Costa del Sol 21 – 27 September 2023 Issue 1994

FOREIGN RESIDENTS

THERE were two very welcome guests at the monthly AREME coffee morning held at Alex Corner in Benavista, Estepona on the morning

of Monday September 18.

Two representatives of the Estepona Council, Deputy Mayor Begonia Ortiz who is now situated

at the Council Office in Cancelada and Foreign Residents’ representative, Aleksandra Broch.

Turn to page 2

WELCOME GUESTS: Aleksandra Bloch to left and Begonia Ortiz to right.

from Front page

Making life easier

The Foreign Residents Association of Estepona (AREME) works closely with the local council and has been instrumental in suggesting several important changes in the way in which the increasing number of foreign residents are catered for by the council.

Now in his fourth term of office, Mayor José María García Urbano has announced that having spent 12 years working on the development of the urban centre, he now wants to focus on the suburbs which is why Councillor Ortiz is now based in Cancelada.

To make life easier for residents, a new email address estepona@estepona.es has been created which is monitored by the Foreigner’s Department and foreign residents are invited to pose questions to that address as a first point of contact.

Whilst the Estepona Council doesn’t intend to offer free bus travel to local residents, it was pointed out that the Junta de Andalucia does offer a special discount card to those over the age of 65 which allows free entry to certain attractions as well as discounted travel.

Clean beaches for everyone

FUENGIROLA Town Hall joins an environmental awareness day on San Francisco beach on Saturday September 23. It will start at 10am with the collaboration of Mimoana, Gestagua and the diving company Blue Fin Divers. This action, which in previous years has managed to remove more than 500 kilos of waste from the beach, seeks to promote values such as coastal conservation and recycling.

This is an action sponsored by the Ecoembes collective and is part of the ‘One square metre against litter’ movement. The councillor for Urban Ecology, José Sánchez said, “The message we want to send out is that if each of us takes responsibility for cleaning one square metre of our beach, we will end up with a much

cleaner coastline for everyone to enjoy,” the councillor added that, “Fuengirola has been part of a network of more than 470 municipalities that collaborate with the ‘Free my town without litter’ project for quite some time now.”

Sánchez encouraged all residents who want to collaborate, “to come along from 10am, to collect waste together and raise awareness, especially among children, so that we leave a better world than the one we received.”

International Business Fair

JOIN Costa Women on November 11 at PLAY Restaurant for the first Mijas International Business Fair and help make the community stronger and more closely connected than ever.

In a collaboration between the Mijas Foreigners Department and Costa Women, the inaugural first Mijas International Business Fair is set to take place at PLAY Restaurant in Mijas Costa. The event aims to celebrate and bolster the vibrant local business community in Mijas, while encouraging residents to embrace the principles of buying, supporting and shopping locally.

The Mijas International Business Fair is a unique opportunity for the Mijas community to come together and discover the wealth of local businesses offering an array of products and services. The event is open to the public and attendees will have the chance to connect with these businesses, learn more about their offerings and strengthen the bonds of our thriving community.

The Mijas Foreigners Department and Costa Women believe that supporting local businesses is key to the prosperity and vitality of the Mijas community. Roy Pérez of Mijas Town hall said “This event promises to be a dynamic showcase of Mijas’ entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the diversity and quality of products and services available right on our doorstep.”

Local Mijas ­ based businesses are invited to participate by reserving a stand at the fair. Stands are available starting from just €40. To secure a spot at this exciting event, interested businesses are encouraged to contact Ali Meehan via email at mi jas@costawomen.com

Please note that stand availability is limited and reservations will be accepted until October 15, or until all spaces are filled.

JOSÉ SÁNCHEZ: Keeping our beaches clean.

Photo: Fuengirola Town Hall

Mijas

Ancient town

FUENGIROLA Town Council has publicised the findings from archaeological digs at the Roman City of Suel site which is the historical origin of the present town. Results of the project are through a new website ­ https://ciu dadromanasuel.com.

Marbella crossfit

MORE than 1,000 athletes of 37 nationalities will participate in the Marbella Crossfit Championship from October 6 to 8, which will include a charity event in aid of the Spanish Cancer Association. More information can be found at www.mar bellachampionship.com

Hotel el Fuerte

THE mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz opened the Hotel El Fuerte part of the historic centre of the city for over 65 years, which has been converted into a fivestar hotel following a complete refurbishment with an investment of €31 million.

Art murals

INTERNATIONALLY

renowned urban artists started creating new murals in Fuengirola’s El Boquetillo this week and, the following week, other urban artists will begin work on another three murals bringing the total to 12.

Crumbling crisis

UK Education secretary

Gillian Keegan, who reportedly owns property in Madrid and Marbella, has defended holidaying in Spain during the crumbling concrete crisis which closed more than 100 UK schools saying she has “always worked remotely” throughout her career.

Morocco aid

IN one week Malaga has collected more than 20 tonnes of basic necessities to help those affected by the Morocco earthquake. A convoy left with a view to sending another 20 tonnes shortly.

Puerto Banus Regatta

THE Senda Azul Costa del Sol Yachting League includes a total of eight events being held at different venues during the months of March to November of this year.

The next stage takes place in Puerto Banus (Marbella) where boats will set sail from the José Banús Marina on September 30 and will have a windward­leeward route or, failing that, a coastal route depending on the weather conditions.

Yachts with an ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) measurement system will be able to participate in the regattas, which will be divided

into three categories ORC1, ORC2 and ORC3. In addition, a special group will be created to promote regattas among the most amateur crews. The winner of this category will advance to the

ORC category the following year. The first three finishers in each class will receive trophies.

The regatta Schedule is:

9.30am ­ 10.30am ­ Breakfast for participants

YOUR EWN HAS

115

10.30am ­ 10.45am ­ Skippers’ meeting

12.00pm ­ Development of the test

3.00pm ­ Presentation of trophies and food for participants.

Malaga is the film star Spanish MP on Rock

MALAGA is gradually becoming a film city. This year there have been several series shootings for platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ and the numbers continue to grow.

It has been the latter, the large Walt Disney conglomerate, which has once again set its sights on the capital for the filming of its next series: Rivals.

Filming started this week of the series based on the novel Rivals by Jilly Cooper.

The cast was unveiled in March this year and will feature David Tennant and Aidan Turner. The film is expected to be released in early 2024.

This year has seen several other films shot in Malaga and the Costa del Sol area. In 2022, 257 different film shoots took place generating an income of €14.2 million for the local economy, according to data from the Malaga Film Office.

THE mayor of San Roque, Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, who was also elected as a PSOE member of the Spanish Parliament in the last General Election visited Gibraltar on Friday September 15.

In a meeting with Caretaker Chief Minister Fabian Picardo he confirmed that he and his party recognise the importance of shared prosperity in the area and his support for the ongoing ties of unity, coexistence, friendship and economic and labour relations locally. Both parties admitted to being uncomfortable

Extinct tortoise

SLOW but steady wins the race as Gibraltar kicks off its rewilding programme by releasing three male and three female Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) into the wild.

Research has found remains of this reptile in various areas on the Rock but it was declared extinct some time ago so that it is hoped that this new ‘colony’ will become successful in the wild.

Rewilding, the re ­ introduction of species to locations where they once lived, is a growing activity across the

world and this species of tortoise is considered to be near threatened across all of Europe.

The rewilding experiment in Gibraltar saw the six tortoises released at Parson’s Lodge (which will become a Natural History Museum and is part of the Gibraltar National Park) on Monday September 18.

One can only hope that no ­ one comes across the re­introduced tortoises and decides that they would make ideal pets!

about the recent problems at the land border and are committed to try to make it as easy as possible for the estimated 14,000 Spanish and foreign residents who need to be able to have ease of entry and exit to allow them to work on the Rock.

Ruiz Boix made it clear that he was proud of the fact that it was the Socialist government of Felipe González that had partially reopened the border almost 41 ­ years ago and was committed to support Gibraltar in its post Brexit negotiations.

EDITION

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S

Solheim Cup underway

THIS week, the best golfers from Europe and the United States face each other at Finca Cortesin in the 18th edition of the Solheim Cup, which for the first time in its history has come to the Costa del Sol.

It is estimated that the Solheim Cup will bring between €400 and €500 million to the Costa del Sol economy, with a global audience of 461 million people worldwide. And, following the action on the golf course, on September 21 ­ 23, evening entertainment will take place in Benahavis at Anantara Villa Padierna, starting at 8pm with a cocktail, followed by an Andalucian menu and live music.

Guests will also have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the original Solheim Cup trophy. More information can be found athttps://solheimcup2023. eu/culinary­experiences

YACHTING LEAGUE: The marina at Puerto Banus is one of the venues.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

UNDER the shining sun, the spirit of Chilean national pride blazed even brighter as Benalmadena came alive around the iconic El Bil Bil Castle on Monday September 11.

It was a day filled with a jubilant atmosphere and enthusiastic participation as hundreds of Chileans gathered along the coast to celebrate their national independence day.

This lively celebration, organised by the town council in collaboration with the Fonda Chilena Choriflay, was a testament to the enduring cultural bonds that unite people across borders. Live music echoed through the air, serenading the crowd as they revelled in the festivities. The event also fea­

Chilean pride

tured an array of stalls adorned with crafts and mouthwatering flavours of Chilean cuisine, transporting attendees to the heart of Chile itself. Notable figures from the Corporation graced the occasion, including the councillor responsible for Foreign Resi­

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

Age Concern lunch

MORE than 50 people attended a very relaxed and friendly lunch at the Cabana Restaurant in El Pilar on Thursday September 14.

dents, Presi Aguilera, who extended his heartfelt appreciation for the impeccable organisation of the event.

He took a moment to honour the Chilean community residing not only in Benalmadena but also in neighbouring municipalities.

“Easy come, easy go.”

This means that the person you are describing does not care much about money and possessions. This saying has been around a long time and the Chinese had a variation which was quickly come and quickly go.

Organised by Age Concern Marbella and San Pedro, the idea was to offer clients an enjoyable and affordable lunch as part of an ongoing programme to ensure that elderly residents were able to enjoy a regular and relatively inexpensive get together.

The cost of the substantial lunch which consisted of three courses and a welcome drink was just €20 which included a do­

nation to Age Concern and a tip for the waiters and kitchen staff.

As well as enjoying the event, clients had the chance to take part in a raffle, with prizes generously donated by supporters as well as a small auction, conducted by Lynda Woodin in memory of late husband James who normally took the hammer at these events.

A grand total of €515 was collected which will be used by Age Concern to continue its much appreciated work.

Visit https://agecon cernmarbella.com / to find out more about the benefits offered to local elderly residents or how you can help as a volunteer.

Solheim starts

THE Solheim Cup 2023 has officially started its big week with a ceremony in which the representatives of the different bodies involved in the tournament, have given a warm welcome to everyone to the Costa del Sol which, this week, becomes the focus for women’s golf worldwide.

Vicente Rubio, general manager of Finca Cortesín, opened the ceremony, reiterating the pride and pleasure of hosting the Solheim Cup. He said, “We have prepared thoroughly to make this event an experience for everyone, both teams and

spectators. I hope everyone enjoys what will be a historic page in the history of golf in Spain."

Ana Belén Sánchez, professional player and member of the European team of the 2003 Solheim Cup, thanked

the institutions for supporting the project and told of, “the pride I feel, as a Malagueña, that this Solheim Cup is being played in my homeland. I am convinced that it will be a turning point for women’s golf in Spain.”

1 Spanish speaker for every 2.65 English speakers globally.

BIL BIL CASTLE: Celebrating Chilean national day.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Benalmadena

President Carol Woolnoth standing, Lynda Woodin sitting.

Credit: EWN

From left to right; Alicia Garrido, José Antonio Mena, Ana Belén Sánchez, Ángeles Muñoz, Manuel Cardeña, Juan Luis Villalón, Vicente Rubio, Pablo Mansilla e Iñigo Aramburu.

Photo: © Solheim Cup 2023

The Age of Jazz

THE Arts Society Benahavis presents its first talk of the season on September 26 at 6pm: The Age of Jazz by Sandy Burnett. Jazz is one of music’s most important genres: a fascinating blend of rigorous structure, free­wheeling creativity, closeknit ensembles and imaginative improvisation. Drawing on his experience both as musicologist and gigging musician, Sandy can shed light on jazz from the inside. His talk covers the early years of jazz up to the Second World War, and touches on the disparate influences which lay behind the emergence of jazz. Musical illustrations range from the blues, ragtime and the very first jazz recordings through to classics by Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and the dawn of the Swing Era.

Sandy Burnett is one of the UK’s most versatile music commentators, enjoying a career that combines broadcasting, performing and lecturing. After studying at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge and working as music director for the RSC, National Theatre and in London’s West End, Sandy Burnett spent a decade as one of the core team of presenters on BBC Radio 3. Combining engaging scholarship with hands­on expertise, he devises and leads cultural holidays all over the world, is the author of the Idler Guide to Classical Mu­

We need to work together

sic, is a highly sought after double bassist on the London jazz scene, and was appointed the Academy of Ancient Music’s Hogwood Fellow for the 2018­19 season. Due to work taking place at Benahavis Town Hall, the new venue for the talk is Hugo Investing at Urb. La Carolina Ctra. de Cádiz 179km, Edificio Aries, Local N, 29602 Marbella. Please let us know if you can make it as we have limited spacechair.benahavis@theartssociety.org.

If anybody would like to join the speaker after the lecture for dinner at Da Bruno please let us know so that we can give the restaurant numbers. A table has been booked. Order individually from the menu ­ www.dabrunoacasa.com.

FUENGIROLA Town Hall has removed and recycled more than 450 tonnes of paper and cardboard between June, July and August. This was announced by the councillor for Cleaning, Carmen Díaz, who said that, “to this figure should be added the amount collected through the 415 door­to­door municipal collections that have been carried out in commercial premises in the same period.

“Fuengirola is a town that recycles, where there is a great awareness and respect for the environment and in which the town hall has been working for years to create this awareness from children to adults and little by little, over the years, we have been reaping the rewards,” said Díaz, noting that “we carry out the selective collection of glass, packaging and paper and

cardboard. For the collection of glass, we have been running the ‘Green Flag Movement’ campaign all summer and we are waiting for the results with the hope of renewing the Green Flag we achieved last year.

“Now we are focusing on the removal of paper and cardboard.” The councillor continued, “we must encourage more businesses in Fuengirola to join this free service

provided by the town hall to collect the paper and cardboard they generate in their own establishments. With this we can avoid seeing the collection areas overflowing with cardboard, in many cases unfolded and left outside the containers.”

The councillor also appealed to the neighbourhood to cooperate by pointing out that, “paper and cardboard should always be left inside the appropriate container and it is always useful to fold it beforehand so that it does not block the slot. If it is full, there is usually another container a few metres away where the cardboard can be deposited. That way we will avoid a damaging image of our town, because no matter how much we clean up, nothing will be enough if we don’t all work together.”

Councillor Carmen Díaz. Jazz is an important genres.

Firefighter medals

MARBELLA Town Hall

has nominated the two firefighters who were sent to Morocco on humanitarian work after the earthquake of September 8 for the Civil Protection Medal.

The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, accompanied by the councillor for Public Safety, José Eduardo Díaz, met the firefighters last week to spotlight the professionalism and solidarity of both members of the Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention Service, Antonio Medina and Sergio Hernández.

Mayor Muñoz said that, after learning of the tragedy in Morocco, “the first thing they did was to make themselves available to the authorities and work in the initial moments in search of missing people.” They

had to carry out their work in awful conditions, the houses were made of adobe and buried the victims.” The mayor, continued, “they have performed admirably in a very difficult situation which shows the level of professionalism we have in our city.” She also said that the city council is working with other organisations to send supplies to the areas affect­

ed by the earthquake. Both firefighters thanked the city council for its support at all times. Antonio Medina, who travelled with the Firefighters for the World collective, worked together with seven other colleagues and three dogs, including his search dog Rasty, while Sergio Hernández said that survival after the earthquake “was very difficult.”

Marbella balances the books

THE budget for Marbella will likely reach €349 million next year.

The Local Government Board of Marbella gave the green light on Tuesday to start the preparation of the 2024 municipal budgets, which may reach up to €349 million.

The spokesperson for the local executive, Félix Romero, said that the approval of the city council’s accounts, which will be sent to the Ministry of Finance, “confirms the path of growth of the city.”

The mayor said that it, “es­

tablishes the maximum limit in terms of forecasting income and expenses” and added that, “thanks to the success of our municipality and the clear

MARBELLA will host one of the annual international events organised by Virtuoso, the largest luxury travel agency platform in the USA and Canada. The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, who last week held a meeting in New York with the heads of the tourism network, said that the alliance with this organisation, “began several years ago with the aim of strengthening the promotion of the city in North America.”

She went on to say, “we have been working every year to ensure that our city continues to grow in these markets.”

Marbella will host events in the coming years as part of the strategy proposed under the

interest it arouses, we will be able to keep pace with inflation and maintain the quality of services.”

Specifically, the income forecast for next year has been set at €364 million, compared to €339 million this year.

“These are large numbers,” Felix Romero went on to say, “and we have already held meetings to finalise the detailed forecasts of each department, with the aim that the 2023 municipal accounts can be approved before the end of the year.”

Luxury travel

framework of the Major Cities Plan, which is being developed by the town hall and the Andalucian Regional Government with an investment of €10 million. The mayor said, “Our aim is to continue to consolidate our position as a preferred destination within the leading network of the tourism industry, especially in America, this is an organisation that encompasses 375 agencies, with nearly 1,700 operators from 50 countries and which moves 1.4 million travellers.”

TOWN HALL: Medals for the firefighters.

Photo: Marbella City Council

Felix Romero: in charge of the budget

Photo: Marbella City Council

Laguna Village update

Students get hiking

ESTEPONA Town Council has launched a project called ‘Senderismo Escolar’, aimed to get secondary school students interested in hiking and has obtained a grant of €6,000 from the Andalucian Youth Institute to fund activities this year.

These routes take place during school hours, from 8.30am to 2.30pm, from Tuesday to Thursday, and are guided by experts from the municipal Youth Department with the support of teachers from the participating schools.

In addition to hiking, the students carry out various activities involving the study of flora and fauna, and participatory environmental games. Around 3,500 primary and secondary school pupils have taken part each year.

Laguna Village, the large tourist complex in Estepona, on the Costa del Sol is entering its final stretch of reconstruction. After the official start of the works in mid­2022, the promoters, which originally had Grupo Pacha as one of the partners, have set the opening date for spring 2024.

The delay in opening (it was originally scheduled for this summer) is to make sure that it can be opened in its entirety and not partially. It is thought that five or six luxury operators in the tourist sector will have a presence in the new Laguna Village includ­

ing the Lío brand, well ­ known for entertainment and high ­ end cuisine. The finished complex will have a surface area of 13,000 square metres and a beach concession of 1,200 metres. The project will employ around 400 people directly and another 400 indirectly. Among the attractions include an outdoor space with an infinity pool centered on a new plaza, a beach club and parking spaces.

The project, which aims to ‘revolutionise the social and gastronomic scene of the Costa del Sol’, stands out for its spectacular design, inspired by the landscape of Padrón beach and the mountains of the Sierra Bermeja.

The grant has been awarded to the town council of Estepona to promote hiking as a healthy physical activity among 700 young people between 14 and 19 years of age who will go on 14 excursions during the period from October 4 to December 5, 2023.

Another aim of this project is to raise awareness of the natural heritage of the different areas of Estepona, so students can gain a better understanding of the importance of protecting the natural environment.

As in previous years, the routes chosen run through various natural areas of the Estepona, such as the Camino de Nicola­Río Velerín, Camino de Nicola­Río Castor, and the Sierra Bermeja­Los Reales area.

COUNTDOWN to the opening of the large luxury leisure complex on the Costa del Sol has started.

LAGUNA VILLAGE: Work is in progress.

Photo: Kevin Park

Keeping the sea clean

PLASTICS are the main waste in coastal waters, accounting for 75 per cent of the waste collected.

Manuel Cardeña, president of the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol, accompanied by Francisco Cerdán, the Association’s delegate for Tourism and Beaches, and Juan Antonio Lara, mayor of Benalmádena, presented the final results of the coastal water clean­up campaign carried out by the association between June, July, August and September.

The president highlighted the effort made year after year by the Association of Municipalities (Mancomunidad de Municipios) to offer this service, at no cost to the municipalities, “this is proof of the commitment we have, on the one hand, to one of the most important assets of our economy, the beach, and on the other, to the environment, which we have been particularly active in defending for years.”

A SPECIAL dinner to raise funds for the Estepona Adana Dog Shelter took place on Thursday September 14 at the Dona Julia Golf Club in Casares.

This was the second year that the event has been held at this location and the organisers received some extremely positive feedback from those who attended.

Through kind donations, plus sales of raffle tickets to those who attended the event no less than €2,646 was raised which was presented Susie Brown who is the President of Adana.

Music was performed by the talented Rocking Jonny and guests enjoyed a full buffet including wine, beer and soft drinks all for the very reasonable price of €30 per head.

All money collected will go towards dog food, medicines and anything needed to keep the dogs comfortable and in the best of health.

The Adana Dog Shelter in Estepona is run totally voluntarily without any grants from the National Government or by the local munici­

The cost of the service, added the president, “has been €503,360 paid for by the public company ACOSOL, which depends on the Mancomunidad, which means that it has had a zero cost for the towns involved.”

The service covered: Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona, Casares and Manilva.

Data are being analysed and we will be able to establish strategies and develop techniques to guarantee the best possible quality for the waters of the Costa del Sol

coastline,” said Francisco Cerdán. In total, said the delegate, “147 cubic metres of waste have been collected, of which three quarters corresponds to plastics, with a total of 110.4 cubic metres.”

Adana dinner

pality

The organisers thanked Jacks Bar and Kitchen of Sabinillas who sponsored this event and to those who sold raffle tickets, prior to the event as well as Nan (Vice President of Adana) who gave her time un ­

selfishly to help put this event on.

Adana looks forward to running this event again in September 2024 with the hope that dog owners and lovers will once again help to make it another fantastic evening.

Bullfighting schools

OPPONENTS of bullfighting will not be happy that the Malaga Provincial Council has launched its first Circuit of Provincial Bullfighting Schools.

It has been created by the Provincial Bullfighting School of Malaga (Estauma) in collaboration with the schools of Ronda and Antequera, Lances de Futuro and the local councils of Cortes de la Frontera, Villanueva del Rosario and Antequera, where the classes will be held.

Three classes will be held on September 30 in Cortes de la Frontera, October 1 in Villanueva del Rosario and October 12 in Antequera.

Admission to the public will be free so that in Cortes de la Frontera five steers will be fought and in Antequera six from the Reservatauro livestock, while in Villanueva del Rosario five bulls from Macandro and Osborne will be dealt with.

The intention is to bring bullfighting to the municipalities of the province that wish to enjoy it, at the same time offering an opportunity to interested parties from Malaga who want to become bullfighters.

CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN: Plastic is the main waste collected.

39% of Brits are considered to be atheists.

Day of the sea

THE Costa del Sol is the ideal place to enjoy water activities, because it is much more than just sun and beach. The Day of the Sea will be celebrated on September 30 and will be for anyone who wants to participate free of charge in various activities linked to the sea from Nerja to Manilva.

Last year this day was aimed at locals, but 2023 is the year for tourists. Tourists who sign up ­ there are 600 places available ­ will be able to take a boat trip and whale watching in Benalmadena, an introduction to paddle surfing in Fuengirola, a diving baptism in Estepona or an introduction to sailing in Malaga City, among others.

The president of Turismo Costa del Sol, Francisco Salado, and the president of the Association of Hoteliers of the Costa del Sol, José Luque, have organised with the Association of Hotel Entrepreneurs of the Costa del Sol (AEHCOS) a collaboration agreement so that the hotels are in charge of informing their guests about all the activities on offer.

Francisco Salado said, “Last year 1,000 people participated and this time we have programmed 15 different activities and experiences, so we want to contribute to tourist loyalty.”

José Luque added that, “we firmly support the project” and stressed that “tourists are no longer only looking for a destination but one that has complementary activities.”

These are all the free activities for tourists on September 30 for Sea Day.

Benalmadena: boat trip and whale watching, diving.

Estepona: navigation and knot workshop, diving.

Fuengirola: introduction to paddle surfing. Malaga: catamaran excursion, sailing. Manilva: guided snorkelling.

Marbella: sailing initiation, boat tour.

Interpreters wanted

TORREQUEBRADA Health

Centre is one of the few health centres in the area to have interpreters. Every morning from 10.00 to 13.00 one person is on duty to help patients, receptionists, doctors and nurses with problems understanding Spanish or English. (Some of them also have French and German).

Everyone is always very grateful when they find someone to help them and the work is very gratifying for the interpreters also.

One of the interpreters has now given up and the group no longer has anyone to interpret on Thursday mornings. There used to be a list of volunteers in the town hall,

but those days are long gone. As their work is voluntary they obviously earn no money from this, but are looking for someone to help out. Are you interested in helping out or do you know someone who can?

If so, please email mag gielumley@hotmail.com for further information.

WATER ACTIVITIES: A day at the sea.

Photo Wikimedia Commons

HOLIDAYS for the elderly in Spain, which were due to start in October, have been blocked and dozens of hotels participating in the programme are unable to make plans for the coming months and are considering early closures.

The Institute for the Elderly and Social Services (IMSERSO) is mostly known for its programs related to tourism and particularly, it’s travel programme for the elderly created in

Travel for the elderly

1985 with the aim, also, of securing employment in the tourist sector away from high season. However, the 2023/2024 season is totally paralysed pending an appeal to the Ministry of Social Rights. Unfortunately, many of the ho­

tels that had planned to take part in this holiday programme are left trying to decide what to do if the situation is not resolved immediately. “It is a difficult situation, we don’t know what’s going to happen, because we don’t

know if it’s going to be resolved in one month or in three,” said Antonio Aranda, secretary general of the Association of Hotel Businessmen of the Costa del Sol (AEHCOS).

He continued, “a dozen hotels joined the programme last year. If it does not go ahead in the new season, they estimate it will lead to the early closure of establishments in local towns and put more than 2,500 jobs at risk.”

Malaga bees & honey

THE 11th National Beekeeping Congress is being held at the University of Malaga, from September 29 to October 2.

Beekeeping in Malaga has been suffering a crisis for several years, mainly as a result of pesticides and drought. “Bees depend on the plants and the plants depend on the rain. It is practically as if we beekeepers were farmers, because we depend on plants and they all need water to a greater or lesser extent. In 2005 there was a severe drought and production fell by half, since then it hasn’t rained like it used to,” said Fernando de Miguel, President of the Malaga Beekeepers’ Association (Asociacion Malagueña de Apicultores).

In the hills above Malaga there is a long tradition of beekeeping and honey production. However, even though looking after bees is becoming an increasingly difficult task, a beekeeping boom has taken place over the last 15 years thanks mainly to the Association’s employment workshops and they now have around 3,000 hives.

In addition to everything nature throws at the industry, imports of honey from China and Latin American countries, which are sold at lower prices, are adding to the list of problems. “The economic barrier is a reality. But there is a growing market that is looking for natural production,” said the president.

At the beekeeping congress

in addition to the presentations and workshops there will be a chance to interact with scientists, technicians, beekeepers and companies in the sector, exchanging knowledge and experiences to find solutions to the problems and to ensure that from the moment it leaves the hives until it ends up in the jar, Malaga honey is as pure as possible.

LONG TRADITION: Beekeeping thrives in Malaga.

Photo: Pexels

Annual pilgrimage

THOSE visiting Torremolinos on Sunday, September 24 can experience a time honoured tradition when around 60 carts participate in the San Miguel Pilgrimage.

Expect to see 18 carts drawn by oxen and 39 by tractors as well as the sight of all the participants wearing colourful traditional clothes as they navigate the roads of the municipality.

At 9am, the blessing of the pilgrims will take place at the Hermitage of San Miguel, the patron saint of Torremolinos before the focus will be on the concentration of carts and pilgrims

At 10am the Romera Mass will be celebrated in honour of Archangel St Michael which will be sung by the Rociero San Miguel Choir.

The procession then departs at 10.30am from Avenida de los Manantiales and will travel through Plaza Costa del Sol, Avenida Palma de Mallorca, Avenida Joan Miró, Calle Rafael Quintana Rosa­

do, Carretera de Benalmadena and Cruce del Pozuelo in the direction of los Pinares.

As is traditional, the council will install six water troughs at different points along the route to supply water for the animals.

From 4.30pm there will be a free concert featuring a number of musicians at the esplanade of the hermitage.

Expat aid

THE Mijas councillor for Foreigners, Roy Pérez, and the councillor for Social Inclusion, Hipólito Zapico, held a meeting on Wednesday September 20 with representatives of the different groups that make up APEMEX, the aid programme for foreign elderly people in Mijas.

APEMEX which has just celebrated its first anniversary is there to help expatriate elderly people who have retired to Mijas, but are not on the books of local social services.

The concept arose following advice from Local Police that mainly British elderly residents were often alone and without assistance from family members and in need of support.

The APEMEX working group is made up of the Departments of Foreigners and Social Inclusion and groups such as Age Care, the Red Cross, the British Benevolent Fund, Age Concern, the La Cala Lions Club, the British Legion and the Mijas Local Police.

They meet every three months with the aim of offering a support network that includes dealing with red tape, medical transfers, emergencies, translation, friendly get togethers and advocacy services.

AS more and more councils recognise the need for defibrillators to be available for use in public places, Estepona has decided to increase the number it controls considerably.

Currently, it owns just four defibrillators, but has entered into a lease deal with a private company to obtain a further 22 of these potentially lifesaving machines at a cost of a little

Life savers

over €42,000. Included in the package is maintenance not just of the new machines but also those four owned by the council which seems complexly logical.

New space

THE Fuengirola Council has advised that it intends to transform the surroundings of the San José church in El Boquetillo to create an attractive recreational space for worshippers as well as local residents.

It is expected that the work which will take around four months will cost just over €400,000 but depends upon responses to a call for tender.

The work consists of renovating the area outside the church, expanding the pedestrian spaces and raising the road to the same level to improve universal accessibility.

There will be new floors laid which will incorporate marble and granite, steel planters, as well as LED lighting.

The new additions will be placed in municipal offices throughout Estepona as well as at sporting centres such as the Cancelada football field. As part of the new agreement, should the council feel that there is a need to increase the number of defibrillators, then this can be done without having to issue a new tender.

A scene from a previous colourful pilgrimage.

Credit: Torremolinos Council

Festival of Legends

THE Benalmadena councillor for Festivities, Yolanda Peña, together with the producers Joaquín Robles and Alberto Cohen, presented the second part of the festival taking place in September and October in the Auditorium Of Benalmadena with a multitude of concerts that will revive the best music of all time.

In total, 12 shows will bring the magic of Queen, Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, James Brown, Michael Jackson and Steve Wonder.

On Friday September 22 the Festival will feature Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra tribute acts accompanied by a band of musicians.

Following this, on Friday October 7 there will be a concert by Michael Jackson and

Steve Wonder tribute acts at the same venue. Miguel Concha is recognised by Rolling Stone Magazine as the best tribute to Michael Jackson.

Finally, the festival will close its programme on October 14, with eight artists on stage paying tribute to The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bee Gees, Elvis Presley, Cher, Paul McCartney, Earth, Wind & Fire and Kool & The Gang.

“The prices will again be popular, with discounts for registered residents and pensioners, and will range between €20 and €25,” said Alberto Cohen.

For reservations and more information phone 633 647 260. Online tickets are available at El Corte Inglés, Eventbrite, Atrápalo and Woutick.

A night of legends.

Daphonbury Festival

THERE is just one week until the charity event of the year hits the coast!

It all takes place on Friday, Sptember 22 at the Moonlight Bar, Sunset Beach Hotel, Benalmadena. Eighteen of the best acts on the Costa Del Sol, a huge raffle and auction prizes, along with singing, dancing, laughter and fun.

Doors open at 1.15pm, the show starts at 1.45pm and will finish around 11pm.

The day is in rememberance of Hannah ‘Daphne’ Edwards who died on Tuesday, August 25 of bowel cancer. She was 37 years old. All donations raised on the night will be going to Bowel Cancer UK through Hannah’s Star of Hope Page.

No seating can be reserved in advance so it’s a first come first seated basis.

On arrival there is a €10 entrance fee in exchange for a wristband.

That wristband allows everyone to come and go from the event all day, (so do not remove it or the entrance fee will be charged again!).

If anyone cannot attend but would like to donate please click on the link below, scroll down to DAPHONBURY 2023 and follow the instructions via the donation buttonhttps://hannahedwards.mu chloved.com/

Charity Flea Market

ON Sunday October 1, from 10am to 7.30pm, the Horizonte Proyecto Hombre association will set up 20 stalls in Marbella’s Paseo de la Alameda, run by the association’s veteran team of volunteers.

At these stalls you can find new and seminew clothes for men, women and children donated by companies and individuals. Other items that can be found are shoes for men, women and children; accessories (bags, costume jewellery, etc), toys; electronics; household items such as decoration, bed

linen (sheets, quilts, duvets, pillows, etc), paintings; books in various languages (for children and adults); traditional sweets, etc.

The low prices and offers make this Charity Flea Market an excellent opportunity to buy seasonal items.

The profits obtained from sales contribute to the maintenance of addiction prevention programmes at school, family and community level as well as helping the treatment of people suffering from addiction or emotional difficulties.

Singers and instrumentalists

AFTER a summer break, Choir and Orchestra Collegium Musicum started the new season on Tuesday, September 12. Members are very keen to resume their weekly rehearsals and they would very much like to welcome new members to their ranks.

Collegium Musicum features young and old performing together with musical ability which varies from enthusiastic amateur to polished professional and they are a very friendly and truly international society with mem­

bers coming from more than 20 different countries.

Rehearsals are held in the Danish Church in Las Lagunas. No auditions are necessary and they provide CDs and MP3 web links for each voice.

The music for the concerts

this December is a great mix of Christmas music from around the world and a bassoon concert by Edouard du Puy. More details can be found on their website www.colmus. org or send an email to info@ colmus.org.

Rehearsal time.

Photo: Collegium Musicum

Malaga’s Beer Festival

MALABIRRA 2023 is the great craft beer festival not to be missed in the city of Malaga.

On October 7 and 8 the best beer producers from all over the country and beyond will meet in a unique cultural space: Autocine Malaga Cesur FP.

A great variety and quality of craft beers, tastings, pairings and activities focused on gastronomy and beer will be available to try. In addition, there will be live music, DJ sessions, street theatre shows and an urban art space over the two days of the festival.

And don’t forget about food: there will be a selection of 10 food trucks and stands with varied and quality food to pair with the more than 100 types of beer available,

For families there is a play area with monitors and games for the little ones. The venue is also dogfriendly, so the whole family is welcome.

MALABIRRA: Do not miss this great craft beer festival.

Jameson Connects

ON September 23 in Malaga, a must­attend event returns to the city. Jameson Connects brings more than eight hours of live music, food trucks, fun, beauty corner (tattoos, barbershop, make­up) and many surprises to the magical venue of El Club Hípico El Pinar.

After being sold out in all its previous editions, the day features: more than eight hours of uninterrupted music with concerts by Mr Kilombo, Taao, Blackpanda, Santi Lagier DJ, DJ Bando, Marietta Poubelle and a surprise guest.

In addition, karaoke, tattoos, beauty stands, vintage shop, wedding chapel and fairground stalls will feature. Food trucks will be serving between concerts: hamburgers, hotdogs and local sweets and two drinks are included within the ticket price.

The place is Club Hípico el Pinar, Malaga with unbeatable views over the bay, just five minutes from the centre of Malaga. Don’t miss it.

THE Teatro Cervantes in Malaga City is justly proud of its recently acquired Steinway D grand piano which would be worth around €150,000.

Swedish pianist Helge Antoni who only plays Steinway pianos has created a classical programme which highlights the huge and varied repertoire for this instrument (which was first conceived in the year 1700), which covers music from inception to the present day.

300-year journey

cert will take place on Tuesday October 24 at 8pm with tickets costing from €20 plus booking fee.

Featuring a selection of popular and not so wellknown composers, the con­

Not only will Helge Antoni feature music by Scarlatti, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Grieg, Satie, Albéniz, Turina and de Falla, he will also entertain the audience with a number of anecdotes and his own personal views of some of the compositions.

Fun day at Mijas

A FUN day event is being held at Club La Naranja in La Cala de Mijas on Saturday, September 30 in aid of ACE Animal Care España.

The event will be held in Calle Málaga, Calahonda 29649.

The event is from 11am until 4pm and there will be over 25 stalls selling different and interesting things, including delicious homemade baked goods. There will also be live music, a fantastic raffle, an open bar selling

drinks and food and a quiz starting at 1pm that costs €2 per person with a great prize for the winner.

ACE Animal Care urgently needs donations of dog and cat food (preferably dry), towels and any cash donations that anyone is able to give. All of these can be donated on the day of the event. The rescue is inundated with dogs and cats on a daily basis and they do not receive any government aid and exist solely on voluntary donations.

Pianist Helge Antoni.

Credit: Teatro Cervantes

ARE you ready to immerse yourself in the excitement and joy of one of Fuengirola’s most important festivities? The Feria de la Virgen del Rosario, commonly known as the ‘Feria de Fuengirola’, is about to begin and days full of fun and tradition are waiting for you.

The Fiestas Patronales in honour of the Virgen del Rosario are held every year from October 6 ­ 12 with exhibitions of horsedrawn carriages, flamenco singing and dancing, bullfights and guaranteed fun in the stalls of the fairgrounds.

It is one of the most important fiestas in Andalucia with internationally recognised equestrian activities. The festivities begin on Friday October 6 with the opening speech in the Palacio de la Paz, followed by the inauguration of the lighting of the Recinto Ferial, and in the evening there is a fireworks display.

During the fiesta among the activities there are numerous beautiful horses and magnificent carriages that pass through the streets of the town. Young people have their own space in the Caseta Municipal de la Juventud with the latest music. There is also a Children’s Party with shows, fun entertainment and games.

FUENGIROLA FERIA: Fun and tradition.

October 7 is the biggest day, when the procession of the Virgen del Rosario will take place. Throughout the week fiesta goers can enjoy rides and a wide variety of stalls where you can dance, have a drink and savour delicious food! There will also be entertainment all week concluding, on October 12 with the Loma Flamenco Festival and also great artists such as Antonio Reyes.

952 934

THERE is still time to get to the doggy disco to be held at the Victoria and Albert pub in Benavista from 6pm to 8pm on Friday September 22.

This is the third year that the Doggy Disco has taken place and last year’s event was a huge success raising some €2,000, although the funds from this year’s get together will be shared by three different Costa del Sol animal charities.

The disco is the brainchild of Selena MacKenzie of Talk Radio Europe (TRE) and tickets which should be booked in advance cost €5 for dogs and €10 for their human companions can be obtained from Animal Talk with Selina Group on Facebook.

There is plenty of free parking nearby and the Victoria and Albert pub run by Natalie and Matt has plenty of outside space where the dogs can enjoy their evening out without causing any problems, plus of course whilst they can enjoy a bowl of water there is a great

Doggy disco

choice of slightly stronger drinks for their companions.

howling good event then visit any or all of the three charity websites to find out more about their fantastic work and to make a donation so that they can continue with it.

Autumn Classical Concert

The concert will be held on Wednesday, October 4 in St Michael’s Cave at 8pm and will feature The European Sinfonietta conducted by Maestro Karel Mark Chichon.

Tickets priced at £22 are available via www.buytickets.gi. A limited number of tickets priced at £10 for senior citizens and students will be available to purchase from the John Mackintosh Hall Reception at 308 Main Street.

Ticket holders can make use of a return shuttle bus service, departing from Market Place and Grand Parade (adjacent to the Cable Car) from 6.30pm.

For further information, please contact The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society on Tel 20072134 or visit www.phil harmonic.gi.

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IF you’re a lover of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, then you’re in for a treat. Say hello to Musaka Restaurant, a new gem nestled in San Pedro Alcantara, just a stone’s throw away from the boulevard. Musaka Restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s a culinary journey that combines exceptional food, impeccable service, and live music to create an unforgettable dining experience.

The flavours of Greece and the Mediterranean Musaka Restaurant takes you on a gastronomic adventure, bringing you the very best of authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes. From mouthwatering souvlaki to fresh seafood platters, each dish is a masterpiece prepared with love and authenticity. And what’s a Greek feast without a great selection of wines? Musaka

Discover the taste of Greece at Musaka Restaurant in San Pedro Alcantara. OPA!

Restaurant boasts a carefully curated wine list to complement your meal perfectly.

Experience Fine Dining with a Touch of Greece

At Musaka, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the ambiance and the service. The restaurant offers a white tablecloth dining experience, where attention to detail is paramount. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Musaka Restaurant sets the perfect stage for a memorable evening.

Meet the Team Behind the Magic

Behind Musaka Restaurant’s

success is a team of passionate individuals with years of experience in the hospitality industry. Their commitment to providing top­notch service and delectable cuisine is evident in every aspect of your visit.

Exclusive Offer: Enjoy a Taste of Greece Before 8pm

As a special treat for early diners, Musaka Restaurant is offering a fantastic deal. If you dine at Musaka Restaurant before 8pm and quote ‘ZORBA1’, you’ll receive two signature cocktails or a bottle of cava absolutely FREE. It’s the perfect way to start your evening on a high note.

Private Parties and Celebrations

Contact Information

Celebrate a special occasion.

maximum of 50 people. Choose from a delightful three­course meal starting at €33.90, a sumptuous four­course meal from €39.90, or indulge in a lavish fivecourse meal from €44.90, complete with a welcome cava to toast to your special event.

Musaka Restaurant is open to delight your taste buds Monday 5pm – 12am & Tuesday to Saturday 12pm – 12am. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Sundays. Sunday closed to public / open for private party bookings. For reservations and inquiries, you can contact Musaka Restaurant at Avenida Quintero 20 in San Pedro Alcantara (Marbella), or call 602 677 242. You can also reach us via email at info@musaka.es.

Fashionable Estepona

FASHION WEEK returns to Estepona with fashion shows from 13 establishments in the town. The Autumn­Winter 2023­24 fashion, beauty and accessories shows are being held this week until September 23, from 8pm, in the Orquidario Botanical Park.

The event is organised by the town hall and under the direction of the stylist and image consultant Miguel Toledo, and Juanchy García Estudio de Fotografía. During the days of the contest, the collections of local establishments will be presented, under the presentation of Miguel Toledo himself and María José García (Miss Malaga 2022).

Following the success of previous editions, the event includes the celebration of the fourth EDM (Estepona de Moda) Young Designers Competition, which aims to support

The final countdown

and recognise the work of young Andalucian designers and serve as a platform for future design professionals.

The eight finalists selected will present their collections at a fashion show on Saturday, September 23, presented by the Malaga model Elisabeth Reyes, Miss Spain 2006. The winner, who will receive a prize of €1,000 and a trophy. The second runner­up will receive a prize of €500 and a trophy, while the third runner­up will receive a two­night stay at the Hotel El Pilar Andalucia in Estepona and a trophy. In addition, the town hall will give out five more €200 prizes.

The number of visitors to this event has practically quadrupled from 1,000 people at the first edition to almost 5,000 expected this year.

Comedy in Estepona

NEW acts together with more established comedians will be performing at Louie Louie Live in Estepona on Sunday, September 24 at 8pm. Entry is free.

This show will be hosted by resident MC Nik Coppin and there will be a mixture of former comedy students (Lucy Amans, Nick Tarlton and Ben Lynch) as well as brand new acts who have just completed the stand­up comedy course earlier in the week and will be doing their first ever gig!

As this is a free entry show, please reserve your seat online via the link ­ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../newact­comedy­showcase or just turn up on the night.

THE legendary band Europe will perform Marbella Arena on September 22 as part of the Solheim Cup 2023 Concert Festival.

Marbella Arena is the official venue for the Swing and Sun Fan Fest, a programme of musical performances that forms part of the activities organised as part of the Solheim Cup 2023 and includes national and international artists performing for the thousands

of visitors expected to come to Andalucia on the occasion of this important sporting event.

Europe, the legendary 80s Swedish rock band that topped the charts with ‘The Final Countdown’, will take to the stage of the Marbella Arena on Friday, September 22 along with the most prestigious pop rock tribute band of the Spanish music scene Apache.

Europe on stage.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Entry is free to this show.

THE Moroccan earthquake, which registered at 6.8 on the Richter scale, stands as the most catastrophic in the African nation’s past century. The death toll had risen to 3,000, with rescue operations ongoing, according to a news source.

Following this disaster, which has garnered selective international aid, experts have voiced their concerns. Scientists from the University of Granada have highlighted the significant risk of subsequent tremors.

The earthquake’s epicentre was roughly 26 kilometres deep, southwest of Marrakech, within the Atlas Mountains ­ a region under scrutiny for several decades due to its unique nature as the tallest mountain range in northwest Africa.

Jesus Galindo Zaldivar, a leading scientist, recently shared his insights. “The significant movement of the fault blocks from the major earthquake causes adjustments in other blocks, leading to aftershocks that could persist for months,” he stated in a release from the Granada academic institution.

Scientists warn of aftershocks

He further noted that the recent quake is linked to a reverse fault, roughly 30 kilometres in length, which is associated with the uplift of the terrain.

Zaldivar also reminded us of the Atlas’s stretch from Morocco to Tunisia. Despite its imposing landscape suggesting signif­

icant tectonic activity, its historical seismicity remains moderate. The 1960 Agadir earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.8, was particularly devastating due to its shallow depth.

Research led by Zaldivar’s team indicates an unusual, hot, and thin mantle beneath the

continental crust, supporting the entire mountain range and linked to Quaternary volcanism. Zaldivar believes that constructing ‘seismic­resistant’ buildings is crucial, especially given the evident poor quality of structures in the recent Morocco earthquake aftershocks.

Spain’s top pizza award

A PIZZERIA in Barcelona came third in the ‘50 Top Pizza World 2023’ awards.

Owned by Rafa Panatieri and Jorge Sastre, the ‘Sartoria Panatieri’ restaurant was bestowed this honour at the ceremony held in the Italian city of Naples. In 2022, Rafa’s pizzeria occupied 21st position in the results.

First place was shared between Francesco Martucci’s ‘Masanielli’ ­ which is located in the southern Italian city of Caserta ­ and ‘10 Diego Vitagliano’, in Naples.

Anthony Mangier’s New York establishment ‘Una Pizza Napoletana’ was second.

In fourth place was a pizzeria located in the Japanese capital of Tokyo, Daniele Cason’s ‘The Pizza Bar on 38th’. It was followed in fifth position by ‘I Tigli’, from San Boniface in Verona, belonging to Simone Padoan.

Sixth place went to Pier Daniele Seu and Va

leria Zuppardo’s Rome restaurant, ‘Seu Pizza Illuminati’. Another establishment from Naples took seventh place, Ciro Salvo’s ‘50 Kalò’.

‘Bottega’, in the Chinese capital of Beijing, found itself taking eighth place. Jacopo Mercuro’s ‘180g Pizzeria Romana’ restaurant in Rome occupied ninth spot, with the Top 10 rounded out by another Caserta pizzeria, ‘I Masanielli’, belonging to Sasà Martucci.

The 2023 Pizza Maker of the Year Award went to Michele Pascarella from London for his creation ‘Napoli on The Road’.

A pizza made with Tasmanian black cherries marinated in Marsala, gorgonzola cream, mozzarella and balsamic vinegar claimed the title of ‘2023 Pizza of the Year’, created by Culatello from ‘Crosta Pizzeria’, located in the Philippine city of Makati.

EARTHQUAKE: Registered 6.8 on the Richter scale.

DENMARK

Eco-friendly food

THE Danish Agriculture & Food Council is poised to make a resounding impact at COP28 in Dubai. With a focus on pioneering methods, rigorous research, and unwavering sustainability commitments, they aim to champion climateneutral food production demonstrating that exemplary agricultural practices and cutting-edge research pave the path to eco-friendly food production.

Cruise grounded

IN a remote corner of Greenland, the Ocean Explorer, a luxurious cruise ship, ran aground with 206 passengers aboard. Fortunately, no injuries or damages were reported. The Danish navy swiftly mobilised to assist the vessel, located 870 miles northeast of Greenland’s capital Nuuk, providing much-needed relief in this isolated area.

Royal wedding

PRINCESS Märtha Louise, the eldest child of Norwegian King Harald V, is set to wed her Hollywood partner, self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett, next summer. King Harald V expressed the family's joy in welcoming Verrett, a Californian native and sixth-generation shaman. The princess's lineage traces back to Britain's Queen Victoria.

Norwegian’s bid

NORWEGIAN's ambitious bid to acquire Widerøe, Norway's third-largest airline, has encountered a brief setback. The Norwegian Competition Authority has requested an extended assessment period, citing concerns about potential price hikes and limited choices for travellers. Despite the delay, Norwegian remains hopeful, highlighting constructive discussions and the sharing of valuable third-party insights with the authority.

Damaged statue

JUST one day after the old Brussels Stock Exchange building was reopened following a four-year facelift which cost €90 million, part of an important statue was broken by a drunk Irish tourist. As he was clambering over the recently cleaned statue of a warrior standing with a lion, he managed to break the arm off which then dropped to the ground.

Dublin ‘meteor’

Still from police video.

NORWAY FRANCE

‘Hypertourism’

ITALY’s oldest encyclopedia, Treccani, has added the term ‘hypertourism’ to describe the excessive influx of tourists in popular locations, potentially harming monuments and local life. Derived from ‘overtourism’, the term highlights the global surge in tourism, which now contributes to 7 per cent of global CO2 emissions.

Controversial comparison

ITALIAN politician Mattia Santori compared a jar of CBD inflorescences to pesto, stating both are legal, Made in Italy products with potential health risks. Critics, including members from the Fratelli d'Italia and League parties, condemned the comparison, demanding an apology. Santori defended his remarks, challenging misrepresentations of his statement.

GERMANY

Royal birthday

PRINCE HARRY marked his 39th birthday at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. Amid the festivities, he savoured traditional delights like bratwurst sausages and wiener schnitzel, complemented by the local Schumacher Alt beer at the charming Im Goldenen Kessel restaurant in Dusseldorf.

Wind power

GERMAN power prices hit a four-month low, plummeting over 20 per cent to €67.75 per megawatt-hour as wind turbine output is set to soar, peaking at 48,502 megawatts. This increase signals a potential relief for consumers and a boost for renewable energy in Germany.

THE NETHERLANDS

Bathtub body

PRESS EURO ITALY

BELGIUM FINLAND

High times

ALTHOUGH it is illegal to smoke a joint in the streets there are still ‘coffee houses’ in different cities and a new experiment starts in December where two Dutch producers have been granted licences to supply these outlets in Tilburg and Breda with the intent that eventually only Dutch grown cannabis will be legal.

Virtual loot

DUTCH Museum, the Mauritshuis lost a huge number of artifacts to Napoleon and the Nazis and it is estimated that some 70 major works of art remain in France. The museum hosts a blank room which is now part of the Loot-10 stories exhibition and visitors can sit in the room wearing VR Goggles and view some of those missing items.

THE partially frozen body of a six-year-old boy was discovered in Perpignan. It is alleged the boy's father had contacted a funeral company to enquire about the possibility of repatriating his son's body to Algeria despite the absence of a death certificate. Two girls aged two and three were also hospitalised showing signs of trauma. The father, his brother, and the deceased boy’s grandmother were all arrested for attempted murder.

Taken hostage

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Sylvain Itté, the French ambassador to Niger had been taken 'hostage' by the ruling military. At the end of August, his expulsion after the military overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. Paris refused to comply with this ultimatum, arguing that the government had no authority to make such a request.

Young lifesaver

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Meeri Pussinen from Kangasa, Finland, heroically performed CPR on her grandfather after he suffered a stroke, saving his life. Despite having no prior CPR training, Meeri's quick actions were crucial until the ambulance arrived. Her bravery was recognised with a lifesaving medal presented by the Finnish President.

Border restrictions

FINLAND is considering restricting the entry of vehicles with Russian registration, specifically those carrying fewer than 10 passengers, aligning with EU guidelines against allowing Russian-numbered vehicles. Current travel restrictions to Finland for Russian nationals are stringent. Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Russia would not impose similar restrictions in response to the Finland’s move.

A REPORTED meteor crater on Portmarnock Beach, North Dublin, sparked cosmic speculations after being featured on Virgin Media News. Local space enthusiast, Dave Kennedy, believed it might be an impact site. However, a video later revealed youngsters creating the pit with a spade, debunking the meteor theory.

Dublin Marathon

THE 2023 Dublin Marathon faced criticism for misquoting poet W B Yeats on their commemorative medal, mistakenly attributing ‘There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met’. Yeats Society Sligo confirmed Yeats never penned those words. The quote was traced to a 1961 Irish Tourist Office advert.

Record numbers

THE number of passengers using Portugal's airports nationally in 2023 increased by 12.5 per cent year-onyear. According to the latest data published on Thursday, September 14, by the National Statistics Institute (INE), the month of July broke all existing records. British travellers represented the country providing the largest number of international passengers flying in and out of Portugal in the first seven months of 2023.

Wine river

TWO wine tanks burst open at a local distillery in the Portuguese municipality of Anadia. As a result, a huge flood of red wine was sent through the streets of the small town like a river. Some damage was caused to the residential properties of Levira's residents. Although the liquid was eventually drained, the flow was so great that the local authorities feared they might have an environmental disaster on their hands.

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

Major fraud

SWEDISH fraudster Sebastian Karl Greenwood was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a federal court in New York last week. Greenwood was singled out as one of the principal characters behind the fictional OneCoin cryptocurrency. Founded in 2014 in Bulgaria, the global pyramid scheme will go down in history as one of the biggest international frauds of all time.

Coach backing

THE request from Spain to have Catalan, Basque and Galician incorporated into the official languages of the EU now has the backing of Manchester City’s Catalan coach Pep Guardiola. He appeared in an online video urging Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson not to hesitate in his deliberation over the matter. Officials in Stockholm revealed last week that their administration felt 'undecided' on the initiative which needs the approval of all 27 member states.

CREDIT: X (TWITTER)

Help save the Mediterranean

John Ensor

THE Mediterranean is under threat, but there is a personal opportunity to play a part in helping it to recover.

When Jacques ­ Yves Cousteau visited Spain in 1979, he was the first to raise the alarm about the Mediterranean’s dire state, as reported by Change.org.

He remarked, “Its waters are undergoing a modification of such magnitude that in practically half a century marine life will have been eliminated, such as we found it now.” He added, “We have confirmed once again that the situation in the Mediterranean is alarming.” His predictions and timeline were spot on.

Evidence suggests that the Mediterranean has drastically changed in recent decades. It’s now the world’s most overfished and polluted sea. It’s warming at an alarming rate and holds the record for invasive species. Despite these challenges, on­

ly 0.23 per cent of the Mediterranean is adequately protected.

Both scientific research and the European Community highlight the advantages of ‘no take’ marine protected areas for fishing. For instance, fish numbers in highly protected marine reserves are 670 per cent higher than in unprotected areas.

The United Nations and the European Community, heeding scientists’ advice, advocate for this figure.

Numerous measures are essential to halt its decline, but the most pressing is safeguarding 30 per cent of its waters. This will prevent ecosystem collapse and boost local fishing.

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tance. And their car insurance includes helpful services such as Legal Assistance that can provide help when applying for or renewing your driving li -

In December 2022, the World Biodiversity Conference, hosted by UNESCO in Montreal, saw 196 countries, including Spain, commit to protecting 30 per cent of their territories, both on land and at sea, by 2030. The real challenge now is genuine protection and meeting this deadline.

By adding your name to the petition it is hoped that this could result in a real change for the better. Sign to protect 30 per cent of the Mediterranean in order to recover local fishing and prevent the collapse of its ecosystems. Join Reserva 30 del Mediterraneo and sign the Manifesto for the Mediterranean.

Restrict screen time requested

Jo Pugh

PAEDIATRICIANS have expressed growing concerns about the impact of technology use on children’s well­being. In response, the Spanish Association of Paediatrics (AEP) has developed a Family Digital Plan, offering recommendations to help parents educate their children on technology usage. The AEP advises parents and guardians to promote activities such as sleep, meals, and non­screen playtime, as excessive screen use diminishes family togetherness time and disrupts children’s sleep patterns. The plan, created in collaboration with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD), can be tai­

OVERFISHED: Numerous measures are essential. Affects

mend monitoring both the duration and location of technology usage. The plan, which families can customise to suit their unique circumstances, advises that children under two years of age should entirely avoid screen use; those aged three to five should limit usage to less than one hour per day, and those aged five and above should use screens for less than two hours daily.

“Providing a mobile phone to a nine­yearold without time restrictions is akin to letting them drive a Ferrari without a licence at 200 kilometres per hour,” stated Mar España Martí, the director of the AEPD. Furthermore, Salmerón explained that the best loca­

In a recent survey of our customers after using Línea Directa’s Roadside As sistance and break down services, over 90 per cent said they would hap pily recom mend our in surance services to a friend or colleague.

Línea Directa would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to answer the questions in our survey as it has given us valuable feedback on our services and enabled us to integrate positive changes and continue to provide expert solutions for overseas residents in Spain.

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Car, bike and home insurance, with absolutely everything in English. The emergency and claims hotline is fast and efficient, with quick no obligation quotes over the phone. The customer service team will help you decide on the best policy and there are easy payment options so you can spread the cost of your premiums.

DID YOU KNOW?

All Línea Directa insurance policies offer additional features specifically designed for expatriates living in Spain. Their home insurance includes Pet Assistance, IT Assistance, and Home Maintenance. All motorbike policies come with Replacement Motorbike, Technical Equipment cover and even Young Person’s Night-time Assis -

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When an existing Línea Directa customer recommends a new customer, they both receive €30. Línea Directa’s Expat2Expat programme is free and open to all existing customers.

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LOWER THE PRICE OF YOUR INSURANCE

Change to Línea Directa and they will lower the price of your insurance. Línea Directa has been providing comprehensive car, motorbike and home insurance to British expatriates and residents in Spain for over 25 years. With over three million customers nationwide, Línea Directa makes sure you get the best possible price for the kind of insurance you really need.

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BUSINESS EXTRA

EY in NI

BRITISH multinational E & Y (EY) intends to create 1,000 jobs in Northern Ireland over the next five years. The jobs in cyber security and data analytics paying an average £33,000 (€38,373) a year will be based in Belfast as well as a new hub in the Northern Ireland’s north­west.

New firms

TOTAL of 53,811 new companies opened in Spain between January and July, 15 per cent more than during the same period in 2022, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). This made 2023 the most dynamic period for new businesses in 15 years, INE said, followed by 2016’s 52,800 startups.

Power play

A NEW iPhone in the UK could involve paying out another £19.99 (€23.26) as Apple changes the charging port and cables on new phones in response to pressure from the EU. As the new cable is incompatible with most charging blocks, owners must buy a power adapter along with a phone.

Fair shares

FLORENTINO PEREZ, chairman of civil engineering company ACS and its chief executive Juan Santamaria, will receive a respective 590,000 and 100,000 shares as a bonus over the next five years. With shares currently valued at €32.94 each, they can expect to take home €23 million between them.

Dearer beer

STONEGRATE group, which owns the Slug and Lettuce pubs in the UK, will charge an extra 20p (around €0.37) for pints in 800 of its 4,000 in the evenings and at the weekend owing to higher overheads. Stonegate pointed out that the travel sector also increased prices in line with demand.

STAT OF WEEK €2.5 billion

27 September 2023 profits for Inditex between February and July, a record result for the Galicia-based multinational clothing company and 40.1 per cent more than during the same period in 2023.

Unclear plan Port Aventura venture

PORT AVENTURA’s owners, InvestIndustrial and KKR, plan to sell the Tarragona theme park with an asking price of around €1 billion.

Reports which first appeared in Spain’s financial daily, Cinco Dias, maintained that good results this summer and in 2022 will have prompted the theme park’s investment fund owners’ decision to sell.

Port Aventura, Spain’s first theme park, had 5.1 million visitors in 2022, not far short of 2019’s record 5.2 million attendees. Inside sources are confident that when the 2023 season comes to an end, the instal­

lation will have beaten the pre­pandemic figure.

According to 2021 accounts filed with the Registro Mercantil ­ equivalent to Companies House ­ the owners’ holding company Paesa Entertainment reported revenues of €162 million and profits of €8.81

BMW confirmed plans to retool its Cowley factory with a £600 million (€697.2 million) upgrade to build electric Minis.

This takes investment in British electric vehicle (EV) production to £6 billion (€6.97 billion) in recent years.

The BMW initiative is reputedly backed by £75 million (€87.15 million) in UK government funding, the BBC revealed.

The plant will build an electric version of the three­door Mini Cooper and the new Aceman SUV, with 100 per cent production expected by 2030. A third EV, the Countryman, will be made in Germany.

The first electric Mini was launched at the Cowley plant in 2019 and is now

Good outcome

INSURER Aviva is selling its 25.9 per cent stake in Singapore Life Holdings, together with two debt instruments, to Sumitomo Life.

The British­based company announced that Sumitono would pay £800 million (€930.8 million) in cash, of which £500 million (€581.7 million) corresponded to Singapore Life’s equity.

Sumitomo Life currently owns a 23.2 per cent holding in Singapore Life and views Singapore as key to its Southeast Asia plans, Aviva said.

Amanda Blanca, Aviva’s chief executive, described the sale as a “good outcome” for the company.

million, compared with losses of €56 million during the pandemic years.

Despite the improvement, this was still considerably below 2019’s €241 million in revenues and profits of €41 million.

InvestIndustrial has been the park’s principal operator

since 2009, after acquiring a 50 per cent stake from Port Aventura’s owner, Criteria. In 2012, Criteria sold their remaining holding while KKR joined InvestIndustrial with 49.9 per cent ownership in 2013.

In January, the joint owners refinanced a €700 million credit that was used to acquire Port Aventura. The original €620 million loan, which fell due in 2024, in turn replaced a €420 million bond issue in 2013.

With this new arrangement, the park has three years free of repayment deadlines which will make it easier to find a buyer.

Maximum Mini investment

guarantees the future of the plant, but also that of another BMW­owned factory in Swindon.

It also ensures the jobs of roughly 4,000 people employed at both plants.

BRITAIN’S prime minister Rishi Sunak avoided pledges to maintain the pensions triple lock beyond the next election.

Roughly 12 million pensioners would be affected by changes to the triple lock which guarantees that pensions increase in line with whatever is highest amongst average earnings, inflation or 2.5 per cent.

During his last Question Time before the break for party conferences, Sunak did not set out clear plans for a policy that has featured largely in recent Conservative governments.

After Mel Stride, Work and Pensions secretary admitted that the triple lock’s long­term sustainability was uncertain, Sunak would only say that the Tories had “always stood up for pensioners.”

Hotel deals

THE Gomez Casals family has sold two of its three hotels for more than €85 million.

Britain’s sixth bestselling EV with 7,400 registered in the UK in 2022 after Tesla, Kia and Volkswagen models.

The Cowley upgrade, which includes extending the body shop and building a new area for installing batteries not only

Bank takes the rap

MORGAN STANLEY informed Spain’s National Securities Commission (CNMV) that it has a 12.178 per cent Telefonica holding.

This includes the 9.9 per cent €2.1 billion stake Morgan Stanley has quietly acquired for the Saudi telecommunications company STC since February, plus its own 2.278 per cent stake. Spanish media sources maintain that Telefonica’s board was unaware of the operation.

STC’s stake is now a derivative with a sell­buy option protecting the holding should it be vetoed by the Spanish government. Foreign investments of more than 5 per cent in companies listed on Spain’s stock market need specific authorisation and, owing to Telefonica’s prominent presence in the national defence sector, it could be withheld.

If this were to occur, Morgan Stanley would then take over STC’s 9.9 per cent on previously­agreed terms.

The BMW announcement came shortly after Stellantis, which owns Vauxhall, began electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing at Ellesmere port, following a £100 million (€116.2 million) cash injection.

“This is a ‘vote of confidence’ in the country’s automotive manufacturing industry,” declared Mike Hawes, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive.

Slim chance for Delgado

MARGARITA DELGADO, deputy governor of the Bank of Spain, missed out to Claudia Buch as head of the European Investment Bank (BEI).

The decision did not reflect a previous decision by the European Parliament which favoured Delgado, as the board of the European Central Bank (ECB) voted for Buch.

Currently vice ­ president of the Bundesbank, she takes over on January 1 next year from Italian Andrea Enria.

The BCE decision is not binding and Buch’s appointment will be put to the vote during a plenary session of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and subsequently confirmed by the EU council.

Pontegadea, Inditex owner Amancio Ortega’s property investment company, was also in the running for the 110­bed, fourstar Gallery Hotel located in the heart of the exclusive Eixample area.

Instead, the €50 million sale went to Meridia Capital, an investment fund that specialises in private Spanish markets and has also bought the €35 million Hotel Molina Lario in Malaga from the same family.

The group plans to invest in luxury campsites via its Meridia Glamping Programme, together with WeCamp in which it has a holding.

Ups and downs

ALDI and Lidl have lost their UK market share for the first time in months, Kantar has revealed.

Aldi slid from 10.2 to 10.1 per cent for the quarter ending on September 3, the market research company announced. Lidl dipped from 7.7 to 7.6 per cent.

As UK supermarkets introduced price cuts, Tesco had a 27 per cent market share during the same period, with 14.8 per cent for Sainsbury’s.

Neverthless Aldi sales increased by 17 per cent for the year to September 3, with Lidl’s growing by 16 per cent.

PORT AVENTURA: Spain’s first theme park is up for sale.

COWLEY PLANT: Chosen to produced electric Minis.

DOW JONES

EXTRA Wilko rescue collapses

Longer wait

THE John Lewis Partnership reported a pre­tax loss of £59 million (€68.5million) in the first six months of this year. Although this was less disappointing than last year’s first­half losses of £99.2 million (€115.2 million) the company, which also owns Waitrose supermarkets, announced that its “turnaround plan” would take another two years to implement.

Green fuel

SOLARIS, Polish subsidiary of the Spanish company CAF, has received a €150 million order to build 200 hydrogen­powered buses for urban transport use in Italy and Germany, although according to the terms of the contract, this could later be increased. The buses are destined for Bolina and Venice in Italy and Cologne in Germany.

Linda Hall

THE deal to save Wilko has failed, heralding the loss of 12,000 jobs and the closure of 408 stores.

Doug Putnam, who owns Toys R Us in Canada and turned round HMV record shops in the UK, had hoped to save 200 stores and staff.

The operation came to nothing because of “the inability to reduce central infrastructure costs quickly enough to make a deal commercially viable,” administrators PwC explained.

Negotiations stalled in early September when

Right to return

THE Inditex clothing giant has put a hypothetical price of €211 million on a future return to Russia.

In its recently­published half­year report, the company emphasised that this would only occur “in new circumstances” although it also defined the right to return as “an intangible asset with a useful” life.

Until the Ukraine invasion, Russia was

Inditex’s second biggest market after Spain, but the Zara owner divested itself of 243 of the 502 stores it owned there in April last year. The remainder were closed. Inditex sold its Russian operation to the United Arab Emirates’ Doher Group, saying at the time that the company would resume activities in Russia “only if the situation changed.”

Hard cash

Wilko suppliers including Unilever and Procter & Gamble wanted debts repaid now to continue guaranteeing future deliveries.

With 52 shops already closed and more than 1,300 employees out of work, the GMB union revealed that PwC told staff all stores would close by early October.

Nevertheless, the writing was already on the wall during the 12 months between 2021 and 2022 when Wilko shed approximately 1,600 staff, reducing the total to around 12,400.

Founded in 1930 when J K Wilkinson opened his first Leicester store, the retailer has seen sales reduced over each of the last four financial years. These fell by 20 per cent to £1.2 billion (€1.39 billion) between 2019 and 2022 when the chain had debts of £35.9 million (€41.77 million).

FOR the first time in 10 years, cash was the second most­used payment method after debit cards in 2022 as Britain’s families were forced to budget more during the cost­of­living crisis.

Cash was used for 6.4 billion payments last year, UK Finance said, 7 per cent up on 2023 and accounting for 14 per cent of all transactions.

Inflation

SPAIN’S consumer prices rose 2.6 per cent in August, an increase of three­10ths of a percentage point compared with July, owing to increases in fuel and transport prices, the National Statistics Institute announced.

Food price inflation steadied at 10.5 per cent after accumulating 17 months of double ­ digit growth, while underlying inflation fell by one­10th of a percentage point.

WILKO LEEDS: One of the 408 stores that will close.

Photo credit: CC/Mtaylor848

S´not another rant

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

QUITE frankly, I'm just about up to here with all of it. I'm peed off, bored and utterly fed up with, global emission, immigrants, Political Correctness, welfare whinger’s, gay rights, racism, all the politicians on the planet and Love Island! In fact, I'm so sick of all the dissent and conflicting confusion engulfing the human race that this week I'm not going to mention any of it. (Hurrah) Instead we are going to talk about Snot eels! (Please don’t continue this piece if about to plunge your fork into.... well just about anything really!) It appears that this fish, properly known as hag fish, has been around for some three million years and has developed a defense mechanism which allows it to produce up to five galleons of mucus through the nostrils when distressed. Also labeled the most disgusting fish in the ocean, it is never

the less ­ surprise surprise, considered a delicacy in South Korea. Sometime back a lorry in Oregon, carrying almost three and a half tons of these creatures overturned, creating a wave of sticky goop that spread across the road engulfing five cars, the occupants and ultimately rescuers in its slimy wake. 'What to tell the dry cleaners?' Oregon state police asked on Twitter, beneath a picture of one of their officers standing in a torrent of eel mucus. S'not our fault would be a start! You really couldn’t make it up. Deviating a little from my intention to not mention anything particularly current, the reports coming in as I write concerning the death of the man mauled by two American XL Bully dogs, has rather thrown me off the track. Some years ago I suggested in my column that certain breeds of dangerous dogs belonged in the zoo and should be banned. My view created such an outcry against ‘yet another Leapy rant’ that our publication actually donated a whole page to cater for the positive avalanche of mail which

arrived at our offices, mostly decrying my suggestion. Interesting to see that the British Prime minister has decided to order the banning of dangerous dog breeds. Well well, if the old Leaper had been agreed with and not scoffed at all those years ago, who knows, a whole glut of deaths and injuries committed by these dangerous animals may possibly have been prevented. Wonder how many apologies I‘ll be receiving now a British Prime Minister has finally approved something I suggested back in the dark ages? Don’t hold yer breath. Told you last week that sexual provocation laws concerning ladies in Spain were being tightened up. Rubiales, now being considered with a criminal complaint of sexual assault for kissing a young lady without consent, has brought my observation up with a real smackeroo has it not? Be careful out there. Keep the faith. Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon. and Fri. 1pm till 4.

TRIPLE LOCK PENSION OUR VIEW

IT looks as if the Conservative government in the UK will be wincing once again over the triple lock pension promise as in theory state pensions should jump by 8.5 per cent in April of next year.

What must have appeared as a great idea at the time with relatively low inflation is now becoming a major financial problem for the government and it looks as if wily politicians are investigating ways to bring pension rises down.

Possibly the most benign option is to remove public sector bonuses from the calculations as there were several significant amounts awarded in order to avert some (if not all) strikes over the summer period.

Economists suggest that by removing these from the calculations then the government would save £1 billion granting a pension increase of a still attractive 7.8 per cent next April. The triple lock guarantees that pensions are increased by total pay growth, inflation, or 2.5 per cent, whichever is higher, but currently it seems that pensions are generally growing faster than wages and with more pensioners living longer and fewer new workers contributing to the economy, there will come a time when there certainly isn’t enough money to go around.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s a political hot potato especially as by 2024 it is more than likely that all who were born in the UK will be eligible to vote in General Elections, not just those who left Britain less than 15­years ago.

The next election looks as if it’s going to be a close run thing so those in Spain receiving the UK State Pension should enjoy next year’s increase as the triple lock could soon be a thing of the past.

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

Revolutionising skincare

ONCE touted mainly for digestive health, probiotics are making waves in the skincare realm. Experts suggest that these beneficial bacteria can bring balance to our skin, potentially curtailing redness and irritation. Additionally, there’s buzz about enhanced hydration and stronger skin barriers. As beauty enthusiasts hunt for the next big thing, probiotics are steadily climbing the charts. A brighter, more resilient complexion could be just a probiotic cream away.

What’s ‘clean’ beauty?

HAVE you heard about ‘clean’ beauty products? They’re everywhere now. These products say they don’t have any nasty chemicals, and they often use ingredients from plants. Sounds great, right?

But, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s always good for your skin. Some natural ingredients might not agree with everyone. And sometimes, the regular products we’ve used for years might

The beer belly myth

THE common belief is that beer consumption leads to obesity, particularly abdominal obesity. On Monday, August 21, an article in a magazine explored various aspects of beer, including its calorie content and also its health benefits.

Contrary to popular belief, beer is a beverage with few calories and saturated fats. The average content is 43 calories per 100 millilitres, meaning that a small glass of beer (caña) contains about 75 calories. Therefore, beer itself does not contribute significantly to weight gain.

However, if you consume two, three, or four glasses, the calories add up. When combined with typical accompaniments like crisps or chips, the total caloric in ­

take can be somewhat high. This is why beer is often blamed for abdominal obesity.

What about non ­ alcoholic beer? It has half the calories of regular beer, making it the least fattening option. Ascension Marcos, a professor of Research at the Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), explains, “the research is conclusive regarding beer consumption and the increase in skin folds, ie the classic beer belly, or weight gain: there is no relationship between them as long as beer consumption is low.”

When consumed in moderation, beer offers interesting health benefits. It’s

good for the heart, reducing cardiovascular risk due to its high content of polyphenols. The natural ingredients in beer also regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of kidney stones. Lastly, it helps strengthen bones, containing minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and silicon.

The ‘beer belly’ is often due to a combination of unhealthy habits such as poor diet, excess calories, lack of exercise, and hormonal changes. Alcohol, including beer, can contribute to belly fat, but the main factor is the overall intake of calories, regardless of their source. The waistline expands due to too many calories, not specifically those from beer or any particular food or drink.

Art therapy

RELOCATING to sunsoaked Spain brings joy, but sometimes, settling in can evoke a whirlwind of emotions.

NATURAL PRODUCTS: What works best for you?

work better. So, if you’re thinking of trying ‘clean’ beauty, take a close look at what’s

inside and see if it’s right for you. It’s all about finding what makes your skin happy.

Enter art therapy: a therapeutic form blending art and self­expression. It’s not just about creating beautiful pieces, but uncovering feelings and understanding oneself better.

Many British expats find solace in these sessions, using them as bridges to their inner world and the vibrant Spanish culture around them. Local community centres and wellness retreats offer such sessions,

perfect for those seeking a creative release.

So, if you’re feeling a little out of place or just yearning for a new hobby, art therapy might be your colourful answer. Dive in and paint your Spanish story.

PROBIOTICS: Making waves in the skincare realm.

ART: Dive in and paint your Spanish story.

Avoid ultra-processed foods

RECENT findings presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual gathering in Amsterdam raised alarms about the dangers of ultra ­ processed foods (UPFs).

With over half of the average UK diet now comprising UPFs, and some individuals consuming as much as 80 per cent, the implications are concerning, according to a news source.

One investigation, monitoring 10,000 women over 15 years, discovered that those consuming the most UPFs faced a 39 per cent higher risk of hypertension compared to those consuming the least.

Hypertension, a precursor to severe heart ailments, can lead to conditions such as heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and vascu ­

UPFs: The implications are concerning.

lar dementia.

UPFs, often laden with salt and sugar, undergo multiple manufacturing processes. They frequently lack the nutritional benefits

found in fresh or minimally processed foods. Previous research has associated high UPF consumption with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

SOME weeks ago, we published a pair of letters criticising an article by Leapy Lee and we asked whether our readers were for or against his forthright views. Ninety per cent of the comments received were positively in favour of the ‘ol boy’, so do keep abreast of his articles which feature each week in all editions of Euro Weekly News.

Hola

I am a French resident of Albir where my husband and I bought a house two years ago and we spend approximately 1/3 of our time in Spain and 2/3 in our home town of Versailles.

Upon arrival in Spain, I collect in my supermarket (Mendoza in Albir to name it) all the free newspapers I can : in English as well as the ones in German and Dutch (the other ones being in Swedish/Norwegian...).

I read them all thoroughly, ending with EWN and keep Leapy's article for the very end, that is I skip it, read the newspaper until the last page and then like a good French pastry at the end of a good meal, delight myself reading Leapy, the epitome of good journalism.

I always 100 per cent agree with his views and couldn't say better. Of course, he will be treated as an old dinosaur, a racist blablabla blablabla : in France, it is the same, the so-called "open" journalists or politics who know better than anyone and above all, deny the right to give one's opinion that is not their opinion "you are extreme-right, fascist, you remind me of ‘les heures sombres de notre histoire’ (how many times do we have to hear this phrase!)". If you say there are too many migrants in France, it means you want to reopen concentration camps so end of discussion... this woke stuff and the cancel culture coming from the USA is starting to be unbearable for our European countries, so open and mostly non-racist... also if you try to understand the Ukraine-Russia war, you are pro-Putin or if you give an opinion on Pfizer jabs (I have been vaccinated three times...) you are a complotist...

So Leapy is a breath of fresh air, so please Leapy, go on giving your opinion, I love it and share it to my English-speaking friends as much as I can. I think the majority of the people agree with you anyway and

the ones who don't, please let ‘Leapy Lee say it’.

And BTW, I am back in Versailles and miss his articles : is there a way to read EWN online please ?

Sincerely Laurence (in French a woman's name, Laurent is for men, oh my ! I forgot : there shouldn't be any genders anymore ).

Everyone needs a dinosaur

True, but today's dinosaurs are more 'with it' than the ones the likes of you and I had to contend with. My Dad thought I was on the road to ruin when he saw me jiving to Red River Rock, still gets me going today.

Love reading your Euro Weekly articles.

Regards

Shirley Hunt

Yes ... young people today, more so than ever, do see older people as less than, instead of hanging on every word and LEARNING.

Everything is geared toward youth. My grouse for this week is all the kerfuffle about the kiss. Young women are emasculating men; and when they have completed their work, they will then complain that men are 'not what they used to be'. Of course he overstepped the mark but that is what he did; he didn't torture, kill, rape or touch any sexual parts. And it is not as though she was Miss World, is it? If she did not like what he did then, AT THE TIME, she should have remonstrated, pushed him off, given him a slap, whatever. All this climbing on the bandwagon calling it 'disgusting' etc. is utter rubbish. And suggesting that he should be fired from his job for it is ludicrous. Get real.

So I am a dinosaur but I really would not want to be part of this Facebook-loving 15 minutes of fame generation. We might be dinosaurs but they are amoebae!

Warmest wishes.

Jane Corbett

IS THERE LIFE AFTER POLITICS?

you need to be in the right frame of mind and have uncluttered time to do it. By 2017, I had already stepped onto the political treadmill, and it neither offered me the time nor the inspiration to continue writing.

A hundred thousand sales would make it worth it financially, but it’s not that easy.

So, is there life after politics?

Most definitely.

ment of public funds.

A job with a salary would be nice, but having time to indulge myself in writing hasn’t been bad.

MY short sojourn into the political world ended on 16th June of this year. I left it with a degree of disappointment, but at the same time, without many regrets. I left my university teaching job on leave of absence, but at the moment I am still waiting for word to return to a teaching post.

So, what have I been up to? In 2013, I started writing and in 2014 published my first novel, followed by the second in the trilogy by the end of that year.

By mid 2016, I had started on the third part of the trilogy, but gradually work, and politics took their toll and the said third book lay in mothballs for several years.

In the meantime, I did manage to publish a couple of books in the style of memoirs of my experiences in local politics, but this was really not what I wanted to do.

My real interest is in novel writing, but

That takes me to the post election period of June 2023. Finally, I had time again, and few distractions.

My computer keyboard sprung into action. By mid July I had a new novel written. It will be launched in the coming weeks, but it was part of my catharsis. It is a political satire, wholly fictional, of course, but a lot of fun to write; extremely irreverent, with all suggestions of political correctness thrown out of the window.

My ‘test subjects’ have questioned whether it really is fiction, at all. I can confirm it is. It is not for the easily offended or the overly politically correct. The sequel is already in a final draft, and then I have had the time to finish the elusive finale of the trilogy.

It’s not the same as having a real job. Making a living out of writing is not an easy thing, if at all possible, for most of us.

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM ‘SKIMPFLATION’?

NORA JOHNSON

VIEWS

SHOPPERS, already struggling with rising prices and shrinking pack sizes, now also have to struggle with ‘skimpflation’the quiet downgrading in specification of some products.

Crisps, cakes and biscuits are most noticeably ‘skimped’. But surely this is yet another effective way to help reduce the weight of our ever­expanding, overweight population? Certainly cheaper than those ‘wonder drug’ injections. People could spend the money saved on healthier food or make it themselves, maybe even take a walk occasionally instead of ordering in!

I actually calculated, based on a linear projection, a tub of Cadbury Roses will be empty by 2030. Yes, except for the strawberry

creams, unfortunately, and those ghastly wrapped toffees. But here’s hoping that mint Aero is not deemed STRUCTURALLY unsound...

I’ve certainly noticed the quality of the most expensive brands of toilet rolls. Not only getting thinner (two­ply to one­ply) but also narrower. Used to cover the entire width of a standard toiletroll holder. Not anymore. A good half­inch gap either side now.

‘Bring back Izal!’ some say. Heavens, no! Though good as tracing paper, it was like using sandpaper!

Oh, a stack of loo rolls recently fell on me at the supermarket. I’m OK though. Just soft tissue damage...

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.

And you know what? It’s a lot more fun than playing cat and mouse with half wits, going cap in hand to people whose abilities you don’t really value to beg for favours in the name of the gen eral public. Life after politics is improved enormously by not having to attend five hour urinating contests in council chambers where no one listens to anyone unless they wear the same coloured under pants, where any sugges tions are threats, and decisions are more about egos and name plaques on statues than they are about sensible manage

NEW NOVEL: Soon to be launched.

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

ORGAN DONATION:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN LIVING IN SPAIN

By Emma Mitchell

WHILST most foreign nationals moving to Spain make a Will to ensure that their estate is disposed of in the way they wish, many don’t think about organ donation.

If you come from a country where organ donation is an opt­in activity it may come as a shock to learn that, in Spain, there is presumed consent. Unless you have explicitly stated that you don’t want your organs used, the default position after your death is that they will be considered for donation.

Spain is a World Leader In Organ Donation

Spain can boast that it contributes 24 per cent of the total number of donors in the European Union and 5 per cent of those registered globally, even though the country only represents 11 per cent of total European population and 0.6 per cent of global population.

It has the highest donation activity in the world with 47 donors per million people, against the USA in second place with 44.5 donors per million.

The Spanish Model has become globally recognised as the most successful due to a few pioneering factors:

● It allows medical professionals to identify donor opportunities not just in intensive care, but also emergency departments and other hospital wards.

● It considers donations from people aged over 65, an age which is much higher than many other countries. In Spain over 10 per cent of deceased donors are over 80.

● Where many countries only consider organ donation in the case of brain death, Spain also considers it in the case of circulatory death ie heartbeat and breathing has stopped.

● It is an opt­out model; unless you have expressed your opposition to organ donation via a Living Will or informally to next of kin, you are presumed to be eligible for organ donation.

What Happens After You Die?

Unless you have a Living Will stating that you do not wish to be a donor for all, or some, of your organs or you have communicated

your wishes to next of kin or legal representatives who are contactable in the event of your death, you will be considered for organ donation.

In Spain the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, stomach, lungs and intestine are considered for donation.

If you die in a medical facility, the medical staff who are appointed in charge of transplant coordination carry out a few checks:

1. Consult the Advanced Directives Registry, clinical notes or relatives present to see if you opposed organ donation.

2. Examine any personal belongings you had with you for anything that indicates total or partial optout.

If those checks don’t identify any opposition, the coordinators must

then give any relatives present information about the need for organ donation, what is donated and how the process works.

One important thing to understand is that the medical professional who makes the decision about your suitability for organ donation has had no part in your medical care leading up to your death.

What Happens if Your Child Dies

If your child, or an adult you are legally responsible for dies, you need to remember that the default position is that the organs will be donated. Speed is of the essence in organ donation so you, as parent or legal guardian, will be asked to consent almost as soon as your loved one dies.

It’s critical that you think ahead

and have agreement on what you will do regarding organ donation of your child or loved one.

Who Do Your Organs Go To?

In the case of both living and deceased organ donations, the personal information of donors and recipients are protected by a number of European privacy laws as well as medical ethics so your relatives won’t be told the identity of anyone who receives one of your organs.

In the case of living donation, it may be the case that the identity of the recipient is known since the majority of organs donated in these situations are between close relatives.

You are not able to dictate the characteristics of who you want your organs to go to so you can not, for instance, state that you want organs to go to people of particular age ranges, gender, sexuality, lifestyle etc.

What if You Don’t Want to Donate Organs?

If you have strongly held beliefs that rule out you donating your organs after death, you should visit your local health centre to discuss your options, such as making a Living Will and filing it with the Advance Directives Registry.

Since medical professionals check the personal belongings you have with you at death, another option may be to get a wallet sized card made up or a piece of jewellery that states, in Spanish, that you don’t wish to donate.

ORGAN DONATION: The default position after your death is that your organs will be considered for donation.

MARBELLA MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING

MY life has changed exponentially over the past few years and much has to do with the fall out following Brexit. I anticipated complications importing from the UK, but assumed it would be similar to before they joined the EEC: lots of paperwork, more middlemen and more costs.

I didn’t take into consideration the human factor, the hurt and resentment of the Customs agents and

Good Morning Spain TV

their ability to delay and manoeuvre the system to ensure that all UK products got processed last, if at all.

I held out as long as I could but it was so out of my control that I finally decided to give up, there was certainly no joy or satisfaction in chasing orders and trying to appease clients.

I, like many of you, had to find another way to make an income and asked myself what I would like to do. I thought that another

television show could be the answer, I love hosting Marbella Now but that’s not a business; it’s my contribution to our community with our town hall. I needed to do something with a big independent channel such as TeleMadrid I thought, but I didn’t want to have to travel to Madrid.

It was but days later that I was contacted by an independent channel, not from Madrid but by Andalucia’s largest network. I could hardly believe it myself; I had launched an idea into the ether and suddenly said opportunity arose and right here on my doorstep.

I was totally flattered but I had no concept. Months went by and it was only during a conversation

It’s both anti-social and rude

about tried and tested formats that the idea of doing a breakfast show came up. Since then everything else has just been falling into place and the first ‘Good Morning Spain’ will air on Monday September 25 on 7TV Andalucia, at 10am.

It will be hosted by me, accompanied by a wonderful team, all with much experience in their own

fields, with professional chefs, nutritionists, health, fitness and travel experts, stylists, sports and a legal team to answer your questions all booked as regulars.

The show will follow the gold standard for morning TV, aimed at anyone planning on moving to the country, coming on holiday or those already here;

think a blend of everything from how to get your health card to a sneak peak behind the country’s most extravagant homes, travel insights off the beaten track to how to make delicious local dishes and explore Spain’s quirkiest corners. His Majesty’s Ambassador Hugh Elliott will join the Good Morning Spain team every month to discuss the issues that matter to you most and address your questions.

Good Morning Spain will air from 10 to 11am every Monday on 7TV Andalucia with repeats on the same channel at different times throughout the week.

Catch up on our YouTube channel and please subscribe: @good morningspainTV.

I WAS a smoker ... a serious smoker. Not one of your namby pamby social ones. You know the ones. They never have a packet of their own because they only smoke when they are out having a drink or at a party or dinner with you basically just always smoking other people’s!

No, I was a SMOKER. Forty a day and I often had one lit and another one in the ashtray that I’d forgotten about. I was a good smoker. My smoke never annoyed anybody or so I thought! The smell on my clothes I didn’t notice. But now I don’t smoke at all. Nothing. Nada.

I gave it up and it was very simple. I don’t recommend my method as it’s a bit drastic! I had two heart attacks and tried to have a ciggy in between which didn’t work. I didn’t have the strength to drag on it. Anyway after five weeks in hospital and a triple bypass I decided not to smoke anymore. No brainer really.

But now I’m one of those non-smokers of the worst kind, so do not smoke around me full stop. For years that’s been fine because most countries now have strict no smoking policies.

Then all of a sudden people started vaping. For those of you that don’t know what that is, it’s a contraption you stick in your mouth filled with some fluidy oily chemicals, usually from China, which are heated by an element then blown out like a nuclear cloud over the person sitting next to them.Now, as you know, I’m not one to complain, but I don’t give a monkeys about your need to substitute your stinking ciggy habit with this now so called healthier option … don’t blow it over me OK? I don’t want something you have taken down your grubby ex-smokers lungs then blown out of your mouth in my face and when I tell you don’t huff and tut OK? It’s not so bad if you have an occasional puff, like once an hour, but if you insist on dragging on it continuously all night long and sit there like the Royal Scotsman trying to pull a hundred carriage I am going to tell you to stop. Don’t you realise it’s anti-social and rude to be sitting next to someone and blowing this crap all over them? I tried many times to give up smoking. I read so many books about giving up smoking I finally gave up reading!

Last week I asked for feedback about my grumps and I was amazed and very pleased with the response. Thank you all so much.If anyone else wants to email their thought it’s mikesenker@gmail.com.

Photo by Elena Sikorskaya

PETS

Report missing pets

ON September 29, the new Animal Welfare Law will enter into force in Spain.

After this date, pet owners will have to adapt to the new stringent measures that this

law entails or they could face some very expensive fines.

Many pet owners will have probably already faced the stressful situation of their canine or feline friends suddenly

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE: 112

24-HOUR PHARMACY

FARMACIA BERDAGUER MARBELLA: 952 773 187

CENTRAL FARMACIA LOS BOLICHES: 952 474 238

FARMACIA CAFFARENA MALAGA: 952 212 858

24-HOUR VETS

CLINICA VETSUR FUENGIROLA: 952 660 596

CLINICA VETERINARIA MALAGA: 952 358 701

Caring for Nukka the Labradoodle

NUKKA the Labradoodle is a particular favourite on HouseSitMatch.com.

going missing.

Some of the rules are clearer and easier to understand than others. The government insists that these rules are being put in place to protect those most vulnerable and that the new law is a step in the right direction.

Starting September 29, owners whose dogs go missing can be fined up to €50,000. The pet must be reported to the authorities within 48 hours of their disappearance. Failure to do so could result in a massive fine according to a news source.

Most owners instinctively resort to sticking ‘missing’ posters everywhere in the area and posting information and images of the missing animal on social media asking people to look out for it. Others sometimes get friends together to go looking for their pets.

To avoid those hefty fines it is essential to first contact the authorities.

Labradoodles are very popular pets with both our homeowners and house­sitters in the network. They are very friendly and playful creatures. Nukka’s owners love having house­sitters care for her because the photos they get show a happy dog, always ready for a new game.

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!

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

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to

ensure you can help online when needed

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

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

READER OFFER

Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

House-sitting is a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either housesitter or homeowner with a 20% discount code 20EWN.

Goldfish goals

LOOKING after a goldfish may seem simple, but it requires attention to detail. Proper care includes choosing a suitable tank with enough space and installing a proper filtration system.

Regular cleaning is vital to prevent buildup of harmful chemicals. Balanced feeding with the right goldfish food, generally once or twice a day,

ensures good Overfeeding can be harmful, so following feeding guidelines is essential. Monitoring the water’s pH and temperature, and watching for signs of illness, will keep your goldfish happy and healthy. With proper care, a goldfish can be a delightful and low ­ maintenance pet for many years.

Nukka meets her dogsitter

GRAPHIC DESIGN

AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy. The family company that cares. Installation and repairs. Quality machines. Ecosense movement sensors supplied and fitted from 100 Euros. For other energy-saving products visit www.coolandcosy. es. 952 935 513. We are Junta de Andalucia authorised installers as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017). On the Costa del Sol since 1993 (303283)

Quality Air Conditioning Installations. Economical heating, & silent in operation. 28 Years installation history in Spain. EnviroCare. All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759 info@envirocare spain.com www.enviro carespain.com (304164)

MR COOL – Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Sales & Service –Call Christian +34 629 527 587 or Nick +34 618 678 853 – www.mrcool.es (304151)

ACE OF SHADES – All colours available. Urbanisations catered for,

electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design T1(101730)

SUNSHINE AWNINGS / BLINDS Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs. 25yrs on the coast. 680 323 969 / 952 199 640 (303572)

ACE OF SHADES - Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Roller, Wooden blinds, various colours available, also black-out blinds. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design (101730)

BLINDS, awnings, mosquito screens, curtains, vast choice. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito

Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws

SOLAR BLINDS

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to

reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@solar shadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (303296)

plumber, carpentry. Reasonable prices. 635 913 885 (References available) (303486)

SWINGLES CASAS SL . For all your building needs. Visit www.swinglescasas.com for more details or call 635 999 765 / 666 960 262 (295953)

PLUMBING & GENERAL BUILDING All your plumbing needs. Bathroom, kitchens, tiling & painting. Benalmadena based, travel no problem. Glen 669 073 773 or Paul 642 098 115 (290158)

CLEARANCE. ALL FURNITURE WANTED, WE PAY MORE. TEL 634 324 914 OR EMAIL houseclearanceman@ hotmail.com (303118)

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

ALHAURIN FURNITURE

EMPORIUM Buyers & Sellers of quality furniture. Top prices paid. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (303135)

JIM’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Bathrooms / kitchen reforms, repairs, plumbing, carpentry, painting, tiling, maintenance. Give us a call no job too small. 692 207 799 / 645 559 423 (303368)

www.handymanser vices.es Electrician, plumbing, construction, painting. Innovation. ROT deduction for Swedish, Sotogrande to Marbella 648 712 530 (302411)

GENERAL BUILDER, Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician,

QUALITY renovation: Kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, windows, doors, plastering, Total property renovations info@master buildspain.com 952663141 /670409759

Over 28 years renovating history in Spain (302479)

METALWORK

NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Fencing, repairs & alterations. Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 19yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder. Call/WhatsApp 655 040 648 (304152)

HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS , FULL OR PART

ALH RENT A CAR –SHORT & LONG-TERM RENTALS FROM €15 A DAY. INSURANCE INCLUDED IN OUR PRICES. - TLF: 638 846 909 or reservasalhrentacar@ gmail.com (303303)

COLLECTIVE CALLING are urgently requesting donations of clothing, homeware & furniture, so if you are having a House Clearance, Please call us for FREE COLLECTION. We sell good quality items, which then supports low-income families and the homeless in the community. These items can be dropped directly to our charity shop Tienda Solidaria: Av. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 4, San Pedro de Alcantara, alternatively, call us to arrange collection on +34 711 006 961

FILMS

in English

PLAZA MAYOR CINEMA

Malaga

STRAYS

TUE: 18:05

A HAUNTING IN VENICE TUE: 19:55

AFTER EVERYTHING TUE: 17:30

THE NUN II

TUE: 22:30

RED DOG CINEMA

Puerto Banus

THE EQUALIZER 3

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE, WED: 17:00, 19:00, 21:15

A HAUNTING IN VENICE

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE, WED: 17:30, 19:40

AFTER EVERYTHING

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE, WED: 17:15, 19:15

BARBIE

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE, WED: 17:15

OPPENHEIMER

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE, WED: 19:40

THE NUN II

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE, WED: 17:30, 19:40

NINJA TURTLES : MUTANT MAYHEM

THU, SAT, SUN: 17:30

SPIDERMAN – ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE SAT, SUN: 12:30

CHIMNEY SERVICES

CHIMNEY SWEEP . Clean reliable professional 608 377 497 (303436)

APEX CHIMNEY SERVICES, professional chimney sweeping and smoke testing. NACS Qualified. Clean and efficient Tel: Bob 696 320 202 (302584)

CHURCH SERVICES

BENALMADENA Elim Family Fellowship. Elimfamilyfellow ship.com or call 951 912 525 or 952 446 627. (10011)

CALAHONDA: Encounter Church (Elim), Family church with kids’ activities, Iglesia San Miguel, Sundays 4.30pm, Rev. David Hodgson, 695 115 496 (10012)

THE Ark Christian Church. We meet at The Ark Christian School, Calle Río Darro 2 y Plaza Juncal, 29651, Mijas Costa (the road behind the Mijas Aquapark) on Sundays at 11.00am. Pastor, Andrew Seale Tlf 682 713 491 www.thearkspain.com

CLEANING/MAINTENANCE

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet, upholstery cleaning, 27 years experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable service 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 or email acservs@outlook.com (290189)

INSURANCE

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189)

REYES PROPERTY SERVICES Est. over 25 years. Rental management. Tailor made for your all property needs. Call Wendy 635 630 370 wendy.bolitho@hotmail. es (303625)

STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance. All types of cleaning. Any size of property. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. 682 636451 www.starlight-spain. com (303142)

LAUNDRY

HOME IRONING and small repairs of clothing, €12 P/Hr, Marbella area. Claudia Tel: 666 338 162 (304245)

DECORATORS

RAINBOW Pinturas . English Painters & decorators. All aspects. Interior/exterior, private residential, commercial & communities. Spraying: door, kitchens & furniture. Light construction. Call / WhatsApp: Daniel: 628 066 308 www.rainbowpinturas. com (303387)

ATD DECOR. British Painter. 30 Years’ Experience. Punctual. Great Rates. Call for free quote. 602 431 968 Facebook: @ATDDecorMalaga (304018)

DOMESTIC APP REP

DOMESTIC appliance repairs washing machines fridges cookers ovens water heaters gas electric professionally repaired 608 337 497 (303436)

WASHING MACHINES , Ovens, Boilers etc. All work guaranteed by ex Zanussi technician. Reliable rapid service. Joe 609 345 096 (303716)

DRAINAGE

BLOCKED DRAINS? Leak detection, CCTV survey, root removal, Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain. com (295026)

ELECTRICIAN

ALL TYPES OF ELECTRICAL work, re-wiring, fault finding. Professional & experienced. Frank Tel. or Whatsapp 650 561 629 (304241)

FLOOR POLISHING

MARBLE FLOOR (2.50€ / m2) WHY PAY MORE. WE CLEAN, CRYSTALLISE, SEAL THEN POLISH YOUR MARBLE TO HIGH GLOSS, NON-SLIP. PROFESSIONAL GUARANTEED, FAST SERVICE. 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. ALSO REPAIRS DAMAGES TO MARBLE, CLEAN AND SEAL TERRACOTTA TERRACES, COVERS ALL COSTA DEL SOL. TEL: 671 244 683 (303059)

MARBLE FLOORS polished high shine non-slip. Fast Service Reliable, family-run business. TERRACOTTA CLEANED and sealed. No job too small. Cleansol 10am – 10pm 7 days all areas. 952 930 861 / 607 610 578 Discount code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

MARBLE POLISHING, CRYSTALLISING, LASTING, HIGH SHINE. REGRINDING, RESTORATION OF SALTY, DEAD FLOORS. 27YRS EXPERIENCE. RELIABLE. REFS AVAILABLE. CYRIL. 645 840 199 (303697)

LAWYERS

FOR SALE/WANTED

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

FRIENDSHIP

RETIRED American Spanish gentleman WLTM other sport active players for easy tennis practice play. For ladies & gents any age. Tennis court fees included. All you need is your tennis shoes (Benalmadena area). 672 627 911 Whatsapp Only (304250)

FURNITURE

FURNITURE wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (303135)

GARDENING

PROFESSIONAL garden services from Fuengirola to Estepona. All aspects of gardening and full maintenance and landscaping, free quotes, competitive prices. Contact Andrew 600 259 981 Andrew@garden-profe ssionals.com (295350)

IRRIGATION

IRIS-IRRIGATION and landscapes. TRENCHLESS NO DIG Irrigation installation, Cables, Fibre Optic, Electric & Lighting Cables. New Installations & problem-solving. Turf (supply and laying). Garden constructions. Tree surgeon. Clearing. Astro Turf (Free Quotation) 676 747 521 (303376)

GATE REPAIRS

ELECTRIC GATE/GARAGE DOOR automation repaired. Free, no obligation quotation. Call Colin - 636 394 641 (290156)

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

GATES

ELECTRIC GATES /Garage Doors. Intercoms/access control systems and replacement remotes. New installs and repairs. For all your electric gate and garage door requirements call us on 605 356 469/952 786 178. The Garage Door Co & 2 Way Gates. tgdc@hotmail.co.uk www.2waygates.com (295301)

GLASS CURTAINS

GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931 (302477)

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN: General Building work, painting, wall/roof waterproofing & other jobs. Call Michael 622 755 666 (302044)

BOTOX & fillers from €80. Skinny Jab & Fat reducing injections. Cover Coast & Inland. www.beautifulmarbella.es 609 347 086 (303371)

Fires: Electric, Gas. Quality guaranteed. EnviroCare. All areas covered. 952 663 141 / 670 409759. info@envi rocarespain.com www.envirocarespain. com (304164)

VINYL WRAP

VINYL SOLUTIONS WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RENOVATE? Modern adhesive vinyl coverings in hundreds of styles and designs can renovate a tired kitchen, bathroom, wall panels, bedroom wardrobes, fridge doors. Turn a tired looking wood designed kitchen into a modern solid colour or metallic look without painting or replacing. Work carried out on site with 10 year warranties Contact Ian 644 546 176 for design brochure and samples. (303296)

HOUSE CLEARANCES

ALHAURIN FURNITURE

EMPORIUM furniture wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (303135)

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

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbey gateinsure.com (291234)

ENGLISH LOCKSMITHS, SECURITY & SHADE EXPERTS. FREE HOME SECURITY SURVEY. 636 770 865 / 952 660 233 WWW.SECURITYOF SPAIN.COM CONTACT DAREN (303056) T1

ENGLISH LOCKSMITH emergency & appointment, locks changed, patio doors & windows secured. All locks supplied insurance approved. Fast & reliable service. No hidden extras or nasty surprises. 657 466 803 www.a1locksmiths.es (290138)

MASSAGE

SAN PEDRO. Sandra. Professional relaxing, tantric massage. Young, slim, work alone, unforgettable moments. Nueva Andalucia. 641 346 278

PURE RELAXATION in Nueva Andalucia with attractive independent masseuse. Tantric and other special massages in private apartment. For gentlemen and couples, with no rush attention to your needs 656 350 401

ENGLISH ELEGANT independent & affectionate lady in late 40s, gives a sensual golfers massage to relieve tension in her discreet private apartment. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 680 177 569 (303709)

smells, sounds, sensations . Contact me without obligation 951274723, 650237145.

CALAHONDA . Leila, Arab masseuse, expert in the art of seduction and tantric massage. Authentic masseuse who manages to transmit the physical and emotional pleasure with the 5 senses. Tantric massage, sensual or body to body to perfection. Make an appointment. 650237145 (303656)

BUTTERFLY - Massage, is the ideal place for people with high sensitivity, with a taste for body to body interaction, who enjoy the sensuality and magic, feeling the warm hands of an attractive masseuse running through their body. Our masseuses have been chosen not only for their physical attractiveness, but also for their sensuality and massage skills. Only by appointment 951274723 , 650237145

CALA DE MIJAS. Looking to get out of your routine? Excellent professional masseuse and with exclusive attention for people who want and wish to relax and live a unique experience. If you are looking for discretion and good treatment, here I am. I’m Sara and I hope you ask for your appointment as soon as possible because I am very busy.

650237145 (303656)

RIVIERA DEL SOL . Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away by your imagination. I am waiting for you in an atmosphere suitable for relaxation and sensuality, without noise, with candlelight and soft music. Before you start, you just have to relax, breathe slowly to free your body and mind... I’ll take care of the rest. Miriam, qualified masseuse with many years of experience. Book your appointment. 650237145 (303656)

CALAHONDA . I am Mery, a young, simple and natural girl who hides among her shy appearance the best kept secrets of relaxing, descontracture and stimulating massage. I massage both men and couples. 650237145. by appointment only (303656)

NEAR Elviria. Viky, undoubtedly I am the most sensual and, sweet latin masseuse you have ever met. Tantric sensitive massages very special, body to body with oil! I will make you feel very relaxed with a good massage and the end will be your choice. 951 27 47 23, 650237145 (303656)

CALAHONDA. I am your ideal masseuse if you want to enjoy a massage, relaxing and sensual, I will use all my charm and my secret techniques of relaxation and mutual connection. Dana –650237145 (303656)

MARBELLA CENTRE - the ideal place for relaxing massage in the city centre. Available 24h and prices from €50. For reservations and information call 620 366 817.

PROFESSIONAL MALE muscled masseur. Full-body relaxing, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. In/outcalls. WhatsApp me 607 595 906 (304067)

FUENGIROLA - Johanna Brazilian 45yrs Mature Masseur. Relaxing Massages. Best relax guaranteed. Tel: 617.818.615 (296396)

LOS BOLICHES - Carolina

Pretty Masseur, 45yrs Relaxing Massage, Guaranteed relax - 634.703.111 (296396)

BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427

FUENGIROLA. Japanese Shiatsu & Zen Ki relaxing and therapeutic massage. Excellent service guaranteed. Home Visits. WhatsApp for appointment 693 988 340 (304051)

WWW.CASAKINKSPAIN. COM Heated pool, Jacuzzi and private bar. Inland private retreat with a full massage service. 662 913 428 (FU 3069)

ESTEPONA . Susana, Latin Girl sculptural body, trained for deep relaxing massage. 697 705 304 (FU 2786)

ASIAN wellness massage

Nice area west Marbella. Guaranteed results. 623 554 233 or 623 594 698 (301500)

ASIAN ladyboy and gay, authentic professional/traditional massage therapy unique treatment, clean atmosphere. Marbella. 603 257 690 (MI 570)

JAPANESE massage. Marbella. Relaxing, less stress. 664 177 216 (MI 559)

MARBELLA Tantric ritual massage with aromatherapy to leave completely renewed. 642 751 070 (2907)

MASSAGE! Outcalls everywhere in Costa del Sol! Independent lady offer sensual massage. 613 731 259. (FU 3049)

THAI Benalmadena Costa. Body-body full massages. Visits, Hotels. Whatsapp 689 387 448 (MI 571).

BENALMADENA Private Villa: DANIELA from Colombia 19yrs Masseur. New on the Coast. in C/ Imperio Argentina N.1 in Benalmadena. Incalls Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 662 52 78 15 (304209)

BENALMADENA: IRINA Russian Masseur, model, slim, Russian, Spanish, English. Incalls & Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304209)

BENALMADENA Masseur, massage, jacuzzi, outcalls 24hrs. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304209)

MASSAGE

BENALMADENA: MariaColombian Masseur - blond long hair, Incalls & Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304209)

BENALMADENA: Alicia Spanish professional & relaxing Masseur.. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304209)

FILIPINA /Thai, exclusive prostatic, deep, hard, soft massage pleasure to body mind therapy, exotic professional relaxation, clean, good atmosphere. Elviria. Marbella. 679 126 231 (MI 569)

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

HOT TUBS new used, bought, sold, hired. Also move & repairs. Used good Hot Tubs for sale. 691 973 131 / +44 7836 379122 (303337)

RIVIERA DEL SOL . Dana, Cuban masseuse, fun and spontaneous. My hands will offer you a unique experience, with a mixture of

ASIAN MASSUER offers relaxing full body massage. Home Visits. WhatsApp 641 980 066 for details (304237)

SARA Venezuelan, professional relaxing therapeutic & sensitive massage. I can visit you. For more information contact me 632 770 051

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BENALMADENA: Sandra Spanish Masseur and Amalia - duo massage & relaxing. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304209)

NEW FUENGIROLA I am Daniela, 19 years old, massages and relax. 603 366 841 (FU 3079)

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BENALMADENA. FRIENDLY attractive masseuse, relieve muscle tension. From €50. 613 106 153. (FU 3073)

SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA - Camilla Masseur 33private apartment - 603 804 443 (303731)

VANESSA Benalmadena excellent massage services. Relaxing & therapeutic. Home premises. Call me 624 811 098 (304156)

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

OLGA Mature Masseure relaxing & sensitive. Outcalls & Incalls. 24 hrs. Marbella –Tel: 632 467 580 (304040)

SAN PEDRO BEACH. RELAXING AND SENSITIVE MASSEUSES WELCOME

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FILIPINO MASSAGE CENTRE , where hearts of Asian professional massage daily. 604 421 973 (MI 569)

SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA - Camila Masseuse 33, slim, pretty - private apartment - Call 603 804 443

ASIAN PROFESSIONAL Massage, sensual, relaxing & therapeutic, to release tension & stress. Fuengirola. Call 613 592 062 (304091)

FUENGIROLA . Marisa, 38 years old, mature, all kinds of massages. Only WhatsApp. 631 659 408 (FU 3045)

PROFESSIONAL massage on the table. Fuengirola. Irina, blonde. 605 076 407 or 632 110 023. (FU 3044)

BARBARA mature masseur educated 42yrs, private, 24hrs, Marbella. Tel 613 213 030 (304291)

FUENGIROLA . Relaxing massage made by alternative gender masseuse. Violeta. Chiropractor. 660 867 374 (FU 30807)

FUENGIROLA Venezuelan, Blonde. Paseo Maritimo, private full massage service 677 353 323 (304456)

NATURIST Tantra massage and fun. Profesional Exotic Masseur. Marbella. 602 098 606 (FU 3078)

HELLO, I am Olga, a mature professional masseuse, slim blonde, 48 years old, independent, in a private apartment. 632 467 580. (304291)

TANTRIC MASSAGE You need to relax? Only callouts, only Whatsapp 625647670

ESTEPONA. Sweet Asian Masseuse. Good Looking, Personality. Relaxing, Full Body Massage And More Details Whatsapp 678 315 756 (FU 3082)

CENTRE OF FUENGIROLA, Redhead 28 years very relaxing massages 673 071 328 (304458)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOSQUITO SCREENS

ACE OF SHADES - Don’t let the bugs get you! Available in enrollable, slider and pleated. Large choice of colours including wood effect. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

MOSQUITO Screens for windows, doors and a high-quality sliding patio door screen. All finishes available. Quick service. All areas covered. Call Julian 655 825 931 (302477)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours, call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (295855)

MOTORING

658 785 or Email therobert sonclan@gmail.com as I am driving mostly & unable to take your calls.

ROBERTSON CARS SALE

HOT HOT HOT – BARGAIN -THE TIME TO GO TOPLESS IS NOW - AUTOMATIC / CABRIO MERCEDES SLK ONLY

57,000kms 2006 Stunning Silver only used as holiday car with 57,000KMS (Approx 35,000miles) 2 Seater Convertible have fun in the sun. Comes with New ITV until 2024 and history, Electric Roof folds into boot. Selling Under Book Price only €10,995. Classy Great Shape Cabrio. Mercedes, need I say more… See photos on my web page – www.robertson cars-spain.com or text me

whatsapp 608 658 785

Email: therobertsonclan@ gmail.com

ROBERTSON CARS HOT HOT HOT AUTOMATIC / DIESEL MERCEDES C220

ESTATE 2013 ONLY

82,000KMS YES APPROX. 50,000 MILES Electric Big Sunroof, This Is no Ordinary Mercedes this is my own much loved super good looking Striking Shade of Grey Mercedes. New ITV This Week till Augugst 2024. Sat Nav, Electric everything, Parking Sensors, Fabulous Airconditioning. Samantha´s Hot Bargain at 17,995€ www.robertsoncarsspain.com or text me

whatsapp 608 658 785

Email: therobertson clan@gmail.com

CAR SERVICES

MOBILE MECHANIC will come to your home or work. Servicing, repairs, ITVs & diagnostics. Call Mick on 617 553 072 (303499)

ENGLISH bodyshop, fully equipped, Mijas Costa. No Job Too Small. 952 667 074

IMPORT/TRANSFER

CARS TRANSFERRED, history checks, Imports and Embargo problems. Change of use and lost papers. Change your car to Spanish plates, simple efficient service. Cars bought and sold. Please call 678808837 or email carsin spain@live.co.uk (290189)

WANTED

WANTED CARS AND VANS, FREE COLLECTION, SAME DAY 685 524 921 (290189)

CARS, VANS BOUGHT WITH / WITHOUT PAPERS. CASH WAITING 678 808 837 (303115)

ALL CARS / Commercials wanted, runners or non-runners. Cash. Buyer collects. Transfer included. 605 109 796 (302707)

CARS , Vans, Bikes wanted. Any Reg, Anything Considered Call or Whatsapp 687 049 592 (303750)

WANTED, wanted, wanted!! All cars, all years, all models… from exotic to classic. Spanish, English, Dutch plated. Call us on 951 977 329 or 606 647 597. (303386)

COCKROACHES , ANTS, insects, fleas, mice, rats, wasps, termite specialists. Fumigations, bars, restaurants, houses, etc. Sanitary department officially registered certificates. Serving the coast since 1985. Only legal English owned pest control company on the coast. If you want the best then phone N.P.S. Paul 676 700 370 (1296213)

LAGUNAPETHOTEL.COM

Loving care for cats and dogs TEL 646 066 351 (302996)

KENNELS

CAT & DOG World Kennels and Cattery. 952 112 978 / 630 197 435. www.catand dogworld.com (304069)

CAMPER VANS, CARAVANS, MOBILE HOMES, BOATS AND ALL PLANT, DIGGERS, DUMPERS, MOTORBIKES, CARS AND COMMERCIALS WANTED. BEST PRICE PAID, CASH TODAY, ANY REGISTRATION WITH OR WITHOUT PAPERS. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 (290189)

CARS, VANS, ANY RESGISTRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE / EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921 (290189)

CARS, VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN / UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (290189)

FOR SALE –

ROBERTSON CARS...would like to thank all of my past, present & future clients for their continued support over the last 35 years here in Spain. Stay safe and outdrive everyone. If contacting Samantha in the afternoons, please only Whatsapp on 608

ROBERTSON CARS HOT HOT HOT BE SMART GO SMALL, PARK ANYWHERE -AUTOMATIC / CABRIO SMART CAR Silver with Black Electric Hood, hood can be half opened or fully down, go top-less, 2 seater. Small Car Big Personality. Park anywhere, little beauty she has her own car cover. Huge Service History originally from Germany, now Spanish Plates. Low KMS. ITV, Air-condition , Electric Windows and Locking, 2 Keys. Outstanding Condition, ONLY €5,995 Perfect Runaround. See Photo on my web page –www.robertsoncarsspain.com or text/Whatsapp me: 608 658 785 Email therobertsonclan@gmail.com

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most com

petitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

MUSIC

DAVID CHRISTIANCLARK PLAYS POPULAR SPANISH GUITAR FOR YOUR EVENT. OVER 30 YEARS PRO EXPERIENCE BACKED BY A DIPLOMA FROM GUILDHALL LONDON. SPECIALISES IN WEDDINGS.ECLECTIC PLAYLIST TAILORED TO YOUR TASTE. REASONABLE RATES BY NEGOTIATION. COVERS GIB TO NERJA.SEE YOU TUBE. ENQUIRIES davechristianclark@gmail. com (304085)

OTHERS

MALE/Female Viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly all areas. Mixed trial packs available. Delivery or mail order available 604 385 476. viagra4you19 @gmail.com

UK & IRISH Passport renewals including photos. Complete Service. Cath’s Cards. 952 885 759. www.cathscards.es (290153)

ACE CHARITY ‘El Refugio’ in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average 275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the town hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any help offered, including donations of food and blankets. Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736. Our website is www.ace-charity.org where you can view all the dogs in our care. (93320)

ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see on www.adana.es. Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, available from 10.00am until 2.00pm. (93319)

ANIMEX Foundation offers free will upgrading when leaving something for abandoned animals. Contact ani mexfoundation@gmail.com or call 692 166 434 now for this absolutely free service (288287)

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

ARCH - The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses, registered charity 8448, the Centre is open to visitors every Sunday from 9am until 2pm. Working closely with the Spanish authorities, we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and abandoned horses and donkeys. Come and meet our current rescues, learn about our work and how you may be able to help. Run solely by a small team of dedicated volunteers, the Centre is located between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin in Comm. de Viña Borrego behind Venta Miralmonte. For more information and directions see our website www.horserescue spain.org, our Facebook page Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos or tel. 610 845 491 or 656 935 613 (93322)

SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public at weekends from 10.00 to 5.00. Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at any time. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel. 608 258 950 info@sepeonline.net www.sepeonline.net (93321)

SOS ANIMAL REFUGE we have dogs, young and old looking for homes. Some of our dogs have been with us for some time and would love to find a cosy spot to curl up in and a knee on which to rest their heads. If you have room in your heart and home we would love to hear from you. We do not put our dogs to sleep - no matter how old, they are safe with us. For day to day needs and to pay for veterinary care, we much appreciate the support we receive. We desperately need items to sell on our market stall to help raise funds and are happy to come and collect. So, if you are having a clear-out, please contact us on 605 227 155. If you would like to know more about rehoming, please call 653 257 875.

Visit our website www. sos-animals.org or please phone Sandy on 952 385 923 or 666 814 056 if you would like to make a donation or help in any way.

PLUMBING . Leak detection & blocked drains. Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drain spain.com (295026)

RETIRING company director looking to rent villa or apartment with garden, long term. Pet friendly. Parking essential. 6 month minimum. Whatsapp 600 462 939 (304232)

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property for sale. All areas / all budgets / all types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008 Email info@inter marbella.com (303052)

SELLING UP?? Why not give us a call and let us give you an honest and realistic valuation of your property. List with us and let us take the stress out of selling your home. No sale no fee!! English agent on the ball with clients waiting. Please call 685 524 921. (290189)

3 BEDROOM , 3 bathroom townhouse, Large basement, El Chaparral La Cala de Mijas, Stunning views of mountains, serene golf course and sea view, €450,000 Private sale. losc1609@gmail.com.

STARLIGHT Property

Cleaning & Maintenance

All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. Persiana repairs, Decorating, Electrial & Plumbing repairs. 682 636451 www.starlight-spain. com (303142)

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (294932)

STORAGE, Storage, Storage. Man & Van Services. Call/Whatsapp 690 155 340 (302418)

MAN AND VAN removals / storage service. House clearances Collections and deliveries Waste removal NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Mike on 604 380 570 (304093)

A&J REMOVALS For all your clearance, delivery and removal needs. Moving never looked so good. Call us on 662534877 (304455)

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL REMOVALS AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 1/2 DAY FROM €90. FULL DAY FROM €175. WE ALSO PROVIDE A FORTNIGHTLY DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE TO UK AND EUROPE (INCL SCOTLAND). WORLDWIDE SHIPPING TO USA, AUSTRALIA, ETC AND FULL STORAGE FACILITIES. TEL (0034) 952 578 507 OR (0034) 637 892 278 / EMAIL gary moveit@yahoo.co.uk (303055)

JDS EURO TRANSPORT & REMOVALS - Regular trips throughout Europe. Call or WhatsApp Julian 0044 7884 908 929. See Facebook Page for recommendations (304139)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (294932)

STORAGE

WWW.INTERMARBELLA. COM Costa del Sol Property Sales & Long term rentals wanted. All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@inter marbella.com (303052)

THINKING of selling your property or interested in a current valuation? We have clients actively looking for properties from Torremolinos to Calahonda. List with us and let us sell your property. Call Joe 626 864 683 (304019)

Long Term Rentals All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422 UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@intermarbella. com (303052)

COUNTRY HOUSE IN MIJAS COSTA. 3 bed - 1 bathprivate pool - 400m2 plot with garden - 60m2 builtlong term rent - includes electricity - €1,650. Phone 664 686 653 or 611 226 000. (304235)

15 CUBIC metre van returning to the UK 6th October 2023. Space available each way. Tel. 639 928 090 (304200)

MAN AND VAN

MAN & VAN , 20€ ph. Removals, Rubbish & House Clearances. Paul 634 112 677 (294214)

2 MEN, Van €30 p hour. House Clearances & Storage. 651 081 610 (303336)

SOLAR Hot Water heating: FREE HOT WATER. 28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality guaranteed. 952 663 141/ 670 409 759 info@envirocare spain.com www.enviro carespain.com (304164)

CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosan nacarmella8@gmail.com

POOL MAINTENANCE , & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona & inland areas. 678 791 495 / 951 536 389 www.sparklen ripple.net (303027)

SWIMMING Pool Heating Pumps, Pool Covers, Rollers, Filtration Systems. 28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality Guaranteed. 952663141/670409 759 info@envirocare spain.com www.enviro carespain.com (304164)

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS

All Languages. 952 789 204 Mobile 654 613 094 sanpe drotranslations@gmail.com (302734)

INSURANCE

REPAIRS to TV’s , LCD, LED, -Videos, Hi-Fi, & Microwaves, Mag Boxes, UK channels installed. 35 years experience. Free Estimates, Can Collect. John 952 491 723 or 600 706 201. (304446)

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, 28 years experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable. 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 acservs@outlook.com (290189)

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189)

CARPETS AND SOFAS cleaned. Reliable, fast service. Family run. Cleansol 952 930 861 / 607 610 578. 10am - 10pm 7 days, all areas Discount Code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

ELECTRIC & Gas Water Heaters. Quality Installations. 28 years installation history in Spain. EnviroCare. All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759 info@ envirocarespain.com www.envirocarespain.com

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

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (294932)

ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual, various colours available including wood effect, we also offer a repair service. Make your home more secure! Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design (101730)

ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (302477)

WE are looking for receptionist for adult massage house. We have in Fuengirola and Elviria. If interested please contact +34 611 30 41 02. (303660)

Suzuki Swace – well-equipped and practical

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

WHEN it comes to cars not everyone is after a sleek, sporty or uber ­ luxurious model designed for the fashion ­ conscious motorist. Some people just want a nice car, decent amounts of standard equipment and the space to carry the family, and capable for runs to the garden centre and maybe a bit of work­related travel in there as well.

With those thoughts in mind, I have been driving a perfect candidate for the role.

Suzuki’s Swace is a comfortable and very well­equipped estate that looks smart and comes with more than a degree of practicality. Based on Toyota’s Corolla Touring the Suzuki incarnation has some subtle styling tweaks and a straightfor ­

ward range of two trim levels, one engine choice and few options. Standard fare on the lead ­ in version includes climate, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, main beam assist, auto lights, keyless start, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, intelligent cruise control and rear parking camera. There’s no built­in navigation but you can use the maps app on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

The 1.8 ­ litre petrol en ­

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Suzuki Swace Motion

gine is mated to a selfcharging system for the on ­ board battery to provide a hybrid drive that ensures low Co2 emissions, great fuel economy and three drive modes. The Swace is no performance machine, it isn’t meant to be, but has no problem nipping past slower traffic. The CVT automat ic trans

mission occasionally becomes rather audible, it’s a trait of these systems that on hard acceleration the revs rise while the forward motion takes a second or two to catch up, but otherwise it’s a

smooth and efficient system.

As one might expect from Suzuki the build quality is good and there’s a general premium feel throughout, along with par­

are a tad fiddly. However, the good news is there are buttons, as opposed to a touchscreen for everything, and those on the touchscreen apart they are clear and well laid out. Prices for the Swace start at €33,672/ £28,999 and for the level of standard equipment and space represents particularly good value.

• Engine: 1.8-litre self-charging petrol/electric hybrid

• Gears: CVT Automatic

• Performance: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 9.4 seconds/Maximum Speed 180 km/h (112 mph)

• Economy: 4.5l/100km (62.7 mpg) Combined driving (WLTP)

• Emissions: 102 g/km (WLTP)

• Price: €33,672/£28,999

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

SWACE MOTION: A very likeable and comfortable choice.

ticularly comfortable seats. It’s fair to say that the graphics on the touchscreen do look a little dated and some of the accompanying buttons

It’s a very likeable, comfortable and practical choice that doesn’t stint on features and doesn’t bewilder with numerous options, largely because of the high levels of standard equipment. It makes a compelling case as a firstclass family holdall.

Carlos Sainz Wins Singapore Grand Prix It’s all kicking off!

SPAIN’S Carlos Sainz finally ended Red Bull’s domination of this season’s F1 calendar by winning the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Spaniard led from start to finish as the cars sped around the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Sunday, September 17. He clinched his second pole of the season in yesterday’s qualifying session and looked in no mood to relinquish that position.

Speaking with bbc.com after his victory, Sainz said: “We nailed the weekend, we nailed the race and we did everything we had to do, and we did it perfectly. We brought home P1 and I’m sure the whole of Italy and the whole of Ferrari are going to be proud and happy today.

“I felt under control, I always felt like I had the head­space and the pace in hand to do whatever I wanted to do. I’m over the moon right now,” he added.

This was Sainz’s second win as a Ferrari driver and the second of his career. After also starting from the front in Monza last time out in the Italian Grand Prix, he soon lost the lead to Verstappen. No such thing was going to happen this time around though with the Spanish star driving a careful and steady race.

Max Verstappen had won 10 consecutive races prior to this one, setting a new record in the process. After an awful experience in qualifying, the current world champion started from 11th place on the grid.

If the Dutchman’s previous results were anything to go by, his low position would not have made a lot of difference to him achieving a place on the podium. However, on this occasion, he had to settle for fifth in the end.

Lando Norris produced an excellent drive in the McLaren to follow Sainz over the finishing line just 0.812 seconds adrift, with Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes hot on his tail.

Disaster struck George Russell as he crashed the Mercedes out on the final lap while occupying third position and looking to be headed for a podium finish.

The other Ferrari of Frenchman Charles LeClerc secured fourth place, with the two iconic red cars leading the pack in the early stages.

Team orders though saw him being instructed to let his teammate speed ahead by slowing down to hold the rest of the field up.

He initially appeared to ignore the order for the next 10 laps before finally backing off from Sainz to eventually give the Spaniard a threesecond lead.

The safety car made an appearance after Logan Sargeant hit the wall on lap 20, leaving bits of his car across the track when his front wing came free. By the time the safety car was removed, LeClerc had allowed Sainz to build a nine­second lead.

Pierre Gasly put in another good day’s work by clinching sixth place for Alpine.

ALTHOUGH the new season is just about to begin, much preparation has already taken place on the Costa and further inland. Firstly, our league has a new name, as can be seen at the head of this article; it also has a new sponsor in My Lawyer In Spain, though we thank the EWN for its previous sponsorship and for past and future opportunities to share our sport with the Costa del Sol and further afield. Our annual cup competition will be sponsored by Axarfusion.

New Clubs

We welcome some new teams to the League: Real Calahonda WFC, Internacionales Mollina WFC (from near Antequera), and Marbesula­Marbella. These additions will certainly strengthen the League and make it more competitive.

New Rules

After much discussion at Referee, Club and League Committee level, a new law has been introduced which pe­

nalises the fourth running offender by sending him/her off for five minutes, a punishment which should further discourage this infringement and eliminate such a large number of penalties, which sometimes dominated games in the past.

Last Season

A reminder that, last season AC Benahavis won the Over 50s League and The Walking Dead, now no longer with us, the Over 60s League and the League Cup. Malaga WFC won

the Eurocopa in Portugal and five of our league players represented Spain in the inaugural Walking Football World Nations Cup held at FA HQ in England, coming fourth out of 19 countries, with our League’s Andres Vallejo Herrmann being voted Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Tournament

As a prelude to the new season, a friendly tournament was organised by Malaga WFC at El Canadon last Saturday, which included two mixed age teams from the home club, two travelling teams from Stamford in Lincolnshire, UK, and one each from Marbesula, AC Benahavis and Real Calahonda. The entire tournament was noted for the spirit and camaraderie displayed by participants, both before, during and after the matches.

Marbesula ran out eventual and deserved winners and will prove a substantial force to be reckoned with over the coming months!

Djokovic’s Spanish skills Kuss wins 2023 Vuelta a España

WORLD number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic surprised everyone recently with his command of the Spanish language.

On Thursday, September 14, in Valencia, during the Davis Cup finals qualifiers, Djokovic took the spotlight not just for his tennis skills but for his attempt to converse in Spanish. The Serbian tennis star, known for his love of languages, confidently responded to the press in Spanish. He even paused the press conference to jot down a Spanish phrase, drawing laughter from the audience.

“What word is used to say I miss in Spanish?” Djokovic enquired of the journalists. After they promptly clarified this for him he continued: “Echar de menos, ok, one second,”

Djokovic remarked, taking a moment to save the phrase on his mobile. He amusingly labelled the expression as ‘very difficult’, eliciting laughter from those in attendance.

But Djokovic’s Spanish lesson didn’t end there. He showcased his impressive linguistic skills further by addressing the criticism directed at his formidable opponent, Carlos Alcaraz. The young player faced backlash for announcing his absence from the tournament due to exhaustion from recent matches.

“I always protect the players in situations like Alcaraz. Perhaps you’re upset he’s not here, given he’s 20 and I’m 36. How can he be more tired? He already played last year, after winning the US Open. That shows passion for his country.”

SEPP KUSS won the prestigious Vuelta a España 2023 cycling race which finished in the Spanish capital of Madrid on Sunday, September 17.

The Jumbo ­ Visma team rider became the first American to win one of the Grand Tours since Chris Horner won the same event 10 years ago.

As Kuss stood on the podium alongside his two teammates, the Dutch team created history by being the first to ever win all three Grand Tours in the same season.

Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, who won this year’s Tour de France, finished second, and Primoz Roglic, the Slovenian winner of the Giro

d’Italia came third, with the three all representing the Jumbo­Visma team.

Kuss was handed the famous red jersey after winning the eighth stage of the Spanish event and the 29year ­ old held onto it right until the end of the race.

Speaking after his victory, Kuss said: “This is like a fairytale. With Primoz winning in Italy and Jonas winning in France earlier this year, I wanted to be part of this team chasing the overall vic­

tory in the Vuelta. Standing here as the overall winner is something I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams,” according to teamjumbovisma.com.

On what was basically a processional stage for the general classification, the three Jumbo­Visma teammates crossed the finishing line with their arms linked.

As the peloton rode towards the finishing line in Madrid, it was the Australian Kaden Groves who managed

to sprint away from the rest of the field to clinch a dramatic victory in the final stage of 2023. He crossed the line ahead of Filippo Ganna from Italy, and Germany’s Nico Denz.

Earlier on Sunday it was announced that the 2024 La Vuelta would be starting in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon for the second time in the history of the event. It previously departed from the city back in 1997 to promote Expo­98.

Credit: Twitter@lavuelta

CREATING HISTORY: The La Vuelta 2023 podium in Madrid.

Andres World Cup Goalkeeper.