Mallorca 21 – 27 September 2023 Issue 1994

Issue No. 1994 21 - 27 September 2023

Coastal cleanup

IN August, the Ministry of the Sea and the Water Cycle’s coastal cleaning service removed an impressive 8,215.51 kilos of waste from the Balearic coasts. This effort is part of a campaign targeting the sanitation of bathing waters on the archipelago’s beaches and coves. Since its commencement in June, the campaign has successfully retrieved over 22.5 tons of waste.

Throughout the summer, 22 boats have been deployed across the Balearic Islands. Seventeen of these are ‘beach’ boats, collecting 6,626 kilos, while the five ‘coastal’ boats accounted for 1,589 kilos. Mallorca leads with 10 boats, followed by Menorca and Ibiza with five each, and Formentera with two.

These vessels do more than just collect floating debris. In Mallorca, remnants of a sunken boat and a damaged tyre were extracted. Meanwhile, Menorca’s haul included a log and a deceased goat. Plastic dominated the waste and comprised 43.40 per cent. By island, Mallorca reported 4,790 kilos, Menorca 2,327, Ibiza 882, and Formentera 215 kilos.

Cut-price parking AVIATION FUEL EXEMPTION

THE Government of the Balearic Islands is set to make a formal request to the Central Executive for an exemption from the new European Regulation on sustainable aviation fuels. Their plea extends to all the islands, and it aims to secure this exemption until the year 2030.

The rationale behind this request is to ensure equal treatment for all island territories, in recognition of the Balearic’s unique challenges. The islands heavily rely on air transport for their residents’ mobility, a reliance that significantly impacts air ticket prices.

The European Parliament’s approved text acknowledges the importance of safeguarding less connected European

regions, including islands and outermost regions, from disproportionate burdens resulting from the Regulation. It emphasises the need to guarantee these regions’ access to essential goods and services.

The Balearic Islands’ Ministry of Housing, Territory, and Mobility highlights the vital role of air transport in the archipelago’s mobility and its commitment to decarbonisation. While the Government welcomes the progressive use of sustainable fuels from 2025 as a step towards aviation decarbonisation, they deem it imperative to secure an exemption until 2030, aligning with the provisions for outermost regions such as the Canary Islands.

The Government asserts that the treatment of insularity­related issues, regardless of outermost region status, should be uniform. Their intention is to convey this stance to the government of Spain.

The compensation for insularity challenges should encompass all aspects affecting the Balearic Islands. Notably, the current high cost of biofuel, estimated to be between three and six times higher than conventional fuel according to the Airline Association (ALA), forecasts potential increases in air ticket prices.

Such increases could impact the mobility of island residents and the competitiveness of businesses established within the archipelago.

GOOD news for drivers in Mallorca! The Societat Municipal d’Aparcaments SA (SMAP) has announced a major price drop for three popular car parks. Starting on Monday, September 18, parking at Carrer Manacor, sa Riera, and Santa Pagesa will only cost €5 for the whole day. That’s a huge drop from the previous €15.

This change isn’t just about saving money. It’s also about encouraging people to leave their cars and explore Palma’s city centre by walking, cycling, or taking the bus.

Even better, if you park for more than four hours, you’ll only pay for the first four hours. After that, it'’s free for the day! This move is great for residents and helps reduce traffic in the heart of Palma.

Credit: Lukas Wunderlich/Shutterstock.com

Credit: Caib.es

PALMA AIRPORT: The islands heavily rely on air transport.

Cleaning campaign.

Betrayed trust

A 92-YEAR-OLD English widow residing in Mallorca has accused her Romanian caregiver, who has served her for a decade, of defrauding her of €240,000. The shocking revelation came to light in April when the elderly woman, identified only as AK, was informed by her bank that her account was overdrawn. This came as a shock as she had recently sold her house in February 2022, securing more than €300,000.

Upon visiting her bank, despite her frail health, AK clarified that she never used online banking, bank cards, or internet shopping, operating solely with cash. The bank then discovered that the contact number for online transactions was that of her caregiver. Shockingly, the caregiver admitted to making unauthorised payments totalling €214,000 through various online platforms, from TikTok to Google Payment, without her employer’s knowledge or consent.

Given AK’s advanced age and deteriorating health, her representative urged the court for a swift judicial process.

EMAYA has unveiled its latest environmental education initiative, ‘EMAYA at school,’ for the 2023­24 academic year. This innovative programme offers 14 diverse activities, ranging from workshops, music sessions, games for children, to visits at EMAYA’s facilities.

The focus remains on pivotal topics such as selective waste collection, recycling, civic behaviour, neighbourhood cleanliness, the water cycle, and climate change.

Building on the success of previous years, the programme continues to spotlight popular activities for younger students, notably featuring characters like Joanet Recicles and Tomeu Granera. The ‘Robotics and recycling’ activity, introduced two years ago, has already gained immense popularity.

Launched in the 2011­12 school year, ‘EMAYA at school’ aims to instil responsible water use, waste collection, and good environmental prac­

THE Serra de Tramuntana World Heritage Consortium, affiliated with the Consell de Mallorca, is relaunching its free coach service for Mallorca’s public and state­subsidised schools. This initiative, aimed at promoting excursions to the UNESCO­recognised World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana, is entering its ninth year. The primary goal is to immerse children in the cultural values that earned this region its esteemed international recognition.

Launched in 2014 and con­

Eco-education

tices. The ultimate goal is to engage families and foster a cleaner, more sustainable city. Last year alone, the programme reached 25,137 students across 145 institutions.

This year’s response has been overwhelming. In the first week of bookings, nearly 400 sessions have been confirmed for over 12,000 students.

Mountain Magic

sistently renewed since the 2016/2017 academic year, the programme is rooted in the belief of ‘knowing and appreciating the Serra to conserve it’. Direct interaction with the land offers a unique insight into the centuries­old efforts to adapt to its challenging terrain, highlighted by the dry stone constructions and intricate Muslim­influenced hydraulic systems.

Last academic year, from

January to June, 10,079 students and teachers embarked on 204 excursions, with destinations including Raixa, Valldemossa, and Sóller. This year, the Consortium aims to exceed this figure of 10,000 schoolchildren benefiting from the service. Llorenç Galmés, president of the Consortium and the Consell de Mallorca, has already sent guidelines to schools detailing how to utilise this free transport.

Charity market

THE renowned Fundacion RANA charity market is making a welcome return on Saturday, September 30, from 9.00am to 6.00pm.

This year, the event promises to be a great experience for bargain hunters at the scenic Parc de la Mar ­ S’Hort del Rei, Palma. Visitors can immerse themselves in a huge selection of second ­ hand treasures, from cherished toys, clothing, books, to furniture.

A standout attraction is the ‘Boutique Exclusivo’ stall, which will proudly display brand ­ new designer wear, all generously donated by local island boutiques, reflecting the community’s spirit of giving.

As you navigate the stalls, the Petit Cafe beckons with its refreshing drinks and delectable treats, ensuring a delightful shopping experience. Importantly, every purchase contributes to RANA’s noble mission to eradicate child sexual abuse in the Balearic Islands.

Since its inception in 2006, RANA has been a pillar of strength, working

RETURN: Charity market 2022.

tirelessly to raise awareness and provide support. According to RANA: “we hold workshops, informative talks, storytelling, awareness campaigns, customer service and therapeutic care for adults who were victims of abuse in their childhood.”

Everything will be run by dedicated RANA volunteers on the day, eager to share the foundation’s goals and its lasting impact.

WELCOME

EDUCATION INITIATIVE: Emaya at school.

Credit: Palma.cat

Road works

THE Consell de Mallorca is investing €530,949 to upgrade key urban roads in Soller, untouched for 25 years. The Ma­2122 and Ma­2123 improvements will benefit school access and other essential routes. Completion is expected by early October.

New role

MARIA ISABEL SAEZ SASTRE is the new secretary general of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports for the Balearic islands. A law graduate from the University of the Balearic Islands, she has over 15 years of service in the Autonomous Community and has held key roles in various ministries.

Blood drive

THE Governing Council has greenlit the Balearic Blood and Tissue Bank Foundation and the Balearic Islands Blood and Tissue Foundation’s combined budget of €1.232 million. The foundation aims to achieve 39,000 whole blood donations in the coming years.

TV trash

A TOURIST in Magaluf received a six­month prison sentence for throwing a €550 television out of a hotel window in June 2019. The Balearic Court upheld the verdict and he was also ordered to compensate the hotel for the damage.

ITV series

FILMING for a new ITV series entitled ‘Joan’ took place in Colonia de Sant Jordi last week. ‘Game of Thrones’ star Sophie Turner appeared with actor Frank Dillane. The filming included a steamy love scene which caught the attention of everyone.

Nightclub fall

A TOURIST of unknown nationality was saved by National and Local Police in Playa de Palma nightclub. The young woman fell and severely injured her elbow causing major blood loss.

Artistic showcase

AHOY! Art Gallery is set to host a captivating evening dedicated to Mallorcan artistry. The event, scheduled for today, Thursday, September 21 between 7pm and 9pm, promises to be a visual treat for art enthusiasts.

Salva Ginard, a renowned artist from Palma de Mallorca, will be gracing the event with his striking large ­ scale portraits. These artworks have garnered admiration globally, making Ginard a name to reckon with in the art world.

Joining him is Nuria Bosch, another talent from Mallorca, marking her debut at the AHOY! Art

Gallery. Bosch’s interpretations of iconic Spanish themes, such as ‘the Meninas by Velazquez’, are in ­

YOUR EWN HAS

fused with a contemporary touch, making her works stand out.

Completing the trio is Sarah Pipkin from Spain. Her latest series, ‘The Unfinished’, is a poignant reflection of her journey with breast cancer. Pipkin’s monochrome, intentionally incomplete portraits are a testament to life’s uncertainties and the inherent beauty in the undefined.

This Mallorcan art evening promises to be a celebration of local talent. Don’t miss out on this artistic rendezvous.

Tarmac tangle Cultural unity

ON Tuesday, September 19, two aircraft unexpectedly collided on the tarmac at Mallorca Son Sant Joan airport. The incident involved a Condor plane, en route to Frankfurt, and an Air Europa aircraft, fresh from its BarcelonaPalma journey.

The Air Europa plane, while nearing the terminal, inadvertently hit the tail of the stationary Condor aircraft. This led to notable damage to Air Europa’s wing, though it remained intact. Despite the setback, the plane reached the terminal, en­

suring passengers disembarked safely.

One passenger recounted how there was a distinct sound when the plane slowed down just before the collision. Everyone on board remained calm, and reportedly no one was hurt.

Rescue teams quickly inspected the plane, while passengers were instructed to stay in their seats until they were transported to the terminal. AENA is actively investigating the incident to ensure that such events are avoided in the future.

FOR the first time, the Council of Mallorca is opening its premier cultural centres in Palma for Art Night. La Misericordia, the city’s and island’s grandest cultural space, is set to be a hub of exhibitions, music, and art. This significant event will also see the unveiling of the well and three new exhibition rooms. The M3/Trobades proposal in phase V will feature the CAA Andratx galleries, the BIBI Gallery, the Maior Gallery, and eight artists at the Pati de Rentadores de la Misericordia.

Antonia Roca, Vice­President of the Council of Mallorca and Minister of Culture and Heritage, stated, “The largest cultural building in the city and on the island could not stand back during such an important

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

New beginnings

ON Tuesday, September 19, at Palma City Council’s Hall of Sessions, 36 administrative assistants officially took their oaths, signifying their new roles within the council. After successfully navigating a rigorous selection process, they either swore or promised to uphold their duties.

COUNCILLOR Jaume

Bauza, Mallorca’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, alongside General Director of Culture, Pedro Vidal, met with M del Mar and Amerique Matas of Apropa Cultura Balears on Monday, September 18.

The association’s mission is ‘to build bridges between the cultural and social spheres’. They discussed the association’s efforts to offer affordable cultural events for those at risk of social exclusion or with disabilities. The annual campaign highlights the transformative power of culture.

Apropa Cultura Mallorca, a

Art Night

evening for contemporary art.” She emphasised the importance of cultural centres like the Principal Theatre, Palau del Consell, the Museum of Mallorca, and the Cultural Centre Concepcio 12 in radiating culture.

The well of Misericordia, discovered over 20 years ago, will be accessible to the public, showcasing its 256 square metres of space. The Main Theatre will spotlight its rich history and relationship with the city, featuring a contemporary dance solo by Magdalena Garzon.

The Palau del Consell de Mallorca will offer guided tours of its pictorial collection.

network of cultural programmers, collaborates with theatres, festivals, and museums to ensure vulnerable groups have access to regular events. They also organise training to foster dialogue between the social and cultural realms.

Palma’s mayor, Jaime Martinez Llabres, warmly congratulated the new inductees, stating, “With your addition as civil servants, we all benefit ­ the citizens, the city council, and yourselves.” Deputy mayor of Finance, Mercedes Celeste, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the “progression in their professional career and much­needed stability” that comes with their new roles. The ceremony was a heartfelt affair, attended by proud family members and several councillors.

MALLORCAN ART: On at the Ahoy Art gallery.

Credit: ahoygallery.com

Building bridges.

Photo credit: Caib.es

Heroic rescue

A 30-YEAR-OLD woman was saved from near­drowning at Can Pere Antoni beach in Palma on Sunday, September 17. The incident unfolded around 10.25am, when she suffered a cramp 150 metres from shore.

Several off ­ duty lifeguards, present at the scene, broke into the lifeguard post to retrieve equipment before diving in to assist.

A beachgoer promptly dialled 112. The woman had swallowed significant water, putting her in grave danger.

Notably, the official lifeguard service starts at 11am, yet the Balearic Autonomous Law mandates a reactive lifeguard presence whenever the beach is operational.

Rock finalists

THE Balearic Islands Velodrom in Palma witnessed a thrilling semi-final this past weekend, where six acts emerged victorious, securing their spots in the grand finale of the Pop Rock Competition 2023. The finalists are Negre, Guille & The Waves, Ultraviolet, The Ripples, Maria Antonia, and Lidia Roman.

These talented groups and soloists will now battle it out on September 30 at Ses Voltes, with the winner walking away with a contract worth €3,000 and the opportunity to perform at the Revetla de Sant Sebastia 2024. The second and thirdplace winners will also get a chance to perform at the

Revetla de Sant Sebastia, earning contracts of €2,000 and €1,000 respectively.

The jury for this edition includes Carme Castells of the Mallorca Literary Foundation; Pau Fornes from Mallorca Lives; Pazzis Veiret Sautter, composer and member of The T-Makers; and Maria Hein, 2021 Enderrock award-

Theatre rebuild

PRESIDENT Llorenc

Galmes of the Consell de Mallorca visited the Defensora theatre in Soller, which recently collapsed.

winning artist. For the grand finale, they will be joined by Juanjo Monserrat, a recent two-time Latin Grammy winner for his song ‘Tacones rojos’ performed by Sebastian Yatra. The qualifying judges praised the high quality of entries for the Pop Rock 2023 final, noting the challenge in selecting winners.

Equine therapy boosts well-being In Calvia

RESIDENTS of Llar de Calvia and its day centre are embracing a new equine therapy programme. Offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this initiative allows 68 individuals to engage with horses within the residence’s facilities, thanks to a partnership with Es Pas de Calvia Equestrian Club.

The programme, overseen by the centre’s psychologist, Josefina Riera, featured ponies Taca and Poncho in its inaugural session. This innovative therapy model shifts the resident’s role. Instead of being cared for, they care for the horse, involving themselves in tasks like feeding and grooming. “The horse captures the resident’s attention, promoting cognitive stimulation, physical engagement, and memory rein­

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

forcement,” Riera explained.

Juan Caimari, manager of Llar de Calvia, highlighted the deeper significance of the therapy. “The value of equine therapy for the elderly transcends the immediate experience. It’s about the emotional connections they form and the cognitive skills they develop. Some residents have limited mobility, preventing them from outdoor activities. With equine therapy, we bring these experiences to their doorstep,” Caimari remarked.

Juana María Prats, deputy mayor for the Elderly said: “Anything that uplifts our residents’ quality of life is invaluable. We should cherish our achievements, seek areas of improvement, and remain open to fresh opportunities.”

“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.

During his visit, Galmes expressed the Consell’s full support in its reconstruction, stating, “The duty of the Consell is to be devoted to the town councils.

“Especially in difficult times.” He added, “The Consell de Mallorca will participate in the reconstruction of the theatre, which is so important for the island and for all the people of Soller.”

The theatre, dating from the second half of the 19th century, was undergoing refurbishment when it collapsed.

The total cost of the rebuild remains unknown.

1 Spanish speaker for every 2.65 English speakers globally.

THRILLING: The Pop Rock semi-finals 2023.

Credit: Palma.cat

Mobility fest

ON Saturday, September 23, Calvia is set to celebrate European Mobility Day. The day kicks off with a family cycle ride at 9.00am from the Municipal Tax Office, organised with the Calvia Cycling Club.

Shortly afterwards, a popular walk from Palmanova to Bendinat begins, in collaboration with the Marxaires of Calvia. The Mobility Fair, starting at 10.00am, promises four hours of activities including a children’s road safety park, games, and a mini electric train ride through Palmanova. The day is set to be filled with music, storytelling sessions at 11.00am and 12.00pm, and the ‘BiblioRoulotte’ service from Calvia Libraries.

IN a stirring display of community spirit, The Larrick ECMO Project, in collaboration with the JoyRon Foundation and backed by Son Espases Hospital, is hosting a charity event titled ‘Thank You’ on Saturday, October 7. This event is not just another evening out, it’s a call to arms for the residents of Mallorca.

Attendees can expect an evening of music, with live performances from:

Larrick Ebanks, Albie Davis and Izzy Newman. Also included is a threecourse meal, drinks, an auction, and a raffle. But beyond the festivities, the heart of the event beats for a profound mission.

The main objective of the evening is to raise funds for an ECMO machine, an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system, crucial for heart and lung emergencies at Son Espases Hospital. The fundraising target

Thank You

enduring 11 challenging months in the hospital, which included three months in a coma and five in ICU, Larrick’s recovery, significantly aided by the ECMO, stands as a testament to human resilience and the miracles of modern medicine.

The Larrick ECMO Project is calling on individuals, businesses, and philanthropists to come together for this most worthy cause. By participating in this event, attendees not only enjoy a memorable evening but also contribute directly to bolstering the region’s medical capabilities, offering a beacon of hope to those facing life’s most challenging moments.

stands at €40,000 for the ECMO and an additional €30,000 for a heating machine.

Heroic recognition

THE mayor of Palma, Jaime Martinez Llabres, commended Local Police officers Toni Izquierdo and Manuel Sanchez on Tuesday, September 19. The duo had voluntarily travelled to Morocco to assist those affected by the devastating earthquake on September 8. During their audience at the council headquarters,

Mayor Llabres praised their ‘generosity and sense of solidarity’, noting they ‘didn’t hesitate to put themselves in service of Moroccan citizens in a situation of maximum emergency’. The mayor has shown a keen interest in the officers’ humanitarian efforts during their stay in the quake­hit regions.

The story of Larrick Ebanks, the driving force behind the project, is both harrowing and inspiring. After

For sponsorships, donations, collaborations and ticket information, please contact Larrick: larrickmu sic@gmail.com, + 34 664 033 490 or Sufiah: sufiahs@gmail.com, +34 654 624 189.

Councillor controversy

THE Som Avi­EL PI coalition has demanded the resignation of the pro­independence councillor of Esquerra Oberta de Bunyola, Joan Luna, after he displayed a banner against Vox deputy for the Balearic Islands, Jorge Campos, and another promoting ‘Palmanyola independent’. The coalition ‘roundly’ condemns these posters, criticising ‘the insults to a democratically elected person’ and ‘the mockery of Palmanyola’. They believe the second banner was displayed in a ‘mocking tone’, aiming to ‘belittle Palmanyola’s residents’. The parties assert that such acts tarnish Bunyola’s image and have given Luna 15 days to resign.

Credit: Larrick Ebanks/Facebook

ECMO PROJECT: Larrick Ebanks, third from left.

Music teachers sworn in

IN a heartfelt ceremony on Tuesday, September 5, which was presided over by Palma’s Mayor, Jaime Martinez Llabres, 12 music teachers and a lecturer were officially inducted as civil servants of Palma City Council. They will be joining the Simfovents Municipal Music Band, teaching a variety of musical instruments.

During the event, the new civil servants and their families were visibly moved as they took their oaths or made

their promises. Mayor Martinez Llabres congratulated the inductees, stating, “the

American Car Show

JOIN the festivities at Port Adriano’s central square for the American Car Show! Enthusiasts can expect to see over 50 classic cars, groove to live performances and enjoy gastronomic delights from numerous food outlets.

The event, which is perfect for a family day out, is on Sunday, September 24 and runs from 11.00am to 5.00pm. The planned schedule is as follows:

11.00 Opening of exhibition and food trucks

11.30 ONE MAN ROCKS performance

12.30 ELVIS PRESLEY performance

13.15 Performance Juanito Perchas

14.00 Pin­Up Contest

music band is a fundamental element in the life of our city and in this town hall, and it is

essential that the musicians have the stability that you have earned.” He also wished them “good luck in this new stage and may you continue to bring the joy of your music to all parts of the city.”

Mercedes Celeste, head of the Department of Finance, Public Administration and Internal Government, praised the new civil servants for their hard work and dedication, saying, “thank you for your hard work and the support of your families.”

Bold eco transition

THE Minister of Business, Employment and Energy, Alejandro Saenz de San Pedro, unveiled his ecological transition roadmap in a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday. Saenz de San Pedro emphasised the government’s dedication, stating, “We are going to put all the means to carry out an ecological and energetic transition in an intelligent way, congruent and in accordance with the commitments we have with the public, with the government of Spain and with the European Union.”

He pledged to bolster the Balearic Islands’ decarbonisation efforts and approve the mandatory Energy Transition and Climate Change Plan, of­

ON Saturday, September 16, the Council of Mallorca showcased its maritime heritage with five traditional Mallorcan boats at the 27th Latin Sailing Day. Among them was ‘La Balear’, built in 1924 by Astilleros Ballester de Palma. The vessel is set to mark its centenary next year, and was declared a cultural asset in 1998.

Pedro Bestard, the second vice­president and advisor to the environment, expressed ‘all his support for the dissemination and preservation of our maritime heritage, which represents the tradition of Latin sailing in Mallorca’. The event saw participation from around 50 vessels.

fering a ‘transparent’ guide for citizens and businesses. The minister highlighted the need for an ‘economically, socially and environmentally’ sustainable model, adding an emotional dimension: “We all have to believe in the ecological transition. It cannot be a matter of propaganda or photos.” The government views the ecological transition as a tool for generating opportunities and attracting investments. The ministry plans to streamline procedures for public and private projects, ensuring a clear regulatory framework for renewables. Lastly, Saenz de San Pedro promised enhancements to the electric car recharging network (MELIB).

Heritage sail

PALMA CEREMONY: New music teachers were inducted.

Pedro Bestard and Luis Rubi on board the Balearic.

Credit: Conselldeallorca.cat

Over 50 classic cars.

Credit: Portadriano.com

Scientists warn of aftershocks

John Ensor

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 opera­

Brown bear saved

A BROWN bear that somehow managed to get its head stuck inside a plastic container was saved from certain death by a team of specialists in Castilla y León.

As detailed in a statement by the Junta de Castilla y León, a resident of the town of Anllares del Sil spotted the stricken animal in trouble on Wednesday morning, September 13.

The individual reported the sighting to the staff of the Fundación Oso Pardo, with the foundation subsequently referring the matter to the specialised staff of the Junta de Castilla y León.

They immediately deployed environmental officers and a team from the Bear Patrols of the Natural Heritage Foundation of Castilla y León to the reported location.

Also dispatched to the scene were clinical veteri­

narians belonging to the network of wildlife centres of the Junta de Castilla y León.

After a rapid assessment of the situation, the veterinary team fired an anaesthetic dart at the bear. Around 12 minutes later, the creature was in a deep sleep.

He was found to be a brown male bear weighing

98.5 kg, and showing no specific signs of dehydration. The team members immediately proceeded to remove the drum from his head. Once they had removed it, while he was still unconscious, a collar was placed on the animal to allow it to be geolocated in the future.

The animal was then released back into the wild.

tions 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.

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 significant 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

Valeria 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.

WELL STUCK: The brown bear’s head was inside a container.

Credit: Twitter@naturalezacyl

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, only 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, ad­

vocate 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.

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 chal­

Restrict screen time requested

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 tailored to suit individual family and child needs based on age.

lenge 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.

Paediatricians recommend 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 locations for screen use are communal areas within the family home: “There’s a higher risk when screens are used in places like bathrooms or bedrooms.”

OVERFISHED: Numerous measures are essential.

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.

Lower prices

9 OUT 10 CUSTOMERS RECOMMEND US

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.

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IS IN ENGLISH

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 -

S´not another rant

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

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

EXPAT2EXPAT REWARD PROGRAMME

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. You can recommend up to 10 people and earn up to €300 in cash per year. Simply ask your friend to call 917 002 006 and quote your full name. Then once their application for car, bike or home insurance has been approved, Línea Directa will pay the reward straight into the bank account following payment of next or first premium. For more information, see terms and conditions at lineadirec ta.com

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.

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 lesssurprise surprise, consid ­

ered 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.

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

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

PETS

NUKKA the Labradoodle is a particular favourite on House SitMatch.com.

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

Caring for Nukka the Labradoodle

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 HouseSitMatch.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 housesit match.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

Best dog breed for star sign

FOR dog owners looking to form a close bond with their pets, an astrologer claims to have the answer.

According to an online astrologist known as Bella (@as trobellaluna), the secret to the perfect match between a man and his best friend is written in the stars. The stargazer published a list of dog breeds that she claims will correspond directly to human owners of certain zodiac signs.

Aries: The Chihuahua, ‘because they destroy everything and fight with everyone in the street.’

Taurus: The English Bulldog, ‘because they love to sleep all day and get dirty faces when they eat, as well as being very expensive to keep.’

Gemini: The Yorkshire Terrier, who ‘bark excessively and are too nosey for their own good.’

Cancer: The Pug, because ‘they always look a bit sad and are as clingy as hell,’

Leo : The Afghan Hound, ‘Look at their hair, their confidence...! Come on, this dog knows he’s a star.’

Virgo: The Border Collie, ‘they live to serve and will herd your sheep for free without asking for anything in return.’

Libra: The Bichon Frisé, ‘because they were bred to please people and always have to look good before they leave the house.’

Scorpio: The Pitbull, ‘because they are ‘misunderstood.’

Sagittarius : The Husky, ‘Look at this guy, he’s ready for adventure.’

Capricorn : The German Shepherd because, ‘of all the breeds, they have the highest employment rate.’

Aquarius: The English Bull Terrier ‘because it looks so strange and adorable at the same time.’

Pisces: The Pomeranian, ‘Emotionally needy, physically lazy, but very loving and compassionate.’

READER OFFER

Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com. House-sitting is a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount code 20EWN .

Nukka meets her dog-sitter.

BUY & SELL

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

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

DRIVING SCHOOL FOR SALE/WANTED

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

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

INSURANCE

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

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

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

OTHERS REMOVALS/STORAGE

Male/Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com (294955)

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.

“I know he loves representing Spain and I’m sure he’s going to win the Davis Cup with his national team. Don’t be angry with him. I myself have not played this tournament for many years, and the reaction in my country has been bad,” Djokovic said sportingly.

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

The Jumbo­Visma 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 29­year­old 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 victory 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 Jumbo ­ Visma 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.