Costa Calida 20 – 26 July 2023 Issue 1985

Issue No. 17 (1985) 20 - 26 July 2023

COSTA CALIDA

KING VISITS

KING FELIPE VI presided over the ceremony for the delivery of the 2023 Royal Commissions to 125 new lieutenants of the Spanish Air Force, 10 per cent of whom were women. These officers successfully completed their studies at the General Academy of the Air (AGA) in San Javier, Murcia.

The ceremony, which began at 10am with the arrival of His Majesty the King, took place in the courtyard of the General Academy of the Air in San Javier. The battalion of students, along with authorities, family members, and friends of the academy’s students, totalling nearly 1,000 guests.

In addition to King Felipe, the event was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force (JEMA), General Javier Salto, the Colonel­Director of AGA, Pascual Soria, and other military authorities. Among the civilian authorities were the acting President of the Community, Fernando López Miras, the President of the Regional Assembly, Visitación Martínez, the Govern­

TORRE PACHECO recently joined the ‘Week of the social group ONCE’, an event dedicated to raising awareness about the work and impact of the charity. The aim was to emphasise the role of individuals within the social group and showcase the remarkable work they carry out daily, transforming lives in the process.

As part of the event, the

Tourist train Águilas

THE Águilas Tourist Train offers locals and visitors alike a delightful experience along the beautiful seafront of Aguilas.

This tourist train ride offers a great way to explore the town’s seafront, showcasing stunning views of the sea. Departing from the port daily during July and August, the train runs from 8pm to 1am, departing every hour on the hour.

Throughout the tour, the train stops at various locations, and passengers can get off at any point to explore the town’s notable landmarks and attractions. With affordable ticket prices of €5 for adults and €3 for children, this is an adventure suitable for all ages. It is the perfect activity for the entire family. For more information see the Águilas Town Hall website.

ment Delegate, Francisco Jiménez, as well as the mayors of San Javier and Los Alcázares, José Miguel Luengo, and Mario Cervera, respectively. King Felipe VI, conducted a review of the

troops and afterward, the King presented the commissions to the top graduates.

The celebration included a flyover by the Eagle Patrol and a parade.

Blind Solidarity

citizens of Torre Pacheco were invited to participate in the ‘Solidarity March for the Blind’. This unique opportunity allowed participants to immerse themselves into the world of blind people, gaining insight into their daily experiences

and understanding the adaptations they make. The acting mayor of Torre Pacheco City Council, Antonio León, along with Maria Teresa Lajarín, president of the Territorial Council ONCE in the Region of Murcia, and

Immaculada Carrillo, director of the ONCE Agency in Torre Pacheco, visited information stands set up in the plaza of the town hall. They actively participated in the ‘Blind Solidarity March’ through the streets of Torre Pacheco, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with visual disabilities.

Photo credit Facebook/San Javier and Torre Pacheco Town Hall

Photo credit: Torre Pacheco town hall Facebook page

CEREMONY: King Felipe VI presides over the graduation of the Spanish Air Force.

CHARITY WORK: Torre Pacheco collaborates with ONCE.

Image: Facebook/Costa Cálida Scene

EXPLORE ÁGUILAS: Take a trip on the local tourist train.

Mazarron’s Summer Nights

THE councillor for Festivities of Mazarron, Miguel Ángel Peña, is excited to present ‘Veranos de Plaza’ in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. This vibrant summer programme will be held every Friday and Saturday at 10pm throughout July and August. The schedule includes Geisho in concert, the Festival Kids, and the mesmerising Bolero Nights by Miguel Bustos.

Moving on to August, the fun continues with Los de la Juana, the lively Cantajuegos Gelatina, and the TV Dolls taking the stage. On Saturday, August 12, brace yourself for the energetic performance by Los Caporales. Singing games, Rondalla de Mazarrón, Sikss Evenh in concert, and the enchanting Disney Dolls will also grace the Plaza. The ‘Veranos de Plaza’ is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to enjoy a summer of diverse performances.

Mark your calendars and experience the magic of music, dance, and entertainment .

Disney dancing

THE talented girls and boys of the Municipal Dance Workshop visited the Mayor’s Office accompanied by their teacher, Loli Martinez. Their purpose? To collect a special flag of San Javier, for their upcoming adventure to Paris. This group of gifted performers has been selected once again to participate in the renowned ‘Disney Performing Arts On­Stage’ programme, and their destination is the magical Disneyland Paris. The mayor, José Miguel Luengo, and the councillor for Culture, David Martínez,

warmly received the young dancers. With great pride, they presented the flag of San Javier, acknowledging the students’ exceptional talent and applauding their remarkable achievements.

Expressing their best wishes for the trip ahead, the mayor and the councillor thanked the dancers for their continued dedication. As the boys and girls eagerly set off on their journey this special

performance in Paris will undoubtedly create wonderful memories for all involved and it will showcase the extraordinary talent that resides in the small town of San Javier, Murcia.

Virgen del Carmen

THE origins of the Virgen del Carmen can be traced back to the 12th century when a group of hermits established a religious order on Mount Carmel in present­day Israel. The Virgin Mary was believed to have appeared to one of the hermits, offering her protection and blessings because of this she then became the patron saint of sailors and fishermen.

IN the quest for water conservation, innovative solutions are emerging to address the wastage associated with traditional footbaths at the beach.

One such groundbreaking idea has been implemented in the community of Puerto Escondido, located in La Manga del Mar Menor. Paulino Regadera, president of the community and the residents’ association, devised

Sandy solution

a footbath that separates sand and other waste from the water, allowing for its reuse.

Regadera, who possesses extensive experience in water­related operations, drew inspiration from Roman engineering principles to develop the system. The footbath incorporates a series of

grids on a slope, effectively collecting sand on one side and other materials on the other. The water then flows into a community irrigation tank, where it is stored until it can be reused.

Regadera’s primary objective now is to spread awareness of his invention, making it accessible for replication by anyone, particularly public administrations.

The celebration of the Virgen del Carmen takes place on July 16 each year. It is a significant event for coastal towns and fishing communities. The festivities include a procession, where a statue of the Virgin is carried through the streets and eventually taken out to sea on a boat. This symbolic act represents her role as the protector of sailors and fishermen.

During the celebration, there are also religious ceremonies, music, dances, and fireworks to honour the Virgen del Carmen. This year the acting president of the Region of Murcia joined the procession in San Pedro del Pinatar.

Image: Facebook/San Javier town hall

SPECIAL FLAG: San Javier’s Dance Workshop takes centre stage in Paris.

Electoral relief

IN a bid to combat the sweltering heat during the upcoming elections on July 23, Cartagena City Council has installed 100 fans across all electoral stations. To further alleviate discomfort, 10,000 refreshing water bottles will be distributed, ensuring a cool and hydrated voting experience for everyone.

Top sounds

LOS ALCÁZARES SOUND takes place from July 28 to 30, featuring top artists like Loquillo, and Social Security. Grab your tickets online or at three outlets: Restaurant La Tropical, La Casa de Papel, and Zone Terraza.

Ocean aware

THE captivating ‘Water of the Centuries’ exhibition by Franco­Venezuelan artist Carmen Ríos­Seidel showcases recovered materials symbolising sea pollution. Visit the Lucernario exhibition room at Hotel Ibersol Atrio del Mar in Los Alcázares until July 30.

Rugby camp

THE inaugural Campus Rugby concluded successfully, uniting 30 children from across the region. Hosted by the University Rugby Club of the Region of Murcia, the event aimed to foster a love for the sport.

Tennis triumph

TENNIS player Kike Siscar from Torre Pacheco won the 75th Wheelchair International Open held in Portugal. He was also runner­up in the doubles. This win takes his total to three titles (two singles and one double).

Town reception

MURCIA’S mayor, José Ballesta, is planning a reception for Carlos Alcaraz after his Wimbledon victory. The plan is for Alcaraz to show off his trophy from the balcony of the town hall to Murcia’s residents, particularly the young tennis players who look up to him.

European Youth Exchange

Catherine McGeer

THE Puerto de Mazarrón recently hosted an Erasmus+ programme exchange called ‘Last Call to Know the Earth’, bringing together around 40 young Europeans.

Led by Silvia García, the Youth Department collaborated with the CEIBA Association to organise activities and arrange accommodations at Colegio Siglo XXI. The exchange aimed to encourage intercultural dialogue and address societal challenges, particularly climate change.

Participants from Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, and Spain formed working groups

Life-saving officers

THREE Guardia Civil officers are being praised for saving the life of José García Férez, a philosophy teacher in Cieza.

José slipped and fell down the stairs catapulting him onto the street and leaving him severely injured. Bleeding profusely and nearly unconscious, José’s life hung in the balance until a patrol car happened to pass by.

The officers ­ Fran, Carlos, and Salva ­ immediately rushed to his aid. Fran held José and applied first aid until medical professionals

arrived. José believes Fran’s quick action prevented him from losing his life. He was taken to the hospital, where he received treatment for multiple injuries, including head wounds requiring staples and stitches, facial contusions, and a collapsed nasal septum.

José expressed gratitude to the doctors at the Emergency Department of the Hospital de la Vega Lorenzo Guirao de Cieza and his family. This incident highlights the bravery and selflessness of law enforcement personnel.

to propose innovative solutions. Alongside their discussions, they enjoyed tourist outings, Latin

YOUR EWN HAS

dance workshops, kayaking, and beach activities.

Silvia García, the councillor for Youth, visited the group, urging their continued participation and highlighting their role in shaping the future. The exchange showcased the power of collaboration and the youth’s ability to contribute to a brighter tomorrow through their ideas and actions.

It was a rewarding experience that fostered cross ­ cultural connections and inspired innovative approaches to societal issues.

Group-friendly

SOME representatives from InterRías, a leading Spanish group tour company, explored Murcia on a trip arranged by the Institute of Tourism. The aim was to showcase Murcia’s key attractions for group tourism.

The itinerary included cultural, gastronomic, natural, and beach activities, attracting almost 20 specialised agents.

The participants visited Bullas for wine tourism, experiencing a traditional winery and wine tasting. In Cartagena, they enjoyed boat and tourist bus rides, visiting land ­

Street Salsa

THE Department of Festivities, led by Miguel Angel Peña, is bringing the vibrant rhythms of salsa to the Marina of Mazarrón on Saturday, July 22, as part of their summer programme. The event, organised by the association ‘La Calle Salsa’, (Salsa Street) aims to spread the joy of Latin dance and entertainment to the community.

Admission to the event is free, with donations encouraged to support the local Animal Protection Association of Mazarrón, APROAMA.

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

THE traders’ association Acla in Los Alcázares is expressing their frustration over the closure of Avenida 13 de Octubre, which has disrupted the main route from Avenida de la Libertad to the Feria and the promenade.

The association complained about enduring two DANA storms, a pandemic, and two summers of building work.

marks such as the Punic Wall, Roman Theatre Museum, and Cabo de Palos.

The trip concluded with a trip to the beautiful Ricote Valley.

The objective is to position Murcia as a preferred group travel destination, using InterRías’ influence to increase tourist visits and promote the ‘Costa CálidaRegión de Murcia’ brand.

The region’s favourable climate, comfortable infrastructure, and diverse leisure offerings are key factors in attracting group travellers.

Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera has promised to open the road for cars and pedestrians by Monday, despite a temporary suspension of the works due to a heatwave.

Ana Cari Zapata, president of Acla, is requesting compensation for the loss of earnings and exemption from the terrace tax to alleviate the impact on businesses.

Zapata explained that the works were originally estimated to take six months but will be completed ahead of schedule, thanks to European funds.

Peña emphasised that the activity welcomes everyone to dance and participate, while also contributing to a worthy cause.

David Rivera, president of ‘La Calle Salsa’, expressed the group’s mission to bring social dancing to the streets. With their ninth visit to Mazarrón, they invite the entire community to join them on July 22 for a lively evening of dance. Be ready to salsa into the heart of summer with ‘La Calle Salsa’ in the beautiful setting of the Mazarrón Marina.

is

and we promise to always keep it that way.

INSPIRING CHANGE: Young Europeans unite in Puerto de Mazarrón.

Image: Facebook/Mazarrón town hall

Endangered lynx

TEJO, one of the Lynx released in the Lorca area, was recently captured after losing 20 per cent of its body weight. The Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre de El Valle has taken responsibility for Tejo’s care and reports that he is progressing well and gaining weight. The possibility of releasing him back into the wild will be evaluated next week.

In addition to Tejo, another lynx named Torrealvilla has gone missing in the Highlands of Lorca. Efforts are underway to locate her using a photo­trapping system. Tejo and Torrealvilla are part of a lynx reintroduction programme in the Region of Murcia, which aims to reestablish the species.

Unfortunately, one lynx has already died due to plastic ingestion, and the recent incidents have caused concern among the Yecla Land of Lynx Platform. They argue that the current region poses several challenges, such as high mammal mortality rates in private hunting areas.

THE Enrique Escudero de Castro Cartagena Municipal Archaeological Museum is offering free outdoor activities. A film series dedicated to Prehistory coincides with the exhibition ‘Ancestors: Neanderthals in the Region of Murcia’. Taking place every Wednesday from July 19 to August 30, these free screenings will be held in the garden

Los40 Playa Pop

Catherine McGeer

MORE than 12,000 music enthusiasts gathered on the shores of Mar Menor in Lo Pagán to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Los40 Playa Pop on Thursday July 13.

The event, organised by the town council of San Pedro del Pinatar in collaboration with LOS40 the renowned radio station, featured an impressive lineup of artists, including Abraham Mateo, Vicco, Nil Moliner, David Otero, and Blas Cantó from Murcia.

Free events

of the Archaeological Museum, at 9.30pm. The lineup includes captivating films like Alpha, The Croods, 10,000 BC, In Search of Fire, and Ötzi, the Iceman. For specific dates and the full programme visit the municipal website www.cartagena.es.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

As the night fell, the crowd eagerly awaited the performances of these talented musicians, who represented a mix of youthful energy and

THE patron saint fiestas of Santiago de la Ribera promise an enjoyable experience for locals and holidaymakers. The festivities showcase the town’s customs and traditions, finishing with the Summer Carnival on

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.

established voices in the pop music scene. The show, hosted by renowned radio personality Tony Aguilar, kicked off with Carlos Malva from Murcia, followed by Paula Koops, Marlena, and many more. The excitement continued with more famous faces appearing with Angy Fernán­

Venom’s impact

dez, Bombai, Zzoilo and many more each delivering electrifying performances.

After a night filled with unforgettable music, the renowned DJ Taao brought the celebration to a close. This annual event continues to draw huge crowds and music lovers.

Santiago’s fiestas

August 5. The festival began with the grand gala ‘Ribereño del año 2023’ with a spectacular fireworks display on the Barnuevo esplanade on July 15 and the programme continues into August with concerts by renowned bands, and comedy nights.

There are special activities for children, including sports, water activities, magic shows, and ‘The Drilo Gang Show’.

Additionally, the San Javier International Jazz Festival contributes to the festivities. A significant day to mark in the calendar is July 25, the Patron Saint’s Day. The day begins with a parade, followed by the traditional cucaña maritime race and a caldero lunch. The celebrations continue with a mass, procession, and a breathtaking firework display set to the tunes of ABBA.

1957

THE filming of Marvel’s blockbuster Venom in Cartagena has generated a significant economic impact, injecting around half a million euros into the local economy. The production company collaborated with the city council and various municipal departments, with the neighbourhood of Los Mateos benefiting greatly.

The company hired residents as security assistants and compensated them for any inconveniences caused during preparations and filming.

Actor Tom Hardy’s interaction with locals, including signing autographs for children, added to the excitement.

The pre ­ production team worked closely with Cartagena City Council, the Port Authority, and the Directorate General for the Environment. Filming transformed Los Mateos into a Mexican village, with additional shots taken at Calblanque’s beaches.

The mayor of Cartagena aims to establish the city as a hub for film production, with plans for a Film Office and a regional Film Commission. The city’s focus on the audiovisual industry promises economic growth, supported by a new ordinance facilitating filming and previous collaborations with Netflix and Movistar+.

Celebrating 25 years of Los40 Playa Pop in Lo Pagán.

Image: Facebook/San Pedro del Pinatar town hall

“Curiosity

The first package holiday to Spain.

ADAPT Theatre Group

ADAPT THEATRE GROUP has been dedicated to providing entertainment to the residents of San Pedro del Pinatar for the past 14 years. Throughout their journey, the group consistently presented the unique feature of being completely bilingual. This particular aspect has posed a challenge for the English­speaking majority of participants, but it has become a tremendous success among the locals.

In addition to staging 13 pantomimes in both English and Spanish, ADAPT

has ventured into sketch shows, cabaret performances, and even engagements at primary schools in San Pedro.

“Our objective is to integrate ourselves into the local community and raise funds for local charitable causes,” explained Jane Cronin, the scriptwriter, and director.

This year, the tradition continues as plans are already in motion for a new and exciting pantomime entitled ‘Ali Baba and the Four and a Half Thieves’. Producer Eric Berg jests,

“We don’t actually have 40 players to give the panto its traditional name, but even if we did, they wouldn’t all fit on the stage!” Despite the unconventional take on a familiar story, the performance is scheduled from November 30 to December 3.

For those eager to learn more about the Adapt Theatre Group, stay tuned for updates. Alternatively, you can visit their website at https://adapttheatre group.wordpress.com or contact Eric on 656 361 098.

IN preparation for the upcoming elections, the postal service, Correos, implemented several measures in the Region of Murcia to accommodate the surge in remote voting applications.

To ensure smooth operations, they extended the opening hours and they made significant efforts to accommodate the increased workload. Over 30 per cent of the workforce originally scheduled for holidays in July voluntarily changed their plans to assist in the voting process.

Correos has received a record­breaking 2,622,808 requests for postal votes,

Post-ively prepared Tie the knot

marking an 80.45 per cent increase compared to the elections in 2016.

This surge in demand prompted Correos to implement extraordinary measures, including hiring 20,240 new workers and operating offices during the weekend.

The Postal Service went above and beyond opening on Sunday, July 16 to facilitate the voting process as the deadline for remote voting approached.

The last day to vote remotely is July 20 and they announced on social media that even if a local bank holiday falls on this date they will remain open.

Rocking resurgence

IRON MAIDEN, the iconic heavy metal band hailed as one of the greatest of all time, is set to embark on an exclusive tour entitled ‘The Future Past Tour 2023,’ that stops in Murcia.

The concert, scheduled to take place at the Enrique Roca Stadium on July 20, is set to draw in a large crowd of devoted fans. Following their immensely successful ‘Legacy Of The Beast Tour’.

Iron Maiden promises an electrifying live experience, combining unreleased tracks from their latest studio album with timeless classics, all projected against the backdrop of the iconic ‘Somewhere In Time’ imagery from 1986.

THE Los Alcázares Town Council’s Department of Tourism and Beaches has made an exciting announcement for soon­to­be­wed couples. Three of the municipality’s beautiful beaches along the Mar Menor will now be available as wedding venues. With nature’s stunning backdrop and the gentle breeze, these beaches offer an idyllic setting to say ‘I do’. The weddings can take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, except for July and August, and must adhere to a maximum duration of three hours and an area of 80 square metres.

To preserve the environment, the use of fireworks, etc, and traditional elements like rice or confetti are prohibited. In conjunction with this initiative, the ‘Los Alcázares, Mar de Bodas’ campaign has been launched, offering the first three couples an unforgettable experience in Los Alcázares valued at €500.

The campaign includes romantic activities like candlelight evenings, sunsets, and endless nights. To assist with wedding planning, the municipality offers a range of services, including florists, party clothes shops, hairdressers, make­up artists, copy shops, and jewellers.

Band founder Steve Harris expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s been a long wait! 2023 promises to be an exciting year. We really enjoyed our last visit to Barcelona, so it will be great to come back again. So will Bilbao, where we haven’t played since 2014 and Murcia, which we last visited in 2005!”

To ensure smooth transportation for attendees, Murcia Council will provide additional trams between 5pm and 12.30am.

ENTERTAINING: Cast of ADAPT Theatre Group’s last panto, Pinocchio.

Photo credit: Adapt Theatre Group Gill Brown

LA CANGREJA, the renowned beachside restaurant located on Galúa Beach in La Manga, has once again secured a spot on Tapas magazine’s prestigious list of the 25 best beach bars in Spain. This is the third consecutive year that the establishment, led by chef José Miguel Cremades, has achieved this honour

The magazine recognises the restaurant’s commitment to promoting year­round tourism, even beyond the summer season, thanks to the mild temperatures of La Manga. Among the standout dishes recommended by Tapas are the seafood tapa, the empanadilla preñá, and the summer black pudding croquette.

La Cangreja, co­owned by Ángel Sánchez de Val Ro ­

Best beach bar

dríguez, is a well­established brand along the region’s coastline. They have three more beach bars located in Cabo de Palos, La Azohía, and San Juan de los Terreros, where they recently opened

MARCO POLO, the debut film by director Pablo Riesgo, will be released on September 1. Shot in La Manga del Mar Menor, the movie pays homage to Riesgo’s childhood summers in the region.

Starring actor Omar Banana, known for his roles in popular TV shows, the film aims to showcase La Manga and raise awareness about its preservation. While not autobiographical, Marco Polo is a personal and universal story dealing with addiction, depression, and overcoming grief.

Many recognisable locations in La Manga, such

their latest restaurant. They thanked all of their loyal customers on their social media pages for supporting them over the years and in doing so helping them to achieve this prestigious award yet again.

Marco Polo

as beaches, lighthouses, and residential areas, are featured in the film. Riesgo expresses gratitude to the locals who supported the production. Despite a small budget, the director is optimistic about the film’s future and hopes to personally thank the region’s supporters. Marco Polo promises to connect with audiences, whether familiar with La Manga or not, through its universal themes and authentic representation of the region.

Beachside bliss at La Cangreja beach bar in La Manga.

Image: Facebook/La Cangreja

Rumours of Juan Carlos’ return

RUMOURS of former King Juan Carlos I’s definitive return to Spain if Núñez Feijóo wins the elections sparked controversy, despite denials from his entourage.

The former king, Juan Carlos I, is planning to return to Spain at the end of July to participate in regattas in Sanxenxo, Galicia.

The king has made a few trips this year to Spain, after living in self­imposed exile after damaging financial allegations over tax fraud and questionable business deals with Saudi Arabia came into the public eye. He currently resides in Abu Dhabi.

No stranger to controversy, he has had a contentious reputation, and despite being credited with leading Spain through its transition to democracy post­Francisco Franco in 1975, Juan Carlos later abdicated in 2014 in favour of his son, Felipe, due to a damaged legacy and multiple controversies surrounding financial dealings. In March 2020, his son and King stripped him of his annual stipend and renounced his own personal inheritance from Juan Carlos to prevent reputational damage after reports that he was due to receive millions of euros from a secret offshore fund with connections to Saudi Arabia.

In April 2023, he visited Spain for the sec­

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.

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

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

ond time since his exile and spent some time in Sanxenxo with friend and fellow regatta competitor, Pedro Campos. His visit to Spain at the end of July will also coincide with the Copa del Rey Mapfre, held from July 29 to August 5 in the Bay of Palma. However, according to a Spanish newspaper, the king was rumoured to have indicated his intention to return to Spain permanently, but only if Núñez Feijóo wins the elections on July 23. This rumour, as the elections draw near, has caused a flurry in the press.

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,

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 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

FORMER KING: Planning to return to Spain.

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.

Playa de Misericordia in Malaga.

creditplaya de la Misericordia/Facebook

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.

Temu conspiracy

MANY people enjoy a conspiracy theory and the latest concerns brash newcomer, the online company Temu which is giving Amazon a run for its money.

Arriving in America as if from nowhere less than a year ago, Temu (stands for Team Up Price Down) is undoubtedly very cheap and has attracted a huge number of customers who can’t afford brand names.

This company which is a subsidiary of a Chinese based organisation which offers a very similar service in China basically sells cheaply produced Chinese products at incredibly low prices.

Indeed, many people pay nothing for their goods as they can receive significant discounts on the already low prices by introducing friends and family.

Temu is now advertis ­

ing heavily in Spain but if the American experience is anything to go by, whilst it may attract many customers initially, poor quality of product and/or service could see it suffer quite quickly.

This is all fact, but the conspiracy theory considers that it is just a front to obtain information about individuals around the world and then feed it all back to the Communist Chinese Authorities.

In addition, because it appears that most of the revenue earned by Temu

is from selling information to third parties, by signing up, especially if using the mobile App, consumers are effectively providing access to a huge amount of their personal information.

Taken a step further, if companies such as Amazon have to cut their prices in order to compete with Temu, then they in turn will demand reductions in price from suppliers and also potentially either cut the workforce or drive wages down.

SEA TURTLE: Its habits are changing.

Credit: Screenshot Temu advert

NEWCOMER: Temu offers some unbelievable prices.

Wine worth €111,000 stolen

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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

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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.

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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.

Credit: Twitter@EmpordaW -

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

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.

People smugglers stopped

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 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 43 ­ year ­ old 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 bringing 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 being 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.”

3

MOON: Was involved in a smuggling run.

FRED SIRIEIX: “No better place for romance.”

Different police forces in Spain.

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

OTHERS 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.

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.

Resolving queries about home insurance

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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.

Every customer’s needs are different.

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.

For more information, simply call 913 422 549 or visit: quote.libertyexpatriates.es/en and ask for a quote.

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

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

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.

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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

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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.

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

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.

Pet passport

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 petfriendly 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 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.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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 DOGS:

A pet passport is essential for travelling.

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CARLOS ALCARAZ, the young tennis star from El Palmar, has etched his name in history by beating Novak Djokovic in the final of Wimbledon on Sunday, July 16. In a thrilling match that lasted four hours and 43 minutes, Alcaraz overcame the formidable Djokovic, a seven ­ time champion.

Alcaraz expressed his joy, stating, “It’s a dream come true for me. Even if I had lost today, I would have been proud of myself for making history and competing in the final against a legend of our sport.”

Alcaraz has become the third youngest player in the Open Era to win the prestigious tournament, following in the footsteps of legends like Boris Becker and Bjorn Borg.

Alcaraz’s triumph has cemented his status as one of the rising stars of tennis. He joins an elite group of professionals, including Mats Wilander, Borg, Becker, and Rafael Nadal, who have won at

King Carlos

Youthful reinforcements

REAL MURCIA has secured the necessary documentation to complete the signing of Imanol Alonso, adding yet another young talent to their roster.

Although Alonso has been training with the team under Munúa’s guidance for a few days, his official signing was pending until recently.

Javier Recio, the club’s sporting director, revealed that only one document was missing, which has now been obtained.

son, with a notable emphasis on young players. Five out of the eight acquisitions, including Hugo Sanz, Álex Rubio, Iker Piedra, and Alonso himself, are 21 years old or younger. Additionally, the club is set to officially introduce Manu García, a goalkeeper from Sevilla, who will bolster Murcia’s goalkeeping department next season.

Promising striker

least two Grand Slam titles before turning 21.

Djokovic himself recognizes Alcaraz’s immense potential, comparing him to the ‘Big Three’ of tennis and acknowledging his combination of their best qualities.

Back in El Palmar, Al ­

caraz’s hometown in Murcia, hundreds of residents gathered to witness his historic victory on two large screens. Despite the scorching temperatures, the atmosphere was electric as the community rallied behind their local hero.

In the meantime, while waiting for the paperwork to be resolved, Alonso joined his new teammates for pre ­ season training with the permission of his former club, Mallorca.

The 21­year­old midfielder hails from Madrid and most recently played for Mallorca’s reserve team in Group III of the Segunda Federación.

Alonso’s arrival will mark Real Murcia’s eighth signing for the upcoming sea ­

CELTA VIGO’S young talent, Lautaro de León, joins Cartagena as their fourth signing on loan until the end of the season. The 22­year­old Uruguayan striker had a breakthrough season, impressing with Celta’s reserve team as they reached the promotion playoffs. Under Giraldez’s guidance, Lautaro scored 10 goals, including a historic hat trick in the Primera Federación.

Although his goal­scoring record at Celta Vigo is modest, his mobility, technical skills, and ability to contribute to the overall game make him a valuable asset. With a new coach in Víctor Sánchez del Amo, Lautaro looks forward to making his mark in a higher­level league. Excitedly watching his future teammates play at a friendly in Pinatar Arena Football Centre, Lautaro eagerly awaits the opportunity to showcase his talents for Cartagena FC.

Aston Villa sign Torres

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

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

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.

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.

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.

CARLOS ALCARAZ: A Wimbledon champion emerges.

Image: Twitter/@wimbledon

Another young talent added to their roster.

Credit: Image

of golfer Rory McIlroy./Creative Commons Attribution