Costa de Almeria 17 – 23 August 2023 Issue 1989

WHAT’S BETTER THAN MONEY IN THE BANK?

See page 5

KEEPING BUSY

THE Port of Almeria is continually growing and increasing the number of cruise ships that dock in its port.

The stopovers programmed for this year exceed those of last year by a whopping 57.1 per cent and by 15.8 per cent of those of 2019, the year before the pandemic.

The pandemic left the port activity in dry dock in 2020 and a large part of 2021.

Eight tourist ships, of the nine that were planned, have already docked in the Almeria dock in the first half of the year.

This figure is 14.3 per cent more than last year; 3,000 passengers travelled on them, in addition to the corresponding crew.

This figure is 35 per cent

higher than those recorded in the first half of 2022. The president of the Port Authority of Almeria, Rosario Soto, has highlighted the joint work with the Bahia Almeriport

Foundation and other administrations to promote Almeria as a cruise destination.

“We are focusing mainly on smaller cruise ships and luxury category, whose passengers disembark and choose to enjoy the varied gastronomic, cultural and scenic offer that Almeria has,” the president confirmed.

Over the next few days, the Wind Surf and Seabourn Sojourn cruise ships will make their third stopovers this year, respectively, in the Port of Almeria, after both were also the last to pass through the Ribera Quay recently.

Anna Ellis

CRUISE SHIPS: Are increasingly docking in Almeria.

Image: Almeria

Port Authority

Anna Ellis

THE maritime patrol that the Nijar Town Hall has deployed to ensure the safety of bathers and recreational boats will be operational until the end of the summer period.

The mayor, Jose Francisco Garrido, explained: “This is a pioneering initiative in Nijar that will provide service throughout the coastal strip of the municipality, with special attention to the urban beaches of San José, Las Negras, La Isleta and Agua Amarga.

“We are talking about a patrol in which around 10 Local

Special patrol

with a 115 horsepower engine and will be operational throughout the remainder of the summer and then activated again next summer.”

This patrol, which was launched at the beginning of August has already carried out a rescue just two days after it became operational.

Police officers will work in groups of between three and four officers per shift.

“This patrol has a boat of about seven metres in length

SHOPPING lovers will be pleased to hear that Vera is preparing for its Magic Night, La Noche Magica, in a bid to dynamise commerce in the municipality!

On Friday, August 18 there will be parades, children’s entertainment, live music, magic shows and the raffle of a trip valued at €600.

All consumers who make a purchase in the week leading up to August 20 in the establishments adhering to the campaign will get the stamp on their Magic Passports.

When the Magic Passports have five stamps they will be entered into numerous raffles for gifts and product batches.

Local Police officers attached to the Maritime Patrol rescued a young man who had become stranded in a coastal area of difficult access in the vicinity of Agua Amarga.

Magic night

Ensuring bathers’ safety.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Nijar Facebook

A delight for shopping lovers.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Vera / Facebook

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 if 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 community group who would like to be featured

NIBS EXTRA

False notes

THE Guardia Civil has arrested one person and investigated another for a currency counterfeiting offence in Mojacar. The alleged perpetrators had tried to introduce three counterfeit €200 banknotes into legal tender in local leisure establishments.

Bashing branch

ONE of the attendees of the electronic music festival Dreambeach was taken to hospital after being hit by a falling tree branch. The victim who was sleeping in a camping area next to the site was not seriously injured as the tent lessened the impact.

100 Hours

THE traditional sporting event, a hallmark of Roquetas de Mar, Sport For All100 Hours, took place from August 11 to August 15. It was declared a resounding success with more than 12,000 participants.

Hold the front page

in the programme.

Please contact us by calling 951 386 161 or emailing news desk@euroweeklynews. com 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 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.

Bus timetable update Tomato halt

THE Almeria Area Metropolitan Transport Consortium has confirmed it will expand its night­time services from the Bajo Andarax region in view of the expected increase in demand from passengers wishing to use public transport to get to the Almeria Fairgrounds.

From Friday, August 18, and during the busiest days of the Almeria Fair, scheduled for August 19, 25 and 26. Consortium buses will intensify services in the municipalities of Gádor, Benahadux, Rioja, Huércal de Almería, Viator, Pechina and Santa Fe de Mondújar.

There will be special services on lines M­102, M­103 and M­106, with departures from the metropolitan area at around 9.30pm returning at 4.30am.

All information regarding services, timetables, stops and municipalities can be found on the website of the Almeria Area Metropolitan Transport Consortium (www.ctal.es) and on the user service number: (+34) 955 038 665.

THE first analyses of the horticultural campaign in Almeria point to the fact that, so far, there has been a halt in the expansion of the tomato and bell pepper acreage, which may be reduced by about 4 per cent, according to data recently shared by Asaja Almeria.

José Miguel of Hortamar Biotechnology company in Heerhugowaard, Netherlands, confirmed: “Last year, the socalled new thrips, which isn’t actually that new, hit bell peppers very hard.

“Thrips parvispinus invasive pests did a lot of damage to the plantations, re­

YOUR EWN HAS

95 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Old Virgen facelift

THE old Virgen del Socorro School, in Pescadería is set to undergo a facelift which will begin shortly.

sulting in a lot of non­marketable production, so surely, there will be growers who have suffered it this year and who will have switched to other crops out of fear.

“As for tomatoes, we must remember that there are many labour issues. Labourers are expensive, and there’s also a great scarcity of them.

“Unlike other crops, tomatoes require a team working on them permanently.

“Tomatoes also require weekly pruning to ensure proper growth of the fruits.”

With an investment of €998,795.77, the work will be divided into phases and is expected to take around nine months.

The first stage will focus on the repair of the structure and exterior carpentry, the refurbishment of the roof and the exterior enclosure, in addition to the conditioning of the ground floor and patio.

The property occupies a plot area of 672 sqm.

Tomatoes require a lot of care.

Image: Fotokostic Shutterstock.com

Josh and Nick are coming to Benidorm.

Credit: Sky TV

Anna Ellis ALMERIA airport comes in third place in Andalucia in terms of the number of scheduled flights over the bank holiday weekend from Friday August 11 to Tuesday August 15.

The number of flights totalled 124 compared to the 104 scheduled nationally and internationally in 2022.

The day with the highest number of flights was on Sunday, with 28 flights, 14 national and 14 international.

The day with the least number of flights was Friday, with 18 flights, 14 national and only four interna­

Bronze medal

1,929 last year, 2,077 being international and 449 national.

The day with the highest number of operations in Malaga was Sunday, with 533 flights, 433 international and 100 national.

The day with the least amount of traffic in Malaga was Monday, with 483 flights, 377 international and 106 domestic.

In total, Andalucian airports scheduled a total of 3,629 flights, of which 2,520 were international.

tional.

The airport in the region with the most flights over

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

the long weekend was Malaga­Costa del Sol, with a total of 2,576 compared to

In total, 2,576 operated from Malaga airport, which is 71 per cent of the total for the region.

A DELEGATION of scientists from Japan, experts in crystallography and crystal growth, have paid a visit to Almeria’s Pulpí Geode. The mayor of Pulpí, Juan Pedro García, and the councillor for Tourism and Geode, Juan Bautista López, received the group of scientists at the town hall of Pulpí.

The experts, led by Professor Katsuo Tsukamoto, from the Tohoku University of Sendai, and Professors Mihoko Maruyama and Hiroshi Yoshikawa from the University of Osaka participated last week in the International Conference of Crystal Growth,

UNTIL Sunday, August 20, the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is launching a campaign to monitor the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs while driving.

Being over the limit is one of the main risk factors in traffic accidents, according to the 2022 Report on Toxicological Findings in Traffic Accident Victims drawn up by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences.

According to this document, of the 854 drivers who died in traffic accidents and underwent post­mortem and toxicological analysis, 443, or 51.8 per cent of the total, gave positive results for alcohol, drugs of abuse and psychotropic drugs, either alone or in combination. Alcohol continues to be the substance most commonly used by drivers killed, followed by cocaine and cannabis, and in third place, psychotropic drugs.

In the case of pedestrians, of the 221 pedestrians killed in road traffic accidents and subjected to post­mortem, 94 pedestrians tested positive for alcohol, drugs and/or psychotropic drugs, alone or in combination, which is equivalent to 42.5 per cent.

Driving campaign Expert visit

held in Naples.

Professor, Juanma GarcíaRuiz, author of the book and documentary ‘The Mystery of the Giant Crystals’, was asked

to include a visit to the Mina Rica and the Pulpí Geode during his study trip to the University of Granada.

The Japanese scientists who are great experts in crystallography, were enthusiastic after learning about the Pulpi Geode marvel of the mineral world. After the visit, the scientists agreed to establish cooperation within the framework of the Spanish Japanese Society for Scientific Cooperation, whose President, Doctor Jimenez Espejo, also participated in the visit.

PULPÍ GEODE: Scientists from Japan visited the site.

Image: Pulpí Geode

BUSY AIRPORTS: Over the bank holiday weekend.

Image: Toniflap / Shutterstock.com

“A jack of all trades is master of none.”

A person with some knowledge of several fields (jack of all trades) can’t be a master in any of them. Source - In 1612, the phrase appeared in the book ‘Essays and Characters of a Prison’ by English writer Geffray Mynshul (Minshull), originally published in 1618.

80% of Spaniards live in urban areas

Bulky business

Anna Ellis

THE Almeria Port Authority (APA) has increased solid bulk traffic by 5 per cent in the first half of the year compared to the first six months of last year.

In total, the ports of Almeria and Carboneras have moved 2,010,851 tons until the equator of 2023, with increases of 2.28 per cent and 8.76 per cent, respectively.

Gypsum is the main product, with a weight of 72 per cent of all solid bulk.

The export of this mineral from January to June amounted to 1,445,228 tons which is 4 per cent more than in the same period of 2022. The main destinations are the United States, Canada, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

The figures for June, which is the last month for which

closed data are available, have contributed to the positive balance in gypsum shipments during the first half of the year.

Only in the sixth month of the year, 38.5 per cent more mineral has been exported than in June 2022, mainly thanks to the movement in the coal dock, where the growth has been 546.86 per cent.

THE mayor of Vera, Alfonso Garci a recently paid a visit to the galleries of the foundation of San Andrés, located in Vera Playa.

The route was guided by mining heritage expert Juan Antonio Soler Jódar who explained all about the operation and distribution of the ancient lead foundry which was in operation between 1872 and 1912.

During the tour, the

mayor was able to check the good state of preservation of most of their galleries which can represent a huge tourist potential for the municipality.

The interest of these remains, apart from its excellent location perfect for tourist use, is the fact that it has all the characteristic elements of a typical lead smelter of the late 19th and early 20th century.

It is true that it has lost its main chimney, which was circular in section, but it still has several secondary chimneys.

The foundry also has some impressive smoke condensation galleries which make it the absolute record for the length of a condensation gallery in a smelter of this type and reach an impressive 4.2 kilometres in total length.

Tourist potential Splash the cash

BUYING an apartment with a pool in Almeria is a tad more expensive than an apartment without.

The extra cost, on average, is 51 per cent according to a study published by Idealista.

Teruel and Lleida are the capitals in which the difference between the apartments that are sold with a swimming pool is greater, since their price is 74 per cent and 73 per cent higher. These two cities are followed by the price differences of Barcelona, with a 67 per

cent premium, Santander (66 per cent) and Jaén (61 per cent).

Castellón de la Plana (59 per cent), Cáceres (54 per cent) and Almeria (51 per cent) are also included in the group of municipalities with a price premium of more than 50 per cent.

On the contrary, in Madrid, the homes that are on the market with a pool are, on average, 5 per cent more expensive than those that do not.

MINERAL EXPORTS: Have increased in the first half of the year.

THE quantity of staff being hired in the agriculture sector in Almeria plummeted by 25.4 per cent in the first seven months of 2023 compared to the same period of the previous year.

Almeria is one of the Andalucian provinces with the lowest number of new hires in the agricultural sector, with 38,616 new workers.

The trend is part of some bad data at a regional level.

Agriculture created 486,057 jobs in Andalucia between January and July this year which is 31.1 per cent less than in the same period in 2022 (705,242).

The decline in Andalucia, the third sharpest in the country, after the Valencian Community (­40.7 per cent), and Extremadura (­33.7 per cent), is 4.2 percentage points higher than the

CALLING all yoga fans. Have you ever fancied doing a spot of yoga in the great outdoors? If so, Yoga Moments is the perfect hobby for you.

Yoga classes have been taking place over the summer in various corners of Berja, all the classes have had a great turnout and received fabulous feedback.

The next Yoga Moments event is set to take place on Friday August 18 at CEIP Celia Vinas at 8.00pm.

JOBS DECLINE: In the agriculture sector.

national average (­26.9 per cent), and the volume of contracts recorded represents 48.5 per cent of the total that have been signed in Spain, the highest in the whole country.

Plaza de Constitucion on Friday August 25 at 8.00pm. Everyone is welcome at

event. Registration

PERFECT HOBBY: Taking place over the summer.

Image: sima / Shutterstock.com

Image: Ayuntamiento de Berja / Facebook

Not hiring

EU support

Anna Ellis IN a bid to show their support for the Murcia­Almeria high­speed train, the EU has confirmed a donation of €411 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “This key transport infrastructure will have a positive impact on the entire region, and beyond.

“It will make life easier, safer and increase opportunity for passengers and businesses alike. By reducing emissions, it will help the EU reach its goal of a greener, more sustainable future for all.”

This new line of almost 149 km will further im ­

ALMERIA’S Health District has now implemented the TurnoSAS Patient Notification and Location System in its Primary Care Emergency Clinical Management Unit, located in the Bola Azul and Nicolás Salmerón Peripheral Specialty Centres.

Patients who head to Urgencias will now be given a ticket with an alphanumeric code that will be used by health professionals to call the patient via television screens located in the wait­

prove the connection of the Mediterranean Corridor of the Trans­European Transport Network making long ­ distance passenger services faster, more frequent and reliable, while overall optimising rail operations.

The whole line will be electrified and equipped with a European Rail Traf­

fic Management System level 2 signalling system, and safety technology.

The railway is designed to accommodate passenger trains of up to 400 metres and freight trains of up to 750 metres in length. Passenger trains will be able to travel at over 250 km/h and freight trains up to 100 km/h.

Hospital changes

ing rooms.

This system is set to replace the traditional name calls over the loudspeaker Manager of the Almeria Health District, Teodoro Gómez, confirmed that the implementation of the TurnoSAS system “means an improvement in both accessibility to the primary care emergency service and an improvement in the security and

protection of patient data, as it means patient anonymity.

“It also promotes peace and quiet in waiting rooms by avoiding public address or voice calls, and facilitates information to our patients by including digital signage, so we have cleaner centres and updated information on the TurnoSAS screens for our users,” the Health Manager confirmed.

Market timetable

ALMERIA City Council and the market traders have come to an agreement.

It has been decided that the Tuesday street market in the Mediterranean Games Stadium on August 22 will not be held.

The agreement has been made so the market does not interfere with the Feria de Almeria.

The following week, Tuesday, August 29 the traders will return and the market will be running as usual. The activity of the rest of the city’s weekly street markets will not be altered during this time.

FAST TRAIN: Will have a positive impact on the region.

Image: European Commission

If you are quite new to living in Spain or in the process of organising your move here, it is important to adjust your tax, financial and estate planning. Spending a little time on it now will reap dividends in the future.

If you have been living here for a while, is your financial planning upto-date and designed for your life in Spain?

1) Legal and tax residence

There are two concepts of residence to be aware of and plan for. Lawful residence gives you the right to live in Spain. UK nationals now need to plan for Spanish residence in advance since the process is more bureaucratic following Brexit. Tax residence determines which country has taxing rights over your worldwide income and wealth. Understand the rules for Spanish tax residency and correctly declare your worldwide income, gains and wealth as required. If you hold assets or receive income in another country, follow the double tax treaty to pay tax in the right place.

2) Tax planning

Depending on your circumstances, Spain can offer compliant opportunities to reduce your tax liabilities to

Making a home in Spain? Five financial essentials to consider

If you have not yet moved to Spain, taking advice before you leave the UK could save you tax.

3) Inheritance planning

Understand how Spanish inheritance tax and succession law could impact your family.

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

on investment capital. Do not presume that what was tax efficient in your home country is tax efficient here. You may need to convert existing arrangements to ones more suitable for Spanish residents. How you hold your assets can make a significant difference to how much tax you

Spouses are generally not exempt from Spanish succession tax, while allowances and multipliers vary according to degree of kinship. The autonomous communities can adjust the rates and allowances and Valenciana, Murcia, the Balearics, Andalucía and Madrid have eliminated, or virtually eliminated, succession tax for spouses, descendants and ascendants.

Spain imposes forced heirship. UK nationals can use the EU succession regulation to opt for UK succession law to apply to their estate, if this is suitable for your family.

4) Your investment portfolio

ments to confirm they are suitable for you now. Are you holding the right spread of assets to meet your objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance?

Is your portfolio too risky for you?

Do you need to hold more assets in Euros and diversify away from UK investments?

5) Pensions

Retirees should review their pension funds and options to consider how to maximise their retirement savings without unnecessary risk. Weigh up the pros and cons of each option and establish if they will achieve your objectives.

Research the tax implications in Spain. For example, transferring a UK pension to QROPS after you are Spanish tax resident will incur a prohibitive Spanish tax charge.

Integrated planning

The sooner you review your finances, the sooner you can get on

best results, consider all these essentials in conjunction with each other. Often one will impact upon another so working on them in isolation could have unexpected consequences.

Ultimately, you want to achieve peace of mind that all your affairs are in order and designed to achieve your wishes. Taking professional guidance from a locally based adviser will ensure you have all the facts and understand your options.

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

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

Natural spaces

Anna Ellis MOJACAR Town Council has now begun its communication campaign to raise environmental awareness among residents, visitors and users of the town’s beaches and natural spaces.

Mayor, Francisco Garcia Cerda, explained the importance of “sustainability as one of the main objectives linked to the tourist development of our municipality and the conservation of natural resources as objectives of vital importance, with the beach being one of the priority areas to be protected.”

Mojacar has 17 kilometres of coastline, in a succession of beaches that constitute a fundamental tourist attraction, especially in the high season.

Despite the fact that

environmental awareness is growing, the Mojacar Council Government Team is committed to communicating to beach users both the basic rules for the use of this natural resource, as well as other messages related to the conservation and environmental protection of the area.

This awareness campaign also aims to high ­

Spain grapples third heatwave

A SPATE of heatwaves stretching across southern Europe has pushed temperatures in parts of Spain to uncomfortable levels in recent weeks. Meteorologists warned it could be the “most extreme of the summer” and triggered widespread weather alerts.

In the third heatwave in a matter of weeks, much of the southern part of the country was on orange alert and red alerts over the weekend, with temperatures expected to surge above 40 Celcius.

The meteorological agency also issued maximum red alerts for parts of Andalucia in the south, the Madrid region in the centre, and the Valencian community.

ties in Catalonia to impose restrictions.

Although many may think that summer temperatures have always been high in Spain, the prolonged heat has usually been broken by summer storms, enabling the land and air temperatures to cool down to a more comfortable level.

Advice during heatwaves is to keep out of the sun and stay in the shade. Traditionally, the Spanish close all of their shutters, keeping their homes in darkness during the daytime in order to keep the heat out of their homes. One business, Chaplins Pub, located in Roquetas de Mar, has noticed a decline in business.

light, in a clear and effective way, objectives such as keeping the beaches clean, pointing out the coastline as a vulnerable natural space, as well as the importance of communicating incorrect actions in the use of the beaches and their restrictions, suggesting appropriate, correct and environmentally friendly measures.

The heatwaves recorded in Spain this summer have also worsened a prolonged drought, lowering reservoir levels as water evaporation and consumption increase, prompting authori­

TWO years have passed since the Digestive, Microbiology and Emergency Services of the Torrecardenas University Hospital launched a Hepatitis C Screening Plan in its Emergency Department.

Since then, more than 15,000 patients have been tested for hepatitis C and 55 patients have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C virus who were unaware of

“It is the hottest I have known it for 20 years. The weather has really killed trade as it’s too hot for people to come out during the day,” said the owner, John Clarke on Friday, August 11.

On track

their infection status.

Most of them have already been treated and cured of the infection.

According to the data obtained at this time, the prevalence of infection by the hepatitis C virus in the population that attends the emergency department is 0.4 per cent,

double that estimated for the general population.

Spain may be one of the first countries to reach the WHO objective, which seeks to eliminate hepatitis C by the year 2030.

This requires increasing screening strategies since hepatitis C is an asymptomatic disease and most infected patients are unaware of their infection status.

CLEAN BEACHES: The importance of communication.

Cereal dedication

THE province of Almeria has 29,800 hectares dedicated to the production of cereals, leguminous plants and oilseeds.

The main cereals with a distribution of 8,862 hectares sown this season are barley, 3,424 hectares of oats and 2,146 hectares of wheat.

As far as leguminous crops are concerned, which have taken on a certain importance

THE biggest exhibition of the ‘Indy World’ (Indiana Jones and all his films) can be seen for a few more days.

Due to popular demand, the exhibition is extending its closing date, scheduled for September 3, until September 24.

Since last May 24, lovers of one of the greatest film sagas have gone to the Casa del Cine de Almeria to enjoy the exhibition with more than 100 objects from this big screen success.

this year due to the new CAP coming into force, around 1,000 hectares have been sown in the province.

At the moment, the main producing area is harvesting the little production that has survived this season’s historic drought.

The quality of the grain is mediocre and the producers are trying to obtain at least enough seed to be able to cul­

tivate next season although, unfortunately, many of them are not even going to harvest for this work.

“This season we have had all the factors against us, including high production costs and a derisory rainfall, which has led us to the worst season in the last 40 years,” points out Miguel Angel Serrano, Technical Secretary of ASAJA Almeria.

Still going strong

Anna Ellis

WHAT started as a small event amongst friends to celebrate a birthday has just grown and grown.

Now 16 years later that small event has an official name, Happy Moy Fest, and attracts fans from all over Spain.

After the resounding success of last year, this event will once again be part of the patron saint’s festivities programme, on Tuesday August 22.

Since the exhibition opened its doors, more than 4,500 Almeria residents and visitors have passed through the Casa del Cine who have been able to contemplate ‘in situ’ objects such as the Holy Grail, the Golden Idol of Fertility, the Ark of the Alliance or the Crystal Skull.

The entire collection is

exhibited in 35 showcases distributed throughout this museum space in the city with five different mannequins from each film. In addition, visitors have been able to find out, in depth, where the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed in Almería and its surroundings in 1988, possibly the best known of the entire saga.

It will start at 6.00pm with the participation of the bands: Viva Belgrado, Waiting For Sunset, Vomans, Adiós Caballos, Palmeras Negras and Erial.

The councillor for Culture, Diego Cruz, confirmed:

“It is important to take this festival to Amphitheatre, as part of the Culture Department’s programme.

“We want Almeria to form part of the circuits of the big artists on the scene and also to show the more alternative scene.”

The councillor added: “We want to reach all kinds

Indy World Pirate taxis

THE problem of pirate taxis has persisted for years in the city of Almeria, especially at the Intermodal Station, where they take advantage of the ingenuity of tourists to take them to their destination in an unlicensed vehicle.

These illegal taxis economically harm legal taxi drivers, generating unfair competition in the sector.

For this reason, and to try to solve the problem, the local Almeria police have been on alert and upping surveillance in and around the station area for the past several months.

The taxi drivers themselves have confirmed they have no­

of audiences so that bands that are not so well­known and with harder sounds can have a space to play.”

Tickets are on sale on the website almeriaculturaen tradas.es and also at La Caverna pub for €7 in advance.

Tickets will be €10 if bought at the box office on the day of the festival.

ticed a decrease in the number of pirate taxis, as well as an increase in police in the area.

The police, by simply being present, have already managed to dissuade some of these illegal taxis.

However, at times when the police officers are not around, a member of the pirate gang tips off his friends and the illegal taxis start appearing again. Luckily, though this practice seems to be happening less and less.

HAPPY MOY FEST: Attracts fans from all over Spain.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Almeria / Facebook

Food safety warning

John Ensor

ON Friday, August 11, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aesan) issued an alert regarding the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in smoked salmon of the brand JOALPESCA, with an expiration date of August 14, 2023, according to a news source.

The initial distribution was to the autonomous communities of Madrid, Castilla ­ La Mancha, Castilla y León, Catalonia, and Murcia, but other areas may also be affected.

“The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aesan) issued on Friday an alert on the presence of Listeria monocytogene in smoked salmon brand JOALPESCA with expiration date August 14, 2023,” Aesan announced. They learned of the situation through the Coordinated System for the Rapid Exchange of Information (SCIRI), follow­

ing an alert notification from the health authorities of the Community of Madrid.

The specific product in question is smoked salmon host c/p ­ e, of the Joalpesca brand, corresponding to lot E675C1528 three and weighing between 1kg and 1.5 kg.

The initial distribution was to the autonomous communities mentioned above, but redistribution to other areas is not ruled out.

Aesan advises against consuming the product. The information has been transferred to the competent authorities through the Coordinated System for the Rapid Exchange of Information (SCIRI), to ensure the withdrawal of the affected products. If you have consumed any of the products from the affected lots and are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis (vomiting, diarrhoea or fever), it is recommended to seek medical attention.

SMOKED SALMON: Don’t consume this product.

Self-employed

Anna Ellis

THE Special Scheme for the Self­Employed (RETA) closed the seventh month of the year with a monthly loss of 1,314 self­employed workers in Andalucia (­0.2 per cent), with Sevilla being the province with the largest loss (­0.6 per cent).

This decline was marked by the fall in enrolment in education (­4.6 per cent) and commerce (­0.2).

The total number of self­employed workers has reached 3,344,562 self­employed workers in Spain and 570,615 in Andalucia.

The president of ATA Andalucia, Rafael Amor, confirmed: “The data known today on enrolment in Andalucia are within normality.

“Of the fall in self­employed workers, more than half are in education, a sector that tends to reduce its activity in the summer months.

“Nevertheless, we continue to be a leading region in terms of the number of self­employed, with more than

570,000.

“So far this year, one out of every three self­employed people who have registered in Spain is Andalucian,” said Rafael Amor, who believes that the growth of the self­employed in Andalucia is due to the fact that “Andalucia is a land of entrepreneurship and there are many facilities for starting up your own business.”

Comparing 2023 with 2022:

In the data on the self­employed, if we compare with July 2022, the Social Security data show that the communities with the greatest weight of tourism have increased their

enrolment in Spain over the last year, while nine have lost self­employed workers, in addition to the two autonomous cities.

In other words, if we compare July 2022 with July 2023, the two archipelagos show an increase of 2.2 per cent in enrolment of the self­employed, and there is also a notable increase in the Autonomous Community of Valencia (+1.1 per cent), Madrid and Andalucia (0.6 per cent) and Catalonia (+0.2 per cent).

The average in Spain is an increase of 0.1 per cent of the self­employed, a total of 3,617 more self­employed.

SELF-EMPLOYED: The numbers are decreasing.

Image: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com

The complex case of David Hunter

IN a tragic and emotionally charged case, Cypriot prosecutors are appealing the manslaughter conviction of David Hunter, a British man who ended the life of his seriously ill wife. The case highlights the complex legal and moral considerations around assisted death, mercy killing, and the boundaries of the law.

David Hunter, a 76­year­old retired miner from Northumberland found himself involved in a legal battle after being accused of murdering his 74­year­old wife Janice at their home in Cyprus in 2021. Janice was suffering from cancer and the prosecution alleged that David took her life intentionally. However, during the trial, David maintained that his wife begged him to end her suffering.

The trial concluded with a verdict of manslaughter rather than murder. The three judges that presided over the case ruled the act was not premeditated murder. He was immediately released from custody and he visited his wife’s grave the following day.

A Controversial Choice: Exploring assisted dying’s ethical landscape.

The Cypriot prosecutors’ decision to appeal both the verdict and the sentence introduces further complexity to an already heart­wrenching case. This appeal raises the possibility of David facing charges of premeditated murder once again. This case draws attention to broader discussions around euthanasia and assisted death.

In Spain the law allows individuals with serious and incurable illnesses causing intolerable suffering to request aid in dying, subject to specific conditions. This includes being of legal age, having proper medical information, making repeated voluntary requests over a period of time, and having Spanish nationality or legal residence in Spain. Spain’s legislation un­

derscores the complexities in striking a balance between an individual’s right to choose and the need to ensure proper safeguards and procedures.

Public sentiment regarding euthanasia varies across societies. In Spain, surveys show that 86 per cent of the Spanish population supported the legalisation of euthanasia for terminally ill patients. The opinion held by a resident of Murcia, Encarna Sánchez Moreno, said “Personally, I believe that legalising assisted dying is about giving people the choice and control they deserve at the end of their journey. When someone’s pain becomes too much, having the option to pass away peacefully surrounded by loved ones is an act of empathy and understanding.”

THE recent wave of thefts from Spanish lorries on French roads has forced the Paris government to take urgent measures.

Specifically, the French gendarmerie has set up the emergency telephone number ’17’ so that hauliers can report lorry theft and police checks can be carried out quickly.

According to sources from Fenadismer, the transport employers’ association, in recent months there has been a considerable increase in theft from lorries on French territory, especially of diesel fuel from vehicle tanks. Hauliers normally fill up with fuel in Spain (an average of €3,000 worth of fuel) just before crossing the border, as prices are much lower than in the rest of Europe, making them a prime target.

Spanish drivers who are victims of theft on the road, whether of fuel or goods, are being urged to report any theft through the emergency telephone number.

Emergency number 17 connects the caller directly with the National Gen­

AN off­duty National Police officer heroically detained an unruly passenger on a flight between Palma de Mallorca and Seville last Wednesday, August 2.

The flight had taken off from Palma de Mallorca Inter­

Diesel heist

darmerie’s Operations and Intelligence Centre (CORG).

Drivers have been advised to remain with their lorry at the site of the theft to facilitate the French authorities’ intervention. By dialling the emergency number 17, a unit will be deployed on the ground for emergency action.

The gendarmerie has units on all mo­

torways and main roads, so it can easily deploy a patrol to the location of the lorry to initiate the first actions and take the driver’s report.

Failing that, the force can indicate the nearest gendarmerie to contact. This procedure is essential when it comes to making a claim with any insurance company, as reported by a national news outlet.

In flight hero

national Airport, heading to the city of Seville, when the passenger began to exhibit aggressive behaviour. Although initially calmed by the cabin crew, his actions soon escalated, according to a national news outlet on August, Thursday 10 On the date of the incident, the passenger became violently disruptive, harassing young female passengers and threatening another passenger who came to their defence. As the plane approached Sevilla­San Pablo

International Airport, he told the intervening passenger he was going to 'slit him open' when they landed in Seville. It was at this point that the National Police officer identified himself. The officer asked the individual to cease his aggression and sit down to allow the plane to land. The man's threats quickly turned on the policeman, stating that he would kill him, and even attempted to punch the officer. Skilfully avoiding the punch, the officer subdued and ar­

rested the man despite significant resistance.

The pilot informed Sevilla's control tower of the situation and on landing, a team of the Guardia Civil met the plane on the runway, and the individual continued to resist as he was taken into custody. He was presented by the National Police officer and accused of crimes including attacking an agent of authority, threats, and crimes against air traffic.

The airline's management contacted the officer the following morning to express their gratitude for his courageous actions in ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew.

Nº 1

Valencia fresh food market in Europe

Gendarmerie has set up an emergency phone number

Currency concern

COINS are a very important part of almost everybody's day­to­day activity in Spain. Of the ones in circulation, one­euro coins are arguably, one of the most commonly used. They are in circulation in greater quantity and are said to be the coins that move the most throughout Europe.

There is however thought to be a large number of counterfeit euro coins in circulation, a number that is said to be increasing every day and which must be stopped, hence this decision.

On June 22, 2023, an authorisation was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) for the Bank of Spain to withdraw some one ­ euro coins.

Specific guidelines were introduced that will help to decide which ones are withdrawn and which ones can continue in circulation. This new measure has been in force in Spain since July 1, with the clear objective of

avoiding possible scams and fighting against counterfeiting.

From now on, the Bank of Spain follows a new classification for the one euro­coins, with three different types:

• Suitable: Coins which can circulate without problem since there is nothing in them that makes one suspect that they may be false.

• Presumably counterfeit: Coins which in their shape, texture or design, show that they are not original.

• Unsuitable: Coins which

Deadline fast approaching

Check

will be rejected in an authentication process, or that may have been altered. This includes deteriorated or badly damaged coins that cannot be determined to be authentic.

If you are unsure of a coin, take it to your bank where staff will check that the coin meets all the guidelines. It is also recommended that from now on, people should review all their one­euro coins, refusing to accept any that may be thought not to be suitable.

ON March 15 2023, the UK and Spain reached an agreement on driving licence exchange, which enabled UK licence holders living in Spain to swap their UK licence for a Spanish one without needing to take a practical or theory test.

The agreement gave existing residents who had not yet exchanged their UK licences for a Spanish one six months (until September 15) to do so,

during which time they could continue to drive on their UK licences. As for newly arrived residents, the agreement gave them six months from the date they acquired their residency documents to exchange their UK licence. Licences can be exchanged after the six month period, but will no longer be considered valid for driving in Spain.

The Embassy has advised that anyone struggling to get an appointment at their local Dirección General de Tráfico Office go to their neighbouring one instead.

Last week, the British Embassy announced a resolution had been found to an issue which some holders of expired UK licences (typically those over 70) had been experiencing when trying to exchange their licences. Those

affected should follow the established process for exchange, requesting their check code via gov.uk.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott said,“We want this message to reach as many UK licence holders as possible, so please spread the word and refer to our Facebook page and the Living In Spain Guide on gov.uk for more information.”

UK licence holders who moved to Spain before March 15, 2023 and fail to make the exchange by September 15 will no longer be able to drive on their UK licence.

The process for completing the exchange is run by Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (see their website for more information.)

all one euro coins.

Nº 1 ranked university in UK –Oxford

€7.3 Million for Campo

WHILST discussions continue to take place over the forming of a new Spanish National Government, work has to continue with the PSOE coalition still running the country.

The acting Minister of Finance and Public Function, María Jesús Montero, visited San Roque on Tuesday August 8 to sign a series of collaboration agreements with the eight municipalities of Campo de Gibraltar.

The total amount involved is €7.3 million, with just over a

million going to San Roque which is home to Sotogrande.

The signing of the documents took place in the Palace of Governors, and mayors and other representatives of the Campo Gibraltarian consistories attended, as well as Juan Lozano, acting president of the Commonwealth of Municipalities, the entity that will be in charge of distributing this aid.

A proportion of the money being given to the municipalities is to help with the problem of water shortage and waste

management although Minister Montero made special mention of her personal pleasure that the Government had been able to advance the improvement of the AlgecirasBobadilla railway.

The Campo de Gibraltar is an area in Cadiz Province close to but not including Gibraltar which consists of Algeciras, La Linea de la Concepcion, San Roque, Los Barrios, Tarifa, Jimena de la Frontera, Castellar de la Frontera and San Martin del Tesorillo.

Minister Montero with representatives of the Campo de Gibraltar Councils

Credit: San Roque Council

DENMARK

Danish royalty

COUNT NIKOLAI OF DENMARK was spotted down under in Sydney recently. The 23-yearold who was recently stripped of his HRH title is spending a trimester in Sydney with his girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup. Although he is ‘very sad’ and ‘shocked’ about this decision he looks to be adapting well to his new lifestyle as a student and a model.

Stagebox struggles

COPENHAGEN’S Stagebox CPH, a once vibrant music venue, has declared bankruptcy due to a series of financial and administrative hurdles. The termination of its lease agreement following a subsidiary's bankruptcy filing left the venue without a space to host events. The venue's demise underscores the challenges of maintaining artistic ventures amidst financial woes.

FRANCE

Lorry theft

THE recent wave of thefts from Spanish lorries on French roads has forced the Paris government to take urgent measures by setting up the emergency telephone number '17'. This will allow hauliers to report theft of fuel or goods. Lorries on international routes from Spain usually have an average of €3,000 worth of fuel on board.

Cottage fire

A HOLIDAY cottage was devastated by a fire in the town of Wintzenheim near Colmar in the Alsace region of northeastern France. It was later confirmed 11 people died as a result. Ten adults with mild intellectual disabilities and one caregiver, all visiting for the summer holidays from the French city of Nancy were thought to have been among the victims.

ITALY

Killed by cheese

AT a warehouse in Romano di Lombardia, Bergamo, racking that contained 25,000 wheels of Grana Padano cheese collapsed crushing the owner, 75-year-old farmer Giacomo Chiapparini. The search for the elderly man was time-consuming, as rescuers had to painstakingly remove 25,000 wheels that fell over an area of 2,000 square metres.

Blue crabs

ITALY is Europe's largest producer of clams and ranks third globally, after China and South Korea. However, the influx of Blue Crabs endangers their seafood industry. Clam farms in the delta of the Po River have faced significant losses, with a marine biologist claiming that up to 90 per cent of young clams were consumed by the crabs.

PRESS EURO

BELGIUM

Steam mecca

A BELGIAN steam wagon will take part in a locomotive festival hailed as Europe’s ‘mecca of steam locomotives’. The Tubize 2069, named after the village 30km south of Brussels where it was constructed in 1927, will undertake the journey of almost 1,000km to Wolzstyn in western Poland to take part in the iconic Parade of Steam Locomotives.

Tubize 2069

GERMANY

Sandal icon

GERMAN sandal maker Birkenstock is poised to go public. Despite its name not directly translating to ‘sandal’ in German, Birkenstock has become synonymous with this style worldwide. Founded in 1774 the family-run business ceded control to L Catterton. Now, as it approaches its 250th anniversary, Birkenstock eyes a listing on the NYSE and is estimated between $6 billion to $10 billion.

True cost

GERMAN discount supermarket Penny implemented a bold initiative by adjusting prices to account for the actual environmental and health impacts of certain products. The move involved raising the prices of meats and cheeses, the price adjustments aimed to incorporate costs related to climate, soil, health, and water use.

THE NETHERLANDS

Slippery donation

RECYCLING shop workers in the Netherlands were in shock when a python was found amongst its donations. Fortunately, the furore caught the owner's attention who confirmed: "His name is Antonio, my son forgot to lock his terrarium. I gathered the bags that were ready for the recycling shop and donated them without knowing Antonio was inside.”

Bats 1 Companies 0

THE saga of wall cavity insulation and bats in the Netherlands has just seen a major precedence set following a landmark ruling. A court found that insulation company Best didn’t do enough to check whether bats could have been living in the wall cavity of a house they insulated and this will affect other companies in the future.

Surgery update

Storm Hans

A POWERFUL storm named Hans unleashed havoc across Norway, leaving a trail of destruction, casualties, and widespread disruptions in its wake. The torrential rains, gale-force winds, and thunderstorms led to a series of catastrophic events including two deaths, landslides, power outages, flooding and massive property damage.

Footballer flees

NORWEGIAN footballer Mathias Normann parts ways with Dynamo Moscow due to security concerns following a drone strike near his residence amidst Russia's conflict with Ukraine. Normann’s decision to continue to play in Russia had a significant effect on his career as the Norwegian Football Federation decided not to select him for Norway’s national team.

NORWAY FINLAND

Ugliest vase

EVER been gifted a vase so ugly that it's hidden away in a closet? The Lepaa 2023 garden exhibition in Finland is due to host the first-ever competition to find Finland's ugliest vase. Visitors will be invited to vote from categories including old-fashioned, modern, kitsch, humorous, souvenirs, self-made, heirloom vases, valuable vases, seasonal themes, and inventive.

Climate crisis

IN Finland's capital, residents are bracing themselves for devastating floods, torrential rains, and prolonged heatwaves. Helsinki’s climate division said: “We know trees do the best job at absorbing water, delaying the flow of storm waters, provide shade and cool the air through evaporation.' With roughly 200,000 trees in parks and 30,000 on streets, Helsinki is well-prepared.

IN January, it was revealed that Michael Flatley had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, some 20 years after his successful battle with melanoma. A defiant Flatley recently broke his silence: “It’s a long hard road. I will not be defeated. Somehow or other I will beat this. I've beaten cancer before, I'll beat it again.”

‘Ridiculous’ rules

THE national police service of Ireland has faced criticism for sending three cadets home from training due to tattoos on their lower arms. This incident has ignited debate over their strict dress code, especially amid a recruitment crisis. As the force struggles to meet recruitment targets, the dismissal of these cadets for tattoos is seen as a reflection of 'outdated' views, hindering efforts to address the shortage of officers.

Legal battle

THE Venezuelan government announced on Wednesday, August 9, that around €1.3 billion (US$1.5b) held in Portugal had been released by order of a court in Lisbon. This money was said to have been retained in the accounts of Venezuelan institutions and companies at the country's Novo Banco sine February 2019.

Tourists evacuated

WILDFIRES raged across some rural areas of Portugal last week, with 'three significant occurrences’, in Odemira, Cinfães and Mangualde'. Municipal emergency plans were initiated in Castelo Branco, Proença-a-Nova and Odemira. A total of 1,424 people were preventively removed from the São Miguel campsite, but were later allowed to return. Twenty villages were also evacuated.

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

Gothenburg flooded

THE city of Gothenburg in Sweden was underwater last Tuesday after the River Göta burst its banks due to the presence of Storm Hans. This sudden increase in water levels caused sewage to flow into the river. Gothenburg's fishing harbour was flooded, with some 70-80 centimetres at its deepest point. In the city’s southern archipelago, all ferry traffic was cancelled.

City relocated

DUE to the discovery of what could be the largest rare earth mine in Europe, the Swedish city of Kiruna is to be relocated. It is home to approximately 23,000 inhabitants and 6,000 residents will gradually be moved to a new location some three kilometres to the east.

Credit: vzw / Facebook

BUSINESS EXTRA

Vegan beef

US vegan burger sales fell by approximately a third as Beyond Meat reduced its revenue forecast in a trend also noticed in the UK. After several years of brisk expansion boosted by private equity investment, meat substitutes have disappeared from many UK menus, with sales falling by 6 per cent last year.

Working week

ALMOST three ­ quarters of Spanish firms said the four­day week was “out of touch with reality.” A survey by human resources consultancy Adecco found that although companies had successfully adopted the 32­hour week, 73.5 per cent doubted its viability, while 60 per cent of the self­employed questioned the initiative.

Summer washout

UK retailers have slashed prices to tempt buyers as a cheerless summer and steadily­increasing interest rates discouraged consumer spending in July. Reports from the British Retail Consortium, consultants KPMG and Barclays noted that spending rose slightly in early July but fell once 7.9 per cent inflation entered the equation.

Yoghurt slump

DANONE registered a €10.8 million profit in 2022, 36.8 per cent less than in 2021 despite turnover of €768.9 million, a 9.6 per cent increase on 2021. The company attributed the dropoff to its Local First restructuring project that has given increased autonomy to each country’s Danone subdivision.

Home and dry

FASHION chain Superdry has secured fresh funding with restructuring and refinancing specialist Silco lending the clothing company £25 million (€28.98 million). The deal will provide Superdry with “improved liquidity to help accelerate a turnaround plan and cost­reduction programme”, a spokesperson said.

STAT OF WEEK €1.99 billion

turnover for La Liga, Spain’s top professional football division in 2022, 2.5 per cent more than the previous year, putting it in the black after three years of losses.

Britishvolt complications Open and shut cases

Linda Hall

THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has written to more than 20 UK banks, asking how many customer accounts they had recently closed, suspended or denied.

They were also asked to explain why they had withdrawn their services and were given until August 25 to respond. An FCA report is expected by mid­September.

Earlier, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had called on the FCA to step up its investigation into lenders’ large­scale “debanking” of clients for what he said were their “lawfully held political beliefs.”

Lenders will also be obliged to reveal how many complaints they have received from vetoed customers.

Although the practice is by no means new, it aroused public interest and outrage after Coutts debanked UK leader Nigel

SPAIN’S Ministry of Consumer Affairs announced fines for several airlines not providing a free­phone service for clients.

Even when this did exist, the unnamed airlines “put obstacles” in users’ way, the Ministry explained.

“This means they are not complying with their legal obligations to clients,” a Ministry statement said.

Regulations specify that an airlines' telephone should be accessible to all consumers and not linked to a special tariff or a certain area. It should be free and prefixed by 800 or 900, known technically as “automatic reversed charge.”

As air transport is a “basic service of interest”, companies were obliged to

Private talks

ACCORDING to reports in the Spanish media at the beginning of June, Elon Musk was in talks with the Valencia’s regional government to build a €4.5 billion gigafactory.

Sources close to the deal to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles explained that Tesla owner and chairman Elon Musk was allegedly “infuriated” after what he supposed was a “confidential negotiation” should have attracted so much media attention.

Two months later, the deal seems to be on once more and speeding up the compulsory purchase of land in Cheste (Valencia province).

Farage. The ensuing scandal prompted the resignation of Dame Alison Rose, chief executive of NatWest to which Coutts now belongs.

Farage, who has now launched a website to assist other people ousted by their banks, obtained Coutts documents which

showed that he had not met the bank’s “commercial criteria” for some time.

This requires customers to hold €1.16 million in investments or loans or savings of €3.48 million but the decision to close his accounts was also based on disquiet that Farage’s “views” endangered Coutts’ reputation.

The FCA said that closer monitoring by banks could be partly responsible for the recent increase in shutdowns. It is also suggested that banks have become too cautious and dependent on AI when investigating and flagging fraudulent behaviour.

Freephones not obstacles

introduced to protect consumers considered to be vulnerable.

Failure to observe these modifications will result in fines of between €150 and €10,000 for minor infractions and between €10,001 and €100,000 in cases deemed to be serious.

RECHARGE INDUSTRIES, the Australian company which rescued Britishvolt in February, failed to make the final payment on April 5. Although Britishvolt, based in Blyth (Northumberland), was worth £800 million (€926.18 million) before its collapse, Recharge Industries bought the business and its assets for £8.57 million (€9.92 million) in February.

“The final instalment remains unpaid and overdue. As a result, the buyer is in default of the business sale agreement,” Britishvolt’s administrators EY said.

“We dispute that we are in default,” declared Scale Facilitation, Recharge’s Manhattan­based parent company whose Australian offices were raided by police in June, following tax fraud allegations.

Lithium plans

CORNISH Lithium will extract an annual 8,000 tons of battery­grade lithium from a repurposed China clay pit at Trelavour Downs in Cornwall.

AIRLINES: Should provide freephone lines for customers, government said

make one of these lines available, the Ministry said.

This stipulation came into effect following modifications to the Consumers’ Defence Law during the last legislation,

Time to Zoom back

VIDEO communications platform Zoom, which made it possible to work remotely during the pandemic, wants its employees in the office.

At one stage the company said staff could work from home “indefinitely” but announced recently that it now believed a “structured hybrid approach” was more effective.

The US­based company will introduce the new policy in August and September, with staff living within 80 kilometres of their office working there at least twice a week.

In the US where Zoom is based, 12 per cent of workers were fully remote in July, while 29 per cent split their time between the home and the office.

Meanwhile, Stanford University researchers found that working from home is much more common in the US and English­speaking countries but less usual in Europe and Asia.

In cases where the benefits to an airline not providing a free­phone exceeded the amount of the fine, the sanction could be increased by between 200 and 400 per cent for minor infringements. When considered serious, the fine could be between 400 and 600 per cent higher.

Deal takes the biscuit

CEREALTO SIRO FOOD'S Palencia plant will remain open for another four years.

The Palencia installation was earmarked for closure last year in Madridbased Cerealto Siro Foods’cost­savings plans. The company has now reached agreement with 184 employees who agreed to a €130 per month pay cut in exchange for guaranteeing the immediate future of Siro's Venta de Baños factory.

Juan Manuel Gonzalez­Serna, founder of the indebted household name, sold a 75 per cent stake to Afendis Capital Management and Davidson Kempner Capital Management in 2022 for a reputed €80 million which included debt settlement, while he held the remaining shares.

The company is receiving £53 million (€61.36 million) in a funding package that has been provided by the UK Infrastructure Bank, the Energy & Minerals Group (EMG) and Cornish Lithium's largest shareholder, TechMet.

“The funding will help to support the development of the UK’s critical minerals supply chain and accelerate growth towards the commercial production of lithium, vital for the UK’s transition to netzero,” Treasury minister Andrew Griffith said.

The bright side

A EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK (BCE) survey revealed that the Spanish are generally more positive than other Eurozone citizens. They viewed with optimism their prospects regarding future earnings, property prices and economic growth, with consumer affairs the only area where they were more pessimistic. Spanish optimism regarding earnings increased by 3 per cent, compared with the 1.2 per cent Eurozone average, the BCE said. In the Netherlands, for instance, expectations regarding salaries shrank by 1.5 per cent but rose slightly in Germany by 1.2 per cent.

EXCLUSIVE: Coutts branch in Eton (Berkshire)

Photo credit: CC/Bill Boaden

Photo credit: Pexels/Victor Freitas

DOW JONES

Zielo sale

UBS is selling the upmarket

Zielo shopping centre, located in the affluent Pozuelo de Alarcon (Madrid) suburb which has Spain’s highest per capita income. The bank bought the shopping centre from real estate developers Hines in 2015 for approximately €70 million although market sources maintain that UBS now expects offers of around €60 million.

Next best thing

BUMPER sales for Next prompted a second profits upgrade in just over six weeks. After an exceptionally wet July did not dampen demand, the companywhich has around 550 stores in the UK and Ireland ­ said it expected £845 million (€978.6 million) in annual profits, £10 million (€11.6 million) more than it previously forecast.

Back to the paperchase

DIGITISING the health certificates required to export the UK’s fish and chilled foods to Europe would have saved £3 million (€3.48 million) in post­Brexit paperwork.

Now the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra, has told companies taking part in a 2022 pilot scheme that the trials will end.

The sector had welcomed the electronic certificates which would have reduced the paperwork involved, obliging lorryloads of chilled fish to pass through thirdcountry controls in Boulogne (France).

Grifols tightens its belt

THE Grifols family, which founded the multinational pharmaceuticals firms of the same name, saw their income dwindle by 97 per cent last year.

In 2021, the family­owned firm Deria, the laboratory’s principal shareholder, received €16.4 million in dividends.

In contrast, the company announced that there would be no shareout for 2022, owing to Grifols high level of indebtedness after

buying out German rival, Biotest, increasing its net debt to €9.42 billion by June 2023.

Deria, which has left 25 million shares as collateral with Banco Santander, received €454,784 in 2022, mainly from interest and providing services, but reported losses of €139, 177.

The company also revealed that some board members received €238,333 “in remunerations.”

Settling in

Producers had hoped that the digitised system would have been introduced first in the UK and subsequently in Ireland, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.

Salmon is Britain’s biggest food export and Defra had left companies with ongoing red tape costs, said Salmon Scotland, which represents the farm­raised sector.

“These have already been racking up for more than two and a half years,” Tavish Scott, Salmon Scotland’s chief executive.

“The salmon industry is worth £760 million (€881.41 million) to the economy,” Scott said. “Other sectors selling chilled food, including poultry and cheese, could have also benefited from the digital certification,” he added.

The organisation called on the government to act quickly, given the impact of the extra paperwork and inevitable delays on perishable goods.

SPANISH multinational infrastructure giant Ferrovial recently signed off its first quarterly accounts in Amsterdam after controversially moving its headquarters from Madrid. The company is now seeking new offices in the Dutch capital which will be more central than those that were until now the headquarters of its Netherlands subsidiary, Ferrovial International SE, in Kingsfordweg near the A10 ring­road.

Racing ahead

LOTUS produced a record number of sports cars in the first six months of 2023 as it prepares for a new electric SUV under Chinese owner Geely’s expansion plans. Lotus, founded 75 years ago, produced 2,200 vehicles between January and the end of June at its factory in a former Second World War bomber factory in Hethel (Norfolk).

FARMED SALMON: Britain’s biggest food export

Photo credit: CC/Tim Harrison

Sowing the seed of discontent

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

WHY is everyone still screaming that Britain needs more diversity? The UK is now recognized as one of the most diverse nations on the planet. Instead of wasting energy by constantly complaining, why don’t those affected welcome this situation with open arms and start acting with some positivity? As Shakespeare observed; ‘Methinks thou doth protest too much’. I can’t help becoming even more convinced that those who continue to condemn British society actually thrive on animosity, refusing to accept the truth in case they are deprived of something to vent their hatred on! Let’s just have a brief look at these ‘lack of UK diversity’ accusations. To date, with very few exceptions, almost every family based commercial on British TV depicts a mixed marriage. Practically all the ads that use a number of actors, portray an (often ludicrous) cross section of casts with ethnic backgrounds. Neither of these situations is a

true reflection of life across the UK and is therefore either a minority appeaser, or some form of majority brainwashing ­ and is also by its very definition blatantly racist! A large number of major league football teams are partially, or in some cases predominately ethnic. Athletes, particularly runners, are almost all from immigrant heritage and any accusation of racism (predominately aimed at the indigenous population) is dropped on by the law like a ton of bricks. The long suffering British population has bent over backwards to accept and encourage diversity into a country which, after recovering from two World Wars, became open and ready to accept many from other less fortunate cultures. But to see its generosity and welcome rewarded by ‘no go areas’, terrorism, religious fanaticism, culture attack and nothing but insults and ingratitude ­ is quite understandably getting large numbers of them the terrible hump! The ‘far right’ was initially blamed as instigators of this UK dissent, and was quite rightly chastised for it. Unfortunately, with the blatant, unchecked reversed racism of so called ‘comedians’, plus some of the

SHAGGY DOG STORY OUR VIEW

disgraceful racist material of Rapper culture, exponents of the not­so far right are actually beginning to think those a bit ‘further over’ may have had a point. Almost every award presentation is criticised for not including enough diversity among the winners. Well, possibly there weren’t enough who were worthy of awards! We cannot fall into the trap of favoring people simply because of their ethnic heritage or gender. If we do, we will not only lower our standards, but also be in real danger of provoking even further disquiet by denying recognition of those who may be far more deserving. This whole diversity and ‘woke driven’ human rights situation is sowing seeds of discontent that, if unchecked, will continue to grow and flourish into a full scale civil conflict that could leave large sections of the UK’s major cities resembling Beirut. An example of which actually landed in London’s Oxford Street this week! Exactly the warning I wrote in this column twenty years ago, originally considered ‘another Leapy rant’. Oh really! Keep the faith.

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

MANY Spanish laws which seem a good idea in principle seem to fall at the first hurdle as they are often impossible to enforce except individually.

The latest is the pioneering Animal Welfare Law which comes into force in September and has two major and possibly contentious obligations for dog owners.

Firstly, every owner will be required to obtain third party insurance valid for the lifetime of their pet and the intention is that should their dog be responsible for any injury to another animal or person, there will be an insurance policy in place which will ensure that the victim doesn’t lose out financially. Certain parts of Spain including Madrid already require owners to have such an insurance which also covers the owner against claims alleging their culpability for misbehaviour by their pooch and cost is currently from around €25 to €100 per annum depending on value of cover purchased.

Introducing such a law and enforcing it are two different things and it seems hardly likely that police officers will stop owners walking their dogs and demand to see proof of insurance.

Even if they did, then lack of insurance basically results in a ticking off and only in the most blatant of offences where a third party is injured is there any likelihood of a fine.

Animal shelters are overflowing with abandoned dogs and now that the new law also requires new owners to pass a ‘dog ownership’ test it hardly seems likely that the number finding forever homes can do anything else but drop.

Many lonely elderly people find companionship thanks to a dog but this is just another cost to add to the ever spiralling expense of ownership.

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

Defending against digital light

IN today's digital age, we're constantly exposed to screens – be it our laptops, smartphones, or televisions. While these devices offer convenience, they also emit blue light, a silent perpetrator potentially harming our skin.

Recent studies suggest that prolonged exposure to blue light may lead to premature ageing, contributing to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Protecting our skin from this modern ­ day threat is essential. Start by using skincare products fortified with antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which can counteract blue light's harmful effects.

A

dditionally, consider investing in a good quality screen protector designed to filter out blue light. Regular breaks from screens, coupled with practicing the 20­20­20 rule – every 20 minutes, gaze at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds – can also be beneficial.

Ultimately, while screens have become an integral part of our lives, taking mindful steps can shield our skin from their unseen side effects.

2023 autumn nail trends are taking a dramatic turn, reflecting nature's vibrant shift. "Tortie with a Twist" emerges as a favourite, updating classic tortoiseshell designs with pops of autumnal colours.

Rich shades like burgundy, deep orange, olive green and muted gold are on the rise. Matte finishes are popular, giving a sophisticated and understated elegance meanwhile textured chromes add

Skin Cycling

"SKIN CYCLING" is the latest buzz in skincare circles. At its core, it's about understanding and responding to our skin's ever­changing needs. Just as our body craves different nutrients at various times, our skin has its own cyclical demands. Depending on factors like the weather, hormonal shifts, or stress levels, our skin might need hydration one week and detoxifying treatments the next.

By introducing a rotational skincare regime, skin cycling addresses these changing requirements. Instead of a fixed routine, products are switched out to align with cur­

Fall fingertips

depth and shine, mimicking the shimmer of falling leaves on sunny days.

Additionally, abstract art and asymmetrical patterns have gained traction, allowing personal expression. This fall, it's about embracing both nature's earthy palette and imaginative flair on your fingertips.

rent skin needs, ensuring it gets optimal care. It's a dynamic approach to skincare that embraces our skin's natural rhythms, promising a healthier, more radiant complexion.

400gms of fruit and veg an adult should eat each day

Monitor your screen time and take regular breaks

Flag champions

SPAIN has, once again, been recognised as the destination with the most Blue Flag­accredited beaches internationally.

Blue Flag, an international certification awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, recognises beaches, marinas and boats that are following the FEE’s sustainability guidelines.

Meeting and upholding a set of rigorous standards pertaining to the environment, education, safety, and inclusivity are prerequisites to attaining the Blue Flag status.

For over 35 years, Blue Flag has been the benchmark for sustainable beach and marine tourism, and the organisation is a key contributor towards the UN’S 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Being certified as a Blue Flag beach highlights an area or team’s commitment to meeting sustainability credentials and showcases their dedication to working to ­

wards sustainable environment management.

Today, many beachgoers are more aware than ever of the environmental impact that human action is having on coastal and marine environments.

Beaches with a Blue Flag accreditation are a clear indicator to visitors and locals that measures are being taken to limit the environmental impact of tourism in that area.

As a result, the Blue Flag label is trusted by millions of travellers across the globe.

Since the accreditation be­

gan in 1987, Spain has received recognition for 729 of its beaches, with 10 beaches having acquired their Blue Flag for the first time and 22 beaches having regained their title in 2023

BLUE FLAGS: Recognise beaches are following guidelines.

Image: Turismo Santa Pola / Facebook

88.5 litres of beer per capita in Spain

ACCORDING to a news report today, Albania, the hidden gem of the Balkan peninsula, is experiencing a tremendous boom in tourism.

The report published in a UK newspaper, explains how the emerging holiday spot is attracting many British holidaymakers due to its picturesque landscapes, affordable amenities, and rich history. But how does this small nation compare to Spain, one of Europe’s prime vacation spots? Could Albania ever pose a threat to Spain’s tourist industry?

Where is Albania?

Situated in southeastern Europe, Albania shares its coast with the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, with Greece to the south and Montenegro and Kosovo to the north. Its main international airport is in Tirana, and a third airport near the country’s best beaches is under construction. Spain, located in southwestern Europe, has a coastline along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

In terms of size, Spain far

Albania’s rising tourism, could it topple Spain off the top spot?

surpasses Albania, spanning around 505,992 square kilometres, while Albania covers only about 28,748 square kilometres.

The difference in flight duration is minimal, with a flight to Albania taking just a bit longer than a flight to southern Spain. A direct flight from London to Tirana, the capital of Albania, typically takes around three hours, whereas a direct flight to Malaga takes approximately two hours and 45 minutes.

Both destinations are conveniently accessible for UK travellers looking for relatively short flights to enjoy a Mediterranean holiday.

How does the temperature in Albania compare to Spain?

Albania’s summer temperatures average around 24 ­ 31°C (75 ­ 88°F), with coastal areas enjoying milder conditions. Spain’s

summer temperatures can be higher, often ranging from 27 ­ 35°C (81 ­ 95°F), particularly in southern regions. Both countries offer beautiful beach experiences, but Albania’s cooler climate might attract those seeking a more temperate holiday.

What makes Albania attractive to tourists?

For British holidaymakers,

Albania offers long sandy beaches, historical cities like Berat, archaeological sites such as Apollonia and Butrint, and an emerging festival scene. The cost of living is notably low, with meals for two averaging £29, and three ­ star hotels available for around £31 a night.

Spain, on the other hand, is famous for its rich cul ­

ture, vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary delights. It also offers a broad spectrum of experiences, from beach vacations in Ibiza to cultural tours in Barcelona with its iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia.

Tourism growth compared to Spain

Albania’s tourism sector is thriving, with over 3.4 million foreign nationals visiting in the first half of 2023, a 33 per cent increase from 2022. British nationals are a growing segment with around 120,000 visiting each year. Many are now drawn by new budget flights from Ryanair and Wizz Air. Additionally, Albania’s favourable social media presence has boosted its appeal to a younger clientele.

Spain, however, remains a leading tourist destination, reportedly welcoming over 15.1 million tourists

Property of the week

Villa Diego near Zurgena for

EXCLUSIVE TO VOSS HOMES ­ A larger than average three / four bed, two bath villa of approx 150m2 plus conservatory and Florida style enclosure, with H&C air con throughout, 8m x 4m swimming pool, shed and country views on a walled garden of 603m2 for sale in the El Cucador area of Zurgena, Almeria.

Walking distance to a popular bar / restaurant and five minutes drive to La Alfoquia village with shops, restaurants, bank, doctors, vets, bowls club etc.

Six minutes drive to Zurgena village, eight minutes drive to Arboleas, 12 minutes drive to the major market town of Huercal ­ Overa and 25 minutes drive to the coast at Mojacar, Vera and Garrucha.

Entry into the property is via double gates and a pedestrian gate on to the white stoned driveway with plenty of room for numerous cars or motor home. Also at the front is the 8m x 4m swimming pool.

Looking over the main garden and pool is the large glazed conservatory.

This makes another inside / outside living room and dining room. Next the front door leading into the huge living / dining room with super efficient pellet burning fire, feature fireplace and ceiling fans.

A door takes you into the spacious fitted kitchen with rear door leading out to the Florida style enclosure. At the end of the kitchen is is a separate utility room. The property has been left empty

for some time so the sellers can not guarantee that the kitchen appliances and pellet burner work. This is more than reflected in the the asking price.

Next is bedroom four which is the size of a small double bedroom and would also make a great hobby room or study.

Also from the living room is a hallway leading to the family bathroom with corner bath, double bedrooms two and three with fitted wardrobes and ceiling

from the UK in 2022. Its mature and diverse tourism industry, coupled with strong international connections, keeps it ahead of Albania.

While Albania’s tourism is undoubtedly on the rise, offering a unique and budgetfriendly alternative to other European destinations, it’s unlikely to pose a significant threat to Spain’s well­established tourism industry.

The growing interest in Albania showcases its potential as a charming destination with unique features that appeal to cost ­ conscious travellers. Its continued growth could complement rather than compete with traditional holiday spots like Spain, providing travellers with more varied options for their European getaways.

For those seeking a blend of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and affordability, Albania might just be the new go­to destination. Yet, Spain’s established reputation, diverse offerings, and warmer climate ensure that it will continue to reign as a premier vacation choice for many tourists worldwide.

€209,000 euros

fans and the the main bedrooms with ensuite shower room with walk in shower, fitted wardrobes and glazed double doors leading out to the garden and pool.

Voss Homes is a British family ­ run business with offices in the nearby village of La Alfoquia and the thriving, market town of Huercal­Overa. We specialise in selling properties around Huercal ­ Overa, Zurgena, La Alfoquia and Taberno.

For more information and to arrange a viewing of VH2142 please contact Voss Homes on 0034 950 616 827 or email is on enquiries@vosshomesspain.com to make an appointment.

VILLA DIEGO: Large villa includes a conservatory and Florida style enclosure with country views and a private walled garden.

Ref. VH2142

Spain remains a leading tourist destination.

I HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM

PATIENCE and tolerance of frustrating situations have never been virtues I have developed. There are certain circumstances in which I feel agitated or even angry.

Standing in a queue in a windy tunnel waiting to board an aircraft is no longer an issue because I don’t fly any more. But I do still have to make phone calls. Recently I phoned HMRC in England concerning a tax refund. It took over five minutes to go through all the security procedures, a further forty minutes before I reached an operative. After answering many of the security questions again, I explained the purpose of my call. Another five minutes conversation before I was put on hold for another six minutes. Eventually we were getting close to a solution. Then the line was cut. I cursed. It has happened before.

I feel frustrated when stuck

in a traffic jam, even if I am not in a hurry. Am I not grateful to have a car in the first place?

I follow sport on television quite closely ­ especially tennis, football and Test cricket. Occasionally the connection is cut off ­ often at a critical point. I may have spent over two hours watching a thrilling two­and­ahalf hour movie when, ten minutes before the end, the screen

goes blank. The same can happen during the final set of a tennis match or in the eightyfifth minute of a crucial football encounter.

And I immediately feel cheated. It’s the same when power, water or the internet is cut off. I sometimes feel that at such moments the world is against me and that this is a serious problem. Then I try to put it in­

to proportion.

After all, I am fortunate to be able to watch television at all, and there are very rarely any technical problems. Billions of people can´t even dream of having a television. And if my water is occasionally cut off for a couple of hours? The same people may have difficulties finding any water fit to drink. And they don’t need electricity

because they don’t have refrigerators, fans, cookers or heaters. They can’t even switch on a light. They have no phones or computers and therefore no problems with the internet. And they don’t have the hassle of airports because the idea of travelling far beyond their immediate home is as inconceivable as having a car to drive.

On top of deprivation of the conveniences and comforts above, these billions of our fellow beings may be confronted with hunger, disease, persecution or war. They could have been enslaved or wrongfully imprisoned. Yet many of them accept their situation without even considering it a problem.

For me their life experience is a genuine problem. My own serious problem is that I allow myself to be irritated (and sometimes angered) by situations that, in the grander scheme, are fleeting trivial inconveniences.

David Worboys’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors

Traffic jams test our patience but millions smile despite the difficulties in obtaining clean drinking water.

Photo credits: HuffPost &ameyawdebrah.com

Advertising Feature Grupo Platinum

Fabulous spacious villa with private pool

GRUPO Platinum Estates presents this spacious villa in Vera Pueblo with private pool, large terraces and only a few minutes from the centre. It is located on a plot of 370 m2, with excellent orientation. The house has 274 m² divided into 1 floor and a basement. At street level we find a spacious and bright living room, 3 bedrooms, the master bedroom with en suite bathroom, a second bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. From a large window we access to the terrace area and a parking space. We go down from the terrace to the private pool area and outdoor seating area. On the ground floor with direct access from the pool we find a large room ideal for entertainment with billiards and ping pong table, a modern kitchen, a bedroom, a multipurpose room and a bathroom. The property is equipped with central heating with boiler and air conditioning throughout the first floor. It also has automatic blinds. All the furniture and many decorative details are included; ready to move in and enjoy it.

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Call us now to arrange a viewing on 950 466 112.

Vera is a small town situated in the province of Almeria, close to the coast, Vera is easily accessible from the main A7 motorway, which takes you to the city of Almeria, the town is thriving with a variety of modern facilities. It is also just a short drive to the spectacular beaches of Vera and Garrucha or picturesque villages such as Villaricos and Mojacar. It is 90km from Almeria airport and 200km from Alicante airport.

BIG, SPLASHY WEDDINGS

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

AFTER a few years of uncertainty, the wedding season’s back in full swing. Post ­ lockdown, everyone deserves a party but if, with the cost­of living crisis, it’s a choice between a big wedding or house deposit, I know what I’d choose.

Expensive weddings are a rip off. The bride and groom are a salesperson’s dream and the more extras they can flog you the better their bonus. Anybody who considers a big party to be more important than a roof over your head is bad news. A wedding day only lasts 24 hours. A marriage lasts (hopefully) a lifetime. It makes far more sense now to spend potentially limited funds

on property as the length of marriage is invariably inversely proportional to the amount spent on the wedding...

Oh, and a few tips. Always get married early in the morning, so if the marriage doesn’t work out you haven’t wasted the whole day! And check the organist’s familiar with the wedding music because one hapless bride who’d asked an aged organist to play the theme tune from Kevin Costner’s ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ found herself galloping down the aisle to ‘Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen . . .’ Oops!

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.

LETTERS

LAST week we discussed the latest figures surrounding the issue of 2.8 million television viewers who believe that they should not be required to pay the £159 annual charge for a TV licence as they no longer watch BBC channels or any kind of live television.

The rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus have been giving traditional channels like BBC and ITV a run for their money over the past few years, with the above figure showing an increase of more than 360,000 people in the previous 12 months.

There’s been a significant uplift in the amount of people who watch live television through social media channels such as

Comments

Pay per view would sort out this antiquated policy, and then the BBC will see the exact figures willing to tune in to the channel.

I object to the BBC using the licence fee as their own bank account paying obscene wages such as £1.3 million to Gary Linaker for hosting a programme for one hour a week, and paying one of their news readers £350,000 for three days work and a total of 12 hours on radio which I never listen to.

William Hughes

Where have you seen these shows already? The licence is free for over 75s in receipt of Pension Credit. You’re on £52k a year so probably too rich to get pensions credit though.

Jase

The BBC has now become a game show channel and a repeat channel with nothing too exciting in the middle.

Les

The BBC send letters to intimidate people who don’t own a licence.

Anonymous

The BBC is a self serving and obsolete service. Yes, they have a few series that are good, but with over three billion from stealth enforcement of li ­

YouTube. According to TV Licensing.co.uk, even if you’re watching live TV through YouTube indirectly, you are still required to have TV licence coverage to be compliant with the law.

Toby Young, the Founder and Director of the Free Speech Union told the Daily Mail: “These figures show that the TV licence fee is not a viable funding model for the BBC going forward.”

He added: “The obvious alternative is to become a subscription­based service like Netflix and Amazon Prime.”

Perhaps, times are changing and preferences are evolving. Will streaming services eventually render traditional live television as irrelevant and outdated?

cence paying they should have! Why it still exists is beyond me and paying 44p is far to much for a generally mediocre service, that unless you want to be hounded by Television Licensing as if you were a criminal, you will pay under duress!

Rob

Why do we have to pay the BBC to watch all the other channels who pay their own way. Shocking.

John

Do away with the TV licence. We live in the 21st century, not the 20th century when BBC was created.

Stephen Nield

It’s disgraceful that the BBC charge pensioners £159 for a TV licence. Shame on you.

John

Repeats and more of them. Then there are the quiz / game shows giving obscene amounts in prize money, that and the astronomical salaries paid to some of their presenters. My husband is over 80, I am in my 70s, the only reason we watch BBC is no adverts, we are not into streaming, so watch more DVDs than TV these days, but still we have to pay the licence fee. We have just over the limit in pension between us not to be able to get pension credits.

Jacqueline Drew

British turn to streaming as 2.8 million claim they no longer need to pay TV licence fee

Fancy pet sitting as a way to travel? Horses: Spain’s heartbeat

WE are always looking for new petsitters with experience of and a deep love of pets. We have housesits in Spain, the UK and all over Europe in fact and we are in need of honest reliable petsitters to join our network.

If you are a pet owner our HousesitMatch sitters are checked, 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

Ever thought of exchanging your love for, and experience with, pets to stay somewhere for free?

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

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

Keeping pets cool during the hot Spanish summer is essential for their well­being, just like it is ours. Here are some strategies to ensure your animal companions stay comfortable:

PETS Cool companions

THERE´S something uniquely captivating about the sound of hooves on Spanish cobblestones or the serene sight of a horse grazing in a sun­dappled meadow. In Spain, horses are more than just a cultural icon or a means of transportation. For many, they are cherished members of the family, loved and pampered as any pet would be. Imagine the bond one feels when a horse, with its soulful eyes, gently nuzzles up seeking affection, or the joy of watching it frolic with sheer delight. It's not just about riding; it's the conversations whispered between a horse and its owner during quiet moments, the shared sunsets, and the mutual trust.

Caring for a horse is undeniably demanding. It goes beyond providing shelter and food. It’s about understanding their emo­

tions, ensuring they have companions to play with, and tending to their health needs. Yet, ask any horse owner, and they'll likely say the rewards far outweigh the efforts. Increasingly, city dwellers are finding ways to

bring horses into their lives, be it through weekend riding clubs or adopting retired racehorses. The trend underscores a simple truth: In Spain's rhythm of life, the heartbeat often sounds like galloping hooves.

Water availability: Always provide fresh, cool water. Consider adding ice cubes to keep it chilled.

Shady spaces: Create shaded areas where pets can escape the sun, either indoors or in a sheltered part of the yard.

Cooling products: Invest in cooling mats or bandanas specifically designed for pets. Avoid hot surfaces: Walk pets during cooler parts of the day to prevent their paws from burning on hot pavements.

Air circulation: Keep air flowing with fans or air conditioning, especially if leaving pets indoors.

Paddling pools: Small pools can offer a fun way for pets to cool down.

Grooming: Regular grooming can help, as matted fur traps heat.

Remember, different pets have varying needs, so always observe them for signs of overheating and consult with a veterinarian for specific advice. Spanish summers can be enjoyable for pets too, with the proper care and attention.

paddling pool (or plant pot)

AIR CONDITIONING

BUILDERS

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BUY & SELL

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

CARAVANS

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

CARS FOR SALE

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

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

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

LANGUAGE

PETS

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €7.75, medium dogs €8.50, big dogs €9.25, cats from €7.00 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotel turre@gmail.com fiveboneho tel.com (303395)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

PLUMBERS

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

BEDS

ROYAL BRITISH LEGIONWhy not make this year the year you volunteer? Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishle gion.org.uk/counties/spainnorth ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email zurgenar blchairman@gmail.com(253989)

Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (303141)

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

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel –678 716 693 (288662)

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

FOR SALE

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

OTHERS

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PAINTERS/DECORATORS

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT

SOLAR

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

ABBOTT ELECTRICS . From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire.

Bentleyesque styling and imposing

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

FOR a brand new marque, Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, has made an impressive start and with their first all­electric model, the GV60, the good news continued. As part of Hyundai, whose own EVs are good sellers and very popular, the technology base for Genesis is a proven one.

All Genesis models are head turners, it’s a mixture of Bentleyesque styling and an imposing stance that sets them apart from other luxury models. They have the ability to immediately make you feel that you are in something rather upmarket and special. There is a real feeling of quality in everything you can see and touch with some splendid detail touches from quilted stitched seating to slim linear air vents.

The GV60 has three ver­

sions ­ Premium, Sport and Sport Plus ­ with prices starting at £53,905 and standard equipment across the board including full LED lights with high beam assist, double glazed soundproofed glass with solar glass at the front, wireless phone charging, smart cruise con trol, power seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats and artificial leather upholstery.

On the road the GV60 feels and drives like it looks, premium luxury. You expect

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Genesis GV60 Premium

an electric car to be quiet but there’s usually a hum from the electric motor and a

• Engine: 77.4 kwh battery – 229 PS – Rear-wheel-drive, single motor

• Gears: 1-speed automatic

• Price: €62,518/£53,905

• Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 7.8 seconds/Maximum Speed 185 kph (115 mph).

• Range: 321 miles on single charge

• Emissions: 0 g/km

touch of road and tyres noise. Not in the Genesis! It is one of the smoothest and quietest cars you’re ever likely to travel in, even by EV standards. It’s also one of the most comfortable and even the lead­in model test model performs well with the benchmark 62mph passing by in 7.8 seconds.

There’s a decent range with the lead ­ in Premium version covering 321 miles and even in real world driv­

ing around 290 should be possible. As ever though that changes with the weather conditions and where you’re driving, in the depths of winter I think mid ­ 200s in range would be realistic.

Likes include being able to turn off the dreaded lanekeep easily and quickly, excellent levels of space inside, solid build quality and a light and airy feel compared to many rather claustrophobic interiors.

One thing that surprised was the lack of a rear wiper. I’m sure Genesis would say it doesn’t need one but, trust me, if you’re in the wrong kind of weather it needs a rear wiper.

It may not be mainstream but that can be a distinct advantage in terms of exclusivity, and I suspect any buyers venturing into a Genesis, EV or otherwise, will be smitten.

GENESIS GV60: Feels and drives like it looks - premium luxury.

Rapid rise

ACCORDING to the latest data from the Auto Trader Retail Price Index, which is based on circa 800,000 daily pricing observations across the whole retail market, UK second ­ hand car prices are accelerating at their fastest rate in eight months.

With an average retail value of £17,756, June marks a year ­ on ­ year (YoY) price growth of 3.2 per cent on a like ­ for ­ like basis and the 39th consecutive month of YoY growth.

Over that period, the average retail price of a used car has increased by circa £3,900.

Although retail prices in June softened slightly on a month ­ on ­ month (MoM) basis, decreasing0.3 per cent in May, this is near to seasonal norms, with prices falling as much as ­ 0.9 per cent

over the same period in 2019.

Auto Trader’s Director of Data and Insight, Richard Walker, said: “The used car market has enjoyed a strong first half of the year, with the rise in retail values doing little to dampen consumer demand. Although the current health of the economy does add a degree of uncertainty for the months ahead, based on what we’re currently

our outlook for the rest of 2023 remains an optimistic one.”

tracking across the market,

Prices are rising at their fastest for eight months

12.5 years the average age of a car in spain

Disaster at Real Madrid

LA LIGA giants Real Madrid suffered an enormous blow on the eve of a new season when Thibaut Courtois injured his knee in training.

The Belgian international goalkeeper reportedly sustained a torn cruciate liga ment during a recent session. In an offi cial statement, the Spanish club con firmed: “After the tests carried out on our player Thibaut Courtois, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The player will undergo surgery in the coming days.”

As the new season started in Spain on Friday August 11, the injury to 31­year­old Courtois leaves Carlo Ancelotti with a major headache. Such an in jury and the recuperation after an operation could see him out for most of the season.

Real Madrid kicked off the new cam paign on Saturday with a tricky away fixture against Athletic Bilbao in the Basque Country.

The Italian coach has his 24­year­old Ukrainian reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who has been at the Bernabeu since June 2018, and has faced a difficult

task in hoping to dislodge Courtois who has appeared 230 appearances in all competitions for Madrid.

Whether Ancelotti has confidence in the player’s ability to step up to the first team on a regular basis remains to be

World Basketball Champions

THE Spanish basketball team suffered a narrow defeat to the United States in the FEB Centenary Tournament in Malaga.

seen. The fact that he is reported to have contacted De Gea probably answers that question anyway.

It has already been reported by several news outlets that Los Blancos have made an emergency call to David De Gea’s representatives, according to Melissa Reddy at Sky Sports. She tweeted recently ‘Real Madrid exploring their options in light of Thibaut Courtois’ ACL injury. Contact made over David de Gea and checks being done on Kepa Arrizabalaga’s situation. The Chelsea keeper is Bayern’s top target between the sticks’.

The Spanish international keeper is currently unemployed and a free agent after quitting Manchester United when his contract expired at the end of

Melissa also commented on Chelsea’s Kepa Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, the Spanish international is thought to be a new target for Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich while they also continue their pursuit of Tottenham and England captain, Harry Kane.

The two nations clashed in Malaga’s Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena on Sunday, August 13, with the US winning 88­98.

Sergio Scariolo’s players held their own for most of the game against the North Americans, who were the favourites on paper.

Despite the loss, this game served as a superb warm­up for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 which is being hosted jointly by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10.

Spain will be looking to retain the prestigious Naismith Trophy that they earned after defeating Argentina 75­95 in the 2019 tournament final that was hosted by China.

After a thumping 99­79 victory over Slovenia last Friday, the Spanish are hitting form at just the right time ahead of the tournament. They beat Venezuela in Madrid last week as well.

Willy and Juancho Hernangómez demonstrated their NBA quality on their first appearance back in Europe for a while. In only his third match in the national top, Aldama shone again, while Juan Núñez took another step forward.

The United States gave no quarter and demanded a perfect 40 minutes from Spain. They are desperate to reclaim the crown they lost in China four years ago. Spain fought to the very end under the direction of Juan Núñez, who once again demonstrated why Scariolo has not hesitated to include him in his final World Cup squad.

Although the challenge was enormous when facing the defender of the year, centre Jaren Jackson, Willy Hernángomez was the beacon of the Spanish attack.

The United States demands excellence and when it was not reached, the visitors opened the gap. As a result, Spain lost eight points with four minutes to go. This proved to be a distance that was already impossible to overcome despite a final attempt by the valiant Spanish players.

Real Madrid suffered a blow.

Credit: Real Madrid Press Centre