Costa de Almeria 20 – 26 July 2023 Issue 1985

LIFE SAVERS

FOUR police officers of the Local Police have now received recognition from Almeria City Council for their performance.

The police rescued and saved the life of a Belgian woman who was floating face down unconscious on the beach of San Miguel de El Zapillo at dawn on Wednesday, July 12,

The mayor of the city, Maria del Mar Vazquez, has now personally congratulated the officers for their professionalism and dedication to service.

“The city council is proud

that the Local Police were not only the first to respond but they also managed to save the woman’s life,” she confirmed.

“They set an example of

professionalism and good training as police officers.”

The events occurred around 1am when the police officers who were carrying out surveillance work on

the Paseo Maritimo received a tip­off from a concerned member of the public.

Two of the policemen jumped into the sea, pulling the woman’s head out of the water and began to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres that quickly took effect.

Once she had recovered, the police covered her with a thermal blanket as she was beginning to show symptoms of hypothermia while waiting for the ambulance to arrive for a more thorough examination.

RECEIVED RECOGNITION: The officers were congratulated.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Almeria

Olympic ready

JAIRO RUIZ from Almeria was once again on the podium on Friday July 14 for winning a silver medal in Los Angeles, USA.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are already beginning to be seen on the horizon but Jairo Ruiz, a paratriathlete from Almeria, already knows what it takes to win a medal in the sporting event par excellence.

After failing to repeat in Tokyo the success achieved at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Paralympic Games, in which he won the bronze medal, Jairo Ruiz will seek to get back on the podium in the test that will take place next year in the French capital. At the moment, the man from Almeria has not started at all badly on the arduous path towards one of his outstanding sporting objectives.

Home shirt

ALMERIA’S Football Club, UD Almeria, are pleased to introduce their home shirt for the upcoming 2023/24 season. The new home jersey moves back to a more traditional style with classic

stripes and a red and white V ­ neck. The jersey keeps the red and white vertical stripes on the front as well as on the sleeves and on the back, under the number of each player.

In addition, the V­neck is red and white while the shorts are red. The shirt is now available in­store and online and the away and third kits are set to be unveiled shortly.

JAIRO RUIZ: Won a silver medal in the USA.

Image: Jairo Ruiz López / Facebook

Major upgrade

THE Poniente University Hospital, in El Ejido is ready to carry out the expansion and renovation of its diagnostic imaging equipment. The centre will go from having an MRI to having two state­of­the­art pieces of equipment, which will improve resolution and reduce study completion times.

Well done

THE mayor of Roquetas de Mar, Gabriel Amat, welcomed young Roquetas de Mar football player, Marcos Romero to congratulate him. At the age of just 13 the future football star has signed a dream come true, a three­year contract with Real Madrid.

Big spender

EL EJIDO will invest nearly €225,000 to create artificial shade zones in the Gran Parque de la Familia. Areas as important as the snack bar will be covered, along with children’s areas, callisthenics, petanque tracks and bio­healthy elements of exercise.

Banged up

THE Guardia Civil has arrested 31 alleged members of the Rifeno Clan, one of the most violent groups in the province of Almeria dedicated to hashish trafficking. They seized 3,055 kilos of the drug, €60,000 in cash, 30 vehicles and three narco­boats.

12 bids

ADRA Council has received bids from 12 companies interested in carrying out the project to rearrange and improve the accessibility of the Rambla de las Cruces, which is going to undergo a substantial change.

Baby rescued

NATIONAL POLICE in El Ejido rescued a baby who had been trapped inside the family vehicle when the doors locked after the mother stepped out of the car.

Can Mojacar win?

Anna Ellis CAN Mojacar win back the title it won in 2021?

Mojacar is set to join the Green Flags Sustainability initiative for another year.

More than 140 municipalities have joined in obtaining the Green Flags for Sustainability this year, a campaign launched by Ecovidrio, the company in charge of managing the recycling of glass container waste in Spain.

At the end of the summer, nine new green flags will be distributed throughout the national territory.

Two of them will be distributed in Andalucia.

Mojacar won the award in 2021, being in first position in the province of Almeria and in fifth place at the Andalucian level.

Within the framework of the green flag movement during the summer of 2022, 52,302 tons of glass containers were collected in the 135 participating coastal towns, 16 per cent more

YOUR EWN HAS

103 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Maritime rescue

than in 2021.

Thanks to all the recovered glass, the emission of 30,335 tons of CO2 was avoided which is equivalent to taking 14,000 cars off the road.

Floating Lines Bronze Medal

ALMERIA’S young athlete, Monica Gomez, has achieved the bronze medal in the Absolute Andalucian Championship

The 13 ­ year ­ old has won a title that values her perseverance in the discipline. Not only did Monica walk away with a bronze medal she also broke her personal best record with a jump of 1.63 metres.

For just a year and a half, Monica has been training in athletics under the orders of Antonio Zarauz, director of C.D Atletas de Almeria, who con ­

firms that: “It has been an amazing 18 months.

“Not only has Monica become the best high jumper in the Andalucia under ­ 16s category, she has become the third best in the autonomous community. She is also in third spot in the 2023 National Ranking of athletes.

“Born in 2009, Monica is the youngest of Andalucian athletes to reach a jump of 1.63 metres.”

Antonio added: “Her future is very promising since she is a very serious and constant athlete who loves to train.”

FLOATING LINES photographic exhibition by Gabriel Montes can be visited at the Guardias Viejas Castle in El Ejido until August 6.

The exhibition will be open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10.00am until 10.00pm.

The councillor for Culture, Elena Gomez, said: “Residents of and visitors to El Ejido come and enjoy this photography collection that takes us to different corners of our province.

“The combination of colours and the simplicity and harmony of the images

40% more traffic

IN the next financial year, the Port Authority of Almeria (APA) will encourage and push traffic and maritime services that contribute to the economic and social development in the ports of Almeria and Carboneras.

For maritime transit in regular container service, the APA will maintain, a 40 per cent discount on the ship and merchandise rate, which is the same percentage as for road traffic.

With specific conditions related to tonnage, form of presentation or according

to terminals, products such as plaster, marble, laminated products and iron or steel tubes, raw materials for manufacturing; they will also have incentives of between 20 per cent and 40 per cent.

The incentives for traffic in regular maritime service, in ferries and ‘ro­pax’ also move within this range, also subject to application conditions.

Finally, cruise ships will benefit in the same way from a 40 per cent discount on both the ship tax and the passenger tax.

really stand out.”

Gabriel Montes was born in Laujar in 1953.

He has developed his photographic activity in parallel to his profession, teaching.

The self­taught photographer has learned from books, works and exhibitions of the great masters, especially.

As an unrepentant traveller and meticulous observer of the world, Gabriel discovers minuscule details.

Gabriel confirmed: “I have been delighted at being able to bring my exhibition to a unique and singular enclave in the province such as the Castle of Guardias Viejas.”

MARITIME rescue has rescued 18 immigrants of North African origin, including a woman and a child, from a boat located 22,224 kilometres from the coast of Almeria.

A spokesman for Maritime Rescue confirmed the coordination centre of Almeria received a notice warning on July 15 of the presence of a small boat that set sail from Algeria.

After several negative telephone efforts, the 112 of Andalucia managed to triangulate the position of the boat thanks to a call and provided it to Salvamento Maritimo.

The coordinating centre then contacted the ship Pico Basile, which was in the area and confirmed the position of a white boat with people on board.

They were asked to continue sailing alongside until the ship Salvamar Algenib arrived and around 9.00am the rescue of the immigrants began.

ECOVIDRIO: Campaign launched by the company in charge of glass recycling.

Image: Ecovidrio / Twitter

China connectivity

MADRID has already recovered 83 per cent of the Chinese destinations with which it had air connections before the pandemic and, foreseeably, will reach 100 per cent in 2024. This was highlighted by the councillor for Tourism, Almudena Maíllo, who confirmed that Madrid City Council Tourism Department is working on improving air connectivity with the Asian country to recover pre­pandemic levels. Currently, there are four cities connected to Madrid: Beijing; Chongqing; Hong Kong and Shanghai, and next August the Madrid­Hanzou route will open. China is a fundamental source market for Madrid, given that these travellers have a longer average stay than others, of more than five days, and a very high average daily expense, which is around €370.

For this reason: “We are working to improve the experience of the Chinese visitor, from the moment they arrive in the city and throughout their stay,” explained Maíllo.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

Supermarket sweep

THERE is a new supermarket in town!

El Ejido is proud to announce that Consum has just opened a new supermarket. The supermarket is located in the Almerimar area on Avenida del Mar. The store has a surface area of more than 1,400 m2 and proudly boasts 130 parking spaces and four electric vehicle charging points. The opening hours are from Monday to Saturday, 9.00am to 9.30pm, and Sundays, from 9.00am until 2.30pm.

In good news for the local economy, the shop has hired 46 mem­

“Curiosity killed the cat.”

Means that if you are inquisitive about other people’s affairs it may get you into trouble. This saying originated in a 1598 play, Every Man in his Humour, which was written by English playwright, Ben Johnson.

bers of staff and, as is a policy with Consum, all workers come from the town where each store is located or from nearby towns. Consum has once again received the Top Employer’s seal, for the 10th consecutive year, a fact that consolidates the Cooperative as one of the best companies to work for in Spain. In addition, it is the chain that generates the most employment in the food distribution sector in relation to its size. This is the eighth supermarket out of the 15 that Consum plans to open throughout Spain during 2023.

Personal bests Almeria for All

HUNDREDS of Colombian families from all parts of the province attended the Conference on Integration and Cultural Diversity entitled: Almeria for All.

The great annual party held in the Almadrabillas Park took place on July 15 and is intended to welcome the new families from Colombia who have chosen to live in Almeria.

Abroad, Colombians celebrate this date so that the second and third generations do not forget the country where

THERE is no stopping Almeria’s athletes from achieving their personal bests. One of the sprinters who belongs to the Bahía Almería municipal athletics school has achieved some unique records after his participation in the U­18 Spanish Championships. Sprinter, Ignacio Hernández, has been proclaimed Spanish champion in the 4 x 100 relay.

In parallel to this success, he won the Spanish bronze medal in the 100m with a record of 10.67 at the Spanish U18 Championships held in Gijon (Asturias).

The councillor for Active City, Urban Mobility and Sport, Antonio J. Casimiro, said: “It is a joy to see young people from Almeria demonstrating their quality and passion for sport.”

The councillor added: “I congratulate the athlete Ignacio for the medals he has won and I hope that more titles will continue to come, which will highlight the work carried out in the municipal sports schools.”

their parents were born. This is the reason why this day is the best date to have a great party in which all the Colombian families residing in Alme­

ria, of which are more than 4,000 can celebrate and reflect together on what it means to be an immigrant and pass on their culinary customs. In Colombia, the culinary mix between indigenous people, Spanish immigrants and African slaves, from the point of view of the ingredients, their cooking techniques, their preparation, the utensils and the ways of consuming food, is a fundamental part of their culture.

All the guests were able to taste typical Colombian dishes, such as the empanada.

1957

The first package holiday to Spain.

COLOMBIAN FAMILIES: From all parts attended the party.

Image: María del Mar Vázquez / Shutterstock.com

Anna Ellis

THE mayor of Berja, Jose Carlos Lupion, has congratulated the two Berja Local Police officers who saved the life of a local resident who suffered a fall in his garden and was knocked unconscious.

The mayor wanted to personally congratulate the officers “for their good performance in which they demonstrated their professionalism by further magnifying the work carried out by the Local Police day to day.”

Local heroes

The events happened in the garden of a house located on Calle Velazquez.

The Local Police received the call and the patrol, made up of Paco Hodar and Noelia Montes, immediately responded to the request.

Once there they found an elderly man unconscious with no pulse.

The officers performed CPR for approximately 15 minutes and at the end of

Art exhibition

MORE than 40 colourful pieces made up the latest art exhibition by Anik Lagarrigue in Mojacar.

The exhibition which was free of charge at the Art Centre of La Fuente was open to the public until Saturday July 15.

Anika, born in France, has been in Spain for more than 30 years. The volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands took away her house and everything that had made up her life until then.

Her destiny subsequently brought her to Mojacar.

Anik’s work is done in acrylic, using a spatula as the main tool, and her artwork filled the entire exhibition hall with colour and life.

Attracted by the art of Morocco, Anik’s influence can be seen in her work that goes beyond the scenes and is reflected in other works made with buttons and beads from Arab clothing as well as in letters and messages of peace made on the skin of sheep.

The inauguration was a success and many of her works were sold on the first day.

the manoeuvre, the man began to react slowly as health services arrived.

At all times, officers collaborated with paramedics at the scene, who were relieved of resuscitation tasks so the man could be transferred to the hospital.

The patient remained in the intensive care unit for several days, when stable, he was surgically operated on and is now recovering.

Hoisting the flags

THE beach of the Urbanisation of Roquetas de Mar has been the place chosen for the traditional hoisting of flags for the six beaches which have won awards.

There are eight blue flags, an international recognition, six for the beaches (Aguadulce, Bajadilla, Las Salinas, La Romanilla, Urbanization and Playa Serena), one for the Roquetas de Mar Marina and another for the Aula del Mar.

The Q for Quality and the S for Sustainability has also been received by six beach­

es, the same ones that have achieved the Blue Flag.

As regards the Ecoplayas, ISO 9001 and Turismo Roquetas flags, there are nine award­winning beaches: Aguadulce, Bajadilla, Las Salinas, La Romanilla, Urbanization, Ventilla, Los Bajos, Cerrillos and Playa Serena.

The mayor of Roquetas de Mar, Gabriel Amat, confirmed: “It is of great satisfaction to get all these flags and to have all the beaches recognised for their superb quality.”

LOCAL POLICE: Demonstrated their professionalism during their day to day work.

Business confidence

BUSINESS confidence expectations for the third quarter of 2023 are optimistic.

The Institute of Statistics and Cartography of Andalucia (IECA) has just published the Andalucian Business Confidence Indicators for the third quarter of 2023.

The results indicate an increase in business confidence of 2.9 per cent compared to the second quarter of the year, reaching 137.46 points, compared to 133.57 in the second quarter.

The difference between favourable and unfavourable opinions is 5.9 points, which improves the expectations expressed in the previous quarter, going from 2.0 to 5.9 points.

For the third quarter of 2023, 22.6 per cent of establishments in Andalucia are optimistic about the progress of their business.

THE Huercal­Overa Greenway, Via Verde, is a stunning and interesting path that runs along the old path of the Almanzora Railway (which is no longer in use) between the towns of Almajalejo and Las Norias.

On foot, on horseback or by bicycle, the Vía Verde offers a 17­kilometre path equipped with rest areas, information panels, parking for bicycles and viewpoints to enjoy the beautiful natural environment and views.

Everything that the Via Verde has to offer has led to a renewal of the SICTED badge which accredits tourist quality.

SICTED is a project to improve the quality of tourist destinations promoted by the Secretary of State for Tourism (SETUR). The SICTED badge is granted to tourist services that have proven compliance with the established requirements. It is a recognition of the effort and commitment to quality and continuous improvement while distinguishing the tourist service from the competition.

A SICTED badge lasts for two years, although it is subject to an annual follow­up evaluation.

A few months ago through the project Conditioning Works of the Nature Trail, the construction of a pedestrian walkway over the A­7 motorway was approved. Through this approval, the

Via Verde

Via Verde has recently been lengthened by five kilometres.

The mayor, Domingo Fernandez, confirmed: “We will continue to improve the Via Verde, adapting the natural path and providing more kilometres with which our residents and visitors can enjoy leisure and sport.

“We will continue to work and improve this tourist attraction.”

The mayor added: “We are working in collaboration with the Association of Nature Trails of Andalucia and are planning a name for this great road that will link Guadix with Almendricos.”

Andalucia meets all the requirements and offers the best conditions for hiking.

Successful

THE mayor of Roquetas de Mar, Gabriel Amat, has congratulated the Al­Bayyana Sports Club on their sporting successes this year.

The Sports Club have achieved medals and top places in the province as well as good leaderboard positions in Andalucia in all sporting disciplines.

The mayor confirmed: “Sport opens the mind and helps to learn more.

“Whoever wants to play sports can play sports, this is what the town hall wants to achieve.”

The fantastic climate and stunning natural spaces that host splendidly preserved areas and the greatest diversity of landscapes and ecosystems in Europe together create the best conditions for enjoying nature and hiking.

The network of trails (GR, PR and SL), green routes, natural pathways, green corridors and green gateways in Andalucia is comprehensive and varied, with different levels of difficulty catering for all hikers from experts to beginners, from federated sports clubs to groups of friends, from families with children to senior citizens.

There are also special routes adapted for people with disabilities.

The mayor added: “In Roquetas de Mar there is always a need for more places to practise sports and we must continue to make facilities.

“This month we will open a swimming pool with eight lanes and a large gymnasium. A sand pavilion is also planned.”

Miguel Trujillo, coach of the AlBayyana Sports Club, added: “I wish every year was like this. This year we have managed to place the youngest female team as provincial champion and third in the Andalucian ranking.

“The youngest male was runnerup in the province and third in the Andalucian championship.”

TOWN HALL: The major vowed to continue to work to improve this attraction.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Huercal Overa / Facebook

Classical Festival

ANACRONIA is a classical music group who are looking forward to performing at the Classical Musical Festival on Thursday.

July 27 at 10.00pm in the idyllic Natural Park of Cabo de Gata­Níjar.

The band confirmed: “For us, performing at the Classical Musical Festival is an opportunity and an honour, which we will try to take advantage of with all our enthusiasm.

“We have visited the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata­Níjar, a true treasure, on several occasions and now we want to make music there. We hope it will be an unforgettable experience for the public.”

Anacronía is an ensemble formed in 2020 that recreates musical anachronisms that have occurred throughout history, especially in moments of transition and confrontation of languages.

The group have been selected to participate in the International Young Artist’s Presentation (IYAP) in Antwerp (Belgium) and in the Fringe at the Oude Muziek Fes­

tival in Utrecht (Holland).

The group have recently received the special award for Best Performer of Baroque Music from the Bachcelona Festival and is part of the Association of Spanish Early Music Groups (GEMA).

Best Coastal Destination

ROQUETAS DE MAR has proudly received the award for Best Coastal Destination at the 12th La Razon Tourism Awards.

This is an award that recognises “the work and effort of the town council and represents so much for the well­being and prosperity of Spain.”

The award was collected, on behalf of the mayor, Gabriel Amat, by the councillor for Tourism and Beaches,

Amalia Lopez.

During her speech, Amalia Lopez highlighted the importance of sun and beach tourism in Roquetas de Mar.

She pointed out that: “Roquetas de Mar has been working for many years to deseasonalise tourism.

“The municipality meets all the conditions for receiving visitors all year round: the climate, the gastronomy, the cultural and sports activities

and, of course, its beaches.”

The councillor added: “The beaches of Roquetas de Mar have obtained all the awards that certify their quality and have services that are not found on other beaches in Andalucia, such as ostomy bag­friendly toilets.”

Port figures

SINCE the beginning of Operation Crossing the Strait (OPE) in the Port of Almeria, up until Wednesday, July 12, 92,290 passengers have departed from the Almeria dock to North Africa. This number is up 6 per cent more than on the same date last year.

As for vehicles, 21,115 have boarded the ferries, which is 12 per cent more compared to the same period last year.

Rosario Soto, President of the Port Authority of Almeria, confirmed: “There will now be a period of hard work in the Port of Almeria which is very well coordinated by the government’s Operations Department and the Port Authority Management.

“I would also like to congratulate the Port Police, who are doing an excellent job to provide the best service to passengers,” she added.

ANACRONIA: Classical music group.

Image: Anacronía / Facebook

The first step on your financial journey in Spain – choosing your adviser

There are various reasons why people take financial advice. It may be for help investing their savings or with their pension funds, or they may have questions about taxation or need to establish an effective estate plan.

What many do not realise, however, is that their choice of adviser is possibly the most important financial decision they need to make, especially when trusting their recommendations for the savings you’ve worked hard to build up.

This is even more important when moving to or living in Spain. Here most people don’t just require help with one aspect or to buy a product, they need an adviser who can analyse their situation and guide them through all the financial planning steps they need to take to successfully manage their wealth in Spain. Ultimately, we’re all looking for longterm financial security and peace of mind, but achieving this in a new country with a foreign tax and succession regime and unfamiliar bureaucracy is harder than in your home country.

What you need is a holistic strategic financial plan based on your situation and aims, then ongoing, proactive support as your circumstances evolve and regulations and investment climates change.

With all this in mind, here are some points to consider when looking for a financial adviser.

A personal service

It is essential that your financial planning is based on your personal situation – your country of residence, future plans, family situation and concerns, who you wish to leave your assets to, your time horizon, investment risk tolerance

By Jon Pemberton, Partner,

and key objectives.

Successful wealth management must take all these into account. Your adviser should take the time to get to know you, asking a range of questions and establishing your risk profile, before making recommendations or trying to sell you a product or investment.

You want to be able to build a good relationship with your advisers so they’ll be around to support you right through retirement, perhaps even guiding your heirs in the future.

Size and longevity

When looking for a long-term adviser covering a range of services, the size and longevity of the firm is relevant.

A firm with a history of longevity gives you peace of mind that they are likely to be there for as long as you need them.

And the larger the firm, the more specialists they will have covering the various services you need – local financial advisers, technical tax experts, pension professionals, investment analysts, succession law experts. In-house teams can seamlessly work together to provide integrated wealth

management advice and recommendations.

This is important. For example, how you hold your investments can impact how much tax you pay and how easily they can be passed onto your chosen heirs. So rather than using different advisers for each aspect and receiving isolated advice, you benefit from a comprehensive, strategic financial plan covering all of them.

A larger firm will also have more resources to apply effective compliance procedures to ensure regulatory rules are adhered to, which protects clients. It will also be in a position to keep on top of changing regulations, such as tax and pensions, analysing how clients are affected and establishing compliant solutions where necessary.

Local advice and knowledge

Using an adviser who lives and works in Spain will prove highly beneficial.

For a start, they will have personally experienced what it is like to move to and settle in Spain and how Spanish taxation impacts residents. They’ll have built up an in-depth understanding of the local tax and succession regimes –both very different to the UK’s –and the legitimate planning opportunities available here. And they’ll be in a position to react fast to changes.

While you may prefer to continue your existing relationship with your UK adviser, it is unlikely they will know the ins and out of local regulations or keep on top of Spanish reforms. The fact that Spain’s 17 autonomous communities have their own variations with regards tax rules makes it all the more complex. Continuing to use your UK adviser could result

in you buying inappropriate investments, paying more tax than necessary, or your beneficiaries having to deal with unnecessary complications on your death.

Another important issue here is regulation. Prior to Brexit, it was possible for UK advisers and financial firms to ‘passport’ their services into other EU countries. This ended when the UK left the Union, so unless your UK adviser has taken the time, effort and expense of getting set up and regulated in Spain, they would not be in a position to provide authorised advice to residents of Spain.

Regulation and qualifications

All the above considerations need to be combined with qualifications and high professional standards. Investing, pensions, estate planning and taxation are all very technical subjects which require specialist understanding. Ensure your advisory firm has professionals with officially recognised qualifications, who keep fully up to date with financial and regulatory changes.

In the UK, for example, the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning meets the UK Financial Conduct Authorities (FCA) qualification requirements. Even though you’ve moved abroad, you still want your adviser to have achieved that level of qualification.

Last but not least, for security and peace of mind, choose a firm which is authorised to provide advice in Spain and abides by national and international regulations. When it comes to investing, check that both your adviser and the investment managers they are recommending are regulated.

Once you find an adviser who meets the above requirements, the

rest of your financial planning in Spain will follow smoothly on. You won’t need to worry about neglecting any key aspects or keeping up with tax reforms. Your adviser will talk you through all the issues you need to consider, helping you weigh up all your options before you take any final decisions. They’ll then keep you updated on any reforms that impact you.

So you can leave the hard work to them and enjoy your new life in Spain with peace of mind.

At Blevins Franks we meet all the above criteria and more. With a history dating back over 45 years, we have long established offices in Spain, France, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta. We have advisers living locally, some of whom have been with us for decades, as well as teams of tax, pensions and investment specialists based in our London and Malta offices.

We pride ourselves on providing cross-border, integrated financial planning and a high level of personal service. While we are always meeting new clients, our team of Private Clients Managers are dedicated to servicing existing clients, ensure everything is on track and fine-tuned where necessary.

We are authorised and regulated to provide advice in the UK, Spain, France, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta, and our advisers are qualified to the level, or equivalent, required to meet the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority standards. We impose high compliance standards on our teams and keep up to date with regulatory standards.

Everything we do is client focused, to provide peace of mind to you and your family.

Blevins Franks

ADRA is all set to participate in the Green Flags Movement, Movimiento Banderas Verdes, this summer.

The movement is an initiative launched by Ecovidrio, a non­profit entity in charge of managing the recycling of glass container waste in Spain.

It is a campaign that seeks to reward the commitment of municipalities and hotels with the circular economy and glass recycling during the summer season.

The councillor for Sustainable Development, Antonio Sanchez, has encouraged people from Adra to “continue to be an example in the province in terms of recycling glass.”

Green flags

“We adhere to this initiative to show our commitment to recycling and as a way to continue advancing in the awareness about the importance of caring for the environment.”

Adra is set to compete with

up to 43 municipalities in the Andalucia region and will try to wrestle the Green Flag from Chiclana de la Frontera and Fuengirola, the two municipalities that were the winners in last year’s Green Flags in the region.

ALMERIA has been represented at the Alberto Herreros de Arganda Sports Centre on the occasion of the Spanish School ­ Age Boxing Championship.

The Lola Boxing Sports School in Almeria paid a visit to the event with one of its very promising athletes.

The national event featured more than 200 boys and girls who competed in the Spanish Championship over different days to demonstrate their talent in the ring.

Tristan Romero represented Almeria and he did the city proud.

In fact, Tristan was proclaimed absolute champion of Spain, a title which the athlete has renewed for the third consecutive time.

Lola Martinez, the Technical Director of the Lola Boxing Sports School, expressed her pride in training the man from Almeria since “he is one of the most relevant young promises in Almeria to be part of the Spanish National Team.”

Boxing champion Location change

BERJA Town Council has now reported that, with the forecast of a hot election day on July 23, a location change has been requested so that both the people in charge of the operation of the polling station, and the electors, can work and vote in optimal conditions.

Residents who voted in the last elections at the Andres Manjon School are being transferred to the Theatre in the town of Berja and those who voted at the Barajas Children’s School will now be able to vote at the Berja Municipal Library (Molino del Perrillo).

Impeccable festivities

THE mayor of Nijar, Jose Francisco Garrido, has conveyed his public gratitude to both the 25 members of the Local Police and the more than 35 Civil Protection volunteers who watched over the San Isidro festivities.

The mayor confirmed: “These festivities have been impeccable and I would also like to thank the residents of the San Isidro

Season ticket renewals

ALMERIA Football Club, UD Almeria, fans have been seen flocking to the Power Horse Stadium to renew their season cards.

The period of the UD Almeria season ticket campaign for the 2023/24 season continues with the card renewals for the previous season ticket holders.

Fans have five ticket offices available to apply for their cards so it makes the experience a fairly fast process.

The renewal period deadline, both online and in person, is at 3.00pm on Wednesday, July 26.

nucleus for their responsibility and civility.”

The councillor for Security, Monica Morales, added: “The San Isidro festivities have ended in the best possible way.

“Thank you to the security forces of the Nijar Town Council for the great work they have done. Without a doubt, you are a source of pride for us.”

The ticket office opening hours at Power Horse Stadium are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00am until 3.00pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 9.00am until 6.00pm.

Ecovidrio campaign.

Illuminating La Hoya Summer entertainment

THE summer period is synonymous with cultural activities of all kinds in any self­respecting territory, regardless of its size.

Vera can be counted on for a well­prepared programme with a wide variety of entertainment to suit every age and taste.

The traditional bullfighting festival that is celebrated ev­

ery year taking advantage of the patron saint festivities of the neighbouring town of Garrucha, concerts, a motocross exhibition and initiatives for children’s entertainment are just some of the options that the summer programme houses, which will continue until the end of August.

The Plaza de la Pergola in

Verat will be the other neuralgic point of the cultural summer of the municipality, with a myriad of offers. There will be events such as an exhibition of radio control cars (July 22), a puppet theatre (August 11) and a magic show of Mago Franque (August 25).

The full programme of events in Vera can be found on the Vera Council website.

Fairground fun for all Immense pride

LA HOYA PARK in Almeria could be seen illuminated for the first time on the evening of July 5 as the technicians tested the system before the park is opened to the public.

The mayor, Maria del Mar Vazquez, described the illuminated park as “an authentic jewel in a privileged enclave within a neighbourhood that is full of history.”

The park, traditionally known as La Hoya, is set to be given a new name Jardines del Mediterraneo once opened, following its enormous transformation.

The works are now in their final phase.

In recent weeks the perimeter fence has been installed and will serve as access to the park. The fence is expected to be expanded at some point in the future due to more work planned for the area.

The mayor confirmed: “The public lighting of La Hoya has been adapted to the environment, so it blends in with the surroundings.

“We have been careful with the sustainable choice of the components of the light installation to take care of nocturnal visual pollution.”

THE official reception at Nijar City Council for C D Comarca de Nijar FSF ­ Senior Women’s Football Team has taken place.

The mayor, Jose Francisco Garrido, congratulated the

team on their numerous sporting successes, including the runner­up in the second Andalucian Division RFAF, the RFAF Cup championship, and the runnerup in the RFAF Super Cup.

In addition, the players of C D Comarca de Nijar FSF have been champions of the AAFS Cup and of Spain CNFS.

The mayor confirmed: “As mayor of Níjar, it is an honour to receive you and convey the immense pride that the people of Nijar feel in your professionalism and dedication.”

“I am convinced that you have a bright future ahead of you,” he added.

ROQUETAS de Mar Town Council has now made public its plans for the future Roquetas de Mar Fairgrounds. This is so that citizens and interested parties can make any disapprovals and contributions they deem appropriate, in favour of municipal transparency.

The land planned to be used is located to the north of the centre of Roquetas de Mar, near the Rambla Vícar Sur or del Vínculo and the Alicun Highway, from which they are accessed.

The land is made up of discontinuous plots formed by the currently undeveloped plot between Calle Merida and Avenidas Union Europea and Reino de Espana and by the plot of land which houses the municipal food market.

An authentic jewel.

Official reception.

Image: María del Mar Vázquez / Facebook

Image: Ayuntamiento de Nijar / Facebook

Fantastic figures

AIRPORTS in the Aena network in Spain closed the first half of the year with almost 130 million passengers walking through their doors.

The network hit a grand total of 129,447,124 travellers, a figure which represents an increase of 23.4 per cent compared with the same period in 2022 and 1.2 per cent compared with 2019.

The number of operations recorded between January and June was 1,130,758, which is 10.5 per cent more than in the first six months of last year and 0.5 per cent more than in 2019.

Regarding the transport of cargo, airports in the Aena network handled 507,543 tonnes, up 2.8 per cent from the first half of 2022 and 1.6 per cent above the figure for the same period of 2019.

As for the data from June, airports in the Aena network recorded a total of 26,504,920 passengers,

which is 9 per cent more than in the same month of 2022 and 2.8 per cent less than in 2019.

Demand in June remained high as demonstrated by high occupancy levels, which exceeded 88 per cent and were above 2019 levels and the levels recorded in the first few months of 2023, which were around 85 per cent.

In June, airlines reduced their flight schedules, more so than in April and May, while in July, the schedule is similar to that for the same month of 2019.

Of the total travellers recorded in June, 26,443,843 were commercial passengers.

Of these, 18,142,980 passengers travelled on international flights, up 10 per cent from June 2022. Meanwhile, 8,300,863 passengers travelled on domestic flights, 6.9 per cent more than the same month last year.

Adolfo Suárez MadridBarajas Airport recorded the highest number of passengers in June with 5,134,856, representing an increase of 13.1 per cent compared with June of last year.

SPANISH AIRPORTS: Demand in June remained high.

Image: Toniflap / Shutterstock.com

Spain buys Russian gas

STATISTICS show that last year Spain increased its dependence on Russian gas, despite their invasion of Ukraine.

Figures have been released which show Spain was the second largest buyer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Europe during 2022, with 3.72 million tonnes, a 51 per cent increase more than the previous year, according to a news source on Friday, July 14.

The International LNG Importers Group, which brings together the main importing companies, such as Naturgy or Iberdrola, released its annual report last Friday. Spain came second behind France, which imported 5.24 million tonnes, compared to 3.59 million a year earlier.

France and Spain were also the ones that saw the most increased imports by ship, despite the political will expressed to reduce de­

SEVENTY ­ FOUR PER CENT of Spanish consumers consider environmental issues important in their purchase decision, according to the latest AECOC Shopperview report.

In addition, 50 per cent of Spanish society has stopped buying products from brands that they consider unsustainable, and has even changed establishments to continue buying cheaper sustainable products.

Cinta Bosch, AECOC Sustainability Manager, confirmed: “Even at a time like the present, in which the price factor is

pendence on hydrocarbons from Russia due to the war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the United States was by far and away the leading exporter of LNG to Europe. It sold 51.74 million tonnes in 2022, compared with 21.47 million tonnes the previous year. Second place, just ahead of Russia, went to Qatar, which exported 18.72 million tonnes to Europe, compared with 15.99 million tonnes in 2021.

Purchasing decisions

decisive in the purchase decision, consumers demand healthy, convenient and sustainable products.

“In fact, eight out of 10 distribution companies in Spain use recyclable or reusable plastic in their products or processes and 34 per cent of them plan to increase their use.”

“In addition, 95 per cent of them have measures for the separation or recovery of waste.”

Granada’s cool 13th century tech

DESPITE the advent of modern technology many struggle to keep their homes cool in the height of summer, but one place in Granada is living proof that the ancients knew a thing or two about it.

To escape the intense heat of the Andalucian summer many people go to the coastal areas to cool off, but there is one place in the interior that provides a haven for the hot and bothered traveller, according to a news source on Saturday, July 15.

The Alhambra is one of the most important and most visited monumental sites in the autonomous region of Granada. Its centuries­old architecture continues to surprise technicians today because it was designed to be a refuge from the stifling heat of summer.

The high 40­degree temperatures of the city are much higher than those experienced by visitors to the ancient palace, usually around 25 to 29 degrees.

Curator of the Alhambra, architect Antonio Peral ex­

plained why. “Thanks to its clever design the living space of the building stays cool: It’s like a natural air conditioner.” In addition, all the vegetation that surrounds the building helps to ‘generate shadows,’ especially the large trees. “It’s essential,” says Peral.

Another major factor is the importance of the availability of water, “which refreshes the atmosphere, brings life to the Alhambra, calms and soothes, and its murmur is a relaxing element.” It is present in fountains and ponds within the gardens.

In addition to these natu­

ral elements, is “the thickness of the walls.” Peral added: “They are very wide and with their wall construction system, the interior temperature is much better preserved, it takes longer to heat up,” he argues.

THE ALHAMBRA: One of the most visited monumental sites.

Credit-Alfonso de Tomas-Shutterstock.com

87% of the Spanish drink coffee.

Wine worth €111,000 stolen

The theft occurred at around 1pm on Sunday, July 9, when the store was open to the public. Undetected, the three criminals went upstairs and entered the wine cellar, where the company’s most prestigious wines were kept in a locked cabinet, according to a news source.

They reportedly forced the protective glass with a suction cup and stole nine bottles, some of which were worth up to €30,000.

While they were busy committing their crime, an employee heard suspicious noises and activated the burglar alarm. He subsequently located the thieves and chased them through the wine bar.

However, the robbers managed to jump over the counter with the bottles al­

ready stored in their backpacks. They ran out onto the street where they had a getaway vehicle parked up ready to escape.

The wine company provided the Mossos d’Esquadra with the vehicle’s registration plate and images from the video surveillance cameras.

Workers at the establishment suggested the outrageous theft could have been ‘commissioned by a mafioso boss’ as there are very few wineries in Spain with such an exclusive selection.

“Customers come from abroad to get the bottle they want,” said one employee.

In fact, when a customer enters the store, the bodega obliges them to purchase a case containing one of the most expensive bottles, valued at €30,000. The remainder of the case is then completed with 11 other bottles usually worth around €5,000 each.

150 Earthquakes in one month

FEARS have been raised on the island of Tenerife following statistics which show the level of seismic activity within the space of just one month.

The National Geographic Institute has revealed that since June 11, over 150 earthquakes were recorded near Teide Volcano in Tenerife, with a staggering 112 of them logged in just over 24 hours between July 5 and July 6, according to a news source.

Recently, tremors were detected at around 40 to 50 kilometres under the surface. Meanwhile, it has emerged that magma reservoirs are present at just five kilometres underground.

Astonished researchers on the island discovered that basaltic magma has

cooled underground, causing its chemical composition to change, which they say is resulting in a ‘potentially explosive’ type of magma.

Canary Islands­based research group INVOLCAN has been constantly monitoring Teide for over a year now after 400 quakes were detected in June 2022.

Matthew Blackett, a professor at Coventry University, said: “It remains a very active volcano. This means that there is an active magma chamber below the island.”

Apparently, the seismic tremors are caused by the magma shifting around: “Think about when you touch a pipe with water flowing through it. You can feel a vague vibration.”

Teide has been likened to

the notorious volcanoes, Vesuvius and Etna. The last time Teide erupted was in 1909, an event which lasted for 10 days and spewed out rock fragments 20 km and ash almost 130 km, at the time there were no direct casualties.

Thankfully it has been concluded that the risk is low and that there were ‘few’ indicators an eruption would occur any time soon.

40.3 degrees. The max temp in the UK in 2022.

THREE thieves stole nine bottles of wine valued at €111,000 from the headquarters of Vins and Licors Grau, in Palafrugell, Girona.

WINE CELLAR: Vins y Licors Grau bodega in Girona.

John Ensor

A BI-NATIONAL operation between France and the UK has dismantled a peoplesmuggling organisation.

A report published on Thursday, July 13, told how an organised crime group used pleasure boats to smuggle illegal migrants across the channel.

A joint operation between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and its French counterpart, led to an investigation into an organised crime group and resulted in the imprisonment of a man in France.

Thanks to the collaboration between British and French authorities they were able to link the group to two separate vessels. One of the boats, named Moon, was involved in a smuggling run which saw 11

People smugglers stopped

migrants brought ashore in Rye, East Sussex, in February 2022.

A 36­year­old Iraqi national was arrested by NCA officers in Barnet, north London, in connection with that particular incident. He was later released on bail pending further enquiries. During the investigation, a second yacht, the Lady Ann, was identified as being located in Belgium and travelled from there to Boulogne­sur­mer.

On June 1, 2022, a 43­yearold Georgian national, Igor Romanovi, who skippered the vessel was arrested by French police while the boat was docked in Boulogne.

Romanovi was prosecuted for people smuggling offences and on June 26, 2023, he was sentenced to four years in prison by a court in Dieppe. He has also been banned from French territory upon his release. The regional manager for NCA International, Tom

Outhwaite, commented: “Tackling people smuggling is a priority for the NCA and we are working closely with our partners in France, Belgium and beyond to target the organised criminals involved on both sides of the Channel.”

The NCA’s successful operation was supported by the authorities in France and Belgium, as well as Sussex Police, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and the Crown Prosecution Service.

First Dates off to Bath

Jo Pugh

AS part of its 10th anniversary, the BAFTA awardwinning Channel 4 dating show First Dates is changing its location to the romantic city of Bath.

The TV series helps singletons to hopefully find their dream match over a romantic dinner in a restaurant. Each couple is meticulously matched based on their likes and dislikes, and if cupid strikes his bow, it could be the night that changes their lives forever.

Returning matchmaker, and maître d’, Fred Sirieix expressed his delight in a statement on Channel 4 and said: “Making this new series feels special, celebrating a decade of bring­

ing people together on the show, but there’s always more love to be found. They say Bath is the most romantic city in the UK and it's true, so what better place to set the scene for romance to blossom than there!”

It isn’t the first time the restaurant has moved since its premiere in 2013, the two previous locations be­

ing in London and Manchester.

Along with the location change, a few more modifications will be made. The Channel 4 series will feature new cast members and a refreshed format, and will have “some of the most unforgettable dating moments the show has ever featured.”

Channel 4’s commissioning editor Rita Daniels said: “After 10 years of love stories, I’m thrilled that First Dates has the stunning and romantic city of Bath as its brand new location. I’m in no doubt that this special place will mesmerise and enthrall all our daters, which in turn will ensure they have a special evening full of romance.”

FRED SIRIEIX: “No better place for romance.”

Photo Credit: Channel 4 Productions

3 Different police forces in Spain.

DENMARK

Wind project

DENMARK'S Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners have proposed a €1.158 billion plan to develop a groundbreaking 500MW commercial offshore wind project in Bangladesh's Bay of Bengal. With a five-year timeline, the project aims to compete with India's offshore wind projects and address Bangladesh's energy challenges while combating climate change.

Betfair breaches

DENMARK'S regulators have taken action against Betfair International, for breaching Denmark's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Act. Betfair must address deficiencies in risk assessment, business procedures, and controls within specific timeframes. Compliance with AML regulations and national gambling laws is crucial for a secure betting environment.

THE NETHERLANDS

Unusual perk

DUTCH TV Station Nieuwsuur has discovered that at least seven international companies based in The Netherlands are offering to reimburse female staff for the cost of freezing their eggs. Also included in the offer to staff is purchase of donor sperm, extra IVF rounds or costs for surrogacy and adoption.

Slow checkout

A DUTCH supermarket, Jumbo has opened around 200 slow checkouts aimed at the elderly who might be lonely and want to have a chat. Working with the Dutch Government, Jumbo is trying to make life better for the estimated 10 per cent of the population who are elderly and may live alone.

ITALY

Serious blaze

AT least six people died and more than 80 were injured, some seriously, after a fire broke out in a nursing home in the Italian city of Milan. The blaze occurred at around 1.20am local time in the Casa per Coniugi nursing home. Forensic experts will inspect the premises to establish how the blaze started, but the initial hypothesis points to a lit cigarette.

Italian Guinness

KIERAN PATTEN, from Dublin opened The Irishman on St Patrick’s Day, an authentic Irish bar in Siena in Tuscany, Italy. However, in order to give customers a true taste of Ireland, he launched an urgent request for staff who know how to pour a proper pint of Guinness and speak Italian.

PRESS EURO

BELGIUM

Offensive poster

THE Belgian town of Aalst is no stranger to controversy and accusations of racism and the latest lapse of good taste has seen an anti-littering poster complained about as it features three young black boys surrounded by cigarette butts with the legend ‘At every cool spot in Aalst something filthy is spoiling the fun’.

Anti-littering poster is causing controversy.

Tank repair

Plane damage

A MAJOR accident at Dublin Airport ripped the door off an American-bound plane leaving it stranded. On Sunday, July 9, an accident involving a jetbridge, which malfunctioned while it was attached to the aircraft, ripped off the second left door of an American Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

They’re off

SKY SPORTS RACING (SSR) has threatened to withdraw from Irish television if the Gambling Regulation Bill becomes law. SSR said a provision for a blanket ban on gambling advertising between the hours of 5.30am and 9pm may render its channel “economically unviable in Ireland” and added It is “extremely concerned” and sees its withdrawal from air possible.

Silent seas

GERMANY and Poland's joint tank repair workshop for damaged Leopard battle tanks from Ukraine is facing delays due to challenges such as contract finalisation, profit distribution, spare parts availability, and concerns about other military projects. Resolving these issues promptly is crucial for sustainable support for Ukraine and bilateral cooperation.

Airport protests

CLIMATE activists from the group 'Last Generation' caused delays and cancellations at Hamburg and Dusseldorf airports by accessing the tarmac and immobilising themselves. The disruptions resulted in flight cancellations and delays. The activists called for emission reduction plans and the phasing out of fossil fuels.

GERMANY FRANCE

Sculptor dies

A 50-YEAR-OLD man ended his life in France using a home-made guillotine. Richard B was due to appear before a judge in the correctional court of Draguignanin charged with with three acts of domestic violence. The sculptor, residing in the commune of Flayosc, who had previously attempted suicide on numerous occasions, was found dead in his home by police officers.

Fireworks ban

THE sale of fireworks in France ahead of Bastille Day celebrations was prohibited in a decree by the government. 'In order to prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the July 14 festivities, the sale, carrying, transportation and use of pyrotechnic articles and fireworks are prohibited’, said a statement.

Record cancelled

Doctors strike

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE has decided to put an end to all the high-seas espionage and undercover antics by banning walkietalkies onboard. The move follows a fan ban earlier this year, proving that this cruise line is really committed to keeping their passengers safe from excessive coolness and communication!

NIMSDAI PURJA'S record for the fastest ascent of all 8,000-metre peaks has been cancelled by Guinness World Records due to not reaching the highest point of two mountains. Norwegian climber Kristin Harila, who climbed all 14 mountains in one year and five days, now holds the world record.

NORWAY FINLAND

Energy plans

OLEG FOLKIN claims his company, Tornado Logistics, based in Finland, has devised technology that will revolutionise the energy sector. He claims the device can produce more power than it consumes, creating free and clean energy. According to Fokin, if the device is successful, it will make Elon Musk’s Teslas useless.

NATO HQ

NATO’S newest member, Finland, is considering a bid to become the northern headquarters for the military alliance, Pekka Toveri, a Finnish member of Parliament, who argues the case for NATO’s northern base to be in Finland. He states it would boost Finland’s security and influence within the Alliance.

Animal abuse

WITH strikes in the sector due this week, the FNAM doctors’ union in Portugal called the latest government proposal 'a completely medieval model’. The latest 20 per cent supplement obliges doctors to work more than twice as many hours a year they claim. As a result, doctors could end up working an extra 350 hours per year.

THE trial of the famed Portuguese picador João Moura is scheduled for September 18. Moura is accused by the Public Ministry (MP) of a total of 18 crimes, 17 of which are for the mistreatment of companion animals. The other is a charge of aggravated mistreatment of companion animals, for incidents that allegedly occurred on the 59-year-old picador's property in Monforte.

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

Application delayed

HUNGARY'S approval of the Swedish NATO application will now be delayed until at least October. Zsolt Németh, a member of the ruling Fidesz party in the Hungarian parliament, explained that the summer break is about to begin. There was no reason to convene the parliament during this break he insisted, while pointing out that the parliament in Budapest will not resume its work until mid-September.

Malmo chosen

THE Swedish city of Malmö has been chosen to stage the 2024 Eurovision song contest. Sweden was given the prestige of hosting the annual music event after Loreen emerged victorious in Liverpool with her track Tattoo. Malmö Arena will host the participants on May 7, 9 and 11 of next year.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Tipping point

EMPLOYEES at The Ivy restaurant chain complained that they are losing out after Troia UK Restaurants, part­owned by billionaire restaurateur and fashion tycoon Richard Caring, has cut their share of the service charge. The modification came into force once the legal minimum wage rose in April, the Unite union said.

Helping hand

SPAIN’S National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) launched proceedings against renewable energy company, Ecoener, maintaining that it helped two company executives to acquire shares when the company was floated in April 2021. Ecoener has since insisted that only “ minimal” sums of money were involved.

Dead letters

HM Revenue & Customs office has had to create a special taskforce to deal with letters that are still unanswered after a year. The new team will tackle the backlog of more than 37,000 pieces of correspondence that are at least 10 months old to prevent the accumulation reaching the 12­month stage.

Digi prodigy

DIGI COMMUNICATIONS’ board of directors will propose a dividend of one Romanian leu per share (approximately €0.2) at the August 18 annual general meeting. The parent company’s dividends have grown in recent years, thanks to Digi Spain where the company is now a telecoms leader owing to its ‘aggressive’ tariffs.

Living dead

ZOMBIE companies, which formerly avoided bankruptcy through cheap borrowing costs, are now under pressure and unlikely to survive rising interest rates. Insolvency specialists Begbies Traynor, whose revenues climbed 11 per cent to £121.8 million (€142.1) last year, predicted that practically all would fail within 18 months.

Linda Hall

INDITEX shareholders approved the company’s 2022 results and payment of a €1.20 share dividend at the Annual General Meeting on July 11.

They also voted in favour of setting the number of Inditex directors at 10 and re­elected Inditex’s founder Amancio Ortega Gaona, aged 87, as the company’s proprietary director.

The 2022 and early 2023 figures were the result of the “incredible work” carried out by the company’s teams, said Ortega Gaona’s daughter, Marta Ortega Perez, who is now Inditex chairwoman.

Ortega’s address to the meeting, which was held

STAT OF WEEK €1.45 billion

in record sales for the Catalan-based fashion group Mango during the first six months of 2023, showing a 20 per cent increase on the same period last year.

Inditex magic

which owns the Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka and Oysho labels amongst others, reported a €4.13 billion profit in the fiscal year ending on January 31, a 27 per cent increase on 2022.

Schools of thought

IF Labour carries through plans to strip independent schools of their charitable status, thousands of children would have to leave their current schools.

at the company’s headquarters in Arteixo (La Coruña), was streamed on the Inditex website.

“The magic of Inditex lies within our team and our values, which are heavily influenced by selfimposed high standards,” she said during the meet­

ing. “The future is not predetermined and we must never forget that.”

Inditex was close­knit, like a family where successes were celebrated together but mistakes taken on board “as if they were one’s own”, Ortega added.

The fashion chain,

Turnover grew by 17.5 per cent to €32.569 million despite 2022’s economic turbulence and the sale of Inditex’s operation inside Russia, which cost the group €230 million.

The first quarter of 2023 was even better, Ortega said: “In these months we faced challenges that were overcome thanks to the magic of Inditex.”

No need for nationalisation

THAMES WATER has raised £750 million (€879.7 million) from shareholders.

Last month there were rumours that the company, which provides water and sewage services for 15 million people in London and southeast England, could enter special administration.

Cathryn Ross, who took over as interim co­chief executive following Sarah Bentley’s surprise departure in June, insisted during a BBC interview that nationalisation “was not on the cards.”

Thames Water had not pulled off plans to secure a hoped­for £1 billion

Still ugly

BIRKENSTOCK sandals, once dismissed as ugly but comfortable, are still ugly but are now fashionable. The brand founded in 1774 is contemplating a $6 billion (€5.39 billion) stock market listing, two years after selling a majority stake to consumer­focused private equity firm L Catterton in a deal that valued the company at €4.9 billion. Brothers Christian and Alex Birkenstock, who are still involved with the brand, are each believed to be worth around $1.7 billion (€1.54 billion) after selling to L Catterton, which has backing from Bernard Arnault, chief executive of LVMH and the world’s second­richest man after Elon Musk.

(€1.17 billion) lifeline, Ross said, although its £4.4 billion cash pile (€5.16 billion) was “absolutely enough” to cover costs for 2023, 2024 “and into the future.”

Postal agreement

ROYAL MAIL employees accepted an offer that ends their ongoing dispute over pay, jobs and working conditions.

Almost 76 per cent of Communication Workers Union (CWU) members voted for a 10 per cent increase spread over three years, plus a £500 (€584) lump sum.

The ballot result ended disagreements that culminated in stoppages by more than 115,000 workers at the end of last year.

“This has been the most challenging period in the history of the union and the company, and I want to thank every single member who has voted in this ballot,” the CWU’s general secretary Dave Ward said

At the same time, the below ­ inflation agreement will leave some Royal Mail employees worse off than a previously­rebuffed offer of 9 per cent over a year and a half.

Nevertheless, another £2.5 billion (€2.93 billion) will be required by 2030 as the company buttresses its finances, shareholders were told.

Thames Water, owned by a consortium of pension groups and foreign funds, has met censure for polluting rivers and was recently fined £3.3 million (€3.86m) for sewage spills in 2017.

At a time when Thames Water has paid huge dividends to shareholders and generous salaries to its executives, the company had also accumulated a £14 billion (€16.4 billion) debt.

Cryptic clues

A STUDY by cryptocurrency experts CryptoGambling.tv named Slovenia as Europe’s most ‘crypto­obsessed’ country.

Analysis revealed that approximately 100,000 internet searches each month were linked to cryptocurrency, averaging out at 4,789 crypto­related searches for information per every 100,000 people.

Spain, with a monthly 907,000 searches was ranked sixth, with around 1,927 searchers for every 100,000 inhabitants.

Luxembourg was the secondmost interested country with a monthly average of 2,634 searches, ahead of the Netherlands which sees 2,608 cryptocurrency searches for every 100,000 people although Holland is one of the few countries which taxes unrealised gains.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think tank calculated that parents would remove around 40,000 children from paying schools. These would then enter the UK’s state system, costing the taxpayer another £300 million (€350 million) annually.

The IFS also warned that the proposed tax raid could encourage tax avoidance as schools and families looked for loopholes that would enable them to cut bills.

Big surprise

IGNACIO GUTIERREZ­ORRANTIA will not, after all, be moving to the Spanish gas and electricity company, Naturgy.

Gutierrez ­ Orrantia has informed Citigroup that he plans to remain at the bank in his current role as the Londonbased head of the Banking, Capital Markets and Advisory Division for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Gutierriez­Orrantias’s decision, announced by Bloomburg on July 11, was met with generalised surprise as his move to Naturgy as chief executive, where he was to have shared executive powers with company president Francisco Reynes, was regarded as a certainty.

Indian buyer

INDIAN businessman Kabir Mulchandani is buying Pacha nightclubs and hotels through his Five company. The nightlife and tourism group, based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, will pay a little over €320 million according to reports published in a local news outlet on July 12.

Initially, the Trilantic, GPF and MCH private equity funds, which owned the discos and hotels, had asked for more than €500 million, before accepting a significantly lower amount.

Trilantic, GPF and MCH, which entered Ibiza’s nightlife sector in 2017, are divesting themselves of Pacha after having survived Covid­19 thanks to a bailout using public money.

INDITEX RESULTS: Chairwoman Marta Ortega and the board praise ‘incredible work’.

THAMES WATER: 15 million clients in London and southeast England.

Photo credit: Inditex.com

Photo credit: Thames Water

LONDON - FTSE 100

DOW JONES

Uber fast

WAITROSE has joined forces with Uber Eats in a deal that will deliver grocery orders in just 20 minutes. Available at present for online London shoppers in Finchley Road, West Hampstead, Clerkenwell, St Katharine Docks and Greenwich, the service will extend to more than 200 stores throughout the UK by the end of August.

Selling up

THE US real estate investment firm AEW is putting 22 Carrefour supermarkets up for sale in Spain in an operation expected to top €120 million. The majority are located in Madrid and Catalonia and some, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, have an ‘enormous turnover’ according to industry sources.

Petrol still going strong

Linda Hall

CCAR manufacturers Renault and Geely announced a €7 billion joint venture to build engines for hybrid and petrolpowered vehicles, Renault and Chinese firm Geely, which owns Volvo and holds shares in Aston Martin and Mercedes, intend to produce an annual five million internal combustion, hybrid and plug­in hybrid engines and transmissions.

The newly­formed company will focus on becoming the leader in next­generation hybrid and highly efficient powertrain solutions to meet worldwide demand for the

Accentuating technology

KUTXABANK has engaged 94 professionals on permanent contracts, with more appointments expected before the end of the year.

Anton Arriola, chairman of the Bilbaobased bank, announced that more than half of the new employees will be assigned to the group’s network of branches to improve levels of personalised services for customers.

As with earlier recruitment drives, the majority ­ in this case 65 per cent ­ of the new workers are women.

When further staff are taken on later this year, they will have a ‘more technological profile’, the bank explained, to meet digital transformation objectives set out in the government’s Acelera plan.

Breakup

years to come, a Renault statement announced.

The company will supply engines and other components to several global brands, including Volvo, Nissan and Mitsubishi, as well as Renault and Geely’s own vehicles.

The initiative will provide work for around 19,000 people, with 17 factories and five research and development centres located in three continents, would have an expected annual revenue of €15 billion, according to a Reuters report in March this year.

The initial organisation will establish two operational centres in charge of the respective operations, with Renault based in Madrid and Geely in Hangzhou Bay on the East China Sea.

An executive team will be based at the new company’s headquarters which Renault revealed would, in principle, be located in the UK in order to consolidate operations and define future plans.

BRITISH defence group Cobham’s fragmentation continued as its US private equity owners sold the company’s Aerospace Communications division to French firm Thales in a £850 million (€993.25 million) deal. The Paris­based company, which has been part of the Cobham group since 1989, makes aircraft antennas and communication systems and expects revenues of £154 million (€180 million) this year.

Charged up

ANFAC, Spain’s vehicle manufacturers’ association, is working on proposals to improve the Moves III subsidies plan introduced to boost electric car purchase. It was a great programme, Anfac said, but because it was “enormously complex,” the association was contacting political parties in hopes of introducing a “much more efficient substitute” when Moves III ends on December 2023.

RENAULT CHAIRMAN: Luca de Meo announced €7 billion joint venture with Geely.

Photo credit: Renault Group

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

THINK IT

THOUSANDS of black Christian men women and children are still being slaughtered and enslaved in Nigeria. Black genocide is still a daily occurrence in many parts of the world and even in the UK black youngsters are being killed on the streets in ever increasing numbers. All in all it is an appalling and utterly tragic situation.

But why are we seeing no demonstrations concerning these issues? Where are all the marchers and protesters? What’s happened to all the black leaders appearing in the media, decrying the situation and urging government to ‘do something’?

Personally I only discovered most of these facts with research. So can anyone please enlighten me why it is that black lives only appear to really matter when members of the white community are involved? It simply doesn’t make sense; is there is some ulterior motive afoot? Ah well, only time and tide will answer that question.

Personally of course I have watched the whole situation deterio­

It’s got worse

rate almost from the beginning, certainly in London. During the1950s with the influx of Windrush immigrants into the Bayswater area, where I resided, Rackman was renting large numbers of run down Victorian houses to these early immigrants.

Never the less, we all seemed to be enjoying the diversity and I even witnessed the early beginnings of the Notting Hill carnival. In the back of my little Portobello shop, I also had quite a merry fling with a bouncy happy faced lady from Nigeria ­ but we won’t get into that!

What is more worrying is the fact that some years later, after I had achieved some recording success, I decided to take a taxi and peruse some of my old Bayswater happy hunting haunts. To my amazement the taxi driver utterly refused to even drive down my chosen road.

Somewhat puzzled but still undeterred, I subsequently decided to walk down and visit one of my past favourite pubs; an establishment I had on many an occasion enjoyed

with an interesting mixture of the new immigrants and locals. Gazing around, with a warm feeling of déjà vu, I observed the whole pub was now in fact completely dominated by black clientele. You could also cut through the haze of marihuana with a knife. As I began to make my way to the bar a number of heads began to turn in my direction. Slowly and almost unbelievably the whole room began to sink into an extremely ominous silence. Not even getting close to the bar, I definitely had no choice but to turn towards one of the handy side doors and leave as quickly and carefully as I could. Not exactly the wonderful diversity the media keeps trying to brainwash us with was it? Nothing’s changed; it’s actually got worse. And a few of the readers have the audacity to call this ol boy a racist? Give me a break. Keep

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WRITE OUR VIEW

THE hysteria on social media following the allegations that an unnamed BBC presenter had behaved improperly with a person apparently aged 17 saw the worst of some people reflected in their posts.

Immediately, there were a flood of ‘suggestions’ of who that person could be and suddenly BBC presenters including Ryland, Jeremy Vine, Nicky Campbell and Graham Norton were being wrongly ‘named and shamed’ by ignorant members of the public. The word ignorant has several meanings but ill­informed and rude are probably those which are closest to the truth about those naming names

They were ignorant for two reasons, firstly because they were simply speculating and had no knowledge and secondly because they don’t understand the fact they lay themselves open to civil lawsuits whereby they could end up bankrupt.

Once something is published (and this is true for social media and websites as well as in the press), any wrong and malicious statement could be argued in a court of law to be either libel or defamatory.

As the world changes, so more celebrities are turning to the law to sue those maligning them and some large sums have been won by those taking such action.

We at Euro Weekly News made sure that we didn’t join the ‘feeding frenzy’ and didn’t suggest any names until the wife of Huw Edwards confirmed it was him.

This is clearly responsible reporting and we ensure that any comments on our website are checked by a human being before being posted to ensure that no libel, profanity or even hurtful statement appears.

Be careful what comments you put on Facebook or similar, because it’s now open war against the trolls.

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

Yoghurt : Sunburn soother

SUNBURN can be painful, but live yoghurt offers a soothing solution. Its cooling effect provides immediate relief, while its probiotics help repair damaged skin. The lactic acid in yoghurt also gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and promoting healing. Plus, its natural antibacterial properties can prevent infection. To use, simply apply a layer of live yoghurt to the affected area, leave for 10 ­ 15 minutes, then rinse. Always remember to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But if you do get burned, reach for the live yoghurt ­ it’s a natural, ef fective remedy. So next time you’re feeling the burn, remember this dairy wonder!

Natural hair solutions

EMBRACE the power of nature with non ­ chemical hair dyes. Derived from natural ingredients like henna, beetroot, and black tea, these dyes offer a safer alternative to traditional hair colouring methods. They’re free from harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of dam ­

Yoghurt gives cooling relief.

Easing pain naturally

BACK and neck pain can be debilitating, but relief is within reach. Regular exercise, particularly stretching and strength training, can help alleviate discomfort and improve flexibility.

Good posture, both when sitting and standing, is crucial to prevent strain. Ergonomic furniture can support proper alignment, especially for those working long hours at a desk.

Heat therapy, such as warm baths or heat packs, can soothe stiff, aching muscles. Regular breaks to move and stretch during the day can also prevent tension build­up.

Henna is a natural dye.

age and allergic reactions. Plus, they nourish your hair, enhancing its health and shine. With a variety of colours available, you can achieve your desired look without compromising your hair’s health. It’s time to say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to natural beauty with nonchemical hair dyes

Remember, it’s important to seek professional advice if pain persists. Don’t let pain hold you back ­ take steps towards relief today! Embrace these strategies for a painfree life and enjoy the freedom that comes with improved health.

NECK PAIN: Good posture is crucial to prevent strain.

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Turtles nesting in record numbers on Spanish coast

ACCORDING to researchers, climate change has seen record numbers of turtles nesting in Spain and Italy, what was once a rare oc currence is now becoming more common.

The sea turtle’s habits are changing be cause of the warming of Mediterranean wa ters. At least 15 sea turtle nests have been de tected in recent weeks on beaches along the Spanish coast, with two cases in Mallorca, ac cording to a news outlet on Tuesday, July 11.

Italy too has seen a huge increase with around 100 or so nests, laid in Italy, which is a record number of nest sites on the coasts of the western Mediterranean in a single season.

The details have been confirmed by various experts from the universities of Vic, Barcelona and the Polytechnic of Valencia, which, with the collaboration of the University of Valencia and the Doñana Biological Station, has begun work on the InGeNi­Caretta project. A project which has been financed by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the European Union.

According to biologists, climate change is modifying the nesting area of the loggerhead turtle (scientific name: Caretta caretta) and has taken it to regions where it had not nested before, which poses new challenges for biodiversity manage­

ment in these territories.

This emerging colonisation is occurring in areas popularised with humans, as is the case on the Spanish coast, another reason why appropriate management is needed if the turtles are to succeed.

The first sea turtle nest detected this season in Spain appeared at the beginning of June on Can Pere Toni beach in Palma, Mallorca. It was soon followed by more nests detected on beaches in Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia and Andalucia.

Scientists hope that the results of the InGeNiCaretta project will make it possible to improve conservation measures for the species, particularly with regard to nesting activity on the Spanish Mediterranean coasts.

SEA TURTLE: Its habits are changing.

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

IN the days when a gay was known as a ‘poof’ (or a ‘Nancyboy’) and a psychiatric institution as the ‘looney­bin’ (or the ‘nuthouse’), there was not much political correctness. There would seem to have been little respect for those of us categorised as ‘different’ from the majority.

Minorities of all persuasions suffered abuse and were the subject of jokes, many of them in bad taste ­ and often cruel. The problem was that to most of us they (the jokes) were funny. And so they remained part of our culture.

We joked harmlessly about women drivers, mothers­in­law, fat people and toffs, but less innocently about black people, Jews, gays and those with physical or mental disabilities. Regrettably, beyond the jokes there was an element who really hated or despised these minorities ­ or anyone who was ‘different’.

IN DAYS OF OLD

The attitude to those with an intellectual disability or mental health issues (formerly ‘crackpots’) has advanced over the centuries. In the middle ages they were often caged and displayed in public if their antics were considered suitable for ‘entertainment’. Otherwise they might be confined, abused or even quietly exterminated.

By the 19th century supervised asylums were introduced, many of them with padded cells, which

quickly became overcrowded. There was little attempt to understand the cause of the condition or propose any kind of treatment.

Nowadays, things are very different. Various forms of psychotherapy and medication are available and administered in accordance with the needs of the patient who, in a majority of cases, is cared for and respected.

The more refined word for the ‘loo’ was the ‘lavatory’, rarely

used now. Amusing but inaccurate alternatives were the ‘bog’ or the ‘thunderbox’. Today’s ‘bathroom’ is equally inaccurate unless the loo is accompanied by a bathor, at least, a shower. It is a ‘restroom’ only if it contains a bed or a sofa.

Such euphemisms suggest embarrassment at the most natural of bodily rituals. I overheard this gem at a party in 1956: “I’m gaying to powder my nose.” “Well, make sure you pull the chain.”

In less conscientious times, an attractive woman was known, among dozens of other appreciative (but unwanted) labels, as a ‘nice bit of fluff’. If she were also ‘adventurous’, she would be known as a ‘floozie’. Not so bad, when you consider that nowadays the derogatory term of ‘airhead’ seems to be acceptable. There were also colourful words for parts of the body, bodily functions and sexual activity, most of them amusing but some of them crude. Many of these have become as obsolete as the first Motorola phones. Less offensive terms included ‘poker’, ‘honeypot’, ‘golden gate’ and ‘shafting’.

Political correctness does pave the way to enlightened tolerance. We are all connected and should understand each other. It’s unfortunate that PC has gone so far over the top it is mocked. Unless illegal it is rarely taken seriously.

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

Ten safest beaches in Spain

John Ensor

BEACH tragedies often make the news, but it begs the question where are the safest ones? Here’s a list of places where a young family with children should head to, rather than a list of places to avoid, according to a news source on Monday, July 10.

Nutriben, a company which specialises in infant nutrition and health, has selected the 10 best beaches in Spain to go to with children so that ‘they can play in the sand, swim in shallow water and enjoy fun activities near the water.’

• Playa de Misericordia, Malaga

Children’s playgrounds, open­air cinema in the evenings and a calm sea make this beach perfect for family holidays.

• Playa Fluvial de A Calzada, Galicia

With a blue flag distinction, it has an area for adults separated from the children's area, as well as one for pets.

• Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa, Cádiz

Its large size means that there are no crowds and its sand dunes make it the ideal place for children to climb and play in the sand.

• Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Another beach with dunes, a suitable space for children to play and avoid crowds.

• Playa Norte, Peñíscola, Castellón

This beach has also been awarded the blue flag every year, an indicator of its safety.

• Playa de Comillas, Cantabria

A blue flag beach, is considered one of the best beaches on the coast of Cantabria.

• Playa de Alcudia, Mallorca

Its waters are shallow and it is spacious, so it is the largest beach in the Balearics.

• Playa de Cambrils, Tarragona

This beach as a Family Tourism Destination, giving it a seal of quality thanks to its calm, shallow waters.

• Playa Poo, Llanes, Asturias

This beach has no waves. It also has all kinds of safety services, such as parking, security, showers and a health centre.

• La Concha Beach, Oropesa del Mar, Castellón

This urban beach has calm waves and shallow waters, as well as a warm temperature.

Sun, sea, sand & civil war

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

IT has sun, sea and a wealth of historical remains. It is also fighting wars on multiple fronts, with regime opponents regularly be ing rounded up for torture and imprisonment — but that hasn’t deterred the first wave of tourists to book holidays in Syria since the pandemic.

The authorities in Damascus have begun issuing tourist visas again, which were in theory available throughout the decadelong civil war but were stopped during the pandemic.

Travel companies across Europe have organised tours emphasising the country’s cultural heritage, while also stressing that they’re not conventional package holidays. “Syria has endured a

turbulent few years with most of the country ravaged by civil war,” one UK­based company specialising in tours to “difficult” countries, disingenuously admits on its website brochure.

Nonetheless, the tour operator’s taking participants (paying £1,500+ for the week’s visit) to Damascus, the second city Aleppo, recently divided between government and rebel forces, and the classical site of Palmyra, once occupied by Islamic State. The first tours were at the time of writing all fully booked, although “the Foreign Office advises against all travel to Syria,” according to its official guidance.

So where will you be spending the Summer? I’d rather stay here in Spain…

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.

David Worboys’s opinions are his own

We used to joke about women drivers and fat people but that was in a less sensitive and less enlightened age.

Photo credits: David Worboys and TheConversation.com

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

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

a freelance journalist.

Playa de Misericordia in Malaga.

creditplaya de la Misericordia/Facebook

Property of the week

The amazing Casa Oasis

A HUGE, stunning, approx 490m2,off grid, fully furnished, recently decorated, 12 bedroom, seven bathroom Country House set up to be a B&B / self catering business with approx 20,000m2 of flat land (9.500m2 fenced) with solar power, 10m x 5m swimming pool, pool side bar, kitchen and restaurant, sports and leisure facilities, central heating throughout etc. Six minutes drive to the small town of Almendricos with shops, restaurants, banks, doctors, chemist, train station and weekly market.

Pulpi and Puerto Lumbreras towns are 15 to 20 minutes away, 30 minutes drive to Huercal­Overa and Lorca and 30 minutes drive to the coast at San Juan de Los Terreros and Aguilas.

Casa Oasis is a stunningly renovated property throughout with plenty of character and quality fixtures and fittings and double glazed windows. It would make a great business opportunity or huge family house with country and hillside views. Currently it is not being run as a business but could easily start again. Your solicitor would help with licences etc.

The property is being sold fully furnished with quality furniture, fixtures, fittings and equipment less personal items.

There is approx 20,000m2 of flat land, 9,500m2 of this is fenced and is where the house,10m x 5m swimming pool, pool side bar, large terrace area, large dining room (seating for 20 people) with fully equiped kitchen. There is also a beach volleyball court, petanque court, the beginnings of a crazy golf course, underground wine cellar, shaded

parking and landscaped gardens. The rest of the land is currently rented to the local farmer to grow lettuce etc.

Water is via a water tanker which fills the large 50,000 litre water tank. Electricity is via a super efficient solar power system with numerous solar panels, equipment, batteries and back up generator making you very self sufficient. Water is heated by solar panels.

The house is split into various adjoining sections to give you very flexible accommodation

Ref. VH2119

€469,000 euros

depending on you and your guests’ requirements and by locking certain internal doors will enable you to decide how much accommodation you want and the rest for your guests. There is more information on our website.

Voss Homes is a British family­run business with offices in the thriving, market town of Huercal­Overa and La Alfoquia village (Zurgena). We focus on selling properties around the Huercal­Overa, Zurgena, La Alfoquia, Taberno and Puerto Lumbreras area.

For more information or to arrange a viewing of VH2119 please call Voss Homes on

COUNTRY HOUSE: Ideal for a bed and breakfast or self catering business with its own swimming pool and leisure facilities.

Resolving queries about home insurance

Q. IS Home Insurance obligatory in Spain?

A. No, it is not obligatory, but it is certainly highly recommended. Nowadays, very few properties are without home insurance. However, every customer’s needs are different. This is why Liberty Seguros has created additional coverages to allow customers to tailor­make their home policy, from the most basic cover to a wide range of additional guaranties and services to make sure that you only pay for what you really need.

Q. Does Liberty Seguros Home Policy include Public Liability cover for me and my family?

A. Yes, as long as the property contents are insured in the home policy. The policy Includes a standard cover that can be extended up to €1,000.

Q. Does Liberty Seguros Home Insurance cover Tenant Vandalism?

A. Yes, you can add an optional cover: ‘act of vandalism

by tenants’ guarantee, with up to €3,000 cover, which will allow you to forget about any

hassle and get a profitable rental income.

Q. Are my garden and its contents covered by my home insurance?

A. Yes, Liberty Home Insurance has a specific standard cover for garden and terrace furniture, that can be extended up to €12,000. Our policy also includes a garden reconstruction guaranty, including replanting of trees.

Q. What should I consider to calculate my home policy contents amount?

A. This will always depend on the size of the property, the property use, number of people living at the property, etc, but please make sure that you consider, at least, the following: Kitchen furniture and appliances, furniture and soft­furnishings for every room, clothes and personal belong ­

ings. Do not forget that jewellery and valuable objects are considered part of the contents cover, but you will need to consider the value of each item.

Q. What should I do in case of a home insurance claim?

A. Please make sure that you and any other person at home is safe and can move to a safe place. Then, take steps to minimise any damage and contact your Home Insurance Assistance Department to report the claim (Liberty’s 24/7 home assistance phone number is 900 556 000).

Make sure that you provide your insurance policy number and details of the claim; and inform about what, when and how it happened.

Please be aware that claims should usually be reported no later than seven days after the claim date.

THE property has three bedrooms and two bathrooms with plenty of outdoor space. It is set on a beautiful plot of 216m2, which has been meticulously decorated with flowers and plants, creating a peaceful and welcoming environment.

On entering we have a lovely terrace with glass doors from the living room, a parking area, followed by another garden area at the back of the house. Inside the house on the ground floor, you will find a spacious living room with access to the terrace, a fully equipped independent kitchen with access to the garden and laundry area, a storage area, a bathroom, and a double bedroom. On the first floor we have one complete bathroom and two bedrooms; one single and one double bedroom with a terrace.

There is another large south ­

In response LETTERS

I refer to Tony North’s letter. My apologies; it was an editing slip on my part.

I missed out the word WESTERN (Europe). None of the countries listed by Tony North is in Western Europe (apart from the UK).

I agree it is misleading, so thanks for bringing this to my attention. My apologies to you and all the other readers for this. However, you may have noticed that my name was misspelt it is Worboys, not Worboy.

David Worboys

In favour

Morning Leapy,

I have just read your latest piece and particularly like the bit about the idea of having separate areas in London for blacks and whites.

I personally think that is a great idea and would be all in favour of it being put into place, as it could be the way to solving a lot of problems.

I seem to remember that many years ago this did actually happen in a country somewhere, and as far as I know it worked perfectly well. Not sure if it still is in operation or not.

I think in that country it was the whites that put it in place, but I get from the sound of it its the blacks who are wanting to put it in place in London.

Anyway look forward to reading more next week.

Jacob

Passenger habits

I used to fly from Frankfurt to Malaga in the 70s.

Often there was a round of applause on touchdown.

I assumed that, rather than relief at survival, it was celebration of deliverance into the sunshine.

David Worboys

Traffic cops

You lose points from your driving licence in Spain as a penalty, you only gain them for experience and training (if you commit certain offences you can take a specific driving course and win some lost points back). A new driver starts with eight points, which, if they don’t commit any offences, goes up to 12 as you pass the three year mark. Then, if you continue without any infractions for three more years, you gain another two points = 15, which is the most you can hold.

Concha

Confusing signs

Yes, agreed for those junctions where there is a sign, a line, and the white wording on the road. But when turning left from a main road, often via a slip lane… yes a line in the road…

...yes a stop wording in the road, but no stop sign, on the (absent) post, arguably needed to authenticate the legal requirement.

So many of these particular turnings, cause confusion, rights of way inconsistencies and so many drivers just not stopping at all. So, come on... what IS the legal requirement ?

Beiderbeck

Chelsea move

Bravo Aaron, you are the first honest British writer who is telling the truth about our Moroccan star Ziyech, and I quote “his confidence has taken a beaten since joining Chelsea being shunned by several managers over the years.”

Too many British newspapers are blaming Ziyech. While it’s the favouritism that’s taking place in Chelsea and football generally. I would advise any Moroccan football star to stay away from English football.

Destroyed Boufal, Chamakh before and Ziyech now … what a trap.

Mourad Oumouh

Hot wind

Last night here in Sax, Alicante, we had a gale for about an hour. I managed to record a wind temperature of 38.6ºC. No damage here but it did do some damage nearer Alicante. I can’t remember feeling that hot a wind before.

Mike Curtis

Bull runs

I totally agree. I can’t sleep during these festivals as I’m so worried about the mistreatment of the bulls.

I wish to join a group to help stop these.

Catherine Kerr

The truth

Hi Lee

I’ve just read your piece headlined ‘British Media’ and was shocked to read it, because I’ve at last found someone who’s got the balls to spell out the truth with what’s going on in the UK.

I used to love England but we have been betrayed by politicians who have lied to us along with the MSM and have decided to come and live in Spain where we feel safer and just wished I had done it earlier because the country is quickly going downhill and anarchy is just round the corner.

Thank you for spreading the truth with what’s going on because there’s not many out there that are willing to do that and it’s really sad to see that the UK’s now fallen.

Regards ,

Andy Walsh

PETS

A house-sitter relaxes your pet

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 house

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

Therapeutic companions

Caring

How does it work?

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

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave ­Dog and cat owner, Malaga How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

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

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

TRAVELLING with pets

through Spain has become smoother and simpler, as the nation evolves its regulations and facilities to accommodate animal passengers.

Taking your pet on a road trip through Spain? Not a problem. More and more roadside hotels are now pet­friendly. Taking a flight? Airlines are upping their pet ­ friendly game too. Ferries are joining in, with many now providing specific cabins for families travelling with pets. Before you start packing those doggie bags, remember that Spain, as a part of the EU, mandates a pet passport for each

DID you know your lovable fur­ball at home could double up as a healer? Yes, our four­legged friends are making headlines, not just for their Instagram­worthy antics, but also for their powerful therapeutic abilities.

Just imagine, you’ve had a tough day, and when you get home, there’s that wagging tail and those trusting eyes. Right away, it feels like your burdens lighten a little.

Research shows that hanging out with pets can lessen anxiety, lower blood pressure, and can even help us bounce back from surgery faster. Many schools and hospitals are catching onto this. They’ve been inviting volunteers with their pets for ‘pet therapy’. These pets aren’t your regular housetrained sweethearts. They’ve gone through special training to be patient, friendly and comforting in various settings. Max is a therapy dog

Pet passport

travelling pet. This passport verifies that your pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, ensuring your dog’s smooth entry and exit. One traveller and pet owner, shared her experience,

“Taking my lab, Molly, along on our family holiday was a

breeze. From rest stops to accommodations, Spain has truly become a pet­inclusive nation.” Local transport services aren’t far behind.

Many public buses and trains now allow small pets in carriers, and some even allow leashed dogs during off ­ peak hours. Travelling through Spain with your pets no longer means compromise or hassle. It’s about sharing the joys of discovery, culture, and cuisine with your loyal companion.

THERAPY

Can be great for your mental health.

who works in a hospital. Every Thursday, he’s there in the paediatric ward, working his magic. His handler, Lisa Taylor, said, “It’s nothing short of incredible. Kids just light up when they see Max, and the ripple of that joy spreads to parents and staff. The whole place feels differ­

ent.” The very presence of these furry companions sparks social connections, which is great for mental health. So next time you’re scrolling through pet videos online, remember they are more than just cute; they could be your next therapy session.

DOGS:

for pets in their own home means they are more relaxed.

A pet passport is essential for travelling.

AIR CONDITIONING

CHURCHES

BUILDERS

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

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at www.alme ria-anglican.com. Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email zurgena rblchairman@gmail.com(253989)

DRAINAGE

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

LANGUAGE CLASSES

PLUMBERS

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

MISCELLANEOUS

PROP FOR RENT WANTED

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

BUY & SELL CARAVANS

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

CARS FOR SALE

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

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

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

MOTORING

FOR SALE

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

BEDS

- Why not make this year the year you volunteer? Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyh hvisits@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishlegion.org.uk/ counties/spain-north ZURGENA Branch meeting on

ELECTRICAL

ABBOTT ELECTRICS

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

ESTATE AGENT

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

FOR SALE

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

INSURANCE

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

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

OTHERS

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

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

SOLAR ENERGY

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

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PETS

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €7.75, medium dogs €8.50, big dogs €9.25, cats from €7.00 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotelturre@gmail. com fivebonehotel.com (303395)

Ifyoucanreadit,socanyourclients. Contactusandhaveyourbusiness growat+34951386161

Peugeot turns 40

THE iconic Peugeot 205, a symbol of French automotive design, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023. Launched in 1983, the 205 quickly became a beloved model, marking a turning point in Peugeot’s history.

The 205 was a gamechanger for Peugeot, helping the company regain its footing during a difficult financial period. Its compact design, fuel efficiency, and affordability made it a hit among consumers, particularly in Europe.

The model’s popularity was further boosted by the introduction of the 205 GTI, a highperformance variant, which became a legend in its own right. The GTI, with its nimble handling and powerful engine, quickly earned a reputation as one of the best hot hatches of its era.

The 205’s design, led by Gerard Welter, was revolutionary at the time. Its clean lines, distinctive front grille, and compact dimensions set

it apart from competitors. The car’s design has aged well, and it is now considered a classic. The 205’s impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It set a new standard for compact cars and played a crucial role in establishing Peugeot as a global automotive player.

As the Peugeot 205 turns 40, it remains a symbol of

French automotive excellence. Its legacy continues to influence Peugeot’s current lineup, with the company’s commitment to design and performance echoing the spirit of the 205. The Peugeot 205’s 40th anniversary is a reminder of the enduring power of good design and the importance of innovation in the automotive industry.

ICONIC DESIGN: The Peugeot 205 was a turning point.

McIlroy wins Scottish Open

RORY MCILROY won the Genesis Scottish Open played at Gullane Golf Club on Sunday, July 16, to notch his first­ever victory in Scotland.

A stunning sequence of play on the two final holes saw the Northern Irishman steal an incredible victory out of the hands of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.

The 26­year­old Scot went into the par­3 17th hole on his home major one shot ahead of his opponent. However, McIlroy suddenly produced a shot of near perfection to leave his ball just four feet from the pin. His resulting putt left the two players tied as they headed into the final hole.

With what he later called his best shot of the year, the man from County Down landed another shot only 10 feet from the pin with his 2iron. The resulting par saw him finish with a round of 68 and 2­under, to wrap up a stunning win.

Scotland’s notorious weather had not helped either player as they made their way around the course located on the Firth of Forth with the 20 mph wind blowing relentlessly.

MacIntyre appeared to be heading for a first PGA Tour win and a famous victory on home soil. Instead, it was 34­year­old McIlroy who finished the back nine in 31 to claim his first major tournament win since the Dubai Desert Classic in January. His timing could not be better with the final major of the season beckon­

Aston Villa sign Torres

VILLARREAL centre­back Pau Torres has completed a move to Aston Villa.

The Spanish international will link up with his former La Liga manager Unai Emery at Villa Park. Fabrizio Romano, the respected football transfer expert once again had his finger on the pulse.

He tweeted: ‘Official, confirmed. Pau Torres joins Aston Villa on permanent deal from Villarreal for €32.5m fee plus €5m add ons. #AVFC Sealed and completed’. The Premier League club announced the new arrival: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Spanish international Pau Torres from Villarreal!”

Villa’s 26­year­old signing took to Twitter on Thursday, July 13, writing: “First day @avfcofficial Villans, I’m here! Thrilled to begin this exciting new chapter #UTV.”

Torres had been with Villarreal since signing as a youth. He made his full La Liga debut on November 26, 2017, in a 2­3 home defeat at the Estadio de la Cerámica by Sevilla.

Ten days later, he found himself playing in a European competition for the first time in a UEFA Europa League group match with Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv. Once again he found himself on the wrong end of a 0­1 scoreline at home.

Things didn’t go so well for Torres at the beginning and on August 6, 2018, he was loaned out to Malaga CF in Spain’s Segunda Division for 12 months. He helped the Costa del Sol side to the promotion playoff places before rejoining his parent club.

ing as he tries to end nine years without a win in any of the majors.

The players will be battling for the famous claret jug at the 151st British Open when it kicks off today, Thursday July 20 at Royal Liverpool for the first time since 2014. McIlroy was victorious at Hoylake on that occasion.

This time around Torres quickly solidified his place in the Villarreal first­team and never missed one match all season in 2019.

The La Liga side reached the final of the Europa League on May 26, 2023, where they eventually beat Manchester United on penalties, with Torres at the heart of Villarreal’s defence.

On October 4, 2019, Roberto Moreno called Torres up to the men’s UEFA Euro 2020 national squad. The team was preparing for qualifiers against Norway and Sweden. However, he didn’t see any action until November 15 when he scored on his debut in a 7­0 victory over Malta.

RORY MCILROY: His first-ever victory in Scotland.

Credit: Image of golfer Rory McIlroy./Creative Commons Attribution