Costa Blanca South 10 – 16 August 2023 Issue 1988

OIL PRICES SKYROCKET

LOW national olive stocks have skyrocketed the prices of extra virgin olive oil, said Alicante Young Farmers Association (Asaja), on Thursday, August 3.

ASAJA Alicante explained that this year's early flowering, which predicted a good harvest, ended up being "burned" by the extreme heat, and the trees suffered a lack of rain when the crop required it. “The rise in prices on the supermarket shelf is due to the fact that production has decreased throughout the country in a general way and there is a lack of stock, however, it does not improve profitability as the prices do not have an impact on the farmer”, stated ASAJA.

ASAJA foresees that the olive production in the province of Alicante will be around 8,000 tonnes, which means that it will be low.

“The inclement weather is negatively affecting this crop, a fact that is occurring

in all the producing areas of the country. Unless we have a very rainy autumn, the organisation expects Spain to register very little harvest”, said ASAJA.

“This, together with the fact that last year's production was extremely low, means that there is no stock, and therefore the prices of olive oil are sky ­

rocketing on the supermarket shelves. They are exactly 86.4 per cent more expen­

sive than in the same period of 2022”, the organisation stated.

THE weekly analysis of Orihuela's beaches has determined that both the quality and appearance of the water is "excellent." The study is part of the periodic testing carried out by technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition. The councillor for the coast, Manuel Mestre, pointed out that "Orihuela offers quality beaches, both for residents and visitors" and that these controls "serve to guarantee optimal conditions for bathing".

The results of the analysis also indicate that the appearance of the sand on the

Sea gleam

beaches of Punta Prima, Cala Estaca, La Caleta, Aguamarina and Barranco Rubio is "good" and that of Mil Palmeras, Cala Mosca, Cala Cerrada, Cala Bosque , Cala Capitán and La Glea is “excel­

THE first loggerhead turtle nest in the south of the Alicante province, located on the Carabassí beach in Elche, will be controlled and monitored from Saturday, September 2 by volunteers and local groups of Ecologists in Action from Elche and Santa Pola.

The volunteers will guard the nest, which will be the first to hatch in the south of the province of Alicante, 24 hours a day, in morning, afternoon and night shifts, until the moment the turtles hatch.

lent”. Mestre highlighted "the work that is carried out in a coordinated manner by the different councils in order to maintain the levels of water and sand quality compared to last year."

Turtle haven

A member of the Santa Pola group, Alberto Bernabé explained that the nest had to be moved from Santa Pola to Elche on Friday, July 14, as it was not in a safe location for the viability of laying.

In June, another turtle chose the Arenales del Sol beach, also in Elche, to lay its eggs The nest was eventually moved to the Valencian beach of El Saler for protection reasons.

La Glea Beach

Credit: Orihuela City Council

NIBS EXTRA

Dogs saved

FIREFIGHTERS rescued two dogs that they found unconscious inside a house on fire in Torrevieja on Friday, August 5. After extinguishing the fire, the firefighters verified that there was nobody inside, but they found two unconscious dogs due to smoke inhalation. After oxygen therapy, both dogs recovered.

Fuel rises

PETROL and diesel prices have risen by two per cent in the last week. Petrol increased by 2.17 per cent and diesel by 2.53 per cent. Despite the hike, petrol and diesel are still three per cent cheaper than this time last year.

AP-7 busier

THE once practically deserted stretch of the AP­7 motorway on the Costa Blanca has almost doubled its amount of traffic since the toll booths were scrapped three years ago, reported the Ministry of Transport.

Full up

POLITICAL party Compromis has insisted on reinforcing the protection of Tabarca, before another summer season, in which the island becomes overcrowded. It receives 8,000 visitors a day .

Hold the front page

EURO WEEKLY NEWS is thrilled to announce that our newspaper and website will feature in a TV programme to be filmed in Benidorm.

Hold the Front Page is a programme following two of the UK’s favourite comedians, Josh Widdicombe and Nish Kumar, as they embark on a journey as trainee local journalists attempting to get a story on the front page. Now they are coming to Spain for their training.

Josh and Nick are coming to Benidorm to receive editorial tasks from managing

director Michel Euesden, who is the driving force behind Spain's biggest free English language newspaper group. They will then be accompanied on a sales drive to see what they can achieve in the world of fastpaced journalism.

Exploring some incredible regions through their local papers, the series is a warm celebration of the world of local journalism besides the people and communities the papers serve.

Being a people’s paper, Euro Weekly News is looking for a charity or commu­

nity group who would like to be featured in the programme. Please contact us to tell us about your needs.

The series is broadcast on Sky Max, a flagship channel in the UK and Ireland, and can be enjoyed on demand on Now TV too.

Series one of the Sky Original show was watched nearly two million times.

Josh and Nish also have a strong and engaged social following of their own on Instagram and Twitter, through which they promote the programme to their combined audience of

YOUR EWN HAS

1.6 million.

CPL Productions, a Red Arrow Studios company, is one of the most successful TV, radio and podcast production companies in the UK. The company creates and produces engaging, modern entertainment, factual formats and scripted television.

From primetime entertainment to comedy, drama and factual entertainment, CPL’s impressive roster of shows feature some of the UK’s best talent for broadcasters including Netflix, Sky, BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and E4.

Colourful capital Smoking ban lifted

THE balconies and arches of the town hall in Alicante are now lit up at night, as well as the plaza where it is located.

The area joins those which are already illuminated in the evenings, including the central market, the castle of Santa Bárbara and the Plaza de Los Luceros.

The city council has invested €207,000 in the renovation of the lighting in the town hall, consisting of the installation of 178 LED projectors that allow the creation of different colour sequences for days of special commemoration in the city, as is already done with the central market, Luceros and the castle. The new lighting has adjustable LED equipment, which improves energy efficiency, reinforces the light in the square to give it greater prominence, and enhances the balconies and arches of the town hall.

“The start­up of this project is a double satisfaction”, explained the mayor, Luis Barcala on Thursday, August 3, “because, on the one hand, we give continuity to the continuous improvement of energy efficiency and reduction of the electricity bill in the renewal of public lighting, and on the other, we add a place as emblematic as the Plaza to the list of buildings with ornamental lighting, while reinforcing the charm and tourist potential of the nerve centre of the city”.

THE Leisure and Hospitality Coordinator of the Valencian Community (CEOH) has expressed its satisfaction with the regional government's decision to "meet the demand of the hospitality sector" by eliminating the ban on smoking on terraces.

The Valencian Community was the only national region where the measure taken during the pandemic was maintained.

For the CEOH, the maintenance of this measure "was an unfair decision that penalised terraces" in the community compared to those of the rest ofS ­

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Gully gosh

A tweet regarding an uncomfortable moment with a seagull in Elche has gone viral. The tweet, published back in July, has suddenly spread around the world.

pain.

The Alicante Restaurant Association (ARA) shared its satisfaction of the news saying “We are not going to force terrace owners to allow smoking on them, but at least they will be able to choose".

“This puts an end to a measure that made no sense, since you could be smoking a metre away and standing up and yet it could not be done sitting at a table, and that could also affect the influx of customers to premises", said the president of the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Baño.

The surprising and peculiar event was an intimate and eternal encounter that the young woman had with the seagull, which, for five minutes, remained perched on the sand, a few centimetres away, and shared a parasol with her.

This was explained by the person responsible for the publication in the text that accompanied the snapshot, in which she said that the bird stared at her for five long minutes.

To anyone suffering from ornithophobia or still traumatised by Alfred Hitchcock's legendary film, the imposing presence of the bird would make anybody feel uncomfortable.

ALTHOUGH thermometers

in Alicante and Malaga barely show differences, as both cities have reached over 40 degrees during the successive heat waves that have hit Spain this summer, the temperature of the water that bathes their coasts varies by up to eight

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

degrees, a situation that may seem strange as both are coastal cities of the Mediterranean. However, it is nothing unusual.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

The head of climatology of the State Meteorological Agency, José Ángel Núñez Mora, indicated that the constant heat

waves have caused the average temperature of surface waters (20 miles from the coastline) in the Spanish coastal areas to be 24.6 degrees, "the highest recorded in coastal waters of Spain since at least 1940, exceeding the records of 2015 and 2022".

Therefore, the Mediterranean Sea "is at historic highs", pointed out Núñez Mora, who explained that there are great differences between some areas and others of Spain, as occurs

Sea scorcher Animal sanctuary

TORREVIEJA city council has proposed the company Urdecon as the awardee for the construction of the new animal shelter. It is a project that the local administration has

had pending for more than a decade. The infrastructure, valued at €1,424,102, will make it possible to adapt facilities that are currently very insufficient.

The councillor for the area, Concja Sala, indicated that the Urdecón firm, the same one that is carrying out renovation of the park of La Siesta, now has to complete the documentation and guarantees that the City Council has requested. From that moment, the contract can be formalised and the works can begin, with an execution period of 9 months.

The new shelter will have a plot of 3,150 square metres, with a constructed area of 1,121 square metres in an extension of its current location on Avenida de Rosa Mazón with Avenida Nenúfares, next to the new vehicle depot. The entrance will be from Avenida Rosa Mazón. It will have parking, reception facilities, an audiovisual room of almost one hundred square metres, offices, a veterinary consultation room, a room for surgical procedures, a laundry room and a changing room for the staff.

732 movie theatres in Spain

between the Balearic Sea and the Alborán, the westernmost part of the

Mediterranean Sea that bathes the coast of Malaga.

Playa Almadrava, Denia

Credit: Jo Pugh

Chain reaction

A LARGE human chain embraced and protected the beaches of the Alicante coast on Saturday, August 5. This was arranged by the Somos Mediterrania platform to protest against a coastal law that they consider

has not protected "our beaches, with their sandbanks, their biodiversity, urban areas and the assets with historical and cultural value of our municipalities".

The protest took place at 12.30pm on various

Arty success

THE International Festival of Performing Arts, Fresh, which was held from Thursday, July 20 to Sunday, July 30 at Casa Mediterraneo in Alicante, closed its third edition with a 76 per cent global occupancy in its programming, 6 per cent more than in 2022. The family arena, Frescoreta family space, had to put up signs that all seats were taken.

The Ministry of culture and sport, through the Valencian institute of culture, organised the festival, which achieved "great acceptance" from the public, said the Calencian government, in a statement on Friday, August 4.

Fresh exceeded 85 per cent occupancy in eight of the eleven sessions that the festival offered.

The festival hosted eleven dance, circus, flamenco and theatre shows.

beaches and coves in the Valencian Community and Murcia. La Albufereta was one of the main locations where the demonstration took place.

During the protest, some 200 people, according to data from the organisation, lined up, forming a human chain, to demand an update on the Coastal regulations. With a few banners from SOS Albufereta, a protest lasting half an hour was held.

32,688 the population of Gibraltar

Plastic fantastic

ELCHE has launched a campaign to reduce the use of plastics during the celebration of the August festivities. Through this initiative, 30,000 reusable cups will be distributed which will be available at different stalls dotted around the fiesta areas.

“With this campaign, we are committed to recycling, reducing the use of plastic and the commitment to other more durable containers," explained the mayor of public services, Claudio Guilabert.

The manager of the cleaning contracted company for Elche, Alberto Bleda, said the initiative was "fundamental to reduce the use of plastics and more in a time like that of parties". In addition, he asked the public for "the greatest collaboration during fiestas, so that they use the containers and bins in order to keep Elche very clean".

Patriotic pool

Musical marvels

ELCHE city council has presented the Gran Teatro programme, which will run from September to January 2024. It includes up to fifty performances. “A programme with a wide range for all tastes, and that perfectly meets the objective of increasing the number of attendees, as well as supporting local performances”, explained the councillor for Culture, Irene Ruiz, on Friday, August 4.

A SWIMMING pool in Torrevieja has gone viral on TikTok because if you see it from the sky on Google Maps it looks like a map of Spain.

A great way to escape the summer heat, apart from the best beaches in Spain, are swimming pools, whether natural or artificial. But now the one in Torrevieja has gone viral for its curious shape. TikTok user Carlos Barnes (@carlosbarnes03) was in charge of sharing this discovery, which he came across by chance while playing a game:

"Do you know what the most curious pool in Spain is?”.

It is a swimming pool located in a complex on Calle Finlandia, close to what is known as Playa de los Locos, in Torrevieja. The special thing about this pool is that it is shaped like the Iberian Peninsula, but the big thing about it is that they have even separated Portugal from Spain by building a 'border'.

Replies to his video asked why there was not a jacuzzi in the shape of the Balearics.

The season will begin with the play ‘La isla del aire’ on October 6, with the actresses Vicky Peña and Núria Espert, "this performance will be Nuria Espert's farewell as an actress, who is one of the most important in this country," added Julián Sáez, cultural programmer of the Gran Teatro.

In the theatre section, “there will also be classics like David Alonso's “La Celestina” and Romeo and Juliet” explained Ruiz.

The musical section will include eight performances, aimed at both family and

adult audiences, including the premiere in Spain for the first time of the North American show, Forever Tango.

40 years old the pound coin introduced in 1983

Irene Ruiz and Julián Sáez

The Spain shaped pool

Credit: Google Maps

Credit: Elche City Council

Sonrisas Harmony continues to expand its members even on their Summer break. Three new members join the Chorus Charlotte has joined the lead section. Charlotte is from Wales and says she loved singing at home and in the car, so wanted to give Sonrisas a try when she heard about them through a friend.

Ria joins the Baritone section having sung in several choirs in her native Holland. Ria helps at a local animal rescue centre and heard about the friendly group of ladies at

Songful señoras

Sonrisas Harmony, so she decided to give it a try.

Ria comments that it was a great decision!

Aurea lives in Cartagena, originally from Milan and has travelled widely around the world. Aurea joins the Bass section. Although with her many hobbies and interests, Aurea is sure be a brilliant asset to the fun and social side of Sonrisas Harmony.

Cultural census

THE city of Torrevieja currently has a total of 96,905 inhabitants registered in its census, according to the statistical data on population and evolution of the Municipal Register of the City Council.

51.9 per cent are of Spanish origin (50,268), while 48.1 per cent (46,637) are residents from a total of 122 countries on five continents.

The growth of registered people throughout the year stood out, a total of 5,174 since January 2023, the date on which 91,731 registered inhabitants were counted. At this rate, it is expected that by the end of this year

the figure of 100,000 registered in the city can be reached.

From the data provided, it was verified that citizens from Ukraine, with 6,939 registered, continue for the second consecutive year to be the residents with the greatest presence in the municipal census, ahead of Russia (5,540) and from the United Kingdom (4,910), who have historically been the most numerous in the town.

In just seven months, from January to July 2023, a total of 1,168 Ukrainians were registered in the city, mainly due to the Russian invasion that began in February 2022.

If you would like to join this fabulous Chorus and have a great social life with a supportive group of ladies, why don't you go along to one of the rehearsals in Los Alcazares. Open door to those interested in knowing more from the September 12.

For further information contact 672192222 inc.

WhatsApp , email: sonrisasharmony@outlook.c om, or you can check out what the members and followers say about the Chorus on their new Web page https://sonrisasharmony.es and also on Facebook www.facebook.com/p/SonrisasHarmony ­ A ­ CappellaChorus.

New Sonrisas

Images: Sonrisas Harmony

Essence of Spain

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

Lisa James from Specsavers Ópticas in Guardamar comments, “Spain is such a stunning and diverse country, with incredible natural beauty, a vibrant culture of arts, music and dance and of course incredible food. This summer we are asking keen photographers

living close to our stores to show us, through an image, what makes Spain so special to them.

We are very excited to see these fantastic images and celebrate the talented photographers on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca, where our nine stores are located. The person who takes the best picture and best explains why this is the essence of Spain to them, will be rewarded with a €100 Amazon voucher and a pair of designer sunglasses worth up to 159€.”

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

A jury formed of three Specsavers Ópticas store

directors will judge the entries and shortlist the top five entries. These will then be posted on social media and the image with the most likes and comments will be declared the overall winner.

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

45.1 million internet users in Spain

ACCESS to the sea at El Carabassi beach in Elche had to be temporarily prohibited on Friday, August 4, because of "residual contamination" of the water.

The councillor for tourism, Irene Ruiz, reported that "At 10am, and by indication of the Ministry of Health, the beach of

Beach barred Medical AI

Playa del Carabassí has been temporarily closed”.

Ruiz said that "the analyses that are carried out on a weekly basis indicate that the limits allowed by the Ministry in relation to a

bacterium have been exceeded, for which reason the beach has been temporarily closed."

"The analyses will be carried out again to be able to open the beach when the criteria required are met," she added.

Access to the sand and beach bars in the area was still allowed, and Local Police and rescue personnel informed bathers that swimming was prohibited, but not access to the area."

The temporary closure of Carabassí beach had already occurred in July, for the same reason.

3rd

August 1492

Christopher Columbus started his voyage from Spain

ARTIFICAL Intelligence allows medical professionals to better understand the genetic characteristics of pediatric cancers and cardiovascular diseases in order to predict who is most at risk of developing them. It will also help to select pharmacological treatments that are more targeted to specific genetic alterations.

This is possible thanks to a platform whose prototype is being developed by a team of researchers from the Valencian University Institute for Research in Artificial Intelligence (VRAIN) of the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with Alicante’s participation through the Institute for Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (Isabial), a multidisciplinary and translational space oriented to basic, clinical, epidemiological and health

AI helps research

services research to increase the quality of biomedical research developed in Alicante.

The prototype, part of the Ogmios project, will be completed by the end of 2023, after years of re ­

search and aims to position the Valencian community as a national benchmark in precision genomic medicine, which addresses the prevention and diagnosis of disease in a new way.

Credit: Darko Stojanovic/Pixabay

Teachers strife

MORE than 8,000 teachers are still unaware of their destination for the next academic year in the province of Alicante, which accounts for just over half of the vacancies offered in the Valencian Community.

The Teaching area of the CSI­CSIF union, pointed out that hundreds of teachers are suspending their holidays due to the uncertainty about their destination "because they find themselves not knowing what to do", without forgetting that the further the month of August progresses, the more problems they will have finding accommodation to live in throughout the school year.

“The normal thing is that the placements are given in the last week of July, and on August 1 or 2 everyone knows where they have to go. This year it was expected that it

Rocket review

ELCHE Local Police have begun security inspections of fireworks sales points in the city. The inspections will last until Sunday, August 13 due to the increase in the use of gunpowder. It focuses on the control of the sale, storage and transport of pyrotechnic material.

The agents check permission certificates, pyrotechnic products and compliance with the security measures established by law. “Due to the type of product they sell, they must have very specific security measures in terms of lighting, extinguishing methods, distance from shelves, permissions, security in the storage areas, or an alarm system”, said the inspector of the Local Police of Elche, José Antonio Corrales.

This year, 22 points of sale have been set up in Elche, of which 16 are permanent throughout the year and six are temporary.

would be at the latest on August 3, but this is going to be delayed for at least a week because the lists have come out with many problems. We have presented allegations to the Department of Education to solve it as soon as possible”, explains the union's Education delegate, Javier Mas.

Some security measures included in the regulation of explosives and ammunition and fireworks mean "that all premises must strictly comply with the regulations”, said Corrales.

Boozy offence

DURING Elche fiestas, local police officers detected a total of 111 violations of the Valencian public health law regarding alcohol consumption on public roads, with a third of them referring to children. In addition, four commercial establishments were shut down for selling alco­

hol to minors and outside permitted hours.

The Security Operational Teams (EOS) and the Operations Support Group (GAO) were in charge of carrying out the operation with the aim of promoting a safe environment in situations of mass congregation and pre ­

venting incidents derived from alcohol consumption. and other toxic substances.

In accordance with public safety regulations, four sharp implements were confiscated in the leisure area, as they constituted objects capable of causing damage and injuries.

Teachers still do not know where to go.

LOCAL farmers of Novelda, accompanied by the mayor of Novelda, Fran Martínez, and the councillor for agriculture, Ximo Mira, have carried out the traditional process of bagging the Aledo grape clusters from the vines located in the Juan XXXIII roundabout.

With this act of bagging, which has become a tradition in recent years, the government team wanted to pay tribute and value one of the most traditional

Bagging grapes

tasks of agriculture in Novelda, a 100 ­ year ­ old process that gives character to the Vinalopó grapes protected under the protected designation of origin “Bagged Table Grape Vinalopó”.

The bagging of the grapes, a technique devised by Manuel Bonmatí more than a hundred years ago, allows the

THE department of health for Orihuela has opened the period for submitting applications in relation to subsidies that are awarded for carrying out programmes and activities in the field of health and animal protection.

"It is about helping the associations of the municipality so that they can carry out their projects and programmes that have as their objective the promotion of health, patient care, mutual aid and self ­ help activities, facilitate volunteer actions or awareness in the field of animal welfare”, explained the councillor for health, Irene Celdrán.

grapes a particular maturation process, which gives them a special colour and flavor, while protecting them from external agents.

Martínez showed his support for "a sector that is going through a difficult year, in which farmers are struggling to adapt to climate change to minimise its impact on crops".

Grab a grant

Specifically, the total amount of aid granted may not exceed €30,000. Applications could be submitted within 15 business days from Monday, August 7.

"We know that this funding is very important for the associations in our municipality that are dedicated to informing and accompanying people who suffer from a disease or who are dedicated to awareness campaigns, which is so important for the prevention and detection of some pathologies", Celdran pointed out.

Vega Baja has already this year had to resort to using three waste disposal plants beyond the limits of the province of Alicante. It is to solve the enormous problem of waste management that continues to drag due to the absence of its own plant.

So far this year, the Vega Baja has "exported" more than 36,000 tonnes of waste to plants outside of Alicante. This includes the Metropolitan Waste Management Entity (EMTRE) in Quart de Poblet (Valencia), a 400 kilometre round trip from the Dolores transfer plant. The Cañada Hermosa facilities in Murcia plan to treat another 20,000 and 400 more have already arrived at the Guadassuar V5 Waste Consortium facilities in the Alzira area, another 328 kilometre round trip if they are transported from Dolores.

Elche and Xixona have restricted the annual quotas that they can allow from the south of the province, to be able to manage their own plants and avoid clogging the system.

Far away waste

New school plans

THE Valencian government has authorised the creation of a Secondary Education Institute (IES) in the Gran Alacant area of Santa Pola with a capacity for 1,120 school places .

The IES Gran Alacant, will be built because of a split into two of the current school of the IES Cap de l'Aljub in the same town.

According to educational planning studies carried out by the Ministry of Education, it was considered that in order to meet the educational needs of the area, it was advisable to create a secondary school where ESO and Baccalaureate are taught.

The new institute will be located on Carrer Muntanya and will have 24 classrooms for Compulsory Secondary Education, eight for Baccalaureate and four for Vocational Training, with a total of 720 ESO school places, 280 Baccalaureate and 120 Vocational Training.

Problems have arisen

IN the past, the common summer sight of bare­chested individuals or those in swimwear on Spain's coastal promenades often extended to the streets of towns, leading to a backlash among local authorities. Many municipalities subsequently passed legislation to fine those choosing to go barechested or wear swimwear away from the beachfront.

In 2018, Marbella modified its regulations to prohibit "torsonudism" in public spaces, considering it a minor infraction for reasons of aesthetics and hygiene. Fines for such actions range from €300 to

€750.

Other cities like Malaga, Alicante, Barcelona, Salou, and Palma de Mallorca have followed suit with similar rules and fines. In Barcelona, going shirtless away from the beach

area can result in fines from €120 to €500. In Palma de Mallorca, the lack of proper clothing throughout the city can lead to sanctions between €100 and €200.

The most recent city to impose these prohibitions is Granada, where wearing inappropriate attire at hen/stag parties could incur penalties of up to €750. These regulations reflect a broader trend in Spain towards ensuring prop­

ON a historic day in Verín, Ourense, Álvaro Rúa, a 32year­old bagpiper from Vilela, achieved an incredible feat. He recently shattered the Guinness World Record by playing the longest note ever heard, with a wind instrument, on his Galician bagpipes, according to a national news outlet.

Surpassing the previous record of 1 minute and 23 seconds set by an Indian horn player, Álvaro held a stable sound at a minimum of 80 decibels for an astonishing 13 minutes, 26 seconds, and 95 hundredths.

Álvaro's passion for the bagpipes began at the age of seven when he started his musical journey at the Verín School of Traditional Music. Driven by his love for instruments, he further honed his skills by enrolling in the Vigo Music Conservatory in Pontevedra.

er attire in public spaces, particularly away from beaches and swimming areas. The rules have been instituted for

Wardrobe warning Note triumph

reasons ranging from aesthetics to hygiene, and they now apply in many parts of the country.

Playing a single, continuous note for more than 13 minutes on the bagpipes posed an extraordinary challenge. The bag that stores the air in the instrument provided some advantage, although it still demanded immense skill and perseverance. As time passed, Álvaro faced the challenge of his fingers starting to fall asleep, making the feat even more complex.

Validating the world record required strict adherence to the regulations set by Guinness. Alongside Álvaro, two sound engineers meticulously measured the decibels with a sound level meter. Experienced timekeepers, akin to those seen at sporting events, ensured accurate timing.

To maintain objectivity,

two independent witnesses, unrelated to Álvaro, were present to observe the challenge. The entire process was recorded on video, showcasing the musician and the sound level meter's readings from a specified distance. Álvaro's dedication and training paid off when he remarkably accomplished the feat on his first attempt.

32,688 the population of

Naked man walking in the street.

Gibraltar

Hot Stuff Is the heat keeping you awake at night and making

SOME lucky folk have swimming pools they can dip in and out of and air­con to keep them cool. But for the not­so­lucky out there, here are a few tips that might help keep you cool during the soaring temperatures.

Most of us keep our curtains and blinds closed on sunny windows to stop the sun from breaking in too much. Lots of houses have shutters but if your windows are shutter­less cardboard can be just as effective.

Though you may be inclined to cool down with a tall glass of iced tea, ice cream or watermelon on a sweltering summer's day, the effect is wonderful but doesn’t last long and before you know it you are back where you started – a little bit too hot under the collar! This is due to your internal temperature. When it is cooled too rapidly your body ends up compensating by raising your temperature and the result is you feel hotter.

Have you ever lay awake at night wondering why some cultures in the hottest locations on earth enjoy hot and spicy foods?

These people have a trick up their

sleeves! Spicy foods actually make you sweat and in turn, this helps to cool you down faster. Eating spicy foods works differently as it raises your internal temperature to match the temperature outside.

Some people sweat from the face ­ the lips, forehead, nose, and scalpafter eating hot and spicy foods. This causes your blood circulation to increase and you start sweating, once the moisture has evaporated you have cooled off.

Whilst some might not fancy eat­

ing hot food on a scorching hot summer day it may be worth it to cool down. What do you think? Will you be rustling up a spicy chilli or vindaloo to see if it works?

If spicy foods aren’t your thing, try popping your feet into a bowl of ice cubes and water. The shockingly cold temperature will cool you off quickly and reset your body's temperature so you feel comfortable even a few hours later.

The soles of your feet are especially sensitive to temperature changes,

so the ice­cold foot bath could be all it takes to cool down.

In the sweltering country of Morocco in North Africa, they battle the midday heat by sipping on sweetened mint tea and have been doing so in the desert for thousands of years. Mint has natural cooling properties that make it fresh and cooling on the nasal passages.

It can be difficult to sleep in hot weather. If it's too hot or too cold your internal body temperature may be affected disrupting your ability to

drop off and stay asleep.

The best plan is to sleep in the lowest level of your home as the heat rises. Also, make sure all electrical items are turned off and not in standby mode as this still creates heat

Some who struggle terribly with the heat resort to taking sheets and bedding straight out of the washing machine and sleeping in a damp bed. But, keeping things damp need not just be a night time resort as a damp cotton t­shirt can provide some relief during the day. Heat escapes through the skin, which is the largest organ in the body. So, the more skin you can cool down, the better.

If you'd rather not walk around in wet clothing, you can buy a cooling spray, or just having a cool shower can work just as well.

Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly.

Have we missed out your favourite fool proof way to staying as cool as cucumber in the summer months? Send us your tips!

Relax your feet in a bowl of cold water

Sipping mint tea has been a go to for centuries

you feel lousy during the day?

Bilateral agreement

FOLLOWING Brexit, the British Government has had to discuss the future of overseas training with each EU member and on Wednesday August 2, an agreement between Britian and Spain which had been signed on July 3 came into force.

This is a bilateral agreement on cooperation in matters of education and access to university and other higher education institutions, following close collaboration between Spain’s Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and Ministry of Universities in Spain and the UK Department for Education and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The agreement was signed by the British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, on behalf of the UK, and the Spanish Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Pilar Alegría, and the Spanish Minister of Universities, Joan Subirats, on

behalf of Spain.

According to the British Embassy in Madrid, this agreement enables students with UK qualifications (including A ­ levels and equivalents) to access universities in Spain without the need for the Spanish general university entrance exam.

Additional entry requirements will only be necessary for certain competitive courses, as was the case prior to the UK’s withdrawal

from the EU.

In addition, students from the Spanish education system can continue to access UK universities and other higher education institutions with additional legal certainty.

The agreement also establishes a framework to increase cooperation between the UK and Spain in the field of education and is symbolic of both countries desire to build on their strong education links.

Ambassador Elliott and Minister Alegria.

Credit: Spanish Ministry of Education

Ethics of euthanasia

ASSISTED DYING a polarising and difficult conversation has once again captured the attention of the world. With cases like David Hunter’s who was released recently from prison for the death of his terminally ill wife and the retired nurse who allegedly sent ‘white powder’ to peers in an attempt to influence them to support the assisted dying bill in the UK have ignited the conversation yet again. Debate rages about the ethics of assisted dying, euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Spain made the pivotal decision to decriminalise euthanasia on June 25, 2021, and in the year following that decision 180 euthanasia were carried out. Traditionally, assisted dying laws focused on terminal illnesses and unbearable suffering. However, some jurisdictions have begun to include nonterminal conditions like mental health disorders as grounds for assisted dying. In Canada and the Netherlands,

psychological suffering and an ‘accumulation of old age disorders’ are now considered valid reasons for assisted dying.

This expansion of eligibility criteria introduces an ethical dilemma. Critics warn of a slippery slope, where the line blurs between compassionate end­of­life care and the potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The question arises: How far can the boundaries of assisted dying be stretched without compromising morality and legality?

Across the globe, several

countries have embraced euthanasia, including Colombia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Canada. New Zealand voted by public referendum to approve euthanasia. Starting November 6, 2023, individuals above 18 years old can seek euthanasia with two doctors' endorsement.

In a world where medical possibilities collide with ethical uncertainties, striking a balance between personal autonomy, medical ethics, and safeguarding vulnerable populations remains an intricate challenge.

Compassionate end of life care or potential exploitation.

A NEW work by American author Rachel Zemach who lost her hearing aged 10 suggests that many people dislike the word ‘Deaf’ and want to see it replaced.

She argued as she launched her new book The Butterfly Cage that there should be a transition from the word ‘Deaf’ as it originally derived from the words ‘” empty,”

Your hand

and “barren” in Old English. In addition, when using the word in machines with autocorrect it is often changed to

“death” which obviously has negative overtones.

When you ask someone what deaf means they will

say “someone who can’t hear.” It’s all about what they can’t do. Even the sign means “can’t hear, and can’t speak,”

according to Deaf educator and author Rachel Zemach.

Her preferred alternative then is ‘Sumain’ a French word meaning Your Hand.

The sign for it looks like a flower bud, twisting at the chest and bursting open. It represents the following concepts, all of which are treasure values in the Deaf community: collective, visual, spatial, global, tactile, light.

“If you were Deaf, wouldn’t you prefer that to being called empty and barren” she asks.

As times change so do words and it is possible that there is a need to change the definition, although equally this could simply be either another ‘woke’ concept from America.

For those who want to learn more, the marketing for the new book explains “She shares captivating firsthand accounts from her life as a Deaf person and explores the differences in thinking between two major, and often conflicting, viewpoints on how to educate Deaf children, and how she saw the two different approaches impacting students.”

For many with all of their senses intact it is very difficult to understand how anyone, who exists without one, manages to cope, but those who are blind or deaf in particular appear to be able to react remarkably and live their best lives.

British sign language taught at 10 Downing Street

Credit: Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street flickr

THE Las Cigarreras Cultural Centre in Alicante continues its Jazz and Blues Summer concert cycle this Friday, August 11, with free performances of these musical genres offered throughout the month of August.

The jazz and blues concerts take place every Friday in August at 9pm in the Jardín Vertical de Las Cigarreras. On August 11, the jazz quintet Swing26 will perform, with a repertoire based on gypsy jazz and swing full of original arrangements and own compositions.

The third weekend, on August 18, it will be the turn of Older Dogs Blues, a quartet with a proposal in the purest Chicago blues style. Finally, the programme will close on August 25 with The Flag Boy's Band, a blues quartet with a New Orleans sound.

The councillor for culture, Nayma

Beldjilali, said "with programmes like this we are committed to quality music in its different genres and we offer a cultural option aimed at all audiences,

Jazz jamboree Show must go on

with which Alicante residents and visitors can enjoy a summer night pleasant with an attractive musical proposal”.

Firework fiesta

THE Nit de l'Albà fireworks show, which is held on the night of Sunday, August 13 in honour of the patron saint of Elche, is made up of more than 2,000 kilogrammes of gunpowder and 70,000 rockets, as well as the traditional large palm tree of the Virgin, which reaches 300 metres high.

A few minutes before midnight, the thunder and flashes of light suddenly stop, the lights go out, the Gloria Patri sounds, the last song of the Misteri d'Elx (declared by UNESCO a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity). and from the top of the tower of the Basilica of Santa María rises the majestic Palm Tree of the Virgin, an offering to the patron saint that illuminates the entire city.

Performing peas

THE American band Black Eyed Peas will star in the third edition of the Brilla Torrevieja festival this Friday, August 11. This is one of the only four concerts that the group will give in Spain.

They will perform at the Antonio Soria Park in Torrevieja.

The Black Eyed Peas have more than 40 million monthly listeners on

Spotify and six Grammy Awards . The well­known American hiphop music group have had hits such as 'I Gotta Feeling' or 'The Time'. The Black Eyed Peas return to Spain to present their latest album 'Elevation', which includes collaborations with well­known artists such as Anitta, Shakira and Daddy Yankee. Tickets available at viagogo.com.

A LIVE musical showcase is coming to the Torrevieja theatre with a Queen tribute on Sunday, August 20 at 9.30pm.

The 60minute concert will be performed by the Salzillo quartet.

Their playlist includes Somebody to Love, Bohemian Rhapsody,Love of My Life, Another One Bites the Dust, I Want to Break Free, We Are the Champions,The Show Must Go On and Radio GaGa

Tickets start at €13.00 and can be purchased from www.feverup.com

Playing jazz and singing the blues

Credit: Zucchero.it

The palm firework

Credit: Elche City Council

On your bike

ORIHUELA department of youth has scheduled various activities for children and young people during the rest of August on the beaches of Campoamor, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig, La Zenia and Campoamor.

Fun for kids

ELCHE department of Sports has presented the second edition of the ‘Demolision Bikers’ mountain bike ride, a race with a route of about 35 kilometres and a cumulative drop of 700 metres. It will take place on Sunday, September 17.

The race will be carried out in different parts of Elche. “We want mountain biking to continue

being an opportunity to get to know the nature of Elche", explained the representative of the Demolision Bikers cycling club Aquilino Galindo.

The route will have all means necessary of security and organisation, including local police, ambulances and up to 100 volunteers who will cover the route. In addition, at the end of the journey, there will be a farewell

party in the Paseo de la Estación.

Registrations have a limit of 700 participants and remain open for athletes who still want to join.

They can be purchased at chiplevante.com.

The main objective is to promote mountain biking and “be a benchmark for Elche and the entire region", said Galindo.

The Summer Orihuela Costa programme includes children's games, such as gymkhanas, skill games, water games and sports activities aimed at the little ones, while the older ones can participate in guided sports activities, such as body combat, zumba or body attack. The councillor for youth, Anabel García, indicated that the objective is to "promote and encourage sport as a recreational activity among young people."

“A recreational-sports programme has been designed promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as yoga or pilates which, in addition, are an ideal leisure alternative for young people”, said García, who added that “the little ones can also enjoy recreational activities directed by specialised monitors”.

Campoamor will host the Summer Orihuela Costa on August 28, 29 and 31. Playa Flamenca on August 10 and 11 and Cabo Roig, on August 14, 16, 17 and 18.

La Zenia, on August 21, 22,

24 and 25. The activities are free and will take place between 7.30pm and 9pm.

To participate, it is necessary to register in advance on the website www.summerorihuelacosta.es.

Nights of culture

THE department of culture for Orihuela has announced the programme for "Nights of Culture", which will bring different activities to Orihuela Costa during the month of August.

This was announced on Friday, August 4 by the councillor for the area, Gonzalo Montoya, who explained that all of them will take place at 9.30pm on the esplanade of Playa Flamenca, and admission is free.

The performance of the children's play “The Little Mermaid”, directed by Pedro Llaudes from Oriolan, has been planned for Thursday, August 10. Likewise, the company East End Producciones will be in charge of representing the play "Paris" on Thursday, August 17 and on Thursday, August 24, a theatrical concert entitled "Music and poetry for the soul" has been scheduled by the symphony orchestra of Orihuela, and dedicated to the poetry of Miguel Hernández.

"It is about celebrating, through the scenic arts and the work of our universal poet, the lively culture of Orihuela and its coastline in this month of August", said the mayor, while recalling that the purpose of this programming "is to structure the territory of Orihuela through culture".

Promoting the race

Credit: Elche City Council

King of Cozy Mysteries

YOU could call Steve Higgs the King of Cozy Mysteries and he is a genuine phenomenon in the brutal world of publishing having produced some 80 books since turning full time author in 2017.

Speaking to Euro Weekly News he explained “I wasn’t very interested in much at school except for writing and was delighted to win an award when I was 10.

“To some extent my future was preplanned as I come from a military family and it was always expected that I would join the army which I duly did, being commissioned and spent my time on the mechanical side.

“Happily, I was offered the chance to leave, with a reasonable pay off, in my early 40s and I took advantage of the offer.”

After leaving the army he took jobs in the corporate world, got married and is now the proud father of a boy (Hunter) and girl (Hermione) but writing started to call.

He wrote his first book whilst still working and decided that this had to be the future but realised that trying to get an agent and then a publishing deal could be a long and torturous process, so he decided

to learn about self­publishing.

The process of writing comes easy to him and he tends to write a new book every two weeks or so which explains how he has published so many is such a relatively short period of time.

“Although I work quite long hours when I am writing, a lot of my time is involved in promotion and marketing, as well a weekly newsletter to everyone who signs up via my website”

Several authors bemoan the effect that Amazon has had on booksellers but Steve, recognised from the beginning that as a self­publisher and with Amazon hogging about 80 per cent of the world market, not only did he want to work with them but is quite happy for his books to be made available on Kindle Unlimited where for a small monthly fee customers can download a select number of books at no additional cost.

The income per download may be small but when you have 80 books and growing the actual amount is better than might be expected and half of his annual income comes from Kindle Unlimited.

A definition of cozy mystery is a gentle

and often humorous subset of the broad genre of crime writing which is a comfort read. With characters such as retired policeman Albert Smith and his Alsatian Rex Harrison (who was thrown out of police school for being too clever), Housewife come detective Patricia Fisher, Wedding Planner, Felicity Phillips and The Paranormal Blue Moon Detective Agency, the novels are both gently amusing and genuinely mysteries and always include a dog, a cat or both.

“I am in discussion with a production company about the possibility of three of my creations becoming TV or even Film franchises and I like to network with other authors and recently spent a few days in Mallorca at a special event for self­publishers.”

With an eye to the future, Steve is working with a select number of other writers who will be co­authors of books based on his concepts.

He will take on the risk of publishing the books which will be produced to an agreed ‘script’ and will then share any profits on a 50/50 basis.

Highly successful author Steve Higgs

Credit: Steve Higgs

Greener credentials

WITH effect from October 1, a range of polluting single use plastics will be banned in England as part of the government’s plan to clean up the environment.

The restrictions will include single ­ use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers.

Future plans include introducing a deposit return scheme for drinks containers and commitment for simpler recycling collections for every household and business in England.

All this, even though the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak flew to Scotland to announce that the government planned to sell off more licences for exploitation of additional North Sea Gas and Oil reserves.

The government is also congratulating itself over the fact that more than seven billion harmful plastic bags have not hit the

streets and countryside

thanks to the single­use carrier bag charge, according to new figures announced by Environment Minister Rebecca Pow on July 31.

A 5p charge was first introduced in supermarkets in 2015. Since then, the report shows that usage at the main retailers has dropped by more than 98 per cent.

To support its green credentials the government explained that in 2018 it an­

nounced one of the world’s toughest bans on microbeads in rinse ­ off personal care products and in 2020 introduced restrictions on the supply of single­use plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds.

The government also introduced a tax of more than £200 per tonne on plastic packaging manufactured in or imported into the UK that does not contain at least 30 per cent recycled plastic in April 2022.

Restrictions will be levied on some single use plastic cutlery and food containers

DENMARK

Berry soup

DANISH Berry Soup, known as ‘Rødgrød med Fløde,’ is a cherished dessert in Denmark. Bursting with the flavours of seasonal berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants, it's a sweet-tart sensation. Served warm or cold with a dollop of cream, this traditional delicacy offers a delightful taste of Scandinavia's culinary heritage!

Danish dominance

THE Danish men's pursuit team sought redemption at the world championships in Glasgow defeating Italy and clinching the elusive gold medal in track cycling. The team secured victory, with a remarkable time of 3 minutes, 45.161 seconds. This triumph has propelled Denmark towards the next Summer Games in Paris, where they are now considered the favourites.

FRANCE

Paris explosion

FIVE people were injured after an explosion in an apartment block in the Montmartre district of Paris on Saturday, August 5.

The incident occurred at around 2:30 pm in a three-storey building whose residents were immediately evacuated.

Paris firefighters confirmed that one of those caught in the blast was in critical condition while the other four were badly injured.

Greenest games

PARIS 2024 Olympics committee has pledged to slash carbon emissions dubbing it the ‘greenest’ games ever. Organisers vow to halve the carbon footprint of previous games, striving to emit under 1.5 million tonnes of CO2, which will set an ambitious benchmark for future games too and the countries bidding to host them.

ITALY

Dog detective

IN A remarkable display of sensory expertise, Elio, a black Labrador police dog successfully foiled a cash smuggling attempt at a bus station in Italy. Prompted by Elio's excited interest in the bags, the police officers decided to investigate further. To their astonishment, they discovered stacks of cash totalling over €1,075,600 (£925,000) concealed within the luggage.

Football fines

ITALY has recently enacted a controversial law, imposing heavy fines and even prison sentences for those involved in the illegal use of IPTV technology, typically used to access sporting events. While distributors of illegal broadcasts can face up to three years in prison and fines of up to €15,000. Users caught accessing pirated content via IPTV could find themselves liable to pay fines of up to €5,000.

PRESS EURO

THE NETHERLANDS

Peeing polar bear

THE Museum Flehite in Amersfoort has found itself under fire from neighbours complaining about a sculpture of a giant polar bear which is peeing into the local canal. It’s part of an Art and Zoo exhibition but it makes so much noise as it pees that it has to be turned off at night.

It used to pee all night.

Frozen summer

Drone diversion

TWO flights had to be diverted after a drone sighting near a Dublin airfield.

A Dublin Airport spokesperson commented: ‘This led to two flights - one Aer Lingus flight from Frankfurt and one Ryanair flight from Birmingham - being diverted to Belfast.’

Unruly runway

THE year-old €320 million northern runway at Dublin Airport is facing the threat of closure following residents' complaints and a contravention of planning laws.

Following months of complaints from local residents, Fingal County Council issued an enforcement order for noise against the Dublin Airport Authority regarding noise levels at night since the new runway opened in August 2022.

ON August 4, Reutlingen, a southern German city, experienced an unexpected winter-like event when a heavy hailstorm blanketed the streets with accumulated hailstones.

The sudden weather phenomenon surprised residents, transforming the urban landscape into a scene resembling a winter wonderland.

Tragic collision

A TRAGIC accident in Germany claims the life of a young US Army soldier as a civilian semitruck collides with the armoured military vehicle she was traveling in during convoy operations.

Our hearts go out to her family and fellow servicemembers.

GERMANY BELGIUM

Godzilla burger

AMERICA has created a whole generation of professional eaters who spend their lives taking food challenges which are eagerly devoured by TV and Social Media viewers. Randy Santel stopped off at Plein 12 Restaurant in Belgium to take the challenge of eating their Godzilla Burger in less than 30 minutes and he triumphed in eight minutes and 41 seconds.

Robot delivery

CARREFOUR Belgium is testing the concept of using robots to deliver goods to your door this summer with the latest test taking place in Knokke.

They have created a pop-up store on the sea front in the town but there is a slight drawback as the delivery area covered by the three robots is just 400 metres from the store.

Motorhome mayhem

THE summer tourist season faces challenges as an influx of motor homes overwhelms narrow roads, posing safety risks and causing frustration among locals. The surge in traffic, drawn by domestic and foreign tourists, has led to concerns over space and safety, impacting businesses and prompting calls for balanced solutions.

Housing Crisis

NORWAY’S housing market grapples with a rental rate surge as residential real estate prices decline. Rental rates in Oslo skyrocketed by 17 per cent in July, hitting record highs. Thousands of students are on housing waiting lists, and state-subsidised student accommodation costs NOK 10,000 (€892) monthly. Nationwide, rental rates have risen by 12 percent year-on-year.

NORWAY FINLAND

European unity

VOLT, a Pro-European political party is seeking recognition in Finland by securing 5,000 supporter cards and eventually field candidates in the European elections. Established as a response to Britain's exit from the EU, Volt has emerged as the first pan-European party. Jani Laiho, the Chairman of Volt, joined the party to counter the rise of far-right ideologies and stress the importance of European unity.

FinnFest 2023

FINNFEST 2023 40th anniversary held recently marked the celebration of Finland's NATO membership. FinnFest is an annual gathering of Finnish Americans. It includes educational workshops on culture and history, musical performances, and Finnish film presentations, with a pop-up cafe featuring Finnish food.

Deadly device

AN 'extremely dangerous' device discovered on a beach in the Troia peninsula of Portugal was subsequently deactivated by the Portuguese Navy. A member of the public located it on a beach. When the tide came in, the object became submerged so it was necessary to evacuate people from the area as a precaution.

Inspiring change

THE third day of Pope Francis's visit to Lisbon saw the pontiff urging young people to get their hands dirty for poverty.

In the context of World Youth Day (WYD), and on a day with a lot of contact with young people, he urged the young people gathered in the Portuguese capital not to be disgusted by poverty.

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

Mass brawl

HUNDREDS of people were arrested and at least another 55 injured after a pitched battle broke out at an Eritrean festival in Järvafältet in Stockholm, Sweden. Visitors to the four-day event clashed with demonstrators who had turned up to protest against it. The Eritrean festival grounds turned into a battleground as the two sides clashed, armed with stones and sticks. Among those injured were three police officers.

Historical win

SWEDEN clinched victory in a nail-biting Women's World Cup clash, ending USA's journey in the round of 16. After a goalless tie through regulation and extra time, penalty kicks decided the fate. USA's Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelly O'Hara faltered, handing Sweden a 5-4 shootout win. This untimely exit marked USA's earliest World Cup departure.

Credit: CLS Facebook

BUSINESS EXTRA

Fuelled up

ASDA became Britain’s first retailer to publish diesel and petrol prices charged at its local forecourts online after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that the chain’s fuel prices had tripled since before the pandemic. The sector had increased these to unnecessarily high levels, the CMA said.

Nicely played

CASILLAS WORLD, founded eight years ago by Iker Casillas, former goalkeeper for both Real Madrid and Spain’s national side, earned €350,287 euros in 2022, 88 per cent more than in 2022. The company, based in the leafy Madrid suburb of Pozuelo de Alarcon, handles the footballer’s image rights.

New face

SARAH BREEDEN was named the Bank of England’s deputy governor and will also serve on the Monetary Policy and the Financial Policy committees. A senior executive, she led Bank’s response to the Northern Rock crisis in 2007 and takes over from Sir Jon Cunliffe, who has held this role since 2013.

Not you

EL CORTE INGLES sold its holding in the Only You hotel chain and will instead focus on its future hotel in Madrid’s Goya district, leaving the Matutes family’s Palladium Hotel Group as Only You’s sole shareholder. The sale went through in July 2022 but was not made public until early August.

Downsizing

HOUSE OF FRASER revealed that it could close more stores, after shutting eight in the past year. Michael Murray, the chief executive of Mike Ashley’s retail empire, which rescued the chain in 2018, said its department store portfolio was “continually under review” and some outlets were “still too big.”

STAT OF WEEK €8.9 billion

in revenues for the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) bottling plant during the first half of this year, an 8.4 per cent increase on the same period in 2022.

Membership scam alert

DON’T find yourself up the creek without a paddle by falling into the trap of a phony Amazon scam.

The online e­commerce and digital streaming multinational recently alerted to the dangers of being fooled by unexpected calls, texts or emails that claim to refer to a costly membership fee or other membership issue.

These will ask you to confirm or cancel the charge, Amazon warned.

“Scammers will try to convince you to provide payment or bank account information in order to reinstate a membership,” the company said.

Amazon would never ask

you to provide payment information for products or services over the phone, a recent statement stressed. Never pay over the phone, it added.

“Visit the Message Centre on the Amazon website or on our app to review authentic emails from Ama­

THE UK government announced plans to grant hundreds of new oil and gas licences.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed on July 31 that the government would continue to back the North Sea oil and gas industry in its drive to make Britain more energy­independent.

Adopting a more flexible application process, licences could also be offered near currently licensed areas, he said. This would unlock vital reserves due to existing infrastructure and previous assessments, Sunak explained while visiting Aberdeen’s Shell gas terminal.

The independent Climate Change Committee predicted that approximately a quarter of the UK’s energy demands would still be met by oil and gas

TV turn off

ITV’S earnings fell 52 per cent to £152 million (€176.5 million) during the first six months of this year.

Total advertising revenues dropped by 11 per cent to £811 million (€940 million) between January and the end of June, compared with the same period in 2022.

The broadcaster admitted that it was enduring its worst advertising downturn since the 2008 financial crisis although chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said that although advertisers were cautious, ITV had not experienced any difficulty in attracting sponsors for its programmes.

Government does its duty

seeking customer service, tech support, or to make changes to an account.

“Be wary whenever someone tries to convince you that you must act now,” the company said.

“Go directly to our website when seeking help with Amazon devices, services or orders.

DUTY on pub drinks will be up to 11p lower than at UK supermarkets.

The changes would help pubs compete on equal terms, explained Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

zon. To verify your Prime Membership status or to make payments, log into your Amazon account, and go to the Your Account section.”

Amazon also recommended always going through the Amazon mobile app or website when

Licensed to drill

“If you receive communications — a call, text or email — that you think may not be from Amazon, please report it to us,” the company said.

For more information on how to stay safe online, visit Security & Privacy on the Amazon Customer Service page.

tensive to ship oil and gas from abroad, he said.

The government was taking steps to slow the rapid decline in domestic production of oil and gas, securing the UK’s domestic energy supply and reducing reliance on hostile states.

“We have all witnessed how Putin has manipulated and weaponised energy, disrupting supply and stalling growth in countries around the world,” Sunak pointed out.

“British pubs are the beating heart of our communities and as they face rising costs, we’re doing all we can to help them,” Hunt said. “Through our Brexit Pubs Guarantee, we’re protecting the price of a pint.”

Taxing drinks by strength for the first time reflected the popularity of low alcohol drinks, the Chancellor added.

Small Producer Relief would also help small businesses and start­ups create new drinks, innovate and grow, he said.

Go like the wind

IBERDROLA’S US subsidiary, Avangrid, has completed construction of an electricity substation off the Massachusetts coast.

Iberdrola has, through Avangrid, a 50 per cent stake in the €2.5 billion Vineyard Wind undertaking, together with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

when the UK reached net zero in 2050. More licences were compatible with net zero commitments, the prime minister insisted. Bearing in mind the anticipated part­reliance on fossil fuels for years to come, it was more carbon­in­

Penalty imposed

TELEFONICA must pay €5 million for breaching its €725 million contract with DTS on acquiring the digital channel in 2015.

At the time, Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) required Telefonica to make concessions preserving market competition by maintaining DTS’s existing contracts.

Telefonica was also obliged to make available wholesale offers of premium channels ­ with access to major sporting events ­ to other television operators.

Despite this proviso, Telefonica reached an agreement giving sports streaming service DAZN exclusive rights to broadcast the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Formula 1 seasons. The deal also allowed Telefonica to access all DAZN content.

This fine is the latest from the merger, including a €6 million CNMC sanction last March for preventing client transfers.

As well as easing the need for higheremission imports, granting further licences would protect more than 200,000 jobs, and expand the UK economy, Sunak added. It would also provide the next generation of skilled apprentices.

Unicaja movements

UK hedge fund Oceanwood announced the sale of up to 117 million of its Unicaja shares.

Oceanwood has assigned the Bank of America (BofA) to manage the €124 million sale, equal to 4.4 per cent of its 7.4 per cent holding, according to a filing with Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV).

If the sale materialises, Oceanwood would no longer have a sufficient stake to justify Unicaja board membership, with the likelihood that its representative, David Vaamonde Juanatey, will resign as director.

News of the sale came a day after the Unicaja board announced that Isidro Rubiales was to substitute its chief executive Manuel Menendez.

The substation’s high voltage cables connecting the Vineyard Wind I’s 62 turbines to the onshore network are key to the project’s viability, Iberdrola explained.

Located 24 kilometres south of Martha's Vineyard and 55 kilometres south of the Cape Cod peninsula, this is the Spanish multinational's first and largest windfarm in the US and will meet the energy needs of more than 400,000 homes.

War pays

ARMS multinational BAE Systems increased its profit forecast as military spending soared.

The London­based company posted half ­ year underlying earnings of £1.3 billion (€1.5 billion), a 10 per cent increase on last year, plus £21.1 billion €25.5 billion) in orders including 246 infantry fighting vehicles from the Czech Republic. It now has a record backlog of £66.2 billion (€76.9 billion).

BAE said that 2023 earnings per share would grow between 10 to 12 per cent, compared with the rise of between 5 and 7 per cent that it forecast in February.

AMAZON HEADQUARTERS: Advice on avoiding scams

ABERDEEN VISIT: Britain’s PM Rishi Sunak at the Shell refinery

Photo credit: Flickr/GoToVan

Photo credit: 10 Downing Street

LONDON - FTSE 100

DOW JONES

Sad song

SINGER, composer and poet Joaquin Sabina must pay Hacienda €2.5 million in back taxes after Spain’s Supreme Court turned down his appeal against an April 2022 High Court decision that ruled in favour of a 2019 claim. He must now pay tax due on royalties ceded to family­owned companies in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

By the book

DEMAND for English language learning in the first half of 2023 boosted sales and profits for publishing and education company Pearson. Sales rose 5 per cent to £1.8 billion (€2.09 billion) during this period while pre­tax profits rose by 24 per cent to £236 million (€274.3 million), with Pearson expecting to meet full­year targets.

A paler shade of green

BRITAIN’S Business secretary Kemi Badenoch suggested that electric vehicle directives could hinder UK investment and even result in job losses.

According to UK media reports, Badenoch passed on “major concerns” to her colleagues in the Cabinet regarding plans to fine manufacturers who fail to meet electric vehicle production quotas.

This has been interpreted as a sign that the government could be wavering on another green pledge.

The

Clarel deal off

SUPERMARKET chain Dia cancelled a €60 million operation to sell its Clarel perfumery subsidiary to the C2 private equity fund.

Dia told Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) on August 1 that the deal was off after C2 failed to comply with all the terms of the agreement to buy 1,015 Clarel stores, three distribution centres and other assets.

Conditions included the CNMV’s approval, which was confirmed in May, but Dia announced that since C2 had not financially secured the Clarel merchandise before July 31, it had automatically rescinded the contract.

Meanwhile, C2 denied Dia’s allegations and said that it reserved the right to take legal action over the “unilateral” breach of the agreement.

Small mercies

et regarding rules which comes into effect in January and oblige manufacturers to ensure that at least 22 per cent of new sales in Britain are emissions­free models, increasing annually to reach 80 per cent by 2030.

Manufacturers will be fined £15,000 (€17,431) for every polluting car they sell over the limit, unless they can buy extra allowances from other companies.

“If major car companies employing thousands of people are saying that there’s a problem, then it’s her job to look at ways of easing that problem,” a Badenoch spokesperson told Politico magazine.

The UK ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is due in 2030 despite widespread concerns that Britain does not have sufficient infrastructure and capacity for the growth of electric vehicles.

THE UK’s national debt reached 101 per cent of its gross domestic product in the last quarter of 2022, compared with 84.4 per cent in 2020’s pre ­ pandemic first quarter. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also revealed that Britain’s £2.5 trillion (€2.9 trillion) debt improved in the first quarter of 2023, falling to 100.5 per cent of GDP.

On track

SPAIN’S passenger rail service Renfe will pay rolling stock manufacturer Talgo €181 million to maintain its fleet of high­speed AVE trains until 2027, an extension of their existing contract. Talgo obtained a net profit of €7 million during this year’s first half, a 31.7 per cent increase on the same period in 2022, thanks to increased industrial activity.

Business secretary referred to industry disqui­

KEMI BADENOCH: Business secretary said electric vehicle directives could hinder investment

credit: UK Government

YOUR TIME TO DOWNSIZE?

REBECCA Serwotka – “We sell houses! It’s what we do, it’s ALL we do!” Certi­fied API Associate 00493. Your favourite local resale property expert, of Inmo­biliaria Estate Agents in Ciudad Quesada. 3 Time Prestige Award WINNER for Real Estate Agency Of The Year 2021/22, 2022/23 & 2023/24. Luxury Life ­ style

Awards WINNER, AlicanteSpain 2023.

As life progresses and priorities change, many homeowners find themselves contemplating the idea of downsizing. Moving into a smaller, more managea­ble property might seem like a daunting task, but the benefits that come with it can be truly life changing.

Here’s 3 benefits of downsizing:

1. Financial Freedom: Smaller homes

typically come with lower price tags, reduced property taxes, and decreased utility bills. Downsizing can allevi­ate the burden of maintaining a large property, reducing the need for ex­pensive repairs and maintenance costs.

2. Lower Running Costs: A smaller home requires less energy to cool, heat and illuminate. Utility bills are noticeably lower, making it easier to manage your monthly expenses.

3. More Free Time: A smaller home requires less time to clean and maintain, leaving you with more time to pursue hobbies, spend quality moments with loved ones, or engage in community activities. You can explore new inter­ests and experiences that you might not have had the chance to discover before.

MIXED REVIEWS FOR BRITAIN’S TOP SPOTS

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

There's just no pleasing some people. The UK’s got world heritage sites, a vibrant and cultured capital city and great landscapes. But not all visitors are impressed. As some recent lessthan­glowing TripAdvisor reviews reveal.

Take Stonehenge for instance. An acknowledged wonder of the ancient world and UNESCO heritage site? Not so for one reviewer: “Just a bunch of rocks.” For another: “The definition of a tourist trap. Miles and miles of travelling to arrive at a park where you’re given an audio guide to some really uninteresting, boring old rocks.”

Surely the white cliffs of Dover, the first glimpse of Britain for many visitors,

would fare better? Not exactly: “Except for the historical significance, there isn't anything exciting about the cliffs as they are today. Glistening white? They’re more like a filthy brown.”

Trip Advisor ­ by the people, for the people ­ is a site that encapsulates the internet conundrum. Its benefits to the paying public are obvious but its misuse can be devastating. Undoubtedly a useful tool, it’s obviously only as good as the reviewers. Aim to get corroborating information from other travel sites…or, better still for this year’s holidays, simply rely on your instinct and common sense!

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.

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

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

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

PLEASANTLY, but not unexpectedly surprised at the large number of readers who have contacted me to agree with my views on the excessive use of non­white actors on British TV. According to a couple of correspondents the UK is not the only country experiencing this.

Apparently Holland and Denmark are also witnessing the phenomena. One of the readers actually sent me a set of photographs announcing species that have become extinct. These included Wooly Mammoths, Saber toothed Tigers, Dodo birds and adverts featuring undiversified white families. Oddly, this somewhat light hearted observation actually made some sense. In fact just 7% of British people are in a marital relationship with people of the same ethnic group. If the vast majority of actors depicting UK families in ads are actually non­white, it gives the impression that the advertising mafia is pushing some agenda known only to them. It rather smells like leftie missions to normalise inter racial relationships; an exercise called social engineering, which unfortunate­

A diverse dilemma

ly, because members of the white populace are petrified to give opinions or utilize their freedom of speech, is actually working. Personally I will endeavor to use my own freedom of speech until I face prosecution, a situation I would actually welcome. Putting someone in the dock for exercising their legal right to express a perfectly legitimate opinion is exactly what is needed to bring the whole conspiracy brigade out into the open. Wouldn’t you just love to hear the prosecution attempt to heap guilt on a white member of the public who stated publically and correctly that despite making up only 13% of London’s total population, black Londoners account for45% of the city’s knife murder victims, 61% of knife murder perpetrators and 53% of knife crime perpetrators? It would also be interesting to see if they would even consider prosecuting the guest who declared on national television that there were ‘too many whites on the Buckingham palace balcony’? Somehow I don’t think so. This practice is a sordid attempt to undermine and frighten the majority of UK citizens in­

to surrendering their hard fought country to one of destabilized diversity. When this prevails and the majority realise they have been duped into relinquishing their whole ancestral existence, the street riots and warfare will ensue. This will then give the conspirators the opportunity to send the army and riot police into the UK towns and cities. When the mayhem and body count brings the fighting to an end, the schemers will have gained control and presented the opportunity to bring about a complete restructuring of the rules and laws of our once great country. These people don’t really care about ethnicities; they merely want to create chaos, martial law and curfews. Once the young have been utterly brainwashed into the new order, they will happily and thankfully fall into the wishes and propaganda of the new leaders. Bit like China! Another Leapy rant? Strange how many in past columns have actually materialized! Keep the faith. Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com

Mon. Fri. 1am till 4.

ENTER THE ROBOT OUR VIEW

PART of the enjoyment of a meal out is the relationship that you have with the serving staff and their ability to advise you on the food and drink on the menu. The occasion can also be ruined if the waiter or waitress is in a bad mood, is surly, unhelpful, or simply keeps you waiting.

Although unemployment, especially amongst the young, in Spain is still very high, it seems that many restaurants find it hard to recruit and keep staff and whereas years ago Spanish and Portuguese staff tended to head off to the UK and other parts of Europe to work, now restaurateurs are starting to rely on staff from Eastern Europe.

There’s a lot of cost involved in employing staff on a contract, especially when the current (although who knows for how long?) government has enacted several laws to

protect the rights and benefits of workers.

So, enter the robot! It has been possible for some years to obtain robot serving staff offering different grades of service from simply delivery of plates to a full service including ordering from a digital menu and there are even robot chefs who can be programmed to create a range of dishes.

Science Fiction films have for decades imaged sophisticated robots, often made to look like humans, who can cater to every diners needs but now Spain is beginning to see more robots entering the scene.

They are not widespread as yet but as staff become more difficult and expensive to obtain and robots get cheaper to rent (plus they don’t need holidays, social security payments or keep tips) expect to see then becoming more widespread.

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

Fighting the frizz

HUMIDTY can turn even the best hair day into a frizzy nightmare. But fear not, this summer, arm yourself with lightweight, hydrating products that lock in moisture and block out humidity. Opt for sulfate­free shampoos, which cleanse without stripping your

hair of its natural oils. Follow up with a deep conditioner to keep your locks smooth and manageable. And don't forget a good quality serum to provide that extra layer of protection. With the right care, you can keep your hair looking fabulous, come rain or shine!

Brainpower boost

Flawless future

AS we step into the future, the world of makeup is set to undergo revolutionary transformations. Beauty enthusiasts can expect a shift towards lighter, more breathable formulations that deliver exceptional results.

Advancements in cosmetic science will pave the way for cutting ­ edge ingredients, offering enhanced skin benefits and long­lasting wear without compromising comfort.

Improve your health with probiotics

NEW research has uncovered a remarkable connection between stomach health and brain function. The bacteria residing in your stomach play a significant role in regulating your emotions and cognitive abilities. An imbalance of these bacteria, often referred to as dysbiosis, can contribute to the development of anxiety and depression. However, incorporating probiotic­rich foods into your diet can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, ultimately supporting both physical and mental well­being. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are excellent sources of probiotics. By adding these foods to your daily routine, you may be able to naturally boost your brainpower and promote overall health.

Expect foundations that adapt seamlessly to individual skin tones, rendering the "perfect match" a universal reality. Moreover, sustainability will take center stage, with eco ­ friendly packaging and refillable beauty products becoming the norm.

The future of makeup is all about celebrating diversity, empowering individuals to express their unique beauty, and embracing inclusive formulations that cater to various skin types and needs. With innovative technology and a growing focus on natural beauty, makeup in the future promises to be a seamless fusion of skincare and cosmetic artistry, empowering everyone to look and feel their best, effortlessly.

Thai Chi an ancient art

TAI CHI, an ancient Chinese martial art and a gentle exercise that provides substantial benefits for both body and mind. Its fluid movements gently work the muscles, enhancing strength, flexibility, and blood circulation, while also promoting better posture and balance. These physical benefits are especially crucial for older adults, as improved balance reduces the risk of falls. On a mental level, Tai Chi emphasises mindful movements and breath control, fostering mental clarity and tranquility.

It aids in reducing stress levels, improving focus, enhancing sleep quality, and mitigating depression and anxiety symptoms. In short, Tai Chi stands as a testament to the power of gentle exercise, demonstrating that health and harmony can be achieved without strain.

Exercise for the body and mind

Shutterstock/ Tamara Kulikova

LETTERS

Holiday bookings: A summer decline

LAST week we shared a report from GMTV that revealed UK bookings to Southern Europe have experienced a notable dip of 10 per cent, while autumn bookings also showed a 3 per cent decline.

The article then goes on to explain that there could be several reasons for this including the formidable heat with recordbreaking temperatures that we’ve experienced we will continue to experience this summer. Another is the rising cost of living in the UK, for many such as 27 ­ year old Lauren Pugh from Bournemouth, a holiday abroad is a luxury that she just cannot af­

Comments

‘The main problem is British tourists have had a close connection with Spain since the 1950’s under General F Franco, and because of this fact the infrastructure was built up all along Spains coasts to accommodate this fact, and it is now suffering. In addition, this offered much employment for Spain. As a result the hospitality is suffering with tourism and more importantly the revenue that this created has been impacted. This problem has now come to a head with various autonomous regions lobbying Madrid to end the 90 day rule and move along the line of the UK with the 180 days, which will help in the main holiday periods for Spain and it’s future revenue shortfalls.’, M

‘Nothing could have hit tourism as much as Brexit did, let the Spanish drag their feet, they have every right to do whatever they want … the English seem to think it’s their right to anything….. perhaps the people who voted to leave the EU should have looked at the benefits of being in it rather than finding fault and reasons to leave it.’

Alan

‘Yes some of the factors are true, however It is obvious by it omission, any none EU Tourists e.g British Tourists who travelled to EU country’s at Easter time are barred from a summer holiday, due to Spain dragging it’s heels over the 90 day rule despite their

ford ­ especially with mortgage rates increasing by £550 a month. Coupled with this are the extra costs of going away during the peak summer season. Holiday firms are reporting a shift towards autumn bookings as more and more people look to take advantage of the lower prices and travel out of season.

Perhaps, times are changing and preferences are evolving. Millennials are increasingly seeking more immersive experiences, exploring adventure tourism, cultural heritage and the hidden gems found off­thebeaten­path.

luke warm attempt to alter this. It hurts Tourists and Tourism alike and until bureaucrats get their selfs together the problem will fester.’

‘Unfortunately, holidays will just be out of people’s grasp soon.’

Theresa Marie

‘Cost of living. Another interest rate rise this week for UK Mortgages. Got to realise people do not have a money tree in the garden. Increase in Hotels and Flights. I know people not holidaying this year. They cant afford it.’

Andy Aris

‘Andy Aris Have you seen the prices for Air B&B & Booking.com @ €100 plus per night just for one bedroom apartment.’

‘Strange our transfer bookings are way up this year.’ Costa Blanca TRANS ­

FERS

‘Because people don’t have the money’,

Brian Rae

‘Because of the scaremongering about the heat’,

Archie Rainier

‘Archie Rainier you mean it’s not been hot?’,

Emma Monks

‘Emma Monks not as hot as last year no about 6­ 8 degrees cooler in fact’, Archie

Rainier

RICHARD is in his 50’s, a retired forensic accountant from Scotland. After falling into an alcoholic coma, following a binge, he knew he had a choice, keep drinking and die, or stop and live. Here is his story…

“I started drinking aged 15. The sensation was amazing, I loved the feeling, was immediately hooked, and wanted more. I come from a big family, and a culture that promotes the use of alcohol. It wasn’t frowned upon, and for many years my behaviour wasn’t unusual.

I had a senior position in a prominent role and managed to keep a lid on my alcohol use. It became a chronic problem when I retired from work – that is when I became a daily drinker (morning, noon, and night). Gambling could have become a problem, but I needed the money for alcohol. Eating became a chore. Relationships became a thing of the past. Alcohol always came first.

A design for living... that saved my life

My rock bottom was probably in the period leading up to my hospitalisation. By then I was depressed, lonely and I had no interest in people, places, or things. Alcohol had become my life, and I would have been happy to go into a blackout and never wake up.

Then I was told by my GP that I had cirrhosis of the liver and if I continued drinking my lifespan was 3­5 years. I reacted by going on a four ­ week long drinking binge. The result was me ending up in an alcoholic coma.

At this point realisation hit, I knew I had a choice and that I had to do something; keep drinking and die or stop drinking; but I just couldn’t fathom how that would be possible.

I was full of fear at the prospect of my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. I hoped that I would hate it and that would justify never going back. However, what I found was love and understanding; and a realisation that there were many other people just like me. Life now? I believe that I have

found (as we say in the fellowship) a “bridge to normal living”. I have new relationships, family support and have rediscovered sports. Impatience and intolerance are managed. I am human, and my character defects will always be there; but with the help of the fellowship of AA, they are shared and understood by other alcoholics.

My advice? Try it and see. It’s free, if you don’t like it there is no obligation to return but the door will always be open. Get to meetings and listen. Obtain phone

numbers, and call when you need help. I recommend for any newcomer, the Alcoholics Anonymous book called Living Sober. It’s easy to read; and contains advice on everything you will experience as you begin a sober journey. “

There are meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, with friendly people who will understand, held daily, throughout the Costa del Sol. Meetings are free to attend, and anyone who thinks they may have a problem with alcohol is welcome.

Saving Water

HOW can municipalities effectively combat the challenges of a prolonged drought without compromising essential services?

Amidst the persistent drought plaguing municipalities in Spain, many municipalities have taken significant strides to address the water scarcity issue.

Typical measures include cutting off the water supply to beach showers, reducing potable water usage for park and garden irrigation by half, cutting back on watering of golf courses and temporarily closing water parks.

While the actual water consumption from beach showers is minimal, councils aims to use this measure as a means to raise awareness among the public about the responsible use of resources.

Traditional Spanish Methods Of Saving Water

RAINWATER harvesting: A common practice is to collect rainwater for various household tasks, such as watering plants, mopping floors, and cleaning things. This can be done by installing rainwater harvesting systems on the roof or in open areas of the home.

When preparing to take a shower take a bucket along. Instead of letting cold water run away while it gets up to temperature, use a bucket to collect it. This way, water can be collected that would normally go to waste, where it could be used for other household tasks.

Turning off the tap while washing dishes and brushing teeth. This helps save a significant amount of water that would otherwise be wasted if the tap remained open throughout the process.

Homespun Methods Of Water Conservation

FOR more ideas here are some methods gathered from residents in a Euro Weekly News survey.

• 'I have a tank and water is expensive, so if I have bath, I leave it in and use the water to wash my plates. I add soap! I also filled the toilet with bricks, so it only makes a little [flush] and saves 5 litres,' Judith van Trump, Benissa, Alicante.

• Another resident, Michael Santos, commented: 'Living in a small community of just eight properties, the most expensive cost we have is water for both the pool and gardens. We have cut the length of time that each garden receives communal water. . . reduced from 10 minutes to 3 minutes.'

• Another tipster said: 'Always use a dishwasher as it is far more environmentallyfriendly than washing by hand as it uses less water.' It is estimated that hand­washing dish es uses up to 3.5 times more water than a dishwasher.

• When visiting the toilet is it always necessary to flush? Without going into too much detail there is the well known phrase: 'If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down,' a memorable contribution from Mayor Ed Koch, who reportedly urged New Yorkers to take up the practice during a water shortage.

• Although it seems sensible to run eco modes on both dishwashers

and washing machines in actual fact whilst they may use less electricity it is possible that more water is used is this longer cycle, so consider changing to quick more as it may cost more but could save precious water.

• Also, if you use a water softener do check whether it’s metered or unmetered as if unmetered, it automatically regenerates on a timer whether it needs to or not, thus using a lot of unnecessary water.

• The metered option regenerates only when it needs to and therefore uses less water says Angela Wright from Benidorm

• Animal lovers, if you are running the hot water tap, fill the dog’s bowl whilst the water is still cold so it doesn’t just disappear down the drain. Paul Chalmers Estepona

• An anonymous reader contributed, Save water – drink wine.

In Conclusion

BY taking decisive steps to conserve water resources, actions already taken have created an example for other municipalities facing similar drought challenges.

What we all hope to see shortly is some monsoon type weather lasting long enough to top up the aquifers (underground water catchment areas) and reservoirs in the short term and the creation of more desalination plants by the coasts in the long term.

Have a bucket in the shower to collect any excess water, before or during your shower.

Beach showers to be cut off

PETS

Find pet sitters now for your trip

MANY of our pet owners in Spain choose checked pet sitters from our listings. Our HousesitMatch sitters are checked, they are pet lovers and they won’t charge you a cent for the house or pet sitting services. Instead, they offer a fair exchange free accommodation for free pet care. It’s a win win! The housesitters are for free when you are a member of the Housesitmatch network.

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 petcare. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a Homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£ 69 GB 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

Exploring exotic pets

want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. Housesitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials – 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

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

How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com

Need a pet or housesitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and 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 or pet-sitter go to www.HouseSitMatch.com.

Run rabbit run

WHEN it comes to ensuring your rabbit lives a comfortable, healthy life indoors, creating the right environment is of paramount importance. As most rabbit owners will agree, rabbits are sociable creatures that require ample space and stimulation to thrive.

First and foremost, size matters. A rabbit’s habitat should ideally be as spacious as possible, allowing room for the rabbit to hop, play, and explore. The minimum size should be at least three times your rabbit's length, though bigger is always better. Next, consider the flooring. While wire­bottomed cages are often promoted in pet stores, they can cause discomfort and even injuries to your rabbit's feet. Instead, opt for a solid floor lined with absorbent, soft materials like hay or recycled paper bedding.

Rabbits are intelligent and curious animals. Provide toys,

Rabbits like to hop, play and explore

tunnels, and hiding spots to cater to their inquisitive nature. Chew toys, in particular, are vital, as they help keep your rabbit’s teeth healthy.

Temperature and lighting are two other key considerations. Rabbits fare best in temperatures between 1020°C, so avoid placing their habitat in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Moreover, ensure the cage is situ­

STEPPING into the world of exotic pets can be a journey filled with unique encounters and newfound understanding. From the spiky charm of hedgehogs to the awe­inspiring allure of tarantulas, these unconventional companions offer a pet ownership experience quite unlike any other.

Hedgehogs, with their distinctive spiny coats and nocturnal habits, are rapidly becoming popular among pet enthusiasts. These little creatures require a specific habitat, diet, and handling, but their endearing nature makes the effort worthwhile. Owners are often fascinated by their self ­ anointing behaviour ­ an unusual spectacle where hedgehogs lick to create a frothy saliva, then spread it on their spines!

On the other end of the

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

spectrum, tarantulas, although not everyone's first choice, offer a different kind of companionship. Contrary to popular belief, most tarantulas are not dangerous to humans. Their incredible diversity, spanning various sizes, shapes, and colours, can spark a fascination for nature's marvels. However, they do require intricate care in terms of habitat and diet, with some species living up to 20 years.

Ownership of exotic pets requires a commitment to understand their unique needs and behaviours. Careful research and preparation are crucial to provide these extraordinary creatures with a suitable environment and proper care. Delving into the world of exotic pets can indeed be rewarding, but prospective owners should remember that respect for these animals and their natural habitats is paramount.

ated in a well­lit, quiet, and peaceful area to mimic their natural environment.

Lastly, cleanliness is paramount. Regularly clean the rabbit's living area to maintain hygiene levels and keep your furry friend happy. Remember, a well­designed habitat can greatly enhance your rabbit's quality of life, contributing to their physical and emotional wellbeing.

If you’re planning travel later this year don’t delay, Find your petsitters now with HouseSit Match

AIR CONDITIONING

ALARMS

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

AIR CONDITIONING

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BALUSTRADES

CLEANING

BLINDS

BUILDERS

BLINDS

LOCKSMITHS

POOL MAINTENANCE

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

LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. 747 438 225 (304048)

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

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

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

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

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

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

FREEMASONRY . Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@glpvalencia. com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

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

non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorre vieja.org (95476)

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

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

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

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

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION -

Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com.

who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/orihuela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.ori huelacostarbl.co.uk. (95457)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

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

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

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

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

STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain

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

MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm –3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb. org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org.e s (295976)

REACH OUT EXTIENDA LA MANO need volunteers to help their charitable association. Any amount of time you can spare would be beneficial. They are especially looking for help in their warehouse to sort out all donations, assistance in the main shop and drivers. Tel +34 965 713 063 or info@reachouttorrevieja.eu.

Opening Hours: 10am to 1.30pm. 1 Calle Bella Antonia, 03183 Torrevieja (302882)

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

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

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

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsu ranceinspain.com or email tracey@sosinsu ranceinspain.com (303525)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Telephone: 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@beneficialinsurance inspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsurancein spain.com for online quote. (303574)

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

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

PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (304150)

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

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA

Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical

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

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

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

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

THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiritualistcentre-benijo far.com . Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindroute66@ hotmail.com. Fiscal G54713789

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

PHONAK & SIGNIA from Hear Maika. English speaking professional established 23 years in Spain. 658 446 384. (302961)

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

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

ATTRACTIVE, Girlfriend, Professional Masseuse relaxing and therapeutic Masseuse. Tel: 693 357 526 (295448)

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

CLASSIC SPANISH LADY , Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 40€. Ana 657 603 495 (303169)

ANA SLIM ELEGANT LADY. PROFESSIONAL RELAXING TANTRIC AND PROSTATIC MASSAGE. ALICANTE. HOME VISITS ONLY 24HRS. TEL 697 207 715.

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

MISCELLANEOUS

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe

Watches Tel - 678 716 693

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

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

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

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

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 krugercanopies@ yahoo.co.uk (295796)

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE

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

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

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor. blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

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

PLUMBERS

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)

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

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

REMOVALS SPAS & JACCUZZIS

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

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

POOL

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

Toyota BZ4X - An interesting car

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

BZ4X is probably one of the strangest names ever for a car, and appears to have been spared any imagination in Toyota’s vehicle naming department. It’s not as random as it may appear though, the ‘BZ’ stands for Beyond Zero, so you may guess from that it’s an EV, and the 4X signifies the size and type within Toyota’s hierarchy. Despite the rather boring name it’s an interesting car.

It’s Toyota’s first EV, surprising when you consider they were pioneers having launched the first Prius Hybrid back in the midnineties. Four trim levels, two and four­wheel­drive and comprehensive standard equipment across the board make the BZ4X a tempting package.

Range varies whether

you select two or fourwheel­drive and surprising ly the wheel size. The highest range quoted by Toyota is 317 miles in the twowheel ­ drive and 286 miles with four ­ wheeldrive. As with all EVs that’s not up to combustion engine range and of course the EV charging network, although improving, is not improving anywhere near fast enough to make longer journeys a worryfree experience. It almost

goes without saying if you’re read any of my EV reviews, that they make

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Toyota BZ4X Pure

Engine: 71 kwh battery

Gears: Automatic

Price: €53,506/£46,110

great commuter cars. The BZ4X is, as one would expect from Toyota,

Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 7.5 seconds/Maximum Speed 161 kph (100 mph).

Manufacturer quoted range: 317 miles on single charge

Emissions: 0 g/km

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

aimed at making life practical with an extremely generous amount of space inside the car and lots of storage. It is a large car too and the build quality is pretty good, but given it’s a Toyota one almost expects that to be the case.

As with the external looks the interior is a bit Marmite, some will love it, and some won’t. The usual pattern of a large central screen is adopted, the low

level steering wheel obscures some of the driver information screen but like many things you soon acclimatise and these aren’t huge issues. On the road there’s a distinct absence of road noise and despite its lofty stature and complaint ride the BZ4X makes admirable progress along twisting lanes. Rough roads, and there’s lots to choose from in the UK, make little disturbance to the ride and while not sporty it’s a decent drive.

Like most EVs the BZ4X isn’t cheap with prices starting from €53,506/£46,110, but you do get an awful lot of car for your money. The fact it’s a Toyota will also count for a lot with practical folk and those who want to go safely green with useable and family friendly transport.

Despite the rather boring name it is an interesting car

Beach car care

SEAT: Spain’s Pride

SEAT, Spain's largest car manufacturer, stands as a testament to the country's automotive prowess. Founded in 1950, SEAT has evolved from a national car brand to a global automotive force.

IF you can find a parking space, driving to the beach can be quick and convenient, but it also comes with its risks, in regard to the health of your vehicle.

Many people decide to take the car to the beach because of the convenience it offers when it comes to moving around with all the necessary equipment. But it is good to keep in mind that parking too close to the sea is harmful to the vehicle, especially if it is going to be stationary for several days.

The salty sea breeze promotes corrosion of the bodywork, but it can also damage the interior of the car, as well as the metal parts and the engine. In fact, the longer the car is exposed, the more serious the impact will be. Rubber seals, for example, cannot be repaired, they have to be replaced.

Just like seawater, sea breezes carry sand, which can also damage the bodywork. It is recommended to wash the car with water or compressed air afterwards and, as a pre­

caution, always park with your back to the sea and, if possible, cover the vehicle with a car cover. Also, when getting into the car, it is advisable to shake out shoes and even clothes, along with the use of seat covers. In this way, the upholstery will be protected

Vehicles left in direct sunlight are particularly at risk, with potential damage to plastics and tyres. Always using a sun visor and performing regular tyre checks are ways to reduce the damage.

SEAT's success lies in its commitment to innovation and design. Its models combine cutting ­ edge technology with unique Spanish aesthetics, appealing to a wide demographic. The brand has also embraced electric mobility, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transportation.

By consistently delivering quality and innovation, SEAT continues to drive Spain's automotive industry forward.

277,885 registered Dacia Sandero by end of June 2022

LIMITED STOCK ON REDUCED PRICED DEMO CARS

Parking at the beach.

Credit: Anetlanda/Shutterstock.com

Silverware shootout

IT was a victory that needed a penalty shootout to decide the winner between Arsenal and Manchester City after a 1­1 draw in open play, on Sunday August 6, at a Wembley Stadium that unveiled its new state­of­the­art pitch.

Incredibly, two of City's biggest players missed penalties, first Kevin De Bruyne crashed his kick against the bar and then Rodri saw his rather feeble spot­kick saved with ease by England keeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Although this annual battle for the first piece of silverware of a new season is not held in the highest of esteem, today's win will serve as a psychological boost to Mikel Arteta and his men as they look to go one better this season in the title race.

Arteta gave starts to his three big summer signings, with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber all making their competitive debuts for the Londoners. The German was guilty of wasting two golden opportunities in the first half.

The match looked to be heading towards an all too similar conclusion

after Cole Palmer's magnificent strike in the 70th minute. On as a sub, the youngster curled a stunning shot beyond the Arsenal goalkeeper to make it 1­0.

A clash of heads between Kyle Walker and Thomas Partey in the 92nd minute saw play halted for a substantial period. The game resumed with 12 added minutes.

It was Leandro Trossard who put

Lionesses roar

THE England women's football team has been showcasing exceptional form in their recent matches, emerging as one of the prominent contenders in the World Cup which is being jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

With a blend of experience and youthful energy, the Lionesses have managed to secure victories in key games, against Haiti, Denmark, China and Nigeria.

Fans are eagerly awaiting their next World Cup fixture against either Colombia or Jamaica, scheduled for Saturday August 12, at the Australia stadium in Sydney. England's recent performances have instilled confidence, and supporters are optimistic about their chances in this crucial game.

The upcoming fixture will undoubtedly be a defining moment in their World Cup journey.

his team level, in the 101st minute. His shot was deflected in off Manuel Akanji's thigh beyond a wrong­footed Stefan Ortega to send the noise levels inside Wembley through the roof.

Pep Guardiola now has the task of inspiring his players for their UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla next Wednesday 9, in the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis in Piraeus, Greece.

Arsenal winning the Community Shield 2023.

Credit: Twitter@Arsenal

The starting lineup for the match against Nigeria

Credit: englandfootball.com