Mallorca 14 – 20 September 2023 Issue 1993

President joins pilgrims Aid for Morocco SEA TURTLE SUCCESS

THE president of the Council of Mallorca, Llorenc Galmes, was among thousands of pilgrims who journeyed to the Sanctuary of Lluc, participating in the events of the Diada de Lluc a Peu. This significant pilgrimage saw individuals from numerous towns across Mallorca trekking to the sanctuary.

Galmes, who began his journey from Cala Figuera in Santanyi, covered an impressive distance of nearly 80 kms before reaching his destination. Upon his arrival, he was warmly greeted by Llorenc Gelabert, president of the Association of Old Blues of Lluc, and Antoni Solivellas, the mayor of Escorca.

At the Sanctuary, Galmes, alongside the president of the Government, Margalida Prohens, made a floral tribute. This was followed by a solemn mass for the pilgrims, led by Mn. Maria Gastalver, the prior of Lluc.

It is noteworthy that this year’s Pujada a Lluc a Peu de la Part Forana was made possible due to the efforts and financial support of the Council of Mallorca. The event was a resounding success, with over 5,000 participants.

MALLORCA is making waves in sea turtle conservation. Out of the five nests recorded in 2023 across the Balearic Islands, a significant number were located in Mallorca.

With 413 eggs laid, 195 chicks have successfully hatched, marking a hatching success rate of 47 per cent. This is an impressive figure, especially considering that many of the remaining eggs were not viable due to lack of fertilisation.

The 2023 nesting season kicked off in Mallorca itself, with the first nest identified at Can Pere Antoni beach on June 6. There were 106 eggs,

and 61 days later, 23 turtles emerged. Following this, Cala Millor, another beach in Mallorca, became a nesting site.

Councillor Joan Simonet, during a visit to the IRFAPLIMIA facilities in the Port of Andratx, Mallorca, said: “This catalogued and protected species is moving in areas that were not common years ago. Climate change is altering the behaviour of these turtles, since they never laid eggs in the Balearic Islands before.”

A significant portion of the 2023 hatchlings, will join the ‘Head Starting programme’. This innovative strategy, simulating natural feeding

changes in a controlled environment, is designed to boost their chances of survival when reintroduced to the wild.

Hatchlings are particularly vulnerable if left unsupervised and have to make their own way to the sea as they are an ideal snack for local seagulls and once the tiny creatures are in the water they are also vulnerable to predatory fish.

Mallorca’s residents and visitors play a crucial role in this conservation journey. The sea turtle Caretta Caretta, is classified as Vulnerable. Any sightings of newborn turtles should be promptly reported to 112.

IN response to the devastating earthquake in Morocco on September 8, which has claimed over 2,000 lives, Mallorca dispatched four Local Police officers and a specialised sniffer dog to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts.

On Sunday, September 10, Manuel, Moises, Antonio and Maikel departed with ‘Mica’, the dog who is specially trained to search for people. The group met fellow colleagues in Denia, then drove to Algeciras before departing for Morocco.

Additionally, Palma’s fire department, with a track record of international earthquake relief, is gearing up for a similar mission. Alongside Spain, the UK has sent 60 search and rescue experts, equipment, and four search dogs to support the Moroccan­led operations.

SEA TURTLE: Are successfully hatching.

Newborn sea turtles.

Trecking to the sanctuary.

Drama at sea

New islands boost Mallorca’s wildlife

THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment has introduced two new breeding and resting islands for waterfowl at Mallorca’s S’Albufera Natural Park.

Spanning just over 200 m2, these circular islands are expected to be bustling with various waterfowl species by next spring. Already, they’ve attracted groups of warblers (‘Himantopus himantopus’), redshanks (‘Tringa totanus’), green­shanks (‘Tringa nebular­

ia’), and other rare species.

Located in the Colombars, an area impacted by s’Albufera’s increasing salinisation, these islands are a response to the diminishing reed beds. While over 20 such islands exist in Albufera, the newest additions, established this August, are among the larger ones. They’ve been a hit with the fauna, with species like warblers, grebes (‘Recurvirostra avosetta’), sandpipers (‘Charadrius alexandrinus’), and terns (‘Sterna hirun­

do’) frequently breeding there. One island will foster saladinas and salicornias vegetation, aiming to attract the endangered rosseta (‘Marmaronetta angustirostris’). This initiative is part of the ‘Project for the improvement of the nesting habitat of the osprey (Marmaronetta angustirostris)’, executed by the Consortium for the Recovery of the Fauna of the Balearic Islands (COFIB). The project, costing €36,300 , was approved on June 20, 2022.

OFFICERS from the Underwater Activities Group of the Guardia Civil (GEAS) who were involved in the recovery of a body at sea, heard cries for help from a swimmer.

A person struggling in the waters of Porto Cristo, Mallorca was rescued by the Guardia Civil.

GEAS officers, who had been part of the team recovering a body off Cala Mendia,

heard shouts for assistance from a swimmer who was in severe distress and on the verge of drowning.

Responding swiftly, the GEAS, along with a Local Police officer from Manacor who was nearby, used an inflatable boat from the yacht club to reach the location indicated by onlookers from the shore.

One of the Guardia Civil of­

ficers dived into the water and, using a rescue technique, turned the swimmer face­up and swam him to the boat.

By the time of the rescue, the swimmer was utterly exhausted and close to going under. Once aboard the boat, they transported him to the beach where medical services from a waiting ambulance at the yacht club attended to him.

Balearics navigate mixed price trends

IN recent data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the Balearic Islands have witnessed a sharp rise in food prices. The annual rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August saw an increase of 3.1 per cent, with food items being 10.7 per cent pricier than the previous year. Notably, sugar prices skyrocketed by 38 per cent since August 2022, followed by oils and fats at 20.7 per cent, and potatoes at 15.5 per cent.

On the brighter side, the housing segment

experienced a 17.1 per cent drop, attributed to a 37.1 per cent decrease in heating, lighting, and water distribution costs. Other sectors also saw price hikes, including alcoholic beverages (7.5 per cent) and leisure and culture (7.1 per cent).

Overall, the Balearic Islands’ CPI has risen by 4.1 per cent this year. In contrast, Spain’s national CPI grew by 0.5 per cent in August, with a notable 10.5 per cent increase in food prices.

SWIMMER RESCUED: From the waters of Porto Cristo.

Sailing Week

THE 52 Super Series sailing circuit concludes with the Puerto Portals 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week from September 18­23. Puerto Portals has been a key venue since 2015 and will host this year’s finale.

Cyclist tragedy

ON September 8, a 56­yearold British cyclist tragically suffered a cardiac arrest while riding on the Formentor road in Pollensa. The incident occurred at 10.50am. Police and SAMU 061 emergency services rushed to assist, but despite their resuscitation attempts, the cyclist sadly died at the scene.

Soller tunnel

THE Supreme Court has invalidated a 2017 decision by the Mallorca Council to financially support the Soller tunnel. Despite spending €16.2 million on the project, Minister Fernando Rubio confirmed the tunnel will remain free.

Sailing league

TEAM RCNP Balearia, skippered by Maria Bover, won the fourth round of the Iberdrola Women’s Sailing League in the Bay of Palma. After dominating with 10 wins in 13 races, they doubled the score of runner­up, Nuria Sanchez's Dorsia­Coviran.

Minute silence

ON Monday, September 11, Balearic Islands’ President Margalida Prohens, alongside officials and civilians, held a minute of silence in Mallorca, showing solidarity with the Moroccan earthquake victims and the entire Moroccan community.

Street brawl

ON September 10, a violent clash between Colombian and Dominican groups on Calle Joan Miro resulted in two serious injuries. Both were taken to Son Espases Hospital. Local police arrested the main assailant.

Mallorca honours historic privileges

THE Council of Mallorca commemorated a pivotal moment in its history: the granting of the privileges of the Kingdom of Mallorca. On Tuesday, September 11, Llorenc Galmes, the president of the Council of Mallorca, unveiled an exhibition in the Palau del Consell de Mallorca’s audience room.

This exhibition will showcase the original parchment dated September 12, 1276, which confirms the rights and privileges granted to Mallorca’s citizens by Jaume II.

T his significant event was attended by Mar ­

galida Prohens, President of the Government of the Balearic Islands;

YOUR

Gabriel Le Senne, president of the Parliament of the Balearic Islands; Fernando Luis Gracia Herreiz, general commander of the Military Zone of the Balearic Islands; and Ricard Urgell, director of the Archives of the Kingdom of Mallorca.

Following the exhibition, at 10.00am, a floral tribute was presented at Jaume II’s tomb in the Cathedral of Mallorca, led by Llorenc Galmes.

Brit rescued at Santa Ponsa beach Boost for iconic businesses

ON Friday, September 8, a potential tragedy was averted at Santa Ponsa beach thanks to the swift actions of a vigilant lifeguard. At around 3.00pm, a 57 ­ year ­ old English tourist, who ‘had a fear of water’ according to his wife, began to struggle while bathing.

The lifeguard, spotting a man in the water signalling for assistance, immediately sprang into action.

Despite the man’s weight of over 100 kilos, the lifeguard managed to

pull him to safety.

Upon reaching the shore, the tourist was found to be convulsing and his pulse was fading. Immediate resuscitation efforts were initiated. Within minutes, they thankfully managed to stabilise him.

Paramedics, arriving promptly in a medical ambulance, transported him to a nearby hospital. Several Local Police patrols also responded to the scene. The lifeguard’s commendable actions were met with applause from onlookers.

ON Monday, September 11, PalmaActiva launched its annual aid initiative for iconic establishments, retaining last year’s budget of €100,000. Lupe Ferrer, the councillor for Economy and Commerce, stated, “The aim of these subsidies is to support emblematic establishments through direct aid.” Applications are open for the next three weeks.

“These grants are called for the sixth year in a row,” Ferrer noted. The subsidies aim to bolster the competitiveness of shops listed in the ‘Catalogue of Emblematic Establishments of Palma 2023’, covering their 2022 expenses. This year, the application process has been streamlined, with mandatory documentation categorised by the legal form of the establishment.

The 2023 Catalogue features 114 establishments, up from 105 last year. PalmaActiva’s goal is to ensure the continuity of these iconic shops, recognising their significance and implementing measures for their protection.

Brits’ driving woes intensify

FROM Friday, September 16, many British residents in Mallorca face a driving predicament. Despite the British Embassy’s assurance that the recent UK­ Spanish agreement recognises paper licences, the DGT, Spain’s traffic authority, remains unyielding in its refusal. The DGT in Palma has openly told local media, ‘paper licences won’t be accepted’. This sentiment isn’t just local, it’s echoed across Spain.

British expats, without a UK address, are in a tight spot. The DVLA

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Elderly man defends home shooting

IN a gripping trial at the Provincial Court of Palma, 83 ­ year ­ old Pau Rigo from Porreres recounted the harrowing day in February 2018 when he shot one of the thieves who invaded his home. “I did what I had to do and I want it to be recognised.” He had no other way out,” Rigo stated.

The incident began when two hooded men accosted him, expecting to find €200,000 in his safe. Rigo, who had previously endured a violent robbery, took his hunting shotgun in fear for his and his wife’s safety. “They jumped on me and I shot. They forced me to do something,” he said.

Freddy, the surviving thief, admitted, “He didn’t want to kill my brother, I provoked him.” The Prosecutor’s Office seeks a four­year sentence for Rigo.

has conveyed to the Bulletin that these individuals can’t upgrade their paper licences to the new biometric ones. For these expats, the upcoming Friday is pivotal. They won’t be able to drive on their UK licence post this deadline, though car rentals are an option.

The ambassador has been urging licence conversion. But for those with paper versions, the path isn’t clear. The looming solution? A Spanish driving test, is a daunting and expensive proposition for many.

A pivotal moment.

New activities

PALMA City Council’s neighbourhood centres are set to buzz with activity for the 2023­2024 school year. Lourdes Roca, deputy mayor and councillor for Citizen Participation, unveiled a programme on Monday September 11 that boasts over 4,300 hours of activities across 11 of the 34 neighbourhood houses. Notably, Sant Jordi and l’Hostalot are the latest additions.

The diverse range of activities spans visual arts, physical and mental well­being, food and health, dance, educational and creative pursuits, family and children’s activities, crafts, catering, physical exercises, and oriental disciplines. With 3,400 spots up for grabs, residents have ample opportunities to engage.

Roca emphasised the affordability, stating, “The prices remain affordable for everyone, €2 per hour and session. Our interest is that all the neighbourhoods have activities that cover various interests.” This translates to around €44 per quarter for most 22­hour activities. Moreover, discounts ranging from 10 to 100 per cent are available for specific groups, including young individuals under 26, women victims of gender violence, the unemployed, and those with disabilities.

Registrations kick off on Monday September 18, both online and in­person. To ensure wider participation, only one registration per person will be permitted from September 18 to 22. Subsequent registrations open on September 22, subject to availability.

THE Council of Mallorca is set to celebrate its annual institutional ceremony in November, awarding Prizes, Honours, and Distinctions to individuals and organisations that have significantly contributed to the island and its residents.

This year’s selection process was participatory, with the final decision made in consensus by all political groups in the Board of Spokespersons. The official ratification will take place at the next Plenary of the Council today, Thursday September 14.

Among the distinguished awardees, Ian Adamson stands out. He has been

posthumously chosen as the Island of Mallorca’s Adoptive Son. Born in Argentina to Scottish parents in 1921, Adamson served as a captain in the British Royal Air Force. He later became an influential aviator and or -

ganiser of the pilots’ union. After his retirement, he made Mallorca his home and launched a pioneering programme offering free holidays to underprivileged youth. This initiative saw over 600 young individuals benefit

from the scheme.

Mallorca honours Briton King Felipe’s nostalgic dinner

MALLORCA was once again graced by the presence of King Felipe VI, who returned to the island on Thursday, August 31, for a special dinner with friends.

The King chose to dine at Bodega Barahona ­ Casa Manolo in Ses Salines, a restaurant that holds sentimental value for him. It was the same establishment where he and Queen Letizia, then the Prince and

Princess of Asturias, had dined in August 2004, just three months after their royal wedding.

Manolo Barahona, the restaurant owner, took the opportunity to walk down memory lane with the King, showing him the corner where they had sat nearly two decades ago and even recalling the dishes they had ordered. The Barahona family expressed their de­

light at the royal visit, stating, “August could not have ended in a better way for our team and family than with a royal visit. It’s like a reward for our daily efforts.”

The King’s visit was not just a nostalgic trip, but also a testament to his character. The Barahona family praised King Felipe VI for his ‘closeness and friendliness’, qualities that they

Other notable awardees include cyclist Guillem Timoner, also among one of Mallorca’s Favourite Sons.

Janka Jurkiewicz, the first female chief inspector of the CNP from the Balearic Islands, and the non-profit organisation ‘Las Ovejas de Mica’ for their commendable work in alcoholism treatment and prevention. Also honoured are footballers Catalina Thomas Coll and Maria Francesca Caldentey for their sporting careers in women’s football and who have made history by winning the World Cup with the Spanish team.

believe make him a great leader committed to making Spain a better country.

The royal dinner has undoubtedly added another chapter to the restaurant’s history and left the people of Mallorca feeling a sense of pride and connection to their King.

67 Retirement age in Spain by

COUNCIL OF MALLORCA: Celebrating its annual ceremony.

New Bicipalma station

THE Son Pacs roundabout in Palma has become the latest location for a Bicipalma station. The deputy mayor of Mobility and Industrial Estates, Toni Deudero, alongside the manager of the Municipal Society of Parking and Projects SA (SMAP), Lydia Perez, and the general director of Industrial Estates, Pedro Led, inaugurated the station at Cami dels Reis number 419 on Tuesday September 12..

Francisco Martorell, president of the Association of

Industrialists of Mallorca (ASIMA), was present, as were ASIMA’s managing director, Toni Monjo, and Toni Reines, president of the Associacio Poligon de Son Rossinyol.

This addition brings Bicipalma’s total to 76 stations, enhancing connectivity between the industrial estates of Son Castello and Son Rossinyol. The Mobility department has also expanded the capacity of the Son Rossinyol station, now boasting 22 anchorages, a

significant increase from the previous 12. This expansion addresses the rising user demand in Son Rossinyol, aiming to bolster mobility between estates and promote labour mobility.

The Bicipalma project received funding from the European Union’s Next Generation funds, part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience fund. It was awarded to the company NextBike for a sum of €2,991,220.

Swift surprise at wedding

MEGA star Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance in Mallorca, attending the wedding of Brad Pitt’s ‘Bullet Train’ co­star, Joey King. The 24­year­old actress tied the knot with film director Steven Piet at the renowned La Fortalesa in Puerto Pollensa. This venue has previously hosted the weddings of celebrities like Rafa Nadal and Gareth Bale and was a filming location for ‘The Night Manager’.

Reportedly, Swift, 33, was among the ex­

clusive guest list for the intimate ceremony.

A post­wedding Instagram upload by Robert showcased a snap of the guest list, revealing Taylor’s name handwritten in red, seated at Table 15 alongside her brother, Austin Swift. Although the photo was swiftly removed, eagle ­ eyed fans were quick to spot and comment, with one asking, “Why did you leak the Taylor info and then delete it?” while another exclaimed, “TAYLOR SWIFT OMG.”

Disc Fair returns to Mallorca

THE much ­ anticipated International Disc Fair is making its comeback to Mallorca. Scheduled for September

16 and 17 at the Balearic Islands Velodrom, this 21st edition is touted as one of Europe’s premier record sales events. Supported by the Mallorca Council, the fair boasts 40 stands from various countries, showcasing an array of CDs, LPs, cassettes, singles, books, and posters spanning all musical genres.

For those keen on the latest in the music world or hunting for classic collector’s items, this event promises a treasure trove.

As the organisers put it, attendees will encounter ‘the latest developments in the music industry, and the most classic collector’s items from the best specialist stores, record labels, publishers and specialists in disc fairs’.

The fair is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 16, from 11.00am to 10.30pm, and Sunday, September 17, from 11.00am to 9.00pm. However, the fair doesn’t end in September. A smaller version will continue in Inca on October 28 and 29.

But it’s not just about sales. The

Wine, revelry, and tradition!

BINISSALEM is gearing up for its annual grape harvest festival, ‘La Festa des Vermar’. A celebration that promises parades, grape ­ crushing contests, and a wine­tasting extravaganza. But the event that’s got everyone talking? The grape battle on Saturday, September 16, from noon. If you’re planning to join, remember to wear old clothes, preferably white, or be prepared to stand back ­ it’s going to be a juicy affair!

‘xeremiers’, are a sight to behold. And, if you’re in the church square, don’t miss out on the free wine!

For a detailed list of events, refer to the official programme. It features live music, children’s activ­

ities, wine tasting sessions, grape ­ stomping competitions, and a picnic serving the traditional ‘Fideus de Vermar’. The programme, available a week before the event, is in Catalan.

Hefty no-show fees

fair encourages networking among companies, promoting the exchange of editions and inclusion of Balearic Islands’ disc editions in their catalogues. Live musical performances elevate the event’s significance, offering Mallorcan groups a platform to showcase their talent.

Notably, this edition will host the semi ­ final of the Palma Pop ­ Rock music contest.

Another highlight is the ‘correfoc’, a thrilling fire run. It’s a spectacle, but it can get loud and hot, so attendees are advised to wear long sleeves and a hat. Wine enthusiasts can head over to Parc de Sa Rectoria for a wine fair, showcasing the best of local wines.

The festival concludes with traditional entertainment in the main square. The Binissalem giant puppets, accompanied by

BRITISH tourists heading to Mallorca are being warned of steep cancellation fees at local restaurants. According to a report from a UK newspaper on Friday September 8, about one in five eateries in the popular Spanish destination now charge significant fees for last­minute cancellations. These fees can be as high as £100 per person, a move to counteract the trend of tourists hastily making online reservations and then cancelling them.

All Michelin­starred restaurants on the island are set to adopt this policy, with fines ranging from €20 to €120. Alfonso Robledo, head of the CAEB restaurant association, supports the initiative, saying it will make visitors ‘value the restaurant’s work more, as well as the losses that a last­minute cancellation or no­show they incur be it economic, staffing, or planning a day’. Vanessa Pradera, a local restaurateur, shared that no­shows in July and August led to losses over £11,000.

In other news, Mallorca’s authorities are reconsidering restrictions on cruise ship numbers. Following a change in government, there’s potential to allow more than the current three large liners a day to dock at Palma’s port.

Pop Rock semi-finalists

THE Pop Rock 2023 competition is heating up, with the deputy mayor of Culture for Palma Council, Javier Bonet, announcing the 16 semi­finalists set to perform at the Velodrom Illes Balearson on Saturday, September 16 from 5.00pm to 9.00pm, and on Sunday, September 17, from 12 noon to 2.00pm, then 5.00pm to 9.00pm.

This year’s line­up is as di­

verse as ever, featuring acts from the worlds of metal, jazz, electronic music, and more.

Bonet stated that Pop Rock “is more alive and more popular than ever,” a sentiment backed by the more than 100 participants in the preliminary phase. The competition, now in its fourth edition since its revival in 2020, has evolved to include “any quality musical proposal, and any group from the

Balearic Islands,” said Bonet.

The jury for this year includes Carme Castells, Pau Fornes, Pazzis Veiret Sautter, and Maria Hein, with Juanjo Monserrat joining for the Grand Final on September 30. Prizes range from a €3,000 contract to perform at the Revetla de Sant Sebastia 2024.

The groups or soloists who come in second or third place will also perform at the Revetla.

Spotlight on Balearic pollinators

THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment and the IMEDEA collaborate to publicise the pollinators of the Balearic Islands

The Government’s Species Protection Service publishes a new poster dedicated to the group of beetles and republishes the one dedicated to butterflies, both illustrated by Xavier Canyelles.

The Species Protection Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment, with the collaboration of the Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies IMEDEA (CSIC­UIB), specifically through the LIFE 4 POLLINATORS project.

With this, there will be five posters published

with the purpose of making known the pollinating insects of the Archipelago. The previous four had been intended for bees, wasps, butterflies and syrphids. Taking advantage of this new publication, the one about butterflies, which had been sold out, has been reissued.

Those interested in obtaining one can contact the e­mail address especies@dgcapea. caib.es. In addition, the posters can be downloaded for free in PDF format.

The illustrations and design are the work of the illustrator and entomologist Xavier Canyelles.

On the other hand, the advice and management of the project has been carried out by Doctor Anna Traveset.

DISC FAIR: Making its comeback.

Spain shines in Top 10

John Ensor

A RECENT poll has revealed that Spain has two of its cities in the top 10 list for the best quality of life.

Many factors, such as transportation, infrastructure, and cultural offerings, come into play. Ultimately, a city should be a haven where people can live, work, and play safely and comfortably.

Viajar magazine recently unveiled its list of the top cities to live in for 2023, and two Spanish cities have made the cut, according to a news source.

The study considered vari­

ous quality indicators. These included medical care, transportation, gastronomy, housing, crime rates, cultural offerings, and diverse

infrastructure.

The Hague in the Netherlands clinched the top spot. The city boasts a high purchasing power index, impressive safety and health metrics, and low travel time and pollution indices. ‘The green city by the sea.’ This is how The Hague is known in the Netherlands. The political centre of the country is renowned for its beaches, monuments, and bustling commercial district. Now, it also tops the list of cities with the best quality of life.

Valencia claimed the fifth

position. With commendable safety and health rates, Valencia secured a proud fifth place in the global ranking. This year, Valencia is also commemorating the centenary of the death of one of its most illustrious citizens, Joaquin Sorolla. Numerous exhibitions are celebrating the brilliance of the ‘artist of light’ in Valencian museums.

Madrid stands tall at eighth position. Its infrastructure, services, cultural and gastronomic offerings, coupled with a high safety index, have propelled Madrid into the ¡top 10¡ of cities with the best quality of life. Among its cultural highlights in 2023 is the opening of the Gallery of the Royal Collections. This museum, already a recipient of 10 architecture awards, showcases 650 pieces of immeasurable value.

The other cities were: Rotterdam, Luxembourg, Vienna, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Reykjavik, and Copenhagen.

Plane lands with no luggage

THE thought of arriving for a holiday with all of your worldly possessions just in your hands would send shivers down anybody’s spine. But this is what happened over the weekend, when a flight departing from Zurich to Spain landed without any checked luggage on board, catching passengers by surprise.

The incident took place on Saturday September 9 when passengers on the Swiss Airlines flight bound for Bilbao in northern Spain waited at the baggage carousel for

their belongings for over two hours, in vain, as reported a news source.

A spokesperson for Swiss Airlines, Kavin Ampalam, acknowledged that the plane, operated by Swiss on behalf of Edelweiss Airlines, had departed with 111 passengers, but without any checked baggage. The airline attributed this unusual situation to a shortage of ground staff. Initially, the crew had waited for the issue to be resolved. However, after an hour and 16 minutes, with no resolution in sight and operational constraints due to the need to transport passengers to Bilbao and return to Zurich before the airport closure, the decision was made to proceed without the luggage.

The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and explained that the primary concern was making sure the passengers arrived in Bilbao. Passengers, however, were reportedly not informed of the decision to fly without the baggage in Zurich, and their frustration grew when they waited for their luggage for more than two hours in Bilbao.

Swiss explained that a quick solution had been worked out with the responsible luggage contractor.

“The first part of the luggage was transported to Bilbao on Sunday evening.”

The second part took place 24 hours later, the spokesman explained. “Of course, this situation was very annoying for the passengers, we understand that. That’s why we worked flat out to ensure that all passengers got their luggage back as quickly as possible.”

VALENCIA: Claimed fifth position in the poll.

Empty carousel.

If you’ve chosen to enjoy your retirement in Spain, it’s likely your pensions savings will fund much of your living costs. All those years saving for retirement finally comes to fruition and it’s time to enjoy the rewards.

First, though, you need to decide what to do with your pension, looking at the implications of living in Spain. Your savings need to last as long as you do, keeping you financially secure, with the income keeping up with the rising cost of living.

Start by establishing what options are available for your pension funds, then explore them carefully. Ensure you do what is right for your situation and income needs, plans, risk profile and estate planning wishes.

It doesn’t help though, that UK pension and Spanish tax regulations change frequently, impacting your options and tax bill.

Spanish wealth tax

Once you are resident in Spain, most UK pension income is only taxed here. Government service pensions remain only taxed in the UK. There is no ‘tax free lump sum’ here, so taking it while still a UK resident will save you tax.

Although pension plans can be exempt from Spanish wealth taxes, a

Taking your UK pension in Spain Tax and advisory issues to be aware of

Spanish tax implications of moving to QROPS

By Cathal Rochford,

Directorate-General for Tax 2019 ruling concluded that non-EU pension plans do not qualify for this exemption. Wealth tax therefore now applies to UK pension funds (once a member can take benefits). This aspect of the law is subject to interpretation and change, so you must seek advice to understand the latest position.

For some expatriates, moving their pension out of the UK into a QROPS can be beneficial. However, a 2021 binding ruling determines that unless a pension is a Spanish or EU contract, a transfer from a ‘third country’ pension scheme to an EEA pension scheme is subject to a personal income tax charge on the fund value. Spanish tax residents may want to think twice before transferring into a QROPS, because that year you’ll pay Spanish income tax (up to 46%-54% depending on where you live) on the whole fund.

If you are not yet Spanish tax resident, you have the opportunity to transfer to QROPS without this tax charge.

Other options

If moving to QROPS is not feasible, take specialist cross-border advice on what other options are

available for your pension and which is most advantageous for you.

For example, consolidating several different pension funds into a single SIPP could work well. You set it up with investment approach aligned to your attitude for risk, potentially improve your benefits, and make life easier too.

Pensions advice post-Brexit

Since pensions are so complex and making a wrong decision could impact your retirement security, taking professional, regulated advice is essential. The problem for UK nationals in Spain is that most UK advisers are not regulated to give advice to EU residents – they lost their ‘passporting’ rights with Brexit. Unless they have taken steps to be correctly regulated, they should not be advising you.

In any case, it’s important to get local advice here because most

UK-based advisers do not have indepth understanding of Spanish taxation or keep up to date with the frequent changes.

Find a qualified advisory firm which provides the specialist crossborder advice you need: thorough knowledge of UK pension regulations and of both UK and Spanish taxation and interaction between them. And they need to be regulated to provide advice on UK pensions in Spain.

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 www.blevinsfranks.com.

Partner, Blevins Franks

GETTING THE MOST FROM ALEXA:

HOW TO DO SHOPPING LISTS

INCREASING numbers of people have an Alexa device in their houses. Asking Alexa to give you a weather forecast, play some mu sic or tell you what’s on at the local cine ma when you’re at home are obvious uses, but what about when you are off to buy your groceries? That’s where Alexa’s shopping list feature comes in.

First of all, and this may seem obvious, you’ll need to load the Alexa app for Android or IOS (iPhone) on your mobile phone and remember to take your phone to the shops with you or else all your diligence in preparing a shopping list in advance will be wasted.

The next thing you need to do is log into the app with your usual Amazon account. Now you’re ready!

Creating Shopping Lists

To create your list give Alexa the fol lowing voice command:

“Alexa, create a list.”

Alexa will then ask you what you want the list to be called, so you could say:

“Groceries.”

You will get a vocal confirmation that the list has been created and you will be asked if you want to add anything to the list.

It may be handy to create multiple lists if, say, you intend to go to a supermarket to buy groceries and then go to a DIY store to buy some tools. If you need a new list, simply ask Alexa to create a list again and give it a different name to your first one.

Adding Items To Your Shopping List

Adding to the list is a simple matter of naming what you want and which list to add it to.

“Alexa, add apples to Groceries.”

“Alexa, add nails to DIY store.”

If you want to add multiple items to the same list, leave a pause between each item or use the word ‘and’ to separate items.

“Alexa, add nails…dustpan…wallpaper to DIY store.”

“Alexa, add milk and bread and eggs to groceries.”

Deleting Items From Your Shopping List

In order to remove items from your lists you can give one of several commands.

“Alexa, delete bananas from groceries.”

“Alexa, remove wallpaper from DIY store.”

Retrieving Your Shopping List

Now you’ve created your list it’s time to head for the shops. Remember you must have installed the Alexa app on your phone

and logged into your Amazon account first. You will also need to open the app to enable Alexa to listen for your commands.

To retrieve your list using voice commands you will need to ask what’s on the list, giving the name you created for your list earlier.

“Alexa, what’s on groceries?”

Alexa will tell you how many items you

have on your list and read out the first five of them. Should you prefer not to give voice commands and hear audio in a public place you can retrieve your list directly from the app. If you created the list recently then you will likely find it listed directly on the home screen of the Alexa app under ‘Recent Activi ty’, otherwise you should follow these steps:

1. Click the ‘More’ option on the bottom right of the screen.

2. Select ‘Lists & Notes’.

3. Select the list you need from the ‘My Lists’ section of the screen.

If you want to update your list as you go, repeating the voice command steps to remove items will put a completed tick against each so that, when you ask for the list to be read to you again, the total number of items will be fewer and Alexa will read out the first five items yet to be completed.

For those using the app, simply tapping next to the item will put a check against it and it will move to the ‘Completed’ section of the screen.

If you don’t want to update the list as you shop, but clear it all in one go at the end, the command to use is:

“Alexa, clear Groceries.”

Deleting Shopping Lists

Once you’ve done your shopping you may want to retain the empty list if you plan to use it again but you may want to remove it all together. To delete lists with a voice command ask:

“Alexa, delete Groceries.”

If items remain uncompleted on the list you have asked to be deleted, Alexa will give you the number of items and ask if you are sure that you want the list removed.

ALEXA APP: You can create multiple lists by giving them separate names.

ALEXA: Can help you to buy your groceries.

Spain’s best kept secret

LAS T week a programme, aired on I TV , hi g hli g ht e d a uniqu e a re a o f Spain that has an c i e n t Celtic roots

T h e s ec ond e pisod e o f th e popular series, Gordon, Gino & Fred: Viva Espana! was entitled ‘Fi e sta F o re v er ’ and ai re d o n Monday, September 4, showing th e t r io tou r in g G ali c ia in th e corner of northwest Spain

G ali c ia e n j oys a r ound 90 0 miles of rugged coastline and is one of the seven Celtic nation s alongside Ireland, Cornwall, Isle of Mann, Brittany, Scotland and Wales

G ali c ia eve n ha s it s o w n la n guage, Galego, and is spoken by ov er th ree m illion p e opl e Th e G ali c ians a re ex t reme ly p r ou d o f th e i r h er ita ge and a re quit e u n Spanish in m any o f th e i r ways and traditions

G ali c ian f ood in pa r ti c ula r i s so me thing th e y fi erce ly ce l e b r at e , w hi c h is w hy f o re i g n restaurants are extremely fe w and far between

H e adin g up th e sho w i s M i c h e li n s ta rre d c h ef, G o r do n Ramsay, who appears alongside Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix

Sp e a k in g o f th e lo c al g a s t r on o

m y, Go r don said: “Th e Gali c ia n style never really gets a look in E veryone talks about tapas i n Ba rce lona and th e r i c hn e ss i n Mad r id, but no on e re ally u n derstands the gems that are un e a r th e d on this b e auti f ul , rugged coastline.”

G ali c ia i s k no w n f o r it s hi g h quality me at and in pa r ti c ula r its abundance of seafood, which is probably why the group’s first stop was at th e c oastal villag e of Cambados.

They joined a group of wo m en at low tide in a search for the region’s famous clams.

In th e e nd, th e w o r k p r o ve d to b e too ha r d f o r th e th re e ce l e b r iti es w ho in st e ad o ffere d to provide lunch for the 20 0 st r on g band o f fem al e sh e ll fis h hunters

But it’s not just s e a f ood tha t

puts G ali c ia on th e c ulina r y m ap. T h e w in e s it p r odu ce s a r e outstanding, with a former U S president listed among one o f its biggest fans

Further inland the trio visited the area known as Ribeira Sacra (sacred shore), famous for it s ‘h er oi c v iti c ultu re ’. F re d c o m mented: ‘This is one of the most b e auti f ul v in e ya r ds in th e world ’

In th e p r og r a mme , F re d e x

plained it is also known as Oba ma wine. At a presidential event in W ashin g ton ba c k in 2017 , B arak Obama chose wine fro m the Ribeira Sacra to be serve d to his g u e sts, w hi c h l e d to a sho r ta ge o f supply du e to th e huge demand it generated Th e n ex t stop on G o r don, G i no and F re d’s G ali c ian ad ve n ture was to sample an o ther r e g ional c u r iosity, qu e i m ada Lit er ally, qu e i m ada me an s

‘bu r nt’. A fer o c iously st r ong a l coholic punch that includes Gali cian brandy, sugar, coffee beans and l em on p ee l T h e qu e i m ad a is pa r t o f a sup er stitious r itua l where, before being consumed, it is s e t alight whil e an in c ant a tion is uttered

T h e gr oup th e n v isit e d th e historic city of Santiago de Com postela Their main agenda was to ex plo re th e ex pansiv e fre s h food bazaar and learn about the reg ional s p ec iality, p erce b es o r goose barnacles

T h e p r o gr a mme c los e sd a s th e th ree fr i e nds m ad e th e i r way to the shoreline to prepare some of Spain’s finest dishes us in g th e i r m a r k e t finds G o r do n p re pa re d th e ba r na c l e s in a steamy mix of lemon, beer, and bay leaves, while Gino crafted a warm Galician octopus salad

According to the ITV review : “ T h e g uys e nd e d th e i r mem o r abl e Spani s h ad ve ntu re w ith a joyful, naked, dip in the beauti ful ocean ”

VIVA ESPAÑA: Gordon, Gino and Fred visited Galicia

DENMARK

Drug-driven growth

DANISH pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk's diabetes and weight loss drugs have transformed Denmark's economy, making it Europe's most valuable company. In the first half of 2023, Denmark saw a 1.7 per cent year-on-year economic growth, largely thanks to the popularity of Novo Nordisk's controversial medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy.

Secret agent

AHMED SAMSAM, a Danish-Syrian man, claims he worked as a secret agent for Denmark's intelligence services while imprisoned over alleged Islamic State ties in Spain. Samsam seeks to overturn his conviction. Danish intelligence neither confirms nor denies his role, asserting his Spanish sentence isn't linked to their collaboration. The court's decision is pivotal.

Octopus invests

OCTOPUS Energy, the UK-based renewables leader, has secured a stake in Norway's Deep Wind Offshore, an offshore wind energy pioneer. While the financial terms remain undisclosed, this strategic move opens doors to the Norwegian and South Korean renewables markets, expanding Octopus Energy's global footprint to 15 countries.

Golden discovery

A NORWEGIAN man who recently took up metal detecting as a hobby stumbled upon a remarkable discovery on the southern island of Rennesoey. Initially, he mistook the find for chocolate coins, but it turned out to be a trove of ancient jewellery, including nine pendants, three rings, and 10 gold pearls, believed to be around 1,500 years old.

Tourists struck

IN Rome's notorious Via Cristoforo Colombo, two Irish tourists were fatally struck near the presidential residence. The injured Italian driver is under investigation. This incident heightens concerns over the road's safety.

Strongest tremor

NAPLES experienced its strongest earthquake in 10 years, registering 3.8 magnitude. While no structural damage occurred, residents were alarmed. Recent uplifts and increased seismic activities have prompted intensified monitoring to ensure safety and understand underground fluid movements.

O’Leary cream pied

Pipigate

SOMEWHAT different to Watergate is what has been dubbed Pipigate in Brussels, which could see the Belgian Minister of Justice in hot water. Friends of Vincent Van Quickenborne celebrating his 50th birthday were filmed urinating on a police car outside his home and he had to explain his reaction to Parliament.

Outside Minister’s house.

GERMANY

Eco-terror

A FURIOUS motorist attacked German climate activists staging a sit-down protest on a Mannheim highway. In a shocking video, he punched, kicked, and dragged demonstrators away. Last Generation, the climate protection movement, vows to persist despite opposition, blaming government inaction for such confrontations.

Train sabotage

TRAIN commuters between Berlin and Hamburg faced chaos on Friday as far-left activists claimed responsibility for an act of sabotage. In the early hours, railway cables were set ablaze in three separate locations, leading to extensive delays and the cancellation of nearly two-thirds of high-speed train services.

BELGIUM FINLAND

Maiden voyage

THE 18-year-old Princess Alexia undertook her first solo engagement without her parents on Saturday September 9 when she was invited to formally launch the dredger Vox Alexia named after her at a Rotterdam port. The vessel has a low CO2 footprint and is ideal for coastal protection projects.

Morocco aid

SEVERAL Dutch cities are donating €1 for each of their residents to a fund supporting the victims of the earthquake that hit Morocco leaving devastation and thousands dead. So far Amsterdam has pledged €919,000, Rotterdam €665,000 and Schiedam €81,186, with other cities expected to follow suit.

Abayas banned

THE Council of State has rejected the summary against the ban on wearing the abaya or qamis within the confines of public schools, colleges and high schools in France. A judge in the Conseil d'État considered that the ban on the wearing of this clothing did not constitute a serious or manifestly illegal attack on the fundamental freedom of those wearing the garment.

Speedboat collision

PRESS EURO ITALY

A COLLISION between two boats off the coast of Marseille left 13 people injured. The incident occurred about 900 metres off the coast of Cap Croisette. Reportedly, a tourist speedboat carrying seven people crashed into the wooden diving boat Diplodocus, with 14 people on board. Eight of those injured are believed to be in a stable condition while another four are said to be in critical condition.

Gluten-free beer

FINNISH brewery Laitila's Wirvoitusjuomatehdas has gained traction in Germany with its unique gluten-free, alcohol-free beer. Targeting coeliacs, the beer is now in major German stores. Distinctive packaging sets it apart. Exports contribute to growing sales, with Germany being a key market.

Tony Blair Institute

FORMER Finnish PM, Sanna Marin, after a narrow election defeat, left parliament to join the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in London. Once the world's youngest PM, Marin gained acclaim for her leadership during the Covid-19 crisis and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She also initiated Finland's consideration of NATO membership.

RYANAIR'S Michael O'Leary was hit with cream pies by Belgian environmental activists during a Brussels media briefing on European airspace protection. O'Leary joked about the artificial cream, while Ryanair humorously responded about celebrating with cake. Meanwhile, Ryanair's Belgium-based pilots plan more strikes.

Pet garden

DUBLIN'S DSPCA has inaugurated a memorial garden for lost pets, offering a space for reflection. Funded by generous bequests, the two-acre garden features sculptures by Irish artists. It supports the DSPCA's mission to rescue and rehabilitate animals, with various ways for visitors to commemorate their pets.

Second earthquake

A NEW earthquake shook parts of Portugal's Algarve region again on Tuesday, September 5. This second tremor of the day was felt at 11.17am by residents in the coastal resorts of Faro, Loulé and Olhão. It measured 3.7 magnitude on the Richter scale according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), but did not cause any material damage or injuries.

Arson suspect

A 28-YEAR-OLD man suspected of starting at least 20 fires in the Viana do Castelo district of Portugal is back in preventive detention. He was originally arrested on August 31, but due to the strike by judicial employees, the judge ordered his release the following day. This decision was justified by the fact that it was not possible to carry out the hearing due to a lack of judicial employees.

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

Hunt begins

WORK began in Sweden this week to localise and limit the effect that the confirmed cases of swine fever could have in the country. Karl Ståhl, the state epizootologist, explained that wild boar will be rounded up and burned in an effort to prevent the spread of the plague. “There are probably a lot of cases in the forest, then it depends on how many wild boar there are in the area,” he detailed.

Frozen body

A 57-YEAR-OLD Norwegian man who kept his dead partner’s body in a freezer for five years in the Värmland County town of Årjäng has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. The court convicted him of breach of civil liberties, serious breach of civil liberties, serious fraud and falsification of records. When he suffered a stroke in March 2023 the man told his brother about the body, who subsequently alerted the police.

Credit: Vincent Van Quickenborne/VTM

NORWAY FRANCE

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Charge sheet

BRUSSELS set a December 28, 2024, deadline for phone manufacturers to adopt a common charging cable. All new portable electronic devices must use a USB Type­C charger, meaning that Apple whose iPhones require an Applecharger, will not be able to sell new phones unless they switched to universal cables.

Think again

MOODY’S, the US rating agency, asked Spain to modify its pensions system. Failing to do so would put pressure on the country’s credit profile by the end of the 2020s and make it harder to finance the country’s pensions by making their debt issues more expensive, Moody’s warned.

Read about it

WH SMITH’S turnover grew by 28 per cent for the year ending last August despite rail strikes, as sales flourished at airports and the newsagent ­ convenience retailer expanded into the US. Analysts predicted annual pre­tax profits of £143 million (€166.7 million) compared to £61 million (€71.1 million) the previous year.

Autumn ready

WITH autumn and cooler weather approaching, Spain, together with Portugal, is the only European country where stored gas reserves stand at 100 per cent, compared with the EU average of 92.65 per cent. France currently has gas reserves of 88.65 per cent while the UK has 86.42 per cent.

Lidl giant

LIDL’S largest warehouse in the world opened recently near Luton (Bedfordshire), an 11,000square metre distribution centre serving 150 stores and creating approximately 1,500 jobs. The £300 million (€349.8 million) site’s solar panels will also supply all the warehouse’s electricity needs at certain times of the year, Lidl said.

STAT OF WEEK €1.2 billion

in

Linda Hall

ROYAL MAIL could save £225 million (€263 million) annually by axing Saturday deliveries.

The company, which lost £1 billion (€1.17 billion) last year, must deliver letters from Monday to Saturday but has asked for some time for a review of the regulations now that fewer letters are sent.

While more people together with companies and official bodies communicate online, Royal Mail announced that the cost of a first­class stamp will rise to £1.25 (€1.46) in October, with a book of eight stamps costing £10 (€11.69) for the first time.

“The pressures of higher costs and a challenging economic environment were responsible for the decision,” Royal Mail said.

Although the company hopes to see Saturday letter deliveries phased out, it hopes to step up parcel deliv­

SAUDI telecommunications group STC paid €2.1 billion for 9.9 per cent of Telefonica on Tuesday September 5.

The acquisition is the maximum holding allowed for foreign investment in a Spanish company quoted on the country’s stock exchange. This is in line with takeover legislation introduced during the Covid pandemic to protect Spanish companies operating in strategic sectors.

STC is 64 per cent controlled by the Saudi state and the transaction makes the group Telefonica’s largest shareholder ahead of the BBVA bank’s 4.87 per cent holding. The US investment firm Blackrock holds another 4.48 per cent, followed by CaixaBank with 3.5 per cent.

Telefonica shares were listed at €3.75 each on September 5, with a capitalisation of

Buy, buy, buy

BANK OF AMERICA (BofA) analysts have upgraded their recommendation for Inditex shares from “neutral” to “buy.”

The bank also increased its target price for the Galiciabased company’s shares from €37 to €43.

The multinational investment bank’s experts drew attention to the rapid growth of the Spanish fashion giant’s at a time when its command of the retail clothing sector was “more visible than ever.”

Inditex had “entered and was reinforcing” a “virtuoso” cycle that was fuelling significant market share gains with the sector’s leading margins.

eries to seven days a week to cope with online shopping.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, which is currently analysing Royal Mail’s obligations, agreed that letters are still essential for those who are unable to access online communica­

tions and transactions.

It also admitted that the number of letters sent and received in the last 10 years has fallen by 46 per cent with greater demand for parcel deliveries.

The regulator added: “The last few years have demonstrated the importance of postal services, but the way people use them is changing, and we expect these trends to continue.”

Ofcom will announce its findings later this year. These will calculate the cost of the universal service and possible changes but will not be responsible for the ultimate decision on Saturday deliveries.

NUEVA PESCANOVA reported sales of €1.07 billion for the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 1.1 per cent less than the previous year.

The frozen fish and seafood company, currently engaged in selling an 80 per cent stake to the Canadian group Cooke, reported post­tax losses of €53.4 million, compared with last year’s profits of €7.8 million.

On Tuesday September 5, a day after revealing its 2022­2023 figures, Nueva Pescanova announced redundancies (EREs) for 100 employees.

The redundancies, which Nueva Pescanova attributed to “economic and organisational issues” will affect office workers at the company’s offices in Chapela (Vigo) and Madrid.

Arm afloat

Frozen out Never on a Saturday Saudi stake in Telefonica

“Our investment demonstrates confidence in Telefonica’s leadership, strategy and ability to create value,” Olayan Alwetaid, STC’s chief executive said.

The Saudi company stressed it did not intend to acquire control of Telefonica or a majority stake. “Rather we see this as a compelling investment opportunity to use our strong balance sheet while maintaining our dividend policy,” Alwetaid declared.

ARM, the Cambridge­based chip designer, is seeking investors in advance of becoming New York’s most valuable float in two years.

The technology giant will ask investors to pay between $47 (€45.34) and $51 (€47.55) per share when it launches its Initial Public Offering (IPO) and holds meetings with potential investors.

just over €21 billion, suggesting that STC paid the market price although no details were revealed during the official announcement.

EY slated for audit

AUDITORS Ernst&Young (EY) faced criticism for signing off Wilko’s accounts after the firm’s warning that it had insufficient funds to weather a severe drop in sales.

According to UK media reports, the possibility of approaching insolvency was allegedly detected in January 2022 when the beleaguered company completed its annual accounts for the year ending January 29.

Reporting a £37.6 million (€43.9 million) loss, Wilko’s directors admitted that the firm had failed to obtain additional funding, “casting significant doubt” on its chances of continuing as a going concern.

They added the company had sufficient reserves to continue operating until January 24, with financing acquired before then.

EY accepted the directors’ over­optimistic calculations and a senior auditor Victoria Venning, signed off the accounts, notwithstanding mounting uncertainty regarding Wilko’s financial health.

The operation is also seen as an endorsement of Telefonica’s management team, which has been hit by a fall in its share price in recent years as it copes with setbacks linked to its international business interests in Latin America, the UK and Germany.

NatWest changes

RICK HAYTHORNTHWAITE, former Centrica chief, will join the NatWest board as chairman in January.

Once installed, Haythornthwaite who has also chaired Network Rail and Mastercard, will step up the quest for a new chief executive to replace Alison Rose, who resigned amid the Nigel Farage de­banking commotion.

“Rick is a highly experienced chair who combines a successful commercial career with a deep knowledge of financial services markets and technology, plus a strong track record of delivery at significant customer­facing organisations,” Mark Seligman, NatWest’s senior independent director, said.

Haythornthwaite’s predecessor, Sir Howard Davies, will meanwhile work closely with him “to ensure a smooth handover next year.”

Some big names which have already signed up as IPO investors in Arm, included Apple, Nvidia, Samsung and Google’s owner, Alphabet, Reuters reported.

The company is targeting a valuation range of between $50 and $55 billion (€46.5 and €51.27 billion).

Back in fashion

MARKS & SPENCER announced Estee Lauder as one of its latest Brands collaborators.

The retailer launched the first Brands at M&S offer in 2021 after purchasing the classic Jaeger label, before further tie­ins with Sosandar, Nobody’s Child, Lyle & Scott and FatFace.

The initiative has revived M&S, helping it to shed its frumpy image and pushing shares up more than 80 per cent in 2023, increasing its value to £4.5 billion (€5.24 billion).

This has resulted in the company’s readmission to the FTSE 100 after four years, although chief executive Stuart Machin said there was “still a lot to do.”

wealth tax payments was saved in 2021 by 524 affluent people whose fiscal residence was located in the Madrid Community, which discounts 100 per cent of the levy.

MOUNT PLEASANT: London’s largest Royal Mail sorting office.

TELEFONICA CHAIRMAN: Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete announced Saudi stake.

Photo credit: Ministerio de Ciencia Brazil

Photo credit: CC/Edward Betts

DOW JONES

EWN 14 - 20 September 2023 17 FINANCE euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA

New brew

SPANISH brewing group, Mahou, is launching a caffeine­based energy drink Refeel ­ created to compete with Red Bull and Monster ­ which the company has been trialling this summer in San Sebastian (Guipuzcoa) and on Amazon. In 2022, more than 3 per cent of Mahou’s €1.74 billion turnover was the result of new lines.

Canada exit

Price war looms

THE approaching zero ban on petrol and diesel vehicles could put Europe’s car firms at a disadvantage, compared with China.

Speaking to the Financial Times ahead of the annual IAA Mobility conference in Munich Oliver Zipse, BMW’s chief executive warned that European electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers could not compete with China over prices.

European Union plans eliminate combustion engine vehicles had not been welcomed by the car industry, which provides direct

and

Mine reopens

RIO NARCEA has resumed operations at the Aguablanca opencast nickel mine in Monesterio (Extremadura).

Geologists calculate that the mine has a useful life of approximately 10 years and should yield three million tons of nickel­bearing ore, Rio Narcea’s chief executive Alejandro Ayala told El Economista.

Basing their calculations on the current price

of nickel, Rio Narcea expects an annual turnover of €335 million during the first six years of activity.

Resuming production at the mine after a halt of eight years was the start of Extremadura’s green revolution, Ayala said.

“Between the end of this year and the beginning of next, we expect to receive authorisation to begin extracting lithium,” he added.

“The base car market segment will either vanish or will not be done by European manufacturers. I want to send a message: I see that as an imminent risk,” he said.

Factories in China were able to turn out EVs more cheaply than their rivals in Europe, Zipse declared.

Last year China produced EV’s for less than £27,300 (€32,000) compared to Europe’s €56,000 according to Jato Dynamics studies.

The cheapest Chinese EV, the BYD Seagull was selling in China for less than £8,000 (€9,348), while the Fiat 500 ­ the cheapest available in the UK ­ cost £28,195 (€32,934).

Zipse explained that he was more uneasy about the cheaper market, as manufacturers like BMW were in a better position to protect themselves owing to their higher margins and brand image.

yetBRITAIN’S prime minister Rishi Sunak ruled out the chances of reaching a rapid trade deal with India ahead of this month’s G20 summit in Delhi. Sources close to the negotiations said that Sunak had rejected an “early harvest” deal, which could have lowered tariffs on goods like whisky, but would not deal with complex issues including professional services.

Many jobs

indirect work for almost 14 million people.

Photo

ENGINEERING and consultancy company Wood Group secured a £262 million (€304.9 million) five­year contract with Britain’s largest North Sea oil and gas producer, Harbour Energy, which should provide hundreds of jobs in the Aberdeen area. The London­listed company will provide engineering, procurement and construction and operations and maintenance services, for Harbour’s offshore assets “critical to UK energy security.”

A personal affront to me

I AM not, never have been, and hopefully never will be, a racist. I challenge one reader to show me a single example of any writing or column comment to disprove this statement. Well, I’ll save you the trouble. You won’t find one. Sometimes I feel like historical MP Enoch Powell.

David Frost once asked this much maligned brilliant politician, why he didn’t like black people? Powell then asked him to name one example or occasion he had made such a statement. Frost of course could not. Powell was merely anti­immigrant, stating that our infrastructure, culture and resources would not be able to cope if vast numbers of immigrants were continually allowed to enter the UK unchecked (how right he was).

The fact that most immigrants of his day happened to be black, was totally irrelevant. Frost was subsequently humiliated and his credibility sorely dent­

ed. Well far from me to compare myself with such a great exponent of prescience as Mr Powell, I am of exactly the same ilk. I may have strong anti­views to certain cults, attitudes or religious interpretations, but I don’t personally care what colour, creed or nationality anyone aspires to. In any event, as Spiritualist, I believe we have to manifest in anything from five to 800 lifetimes, so we will have to experience all the lessons of the human spirit anyway; the next reincarnation could find me emerging as a deprived black child during an African drought!

So not only do I object to being regarded a racist, I consider it a personal affront of my beliefs to be even considered one. In my experience ‘racism’, a term that I personally had never even heard until the early 60s, is generally shouted loudest by the biggest racists of all, and is fast becoming the greatest threat to free speech that exists in the world today. Those in authority, who are asked a difficult question, merely accuse you of racism. Job done.

Psst ‘wanna stifle a losing argument? Call the other guy a racist! It’s a New Order conspiracy and an unsuspecting

STRANGE IDEAS OUR VIEW

public are slowly but surely becoming the fodder for its cavernous mouth. An orifice that was thankfully denied ‘Last night of the Proms’ this year. At least good sense still prevails somewhere! Just a word about that Ladies World Cup kiss. Personally I found it totally out of order. I have no idea whether the young lady was gay or not, it is of no consequence. This was an act of male chauvinism which we can all do without. I don’t, however actually consider it a sacking offence. A severe reprimand and possible fine should have been sufficient.

I also recently experienced a whisper that laws concerning the victimisation and sexual provocation of the ladies were being tightened up in Spain. I also hear that as a result, some male employers were surreptitiously being warned against employing female workers, as they could be far too easily accused of sexual offences against them in the workplace. Where’s it all going to end I ask myself. Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com

WHILST most people here in Spain have a great affinity for their pets, new laws being introduced seem to be treating animals with more care than humans.

Certainly, it makes sense to ensure that owners and their pets (especially dogs) are covered for third party insurance in the event that someone is injured by someone else’s pet and there is the added bonus of extra income for insurance companies as well as tax earned for the government.

It starts to get a bit out of hand with the rule of five pets maximum, so presumably if you have a female animal which gives birth, you will not be allowed to keep the youngsters as part of a family unless to jump through hoops and obtain a special order permitting you to keep the animals from the local town hall.

At the same time, if you own a property where there are squatters, it is almost impossible to have them evicted if you follow the laws of the land, although there are companies that offer to help you recover your property at a cost.

New dog owners will have to take a course on how to look after their pet yet new parents just have to get on with it and in many cases hope that the grandparents will step in to look after the newborn once the parents return to work.

Having said this, bullfighting is still allowed and the Spanish government/local councils reportedly subsidises them to the tune of €42 million a year ,whilst hunting dogs don’t receive the protection that domestic pets do.

Sometimes one wonders whether politicians have a strange sense of balance.

IN the heart of the Balearics, a dedicated team has been tirelessly working since 2003 to ensure those in need receive the utmost care in the comfort of their homes. Under the seasoned guidance of Manager and Head Nurse Sally EmeryLuxmoore, Angels Nursing has come to represent the epitome of home care services.

Available 24/7, 365 days a year, their reach spans across the island. The distinctive feature of Angels Nursing lies in its ability to tailor care plans, meticulously crafted to resonate with the individual needs of every patient.

The Balearics has come to trust Angels Nursing implicitly. The credit goes to its competent mix of experienced nurses, midwives, carers, and babysitters. The strength of the team lies not just in their technical expertise but their heartwarming touch of kindness, which has made a world of difference to countless

families.

For patients needing assistance on a short or long ­ term basis, the Angels have a solution. Their services extend from overnight care to weekends, all priced fairly. The rapport typically begins with an in­depth home evaluation, laying the foundation for a range

of services, from meal preparations, hygiene assistance to specialised wound care.

In the multicultural environment of the Balearics, language can often be a barrier. However, for Angels Nursing, it’s just another challenge they’ve surmounted. Bilingual team members play a pivotal

role in bridging communication gaps, ensuring patients and their families remain at the centre of care.

Perhaps the most poignant of their services is palliative care. Angels Nursing places a pronounced emphasis on improving the quality of life, es pecially when curative treatments may no longer be effective. Collaborating closely with seasoned physicians, the service ensures pain management, symptom alleviation, and much ­ needed psychological support for families.

The driving force behind Angels Nursing is its team. Comprising a plethora of professionals, from babysitters to specialised nurses, each member undergoes rigorous back ­

ground checks and continuous training. It’s this unyielding commitment to excellence that has set them apart.

In conclusion, Sally and her Angels are a testament to what dedicated care should look like. As countless families across the Balearics would attest, Angels Nursing isn’t just a service, it’s a lifeline.

ANGELS NURSING: Highly trained healthcare assistants and nurses.

SALLY EMERY-LUXMOORE: Everyone needs an Angel at some point.

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

Demon Copperhead

REVIEW BY JOHN HENRY PATTON

“WHETHER I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else,” this is the first line of what some consider to be Dickens’ greatest masterpiece, David Copperfield. Compare this to “first, I got myself born,” the first line of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Few would consider, let alone attempt, to write a modernised version of a Dickens classic, yet this is exactly what Kingsolver has done.

Demon Copperhead, 2023 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2023 winner of the Woman’s Prize for Fiction. The novel, written in the first person narrative is a classic style bildungsroman transforming the Dickens classic into a 2023 exceptional novel. Written from the perspective of the main character ‘Demon Copperhead’. It follows his horrific birth, deviating childhood until his maturity.

Set in Virginia, the novel deals with the harsh reality of modern day American society, born to a single mother, in relentless

poverty in a trailer park and of course, placed deep within the horrors of the USA’s opioide crisis, where in Virgina, according to the Virginia Commonwealth University, ‘at least two Virginians die from prescription opioides every day’. Kingsolver recreates a setting full of reality, using highly descriptive and emotive language to convey to the reader the true sense of what is happening, she creates a plethora of characters who cover all aspects of the society in which Demon lives, an alcoholic drug using single mother, abusive step­father, the caring neighbours who have their own battles to fight and Demon, described from the day of his birth as a ‘prize fighter’, a character trait he will need throughout his life and the entire novel.

Demon Copperhead is a gripping novel with the guts to put on show the true reality of life in the United States, the ‘American Dream’ does not apply to all. Kingsolver dares to bring David Copperfield into the modern era and does so in an emphatic and sensational way, a must read. An emotional rollercoaster from which the reader cannot get off.

A gripping novel.

OUR web article Costa Or Campo? The Pros And Cons Of Spanish Seaside or Countryside Living compared the options that those moving to Spain had and asked the question whether it was better to go for the busy coast life where so much is going on or to settle for a quiet country lifestyle. Interestingly, the bulk of comments received promoted the country life option and made it clear that not only was there plenty going on but also all the amenities that you would expect on the coast.

I concur with the previous commentator, we live in a small town of under 25,000 people, walking distance to shops and bars is less than 15 mins max, one medical centre and a small hospital, provincial capital 20kms away, fantastic internet, wonderful views over the olives, the colour changes of the fields is exceptional and 700 mtrs is up near the clouds sometimes. 200 kms to the Costas makes for great weekend breaks, but couldn’t live there.

Ian Dunbar

I’ve read your article and I don’t recognise the campo/countryside living. I live in a village with just 200 houses, I have better internet than in the UK, fibre optic . The doctor comes twice a week to our village there is never a problem for appointments, the hospital is four miles away and medical treatment is excellent. We have travelled a lot in Jaen and the roads here are fantastic . We are on the mains for water and electricity and we had a problem with our water, reported it in the morning and it was sorted the same day. In almost three years the power has gone off for two minutes. There is so much to do in our area , we don’t have enough time to do everything on offer and it’s all free. When you reach 65 the local council invite you to a free meal you can take a friend etc. The local mayor visits you on or around your birthday to present you with a gift. Crime is zero, my village is close knit has a WhatsApp group so we can all keep in touch . The cost of living here compared to the coast is really good, the lifestyle is fantastic , if you want to dance until 5am in the morning there are so many towns n villages with fiestas, amazing social life. There are a lot of Brits here in rural Spain also I’ve met over 30 but I see many more in the shops and cafes. I think living in rural Spain is not as black and white as you portray it, there are different levels, as I am sure there are for the coastal living.

Mrs Debra O’Neill

At last a very accurate and informative article, hope many prospective buyers get a chance to read it.

Well done, and congratulations, pity we don’t get the chance to shake your hand.

Alicia and Mervyn - Twenty years living near Conil 15 minutes from the beach!

Mervyn Horner

We’ve lived on the coast and in the campo and for us campo wins every time. Mainly because there are so many tourists on the coast, and a great many English who live there permanently still have a holiday lifestyle, so it’s very busy, and of course very cold in winter. We are 10 minutes from the nearest town here in the campo, but the hospital is on the outskirts so is very easy to get to, and the health centre is only a 15 minute drive away. We are all solar and on well water which goes through a water cleanser to get rid of most impurities but is still not drinkable, so we have to buy drinking and cooking water. We’re not at all bothered about no mains electricity as eight solar panels and up-to-date batteries give us all the power we need, but we would prefer to be on a mains water supply if it were possible.

Maggie

Ongoing Driving Dilemma

I never knew you could hold a paper licence, I thought they were all plastic now.

And citizens who have lived in Spain as a resident for more than a year (or less) were legally obliged years ago to change thier licence. They just chose not to.

Pete Sergio

Animal Welfare Law

Currently this is a complete joke. I have contacted several insurers and none of them know of or how to get civil liability insurance coverage and have even suggested that it is up to the local authorities if they enforce this or not.

Peter Squires

Reale Insurance in Santa Ponsa

Your trusted partner for comprehensive cover

IN today’s fast­paced world, insurance is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s safeguarding your family’s future, protecting your home, or ensuring your beloved pet is covered, having the right insurance company is crucial. And if you’re an expatriate living in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca, there’s no better choice than Reale Insurance.

Who are they? Reale Insurance is an Italian company that has been present in Spain since 1988.The Reale Office in Santa Ponsa has been operating since this time providing excellent service and solutions for all your insurance needs.

Comprehensive Coverage. One of the hallmarks of Reale Insurance is their ability to provide a wide range of insurance policies to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for

home insurance, health insurance, car insurance, or even coverage for your furry friend, they have got you covered. They understand that expatriates have diverse requirements, and policies can be issued in English, German, French,

WHAT ON EARTH WOULD BASIL FAWLTY

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

EVER checked out of a hotel, travelled home, and then realised you left something behind in the room? An international sampling of 500 hotels has uncovered the oddest things left behind this past year. While 25 per cent reported finding countless forgotten iPads, laptops and smartphones, 10 per cent of European hotels claimed an increase in abandoned x ­ rated items. Like adult toys and performance­enhancing drugs. Phew!

Among the oddest items recovered was a bag full of live snails in Budapest, a traditional Japanese Yakuza sword in Istanbul and a live snake in Washington. Still in Washington, $10,000 in cash was discovered concealed

SAY?

in different parts of one hotel room while in New York $20,000 in a suite. How on earth could anyone be THAT forgetful? Easy is the answer! What about the New York couple who arrived home following their wedding, then realised they’d forgotten something. The bride’s dress...

And the cop who left behind in his Las Vegas hotel his badge and gun. The hotel in Milan where housekeeping staff found a gun locked and loaded. Another in New York, where they found bullets and yet another in Barcelona police ID badges. Surely enough combined props here for a riveting TV cop series!

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.

Italian and Spanish, making the process smooth and hassle­free.

Competitive Pricing . At Reale Insurance, they believe that comprehensive coverage shouldn’t break the bank. That’s why they are

proud to offer competitive prices without compromising on the quality of service. They understand that every euro counts, and work tirelessly to provide cost ­ effective solutions tailored to your specific situation.

A Special Announcement . Dog Insurance in Spain. Starting from the 28th of September, it is compulsory to have a Liability Insurance for your dog in Spain.

This regulation underscores the importance of ensuring your pet’s wellbeing and safeguarding against unforeseen events. Reale Insurance is ready to assist you in complying with this requirement. They offer liability policies designed to cover your needs, ensuring that you and your four­legged companion can enjoy your time in Spain with peace of mind.

choice, so leave me be

I LIKE choice, freedom of choice really. But I’m finding it harder and harder to have that freedom. I have had to change my passwords two or three times lately because someone decided that my password wasn’t ‘strong’ enough. It wasn’t for my bank account or anything that I considered needed one of my super-duper secret passwords. The thing is it should be my choice. If someone can hack the CIA, FBI or Sony it doesn’t matter what my password is - if someone really wants to check my air miles they will find a way. I also don’t want to have to go through Facebook to find out about some product I may be interested in.

I have a couple of apartments that are rented out for short lets to holidaymakers. I’ve been doing it for many years and never ever had a problem. I am now being told that they have to be registered. This is not a problem as the income has always been declared, but some of the other stuff is nuts. We have to have air conditioning or be fined. Why? We advertise and inform there

is no air conditioning so whoever books makes a choice - air con or not. But there are now laws in place that are so ridiculous they are almost un-policeable. You now have to register every person that stays with the police. It is reckoned there are about 80,000 apartments being rented. That’s a lot of people being registered and a lot of extra work for the police. People have to have a choice. If they want to stay in a hotel in one room that’s up to them. If they want an apartment and to self-cater that should be up to them and if they want to stay in an apartment that doesn’t have air con that’s up to them too. These new rules have been brought in, as far as I understand, because of lobbying by the hotels. So, does every hotel room now have to have air con? Because I know for a fact that they don’t.

It seems the whole world now knows what I want and what’s best for me and actually they don’t. I don’t want to have to give my email address, age and sex just to get past the first page of a shopping site and if I do decide to look on Amazon I don’t want them emailing me three or four times to ask if I’m still interested. My choice was not to buy thank you Mr Amazon. I feel like I’m being chased around the shop by a sales person. IT’S MY CHOICE, GO AWAY!

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

It’s my

PETS

Pet-friendly plants

IF you’re living in Spain and have a garden, you’ll want to make sure it’s safe for your pets. Many expats enjoy the Spanish climate for gardening, but it’s essential to know which plants are harmless for our curious pets. Firstly, let’s talk about the safe plants.

Lavender is a good choice. It smells great and won’t harm your pets if they decide to nibble or play around it. Snapdragons are another pet ­ safe option. They’re bright, colourful, and can withstand the Spanish sun. But it’s not just about

plants. If you’re trying to tackle garden pests, think natural. Instead of using chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to pets, consider natural solutions. For

Free house-sitters cared for Cleo

CLEO the cat was cared for by free live in cat­sitters

Cleo’s owners Jim and Estelle live in Malaga and found cat­sitters online. They were searching for cat­sitters to come to their home and care for Cleo while they were on holiday. They joined Housesitmatch.com and found that the cat­sitters were completely free!

It’s a fair exchange

All our sitters offer a fair exchange ­ free accommodation for free pet care and an online review. It’s a win win!

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

instance, ladybirds can help manage aphids. If you don’t have a lot of garden space, or maybe you’re living in an apartment with a balcony, herbs might be a good choice. Rosemary and thyme are both pet­safe and can be used in your cooking, making them double­duty plants.

In short, having a garden that’s safe for pets is straightforward. Stick to known pet­friendly plants, avoid toxic chemicals, and you can then enjoy your outdoor space.

If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, don’t delay. Register today as a member of our network to find affordable home and pet care.

Plan ahead to secure great sitters

However long your trip, pets need someone with them at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from routines undisturbed. Plan ahead of time to find house and pet­sitters who will come to you for free!

Next steps to join

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com

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 helps you find sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert with trip dates. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter you want. 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

Finding a lost dog

THE abandonment of animals continues to be a problem in Spain. According to data collected in a report carried out by the Affinity Foundation, in 2022, approximately 288,457 cats and dogs were picked up off the streets by shelters throughout Spain.

In the report, the organisation ­ founded in 1987 ­

LOST OR ABANDONED: This continues to be a problem.

revealed that of the 288,457 pets taken in by the almost 1,600 Companion animal shelters in Spain, 170,105 were dogs and 118,352 cats. Only 21 per cent of these animals were ever returned to their families.

As the Foundation reported, it’s not always easy to ‘capture’ a lost or abandoned dog.

The first step is to approach them. It is important to do it little by little and

avoid sudden movements.

Use soft vocal tones rather than threatening tones. If you have food, use it to relax the dog. When temperatures are high, it can be useful to offer them water.

However, if you see that the animal is injured or sick, or it shows signs of aggression, call the Local Police who are responsible for managing the collection of lost or abandoned dogs.

Failing that, call a local ani­

mal shelter.

Once the dog is under control, check if the animal has an identification tag. The animal’s name and a contact telephone number should be displayed which will allow you to inform its owner the dog has been found.

If the dog does not have a tag, consider waiting where the dog was found. It is possible the dog’s owner will be out looking for it.

Another option is to call the Local Police, the Guardia Civil or the local council, since if it is a lost dog, the owner will be looking for it and has very likely notified the local authorities about their loss.

In the case of an abandoned dog: The local authorities can notify the abandoned or lost dog collection service that they will transfer the animal to a municipal kennel and, in some cases, to a shelter.

LAVENDER: Smells great and won’t harm your pets in the garden.

Cleo the cat enjoyed beign with her catsitters at home.

BUY & SELL

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the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

DRIVING SCHOOL FOR SALE/WANTED

LEARN TO DRIVE IN MALLORCA . Scottish Driving Instructor now qualified to teach in Mallorca. Classes in English or Spanish. Obtain your Spanish licence easier or have refresher lessons and get behind that wheel. Interested? Call 648 133 929 )295001)

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INSURANCE

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Individuality is standard with a modern classic

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

WITH so many car makers sharing platforms and engines, mergers and amalgamations of brands, it’s perhaps no surprise that many cars feel rather similar. Arguably in many cases look similar too. For example, one company is now in control of Peu geot, Citroen, DS, Vaux hall/Opel, Alfa Romeo, Fi at, Lancia, Maserati, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Abarth.

Unless you pay a lot of money for your car, and even then there are companies sharing parts and technology, individuality is becoming a rare commodity. Cars seem to have become the auto motive equivalent of white goods, we buy them when needed and change them for a newer,

more efficient model in a few years.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Many modern classics are perfectly useable day ­ today and can be subtly tweaked to provide a more modern driver experience. Cars like Renault’s once ubiqui ­

in good condition and provide a characterful and economic daily commute.

Even newer companies like SEAT have a back catalogue providing far more character and interest than a modern equivalent. More luxurious

modern day classics such as Mercedes Benz models from the 1980s/90s are incredibly useable and surprisingly economical in daily use.

Another benefit is that many countries and cities give exemptions to classic vehicles in terms of road tax and charg ­

schemes.

If you like your cars then driving a modern classic can draw far more attention than some uber ­ posh modern car, and it’s not the kind of negative attention that modern super cars can sometimes draw. It’s also a way to drive a car that

So on both economic and style grounds modern day classics seem to be a winning choice for classy and unusual transport.

There are downsides though. No matter how much you improve the driving experience, a modern classic will never, in this writer’s view, drive as well, or as easy, as a modern car.

Although many modday classics have a great parts network, increasingly via the manufacturer but also specialists, depending on your choice some parts can take a while to track down.

So take a look at the classic car press and online presence, do your research and you may just find the most interesting and stylish car you’ve ever owned.

Personalised plates

HAVE you ever wondered why customising your car’s number plate in Spain is so restricted?

Unlike some countries, where drivers can personalise their plates freely, Spain’s Direccion General de Trafico (DGT) imposes strict regulations, according to a news source..

The existing registration system in Spain was introduced in the year 2000. It adheres to a ‘European’ model, which consists of four numerals and three letters (0000 AAA). Additionally, the plate displays an ‘E’ for Spain above the European Union flag.

According to a study by Samar’t, one of the main manufacturers of number plates, 50 per cent of Spanish drivers would like to customise their number plates. However, the General Vehicle Regulation (RGC) outlines stringent criteria that limit the scope of personalisation.

Annex XVIII of the General Vehicle Regulation offers a small window for customisa­

tion. It states that cars can have ‘geometric designs without recognisable meaning’, as long as these designs do not interfere with the retro­reflection and legibility requirements set by traffic authorities.

Furthermore, advertising borders are allowed, and you can choose between methacrylate or metal for the material of the number plate.

The current system employs numerals ranging from 0000 to 9999 and letters from BBB to ZZZ, deliberately omitting vowels and the consonants Ñ and Q. According to

the ‘Diesel or Gasoline’ portal, the last number plate assigned was 44** MKD. This system allows for up to 80 million different combinations, theoretically sufficient until 2040. However, due to significant drops in car sales during events like the 20072008 financial crisis and the Covid­19 pandemic, experts predict the system will last until 2050.

It’s worth noting that the current registration system was designed to avoid swear words and proper names by omitting certain vowels and consonants.

NUMBER PLATES: Strict regulations are in place in Spain.

Rugby World Cup winners? Djokovic equals Grand Slam record

STEP aside, Achilles the Cat and Paul the Octopus; a new sporting oracle has emerged ­ Obano the Giraffe.

We all recall Paul the Octopus and his remarkable accuracy in predicting outcomes during Euro 2008 and the 2010 Football World Cup. Then there was Achilles the Cat, the renowned predictor of results during the 2018 World Cup.

Now, a taller contender has entered the arena: Obano the Giraffe. Residing in France, Obano accurately foresaw the outcome of France’s inaugural Rugby World Cup match last week, foreseeing their victory over the All Blacks. True to his prediction, France tri ­

umphed with a 27­13 score against New Zealand.

Obano lives at the Parc de Branféré in Brittany, France, and though his success rate (currently one prediction) awaits confirmation, all eyes are eagerly fixed on him as he gears up to predict France’s next game against Uruguay today, Thursday, September 14.

The hoofed creature isn’t a newcomer to the stage, as animals with psychic abilities have become a common presence in major sporting events, referendums, and presidential elections.

Remember Boots the Goat, the Scottish political oracle, who accurately forecasted the Brexit referendum? Or consider Mystic Marcus, the English micropig, who allegedly predicted the outcomes of both the 2016 US presidential election and the Brexit referendum by choosing apples placed on the ground. These animals have carved out a niche in the world of predictions.

THE Serb tennis legend Novak Djokovic won the US Open tennis tournament on Sunday, September 20.

In the process, the No. 2 seed equalled the record of 24 Grand Slam victories which has been held by the Australian tennis icon Margaret Court for the last 50 years.

Despite beating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in straight sets 6 ­ 3 7 ­ 6 (7­5) 6­3, the scoreline gives no indication of the tough battle that Djokovic endured against the No. 3 seed at times.

He took the opening set quite comfortably, but then the Russian upped his game and the pair played out a second set that lasted an incredible one hour and 44 minutes.

Showing no signs of letting up, the 36­year­old took control again to wrap up the third and final set to become the oldest player in the Open era to lift the trophy on the famous Arthur Ashe Court in Flushing Meadows.

The pair had met on 14 previous occasions, with Djokovic winning

nine of the matches. It was Medvedev who crucially beat him in the 2021 final to prevent the Serb from notching a calendar Grand Slam. Then the Serb was banned from entering the States last year due to his not being vaccinated against Covid­19.

Djokovic came through a bru tal semi­final showdown on Sat urday with Spain’s 20 ­ year ­ old defending champion Carlos Al caraz. The Spaniard inflicted a defeat on him last time around in the Wimbledon final in July.

This is Djokovic’s fourth US Open men’s title and his third Grand Slam victory out of the four majors he has contested so far in 2023. That gave him another record as he became the first male tennis star to achieve this feat four times.

He is now on course to break the long­standing record if he can win the Australian Open next Jan uary.

Having already won the tour nament a record 10 times, no body would really bet against him achieving that goal.

Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock.com

Novak Djokovic at the 2018 US Open.