Costa del Sol 28 September – 4 October 2023 Issue 1995

SAN PEDRO FAIR

THE preparations for the San Pedro Alcantara Fair 2023, which will take place from October 16 to 22, have taken a new

step with the presentation of the announcing poster, selected through an online vote. The winner, from among the 80

submitted, is the work of the artist Juan Francisco Castro

Turn to page 2

Fernández.

POSTER UNVEILED: Fiesta time is here again.

Photo: Ayuntamiento San Pedro Alcántara

Benalmadena Full Moon Walk

BENALMADENA Is getting ready to enjoy the ‘Full Moon’ Solidarity Walk, which will be held on Friday, September 29, starting at 7.30pm, in Cadena, to continue along the ascent to Cañada del Lobo, where the walk finishes in an area with one of the most spectacular views of the Costa del Sol.

The Sports councillor, Jesica Trujillo, has invited residents and visitors to, “enjoy this beautiful initiative in an incomparable setting in Benalmadena.” The route, eight kilometres in its entirety, “was born from the idea of some friends who want to combine the enjoyment of the mountains with a solidarity initiative,” the councillor said.

In order to register it is necessary to present a kilo of food or clothes before the start. Once you arrive at the Cañada del Lobo, a dinner is planned while watching “spectacular views of the bay of Malaga,” added Trujillo. There will also be a raffle with small gifts donated by local businesses.

“Last year 1,200 kilos of food were collected and donated to Bancosol and this year we hope we will also have a very good turnout and that Benalmádena will be the capital of solidarity, as it has been with many events of this type that have been held in the municipality,” added the councillor.

Classic Cars on display

THE 11th City of Marbella Classic Car Show will bring together around 40 models from different parts of Spain from September 28 to 30. The deputy mayor of San Pedro Alcantara, Javier García, together with the Director General of Tourism, Rubén García; the president of the Costa del Sol Historic Vehicle Club, José Luis Arredondo, and the businessman Pepe Romero launched the event.

“This an initiative that has become a benchmark in the autumn calendar and with which we will continue to collaborate in the future because it is an attractive and proposal that is closely linked to luxury, one of the hallmarks of the municipality,” said Javier García.

Fans will be able to enjoy these vintage cars on Friday

29th from 8pm, in Avenida de Marqués del Duero and, afterwards, they will drive through the main streets of San Pedro until midnight. The event will also include a gala dinner at the EME de Miguel restaurant. The calendar of activities will continue on Saturday 30 in the morning with a visit to

Estepona and a second tour of San Pedro, Puerto Banus and Marbella, where the vehicles will be on display between 1pm and 5pm. All of the cars taking part are pre1965, the oldest from 1929, and are from different parts of Spain such as Pontevedra, Vitoria, Murcia, Madrid, Huelva, Jaén and Córdoba.

The poster was unveiled at the Finca de la Caridad, which will once again be the venue for the fair for the second year running. The deputy mayor of San Pedro Alcantara, Javier García, has announced that the fairground, with just four weeks to go until the fiestas begin, is making progress in its preparations.

The installation of the stands is currently underway, as well as gardening, painting and electrical work. “We will also soon be holding security and mobility meetings to take care of every last detail,” he said.

The queens, king and ladies of the fair were also present at the presentation of the poster, together with the councillor for Fiestas, Yolanda Marín who said, “the poster is a very beautiful work that also shows the family nature of these days.”

She also said that the programme, which will be announced soon, “will be very extensive and which we hope will meet the expectations of all our citizens and visitors.”

ON SHOW: Vintage cars come to the Costa del Sol.

Photo: Marbella City Council

5 major soil types are found in Spain.

New Aldi

ALDI will open its first supermarket in San Pedro Alcantara next year. The 1,000sqm store will be located in the northern area of San Pedro Alcantara near Mercadona and the aim is to open its doors in the middle of 2024.

A7 roadworks

BETWEEN September 25 and October 31 one lane will be shut in both directions on the A7 as it passes through Fuengirola, Mijas and Marbella. On Mondays, traffic will be affected between midnight and 6am, and Tuesday to Friday from 10pm to 6am.

August record

MARBELLA closed August with a near record number of visitors and also an increase in overnight stays. There was however, a decrease in average length of stay although hotel profitability continued to rise and more hotels open yearly.

Boost needed

THE San Pedro Urban Race needs a boost in the number of registrations. This five­kilometre race is a classic in the city’s sports calendar but numbers are declining. This year it takes place on October 12 at the Paseo Marítimo in San Pedro Alcántara.

Traffic jams

THE Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) has called on the Ministry of Public Works to find solutions to the daily traffic jams on the Costa del Sol’s roads especially during the summer season. Road traffic is ‘slow and dangerous’, said the organisation.

Gib treaty

CARETAKER Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, reaffirmed his commitment to a UK/EU treaty on Gibraltar in a speech to the UN. Talks will resume when there is a new government in Spain and after Gibraltar’s own general election on October 12.

Benalmadena Coastal Path

BENALMADENA has held a Tourism Round Table, led by the mayor, Presi Aguilera, with representatives from: the Association of Businessmen and Traders of Benalmadena (ACEB) and the Association of Hotel Businessmen of the Costa del Sol (AEHCOS), among others to discuss the reactivation of the Coastal Path project.

The mayor explained that the meeting will be held periodically at least once every two months, “with the possibility of holding other meetings from time to time to deal

YOUR EWN HAS

with specific issues, such as the Coastal Path.” Aguilera said, the town hall, “is taking giant steps with the new government team, as they are speeding up the procedures to get it underway, planning its route and the works by sections, a project that will be a clear boost for the entire tourism sector of our coastline.

“These Tourism Committees will address key issues in tourism,” Aguilera said, adding we aim to, “involve diverse groups in the creation of a model of a cutting­edge town.”

Apartment auctioned ‘Hooky’ goods seized

FOOTBALLER Predrag Mijatovic’s property in Marbella is being auctioned off after the former Real Madrid footballer admitted to having defrauded the tax authorities.

In 1997, Mijatovi ć was named runner ­ up for the Ballon d’Or, behind Ronaldo and, after his playing career, he served as director of football for Real Madrid from 2006 to 2009. Twenty ­ five years since his goal in the Johan Cruyff stadium in Amsterdam, which gave Real Madrid their seventh European Cup, the Tax Agen­

cy will put his flat in Marbella up for auction.

According to a news source, the ‘hero of the seventh’ admitted four years ago to having defrauded the tax authorities, owing €189,535 and agreed to pay penalties amounting to €250,000.

To cover this, the Tax Agency ordered the seizure of the home acquired by the Montenegrin in 2017, valued at €613,400. It is an apartment located on the beachfront in a luxurious urbanisation in Cabopino, very close to the marina.

THE Local Police intercepted more than 7,000 counterfeit products this summer in the Marbella area as part of the street vending control campaigns. Puerto Banus and the Paseo Marítimo were the two main places where the goods have been seized between June and August.

The head of the Local Police, Javier Martín, explained that, “these items have been seized during the summer, mainly in Puerto Banus and on the Paseo Maríti ­

700 years of history

A JOURNEY through 700 years of history, at the click of a button has been made possible by the Junta de Andalucia through @rchivAWeb, with more than 34,000 digitised images of documents from Andalucian archives, ranging from 1260 to 1980.

With this advance in digital dissemination the Regional Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has taken another step forward in its objective of bringing the documentary heritage of Andalucia documentary heritage closer to the public.

Specifically, the Directorate General for

114 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Remembering Michael Collins

Documentary and Bibliographic Heritage and Cultural Innovation and Promotion has made available to the public more than 4,800,000 images that make up these documents, which cover a time span of more than seven centuries. In a matter of seconds, those interested will have access to documents to view and download them, both in high and low resolution.

Thousands more will be added to these images of documents in the coming months, due to the continuous growth and updating of this information system.

mo, although surveillance is carried out throughout the municipality.”

Martín pointed out that the operations are carried out throughout the year, but are intensified during the summer.

“The sale of these counterfeit products is very detrimental to local commerce so these campaigns are pursued to support business,” said the police chief, who explained that the articles seized include handbags, glasses and belts, among others.

ON Saturday, October 7 at 2pm at Finca La Mota, friends of Michael Collins are getting together to celebrate his life. Michael was not just a member of the community, he was a cherished presence who touched the lives of everyone he met. As a loving husband to Pat and a devoted father, Michael recently marked the incredible milestone of 51 years of marriage. His commitment to his family was unwavering, and his love for them was immeasurable.

All those who had the privilege of knowing Michael are invited to honour his memory and surround Pat with warmth and the shared recollections of the extraordinary man he was.

BENALMADENA: “A cutting-edge town.”

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Beata77

AT around 3.30am on the morning of Sunday September 24, emergency services

112 received several alerts that cars in a private parking area in Calle Rio Danubio in Nueva Andalucia, a suburb of Marbella, were on fire.

By the time that the Marbella fire brigade and Local Police arrived, it was too late to save any of the vehicles but it was possible to contain the blaze so it did not spread to nearby buildings.

A total of 14 vehicles, the majority of which may be considered luxury models were destroyed or damaged and it appears from first reports that all bore Lithuanian number plates and may have been

Up in smoke

available for private hire.

Sources from the Fire Fighting and Rescue Service have reported that an investigation will be undertaken in order to discover why the blaze started, as it could be the result of arson, a design fault or electri­

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

Start a business in rural Andalucia

cal system failure.

Many car fires are also started by fuel leaks onto a hot engine but considering the fact that fire broke out at such a late time, it seems unlikely that this would be the reason.

TOWNS in Malaga are being sought to increase their population and reactivate their economy. The ‘Holapueblo’ project is looking for towns with less than 5,000 inhabitants in order to collaborate with local councils by putting them in contact with people who wish to live and start a business in rural Spain. In the Malaga Province there are currently 77 villages that meet the requirements to participate.

This is the fourth year of the ‘Holapueblo’ project. In its three previous years, the platform has helped 34 Spanish villages to increase their population. A total of 133 people belonging to 51 families have settled in them and 30 businesses

have been set up in sectors as diverse as rural accommodation, bakery, craft workshops or services for the elderly. The profile of the ‘holapueblers’ corresponds to 80 per cent of people between 35 and 50 years of age and 53 per cent are couples with children.

The municipalities most affected by depopulation and ageing are located in

inland, mountainous and rural areas. The aim of this campaign is to promote the repopulation and economic development of rural Spain. Town councils committed to rural development and looking for new settlers, offering the opportunity to connect with people who want to settle in rural areas and contribute to their communities.

Joining forces to promote Mijas golf

MIJAS has sealed alliances with the Andalucian golf federation to develop joint actions in tourism fairs. The first deputy mayor and councillor for Tourism, José Carlos Martín said, “We are an international benchmark as a golf destination and by joining forces with the federation and the Mijas Golf Courses Association we will be able to multiply our results and have a greater impact.”

The first event in this initiative will be in Lisbon at the International Golf Travel Market in mid ­ October. The president of the Mijas Golf Courses Association, Domingo Gavira said, “our idea is to promote the destination of Mijas, the promotion of our

golf courses, but also to make holiday packages to bring golfers from all parts of Europe and the world to Mijas.”

Looking ahead to 2024, the Mijas Council and the 12 golf courses in the municipality, now with the support of the Andalucian federation, will continue to work to consoli­

date the brand ‘Mijas, Sol y Golf’. The president of the Andalucian Golf Federation, Miguel Navarro said that, “one of the advantages we have here in Andalucia is the great variety of golf courses, and the clear example we see in Mijas where we have courses that are very different from each other.”

PRIVATE PARKING: Scene of devastation as luxury cars ignite.

Credit: Marbella Se Queja Instagram

Andalucia seeks under-45s to repopulate rural towns.

Photo: pxhere CC

JOINING FORCES: Golf alliances at Mijas.

Photo : Mijas Town Hall

“The cat is out of the bag.”

This means that a secret has been told carelessly or by mistake. It stems from the Middle Ages and was common advice given in the marketplace.

1st King of England said everyone had to be in bed by 8pm.

Sustainable tourism in Marbella

THE Andalucia Lab tourism innovation centre has hosted a meeting of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) expert group on sustainability measurement at its headquarters in Marbella, with the presence of some 80 participants, all specialists in this field.

The meeting, which is the fourth meeting of this group, promotes the collection of reliable data that will facilitate the transformation of the tourism industry. The panel of experts is formed by the UNWTO with the support of leading countries, the International Labour Organisation, the United Nations and private companies, with the aim of leading the development of a statistical framework to measure sustainability in the tourism industry.

The director for the Management of Tourism and Sport of Andalucia, Lisardo Morán, said at the opening of the meeting that the

community, “is recognised as a region committed to the principles of sustainable tourism development.”

The Regional Ministry of Tourism, guided by the OECD and with funding from the European Commission, is collaborating with Navarre, the Valencian Community and Catalonia to establish a common system for using data

Family Paddle Surfing

THE ‘T’ breakwater, on the beach of San Francisco in Fuengirola, will host on Friday September 29, a day of Family Paddle Surfing, as reported by the councillor for Sports, Julio Rodriguez, who explained that the activity is included in the programming of ‘Fuengirola en Forma’ and will run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, coinciding with the commemoration of World Heart Day. Those interested in participating can book a place by sending a WhatsApp message to the telephone number 660 545 171.

“Today we present another of the activities we have prepared for World Heart Day, which is celebrated this Friday September 29,” explained Rodríguez, adding that, “it will be an introductory course for those who have not yet had contact with the board. The course will start dry, from the beach, to know how we

have to move on the board. We are lucky enough to have real professionals who will guide the participants to get into the sea with these giant boards that can hold up to six or seven people.”

to measure sustainable tourism.

The Marbella meeting of the group, which had participants from 32 countries, marked a milestone in the process of finalising the statistical framework to be presented in March 2024 to the United Nations Statistical Commission for adoption as an international standard for sustainable tourism.

Inclusivity at the fair

THE San Miguel Fair of Torremolinos has kicked off with a wide ­ ranging programme and inclusive services so everyone can get involved. The fair will take place during the day in the different squares in the centre of Torremolinos and at night in the fairgrounds and its stalls.

The Fair runs until Sunday October 1, with stalls, music, live performances, dances, DJs and entertainment , all with free admission. This fair has a series of services that make it a fair for everyone.

As a novelty, among others, there will be a safety route, a friendly space in the auditori­

um, a breastfeeding room, a reduced mobility platform in the auditorium and the distribution of hearing protectors. Every day of the fair, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, the fairgrounds will be closed to music players so that children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder can also enjoy the event.

Andalucia is committed to sustainable development.

FUENGIROLA: Paddling for World Heart Day.

Photo: Fuengirola Town Hall

Council promotes social inclusion

MARBELLA City Council has renewed the collaboration agreement with the Global Gift Foundation, with a grant of €20,000, to continue supporting the social work and care for 300 families that is currently being carried out at the ‘Casa Ángeles’ centre.

The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, who signed the agreement together with the president of the organisation, María Bravo, said this is a “great project that is being promoted for children with special needs.”

This project was made possible after the Consistory ceded the ‘Casa la Panocha’ plot of land to the foundation for a day centre that opens its doors to different social entities, offering them the opportunity to share space, experiences, resources and workshops. “We are once again granting this aid of €20,000 with which we are committed to continue to support initiatives of this type that have both private support and significant support from volunteers,” said the mayor, who congratulated the selfless work of María Bravo and her group of professionals, as well as the organisations that provide services at the centre. Maria Bravo thanked the mayor for the support of Marbella City Council and said that, “for us, ‘Casa Ángeles’ is a project of the people, for all those who need help for children with special needs and their parents.”

The new director of the centre, Carmen Oliva, explained that, among the activities carried out in the facilities are occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy and the ‘Vuela’ programme, a project that was created to respond to the needs of young people with intellectual disabilities to provide them with resources and tools to promote full social inclusion.

Marbella 4 Days Walking

THE 12th edition of Marbella 4 Days Walking will take place in Marbella on October 5, 6, 7 and 8, hosting for the first time the Green Charity Walk for Cudeca, in support of the palliative care offered by the foundation in the province of Malaga.

In October, the weather in Marbella, southern Spain, is still perfect; not too hot and not too cold. A good time for walking. Marbella 4 Days Walking brings together walkers from all over the world to discover some unknown corners of Marbella. The Plaza del Mar on the Paseo Marítimo in Marbella is the starting point for the 10, 20 and 30 km routes. On the last day, Sunday October 8, the walkers will cross the Via Gladiolus (Roman symbol of victory) back to the Plaza del Mar and the finish line.

It is possible to participate all four days, but it is also possible to choose the days individually. The price for the four days of walking (including four days of partying: The White Party, opening celebration on Wednesday October 4 and every day immediately after walking the 4Days after party) is €85. A single day of walking is €25, including water and snacks during the routes. Walkers will receive a special

MARBELLA is celebrating European Mobility Week with workshops on road safety and energy efficiency in 34 schools in the municipality. The courses, which start this week and run throughout the year, will be aimed at pupils in the third and fifth years of primary school.

This is the 29th edition of this campaign whose courses will deal, among others, with pedestrians and re ­

green t­shirt and other surprises in addition to their welcome bag. All proceeds from the Green Charity Walk will be donated in full to Cudeca Hospice.

Advance sale tickets are already available at this link: https://marbella4days walking.com/cudeca­charity­walk/.

On Saturday, October 7, walkers can join in a specially created five kilometre route to support Cudeca. “We have always worked with Cudeca; they have a stand in the Walking Village and, during

the registration process, walkers can donate money,” said Event Director Arabella M. Wessels.

“This year, we wanted to do something different,” she went on to say, “so we created a 5km Cudeca Route. It is a shorter M4DW route so that everybody can take part”.

Register for this walk at the website above and the donation, a minimum of €10, goes directly to the Cudeca’s bank account.”

European Mobility Week

sponsible driving with the aim of reducing accidents. This year’s edition will be associated with ensuring energy efficiency. The 2023 European Mobility Week theme is Save Energy because energy and mobility poverty are rising due to higher costs for residents

and businesses across Europe. Meanwhile, operating public transport continues to be a high expense for city budgets: reducing this expense through energy efficient transport will support affordable and sustainable transport infrastructures.

Following Russia’s inva­

sion of Ukraine, it is also crucial to reduce dependency on Russian oil and to shift to sustainable energy sources, which will simultaneously move Europe toward a climate­neutral future by 2050. The initiative by Marbella City Council will contribute to these collective efforts.

STARTING POINT: The first Green Charity Walk for Cudeca.

Photo: www.cudeca.org

Cirque du Soleil is back

The wreck of the El Fernando

TECHNICIANS from the Centre for Underwater Archaeology are analysing the remains of a sunken ship off the beach of San Pedro de Marbella. The work will reveal the state of conservation of the wreck and determine, from an archaeological point of view, whether it is the ship ‘El Fernando’, sunk in 1760 on the coast between Estepona and Marbella.

as buttons, buckles, brooches or pieces of rifles. Local divers have also found a leather ammunition pouch with the coat of arms of the Royal Spanish Navy, which was used for an extensive period of time from 1537 to 1931.

Marbella Town Hall has worked closely with the technicians to increase local knowledge of the wreck and contribute to the preservation, protection and dissemination of Andalucian historical heritage.

NEXT year, Cirque du Soleil is returning to Malaga with ‘Alegría’, one of its most popular shows. There will be a lot of demand for this new show so pre­sale of tickets begins on October 2.

Cirque du Soleil is showcasing a new version of ‘Alegría’ to bring it to a new generation of spectators. In 2024, the Canadian company will spend nearly 12 months on a continuous tour of Spain, starting in Barcelona (from March 20), where the European premiere of the show will take place. The show will also visit Malaga (from May 31), Alicante, Sevilla and Madrid. First premiered in 1994, ‘Alegría’ has become one of Cirque du Soleil’s most beloved shows, and to date has captivated more than 14 million spectators in 255 cities in 40 countries in more than 19

years of touring. Its Grammy­nominated soundtrack, which included the iconic song of the same name, remains Cirque du Soleil’s best­selling and most­played album to date.

In 2019, coinciding with its 25th anniversary celebration, a new version of ‘Alegria’ was released in Montreal, ensuring all aspects of the show (stage direction, music, acrobatics, set design, costumes, lighting, make­up) were as inspiring for audiences today as they were at the time of its creation. Revitalised by a cast of 53 acrobats, clowns, musicians and singers, ‘Alegría’ is an exhilarating, immersive experience that transports audiences into a mystical world peppered with visual poetry and acrobatic extravaganza.

The wreck is located on a bed of sand and gravel, at a depth of between four and seven metres. The work, coordinated by the director of the CAS, Milagros Alzaga, with the support of the Marbella Town Hall, aims to determine the current state of conservation of the wreck, and to document through archaeological work any relevant data that will allow its identity to be established.

Various visits to the area by CAS technicians have documented archaeological finds associated with a large ship of military origin. These finds include pieces of iron artillery and small metal objects such

ALEGRIA: One of the most popular shows by Cirque du Soleil.

Photo: Flickr CC

Walk to support diabetes

JOIN the walk for world diabetes awareness on November 5 with the La Cala Lions Diabetic Support Group who once again are organising their now famous 5km Walk for Diabetes Awareness. Whether you are diabetic or not go along to the Torreon Square in La Cala de Mijas on November 5 at 10.30am and help to sponsor this event.

The World Diabetes Federation is encouraging every country to hold events to spread the word for diabetic awareness. Some 537 million people worldwide have diabetes ­ that’s one in 10 ­ whilst 50 per cent of the people don’t even know they have the condition. World diabetes

day is officially November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co­discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. Effective treatment of diabetes is of the utmost importance to prevent longterm complications.

Each year a unique theme is chosen and for 2023 the focus is on ‘Empowering Global Health’.

It not only centres on individual health but also stresses the importance of communities working together to combat this global issue.

In La Cala de Mijas, thanks to all the interest from the Mijas and La Cala Town Hall Foreigners Department regular meetings are held with soci­

eties and charities to discuss how best to bring the community together.

On the day of the walk there will be lots of stalls along the paseo with music and the famous Drang Band, the Medieval fighters and the young fencers.

To help this charity event, participants can sponsor someone to walk or come along yourself and collect your own sponsors. Any donation is gratefully received. You can also get your team to join in or your school or your society.

Sponsor forms are available in the Lions Charity Shop and outside the town hall each Saturday throughout October until the big day.

Caminito del Rey 2024

EL CAMINITO DEL REY has started ticket sales for the period from November to March 2024 and will be open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm including Christmas and Easter.

The vice ­ president and deputy for the Environment, Inland Tourism and Climate Change, Cristóbal Ortega, said that tickets will be available from www.caminitodelrey.info

at a price of €10 for general tickets and €18 for guided tours.

The vice ­ president reminded everyone that, only a fortnight ago, it was announced that El Caminito del Rey path would be equipped with a weather station to provide data to the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) to provide more accurate weather forecasts for the area.

Ortega also said that work has been underway for some time on the creation of an Integrated Health and Safety Management System (SGISS) to

minimise risks associated with geological and climatic events as well as forest fires.

El Caminito del Rey can be reached by the Cercanías (local train) service to El Chorro/Caminito del Rey from the María Zambrano and Málaga Centro stations.

The attraction has a visitor reception centre and a car park with capacity for 240 vehicles. Visitors can park for €2 per day, which can be booked when pur ­

chasing tickets on the website.

There are shuttle buses to and from the car park and the path. Tickets can be purchased either in advance at the time of ticket purchase or on site in cash.

The centre also has an information and customer service desk at the entrance with information about how the Caminito was restored, information on the flora, fauna and geology of the area, photographs and tourist information.

JOIN THE WALK: The World Diabetes Federation is encouraging every country to hold events.

CAMINITO DEL REY: Tickets now on sale for next year.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Viajes con flow

THE fairground at Los Nadales, Benalmadena, is preparing to host on Sunday, October 1, the Solidarity Festival ‘Verbenavoi’, with children’s activities, magic and live music for the benefit of the Association of Volunteers for Children's Cancer (AVOI).

The event was launched by the councillor for Festivities, Yolanda Peña, accompa­

Objective Disney

nied by AVOI volunteers Daniela Cudlipp, Katie Williams and Sonia Bonilla to raise funds for a total of 60 children for a trip to Disneyland Paris ‘Objective Disney’.

Yolanda Peña thanked,

“the enormous involvement of the artists who wanted to contribute to this cause so that the little ones of AVOI can make their trip to Disney.” Children’s entertainment, a bouncy castle, fla­

menco dancing, the magician Adrián Lima and local artists such as Katrina, Jaime Cruz, Mayka Romero, Nazareth Valderrama and Laura Bernal, among others, are some of the guests who will perform at the event.

AVOI has more than 100 volunteers spread throughout the province who carry out various activities to raise funds, and also has volunteers in Benalmadena, to whom the council and the councillor for Festivities have thanked on behalf of the town hall ‘for their great involvement’. Yolanda Peña

said,”we would like to encourage maximum participation this Sunday because everything adds up for a good cause.”

This charity initiative would not be possible without the collaboration of the Unicaja Foundation. At the

event there will be a bar service, a children’s entertainment area with face painting and balloon twisting. The charity ticket, which includes food and drink and a ticket for the raffle of a cruise for two people, will be available for €2.

A successful and historic summer

“WE have managed to consolidate Fuengirola as the tourist epicentre of the Costa del Sol thanks to everyone’s efforts.” This is the assessment that the Mayor Ana Mula made last week. The figures for hotel occupancy, employment, or the attendance and economic return of the Marenostrum Fuengirola concert series, which have been recorded over the last three months, have confirmed the good moment that the city is experiencing.

And, the summer has passed, for yet another year, without any notable incidents thanks to the effective security measures in place

for the busiest months of the summer. The mayor extended her thanks to the entire tourism sector, the local economic fabric, the municipal workers and her team.

“A successful and historic summer has come to an end. And this, once again, has been possible thanks to all sectors of the city: hote­

liers, shopkeepers, beach businessmen, workers from all economic sectors, it has been possible thanks to each and every one of the residents of Fuengirola,” said the mayor, adding, she encouraged everyone to “continue making Fuengirola, together, the best city in the world.”

TRIP TO DISNEY: Festival in aid of children’s cancer.

Photo: Benalmadena Town Hall

FUENGIROLA: Tourist epicentre of the Costa del Sol.

Photo: Fuengirola Town hall

Vandal attack

THERE seems to be a vandal with a grudge against foreign visitors in the San Pedro Alcantara/Marbella area. For the past week or more, visitors driving cars

with mainly UK number plates have returned to their parking spaces on several different roads to discover that they have been sprayed along each side with bright

Reporting via WhatsApp

pink paint. This simple attack on visitors cars achieves nothing positive as the person responsible appears not to have the courage of their own convictions by explaining the reason for targeting foreign cars.

Comments on local Social Media are united in criticising the brainless vandalising of these cars with comments being seen such as “It’s sad that some vandals targeting vehicles from certain countries as more than 75 per cent of tourists visiting Marbella are international.”

Another, repeated observation being that there could be violence if the car owners catch the person responsible for the spraying of their cars.

Police are aware of the problem but in fairness, the area is large and finding a single vandal with a spray can is a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack.

BENALMADENA Town Hall has set up a direct WhatsApp channel for residents to report incidents on public roads. The councillor for Operational Services of Benalmádena, Juan Olea, the new service for direct communication with citizens so that they can report incidents and issues on public roads so that they can be resolved urgently.

Residents will be able to contact the authorities through the popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp. Under the name ‘Chat Verde’ and with the slogan ‘Collaborate with a Benalmádena that shines brighter’, the mobile line 670 224 932 has been set up, to send photographs and reports in writing, with the possibility of sharing the exact location.

“This new channel that the Operational Services Department has activated, uses the quickest, easiest and most widely used messag­

ing tool (WhatsApp), so that residents can quickly notify the town hall of any problems or damage observed on public roads,” Olea pointed out.”From now on, citizens can send a simple message with their phone number to report any incidents that occur on the road,” he added. “For this new government team it is very important to provide a suitable and simple channel for all ages and to make citizens feel listened to and attended to by their town

hall,” Olea stressed, “Not all residents know how to use the electronic office, so we felt that we should make available a faster way where the majority of the population would feel comfortable to use it,” he added. The aim is also to encourage neighbourhood collaboration: “The town hall alone cannot reach every corner, so we ask for the collaboration of the citizens. Together we can make Benalmádena shine more brightly and truly.”

CHAT VERDE: To report incidents on public roads.

Costa del Sol goes international Casares Andalucian Film Festival

CASARES celebrates its Andalucian Film Festival from October 2 to 7 with the screening of 19 works, including many short films. This year the event celebrates its 10th edition and the launch was attended on behalf of the Casares Town Council, the main sponsor of the festival, by the mayor of the town, Juan Luis Villalón, and the third deputy mayor and councillor for Culture, Andrés Morales.

Both have celebrated the anniversary of the festival and have expressed their commitment to continue financially supporting projects such as this one, which has established itself over time as a benchmark in Andalucia.

The programme of events begins with the popular express short film competition, which will take place from Friday 29. Participating teams must submit a short film shot in Casares in less than 48 hours.

The winning short films will win €2,100 in prizes and the screening of all

the works will be one of the most popular sessions of the week.

The festival itself begins on Monday October 2. In the morning and for three days, the director

from Almeria, Manuel Martín Cuenca, will give a course entitled ‘Cinema is not only the script’, in which he will talk about his way of creating films.

The official sessions during which the finalist fiction and documentary feature films will be screened will take place every day at 6.30pm and 9pm. Each session will also screen one of the 10 short films that have entered the competition, which have been shortlisted from among the 404 short films taking part.

Throughout the week a photographic exhibition will be open to the public, which includes the 30 finalists in this year’s competition, including the one that a professional jury will choose as the best and which will receive the Silver Pajarraco trophy as well as a prize of €1,000.

THE Costa del Sol is promoted in global markets with the organisation of a dozen national and international press trips. Golf, fashion, gastronomy and cultural attractions of the Costa del Sol will be the focus of the trips aimed at media from Australia, the United States, Belgium and Spain, all being organised in the coming weeks.

As part of the communication strategy of the brand and the destination, Turismo Costa del Sol is going to intensify in the last quarter of the year ,the promotion of the province of Malaga. In this way, Costa del Sol Tourism, in the words of Margarita del Cid, CEO of the entity, “strengthens relations and synergies with the media and content creators, so they are important tools for the promotion of the Costa del Sol destination.”

Del Cid pointed out that these initiatives, to a large extent, are organised through requests that come to the organisation from the

Spanish tourist offices

abroad. For example, the trip focusing on golf that Turismo Costa del Sol has attended in Australia, was in collaboration with Turismo Andaluz, based on a request from the tourist office of Singapore.

The trip coincided with the celebration of the Solheim Cup and, as Margarita del Cid pointed out, “it is a magnificent opportunity that is part of the strategy we have been carrying out in recent months to publicise the attributes of the Costa

del Sol for golf, a particularly significant segment for tourism in the province of Malaga.

In October, Travelling News magazine from Belgium will visit Malaga for three days, a tour that can also be followed in several podcasts. In the middle of the month, Turismo Costa del Sol will collaborate with Hemisphere Magazine , which is distributed on United Airlines flights, the company that this summer linked the city of Malaga and New York with a direct flight.

FILM FESTIVAL Including many short films

GLOBAL MARKETS: Golf is important for tourism.

Photo: pxhere CC

Photo: Casares Town Hall

TODAY Thursday September 28, Simply Thriving Group are celebrating The Last of the Summer Wine Party at Monaghans with Alexandra Avery entertaining the group.

Bargain Brits will be there to film the fun event.

Following the success of the last lunch club meeting La Sierra restaurant is booked once again for lunch on Thursday October 5.

On October 21 the group look forward to an excursion by coach to the Carvery in Montemar followed by the excellent show Curtain Up at Moonlight beach in Benalmadena where Ricky Lavazza, Juliet James, Gemma Lloyd and Emma Prothero will put on a great show.

The lunch club meet on November 2 at the Tapa y Thai restaurant in Los Boliches.

The group is open for everyone and welcomes new members who join free of charge. It is a social club whose aim is to prevent loneliness on this coast.

Elderly support in Mijas

THE Departments of Foreigners and Social Inclusion of Mijas Town Hall, together with social groups and the Local Police, are leading a network of help for foreign elderly people in Mijas.

The councillor for Foreigners, Roy Pérez, and the councillor for Social Inclusion, Hipólito Zapico, held a meeting with representatives of the different groups and social agents that make up APEMEX, the programme to help elderly foreigners that has just celebrated its first year in Mijas.

“This working group is aimed at people who have come to Mijas after their

retirement and who have no family in our municipality, people with mobility problems or with some illness and who have no one to help them in their daily lives,” explains Pérez, who

THE Age Care Calahonda coffee morning meetings will be moving from Club La Naranja to the International Baptist Church, Calle Sta. Teresa de Calahonda, 29649 with effect from Monday October 2.

You will be delighted to know

has stressed that in its first year of life, “we have sought formulas between the town hall and associations to provide these people with all the necessary tools so that they do not

feel alone.” Zapico said that this programme “arose from a need that we detected in Social Services.

“Through the Local Police we received reports of citizens, mainly British, who were elderly and alone. During these meetings we share all the possible cases that may arise among our elderly foreign neighbours with the aim of being able to help them.”

He added that over the last few months, “we have dealt with different situations, from accompaniment or help in carrying out different medical or banking procedures, to the repatriation of a person.”

Age Care coffee mornings

that they will now be able to meet three times per week as follows:

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thurs­

days from 10.30am ­ 1.00pm.

They will still be holding their usual classes and looking to add different activities on a Monday.

The APEMEX working group is made up of the councillors of Foreigners and Social Inclusion and groups such as Age Care, Red Cross, British Benevolent Fund, Age Concern, the Lions Club of La Cala, the British Legion and the Local Police of Mijas. All of them meet every three months with the aim of continuing to perfect a network of help that includes: bureaucratic procedures, medical transfers, emergencies, translation and legal services or groups of companionship with volunteers so that the beneficiaries of the programme can socialise with other elderly foreigners.

They also need extra volunteers to help us at these meetings, so if this is something that appeals to you, please call in to see them or alternatively call Tracy Scase, their Calahonda welfare leader on 675 874 308.

LOCAL NETWORK: Helping elderly foreigners.

Photo: pxhere CC

Favells lls Favells

Lady in Red singer in Marbella

CHRIS DE BURGH, the singer who once captivated Princess Diana, is performing at Marbella Arena on Saturday, September 30.

The former Puerto Banus Bullring will welcome the acclaimed Argentinian ­ Irish artist Chris de Burgh, in a show organised by Fun Time Productions and with the collaboration of Chilli FM. With a musical career spanning more than five decades, De Burgh will delight the audience with his distinctive vocal style that fuses art rock, folk and blues.

Born in Argentina but raised in Ireland, Chris de Burgh catapulted to worldwide fame with his iconic tune ‘The Lady in Red’. This single, released in 1986, not only reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, but also a prominent third place on the Billboard Hot 100. The song became a global phenomenon, creating a special bond even with Princess Diana, who thought the lyrics were dedicated to her. But the song was actually written for De Burgh’s wife, also named Diana.

Beyond his biggest hit however, De Burgh has maintained a special relationship with the figure of Princess Diana, dedicating the song ‘There’s A New Star Up in Heaven Tonight’ to her after her tragic death in 1997.

Throughout his career, he has explored a variety of musical genres and has sold more than 45 million albums globally. With his warm stage presence and remarkable vocal range, Chris de Burgh guarantees an exceptional show at the Marbella Arena.

Age Concern and Salón Varietés

MEET the Age Concern and Salón Varietés communities at a coffee morning on Friday September 29 at 11am, explore what they do and hear plans about future collaborations and events. And it’s free entry!

The Salón Varietés Theatre is an English­speaking theatre in the centre of Fuengirola. It puts on a very high standard of entertainment consisting of musicals, plays, revues, pantos, old time music halls and much much more!

The Salón Varietés Theatre venue was built in 1925 and actually ran as a theatre until 1956 when it was turned into a cinema. It showed films in Spanish and once a week films in English, which was a wonderful treat in those days.

Spearheaded by Mike Lewin and Annie Spiers, a determined group of people negotiated a long term lease on the Salón with the landlord, Manuel Balbuena, who was delighted at the prospect of the theatre coming to life once more. With the blood, sweat, toil and probably a few tears from a hard­working core of dedicated people, many of whom are still very active in the theatre today, everything was changed ­ except the name: The Salón Varietés Theatre was born.

The Salón offers a wide choice of productions: musicals, drama, revues, comedies and farce making it a unique cultural centre for foreign residents and visitors alike. Over the years it has become a hub for this vibrant community by offering a cultural and sociable place where people can come and enjoy a wide and varied choice of theatrical experiences. Go along to Fuengirola on September 29 for the coffee morning to find out more.

Air Force band in Gibraltar

BRITISH FORCES GIBRALTAR is delighted to announce a series of events that will provide an amazing two days of entertainment.

On September 29, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment will be performing at St Michael’s Cave. The Band will be performing at 7.30pm, by kind permission of the Air Force Board of the Defence Council. Tickets are free and include shuttle service and admission. These can be obtained from www.buytickets.gi

At the end of the performance there will be a collection for voluntary donations in aid of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

On September 30, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment will also be providing a static display at Casemates Square starting at 11.00am. Supported by His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar, these free to the public events reaffirm the historic bond between the UK Armed Forces and the people of Gibraltar.

For further information please contact Gibraltar Cultural Services Events Department on 200 75569.

Soroptimist Charity Dinner

JOIN together and make a difference on October 25 at 7.30pm at the Restaurant esKina in La Cala de Mijas for the Autumn Soroptimist Charity Dinner in aid of Soroptimist local projects in the Mijas municpality. Entertainment will be provided by singer Laura Carter, tickets are €30 which includes a €10 donation and guests will enjoy a three­course dinner with a half bottle of wine or two soft drinks and water.

The charity supports domestic violence victims; the food bank via Red Cross; the local female basket ball team and much more. Soroptimist International was founded in 1921 as a global volunteer service for women with almost 66,000 members in 120 countries worldwide working together to transform the lives of women and girls.

The Royal Air Force Regiment Band entertain.

CHRIS DE BURGH: Guarantees an exceptional show.

Photo: Crown Copyright 2014 • Photographer: SAC Matt Baker

Photo: Stefan Brending / Creative Commons

All that jazz

THE Casa de la Cultura in Fuengirola is hosting a concert by the Juanma Romero Jazz Quartet on Friday September 29, which will start at 8.30pm. The councillor for Culture, Rodrigo Romero, announced this event, which is completely free of charge.

“On September 29, jazz lovers have an appointment at the Casa de la Cultura, from half past eight in the evening, with a performance by the Juanma Romero Jazz Quartet,” said Romero, adding, “it is a quartet made up of very experienced Malaga performers, with Juanma Romero on saxophone, Juanca Carranque on keyboards, Ramón Baena on percussion and Paco Peña on bass. They are musicians who have played with international artists all over the world and who came together over a love of a style, in this case jazz.”

The councillor went on to say that, “it is a perfect oppor­

tunity to listen to the standards they are going to play, because we will be able to understand live what so many people are passionate about and what makes jazz one of the styles that all musicians from all countries end up playing in one way or another, because at the end of the day the best players of almost all instruments are to be found in this genre.”

Juan Manuel Romero is a saxophone teacher from the Conservatorio Superior de

Música de Málaga, class of 2000. He holds a Master’s degree in Musical Speciality, Music Therapy and a Master’s degree in Musical Education for Children. In his extensive professional career, he has been a member of various groups with which he has performed in hotels and nightclubs on the Costa del Sol. He is currently part of several jazz and flamenco ensembles, as well as teaching saxophone at the Escuela Municipal de Música de Fuengirola.

Jazz in Fuengirola.

Photo: Fuengirola Town Hall

FANS of Soul music should check out Sunset Beach Club in Benalmadena. The nineday event ­ ‘Costa del Soul’will run from Friday, October 6 to Saturday, October 14 featuring some of the top DJs from the UK playing the most fantastic Soul Music Tunes throughout the day.

Northern Soul is celebrating 50 years since Wigan Casino hosted the first of its all­night parties in September 1973, which kicked off the Northern Soul movement.

At the Sunset Beach Club, the entertainment will be open every night from 9.30pm until late and the evening events are open to the public, (subject to availability on the night) and all soul music lovers are welcome. The price per person/night is just €10 and can be paid at the entrance each evening.

Some of the UK’s top DJs will be at this year’s event including Kev Roberts, Ginger Taylor, Snowy, Andrew Baskett, Sam Evans, Hitsville Chalky, Chris Box, Ossie Stewart, Mike Atherton, Ozz Osborne, Mark and Debbie Wilson and Phil Kingswood.

Costa del Soul

The full events programme is available at https://www.sunsetbeach

club.com/blog/whats­on/costa­del­soul­benal madenanorthern­soul­mu sic­event/.

Blues and Boogie

ON Friday September 29 the Salón Varietés Theatre in Fuengirola transforms into "The Blues Room" ­ a fabulous show by The Blue Stompers plus special guests from Spain, the UK and Finland. Whether you are a true blues lover or want to enjoy a relaxing musical show on a cool September evening. Then the following week on Friday October 6 you need to dig out your flares for a trip back to the 70s with "Boogie Wonderland". Funk, Disco and groovy pop hits from the 70's and more with excellent choreography and lots of glitter. Make sure to get your tickets early as the last show was a sell out. Tickets for both shows can be found here

October is ‘Soul Time’ at Sunset Beach Club.

Photo: Flickr CC / Tim Simpson

Charity coffee and cake

BROWNS BAR in Montemar, Torremolinos is the venue for a coffee morning on Friday, September 29 from 10.30am until noon followed by prize bingo with all net proceeds going to Bowel Cancer. There will be cakes, and a bumper raffle, the charge is €3 for coffee and unlimited cake and just another €1 to enter the raffle.

The owners of Browns Bar have always fundraised for various local charities including Cudeca; Macmillan in the UK, Ukraine, Turkey; Prostate Cancer and Last Chance animal refuge. They have raised over €5,000 for Donkey Dreamland and they have held an annual Coffee Morning at the end of September since they took over the bar in 2017 and have donated the net proceeds to Bowel Cancer and supported the Hannah Edwards Foundation.

Help support these causes by going along on September 29 and enjoying the coffee and cake.

Do you like to sing?

CAMERATA Soto Grande is an enthusiastic choir whose members sing from classical to modern, from the seasonal to stage and screen musicals. They put on events in restaurants, clubs and other venues and also host a fun annual outdoor event to raise funds for local charities.

In addition to their annual programme, Camerata performs upon request at private gatherings such as weddings and parties and many other kinds of event. If you enjoy singing, or know someone who might like to join, they would love to welcome you into the choir. Come and sit in on a regular rehearsal to decide if it’s for you.

The choir is a fully registered non­profit organisation. To find out more, phone: 644 740 520 or email: camerataso togrande@gmail.com.

BROWNS BAR: Fundraising for local charities.

El Barracon de las Tapas in Elviria

NESTLED in the heart of Elviria, Marbella, you’ll find a culinary gem that’s been making waves in the local dining scene: El Barracón de las Tapas. Situated in the vibrant Parque Comercial y de Ocio Pinares de Elviria, this restaurant is a testament to the rich tapestry of Spanish cuisine.

El Barracón de las Tapas is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a diverse and enticing array of tapas, pintxos, and hearty dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for succulent meats or fresh seafood, this establishment has you covered. Families are also in for a treat with a specially crafted children’s menu and mouthwatering home­made desserts.

What sets El Barracón apart is its

dedication to blending tradition with innovation. Here, you can savor the timeless flavours of Spanish cuisine while experiencing

a modern twist that elevates every dish. The menu caters to all palates, making it a perfect choice for gatherings with friends and family.

Pair your meal with a delightful selection of wines, beers, and cocktails that complement the cuisine perfectly.

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing you to choose the ambiance that suits your mood. Whether you opt for the cosy indoors or the open­air terrace, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere that enhances your dining experience.

Freshness and quality are at the heart of El Barracón’s culinary philosophy. They take pride in sourcing the finest ingredients to

ensure every bite is a delectable delight. The dedicated and efficient service further enhances the dining experience, making each visit memorable.

Behind the scenes, a team with extensive experience in the hospitality industry ensures that your meal is nothing short of exceptional. From the skilled kitchen staff to the attentive management and friendly waitstaff, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

El Barracón de las Tapas reopened its doors over a year ago, reviving this beloved establishment while infusing it with new energy and creativity.

The result is a dining destination that honours tradition while embracing innovation.

For those eager to explore the flavours of Spain in the heart of Marbella, El Barracón de las Tapas awaits. To make a reservation or gather more information, simply call +34 952 832 118. The restaurant welcomes guests every day from 11.30 to 23.00.

Visit them at:

Parque Comercial y de Ocio Pinares de Elviria Local 16, 29604 - Marbella You can also find them online: Website: elbarracondelastapas.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elbarracondelastapas/

ENTICING ARRAY: Of tapas, pintxos and hearty dishes.

One of the oldest fiestas Fuengirola gets fit

THE Plaza de España in Fuengirola will host a Popular Games Fair on Saturday, September 30.

From 10am to 1.30pm, participants will be able to practise activities such as sack races, hopscotch, ring toss, tic­tac­toe, skittles, football, limbo or skipping rope. This is an activity included in the ‘Fuengirola en Forma’ programme de signed by the Sports Department to promote healthy lifestyle habits during the month of September.

The councillor for Sports, Julio Rodríguez said, “We are very excited, because it

is an activity that will involve the whole family in a healthy and sporty environment.” Julio Rodríguez was accompanied at the press

conference by two technicians from the Sports Department, Agustín Molina and Alberto Valdés, who encouraged people to take part in this activity.

“We are going to be able to play traditional games and give our mobile phones a rest, which we now have almost all day, and enjoy activities such as tag races, playing skipping rope, tag football... things that we used to do a lot and that are no longer practised now.

“We will go back to our childhood and I am sure that both children and adults will enjoy it,” said Molina.

Macmillan coffee morning at Mijas

EVERYONE is invited to a Macmillan coffee morning on Friday September 29 at the Blarney Bar in La Cala de Mijas. The event starts at 10am and is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Macmillan charity offers help and support to people living with cancer and and their loved ones. All and any donations in­

cluding homebakes and raffle prizes will be greatly accepted and appreciated.

The Blarney Bar has been hosting this event since 2019 and to date they have raised almost €10,000. Please come along to the coffee morning, bring along your sweet or savoury treats which you have baked (or even if you’ve faked it ­ it’s all for charity!).

THE Colonia de El Ángel in Nueva Andalucia will hold its fair from September 29 to October 2 with the return of rides and attractions as well as sporting and cultural events.

Councillor, Yolanda Marín who presented the programme of festivities accompanied by the Nueva Andalucía District councillor, Vanessa Ortiz de Zárate, and neighbourhood representatives, said that “for the town hall this is a very important and emblematic neighbourhood which has one of the oldest fiestas in the municipality.”

The fair will kick off on Friday, September 29, with the inauguration of the fairgrounds and the opening speech by Ana Sánchez, a resident of El Ángel for more than 30 years. “This year a great effort is being made to ensure that the festivities once again include many attractions,” said Ortiz de Zárate, who also thanked the La Azucarera Neighbourhood Association for their collaboration.

On Saturday, September 30, the programme will begin at 1.30pm with popular games for children in the municipal stand and will be completed with the traditional olive contests, children’s and youth football championships, a party for the little ones and a popular dance competition. On

Sunday, October 1, a variety of events will be held from noon onwards, such as the domino, flowerpot, gastronomic and pasodoble competitions, as well as the farewell dance with entertainment by the Arenal Duo. Finally, on October 2, at 8pm, there will be a procession of the Holy Angel through the streets of the neighbourhood.

The full programme can be found here: https://www.marbella.es/agenda/evento detalle/57886/feria ­ y ­ fiestas ­ elangel.html

The Colonia de El Ángel feria.

Games like we used to play.

Photo: Fuengirola Town hall

The Steak House La Fondue in Elviria

NESTLED in the charming surroundings of C C Pinares de Elviria in Marbella, Malaga, The Steak House La Fondue beckons with an irresistible Belgian culinary adventure. This restaurant is a veritable haven for aficionados of fine dining, specialising in fondues, Argentine grilled meats, and traditional Belgian delicacies. With a menu that spans the spectrum from delectable starters to mouthwatering grilled meats and an extensive wine selection, it promises an authentic gastronomic journey.

What sets The Steak House La Fondue apart is its unwavering commitment to quality. As soon as you step through its doors, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, a reflection of the restaurant’s dedication to providing exceptional service and hospitality. The cuisine here is a testament to culinary

craftsmanship, a symphony of flavours that tantalises the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression.

Serving not only Marbella, but also Elviria, Cabopino, Fuengirola, Cala de Mijas, and Calahonda, The Steak House La Fondue stands as a stylish eatery and lounge bar. It has earned a well­deserved reputation for offering steaks and premium meats,

thoughtfully complemented by an impressive selection of wines, all offered at prices that won’t break the bank.

The establishment boasts a picturesque patio adorned with a terrace and a winter garden, making it an all­season destination for discerning diners. The restaurant proudly proclaims its expertise in fondues, Argentine grilled meats, and Belgian cuisine, promising a delightful familyfriendly experience on its inviting terrace.

Behind the scenes, a team of seasoned professionals brings a wealth of experience to the table. From the creative minds in the kitchen to the astute management and attentive front­of­house staff, The Steak House La Fondue has consistently delivered excellence for over a decade.

To embark on your own culinary journey or to learn more, reservations and inquiries can be made by contacting The Steakhouse La Fondue on 952 839 347.

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 18.00 - 23.00 (Closed on Mondays)

The Steakhouse La Fondue - C.C. Pinares de Elviria, Local 1, 29604 Marbella Visit their website: lafonduesteakhouse.com Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FondueLounge/?locale=es_ES

The Steak House La Fondue invites you to experience the finest in Belgian cuisine, right in the heart of Marbella.

Accessible cities

THERE are more and more initiatives in Spain that guarantee cultural tourism which is accessible to all. Adapted routes, specialised services, adapted facilities and accessible guides are now a reality in Spain.

Madrid’s culture is more accessible than ever. There are scheduled guided tours adapted for people with disabilities. Visit Madrid’s ‘art triangle’ in a wheelchair, without worrying about architectural barriers, go sightseeing or explore the district of Las Letras with voice­amplified guides, or experience the traditional Christmas celebrations to the full.

Two of the most accessible cultural areas in Barcelona are the Gothic Quarter and the Art Nouveau Route. The Gothic Quarter is part of the old city centre of Barcelona, around the Cathedral, which is accessible to peo­

ple with reduced mobility.

You can also visit the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, both accessible to people with reduced mobility.

The Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona and the Museum of the History of Catalonia are free of architectural barriers and offer accessible activities and information. Audioguides are also available.

Similarly, in Valencia you can explore the parks and sights along the former bed of the river Turia, the his ­

Spain is a safe country

John Ensor

toric quarter, or the avantgarde City of Arts and Sciences, all of which are accessible, as are many more museums and monuments.

Thr European Commission has recognised the good practices of several destinations with the Access City Awards. These cities include Ávila, in Castilla y León; Pamplona, in Navarre; and Lugo and Vigo, in Galicia.

Avila’s city wall is an outstanding example ­ its most recent refurbishment includes access points for people with reduced mobility. In Pamplona, the walls of the Citadel are also accessible for people with reduced mobility. Lugo provides maps and information plaques in Braille on some sites, and pictograms to help people with autism enjoy the provincial museum. And in Vigo, lifts have been installed in places where there are changes in level on tours of the city.

ON Wednesday, September 20, in Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor, the interim Interior Minister, Fernando Grande­Marlaska, chaired the main festivities marking Police Day. He commended the National Police’s efforts, asserting that their dedication is a key reason why ‘Spain is one of the safest countries in the world’.

The events were reported by the National Police which culminated in the celebration of the Holy Guardian Angels, the National Police’s patron saints. Present alongside Grande ­ Marlaska were notable figures including Rafael Perez, Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Pardo, the Police’s general director, Virginia Barcones, the Government'’s delegate in Castilla y Leon, and Salamanca’s mayor, Carlos Garcia.

In his address, Grande ­ Marlaska emphasised, “Spain is one of the safest countries in the world, our high degree of citizen security is one of the factors that has contributed the most to strengthening our institutions by allowing a model of peaceful and social coexistence. Tolerant, accessible and inclusive.”

Looking ahead, Grande ­ Marlaska noted the National Police will celebrate its 200th anniversary on January 13, 2024. He expressed hope for the force’s con ­

A MAN died after being brutally gored by a bull in the municipality of La Pobla de Farnals in Valencia on Saturday, September 23.

The incident occurred at around 7.30pm during a bull run that was taking place as part of local festivities in the town.

According to levanteemv.com, the animal known as ‘Cocinero’ belonged to the Luis

tinued relevance and growth: “The National Police of the future will be egalitarian.” He firmly declared, “The Police of the future will be feminine or it will cease to exist.”

Highlighting recent efforts to bolster female representation, he announced, “we will continue to adopt innovative measures to achieve real equality between women and men.”

The event also saw the presentation of police merit awards. These accolades recognised outstanding contributions to the police’s image and honoured members of other security forces. Seven police dogs from the Canine Guide Unit received special mentions.

A poignant ‘in memoriam’ ceremony paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the force’s 199­year history.

Bull run tragedy

Algarra ranch, which was supplying the bulls. As soon as he was let out of his box, the bull gored two people violently, pinning them up against the bars of a house that was on the route being used for the run.

One of the bull’s victims, a 62year­old, was transferred in an

ambulance to Valencia Clinical Hospital after sustaining four wounds, including one to his side that affected the lung and liver and he subsequently died at around 11pm. The second man who was also said to be in his 60s was gored in both legs and taken to hospital.

After hearing the tragic news, the Pobla de Farnals Council and the Comissió de Bous club, to which both men belonged, decided to suspend the celebrations that had been planned for Saturday night.

Sunday’s Sant Francesc procession and fireworks displaywhich had already been postponed last week due to the DANA ­ was also cancelled.

Euro Weekly News asked Natasha Retzman, the founder of Mallorca Against Bullfighting for her opinion.

She said: “Bull fiestas are of course an outdated and cruel event that the overwhelming majority of Spanish want abolishing. The unfortunate accidents in Valencia last week are yet another prime example as to why these ‘traditions’ belong firmly in the past.”

Wheelchair accessibility.

Credit: Freepik

National Police almost 200 years old.

Credit: Policia Nacional/X

DENMARK

Cannabis disposal

DENMARK has disposed of 145,000 kilograms of cannabis, primarily from its medical cannabis programme. Government data reveals that over 300 permits were granted for intentional destruction, involving companies authorised to cultivate within the country's pilot programme. Numerous factors led to the disposal of these significant cannabis quantities.

Border control

A RECENT EU court ruling mandates that Denmark cannot turn away non-EU citizens at its borders with Germany or Sweden if they have legal residency in any EU country. The decision, based on the 'Returns' Directive, emphasises procedural adherence and applies even to those apprehended within Denmark's territory.

Marina award

THE award for the Best International Marina has been won by Vilamoura Marina on the Algarve, for the seventh time in eight years. This prestigious titleawarded by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) - was once again bestowed on the Portuguese marina during the Southampton International Boat Show 2023.

NORWAY FRANCE

Price hike

NORWAY's central statistical bureau, Statistisk sentralbyrå (SSB), reported a 4.8 per cent annual price increase, though it's a decrease from earlier this year. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is now 4.8 per cent higher than a year ago, with food prices still 9.3 per cent higher year-on-year.

Ice arrow

A 4,000-YEAR-OLD arrow has been unearthed on Norway's Mount Lauvhøe, courtesy of the Secret of the Ice glacial archaeology programme. The melting ice in Innlandet since 2006 has unveiled a trove of artifacts, including textiles, transport tools, and leather. This discovery sheds light on ancient life in the Jotunheimen Mountains.

Wine fatality

WINEMAKER Marco Bettolini, 46, tragically died attempting to rescue his colleague Alberto Pin from a vat of wine at Ca'di Rajo winery in Italy, both overcome by toxic fumes. The incident, highlighting a lack of safety equipment, has intensified concerns and calls for enhanced workplace safety measures in Italy.

Air tragedy

A FRECCE Tricolori plane crashed at an air show in Turin, due to a suspected bird strike, tragically killing five-year-old Laura Origliasso and injuring her family. The pilot ejected and survived. The incident, marking the Italian Air Force's 100th anniversary, has drawn national grief and responses from Italian political figures.

Price plunge

GERMAN housing prices experienced their sharpest drop on record due to highinterest rates and rising materials costs. Residential property prices fell by 9.9 per cent YoY, the steepest decline since 2000. Larger cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich saw apartment prices drop by 9.8 per cent.

Nagelsmann named

JULIAN NAGELSMANN has been confirmed as the new head coach for the German national football team. He will lead the team until the end of the European Championships next summer. Nagelsmann takes over from Hansi Flick, who was dismissed after a series of poor results in September.

Troops withdraw

EMMANUEL MACRON, the president of France, announced on Sunday, September 24, that French troops will be withdrawn from Niger. “We are ending our military cooperation in Niger. The soldiers deployed there will also return by the end of the year,” he confirmed. “The French ambassador to Niger as well as the diplomatic staff present there will also return to France,” Macron indicated.

Bad sardines

AT least 15 customers of a restaurant in the French city of Bordeaux were identified by the local authorities as 'suspected cases of botulism' after eating sardines. Meticulous work by the health authorities in the French city allowed all 15 potential patients to be located, one of whom tragically died. They were all verified to have been customers of the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar between September 4 and 10.

Flight detour

A TURKISH Airlines flight from Dublin made a U-turn after Garda National Immigration Bureau detectives identified an on-board suspect wanted for serious assault.

The non-Turkish foreign national was arrested upon return and faces charges in Ireland, with no bail request made.

Rescue triumph

IRISH entrepreneur Niall Harbison's rescue dog, Buttons, abandoned in Thailand, has found a new home with Oasis star Liam Gallagher after a 10,000km journey. Harbison, founder of Lovin' Dublin, now dedicates his life to rescuing street dogs in Thailand, aiming to save 10,000 dogs monthly.

Long life

BELGIUM’S oldest person, Magda Janssens who was born in Deurne, Antwerp, Belgium on March 16, 1912 died in her sleep on Monday September 18 aged 111. Longevity ran in her family as her sister lived until she was 103, although she lost her first husband at an early age, but her second died at 96.

Bike index

BICYCLE theft in Belgium is becoming a major problem and although thieves prefer ebikes and scooters, the humble pushbike is now a target, so the Brussels registration scheme is to be expanded across the country from 2024, with participants receiving a special identification sticker to place on their bikes.

THE NETHERLANDS FINLAND

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

Remembering victims

THREE memorial benches were unveiled on September 19 in the municipality of Zwartewaterland, in memory of the victims of Covid-19. The three towns of Hasselt, Genemuiden, and Zwartsluis within the municipality were among the hardest hit during the first weeks of the pandemic.

Transfer tax

SCHIPOL Airport in Amsterdam is one of the busiest European hubs for transfer passengers but an in principle decision by the Dutch Parliament is likley to see a special transfer tax being applied to passengers which could be as expensive as €26 per person and is opposed by the airport and Dutch carrier KLM.

Dark web

EUROPEAN law enforcement, led by Finnish Customs and supported by Europol, successfully dismantled 'Piilopuoti', a Finnish dark web marketplace notorious for illicit trade, operating since May 2022. The crackdown precedes the annual Dark Web Conference at Europol’s headquarters. Investigations continue to identify platform users.

Cold War

RAF Typhoons and Norwegian F-35s trained in Finland, reviving Cold War tactics of landing on roads, amid rising tensions with Russia. This marked the British Typhoon's first Finnish road landing, showcasing capabilities for dispersed operations. The exercise anticipates similar F35B operations in the UK and Finland's F-35 acquisition in 2026.

Motorway sinkhole

A LANDSLIDE in Southern Sweden caused a giant sinkhole to open next to the E6 motorway that connects the city of Gothenburg with Oslo in Norway. Three people were hospitalised after at least four cars left the road, along with a bus. An area of approximately 14,000 m² was affected - which is roughly equivalent to 21 football pitches - with the hole measuring some five to six metres in depth.

Koran denied

SWEDISH police denied serial Koran-burner Salwan Momika permission to hold a planned demonstration in Malmö. He had presented a written application to burn another Koran, but Rickard Lundqvist, a spokesperson for the police, said: “We have made the assessment we cannot guarantee public order and security at the gathering.” Two people were arrested after violent riots broke out in Rosengård the last time.

The Marina of Vilamoura. CREDIT: EDUARD MARMET/CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-SHARE ALIKE 2.0

BUSINESS EXTRA

Payback time

POST OFFICE staff whose erroneous convictions for theft and false accounting were overturned will be offered £600,000 (€694,818) each in compensation, the government announced. Approximately 700 prosecutions were based on evidence from flawed accounting software, making it appear that money was missing from branches.

Out of play

PLANS to float Barça Media, the football club’s content creation subsidiary, for $900 million (€973 million) in New York have been put back until March 2024. Shareholders in specially­created Mountain & Co voted in favour of the delay, although some investors have already withdrawn 6 per cent of their funds.

Track record

AVANTI, regarded as one of the UK’s least reliable train operators, won a long­term contract to continue providing intercity services on the West Coast Main line. Transport secretary, Mark Harper, claimed that Avanti was “back on track” although fewer than half of Avanti services ran on time between April and June.

Rato trial

RODRIGO RATO, ex­president of Bankia, ex­government minister and the International Monetary Fund’s former managing director, stands trial in Madrid in December. Rato, 74, who served four­and­a­half years for misappropriation of public funds, is accused of several crimes including tax evasion, money­laundering and corruption.

Harsh taste

NAKED WINES founder and chairman Rowan Gormley apologised to shareholders while reporting losses of £15 million (€17.37 million) for the year ending on April 3 after new sales dropped from £34 million (€39.37) to £26.9 million (€31.15 million). “Falling disposable incomes have put pressure on sales and costs,” Gormley said.

STAT OF WEEK €12 billion

foreign investment in Spain - principally Madrid, Valencian Community and Catalonia - during 2023’s first half was 26 per cent less than the same period last year.

Last orders Steel’s future assured

Linda Hall

THE UK government and Mumbai­based Tata agreed a £1.2 billion (€1.38 billion) deal securing the Port Talbot steelworks.

This safeguards 5,000 of 8,000 UK jobs, 4,000 of which are based at the Welsh plant.

Had the government not intervened with a grant worth approximately £500 million (€578.3 million), Tata Steel would have closed the Port Talbot works and left the UK, Welsh secretary David TC Davies said in a BBC Wales interview.

This would also have affected other areas as Tata

has operations based in Shotton, Llanwern, Trostre, Corby, Hartlepool and Shapfell, he said.

Davies agreed it was “terribly sad” that not all jobs could be saved, announcing that £100 million (€115.6 million) would help those who lost their employment.

“Tata are currently losing

MERCADONA has strengthened its position as Spain’s leading supermarket, Kantar Worldpanel said.

Despite rivals’ growth and a relatively shaky start to the year, Mercadona reversed a tendency to reduce its market share that was detected in the first quarter of this year, according to the market research specialists.

The Valencia­based company headed by Juan Roig finished the summer with a share not far short of 27 per cent, Kantar now finds.

Mercadona’s 26.1 per cent quota between January and August was three10ths of a percentage point more than during the same period last year, exceeding the quotas of its four closest rivals added together.

Not-so-simple

THE Solidarity Tax on Spain’s largest fortunes, introduced at the end of last year, has brought in 60 per cent less than expected. Hacienda, Spain’s Finance ministry which is headed by Maria Jesus Montero, calculated in 2022 that the temporary tax introduced to alleviate the cost­ofliving crisis had the potential to collect an annual €1.5 billion. Instead, the public purse has received just €623 million, with 10,032 Madrid residents paying the lion’s share of €555 million. Although Hacienda initially estimated that the tax would affect 23,000 taxpayers, it has been paid by 12,010, according to figures released on September 20.

over £1 million (€1.16 million) a day at Port Talbot,” the Welsh secretary added. “No company is ever going to accept losses like that, so they decided they were going to close the plant down.”

Davies went on to explain that once it became aware of the danger, the

government began negotiating and asked, “What do we need to do to keep Tata here?”

The £1.2 billion deal entails substituting the existing coal­powered blast furnaces, which are nearing the end of their effective life, with electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy. As a result, the UK’s entire carbon emissions will fall by around 1.5 per cent.

Instead of producing virgin steel, the Port Talbot works will now produce recycled steel, with Tata investing an additional £700 million (€809.6 million).

Own label bonanza

Supermarkets’ own­label items accounted for a record 43.5 per cent of fast­moving goods, without taking into account fresh products, although Kantar predicted this would eventually decelerate.

THE first six months of 2023 saw 383 pubs close permanently in England and Wales.

This practically equals the 386 which shut down in 2022, prompting Chris Jowsey, chief executive of the Admiral Taverns group, to warn that rates relief was vital for the survival of many pubs.

More closures could follow, he added, if chancellor Jeremy Hunt went ahead with his plans to eliminate the existing 75 per cent rebate on business rates next March.

“Without it, costs for many pubs will rise dramatically by many thousands of pounds, fuelling inflation and forcing closure for many independents,” Jowsey said.

Big buildup

SPECIALIST magazine, the Engineering News ­ Record (ENR), again ranked the Turner Construction Company as the leading general building contractor in the US.

Carrefour remained unchanged at 9.9 cent while Lidl increased its market share by six­10ths of a percentage point to 6.5 per cent. Eroski took fourth place with a 4.4 per cent share after Dia lost four­10ths of a percentage point.

Inflation surprise

THE UK’s annual inflation rate dipped slightly to 6.7 per cent in August.

The Bank of England, City and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, had foreseen a slight increase to 7 per cent owing to reduced growth in food prices and monthly reductions in hotel and air travel costs.

The latest drop from July’s 6.8 per cent was the sixth consecutive fall in the headline inflation figure which includes commodities like food and energy.

Analysts pointed out that this does not imply prices are falling but means they are increasing more slowly.

Food and drink prices rose by 13.6 per cent in the year ending in August and although this was lower than the highest inflation rate of 19.1 per cent earlier this year, it is still historically high.

“Price rises are partly responsible as increases were higher for branded goods,” Kantar’s Bernardo Rodilla said. Once these were more in line with manufacturers’ prices, the increased own label sales would slow down, he added.

The secret to Mercadona’s success, Rodilla said, was its decision last April to reduce the prices of 500 own­label products.

All above board

NEITHER Saudi Arabia’s STC, nor its intermediary Morgan Stanley, acted illegally in acquiring a 9.9 per cent holding in Telefonica

Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) ruled out irregularities after its investigators examined recent reports that Morgan Stanley secretly built up STC’s €2.1 billion stake.

Instead it found that the bank initially obtained just under 3 per cent over an unspecified period before acquiring the remaining 7 per cent and announcing the entire 9.9 per cent to the CNMV on September 5.

Consequently, neither STC nor Morgan Stanley infringed regulations that require investors to notify holdings of more than 3 per cent, the CNMV announced.

Turner’s $16.25 billion (€15.14 billion) revenues last year put it ahead of Bechtel, the US’s other leading contractor, the ENR announced.

The company is a subsidiary of ACS, the Spanish multinational company which is headed by Florentino Perez, president of the Real Madrid football club.

Turner was also recognised by the ENR as the country’s Number One Green Contractor for the 16th consecutive year.

Charge for returns

THE H&M fashion chain is the latest retailer to charge shoppers for returning items that have been bought online.

Brought into line with Zara, Boohoo, Uniqlo and Next, who all charge for returns, H&M is now asking customers to pay £1.99 (€2.30) when returning an internet purchase online or instore, with the cost deducted from their refund.

Returns will still be free for H&M members, the retailer said. Sector insiders said returns were “a headache” as this meant warehouse staff took longer to process stock.

PORT TALBOT: Steelworks’ closure threat averted.

MERCADONA: Bigger market share than its four closest rivals added together.

Photo credit: Flickr/Nina Ding

DOW JONES

BUSINESS EXTRA

Tram fiasco

A PUBLIC enquiry into Edinburgh’s tram line said its real cost reached well over £1 billion (€1.15 billion) through a ‘litany of avoidable failures’. The report concluded that Tie, the company contracted to deliver the line, Edinburgh Council and Scottish ministers shared the blame for cost overruns, delays and damage to the city’s economy.

Rain check

THIS year’s olive oil production was one of the worst in a long time, generating 663,000 tons according to Spain’s Agriculture ministry, a reduction of 55.57 per cent on the previous campaign and the lowest so far this century. Producers now hope that a rainy finish to September will help save next year’s crop.

FCA debunks debanking

Linda Hall

THE UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found no evidence that banks closed or denied accounts owing to customers’ politics or opinions.

A preliminary review by Britain’s financial regulator, prompted by the Nigel Farage debanking controversy, established that accounts were closed, suspended or denied when they were inactive or concerns existed regarding finance irregularities.

“While no bank, building society or payment firm reported that they had closed accounts primarily due to someone’s political views,

AVE looks east

SPAIN’S state­owned rail operator Renfe hopes to attract Chinese tourists with highspeed travel during the high season.

Apart from passengers heading for the coast, AVEs are less­used for business trips and Renfe has signed an agreement allowing China’s biggest tour operator, Trip.com.Group, to sell AVE tickets online.

China is now one of the world’s largest

tourism sources, with visitors spending ‘substantially more’ than those from other countries, Trip.com.Group said. In 2019, Spain received 700,000 Chinese tourists, who usually remained in the country for a week and spent an average of €2,407 per person. Approximately 136,000 Chinese tourists visited Spain in the first half of this year, spending €421 million, an average of €3,106 per person.

Next best

further work is needed for us to be sure,” the FCA’s chief executive, Nikhil Rathi admitted.

This entails checking initial information from 34 banks, building societies and payment companies, including cases where accounts were shut down if customers were considered a ‘reputational risk’.

Banks may decide who they accept as clients and can, for instance, legally refuse to do business with persons subject to UK or international sanctions as well as those ‘closely associated’ with them.

The FCA nevertheless added that it wanted to be sure criteria were not being interpreted “too broadly.”

Former UK leader Nigel Farage who was debanked by exclusive Coutts, which deals only with the wealthy, described the report as a “complete and utter farce” and called for sackings at the FCA.

NEXT increased its full­year profit expectations for the third time in four months while predicting that prices could dip next spring. The fashion retailer raised its annual profit guidance by £30 million (€34.6 million) to £875 million (€1 billion), explaining that better ranges, a sunny spring and pay rises for many of its habitual customers had boosted sales.

Store deal

EL CORTE INGLES has sold for €60 million the goodwill of 47 of its 189 Supercor supermarkets to Carrefour in areas in Madrid, Catalonia, Andalucia and the Valencian Community which it no longer considers strategic. The department store chain, which retains the properties belonging to it, announced that the transaction included “certain obligations with regard to maintaining employment.”

NIGEL FARAGE: Former UK leader unhappy with FCA report.

Photo credit: CC/Gage Skidmore

Where’s all the fun

WOW. Delighted to see the tremendous support for the ol boy published in the last week’s edition. Nice to know that enduring readers and their clear thinking cohorts are still seriously seeking some justification for the often totally biased existence we seem to be experiencing in these days of doom and gloom. Where’s all the fun gone?

Well, I’m afraid that’s about the last thing the devotees of the left want us to experience before the next election. About a year ago, I said they would need to keep up all the depressive reporting for at least another two years if they were to continue raising support for the Labour brigade. Well they’re still managing. Every news report that contains some glint of better tidings or somewhat cheerier content is reduced to a minimum.

Accounts of further misery and depression are scooped up with gusto and

spread like marauding plagues of locusts. We already know that the unions are preparing two more major strikes for the approaching winter. Firmly in league with the left, the union bosses are fully prepared to relinquish their luxury abodes on the Costas until they win the battle and are subsequently better able to enjoy some long, financially wellheeled vacations.

Closer to home this week came a call I had from a dear friend in the UK. She was almost distraught into what is happening to their customary way of life. She works in a bridal gown shop and has just been informed (by the not too happy owners) that she can no longer address her new customers as Ladies! Why? Well apparently just because they may not be.

You really couldn’t make it up. ‘Good morning she/her, he/him, they/them, how can I help you’? The mind boggles. She also told me, even more seriously, that she has now been informed by the principle of her eight ­year­old daughter’s new school that her offspring is not allowed to be referred to as a ‘young girl’!

NO NEW TOLLS OUR VIEW

Lord only knows how she’ll actually be referred to. Can you truly believe that this absolute balderdash is being allowed to flourish in the beautiful nation millions of our ancestors fought and died for? Well it sure infuriates me.

Do you know what one of the reasons is for all this idiotic confusion that is being invented by these apparent imbeciles? No? Well give it a thought. All these crackpots hold positions that are the source of their incomes. The only way to keep their jobs is to keep presenting situations and inventing new rules; especially for minorities. It’s irrelevant how ridiculous and difficult they are. As long as it presents confusion and chaos among the majority of normal citizens their power mad bosses will be satisfied and the underling’s bank balances will be happily kept filled by the continuance of their jobs and incomes.

Piece o’ cake. Gee’s a job, I could come up with some great complications and obstacles for minorities. Well, you never know. What goes around… Keep the faith.

Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com

Advertising Feature

SPAIN tends to class many roads as motorways whilst in the UK they would be known as dual carriageways and many are busy and in a poor state of repair.

Anxious to implement changes so that drivers are discouraged from taking their cars on long distances, the European Union wanted to see some form of toll on all roads classed as motorways across all member states.

Even though there is only a ‘caretaker’ government in power until such time as President of the Government is sworn in (or indeed there is another General Election), negotiations have continued and the European Union has given Spain special dispensation to leave the motorways toll free.

This doesn’t mean the current toll roads will be free, but motorists won’t suddenly find themselves spending even more on travel costs.

All well and good, but there is always a quid pro quo in political negotiations and in this case, the government has undertaken to promote the use of rail to transport goods but no­one quite knows how this is going to happen.

Lorry drivers clearly won’t want to see their business reduced and it wasn’t so long ago that independent hauliers caused a reasonable amount of havoc by going on strike.

It is unlikely that this will happen in the foreseeable future as the rail system doesn’t have the infrastructure to carry more freight around the country and there are huge areas where track simply doesn’t exist.

Add to that the need for more rolling stock suitable for goods and the cost would most probably be prohibitive but with no new money coming in from additional road tolls, then how will the government pay for road repairs?

Victoria Car Hire UK Self Drive

WE are based in Horley town centre, just five minutes’ drive from Gatwick airport and a short walk to Horley mainline railway station.

On offer is a range of cars starting with small everyday cars and up to family­sized vehicles to include manual and automatic transmission. We also have a variety of both petrol and diesel fuelled engines.

All cars are well maintained and presented in a clean condition.

We have full 24­hour AA breakdown cover.

The most popular brands used include: Ford, Vauxhall, Nissan, Citroen and Renault.

We meet our customers just outside the arrival terminal at Gatwick Airport at the authorised collection points at both the North and South terminals. We will then drive to the car rental office in Horley town centre, where the paperwork and payment are processed followed by a demonstration of the car controls and directions to the motorway if required.

The collection procedure is very efficient, taking a small amount of time and

allowing the customer to swiftly proceed with their onward journey.

At the end of the hire the customer returns the car to the rental office and will be driven to the departure terminal at Gatwick Airport.

Office hours are 9am ­ 4pm Monday to Friday, weekends by arrangement

An out of hours service is available for late arrivals and early morning departures. Subject to conditions.

Prices are from £110.00 per week, which is fully inclusive with no hidden extras, the fuel in the vehicles are taken on a like for like basis ­ if the tank is half full, it must be returned as so.

Embrace autumn fitness

THE transition from the heat of the Spanish summer to the cooler autumn requires a shift in exercise habits, especially for UK expats over 50.

Consider exploring different trails for brisk walking or engaging in community sports adapted to the season.

The change in weather brings opportunities to try new activities, keeping exercise fresh and enjoyable. Consult with local fitness experts to find routines that align with the cooler climate, ensuring continued health and wellbeing.

GENTLEMEN , it’s time to elevate your skincare game and embrace the fountain of youth!

Men over 50 can achieve a vibrant and youthful complexion with a tailored skincare routine.

Start with a gentle cleanser to wash away impurities and follow up

Magical Spanish clays

NATURE’S finest skin detox Spain, with its diverse terrains, gifts us a beauty treasure: mineral­rich clays. For UK expats seeking natural skincare, Spanish clays are a revelation. Sourced from verdant valleys and sun ­ drenched plateaus, these clays are teeming with minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. When crafted into face masks, they detoxify, removing impurities and

excess oil, giving the skin a clean, refreshed feel. But there’s more; they also nourish the skin, promoting a vibrant, youthful glow. As more of us lean towards earthsourced beauty, these Spanish clays stand out as potent, yet gentle, skincare allies. Dive into this Spanish secret and let your skin revel in nature’s purest indulgence.

Men over 50 skincare

with a hydrating moisturiser to lock in moisture and combat dryness. Incorporate an anti ­ ageing serum enriched with potent antioxidants to target fine lines and wrinkles.

Don’t forget the sun ­

screen! Shield your skin from harmful UV rays to prevent premature ageing and sun damage.

Finally, embrace the power of a nourishing night cream to support

skin repair while you sleep. With consistency and the right products, you can revel in healthy, agedefying skin and face the world with renewed confidence.

COOLER CLIMATE: Try new activities for exercising.

MEN’S SKINCARE: Shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

Mineral-rich clay face masks.

BLOOD PRESSURE: Have it checked regularly.

Control your well-being

IN the pursuit of optimal health, it’s crucial to prioritise preventive healthcare. By taking proactive measures, we can detect and address potential health concerns before they become serious.

Regular check­ups and screenings play a key role in early detection and prevention.

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the recommended schedule for screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol,

The power of community

COMMUNITY has a profound impact on our health and well ­ being.

Communities provide motivation and accountability for pursuing healthier lifestyles.

Engaging in group activities like walking or fitness classes amplifies our efforts, encouraging us to stay active and committed.

tive mental health and emotional well ­ being. Sharing laughter, support, and common interests uplift our spirits and create a sense of camaraderie.

Communities also play a crucial role in raising awareness, educating, and empowering individuals to prioritise their health.

provide knowledge and resources for making informed decisions.

Let’s embrace the power of community, fostering connections and support, and together, create happier, healthier lives.

and cancer screenings based on your age, gender, and family history.

Additionally, vaccinations, healthy lifestyle choices, and maintaining a balanced diet contribute to preventive care. Investing time and effort in preventive healthcare empowers you to make informed decisions, improve overall well­being, and enjoy a healthier, happier life.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to your health.

Additionally, being part of a community reduces feelings of loneliness and stress, promoting posi ­

From health fairs to wellness workshops and support groups, community ­ driven initiatives

1 in 4 people say they prefer eco-friendly skin care brands.

FITNESS CLASSS: Stay active and committed.

THERE is still a great deal of bitterness amongst UK pensioners now resident in Spain about the lack of support from the British government over the escalating cost of living.

Whilst it has recently been announced that those aged between 66 and 79 who live in the UK are likely to receive a £500 winter fuel supplement, pensioners of similar age who will have made contributions to National Insurance during their working lives are barred from receiving anything except for the £10 Christmas bonus.

I do feel that it is very unfair that those of us living in Spain don’t receive a penny towards the cost of heating. What the government conveniently overlooks is that Spanish properties are generally single glazed, have marble floors, have no insulation and are heated by electric or wood fires.

It can get very cold at night and unless you can afford solar panels, electricity is very expensive, so in some cases we have to decide if we can afford to be cold and eat or be warm and hungry.

Patrick in Ronda

When you live in the Spanish countryside, especially if you are well above sea level, the temperature is much lower than in other parts of Southern Europe, yet I receive no financial assistance from the British government, even though I worked and paid income tax and national insurance in the UK for some 45 years.

Emily in Valencia

Web comments

Disgraceful that Brits in Spain get nothing. Air conditioning is essential in many places and this is using electricity the same as heating. I am 89 years of age and expected to live on €400 , my total English pension.

James

Italy is still considered a cold country but Spain and France were said to be warm because Ian Duncan Smith used their overseas territories temperatures added to the mainland temperatures to increase their average temperatures. Italy doesn’t have any overseas territories, so he couldn’t do that for there.

John

Fighting depopulation

The lack of goverment grants is a big factor in detering population of declining village numbers, IVA attached to basic repairs like roofs and water supplies are putting people off. I have witnessed people turning up to view properties and walking away when the basic repairs + IVA attached is offputting. Italy came up with a scheme to prevent small villages from being ghost towns and if the Spanish government wish to avoid the same, then a radical rethink is long overdue.

Mark

Electric charging

It may help if grants were made available to install home, hotel, office, and public solar chargers. In the UK some highway charging stations have been equipped with solar-powered charging. With its solar profile applying this solution would certainly benefit the Spanish Electric car market.

Edward Wilsom

Welsh speed limit

That is the problem with politics lately, they grab power tempting voters with promises, then once in power for five years all this garbage is pushed through, ULEZ for example etc. There should be a clause placed on all political parties that if the political class fail to achieve a certain level of service to the people who they purportedly represent, then there should be a mechanism to oust them and force a new election. This would focus the system in honestly ruling in the people’s name. Food for thought?

Mark GB

NEATER HEATER WANT ‘SQUIRRELS’ AS CUSTOMERS

RICHARD and Tony from NEATER HEATER are urging all our readers to start preparing for next winter now. “We really want peo ple to imitate SQUIRRELS” said Tony “As we know; all the other woodland crea tures just laze about in the summer, relaxing. So when the winter comes they have to furiously compete with each other for the scraps left over or hide ­ away and hiber nate, waiting for next summer. But not the squirrels! Squirrels plan for the winter by hoard ing nuts, berries and seeds in the summer, so when winter comes they are well prepared for it, and are able to enjoy themselves on

SQUIRRELS: Are well prepared for the winter during the summer and so should you be.

those nice bright winter days when the sun does come out. They are obviously the wisest creatures in the wood. And that is what we want our customers to be.”

“What Tony is trying to say” interjected Richard, “is that when winter finally arrives in Spain, Northern Europe has been cold for months. This means that Chilly Czechs, Frozen Fins and Shivering Swedes have been stripping the shelves for months. Every year we have panicking customers calling us in December, des ­

NEATER HEATER DISTRIBUTORS: COSTA DEL SOL CALAHONDA: The Bed Warehouse Spain. Tel. 634 187 700 Heaters also available for purchase at our online shop with free home delivery WWW.NEATERHEATER.ES or Tel. 634 312 171 (WhatsApp available)

WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

A RECENT questionnaire asked 2,000 Brits aged 18 to 65 what things needed to be done ‘before you die’. The 50 top answers ranged from “Visit at least 25 different countries”, “Find true love”, “Have a onenight stand” (both, presumably, not at the same time!) to “Try an adrenaline ­ packed activity such as sky ­ diving”.

Another response urges us to: “Treat each day like it’s your last”. Does this mean you spend the latter part of each day lying motionless on a bed? An alternative way of treating each day like your last would be, of course, never going to work. Or undertaking any of the above recom ­

mendations. And splashing all your cash on one final shopping trip.

But what a daft, contradictory list! If you did some things (those related to reckless spending, for example), you couldn’t do others (leave bequests to your family).

Basically, all it amounts to is a recipe for selfish, antisocial, hedonistic/ narcissistic/ Me! Me! Me! behaviour.

Well, if you’ve counted them all up and there’s nothing left to do on your own bucket list, you must have been having a whale of a time! So what now? Easy! Start another one …

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.

perate to have heaters supplied and fitted by Christmas. Frequently these customers have to compromise on their choice, or be put at the back of a long queue. Every year we think to ourselves ­ ‘It’s a shame you didn’t order them in the summer when we had loads of them in stock and, equally as important, the time to process the orders’.”

NEATER HEATER is the sole Spanish distributor for BEHA and ADAX NEO convector heaters. We currently have more stock than ever before at various locations, just waiting for the ‘squirrels’. Please feel free to call us on 634 312 171 for more information, or visit our website www.neaterheater.es , or email info@neaterheater.es.

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

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

ROMANCE SCAMS:

HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A CATFISHING VICTIM

By Emma Mitchell

CATFISHING describes the activity of criminals creating fake profiles on Social Media in order to target a victim for financial gain. The most common form of catfishing has become the romance scam. Romance scams are big business; the FBI reported that in 2022 around 73,000 Americans lost more than one billion dollars to these types of scams. We’ve put together some startling facts about romance scams:

● 324 million people use dating apps globally.

One in 10 dating profiles are fake.

IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE HOW TO SPOT A ROMANCE SCAMMER

● They are never local. The scammer will normally say they live overseas because they need a plausible excuse for not arranging a date.

● Their background promotes trust. Romance scammers often say that they’re military veterans, ex­police forces or some other career which immediately makes victims trust them more.

● Attractive profile photos. Scammers tend to use photos of attractive people they’ve found on the Internet or even other dating sites to reel victims in.

● Moving you off­platform. A romance scammer will want to move victims off the dating app or social media platform they met them on to a more private channel such as WhatsApp.

● No video calls. The scammer won’t video call since they are not who they say they are. The excuses will range from poor Internet connections to lack of privacy.

● The relationship moves fast. Romance scammers profess deep emotions very quickly; often in a matter of days or a few weeks. They may shower victims with compliments (known as ‘love bombing’) and talk about being together.

● They need money. They aim to earn their victim’s trust and then get them to part with money. Sometimes they don’t directly ask for money, but spin a story about some emergency situation and wait for their victim to offer financial help.

WE spoke to a lady on Social Media who has been the victim of a romance scam. Paula met her scammer on a dating site aimed at middle­aged singles. He posed as a 63­year­old retired US Army Captain living in Florida and she described him as, “A good looking bloke; slim, tanned and smiling.” Paula had recently divorced and that made her more susceptible to his story of going through an acrimonious divorce himself.

Her scammer escalated the relationship very quickly, saying he had never had such a deep connection with someone so soon and that he was developing strong emotions for her.

Initially she sent over $1,000 US when he suggested that he fly to Spain to meet her and, if all went well, that he would stay with her and apply for a Visa. “He said he couldn’t buy a plane ticket when all his statements were being looked at by divorce lawyers,” Paula told us.

Having sent him the money he kept pushing back flight dates, using family and his divorce as excuses. He then told Paula that he wanted to start the process of applying for a visa to allow him to stay in Spain. Paula told us, “I knew you had to show money in the bank and he kept saying money wasn’t a problem. He had a good pension from the army.”

Paula sent another $2,500 US after he told her that he was short of the full amount but was hoping to get it together with loans from friends until his divorce was settled. It was only after another few weeks of no movement that she started to get suspicious.

Credit: Federal

● Conduct an image search on the profile photo of the person and Google their name, plus where they say they come from and their job. Most real people leave a trace on Google or LinkedIn.

● Insist on a video call early on; if they have excuses that is a huge red flag.

● Ask about their life and background; where did they go to school? What is their family like? etc. Does every­

She told us, “I just started to get a sick feeling and kept asking him when he was getting the rest of the money from his friends. He started sending angrier messages saying he was trying his best and asking why I didn’t help instead of giving him a hard time.” He wanted a further $10,000 US to ‘plug the hole’. At this point Paula, who couldn’t afford that amount of cash anyway, said no.

Her scammer reacted initially by trying emotional blackmail and saying that he thought she felt the same way he did, but obviously not. When that didn’t work, he became angry and, finally, he simply stopped messaging her and disappeared. Paula said, “I went back on the dating site and his profile was gone. I was devastated as I knew then that it was a scam.”

She told us, “I feel so stupid. I worry that if I tell my children they’ll think that I’m not safe being in Spain on my own anymore.” She went on to say, “And I’m too ashamed to confide in my friends.”

TOP TIPS FOR AVOIDING ROMANCE SCAMS

thing add up or do some things feel a bit off?

● Be cynical. Don’t fall for compliments; examine every piece of information they give out critically. Write down the details they give and look for inconsistencies.

● Tell someone trusted about this new romantic inter­

est; share the details and get their opinion to avoid rosetinted glasses.

● Never, ever send money or buy them anything that can be cashed in.

No matter what the emergency seems to be, hold firm and say ‘no’.

A scammer will quickly lose interest in and move on to an easier victim.

One in three victims met the romance scammer on Social Media. 55 to 64 is the age group most of risk being a victim.

Tickled pink

IT has been a very busy week for the Euro Weekly News team as we welcomed comedians Josh Widdicombe and Nish Kumar to our Albir office.

Now filming the second season of their popular Sky Max programme, Hold the Front Page, the comic duo of aspiring reporters decided to move out of the UK and we were delighted that they chose Spain’s most popular English language paper to work with.

It was an exciting few days, as they chose a number of different stories to cover, ranging from an evening of Psychic Speed Dating, to a Belly Busting Breakfast competition alongside an encounter with a generous artist and an animal charity that needs financial support.

Whilst the pair of cub reporters have experienced working alongside journalists in the UK, working abroad has both benefits and down­

sides especially when they have had to adapt their style to fit in with the tapas concept of shorter stories with positive local flavours.

Not every article has made it into this edition of the paper but the guys ­ who were issued with their very own pink glasses for the challenge ­ certainly attacked the challenge with a great deal of gusto and we hope that they

Dragtastic

Josh and Nish OFTEN referred to as ‘The Queen of visual comedy’ by frequenters of the Benidorm strip, Coco Chanel is one of the most famous faces on the Costa Blanca.

But did you know that Colin, the man behind the persona, is also one of the region’s greatest philanthropists?

When he’s not treading the boards of iconic venues like Cafe Benidorm, Sinatra’s and Talk of the Coast, Colin is working tooth and nail to maintain a sanctuary in Murcia, devoted to looking after abandoned animals.

enjoyed their time with us as much as we did with them.

In actual fact, readers will find out how Nish and Josh feel they got on as they have kindly agreed to be interviewed for next week’s paper.

As a brief taster of how they enjoyed their visit they said “We’ve found the community brilliantly welcoming with charming eccentricity.”

Can I help you with anything?

SO here’s a little tip for all the moronic idiotic companies that ask me to take a survey after I’ve been hanging on to speak to a person for 45 minutes, then got cut off mid chat and had to call back on your premium number. DON’T! OK, just DON’T unless you want big fat zeros on every question asked! I can’t even do that sometimes because they don’t allow a zero mark which is ludicrous!

It’s not a good idea to ask me if my query was sorted the first time if it’s the fifth time I’ve called! You don’t have to ask for my feedback on everything I do. Every time I stay in a hotel, hire a car or phone a helpline I get asked for my feedback. If I phone Vodafone within five minutes I’ve got a call or a text asking my opinion on how my call was handled.

I contacted Microsoft live chat because my keyboard and cable needs renewing and was told my £900 Surface Pro 2, which is only two and a half years old and works fine, was now defunct and Microsoft no longer stock any replacement parts but I might find them on

eBay or Amazon. Now this winds me up big time on its own because nothing these companies do is backward compatible. Why do they have to change the charger cable for every model? Then at the end of the chat the technician says, “Is there anything else I can help you with today?” and I say, “Well actually what have you helped me with today? Absolutely nothing! All you have done is, in fact, told me you can’t help me with anything so what else would you like to have a go at? My tax return? The Times crossword? The meaning of life?

They have now gone and five minutes later I get an email asking me to rate my experience!! Are you sure? I mark everything the lowest I can and write my reasons in the boxes provided. It won’t achieve anything but hey ho.

What about apps for phones? I use a few of the messaging ones and free call ones. Every time they update they ask me do I want to fill out my profile so I can connect with other people. No I don’t. If I did I would have done it the first time you asked. No I don’t want to add a photo or my location or my date of birth or hook up with people nearby. All I want to do is send my mates or family a message now and again and even call them OK? Leave me alone! You and yer bloody algorithms can get lost.

His incredible development of the sanctuary, known as Hugo’s Home Farm, has been entirely funded through donations from visitors to the farm and spectators at his drag performances.

Today Colin ­ and Coco ­ can announce that he is just about to reach the required goal of €70,000 to lease an adjacent field that will allow him to expand his sanctuary and rescue even more animals.

Colin expressed his gratitude for the help he has received in hitting his charity target, saying “I couldn’t have done it without the amazing help from everyone who donated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Colin, originally from Edinburgh, Scotland established the charity after finding two forgotten

horses tied up at the side of the road, one of which sadly passed away soon after. Colin told Euro Weekly News that his commitment to saving animals is a cause he just can’t abandon. “I’ve always had compassion for animals. More so those that are in desperate situations ­ abandoned, neglected or abused.”

Since then, he has gone on to build a farm that hosts nearly 100 formerly mistreated animals and the number is growing.

The Local Police now often alert Colin to animals in need.

“I think I must be the only farming drag queen in Spain” he observed.

Josh and Nish at the initial briefing in their new glasses.

Coco with one of the rescued horses.

Credit: Josh and Nish

PETS

The best live in dog-sitters

RIO loves having live in dog­sitters

Rio and Blanca are happy to stay at home while their owners travel. They especially love it when new dog sitters from HouseSitMatch live in and make a fuss over them. It’s great entertainment.

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

3D printing for pet prosthetics

IN recent years, technological advancements have dramatically changed the way we approach healthcare, and this revolution hasn’t stopped at human medicine.

tion for the pet. These innovations are particularly important for animals that have been in accidents or have congenital issues requiring prosthetics. The use of 3D printing also makes these medical

Rio loves his live in dog sitter from HousesitMatch.

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.

One of the most intriguing develop ments is the use of 3D printing in the creation of prosthetics for pets. Tradi tional methods of crafting pros thetics can be time suming and expensive, often requiring multiple fit tings and adjustments.

This can be both distress ing and impractical for animals in need of urgent care. Enter 3D printing: a gametechnology that allows for quick, customised, and cost fective solutions. With 3D printing, veterinarians can now scan the area where the prosthetic will be fitted, creat ing a precise digital model. The model is then printed into a tan gible, biocompatible material that can be further customised for the comfort of the animal.

This not only speeds up the process but also makes it far more accurate, ensuring a better fit and quicker adapta

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE: 112

PHARMACY

BERDAGUER MARBELLA: 952 773 187

FARMACIA LOS BOLICHES: 952 474 238

CAFFARENA MALAGA: 952 212 858

VETS CLINICA VETSUR FUENGIROLA: 952 660 596

VETERINARIA MALAGA: 952 358 701

Allergies in pets

JUST like humans, our pets can also suffer from allergies. These allergic reactions can be triggered by a range of factors including food, pollen, dust, and even insect bites. Knowing the signs can help you take timely action, making your pet’s life much more comfortable.

The symptoms of allergies in pets can vary, but there are some common signs you should be on the lookout for. These include excessive scratching or licking, red or watery eyes, sneezing, and even digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhoea.

In more severe cases, you might notice bald patches, skin infections, or a foul odour emanating from the skin or ears.

It’s crucial to remember that symptoms can be seasonal, especially in cases of environmental allergies like pollen.

During certain times of the year, you may notice your pet showing these symptoms more frequently.

Watch out for patches.

If you suspect that your pet is suffering from allergies, the first step is to consult a veterinarian for a diagnosis. Your vet may recommend an allergy test or elimination diet to pinpoint the allergen. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or changes to your pet’s diet. Allergies can be a significant source of discomfort for your pet, affecting their quality of life.

However, with proper care and attention, you can manage these symptoms effectively, helping your fourlegged friend lead a happier, more comfortable life.

PET PROSTHETICS: Makes aids more accessible to pet owners.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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@ envirocarespain.com www.envirocarespain. 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)

AIR-CONDITIONING Repairs & Maintenance. Authorised Installer. Adrian 640 350 479 (304505)

SOLAR BLINDS

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 (302477)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (303679)

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)

GENERAL BUILDER , Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician, 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 house clearanceman@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.handymanservices.es Electrician, plumbing, construction, painting. Innovation. ROT deduction for Swedish, Sotogrande to Marbella 648 712 530 (302411)

QUALITY renovation: Kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, windows, doors, plastering, Total property renovations info@mas terbuildspain.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

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FILMS

in English

PLAZA MAYOR CINEMA

Malaga

COUP DE CHANCE

SUN: 13:15

TUE: 20:15

A HAUNTING IN VENICE

SUN: 13:00

TUE: 17:55

THE CREATOR

TUE: 18:15

THE MERCENARIES 4

TUE: 21:20

SAW 10

TUE: 22:00

RED DOG CINEMA

Puerto Banus

STRAYS

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE: 17:15, 19:30

A HAUNTING IN VENICE

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE, WED: 17:00, 19:20

AFTER EVERYTHING

THU: 17:15

THE SURVIVOR

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE: 17:00, 19:20

BARBIE

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

OPPENHEIMER

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

THE NUN II

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE: 21:00

THE EQUALIZER 3

THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE: 17:00, 19:00

OPERATION NAPOLEON

THU: 17:15, 19:30

NINJA TURTLES : MUTANT MAYHEM

SUN: 12:30

SPIDERMAN – ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE

SUN: 12:30

ELEMENTAL

SUN: 12:30

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 (295137)

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)

INSURANCE

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 (293850)

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)

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.star light-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

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

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)

LAWYERS

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

FOR SALE/WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 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-professionals.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)

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@hot mail.co.uk www.2waygates. com (295301)

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: 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@envirocare spain.com www.enviro carespain.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)

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

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.a1lock smiths.es (290138)

RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (304489)

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

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RIVIERA DEL SOL . Dana, Cuban masseuse, fun and spontaneous. My hands will offer you a unique experience, with a mixture of smells, sounds, sensations . Contact me without obligation 951274723, 650237145. (303656)

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 (303656)

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.

951274723, 650237145 (303656)

ASIAN MASSUER offers relaxing full body massage. Home Visits. WhatsApp 641 980 066 for details (304499)

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

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 relax634.703.111 (296396)

BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427 (304453)

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

WWW.CASAKINKSPAIN.C

OM 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 3088)

SARA Venezuelan, professional relaxing therapeutic & sensitive massage. I can visit you. For more information contact me 632 770 051 (303021)

BENALMADENA: IRINA Russian Masseur, model, slim, Russian, Spanish, English. Incalls & Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304284)

BENALMADENA Masseur, massage, jacuzzi, outcalls 24hrs. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304284)

BENALMADENA: MariaColombian Masseur - blond long hair, Incalls & Outcalls

24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304284)

BENALMADENA: Alicia Spanish professional & relaxing Masseur.. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304284)

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)

BOLICHES . Https://celina16.jimdosite.com. Elegant loving kind lovely delightful lady for educated very discreet, respectable gentleman. Unique relaxing moments, hot sensual massages, private quite place. Enjoy full deep

complete, excellent treatment, special attention of your needs and total satisfaction. Demanding impeccable hygiene. Previous appointment 11am/6pm. 622 210 797 (FU 3066)

BENALMADENA: Sandra Spanish Masseur and Amaliaduo massage & relaxing. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (304284)

NEW FUENGIROLA I am Daniela, 19 years old, massages and relax. 603 366 841 (FU 3089)

ASIAN lady tantric sensory generate self esteem body technique, fantastic relaxation massage Marbella. 603 208 080 (MI 569)

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)

COLOMBIAN Yeraldin, I do massages and something else. I am independent, 45 years old. I am in Nueva Andalucía 611 245 461 (FU 3083)

ALHAURIN FURNITURE

EMPORIUM furniture wanted, same day collection, also house clearance

CALAHONDA . Leila, Arab masseuse, expert in the art of seduction and tantric

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)

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 (304284)

FUENGIROLA centre. I am beautiful brunette Luna, treat yourself to massages and relaxation 603 366 841 (FU 3089)

ASIAN Touch try something different combination Oriental European, absolutely relaxing massage relief pain stress, luxury place. Marbella. Elviria. 633 705 558 (MI 569)

ASIAN MASSUER offers relaxing full body massage. Home Visits. WhatsApp 641 980 066 for details (304011)

FUENGIROLA 3 beautiful girls enjoy with authentic beauties 603 366 841 (FU 3089)

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

SAN PEDRO BEACH. RELAXING AND SENSITIVE MASSEUSES WELCOME

YOU IN A PRIVATE AND DISCREET PLACE. YOUNG AND PLEASANT. WITH APPOINTMENT. EASY, PRIVATE PARKING. TEl.. 666 194 079 - 674 679 757. (304277)

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 (304572)

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 3086)

PROFESSIONAL massage on the table. Fuengirola. Irina, blonde. 605 076 407 or 632 110 023. (FU 3084)

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 3085)

FUENGIROLA Venezuelan, Blonde. Paseo Maritimo, private full massage service 677 353 323 (304507)

NATURIST Tantra massage and fun. Profesional Exotic Masseur. Marbella. 602 098 606 (FU 3087)

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

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

FUENGIROLA Fuengirola Central. Mary, masseuse specially trained in gents. 50€/hour. Monday to Friday. 607 441 387 (3090)

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

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@aceof shades.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

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 608 658 785 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.robertsoncars -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

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

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, 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)

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.robertson cars-spain.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 exce llent service with the best prices in the market. For the

DAVID CHRISTIAN-CLARK 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 davechris tianclark@gmail.com (304085)

EDS? We have the solution, Kamagra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

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

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 animexfoun dation@gmail.com or call 692 166 434 now for this absolutely free service (288287)

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

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-ani mals.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. (93317)

PLUMBING POOLS

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

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

MISCELLANEOUS

MOSQUITO SCREENS MOTORING MUSIC OTHERS

PASSPORT RENEWALS

PEST CONTROL

PETS

PET CHARITY

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@intermarbella.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)

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@intermarbella.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. (304106)

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

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

15 CUBIC metre van returning to the UK 13th October 2023. Space avai lable each way. Tel. 639 928 090 (304200)

MAN AND VAN

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

2 MEN, Van €30 p hour. House Clearances & Storage. 651 081 610 (303336) moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (295657)

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 garymoveit@ 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 (295657)

STORAGE

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (295657)

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)

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@enviro carespain.com www.envi rocarespain.com (304164)

CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosan nacarmella8@gmail.com (304143)

www.sparklenripple.net (303027)

SWIMMING Pool Heating Pumps, Pool Covers, Rollers, Filtration Systems. 28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality Guaranteed. 952663141 / 670409759 info@enviro carespain.com www.en virocarespain.com (304164)

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS

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

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. 10am10pm 7 days, all areas Discount Code: EWN 1 CLEAN

ELECTRIC & Gas Water Heaters. Quality Installations. 28 years installation history in Spain. EnviroCare. All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759 info@envirocare spain.com www.enviroarespain.com (304164)

POOL MAINTENANCE , & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona & inland areas. 678 791 495 / 951 536 389

ORA Funky CAT First Edition - engaging and stylish

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

AS a motoring writer I’m lucky to receive invitations to drive new cars on their launch, and later to have such cars for extended periods. Driving a car for a few hours on a launch, and then sampling it for a week, can confirm your initial thoughts, or

Facts at a Glance

sometimes highlight issues over the time of longer loan.

When I first drove the ORA CAT last year I came away impressed, and having spent a

week and several hundred miles behind the wheel my view has remained largely unchanged. The CAT isn’t possessed of the usual aggressive looks,

lights and sharp angles. Style is always subjective but those who saw the ORA all thought it a pleasant change from the more usual brutalist styling stance of many new

charging, built­in sat nav’, high beam assist, auto lights and keyless entry and start. Heated seats would have been welcome on colder mornings, but these aren’t even available as an option.

You can specify a number of colour schemes that match exterior with interior and while maybe not for everyone’s they add a bit of life to the usually rather dull automotive palette on offer from many car makers. The build quality of the ORA appears good, although cheaper, hard plastics lurk at lower levels in the cabin. In general it’s a nice place to be and certainly doesn’t lack comfort for longer journeys.

keep kept activating and the emergency braking decided to apply itself when an oncoming car was waiting in a filter lane. The car behind me was not happy!

To be fair to the ORA there are still updates to be done so these tweaks will hopefully improve matters, and add the long overdue Apple Car Play and Android Auto. It’s an engaging car but at its price these niggles should have been dealt with long before the car came to market.

Although only minor issues, when added together they make a potentially good car rather irritating.

• Model: ORA Funky CAR First Edition

• Engine: 48 kwh battery – 171 PS

• Gears: Automatic

• Price: €36,807/£31,995

• Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 8.3 seconds/Maximum Speed 160 kph (99 mph).

• Range: 310 km/193 miles on single charge

• Charging: 100kw DC charger from 15% to 80% = 42 minutes/11kw AC charger from 15 to 80% = 3 hrs/6.6kw AC home charger from 15% to 80% = 5.5 hours

• Emissions: 0 g/km

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

entry ­ level model, but it comes as standard with smart cruise, auto dimming rear view mirror, electric front seats, wireless phone

Unfortunately, it does lack the range of some competitors, the 193 miles official figure would in reality be more like 160 miles in my view. The main issues though are the ridiculously over sensitive safety features, such lane keep and autonomous emergency braking.

No matter the road lane

some tweaks.

1/2 an ounce of fuel only is needed to start a car.

ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE

THE Andalucia Walking Football

League kicked off last weekend with matches in both the Over 50s and Over 60s categories.

AWFL Over 50s League

AC

Benahavis 4 v 0 Mollina

This being the first game of the season for both teams, it was hardly surprising that the opening exchanges were rather cagey, with both sides unwilling to risk too much, only to give the initiative to the opposition. However, Benahavis’s accurate passing game eventually told and they broke the deadlock to go in leading 1­0 at half time.

It appeared that they might be in danger of throwing this advantage away in the second half, having two players temporarily sent off for running offences.

The new rules state that, once players from one team commit four running offences, the fourth runner will spend five minutes on the touchline, rather than giving away a penalty to the opposition, as had been the case in the past.

However, the hosts were able to cap­

Verstappen wins Japanese Grand Prix

THE reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen is on course for a third consecutive crown.

His 13th win of the season in the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on Sunday, September 24, brought the Dutchman level with Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.

After this victory, with six races still to go, the Red Bull team mathematically won its sixth Constructors’ World Championship.

Verstappen meanwhile sits an astonishing 177 points clear at the top of the drivers’ table and will clinch another world title should he take the chequered flag in the next race in Qatar.

italise on their lead and their greater league experience to score three more goals without reply before the final whistle. That’s not to say that Mollina did not play their part in this, their first AWFL game; they certainly contributed and tried to press when possible, and at one point in the first half could have drawn level, if not for a remarkable triple save from the home goalie. Unfortunately for them, they were not able to redress the balance and the home side ended 4­0 winners.

AWFL Over 60s League

AC Benahavis 5 v 0 Competa Boca

Seniors

Historic point for Portugal

THE Portuguese rugby team achieved its first­ever point in a Rugby World Cup when it drew 18­18 with Georgia on Saturday, September 23.

A thrilling 18­18 result in the Toulouse Stadium, in France, left Portugal bottom of Group C. In the last minute of the game, Nuno Sousa Guedes had the opportunity to give Portugal a first victory but the full­back could not convert the penalty.

It took Akaki Tabutsadze, Georgia’s record try­scorer only 75 seconds to charge across the Portuguese line to bag his 30th try in 33 international matches. Tedo Abzhandadze then added a conversion and two penalties to give Georgia a 13­0 lead.

Raffaele Storti then looked like he would become a national hero after the Portugal winger scored two superb solo

tries to put his side in front in the dying stages. Their elation was short­lived however when the TV match official awarded Georgia a try in the 79th minute. Speaking after the match, Augusto Santos Silva, the President of the National Assembly, highlighted the good performance of the Portuguese team. “It’s another milestone on the path we are taking, which places us as the 26th team in the world,” he said.

He believed that Portugal produced a “lesson in playing well,” especially in the second half. Portugal qualified for the 2023 rugby finals in France for only the second time in history. They were drawn into a group that included some real heavyweights from the sport, going up against the likes of Australia, Wales and Fiji.

Competa travelled west in the hope of making a confidence­boosting start to the season.

However, the home side had other thoughts and, although the match began slowly, it became apparent that, with their discipline and experience, Benahavis simply had too much strength for the visitors. Competa did put up a fight and showed a creditable amount of resolve, but five well­taken goals from the hosts put paid to any thoughts of a winning start to the season for the visitors.

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THE Solheim Cup remains in the hands of Europe’s female golfers after a thrilling battle on Sunday, September 24.

For the first time in the history of the biennial competition, it ended in a draw, specifically, 14­14. The competition featured the 12 best US players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour and the 12 best European players from the Ladies European Tour (LET).

This time around, the world’s leading match­play competition for female professional golfers was staged in Andalucia, on the Costa del Sol, at Finca Cortesin.

Europe entered the day’s proceedings trailing 4­0 from the foursomes. However, Suzann Pettersen saw her players stage an almighty comeback with the final accolades falling fittingly to

If anybody had doubted his or Red Bull’s ability after a poor showing in Singapore, they were certainly embarrassed in Japan. Red Bull’s incredible string of winning all 16 races of the season came to an abrupt end at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Carlos Sainz scored an emphatic victory for Ferrari, leading the race from start to finish.

Up until that point, either Verstappen or his teammate Sergio Perez had crossed the finishing line in first place, with the Dutch driver sealing a record­breaking 10 consecutive victories in the process.

Britain’s Lando Norris drove another excellent race in the McLaren to take the second position on the podium. In what turned out to be a very one­sided affair, he finished 19 seconds adrift of the Red Bull.

Oscar Piastri gave McLaren another podium spot, the first of his career. Ferrari had to settle for fourth this time out, with Charles LeClerc finishing in the same position that he has occupied for three consecutive outings.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell clearly had no team orders as the Mercedes pair battled for fifth, going wheel­to­wheel at times. The latter eventually had to concede and he finally settled for seventh, with the other Ferrari of Sainz filling the gap between them.

Europe retains Solheim Cup

Spanish star Carlota Ciganda as the Spaniard completed her fourth win in four matches.

Due to the status of the remaining matches, the United States had a brief window of opportunity to claim an outright win on the 15th hole after Nelly Korda pulled the match with Ciganda back to all­square.

Refusing to accept the possibility of defeat, a stunning approach shot to the 16th left Ciganda with a birdie putt. A similar feat on the 17th ­ where she placed her shot just two feet away from the pin at the 145­yard holemeant that Europe would retain the iconic trophy if Korda failed to sink her ball.

It had not looked so promising for Europe earlier in the day after Georgia Hall halved her match with Andrea Lee. Madelene Sagstrom subsequently went down 4&3 to Lilia Vu, the World number two. The US seemed certain favourites when Celine Boutier was

then beaten 2&1 by Angel Yin.

Scottish rookie Gemma Dryburgh managed to halve her match with Cheyenne Knight. The American newcomer fought back from two down with four to play.

However, following four birdies in five holes, followed by a conceded eagle at the last hole in her match with Ally Ewing, the European veteran Caroline Hedwall clawed her way back to win by two after being three

down after 12 holes.

The final result was in the balance after the European women found themselves ahead in two of the last three matches. Lexi Thompson was in a comfortable position against Emily Pedersen which left everything in the hands of Maja Stark and Ciganda.

If the two golfers could win these two remaining matches then the competition would end 14­14 and Europe, as the holders, would retain the trophy, which they did.

European team retained the Solheim Cup 2023.

LEAGUE KICKS OFF: Over 50s AC Benahavis v Mollina.

At last we’re underway!