation and how it addresses conditions like alopecia. Insparya, trusted by patients and co ­ founders Paulo Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo, guarantees maximum precision and permanent results.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the best hair clinic for your transplant, ensuring superior results and a satisfactory experience. Call 900 998 775 for a free consultation or visit www.insparya.es/expat.

Carlos Portinha - Chief Clinical Office at Insparya group.

Leapy Lee LETTERS

Hi, Enjoy your column and certainly agree with most of it. With the recent controversy re diversity in the RAF, do you reckon the head of the RAF has a revised version of Churchill’s famous speech on show prominently in their office...

“Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few white trash.”

As you usually say, you couldn’t make it up.

Bob Stein Orihuela Costa

Not accurate

Sir/Madam

David Worboy’s recent article stated ... UK has “rampant inflation (the worst in Europe).”

These are the June 14, 2023 rates:

Hungary... 25.6%

Latvia... 17.2%

Czechia... 16.5%

Estonia... 15.6%

Serbia ... 15.5%

Poland... 15.2%

Slovenia... 13.8% etc etc etc

UK ... 8.7%

Perhaps he would be so kind as to apologise for misinforming us readers.

Tourism up

In the subtitle : ‘others think it’, where you probably mean : millions.

To keep it short, a few of your words are not understood by many : respect, host, culture; on the other hand, however (worldwide) politicians well know greed and hypocricy.

I never ever had racist thoughts, and believe and hope I never will as I like to explore and experience cultures, but, seeing the recent ‘troubles’ in France and Brussels where many of them were not even teenagers, with over 3,000 cars on fire, shops robbed ( the Nike’s first) and set on fire, some can no longer share my sympathy.

Should I drop a cigarette on the street, a fine of at least €100 ­ would be sent. (lucky me, I am not a smoker, nor a user of cola or 7­up in can).

One thing I do not agree with is your statement : our ‘so­called leaders have to wake up...’ . They are awake but impotent and never take responsibilty.

When you say, keep the faith, then I confirm, at the age of 72, I meanwhile lost almost all faith in the avarage politician, whether in Belgian or European parliament.

With kind regards,

Great article again

Dirk

Cheers Tony

North

Your Headline: Tourism Up was an interesting read. However it did not mention how much business the Orihuela Costa would lose by not having any chiringuitos or toilets on the beaches this summer.

This criminal behaviour by the relevant authority should be cause enough for them all to be sacked.

Regards Patrick

Thank you

Dear Editor

The Committee and members of SAMM, Sailing Association Mar Menor, would like to express their thanks for the support you have given by publishing the various articles and photographs we have sent you on our activities.

We are sure they help attract new members who sail or want to sail as a hobby.

Best regards

Terry Chapman

I agree

Dear Leapy Lee,

Being non resident but spending regular time in Andalucia for over 35 years, I read your column (for the first time) and fully agree on your comments:

Leapy, the column next to yours ­ Brexit blues states to rejoin we would have to prove free speech and democracy so that puts an end to that then, thank god.

Keep going ,

Steve Branford

More praise

Hi Leapy, Your write up this week is fantastic. Keep it up.

Regards

Natural remedy

Roishin Keating

I stopped most of my Parkinson’s disease medications due to severe side effects and I started on herbal treatments. The treatment has made a very huge difference for me. My symptoms including body weakness and swallowing difficulties disappeared after a few months on the treatment. I am getting active again since starting this treatment.

David Wisner

Passenger habits

She needs to experience international flights . I have never had a trip to the Philippines without every Filipino passenger clapping the instant the wheels touch down in their home country, it’s been that way for 40 years to my knowledge, probably longer.

David Alan

Vernon Reid of Living Colour fame

MANY people don’t realise that there are two Emerald Isles in the world, the second being the UK Overseas Territory of Montserrat.

Part of the Windrush Generation, the parents of guitarist Vernon Reid, named one of the top 100 guitar players of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine took advantage of the offer of work and moved to the UK.

Unfortunately for them, it was the time of landladies supposedly placing ‘No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs’ signs in their windows and the couple found that Britain was not the ‘promised land’ that they expected.

Vernon was born in North London in 1958 but by 1959, the family had emigrated to the USA and settled in New York, which was also experiencing the arrival of migrants from the southern States who found the north much less racially biased.

As a musician, Vernon Reid found, as he was growing up, that he could mix with other musicians of different races with different backgrounds and musical styles.

Probably best known for forming the band Living Colour in 1984, whose biggest hit Cult of Personality, won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1990, he has played with some of the top names in music.

The names he has been associated with as a musician span the decades and include Jack Bruce, BB King, Mariah Carey, Tracey Chapman and Lady Gaga, whilst he has produced numerous blues and jazz albums for some significant musicians.

His first mentor however was Carlos Santana who gave him a great deal of advice and he has also recorded with Santana’s second wife, percussionist Cindy Blackman.

He was also heavily involved in the

formation of the Black Rock Coalition with the late Greg Tate which not only fought for more exposure for black artists, but he was ‘honoured and humbled to be part of the Afrofuturism exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture’ earlier this year.

Speaking to Euro Weekly News, Vernon said “We have got Living Colour back together again as our 40th anniversary is coming up and we are currently about to record some

new tracks before setting off on a South American tour with Extreme.”

Many will remember Extreme for their huge hit More Than Words Can Say and Vernon has nothing but praise for guitarist Nuno Bettencourt of whom he said “Nuno is a great guy and an amazing guitar player and we are really looking forward to touring with the band and getting in front of live audiences again.”

Like many musicians Vernon Reid suffered during the lockdown, but he formed an association with DJ Logic who is credited with introducing the sounds of jazz into hip­hop and together they formed the Yohimbe Brothers.

As soon as they could escape from the USA, they headed for Mallorca for a special concert and Vernon explained “It was so great to visit that beautiful island where we were well received and we had the added bonus of being able to enjoy viewing artwork by its incredible adopted son, the artist Joan Miró.”

Apart from performing, Vernon is also very proud of his radio show An Underground Railroad of the Mind which is soon likely to become a podcast where he plays some favourites from his vinyl record collection.

The multi-talented Vernon Reid.

Credit: Vernon Reid Facebook

Prescription for disaster: The NHS on life support at 75

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

THE NHS and its model of taxpayer­funded provision is crumbling before our very eyes. Investing extra billions of pounds won’t trans form the system because of its intrinsic inefficiencies and epic wastefulness. Politicians must stop treating it as a sacred cow and undertake a radical shakeup of the way it’s structured and financed.

The problem is that the British public has been hoodwinked by politicians for decades into believing that (a) ‘the NHS is the envy of the world’ ­ it isn’t; (b) it’s ‘free’ ­ it isn’t; (c) its problems can be cured by reorganisations ­ they only create more chaos; (d) it

just needs more money ­ it’d just continue getting lost in the black hole.

The UK fails to learn from overseas health systems with far superior patient outcomes, all achievable without changing the basic tenets of the NHS. But politicians won’t entertain a no­taboos review for a new era because only WE know best!

The NHS is like a giant tanker: you tell the captain something’s wrong with the ship and by the time the entire crew get behind it and change course it’s too late...

“Time and tide wait for none”­ as Chaucer more or less said.

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

Summer Photography Competition

SPECSAVERS ÓPTICAS ’

Summer Photography Competition offers prizes of a €100 Amazon voucher and a pair of designer sunglasses for the best photo.

On Monday July 3, Specsavers Ópticas launched a Summer Photography Competition to find an image which captures the essence of Spain. In doing so, they hope to shine a spotlight on all the wonderful aspects of Spain and find out what images encapsulate its very best elements. They are asking local residents on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca, to send in beautiful photographs to be in with a chance of winning a €100 Amazon voucher and a pair of designer sunglasses.

Isabel Fenollar from Specsavers Ópticas in Javea commented, “Spain is such a stunning and diverse country,

with incredible natural beauty, a vibrant culture of arts, music and dance and, of course, incredible food.

“This summer we are asking keen photographers living close to our stores to show us, through an image, what makes Spain so special to them. We are very excited to see these fantastic images and celebrate the talented photographers on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca, where our nine stores are located. The person who takes the best picture and best explains why this is the essence of Spain to them, will be rewarded with a €100 Amazon voucher and a pair

of designer sunglasses worth up to €159.”

The competition is open until September 1 and photographs can be submitted on social media by tagging @SpecsaversOpticas on Facebook and @specsaversspain on Instagram, sending photos via Messenger or via email to spain.marketing@spec savers.com

A jury formed of three Specsavers Ópticas store directors will judge the entries and shortlist the top five entries. These will then be posted on social media and the image with the most likes and comments will be declared the overall winner.

The competition is open to residents of the provinces of Alicante and Malaga and the island of Mallorca and you must be aged 18 and above. The competition closes on Friday September 1, 2023. Terms and conditions apply, which can be found at www.specsavers.es/sorteo.

AS I’ve said many times I love living in Spain and I try very hard not to cop the hump with the way certain things are dealt with but sometimes it’s almost impossible.

Because of my misspent youth I now suffer for it in my old age and one of the many ailments I have is diabetes. I went to the doctor for a checkup and she said that my sugar levels were sky high and we needed to get it sorted, so she referred me to the hospital to see a specialist as she couldn’t prescribe the necessary meds. Three months later I got to see the specialist and she very quickly told me that the doctor was correct, and I must say, was very thorough. So what have I got to moan about you may ask? Well are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin.

The specialist said: “You need to go on insulin and there is a new slow release injection you can have. It’s very simple and very easy.” She then starts to write out all the prescriptions for my new kit which consists of a pre-loaded pen, a machine for testing my sugar level (that’s free) and the strips for that machine, plus some new pills and that’s it. Simple. So I take the prescriptions to the

pharmacy. First of all they don’t have the pen in stock because it’s so new. “OK so it will be here tomorrow, I’ll just have everything else then.” “Ah no you won’t.” “Why?” “Because the prescriptions for the strips that measure your sugar level have to be approved by the inspector.” “What inspector?” “Who? Clouseau? Maigret?” “The health inspector.” “Where do I find him?” “He visits the doctor’s surgery with a big stamp that approves stuff.” So off we go and Mrs S takes all the bits of paper that need approving to the doctors to see the stamper person. Mrs S always does this stuff as she speaks Spanish and basically... well I don’t! The next day I go to get the pen and I ask the pharmacist how to use it. She explains and during the lesson says I have to change the needle every day. No problem. “How many needles do I get with the pen?” “None,” she says. “So how do I inject myself? Were they on one of the prescriptions?” “No, you have to get them from the nurse.” “What nurse?” “The nurse that works at the doctors that you went to today to get all your bits of paper stamped by the inspector!”

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! By now I’m in stage four grumpy mode and decide I’ll just buy the bloody needles. “Sorry we don’t stock them and nor do our suppliers because the insulin pen is so new.” But the helpful pharmacist says she will ring round and find out where to get them. So, three months, one week and counting I still haven’t got my new diabetes meds that I urgently need.

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

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

PETS

Save on pet care for multiple pets

YOU may be planning a trip 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. And what’s more our house­sitters are for free!

If you’re planning a trip register now as a member of our network to find an affordable home and pet care solution.

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

Caring for multiple pets is expensive. House-sitters look after your pets and home.

house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 /

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

Golden years

AS our beloved pets grow older, they require extra care and attention to ensure they are comfortable and happy. Senior pets have unique needs that, when addressed, can significantly improve their quality of life. Ensure your senior pet receives regular veterinary check­ups. Discuss any agerelated concerns, such as arthritis, dental health, or weight management. Adjust their diet to suit their changing requirements.

5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesit match.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.

Make your home seniorpet­friendly by providing comfortable bedding, easy access to food and water, and eliminating potential hazards. Keep the living area warm and draught­free.

While senior pets may have reduced energy levels, regular exercise is crucial. Tailor activities to their abilities, including short walks, gentle play sessions, or interactive

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

toys that stimulate their minds. Puzzle toys can keep them mentally engaged and prevent cognitive decline.

Monitor your pet for signs of discomfort, such as difficulty standing, climbing stairs, or reluctance to move. Maintain social interactions and engage in activities that your senior pet enjoys. Arrange playdates with other gentle pets, and visit pet­friendly

parks. Maintain a consistent routine to provide stability and reduce anxiety.

Spend quality time with your senior pet, giving them love, attention, and reassurance. Offer gentle grooming sessions, massages, or cuddle time to strengthen the bond between you. Ensure they have a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat for relaxation and solitude.

Keep your pets safe this summer

MOST people enjoy high summer temperatures, although care must be taken when temperatures soar. However, pets can suffer so much more, so it is essential to think about them and their well­being.

For that reason, the National Police posted a Twitter message for all pet owners to ensure animals do not get hurt. And the test they said only takes five seconds.

They advised: ‘For those of you who have pets, it is important you know this advice with high temperatures.

‘Put the back of your hand on the ground and if you can’t stand the heat for five seconds, your dog won’t be able to.’

The pads of a dog’s paws are very sensitive and susceptible to cuts, wounds, and burns. In addition, it is the part of the body where the dog perspires, so taking care is most important.

When walking your dog,

look for a shady spot or grassy place instead. It may be safer to go for a gentle walk very early or late in the evening when the temperature has dropped. Make sure you have a bottle of water and a bowl for them to drink from.

Also, heatstroke in a dog can be fatal. Signs include: Heavy panting, lethargy, confusion or loss of coordination, drooling or foaming at the mouth, vomiting or diarrhoea, shaking or weakness and seizures.

If you think your dog has heatstroke, act fast: Move the dog to a cool area, use a wet towel or the breeze of a fan, allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water and pour some over the dog’s feet, ears and head.

Never use ice or very cold water as this can cause shock.

Regular grooming will keep your dog’s coat clean and can even help them keep cool.

Photo credit: Shutterstock/photo by jaja

AGING BLISS: Senior pet care.

PLUMBERS

PLUMBING

WASHING MACHINE BROKEN? Call Bluesky Repairs for ALL your domestic appliance repairs. 626 430 671 (WhatsApp) (303487)

BUGGY TOURS

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CARAVANS CARS FOR SALE

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CHARITY

El Campello Christian Community - Life and Family Sunday Service at 11am Bilingual (English and Spanish) at C/ San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello. For more information visit www.elcampe llochristiancommunity.org , email campellocc@gmail. com or call Juan Zúñiga - 686 203 183 (Spanish) or Sue Bishop - 610 639 426 (English) (233602)

THE SALVATION ARMY English Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am followed by a time of Fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are! For more information: Dieter

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MB ELECTRICS. Approved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork. Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www.mbelectrics.es (302561)

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WIGS

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

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PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225 (304048)

LOCKSMITH/ELECTRICIAN

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MASSAGE

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RELAX CENTRE in BENIDORM - Excellent atmosphere. Expert Masseuses. 24/7 Outcalls - Tel: 603 324 564 (290194)

NATURIST male gives relaxing massage. Half price 1st time offer €25. For men and women. Private premises in Jávea, WhatsApp Rob on 613 831 380 (303705)

QUALIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST, INTUITIVE, RELAXING, HEALING with

RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (303708)

METALWORK

MOBILE WELDER: GATES, RAILINGS AND GRILLS. ALL REPAIRS. +44 7787 585 714 / +44 7470 059 469 (302924)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MORTGAGES

GUARANTEED MORTGAGE 100%. Acceptance. EX Pat Mortgages. Non Resident Mortgages. Spanish Resident Mortgages. Highest LTV in Spain. Call Damian today on: 655 141 092

MOTORBIKES

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MOTORING

AUTO BASTIAN mobile mechanic. Tel 608 860 725. (301133)

CAR BODY REPAIRS AND MECHANIC. ORBA AND SURROUNDING LOCAL AREAS. CALL TONY: 669 633 257 (302957)

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

NAUTICAL NURSING

INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE : Courses held in English and starts soon. VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (303717)

OTHERS

VIAGRA / KAMAGRA / CIALIS. BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY. ALL AREAS COVERED.

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PAINTERS/DECORATOR

DECORATORS W.D. GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator. Established 35 years in Moraira. ESTIMATES FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 490 602 (301487)

PAINTER & DECORATOR. WINDOW CLEANER / MAINTENANCE. CALL NEIL ON +34 642 577 442 OR +44 753 586 6419

PETS

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (294597)

HOTEL 5 FEATHERS. Holidays for your birds. Call Maria 607 26 25 24. www.papagayos-costa blanca.net (302911)

PETS TRANSPORT

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

PROPERTY TO LET

DOGS & ALL PETS VERY WELCOME - 500 year old beamed cottage set in beautiful valley of the charming Jesus Pobre village, Javea. Beautiful pool & garden. www.littlehouseinspain.com (302023)

PROPERTY

RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixa - prefer two beds. Needed urgently - call Janice on 0044 7736 251 800 (279523)

SHEET metal & painting workshop in BENISSA looking for car painter. 965 731 816 / 629 177 068. (302959)

BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (301136)

MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/Whatsapp 636 100 873 (303571)

COSTA LESS EXPRESS , small removals and deliveries. 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)

REMOVALS/STORAGE ROLLER SHUTTERS

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy. com (1296178)

JAVEA SKIP HIRE. CALPE TO DENIA. 2.5M AND 3.5M SKIPS. GARDEN OR RUBBLE.TEL:692 588 088.

MARK PADDON BSc Hons. MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurveyors.com

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

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SPANISH INTERPRETER for all your appointment needs, has car. Effective, Friendly & Affordable service. Call 609 679 808 (290313)

Subaru Forester - versatile & spacious

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

THE Subaru Forester has been a familiar sight on the roads for more than 20 years and

over that period has been revised and improved several times, gradually transforming from a versatile four­wheeldrive estate to a smart family SUV which still retains formidable off­road ability. It

competes in a crowded SUV sector but has a distinct edge over main rivals with its im pressive tough­terrain perfor mance, able to tackle rough roads, mud, snow and ice with relative ease.

Forester comes in three versions and the entry level XE costs €44,464/ £37,990 and features symmetrical four­wheel­drive, CVT auto matic transmission, cruise control, climate, power ad justable and heated front seats, keyless entry and start, power fold door mirrors, auto lights and wipers, high beam assist, Apple Car Play and An droid Auto, auto dimming rear view mirror and steering headlights.

The XE Premium Lineartronic which I recently tested costs €47,975/£40,990 and adds other features including sunroof, heated rear seats, navigation, powered tailgate, leather seating, and privacy glass.

The 2.0 litre 148 hp petrol engine is Subaru’s trademark

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Subaru Forester XE Premium Lineartronic

• Engine: 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder, petrol

• Transmission: CVT Automatic

• Performance: 0-100 kph 11.8 seconds, top speed 188 kph/ 117 mph

• Economy: 8.07 l/100 km/35 mpg

• Emissions: 185 g/km

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

horizontally opposed four cylinder and is nicely refined and the power is delivered smoothly through the CVT automatic gearbox, which also has paddle­shifters for those who wish to take manual control. The Forester is also a selfcharging hybrid so has eco

credentials. The latest Forester has had a design makeover which adds extra visual cachet and a more upmarket look to the exterior, while the cabin has benefited from an upgrade which has given it a classier ambiance. Seating is very comfortable

and supportive and there is plenty of adjustment of the steering wheel and the powered driver’s seat to get an ideal position. All­round visibility is very good, with the added advantage of a reversing camera.

Out and about, the Forester is light and easy to drive and corners with reassuring composure. The ride quality is on the firm side but still comfortable and on smooth roads, where it is likely to spend most of its time, it is extremely car­like to drive and in its handling characteristics. With good head and leg room, five adults can be easily accommodated, and there is ample boot­space with a flat load area to make loading easier and the rear seats fold to give van­like capacity for larger items. The Forester may not be cheapest familysize SUV in its class, but it is one of the most versatile and few can match its off­road capability and its tough build quality.

Favourite set to return

FORMULA ONE regular and fan favourite Daniel Ricciardo could be in ­ line for a swift return to the sport, but not with his former team Red Bull.

The Australian driver is having a year out of the sport as Red Bull’s reserve driver following the termi nation of his contract with McLaren after several poor seasons with the British­based racing team.

While some may have had sym pathy for Ricciardo given the McLaren car was never great and he was up against one of the most exciting talents in the sport in the form of Lando Norris, what Oscar Piastri is now doing in that car shows how much the vet eran had fallen off.

Ricciardo enjoyed a 12 in Formula One racing for several teams including Red Bull, Renault and McLaren where he won multi ple races and stood on count less amounts of podiums with all three of those teams.

Despite his spot as a reserve driver and talking about taking some time off and away

from the hustle and bustle of an F1 track, he could be called upon to help out his former employer, Helmut Marko.

This is because Red Bull’s sister

team, Alpha Tauri, are struggling and have experienced their worstever start to a Formula One season and their rookie driver, Nyck de Vries, is one of only two people to have not yet scored a single point.

De Vries has had countless spins and mishaps during his short F1 career and Helmut Marko is known for his ruthless nature when it comes to his drivers, having relegated people such as Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon out of Red Bull seats for not being up to

Marko has confirmed that Ricciardo will do some tyre testing for Red Bull this week and that could well be the litmus test that Red Bull needs to see as to whether or not replacing De Vries during the summer break, which is in just two races time, is the best thing for the team.

RICCIARDO: Enjoyed a 12-year stint in Formula One racing for several teams.

England win Under-21 Championship

ENGLAND lifted the European Under­21 Championship trophy on Saturday, July 8, in the Georgian port city of Batumi.

Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford was the hero of the day for Lee Carsley’s side against Spain after pulling off a dramatic double save from a lastminute penalty.

He faced Abel Ruiz ­ who plays club football in Portugal for Braga ­ in the ninth minute of second­half stoppage time. Not only did the 20­year­old keeper manage to save the kick, but he also kept the rebound out of the net.

The Young Lions completed the six matches of the tournament without conceding a single goal. At the other end of the pitch, they produced an incredible display of attacking talent that can only be good for the future of the men’s full national side.

Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon gave Spain their first fright, forcing Arnau Tenas into an early save. The Magpies youngster was again involved when he set up Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs­White. Only a timely interception from Jon Pacheco stopped England from taking the lead.

Villarreal’s Alex Baena tested Trafford as he curled a shot around the post. He

then came close to scoring after latching onto a bad pass from Gibbs­White, but his mis­hit effort went wide.

Cole Palmer provided a beautiful ball into the box which was met by Levi Colwill. However, the Chelsea defender’s header was foiled by the crossbar.

The Man City striker was again involved when his free­kick was deflected beyond Tenas by Liverpool’s Curtis Jones to give Engald a 1­0 lead.

Palmer’s subsequent celebration led to a clash between the benches of both teams. This resulted in Ashley Cole and Spain’s fitness coach Carlos Rivera being ordered to the stands.

Honouring Luis Suárez

VERY rarely does the word legend really ring true, but the death on Sunday July 9 of footballer and coach Luis Suárez Miramontes aged 88, does in truth see the passing of a legend.

Many believe that he was one of the greatest footballers to be produced in Spain and certainly he is the only Spanish player to have won the coveted Ballon d’Or, an annual football award presented by French news magazine France Football since 1956 to the ‘best’ player of each season.

His two main teams were FC Barcelona where he spent seven seasons and then Inter Milan in Italy where the honours just kept piling on.

He actually started his playing career in the city of his birth when he was recruited by Deportivo de La Coruña but he soon moved to Barcelona and was in the team that won two leagues, two Generalissimo Cups and two Fairs Cups.

Spain had the ball in the net in the second half when a Baena cross was headed home by Ruiz, only for the linesman to raise his flag for offside. The Braga forward had another chance from six yards but his header went wide of the post.

The drama was not over as both Gibbs­White and Antonio Blanco saw red cards in the dying seconds as the match threatened to boil over. A total of nine yellows and four reds were dished out by the ref during the game.

Trafford’s dramatic penalty save in the 99th minute was enough to give England their first victory in this tournament for almost 40 years.

One of the first Spanish players to be signed by a foreign club, he was at the time of his transfer in 1961 to Inter Milan the most expensive player in the history of football.

He certainly repaid the Italian team’s investment and steered them to two European Cups and three national championships over nine seasons before finishing his playing career at UC Sampdoria, retiring as a player aged 38.

He was capped 32 times for Spain and was part of the team that won the 1964 European Championship.

Never far away from football, he became coach (in those days manager) of several Italian and Spanish clubs before being made manager of the Spanish National team which he took to the World Cup Finals in 1990.

To add to his footballing honours, he was awarded Spain’s Royal Order of Sport’s Merit and now, both Barcelona and Inter Milan have expressed their condolences at the loss of this true footballing legend.

FIRST VICTORY: England winning the Under-21s trophy in Georgia.