Costa de Almeria 5 – 11 October 2023 Issue 1996

MAGICAL MOJACAR

THE mayor of Mojacar, Francisco García Cerdá, was delighted to raise the flag which affirmed that the town has been a long term member of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain Association.

In this the 10th anniversary of the foundation of the Association, which now boasts no less than 111 members amongst its numbers, Mojacar continues to supports its aims and is proud to be part of such an important organisation.

The Association is all about the concept of heritage, tradition and history, so each member can demonstrate the role that it plays in this seal of quality

which is recognised both in Spain and abroad.

Tourism is such an important part of the Spanish economy that this type of

association can only attract visitors and new residents to some of the most charming and forward looking municipalities in Spain.

Unveiling the flag once again, the mayor accompanied by Noemí Linares, councillor for Culture; María Gracia Alarcón, councillor for Tourism, and the delegate of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Junta de Andalucía in Almería, José Vélez spoke about the quality of life in Mojacar and his vision of an even better future.

MOJACAR: Unveiling the flag.

Credit: Mojacar Council

THE very well regarded PAWS ­ PATAS charity continually needs help with volunteers and financial support.

The shelter requires more than €12,000 per month to keep up its good work with vet bills, water, food, maintenance and all that revolves around looking after abandoned animals that need their support.

Kittens, cats, puppies and dogs are continually

PAWSPATAS

being abandoned or need rescuing. All animals are cared for to the highest degree and are neutered, vaccinated, micro chipped and ready with their passport to secure their ‘furever home’.

Fosterers are also re ­

FOOTBALL is only a game, is the reminder to parents on a series of panels added to the walls by the entrance to the Football and Sports fields in Turre.

Sometimes, parents can overreact to the performances of their children or indeed decisions made by the referee and assistants.

This apparent lack of manners is quickly picked up by the children involved and can make for an occasionally unruly or even dangerous match.

For this reason, the council has decided to remind mothers and fathers that it is important that their youngsters learn at an early age the importance of respect towards others as well as the need to follow rules as explained below;

Aimed at young and old, the basic rules are:

quired and all food and bedding, is supplied.

PAWS ­ PATAS now enters its 34th year as a registered charity. There are four outlets in Mojacar, Turre and Las Buganvillas who raise most of the money required as well as organising regular fundraising events.

Find out more by visiting https://pawspatas.org / and remember, humans have a voice, but animals don’t.

Parents rules

Don’t shout at others or the trainers Respect the referee and other players

Stay calm

Be proud of yourself and do the best that you can Have fun and enjoy the game.

One of the new panels in place.

Credit: Turre Council

BANK HOLIDAY

AS Thursday October 12 is National Day in Spain, we will not be distributing any of the seven Euro Weekly News editions until the following day, Friday October 13. There will still be the same mix of interesting content, but it will be one day later.

NIBS EXTRA

Morocco appeal

Minute’s silence

ON Monday October 2, representatives of the Almeria Provincial Council observed the one minute of silence called by the FEMP, Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces.

This was as a show of support and solidarity with the victims, relatives and those affected by the fire that occurred in the early hours of Sunday October 1 in Murcia City.

Deputies and public employees joined this minute of silence, which took place in front of the main council

Fruit attraction

ONE of the major contributors to the economy of Almeria is agriculture and the Almeria Provincial Council attended Fruit Attraction 2023 held in Madrid from October 3 to 5 promoting the availability and high quality of locally produced fruit and vegetables.

Vera triathlon

THE last triathlon event of the year in Almeria will take place on Sunday October 9, starting at 9am on the Provincial Triathlon Circuit of Almeria and will be held in Vera for the third year, with points being earned by individuals as well as groups.

Irish visitors

WITH the Irish tourist market being such an important market for Almeria, the Provincial Tourism Service assisted in hosting a familiarity trip for Irish travel agents and influencers sponsored by the Spanish Tourist Office in Dublin (Turespaña) to promote the area.

Bus service

USERS of public transport in Mojacar are about to see an expansion of bus services In the municipality as the local council has introduced two new bus services whereas before there was just one circular bus route, now all three will offer a better service.

THE town of Albox will enjoy the 14th Night Cycling Event on Friday November 3 which is being held in tribute to the late local sportsman Gines Pérez Mateos, known to many in the town.

building.

Vice president of the Provincial Council and deputy for Social Welfare, Ángel Escobar, said that “the Provincial Institution and all the people of Almeria are in solidarity with the terrible event that occurred in Murcia.

“We support families who have lost their loved ones in their grief. Public administrations have to be, now more than ever, at the side of these families, find out the circumstances and work to ensure that this never happens again.”

Night cycling Generous donations

The evening event which runs from Albox to El Saliente is once again organised by the Albox Sports Council and history shows that it will attract not just local cycling enthusiasts, but participants from many municipalities both near and far.

There is a charity slant once again with and for every person bringing their bicycle and paying €10 to join in, €5 will be donated to two

89 YOUR EWN HAS

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S

ON October 3, 150 years ago, the town of Cartagena (now in Murcia) took part in an invasion of East Almeria by sea and threatened those living in the town of Cuevas del Almanzora.

The leader of the invaders, Antonio Gálvez set up a camp around the area known as Los Silos and said that his troops would attack unless his demands were met.

charities involved in researching the causes and cure for Pigmentary Retinitis a rare genetic eye disease.

The procession starts at 8.30pm from the Plaza de San Francisco and registration can be made two hours earlier at the Las Ventas sports centre.

THE mayor of Almeria, María del Mar Vázquez, met with representatives of two local charities on Thursday September 28 to present them with money raised from the sale of fans at the Almeria Fair.

A cheque for €9,900 was given to the La Milagrosa Soup Kitchen which will allow it to continue serving the 130 people who come to eat daily and the council received the grateful thanks of Sister Ángela, di­

Iconic ballet

LOVERS of ballet are prepared to travel some distance in order to see a top troupe performing one of the great ballets by Tchaikovsky.

There is little doubt that there will be an enthusiastic audience for the Kyiv Ballet Company which will perform Swan Lake starting 8.30pm on Saturday November 25 in two halves, each of 55 minutes with a break.

The event will take place at the Huercal Overa Theatre with tickets costing be­

tween €24 and €26 via the theatre’s website.

As is usual with this tour and as a show of solidarity with their nation, €1.50 from each ticket sold will be donated to UNICEF to support its work in Ukraine.

The iconic Swan Lake is one of the great Tchaikovsky compositions which tell the story of good and evil with the battle between the White Swan and the Black Swan which signifies the two major opposites in life.

rector of the centre.

Also receiving the same sum of €9,900 was Casa Nazaret, which houses 35 people who live below the poverty line.

Director of the house, Julio José Moreno thanked the council for this gesture and explained that the money would allow the Franciscan Brothers of Cruz Blanca to install 39 solar panels, which will help in considerably reducing the electricity bill in the house.

In the event he left and a local businessman Miguel Soler ended up building a village in the area.

Fast forward 150 years and the local council not only celebrated this anniversary and finally officially accepted a donation of a marble tombstone from the same period which was offered to the municipality by the Soler Navarro family back in 2019 with the ceremony delayed due to the outbreak of the pandemic.

Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

SHOWING SUPPORT: Observing one minute of silence.

ASD training

AS we move further into the 21st century there appears to far more interest and knowledge about the problems associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

At one time children and adults who suffered with ASD were looked upon as bad, uncontrollable, or just simple nuisances, but now much more care is being taken in getting to the root cause of the problem.

Realistically, it can be easy to give people a label without actually being sure that the label is correct.

The Almeria Provincial Council has made it clear that it wants to ensure that all those who are in the ASD spectrum receive proper assistance and is holding a special workshop on Saturday October 7 in the Espacio Alma in Almeria.

This is the first joint training event of various interested associations such as Asperger Almería, Astea Autismo, Autismo Dárata and Soy Especial ¿Y qué? who will in turn provide information through free training for the families that they are in contact with.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

THE Indalo Players Group based in Mojacar brings together several committed individuals who enjoy all things to do with the theatre and is now almost 25 years old.

Members work very hard on their productions and take the performances to various theatres in the region, with the next play, One Flew East, One Flew West (an adaptation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey) being presented at the Vera Auditorium.

This challenging production will run over two nights, Friday October 20 and Saturday October 21 with doors opening at 7.30pm and tickets costing just €7 per person.

Indalo Players

from David PC Playa Mojacar, Forget me Not Buganvillas or Total Entertainment, Turre.

Apart from entertaining the communities and offering a great fun society for those who like getting involved with acting, set building or back stage work, their biggest aim is to also raise and donate funds for local charities via ticket sales and raffles.

Means when you’re in a difficult situation, laughing can make it easier to get through that situation. This is believed to have originated from the bible. But the power of laughter has long been recognised by medical experts.

All profits from these shows will be donated to the

THE Apolo Theatre in Almeria City will present a special night of opera with a performance of Il Trovatore (Traviata) the great classic that Giuseppe Verdi composed with a libretto by Salvatore Cammarano.

very active Vera Lions charity and tickets can be obtained

Find out more at https://indaloplayers.es/.

Verdi Opera

The opera was based on the drama El Trovador by Spanish playwright Antonio García

Gutiérrez and as Cammarano died before the work was finished, it allowed Verdi to make numerous changes after he commissioned young librettist Leone Emanuele Bardare.

Il Trovatore forms part of what is known as the ‘middle period’ or ‘popular trilogy’ of Verdi’s production ­ beginning with Rigoletto and culminating in La Traviata ­ which marks his distance from romanticism.

After working for 30 years in Spain with the great opera companies of national theatres from Odessa, Kiev, Dombás and Moldova, in 2020 LGAM (Leonor Gago Artist Management) was created and the night is presented by the LGAM Opera Company. The performances will take place on Saturday October 28 and tickets costing €23 and €26 may be purchased from the Teatro Apolo Almeria website.

13.6% the number of people who go to church every Sunday in Spain.

Members of the group with Leonardo of Vera Lions.

Credit: Indalo Players Facebook

“Laughter is the best medicine.”

Los Bandidos news

JUST five Los Bandidos runners participated in the 14th race in the Circuito de Carreras Populares Diputación de Almeria 2023 on Saturday September 30 in Macael.

The extremely hilly route came in just over seven kilometres, on a mixture of roads and trails with very little flat.

Considering the course, the winner finished in a very impressive 25.47 with the first lady, representing Los Bandidos, in 33.57.

Some 132 runners crossed the finish line, of which only 14 were female.

Trophies were awarded to first, second and third places in each age group as well as to the overall winners. Los Bandidos came away with two trophies.

Los Bandidos results (position,

name, time and age group).

40 Gail Colville 33.57 (1st F)

113 Sarah Briggs 45.44

120 Sharon Howlett 47.19 (1st DF)

123 Corinne Cherel 48.29

In the Sub14 category, Guillermo Moscardo Cherel ran one kilometre and finished in fourth place in 4.05.

Los Bandidos was set up in June 2018 with a small group running the five kilometre Mojacar Paseo, and now has road cycling, sea swimming and triathlon groups.

All ages, nationalities and speeds are welcome, whether permanent residents or holiday makers.

Visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/4 90933409244200 for more information.

Rock Albox Fest

NOW about to be held for the 38th time, the Rock Albox Fest is one of the oldest small format festivals to be held in Andalucia.

Four bands, will be appearing at the festival which will be held at the Albox Fairgrounds on Saturday October 21, with tickets costing €20 per person (although there may still be some early bird specials still available) from https://bravoentradas.es/ es/events/38­rock­albox­fest.

The bands taking part are local rockers, El Lilo, the reformed Benito Kamelas, a rock

band with roots in Valencia, Sin Propina, who have three albums under their belts with their heavy rock fueled by lead singer Laura.

Headliners are Spanish punk band El Último ke Zierre (EUKZ) who were first formed in 1987 and have been playing ever since with a regular turnaround of musicians.

With 19 albums to their credit, they are certainly a force to be reckoned with and are sure to present an exceptional show on the night.

Western movies

ALMERIA is very proud of its history of film making, especially some of the most iconic Westerns of all times.

The countdown has now begun for the opening of the 13th Almeria Western Film Festival (AWFF), the only western movie festival in Europe that will be held from October 11 to 14.

The centre of the festival

will be Tabernas, but there will be an involvement of the so ­ called Western towns Oasys Mini Hollywood, Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood and Western Leone.

Nine feature films, a documentary, 25 short films and a medium­length film will be screened, a selection that gives an insight into current western movies from around the world.

This Festival is supported by the Tabernas Council as well as the Junta de Andalucia, the European Union and Almeria Provincial Council.

The Official Feature Film Section includes six films from Spain, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Australia, Chile and the USA, so shows how popular the genre continues to be across five continents.

THE town hall building in Vera is about to benefit from a €520,000 facelift which is being paid for by the Almeria Provincial Council.

There will be a combination of redecorating parts of the building and repurposing other parts to make better and more efficient use of the building.

Vera mayor Alfonso García commented that as the number of staff increases, so the need for better working conditions has become increasingly more important and he went on to thank the

council for taking positive action to help.

This is part of an ongoing undertaking from the Provincial Council to make improvements where needed in all of the 103 municipal

Facelift for town hall Lions news

offices in Almeria in order to help them offer a better service to residents.

There will be no dramatic changes to the building but there will be better use of the space, action to fight damp, introduction of new power lines as well as air conditioning, remodelled toilets, better flooring, new paintwork and new doors.

Also, the roof will see the introduction of skylights and sun screens to enabled workers on the top floor to enjoy natural daylight without becoming overly hot.

A COUPLE of notes for the diary if you are in Vera and the vicinity and want to be involved with the local Lions Club which does so much good work for the local community.

The inevitably sold out annual Jingle Bell Ball is back on December 10, returning to The Irish Rover in Mojacar and information on

how to reserve your ticket will be released shortly.

In addition, the fashion show planned at Miraflores (Camping Los Gallardos) for October 7 has been moved to October 21, but will still go ahead with €5 per ticket donated to the Lions.

Vera Town Hall due for a facelift.

Credit: Junta de Axarquia

THE Junta de Andalucia has chosen its team to participate in the Škoda Titan Desert Almeria that will begin on Saturday, October 7 and finishes on Tuesday October 10.

Now, almost a tradition, the government of the autonomous community is very involved in the race, and supports a team that will be taking part wearing the green jersey of Andalucia.

Some 14 cyclists, all of them Andalucian, will wear the exclusive jersey designed by the Junta and the team will consist of winners of other mountain bike races as well as an Olympic gold medal recipient.

José Manuel Moreno, former professional track cyclist, won gold in the 1km time trial in Barcelona 92 and his medal was the first of 22 won by Spain that year and the first of the 13 golds they would achieve.

In addition to Moreno himself, Juan Bautista Castilla from Huelva, better known as ‘Chamba,’ will be part of the team and this popular cyclist has appeared on the podium in 2020. With four stages, covering more than 400

AGED from six years up, an unexpectedly large turn out of 52 local residents turned out for a tour of the Sorbas Caves organised by Mojacar Council.

Their first port of call was the Visitor Centre where they were given information about the caves, the fact that they are at least six million years old and the

Desert clash

kilometres with an overall 3,000 metre ascent, this promises to be yet another test of endurance for those taking part.

Cave visit

largest underground system in Spain.

Next on the agenda, accompanied by the centre’s

professional guides and teachers, they entered one of the caves to follow a route which allowed them to enjoy the natural works of art found there that are considered unique within Spain.

All appear to have enjoyed this trip to one of Almeria’s lesser known attractions.

The Andalucian team.

Credit: Škoda Titan Desert Almeria Facebook

ORIGINALLY Mojacar expected to welcome its Candle Night 2023 earlier this year, but it had to be postponed due to the inclement weather.

Happily, it did go ahead on Saturday September 30 to the delight of all, as this most special of events which took place under the stars and a full moon (although the Harvest Moon was one day earlier) lived up to expectations.

It’s organised by Mojacar Council and the Mojacar Pueblo Traders Association, with the collaboration of all the residents, who turn off all the lights in the old town, including their homes and businesses.

Some 8,000 candles were placed along its streets. In addition to those generously donated by local residents and businesses and many who arrived turned up with torches.

Organisers asked that all visitors should dress in white to complement the painstaking decoration, created in detail through­

Candle Night

out the whole of Mojacar.

Telescopes introduced at the Castle Viewpoint for the lovers of Mo jacar’s skies and a pro fessional was on hand to guide visitors through the planets and the different stars that could be seen.

The old town’s squares served as stages for intimate free concerts featuring piano, guitar, saxophone and violin whilst a band of drummers paraded through the pueblo.

private cars were banned from the streets, although there was a regular bus service and taxis available to ferry visitors to and from the event.

Mojacar Pueblo by candlelight.

Credit: Turismo Mojacar

ON Saturday September 30, there was a special mass to celebrate the festival of the Holy Guardian Angels, Patrons of the Local Police and the National Police Corps in Vera.

It was held in the church of Our Lady of the Incarnation of Vera and there was a special event following the mass to recognise officers of the Vera Local Police staff who had spent more than 25 years in the force.

Not only were the Local Police officers present but Mayor Alfonso García and Chief of the Vera Local Police, Andrés Magaña welcomed guests from the Guardia Civil, the Levante Fire Department, Local Police from other municipalities and representatives of

Police honoured

all the Brotherhoods of the town.

Three members of the lo­

cal force were congratulated on passing the 25 year mark and after being hand­

ed their certificates all were congratulated on their commitment as well as “for the great work they do defending the safety and well­being of all residents and visitors.”

Andrés Magaña not only thanks the town hall for the support that his officers all receive, but also their families who have to worry about the safety of their loved ones as they go on duty.

The special event to honour Local Police officers.

Credit: Vera Council

Mental health

ONCE again, World Mental Health Day is being celebrated on October 10 and the Almeria City Council is committed to introduce an awareness campaign to ensure that those with special needs are looked after and understood.

Under the slogan Your Mental Health Matters the council is collaborating with the Junta de Andalucia, the Torrecárdenas University Hospital, the Provincial Council and associations such as El Timón, Faisem and the Telephone of Hope. There will be some 20 different ac ­

IN the past year, some 40 different new employees have been taken on by the Port of Almeria after having passed a number of tests in different areas.

On September 29, no less than 34 of these new staff attended a formal inauguration ceremony conducted by Ports President Rosario Soto whilst a further six

tivities which have been carefully chosen with the help of the professionals mentioned above to bring assistance to those in need and their families.

According to data provided by the Spanish Mental Health Confederation, in its annual study on mental health in Spain, ‘four out of 10 people in Spain rate their mental health negatively. Some 74.7 per cent of the Spanish population believes that mental health has worsened in recent years, and 14.5 per cent have had suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide’.

New jobs

have been promoted from within.

The President observed when welcoming the new members that “Human capital is the greatest value of any company or institution

and, now, with a reinforced workforce we will be able to carry out the major works, investments and provision of services that we have projected for the coming years.”

Fully equipped open plan kitchen working well withhe rest of the house. withherestofthehouse. ppp pp

By John Smith

IN the first series of Hold the Front Page, comedians Nish Kumar and Josh Widdicombe travelled around the UK experiencing the life of local news reporters.

They spent a week or so with a number of different publications including the Scotsman, Yorkshire Post and

Hold the Front Page

Farming Life, finding themselves reporting from the Edinburgh Fringe and even trying to interview Boris Johnson.

When the series was aired on Sky Max it was well re ­

ceived by viewers and this encouraged the channel to commission a second series but looking further afield and the logical choice was Spain.

Production company CPL did their homework and understandably realised that in order to make the concept work, they had to insert the two ‘cub reporters’ into an English language newspaper and the obvious choice was Euro Weekly News which publishes weekly editions across seven popular Spanish regions.

The choice for the first episode to be shot was Benidorm which is such a popular resort for both local British residents and holidaymakers and after several discussions concerning how the filming was to proceed, EWN proprietors Michel and Steven Euesden supported by local staff spent a week in Benidorm as the show was created.

There was no guarantee that all, or indeed any of the

stories that the pair chose would be used, but the cameras followed their briefing, decision making, on the spot interviews and then their creative process.

Four topics were chosen, first the opening of an exhibition of sculpture by Josh which was a bit too dry to make the paper, followed by a ‘gut busting breakfast’ which Nish fought his way through.

This did make the paper, but the editorial team thought that perhaps full English breakfasts are more popular with visitors than residents and therefore the story was extended to mention the fact that many people may prefer to sample the Menu del Dia available in numerous restaurants in Benidorm.

Filming is not quick by any stretch of the imagination and although the Costa Blanca North edition normally goes to the printers on Tuesday evening, the deadline was moved back by 24 hours to al­

low them more time to arrange interviews.

A front page story about Josh and Nish’s visit had already been written and much of the paper laid out but they had two further stories to be filmed, a visit to a psychic dating night and then a journey to Hugo’s Home Farm an animal charity run by Colin whose alter ego is popular drag artist Coco Chanel.

Time was tight and in theory the Coco story missed the deadline and should have been left out but by moving the Psychic Dating nearer the back, we manged to fit both articles into the paper and al­

though printing ran through the night, the paper was produced and distributed around Costa Blanca North as usual on Thursday.

All of those involved from the proprietors, to the editorial team and the designers who handled all changes during the day were delighted with the results.

There was a combination of giggles and near misses but we all look forward to the programme being aired in January or February 2024 and do keep a lookout for more news of the show from your people’s paper, Euro Weekly News.

NISH & JOSH: Spent time filming with the EWN directors.

October flight record

DESPITE suggestions that Spain was being bypassed by holidaymakers who were looking for cheaper destinations, the latest news from Tourspain via the Spanish government suggests quite the opposite.

Advance bookings for international flights arriving in Spain this October, compared to October 2022 sees a 9.8 per cent increase to just over 10.5 million against 9.6 million. In fact, this figure is even better than the best pre ­ pandemic October, which was 2019, when the number of seats booked was 10.1 million, so things are most certainly looking good!

Although traditional markets continue to be strong, there are three stand out increases against 2022 from less expected countries with Poland up 47.4 per cent, the Czech Republic 26.6 per cent and perhaps

most surprisingly Portugal up 21.2 per cent.

It’s not just Europe though, as Mexican travellers are also homing in on Spain, where they can enjoy a taste of Europe without having to learn a new language and their bookings are up 20.5 per cent.

Although Brexit has undoubtedly put off some British visitors especially those who wanted to spend more than 90 days out of 180 in Spain, there

is no arguing with the fact that British travellers still account for the largest number of those coming to Spain in October as they account for 22.7 per cent of all bookings.

That’s quite a way ahead of the Germans who account for 14.9 per cent and Italians who take third place at 8.9 per cent according to the official figures, whilst with much smaller but still significant numbers come France, Holland and Belgium.

Travellers are still returning to Spain in their droves.

THE Spanish government have announced that starting in 2024, the retirement age in Spain will progressively increase until 2027.

Retirement is a very bizarre situation for many people because the longer that you work, it feels as though the official retirement age starts to get fur­

Spanish pensions

ther and further away, making it a long and drawn­out process.

For anyone who has worked in Spain and been paying into their ‘Seguri ­

dad Social’ Social Security public pension pot, the retirement age will now be increased over a four­year period, starting on January 1, 2024, and running up until 2027.

From January 1, 2024, people who are working and have worked in Spain and have paid their Social Security contributions for more than 37 years and nine months will be able to officially retire when they reach the age of 66 years and six months.

In simpler words, an additional two months will now be added to the minimum retirement age from the start of next year, that is in comparison to what the age has been in 2023.

Those people who are over the age of 65 and have paid Social Security for more than 38 years will be able to access ordinary retirement, while also receiving 100 per cent of

their pension, as per the new rules.

There is an alternative for people living in Spain, however, and this is taking voluntary early retirement. This can be taken up by people when they are up

to two years premature to their legal retirement age, so when you are 64 years and six months old.

Retiring early always sounds like a great idea and an ideal way for people to spend their latter

years in comfort and relaxation, but it does obviously still have its drawbacks, none more so than you may not be entitled to receive your full pension.

Instead, you will only receive a fraction of the lump sum depending on how early you decide to take this voluntary decision, and also how long you have been contributing toward the Social Security.

As mentioned above, the retirement age is set to progressively get further away for people, so in 2025, 2026 and finally, 2027, it only appears to be bad news for people with one eye on retirement, because in four years time, the legal retirement age will be 67.

For people who own a UK state pension, but find they have gaps in their National Insurance contribution due to the fact they have been residing abroad, then the government has decreed an extension for them to pay and plug those holes and in turn, receive their full UK pension.

RETIREMENT AGE: Seems to get further and further away.

Wild boar attacks hikers

TWO people have been seriously injured after they were attacked by a wild boar in Navarra’s Ollo Valley region.

As reported by the 112 Emergency Services, the incident occurred at around 12.45pm on Sunday, October 1, in the popular Manantial de Arteta hiking area of Ultzurrun municipality.

The coordinating centre immediately deployed an appliance from the Cordovilla Fire Brigade to the location, according to a statement from the government of Navarra.

They were joined by members of the Fire Technical Rescue Group, a rescue helicopter, a medical helicopter, two medical ambulances and Foral Police patrol vehicles.

The two injured people were evacuated from the scene by firefighters with the help of

the rescue helicopter and then transferred to the University Hospital of Navarra, reported a local news source.

A 66 ­ year ­ old man reportedly suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to the hospital in the medical helicopter. The second victim was a 44 ­ year ­ old woman who also sustained serious injuries and was transferred to the hospital in a medical ambulance.

Both individuals were part of a group of hikers who were said to have been participating in an excursion in the Manantial de Arteta at the time of the wild boar attack.

The incident reportedly took place near the information centre. No other members of the group were injured as they managed to take refuge in some nearby trees.

Following the attack,

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

the wild boar fled in the direction of the nearby Artazulo ravine.

An investigation into the incident has been launched by the Provincial Police.

In September, a meeting between a cyclist and a wild boar had a different outcome. The two came face ­ to ­ face on a mountain road in Girona with the subsequent stand ­ off recorded by a spectator.

However, the animal did not appear to be aggressive, just curious and the creature simply ran away.

By 2050 over 30% of the Spanish population will be over 60.

The lost city of Atlantis

A TEAM of divers and archaeologists have made a discovery deep in the sea off the Gulf of Cadiz that they hope could possibly solve an enigma that is thousands of years old.

They uncovered large concentric circular structures that look like artificial walls which are said to bear similarities to Plato’s descriptions of the mysterious lost city of Atlantis.

At a press conference held in the Cádiz municipality of Chipiona on Saturday, September 30, the divers and technicians who carried out a scan of the area, spoke of their findings.

Speaking at the press conference, the historian and archaeologist Mercedes de Caso Bernal indicated the team was not going to reveal the location of these findings: “We have notified the corresponding administrations and it is they who are responsible for maintaining and protecting them,” he explained.

Two of the diving team, explained that 10 years ago, while returning from one of their underwater explorations, they detected ‘some anomalies’ in the area with sonar. “We were going with empty oxygen tanks, so we marked the area and left it for other explorations,” they revealed.

In their subsequent dives, in an area with hardly any visibility, they said they thought

they had detected shapes similar to walls, built with stones at right angles, something that was ‘quite special’.

As a result, they contacted two specialists who used technology to carry out bathymetric surveys of the area, with which they detected structures rising from the seabed, with a height of five metres and some of them up to 450 metres long.

The archaeologist indicated that what they found is ‘the first data’ of an investigation that must continue with numerous technologies.

Among other things, he pointed out that they must verify whether these supposed walls form part of the mainland or if they could in fact be an independent island like the one Plato referred to in his texts about a mythical civilisation.

DIVERS: Made a discovery deep at sea.

Credit: Adrien Ledeul/Shutterstock.com

Criminals arrested

A REPORT published on Friday, September 22 gave details of how the National Police, ably supported by various EU and non­EU nations led a massive crackdown on the criminal community. The investigations were co­funded by EU financial mechanisms and aimed at several criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and corruption.

Europol and the National Police of Spain, along with partners from other member states, conducted these operations. They were in alignment with the EU Security Union Strategy, focusing on creating a secure environment and combating evolving threats.

The collaborative efforts re­

sulted in the arrest of 197 individuals from 34 different nationalities, suspected of being part of criminal organisations. Among them were 33 fugitives and six high­ ranking members of criminal networks.

The operations led to 114 house searches and substantial seizures, including nearly five tonnes of cocaine, over

three tonnes of cannabis, and 1.7 tonnes of heroin. Additionally, 53 kilograms of synthetic drugs, 28 firearms, 57 vehicles, and more than €4 million in cash were confiscated.

The operations received cofinancing from the European Union, supporting member states in combating significant criminal threats.

Protest at EU Summit

John Ensor

THE Guardia Civil and National Police have formed a united front to voice their grievances, marking a significant moment of solidarity, according to a news source.

Today, Thursday, October 5, Granada is set to witness a unique demonstration as it hosts an EU summit, one of the pivotal events during Pedro Sanchez’s six­month rotating presidency. Associations representing both the

Guardia Civil and National Police will gather to express their discontent with the Sanchez government.

The officers from the two principal state police forces are calling for recognition as a ‘risk profession’. This longstanding demand has gained momentum recently, with a notable increase in assaults against officers, ranging from physical attacks to shootings.

Moreover, they are advocating for an end to the dis­

parities they experience compared to regional and local police forces. The promised equalisation has been elusive, with the pay gap widening and pensions diminishing in comparison to their regional counterparts.

Organised by a platform representing 14 organisations and associations from both forces, the demonstration in Granada will be timed to coincide with the arrival of European leaders and Prime Minister Sanchez. The Federico Garcia Lorca Auditorium of the Palacio de Congresos is the chosen venue, with the rally scheduled for 11.15am.

The officers remain steadfast in their demands, recalling their previous rally in front of the Congress of Deputies on May 10, under the slogan ‘With our bread we do not play’. The Guardia Civil, in particular, is experiencing heightened tensions, with members expressing their dissatisfaction with the Ministry of the Interior.

This united demonstration by the Guardia Civil and National Police in Granada highlights the growing discontent and unresolved issues within Spain’s security forces.

CAUGHT: One of the 197 criminals being arrested.

Credit: Europol.eu

DENMARK

Empathy education

DENMARK stands out as a pioneer in the fight against school bullying. Instead of merely reacting to incidents, the nation has embraced a proactive strategy. At the heart of this approach are dedicated empathy classes, fostering a culture of understanding and inclusion among students. This preventative measure offers valuable lessons for schools worldwide.

Pharma reigns

THE popularity of celebrity-backed pharmaceuticals has raised concerns over Denmark's economic stability, drawing parallels with Finland's Nokiadependent downturn. Novo Nordisk, driven by drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, now reigns as Europe's most valuable company, safeguarding Denmark from recession. However, with Novo Nordisk's market cap surpassing Denmark's GDP, experts fear its overreliance on one company is a risk.

Viking treasures

A NORWEGIAN family searching for a lost earring uncovered Viking-era artifacts, including a bowl-shaped buckle, dating back more than 1,000 years in their yard. The discovery, believed to be a woman's grave from AD 800, is the first of its kind on the island of Jomfruland.

Norway’s ban

NORWAY, in solidarity with EU sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine, announced a ban on Russian-registered passenger cars from entering the country. The move, despite Norway's non-EU status, reflects its commitment to international allies. Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt emphasised unity with like-minded nations in opposing the conflict.

Sophia Loren

ITALIAN actress Sophia Loren, 89, suffered a fall at her Swiss home, resulting in multiple fractures, including a serious femur injury. After successful emergency surgery, her upcoming engagements, including a restaurant opening in Italy, were postponed. Sons Carlo and Edoardo are supporting her in hospital.

Voodoo lawyer

AN Italian lawyer, Barbara Raimondo, has been sentenced to five years for embezzling €1 million from an elderly client. The court heard that she sought the services of a sorceress to perform voodoo rites, aiming to speed up the death of the woman whose substantial fortune she managed.

Shock injury

A FOOTBALL match between RKC Waalwijk and Ajas had to be suspended on Saturday September 30 following an accidental clash between Ajax player Brian Brobbey and RKC goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen, who was quickly transferred to hospital with head injuries where he is now said to be recovering.

Goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen.

Russian warning

DMITRY MEDVEDEV, Deputy Head of Russia's Security Council, issued a warning, stating that Russia would view German missile manufacturing plants as ‘legitimate targets’ if Germany provides long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Medvedev called out the German Defence Committee's chair, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann warning that such actions could escalate global tensions toward a third world war.

Inflation declines

IN September 2023, Germany experienced a notable drop in its inflation rate, marking the lowest level since Russia's Ukraine invasion. Preliminary data from the Federal Statistical Office reveals a 4.5 per cent increase in prices YoY. This decline from August's 6.1 per cent suggests relief from high inflation, potentially prompting the European Central Bank to reconsider raising key interest rates.

New dinosaur

DINOSAUR footprints said to be 195 million years old were discovered in Alvaiázere, in the Portuguese district of Leiria. According to the CPGP, it is the oldest occurrence of dinosaurs in the Iberian Peninsula. This discovery by a multidisciplinary team of Portuguese researchers made it possible to identify a new species of dinosaur, called 'Moyenisauropus lusitanicus'.

Algarve award

PORTUGAL’s Algarve region was named ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’ in the World Travel Awards 2023, for the fifth consecutive year, and the 10th time in the history of the prestigious awards. André Gomes, President of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) and the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA) commented: “It is an honour to receive this distinction for the 10th time. We remain committed to making travellers aware of the natural beauty of the Algarve.”

Al-Qaeda threat

AFTER a break of 12 years, Al-Qaeda's Sada al-Malahim magazine, published a threat from the AQAP branch of possible attacks on France. It stated it planned to strike not only against France but also Sweden. Based on the Iberian Peninsula, this small Islamist terrorist group is the same one that claimed responsibility for the attack in January 2015 on Charlie Hebdo in Paris.

Bed bugs

WITH the 2024 Paris Olympics less than 12 months away, the city's council urged the government to implement an urgent plan of action to eradicate the current bed bugs problem. Clément Beaune, the Minister Delegate for Transport, announced a meeting with transport operators would take place. ‘I will bring together transport operators next week to provide information on the actions undertaken and act more to serve travellers. To reassure and protect', he tweeted.

Town’s inheritance

A SMALL Finnish town, Askola, unexpectedly inherited €1 million from a modest local who passed away. The funds, including land assets, are designated for the welfare and leisure of the town's elderly. The town plans to invest and organise events for its senior residents.

Firms blacklisted

THE US has blacklisted three Finnish firms, Luminor, Siberica, and Evolog, suspected of supplying drone components to the GRU, Russia’s foreign intelligence arm. This move by the US Department of Commerce aims to curb the technological advancement of foreign military capabilities, particularly those of Russia.

Influential degree

SOUTH EAST TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

(SETU) in Ireland has introduced a pioneering Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation and Social Media. The course, starting next September, addresses the booming €16 billion influencer industry, blending media skills with business acumen, content creation, and crisis management.

Boeing delays

RYANAIR has cancelled flights for the winter period of 2023 due to delays in receiving just 14 out of the expected 27 aircraft from Boeing. Dublin and other European hubs will be affected. Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief, assured ongoing talks with Boeing and hoped for no major impact on their annual traffic target.

Beaufort 24

EVERY three years, several Belgian coastal towns work together to create the triannual Beaufort event which turns the sea shore into an art gallery. In 2024, Beaufort will run from March 27 - November 3 and no less than 18 national and international artists will prepare their works for display on the sea fronts of nine different towns.

Speed king

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

POLICE officers in the town of Vilvoorde couldn’t believe their eyes when a young man on an electric scooter shot past them at high speed in a busy shopping area. Later, the 16year-old was detained and when his scooter was checked on a roller machine it had a top speed of 99kph, when the legal limit is only 25kph.

Burning condemned

THE burning of an effigy of President Erdogan outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm has been condemned by Turkey. In a statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the authorised demonstration that had taken place in the strongest possible way. They also expressly pointed out that the Turkish public expected Sweden to prevent such actions that 'systematically insult our elected leaders as well as the ongoing terrorist propaganda'.

Powerful explosion

THREE people were hospitalised after a massive explosion in an apartment block in the Stockholm district of Hässelby Strand. According to witnesses, relatives of an individual who is believed to be involved in a conflict with a criminal network live at the address. “I was sitting with some friends and it felt like the whole house was going to collapse,” said one neighbour.

Credit: RKC Waalwijk X

NORWAY FRANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

BBB losses

THE state­owned British Business Bank (BBB), reported an annual pre ­ tax loss of more than £147 million (€169.15 million). The economic development bank made £1.6 billion (€1.84 billion) in funding agreements but said “wider economic problems” led to a drop in the value of businesses it invested in.

Freight mate

SPAIN’S rail operator Renfe chose Swiss shipping line MSC to take over 50 per cent of its Renfe Mercancias freight division, whose debts rose to €38 million in 2022. MSC’s logistics division Medlog and its Medway railway company will be responsible for the operation which first needs the Spanish government’s authorisation.

Food not fuel

MORRISONS does not intend to abandon plans to sell off its fuel forecourts despite the UK government’s decision to postpone its ban on new petrol and diesel car sales until 2035. Although the fuel retailing attracted customers, the supermarket chain intends to concentrate on food sales and manufacturing, sources said.

Czech-in

INFRASTRUCTURE multinational Ferrovial, which controversially moved its headquarters from Spain to the Netherlands earlier this year, intends to consolidate its presence in Central Europe. It now hopes to create a consortium to bid for the €1.35 billion contract to build and manage the Czech Republic’s D35 motorway.

Drink up

PROFITS for AG Barr, famous as the Irn Bru manufacturer, reported half ­ year profits between February and July 30 which climbed 12.6 per cent to a pre­tax £27.8 million (€31.9 million). Sales rose thanks to recent takeovers and a rise in the demand for soft drinks, AG Barr sources explained.

STAT OF WEEK €5.1 billion

More UK Airbus jobs

Linda Hall

AIRBUS plans to create another 1,100 jobs in the UK specialising in cyber security, software engineering, cryogenics and robotics.

The world’s largest aircraft manufacturer, its HQ in Leiden (Netherlands), currently employs 134,000 people worldwide. Of these, 11,500 work in the UK where Airbus manufactures wings for all its aircraft. The principal Airbus factories are located in Filton, near Bristol, and Broughton (North Wales) as well as an aerospace plant in Portsmouth.

At present the total UK workforce still has not re­

turned to the 14,000 employed in 2019, before Covid grounded practically all flights and the company had to cut jobs worldwide.

Despite the newly­created UK posts for engineers, graduates and apprentices, staff numbers will remain below

DEOLEO has announced losses of €9.7 million during the first six months of 2023 owing to soaring olive oil prices.

In contrast, the company reported net profits of €5.5 million between January and the end of June in 2022.

Spain produces more than half of the world’s entire olive oil supply and Deoleo, which is the world’s largest branded olive oil company, attributed the dip to their products’ higher prices. Supermarket chains’ own­label oil had eaten into their own market share, sources said.

The company, which owns household names Carbonell and Hojiblanca as well as the Koipe sunflower oil label, saw a 21.9 per cent fall in the sales, compared with the same period last

On-off deal

FROZEN seafood company Nueva Pescanova cut redundances at its Madrid and Chapela (Pontevedra) installations from 100 to 81. The company, 97.8 per cent owned by Abanca, reported €53 million losses for the year ending in March and has been negotiating for months the sale of an 80 per cent stake to the Canadian seafood giant Cooke. Talks have stalled although Nueva Pescanova said these would resume in September. Meanwhile, a spokesman rejected rumours that a large cash shortage and financial mismanagement threatened the deal, which Cooke reduced from €150 to €100 million plus a €200 million capital injection last July.

pre­pandemic levels.

A survey by Oxford Economics, an independent economic advisory firm, has concluded Airbus contributed £7bn (€8.05bn) to the UK economy in 2022, with its helicopter, aerospace and defence sectors providing

79,000 indirect jobs. The company spent £3.9bn (€4.5bn) on obtaining supplies from British companies and made £5.6bn (€6.4 bn) in UK sales last year.

Referring to the Oxford Economics report, Airbus UK’s chairman John Harrison said findings demonstrated Airbus was “good for jobs, good for growth, and good for the UK.”

Harrison pointed out that Airbus had “deep roots” in the UK supply chain and that its investments across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were creating long­term regional and local growth.

Carbonell sales slide

Turnover for the company, which has production plants in Italy as well as Spain, grew by 0.6 per cent to €400.95 million thanks to passing on part of the price increase to clients, but margins were still reduced. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) plummeted by 43 per cent between this January and the end of June to €12.7 million.

MARKS & SPENCER will begin selling Adidas and Sweaty Betty products in early October.

The retailer launched Brands at M&S in March 2021 after purchasing Jaeger, its first third ­ party label, in January that year.

The high street favourite will now offer 150 Adidas and Sweaty Betty items on The Sports Edit platform, in which it acquired a stake in 2022.

Expanding the M&S sports ranges was “just one of the ways we continue to become more relevant to clients’ lifestyles,” Brands director Nishi Mahajan said.

Aena grows

SPAIN’S publicly owned airports operator Aena will build a new terminal at Conghas airport in Sao Paulo (Brazil).

The airport, the country’s second busiest, should be completed by 2028, Aena said.

As well as Congonhas, Aena will take over the running of 10 smaller Brazilian airports in October and November after putting in a $479 million (€465 million) bid for the 30­year contract in August 2022.

year, Deoleo announced on September 25.

Shares in Deoleo, which has been 57 per cent owned by private equity firm CVC for the last 10 years, fell five per cent to 23 cents the same day.

Santander-EY split

SANTANDER and consultancy and accounting firm, Ernst & Young (EY), have parted ways in the UK.

This signals the termination of their contract and a multimillion refund following ‘failings’ in EY’s work on preventing financial crime and money­laundering, revealed sources quoted by the Financial Times Santander brought in EY when it found itself under scrutiny from British regulators, the sources added.

The work the company carried out was so allegedly so substandard that it found itself in a position where it had to offer the bank a refund of approximately £15 million (€17.2 million).

EY’s Santander mission, codenamed Project Morgan, “went badly wrong over an extended period” the Financial Times said, adding that it was unclear whether Santander would now carry out the work itself, or call on another firm.

“On the other hand, higher interest rates and the cost of renegotiating the company’s debt have had an impact of €8 million on financial services overheads during this period,” Deoleo said in its first half report.

Nissan ignores Sunak

NISSAN is continuing with plans to sell only electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe by 2030.

Despite PM Rishi Sunak’s intention of moving the UK deadline on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales from 2030 to 2035, the Japanese company said that all new models sold in Europe will be 100 per cent electric by the end of this decade.

Nissan, which employs 7,000 people in the UK is on the point of launching two new EVs in Europe. One will be a successor to the Micra, while another vehicle will be built via a £1 billion (€1.15 billion) project at its huge Sunderland plant.

The company, which already operates six airports in Brazil, revealed that in the meantime it has already invested €620 million in the new acquisitions.

Lower bills

WATER companies in England and Wales were ordered to lower bills and return £114 million (€131.2 million) to customers next year.

The annual report on the companies from the Water Services Regulation Authority, Ofwat, said that most water and wastewater firms had underperformed.

Fewer than 50 per cent met targets and progress had been “too slow” on leakages as well as sewage spills.

Thames Water, Southern Water and Welsh Water must return £101 million (€115.2), million), £43 million (€49.5 million) and £24 million (€27.6 million) respectively.

However, Severn Trent and United Utilities were authorised to hike bills after meeting targets.

plans set out by energy infrastructure company Enagas would distribute clean, green hydrogen to Spanish homes via a 3,800kilometre network of pipelines and storage centres.

AIRBUS: Wing Technology Centre in Filton (Bristol).

OLIVE OIL: Spain produces half the world’s supply.

Photo credit: Pixabay/ZTA

Photo credit: airbus.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

DOW JONES

Euro

EUR/GBP: Up from £0.85 to £0.86

EUR/USD: Unchanged at $1.06

The euro faced resistance over the past month, primarily driven by a scaling back of European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate expectations. This was initially linked to comments from ECB policymaker Isabel Schnabel, as despite being one of the most hawkish members of the bank, she was noncommittal regarding future interest rate hikes.

A slew of underwhelming German data releases as well as a downwardly revised Eurozone GDP print kept the euro on the back foot as we entered September.

EUR exchange rates then faced notable losses in the wake of the ECB’s latest rate decision. While the bank’s decision to raise rates came as something of a surprise, the euro tumbled as its policy statement signalled borrowing costs had now peaked. Looking ahead, the euro may come under further pressure in the coming weeks if

CURRENCY OUTLOOK: EUROZONE KNOCKED BY ECB’S ‘DOVISH’ HIKE, US DOLLAR RALLIES TO MULTI-MONTH HIGHS

Eurozone data releases remain broadly downbeat.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Down from €1.16 to €1.15

GBP/USD: Down from $1.24 to $1.22

The Pound fluctuated through the last part of August. Sterling sentiment was initially knocked by a surprise contraction in the UK’s latest PMIs, before recovering thanks to rising Bank of England (BoE) interest rate expectations.

Sterling then faltered again at the start of September in response to comments from BoE Governor Andrew Bailey, in which he suggested UK inflation will fall ‘markedly’ by the end of the year, and that the bank is ‘nearer to the top of the [tightening] cycle’.

Some lacklustre UK data, including a mixed jobs report and a worrying slump in UK GDP keep the pressure on the pound in mid-September as they gave rise to fresh recession fears.

Sterling then slid to multi-month lows in the wake of the BoE’s latest in-

terest rate decision as the bank opted to hit pause for the first time in almost two years.

While the BoE left the door open to raising rates again in the future, it made it clear this will be highly data driven. As a result, GBP investors will be keeping a close on upcoming economic releases. If there is further sign that the UK economy is stalling Sterling will be vulnerable to additional losses.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Up from $0.80 to $0.81

USD/EUR: Up from €0.93 to €0.94

The US dollar trended broadly higher over the past four weeks, with demand for the currency being underpinned by Federal Reserve interest rate expectations and notable demand for safe-haven assets.

Before this however, the ‘greenback’ suffered a short-lived selloff at the end of August as domestic labour statistics suggested the US job market is slowing. At the start of September USD demand was strengthened by a souring market mood as disappointing Chinese data and a spike in oil prices

rattled investors.

This upside was reinforced in the following week as upbeat US economic releases stoked Fed rate hike bets.

The US dollar was then propelled to new multi-month highs in the wake of the Fed’s latest interest rate decision. While the US central bank kept interest rates on hold it left the door open to one more rate hike in 2023 and signalled it would cut rates at a slower pace than previously expected in 2024.

With the Fed apparently committed to at least one more rate hike this year it’s likely the US dollar will maintain a positive trajectory in the weeks ahead of its next meeting on 1 November. At the same time an increasingly pessimistic outlook for the global economy is also likely to be supportive of USD exchange rates.

Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

EURO: Faced resistance over the past month.

I believe in diversity

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I TRULY do believe in diversity. The peaceful co-existence of different creeds, cultures, colours and religions, is to me a forgone conclusion. One day our planet will simply have no choice but to blend all humans into that great big melting plot Madeline Bell and the glorious Blue Mink sang bout in the peace loving 60s (recording now banned by the media!). But not in the way the woke affiliates of the utterly deluded, or deviously intentioned organisations are trying to attain it.

Their dubious efforts are all much too hurried and belligerent and subsequently having a reverse effect. It stands to reason. If 85 per cent of the population is white, you can’t flood often ridiculous propaganda through the public media proclaiming that all members of the population are living together in a wonderful, equally harmonious integrated existence - It’s simply not true. What is actually transpiring is that even those of the in-

digenous majority, who were earlier full of encouragement and a firm belief that the future lay in the blending of our different nationalities and backgrounds, are now watching these disproportionate activities with increasing incredibility.

More and more ads are being dominated by black actors, often cast in senior positions giving advice to somewhat subservient appearing white performers. Discussion programmes and news sections consistently feature black interviewees and often include a large influx of nonwhite presenters featuring subjects undermining UK activities. And all brought into their living rooms daily.

These viewers are subsequently going out into their real world and realising this is not the true position at all. Consequently derision, and in some cases growing anger, is increasing daily. Asian and black ‘No go’ areas are expanding rapidly. Gangs of armed black youths are out roaming streets. This last outrage, the murder of the 15-year-old, has only hit the headlines because the tragic victim was a young pupil on her way to school; what she did in her spare time we will of course never be told.

AUTUMN LOOKING GOOD OUR VIEW

There have in fact been 15 teenagers (two white), already stabbed to death this year, in London alone! These crimes of violence, which used to make the front page, are now controlled by these silent leftie propaganda policies and barely breaking news on page four! No wonder the ridiculous woke inspired plot is crumbling. The whole country is falling apart and the majorities are not allowed to mention their disapproval because they run the risk of being accused of racism.

A highly publicised survey carried out last week reported a large percentage of the black minority were not happy with the way they were treated by the white society. One young lady stated that she was always aware of the white reaction to her colour when she applied for a job. No accusations of reverse racism you notice.

What it does reveal however is that the policies of the left are completely misconstrued, misguided and actually having a completely damaging effect on UK’s culture and future existence.

Keep the faith.

Love Leapy leapylee2002@hotmail.com

TRADITIONALLY much of the Spanish tourist industry closes down for the autumn but latest figures suggest that even if that is the case, those that remain open could be in for a bumper quarter.

There is a thriving ice cream parlour in the Marbella suburb of San Pedro that only opens from Easter until the end of September and the owners simply enjoy a very long break having made enough money in the summer to see them through the ‘colder’ months. Many hotels are the same, although with the National Government and local Tourist Offices promoting ‘out of season’ holidays there is generally a growing demand for accommodation and this is helped in no small way by the Imserso pensioners holidays sponsored by the government.

Even if the actual number of visitors in the autumn is less than in the summer, those establishments that do stay open could find themselves doing very well as numbers of visitors swell and fewer places are open to cater for them.

Tourism continues to be a very important contributor to the Spanish economy, not just because of the taxes that are raised but by the fact that more tourists means more staff staying in employment, thus reducing the burden of social services.

The only fear that one must have is that those supplying beds, sustenance, travel and entertainment need to be very careful about pricing, because with the increasing cost of living many tourists are more than ever looking to obtain value for money and won’t hesitate to look elsewhere if they feel they are being taken advantage of.

We must hope that the growth in the number of visitors in October continues for the benefit of the economy.

BOUNCERS

AT RESTAURANTS

GROUCHO MARX once said “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member” and many people feel the same about going to a bar or restaurant that employs a bouncer.

There is obviously a need in certain types of larger bar and restaurant for there to be a greeter who can establish whether the guest has a reservation and then arrange to seat them and in busy clubs it is also recognised that a doorman will be on hand to ensure that the venue is not overcrowded.

However, this is quite different from seeing a normally hulking individual either at the door or even inside the venue who is clearly employed to keep an eye of guests, ready to step in should a fight occur.

The problem is if the venue knows that it needs to be able to stop fights between customers, should it actually be allowed to stay open, as the very appearance of one or more bouncers suggests that the venue is not safe to be in.

It’s one thing for busy clubs and bars in the centre of a city to take precautions, but when it comes to restaurants, whilst security should always be paramount, a number of potential guests, especially and not surprisingly those who are older, could well be discouraged from visiting a restaurant that blatantly has security.

In theory, anywhere that employs a bouncer should ensure that they are ‘fit for purpose’ and this means that there should be a criminal records check to ensure that they don’t have any ‘skeletons’ which suggest that they have violent tendencies or a significant record.

There should be a proper policy and procedure in place in order to ensure that they are able to react in accordance with the law and

their employer’s wishes in the event that a problem, arises.

Training is a must and if they are being hired from an external security company then the venue owners should ensure that they have the same sort of rules in place.

In all fairness, it’s invariably the customers who start the trouble and in many cases, it is the security people who have to try to resolve the problem without causing injury to other customers or indeed themselves, although from time to time, they can get somewhat out of hand.

According to CBS News, a number of the reported 2,000 bouncers in Madrid are being invited to attend a course created by the

Madrid regional government and an association of club owners to learn how to be both kind and tolerant, yet carry out their jobs efficiently.

The voluntary course also teaches about anger management, civil rights, fire safety procedures and dealing with alcohol poisoning and drug overdoses so is a definite

step in the right direction.

On the other hand, there are without doubt a number of bouncers who are part of organised crime rings who are working in order to sell drugs to the many young who visit nightclubs in particular.

Even the Spanish National Association of Professional Doormen

accepts in the same article that “There are thugs. There are mafias and the violence comes from these same people.”

A properly trained bouncer’s strength and commanding presence should not be the first line of defence and if trained properly should remain calm under stress and always stay unemotional and place the safety of their customers in the forefront of all that they do.

The whole concept of security guards has exploded in Spain with a recent article in The Sun suggesting that at least one hotel is now employing guards to protect the sun beds around the pool in order ensure that there are no scuffles between holidaymakers over who is entitled to which bed.

It goes a step further with luxury stores following the lead of other European countries by having designer attired security personnel to keep an eye out for potential shop lifters, whilst some supermarkets operate their own uniformed security forces and in shopping centres it is not unusual to see security personnel armed with long truncheons.

So, what started out as a simple comparison between Bouncers and Greeters has escalated into a much longer observation on the fact that the world of ‘Big Brother’ with its many types of security officer adding to the presence of the Guardia Civil, National Police, Local Police and other government employed security officers as well as the ever­growing CCTV surveillance.

We can all decide whether we want to go to a bar, club or restaurant which employs bouncers, but with the problems currently caused by the cost of living crisis turning more people into potential law breakers, the world of security and observation simply keeps expanding.

Bouncers can be intimidating but also protect.

Credit: Xxinvictus34535 CC

“I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” Groucho Marx

Sleeping with a fan

John Ensor

STIFLING hot nights can make it almost impossible to get to sleep, especially when there isn’t a breath of air, hence many people reach for an electric fan to create a soothing breeze.

Keeping a fan on constantly through the night may make us more comfortable, but could have adverse implications for our health, according to research.

Along with the cool air also come airborne allergens, such as dust, spores, pollen and dust mites, which can

lead to a runny nose, eye and throat irritations and in some cases breathing difficulties, especially for those already susceptible to asthma and hay fever.

Prolonged use of a fan can also dry one’s nose and throat, which can cause our bodies to overcompensate its production of mucus, resulting in headaches and blocked nasal passages. Sensitive areas such as our eyes and skin can also suffer from dryness and irritation.

For anyone with existing muscle pain, a fan can exac­

Almond orchards

erbate the problem as a constant blast of cool air can lead to cramp.

This isn’t to say that the use of fans is of no benefit, sometimes it’s just a case of the way they’re managed.

The advice is to keep the fan a reasonable distance away from oneself, if possible, preferably set with a timer to turn the fan off after an hour or so.

Oscillating fans where the whole head moves from side to side also distribute air more evenly and don’t concentrate the air in one spot.

Another tip to keep the air from becoming too dry is to place a bowl of water in front of the fan, and maybe even add ice cubes to keep the flow of air both moist and cool.

There are lots of other little hacks too, like lightcoloured bedroom curtains kept drawn throughout the day which help reflect the heat.

AMONG the picturesque landscapes of Spain lie almond orchards, where beauty secrets bloom with every blossom.

UK expats, enchanted by Spain’s allure, have another reason to be captivated. Almond oil, extracted from these sun ­ kissed groves, is a skincare marvel. Rich in vitamins E and A, it hydrates, soothes, and combats signs of ageing. Moreover, its anti­inflammatory properties make it a blessing for sensitive skin. Local Spanish beauty rituals have har ­

nessed almond oil for centuries, and now, it’s time for us to integrate this golden elixir into our regimens. As the almond trees sway under the Iberian

sun, they whisper age­old secrets of radiant skin. Embrace the magic of Spain’s almond orchards and let your skin bask in nature’s finest.

Seasonal affective disorder

EVEN in sunny Spain, the change of seasons can sometimes lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially among expats.

But fear not, as embracing Spanish culture and lifestyle can be a joyful remedy! Soak in the abundant winter sun at a local

café, join a lively community event, or explore the scenic beauty of Spain’s diverse regions.

By engaging with the local rhythm of life and staying active, you can keep your spirits high and truly appreciate the enchanting Spanish seasons.

ALMOND TREES: Are a blessing for sensitive skin.

SERVING UP ALL THE WRONG INGREDIENTS

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

BACK in the UK recently I noticed there’s currently a trend among chefs for glib brevity with menus. A kind of adjective­free minimalism like this: “Beef, potato, leaves, ferment.” It feels like every restaurant in London with culinary pretensions describes dishes as a list of ingredients. A narcissistic and unhelpful trend that’s utterly played­out. The die was cast when things started costing 3.5 or 12. Hmm!

Words are helpful. Pictures, too. The realistic, plastic representations of dishes even more so, especially in foreign countries (like Japan) when neither traditional dishes are known, or ways of cooking.

I don’t suppose Leonardo da Vinci was

New rules for schools

ever asked to pitch ‘Mona Lisa’ on a sheet of A4 but, if he had been, he wouldn’t have typed ‘Paint. Woman. Smile’.

Imagine if marketing/promotional stuff for movies was like this: 1. America. Italian Family. Father. Son. Horse’s Head. 2. Young Boy. Lost Alien. Returns Home. 3. Pink. Gosling. Ryan.

Or, describing politicians: Ex­President USA. Insurrection. Indictment. Guilty? Prison? Nearer home: 1. PM. Multi ­ millionaire. Small boats. On the Ropes.

2. Ex­PM. Lockdown­Busting Parties. Wallpaper. Lies.

3. Ex ­ PM. Referendum. Brexit. Shame. Got it? Answers on a postcard please to: Novelist. Columnist. 14 Riveting Years of ‘Breaking Views’!

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.

John Ensor MOBILE phones are seen by many as one of life’s essentials, but should they be allowed to be used by children at school? On Monday, October 2, at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan unveiled new directives on mobile phone usage in schools, wrote a news source.

The Department for Education in England is pushing for a complete ban on pupils using mobile phones during school hours. This includes both break times and lessons. While many educational institutions already have some form of limitation on phone use, this new directive aims to standardise the approach.

Mobile phones are a distraction and are often used for bullying, Gillian Keegan stated during her address. Although students can carry their

phones for commuting purposes, they won’t be permitted to use them during academic hours.

The idea of a national restriction on mobile phone school usage isn’t new. Schools minister Nick Gibb had proposed a similar idea in 2019. However, in February 2022, the education department felt that national rules weren’t essential since most schools in England were proactive in this regard.

When asked about pupils using phones, one parent said: “I think that completely depends on the setting, I think children of primary school age defi­

nitely not. Older pupils are encouraged to download apps that are helpful to them in the classroom and are permitted to use their phone.'

This is ‘on the understanding that if they are found to be using it for any other purpose the phone will be confiscated until the teacher decides otherwise’.

The debate on mobile phones isn’t just restricted to children, Heather, a former teacher said: “When I was teaching adults they [phones] were a major distraction. I insisted they were switched off and kept in their bags.”

Nora Johnson’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

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

MOBILE PHONES: Call for them to be banned in school hours.

THE recent decision by the Welsh Government to impose a 20mph speed limit in built up areas has come in for a great deal of criticism within Wales and readers of Euro Weekly News were quick in coming forward with their views on the matter.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reacted quickly at the latest Conservative Party Conference and has indicated that government policy will make it more difficult for such speed limits to be introduced as a blanket measure as well as cracking down on the imposition of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) although it seems as if the Greater London ULEZ could well damage Labour’s election hopes in the south.

Implementing a 20mph speed limit can have several potential benefits. It may enhance road safety, particularly in residential areas and areas with high pedestrian or cyclist activity. Lower speeds generally reduce the severity of accidents and increase the chances of survival for pedestrians in case of collisions.

J Aitken

Some critics may argue that such limits might inconvenience drivers and could lead to increased traffic congestion. Public opinion on these initiatives often varies, with some supporting the focus on safety and others expressing concerns about practicality. These things never suit everyone.

V Green

Agree, goes hand in hand with other rights as a biped being removed, ie free speech. Everything is on its head with no logic applied, all political narrative. A vehicle at 20 will generate more energy pollution as carbon, noise and heat. Logic, schools and limited other roads yes, but not blanket, the percentage of tragedy is low, there but low. What are we trying to do reduce it to zero, another illogical zero policy, the few impacting the many.

D Hurford

Cars aren’t made to be driven at 20mph, this is just more Agenda 2030 bull designed to remove our freedoms. Have you heard about places in the US where they are banning meat, dairy and new clothes? Come on people, we need to stop this crap before it starts. I’d like to see the UN, World Economic Forum and all l those other idiotic psycho-

pathic organisation disbanded. Who the hell do they think they are? We didn’t vote for you and your agendas, you know where you can stick them!

N Yianni

Licence Exchange

I would like to give an account of the exchange of UK driving licence to Spanish , how Tráfico have rendered thousands that handed in their UK licence to them ! Now we are without any licence, unable to drive for months !! Possibly until January!! UK licence was supposed to be EXCHANGED for Spanish or at least a temporary Spanish licence. That has not been done. I got all relevant docs plus UK licence to my solicitor by May 9, had receipt for all docs from Tráfico May 24. Have had no temp licence in return four months ago, still no licence. I’m 75, live alone, hence my car is my lifeline! I am still not allowed to drive and they tell me it could be many months before they respond!! So wish I hadn’t taken up residency! Please print this, I bet thousands of people are in the same situation. Thank you in anticipation.

Marlene Raybould

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

Most irritating habits

A RECENT survey of 2,000 British flyers unveiled the top irritating passenger habits, with excessive in­flight drinking taking the lead.

Commissioned by Skyscanner to introduce its Travel Hacks Hub, the study highlighted the nuisances of air travel. For many, boarding a plane marks the beginning of a muchanticipated holiday. However, the finer points of flying etiquette often spark heated debate.

Navigating through airports, with their check­ins, security checks, and long queues, is generally perceived as stressful, lowering the patience of travellers.

Interestingly, the survey revealed that many travellers, while quick to point out annoying habits, confessed to being culprits themselves.

About 12 per cent of participants admitted to some of the vexing behaviours. A quarter confessed to removing their shoes and socks during flights, 19 per cent caused delays at security by forgetting to remove specific items, and 17 per cent eagerly stood up immediately after landing.

Younger flyers believed they were mainly responsible for overpacking and causing delays during check­in. In contrast, older passenger felt they often forgot to remove metal items before security checks and were eager to stand up after landing.

When discussing flight manners, 74 per cent believed it’s polite to ask the person be­

hind before reclining a seat. A whopping 81 per cent favoured a rule against reclining seats during meal service. Additionally, 69 per cent preferred a systematic row­by­row disembarkation to prevent the rush upon landing.

The Top 10 Irritating Passenger Habits

• Excessive in­flight drinking (48 per cent)

• Allowing children to run amok (48 per cent)

• Jumping the queue (43 per cent)

• Reclining seats during meals (43 per cent)

• Reclining seats anytime (43 per cent)

• Using devices without headphones (35 per cent)

• Standing immediately after landing (33 per cent)

• Leaving bags on seats (31 per cent)

• Monopolising both armrests (31 per cent)

• Letting hair drape over seats (28 per cent)

PASSENGER HABITS: Survey carried out.

Advertising Feature Grupo Platinum Estates

Property of the week

Luxury and comfort in harmony

GRUPO PLATINUM ESTATES presents this spectacular semi­detached villa in Vera Playa, in a quiet and well­kept community only 900 metres from the sea. On the ground floor, we have an open kitchen to the living room fully equipped with a breakfast bar. The living room is a bright room with spectacular high ceilings, wood burning fireplace, and direct access through French doors to the terrace and private garden, a lovely space to enjoy the outdoors which also has an entrance to the communal swimming pool of the urbanisation. The ground floor also has two spacious bedrooms and a complete bathroom. Upstairs we have a second lounge, a double bedroom, another bathroom and a terrace. The property is sold furnished and ready to move into with air conditioning.

Situated in one of the most sought­after communities in Vera Playa, don’t miss this spectacular opportunity, and call us now for a viewing on +34 950 466 112.

€230,000 euros

The Vera Playa area boasts unspoiled Blue Flag beaches and benefits from over 320 days of sunshine each year. There are two main supermarkets within a twominute drive plus an abundance of bars, beach bars and restaurants in the area, some a few minutes’ walk from the properties, and others a few minutes’ drive away. The nearby small fishing town of Garrucha (a five ­ minute drive away) is particularly known for its specialty seafood restaurants. From Garrucha you are just a short drive to the beaches of Mojacar with a wider choice of bars and restaurants and the historic ‘pueblo blanco’ ­ hilltop white village of Mojacar.

The main town of Vera is the primary commercial point in the area, and all dayto ­ day amenities can be found here including all manner of shops, a medical centre, a pharmacy, an Iceland supermarket for British products as well as some very interesting historical buildings, architecture and the Vera bullring.

Celebrating our centenary

THE British Benevolent Fund celebrated its centenary last week at the official residence in Madrid of the British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott.

The milestone event brought over 150 guests from all over Spain to mark 100 years of supporting the British community in Spain.

Hugh Elliott, who is also patron of the fund, is the 27th British ambassador to accept the position, spoke warmly of the contribution made by the BBF as the ‘charity of last resort’ and help provided for the most vulnerable in the British community in Spain.

Olaf Clayton, the chair of the British Benevolent Fund said that the fund was at the “front line of support” highlighting that the “repatriation of the vulnerable, helping the destitute and homeless were key parts of the modern BBF’s casework. This in addition to the many grants provided by those

in dire need whose situation is often mired by ‘illness both physical and mental ­ alcoholism, domestic abuse ­ and are all part of the fund’s stock in trade.”

The BBF works in conjunction with over 50 charities ranging from the Red Cross to Caritas across the country as well as the UK’s consular network to deliv­

er help when needed. The evening which was sponsored by Green Park Global and HM Hospitals which ensured that the event was delivered at zero cost to the BBF and raised some €6,000 for the British Benevolent Fund. Further information: olaf. clayton@britishbenevolent fund.org / www.britishbene volentfund.org.

A spectacular semi-detached villa in a quiet and well-kept community close to the sea.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

PETS

Find checked cat-sitters for free

FINDING good cat­sitters gives peace of mind.

When you’re planning to go away for the holidays, finding care for your pets can be a big worry. Big holidays like Christmas and New Year need early planning. And knowing you can find free checked sitters via Housesitmatch could be a real boost to your holiday. How does it work?

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

Pet psychics : Fact or fiction

ensure you can help online when needed

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

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

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

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga

READER OFFER

Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

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

The urban jungle

HOMES tailored for tails.

In bustling city centres, the traditional concept of home is being reimagined, especially for our four ­ legged family members.

As urban areas become denser, innovators are crafting spaces that harmonise with pet needs, ensuring that Fluffy and Rover don’t just live but thrive. From specially designed pet nooks in modern apartments to shared green spaces for dogs to romp in, the urban environment is adapting.

Balconies are being transformed into cat­safe

zones, and living rooms are now featuring built­in play areas.

The focus? Comfort, safety, and enrichment. The driving force behind this change is our deepening bond with pets. City dwellers recognise that our companions, just like us, require their own sanctuaries.

So, amidst the steel and concrete of the city, petfriendly oases are blossoming. These new designs not only enhance our pets’ lives but also deepen our shared experiences, making city living a joy for all inhabitants.

PET psychics have long been a subject of fascination, prompting an equal mix of skepticism and curiosity. It’s a topic that divides opinion, with some pet owners swearing by the insights offered, and others dismissing it as mere pseudoscience. So, what exactly is a pet psychic, and is there any legitimacy to the practice?

Pet psychics, or animal communicators as they are sometimes called, claim to possess a heightened sensitivity that allows them to tune into the thoughts and feelings of animals. Proponents argue that these individuals can help resolve behavioural issues, locate lost pets, and even facilitate communication between deceased pets and their owners.

While there’s scant scientific evidence to validate these claims, anecdotal accounts are

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

plentiful. Many pet owners report noticeable changes in their pets’ behaviour after consulting a pet psychic, attributing newfound peace or happiness to the experience.

Still, critics argue that the practice relies heavily on the power of suggestion, exploiting emotional attachment to pets for financial gain.

If you’re considering consulting a pet psychic, it’s crucial to approach it with an open mind but a

discerning eye.

Do your research, read reviews, and perhaps start with a less costly session to gauge its effectiveness for you and your pet.

The world of pet psychics continues to be a subject of debate. Whether you believe it to be insightful or incredulous, it undeniably adds a layer of intrigue to our ever ­ evolving understanding of human ­ animal relationships.

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Cat-sitters keep your pets company while you’re away.

PET BEHAVIOUR: Approach it with an open mind.

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at www.almeria-anglican.com. Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

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

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

ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691

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

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

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

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

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

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KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits.

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Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found

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

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

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

HONDA’S latest SUV arrival, the ZR ­ V, slots neatly between the HR ­ V and CR ­ V and is a stylish and much less aggressively drawn SUV. The softer look goes against the styling of many SUVs and with that reduced bulk is a more compact interior, despite not feeling in any way cramped. As ever with Honda the build quality is superb, and a particularly neat addition is the honeycomb air vent that straddles the fascia. It’s also a sensible and welcome change to see a new car with actual buttons, the climate control can be operated without the need for multiple presses of a touchscreen.

There are three levels of trim and all have the same power system, a 2.0 ­ litre petrol unit with hybrid assistance using two electric motors and a battery pack that makes for a seamless transition between electric and petrol power. The set­up develops a healthy 181 bhp with the benchmark 100

Honda’s latest SUV arrival - the ZR-V

kph/62 mph arriving in 7.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 173 kph/107 mph.

The single speed auto matic transmission is a smooth affair but acceler ate firmly and things become a little vocal, opt for a more re laxed drive and things are almost whisper quiet. This isn’t down to Honda it’s just a characteristic of this kind of CVT transmission, and that apart it’s a clever and efficient arrangement.

All models are well equipped with front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, navigation, keyless entry and start, heated front seats, adaptive cruise, auto wipers and lights, powered, heated and reverse tilt door mirrors plus Apple Car Play and Android Auto. It’s an enviable list but even with a range starting price of €45,399/£39,495 the Honda offers a better

competitors at its price.

On the road the ZR­V is a less drive providing you keep your heavy accelera­

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Honda ZR-V Elegance

sponsive steering too. From an economy perspective the

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol with hybrid assistance developing 181 bhp

Gears: Automatic

Price: €45,399/£39,495

Performance: 0-100 kph/62 mph 7.8 seconds/Maximum Speed 173 kph/107 mph

Combined Economy: 4.74 litres per 100km/49.6mpg WLTP

Combined Emissions: 130 g/km WLTP

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

ZR ­ V returns late 40s mpg and although there’s no allwheel­drive capability, few SUVs have that nowadays, the Honda has a ‘snowdrive’ button that provides a useful aid to traction in mildly difficult conditions.

Premium badges are all well and good but look beyond the badge and the quality, usability and style of Honda’s latest models are all too often overlooked. Although they may not build adrenaline fuelled cars Civic Type R excepted ­ the ZR­V is a Honda well worth driving.

1905 Mary Anderson invented windshield wipers.

MOST motorists seldom consider the environmental impact of their tyres, yet these crucial components of our vehicles have long been a subject of environmental scrutiny.

Typically manufactured from oil­based products, traditional tyres contribute significantly to our carbon footprint. Enter eco­friendly tyres: an innovation designed not just for road performance but also for Mother Earth.

What makes these tyres

Eco-friendly tyres

‘green’? Firstly, they’re constructed using sustainable materials like silica, replacing the oil­based components. These greener alternatives not only cut down on fossil fuel use but also improve fuel efficiency.

A reduction in rolling resistance ensures that your car needs less energy to move, consequently emitting fewer greenhouse gases.

Secondly, advancements in tread design have led to a more even wear and tear, extending the lifespan of these eco­friendly tyres. Longer­lasting tyres mean fewer replacements and a lesser burden on landfill sites.

So next time you’re in the market for new tyres, consider going green; it’s a small change with a significant impact.

The spectrum of car design aesthetics

WHEN it comes to the design of cars, beauty is undeniably in the eye of the beholder. However, there are some models that seem to be universally labelled as either stunning or, frankly, ghastly. Whether it’s down to ungainly proportions, cluttered detailing, or just awkward lines, the worst offenders in car design are often as memorable as the best. Let’s start with the infamous Pontiac Aztek. With its clunky body and puzzling aesthetic choices, it is frequently cited as one of the ugliest cars ever to grace the roads. Similarly, the Fiat Multipla with its ‘frogeye’ headlamps and blob­like physique leaves many shaking their heads in disbelief.

Even the Nissan Cube, which some people praise for its quirky appeal, finds itself regularly on the ‘ugliest cars’ lists due to its boxy design and asymmetrical windows. Now on the other

hand, the Aston Martin DB11, with its sleek lines, sophisticated build, and timeless elegance, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cars in the market. The Jaguar F­Type, too, with its graceful curves and aggressive front grille, stands as a symbol of aesthetic prowess in automotive design. In the world of electric cars, Tesla’s Model S has been commended for blending functionality with style. Its minimalist yet luxurious aesthetic sets a benchmark for how good an electric car can look. With each new model year, there’s a chance for redemption for the brands that have missed the mark and an opportunity for leaders to continue to dazzle. Whether capturing our imaginations or serving as cautionary tales, these designs contribute to the rich tapestry that is the automotive world.

Manager fired after 10 months

THE first managerial casualty of the Scottish Premiership occurred on Sunday, October 1.

Rangers Football Club confirmed that it had parted company with Michael Beale, the Glasgow club’s men’s first­team manager.

In an official statement on rangers.co.uk, they wrote: ‘The Rangers board would like to put on record their thanks to Michael and his staff for their efforts since joining the club last November.’

It continued: ‘Results this season have fallen short of what everyone connected to Rangers would expect. Therefore, the decision was reached today to terminate the contract of the manager, as well as the contracts of coaches Neil Banfield, Damian Matthew, Harry Watling and Jack Ade.

‘The club is pleased to an­

nounce that Steven Davis will lead the interim management team. The team will consist of former Rangers player and hugely experienced coach Alex Rae, former Rangers player and current coach Steven Smith, coach Brian Gilmour, and goalkeeping coach, Colin Stewart,’ the statement concluded.

John Bennett, the Rangers Chairman, commented: “I’d like to thank Michael for his dedicated work since he re­joined the club as manager last November. It is clear that results have fallen well short of the board’s, Michael’s and our supporters’ expectations.”

“The search process for the new manager is already underway. I wish Steven Davis and the interim management team every success ­ they will remain in charge for as long as it takes to make the right appointment,” he explained.

Beale was appointed as head coach at Ibrox last November.

With only seven games of the new campaign played, the Glasgow giants have already lost three league matches and currently trail their city rivals Celtic by seven points.

Europe’s golfers win Ryder Cup

A THRILLING final day’s play at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, saw Europe’s golfers retain the iconic Ryder Cup.

Team Europe had been in total control of the 44th Ryder Cup since Friday, September 29, ending the day with a commanding 5­0 lead.

Going into the last day on Sunday, October 1, they only needed four points to secure victory. Scottie Scheffler and Spain’s 2023 Masters winner Jon Rahm tied their match while Norway’s Viktor Hovland then moved his team nearer to the prize by beating Collin Morikawa 4&3.

Justin Rose went down 2&1 in the next match to Patrick Cantalay, giving the US a temporary reprieve. When a fired­up Rory McIlroy defeated Sam Burns 3&1 in the next match, it left Europe needing only one and a half points for victory.

Europe were subsequently within half a point of lifting the trophy when Tyrell Hatton beat the Open champion Brian Harman 3&2, making the score 14­7.

Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka sunk his ball on the 16th to secure victory over Ludvig Aberg and cut the Team USA

deficit by one more point.

Last year’s US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick had the chance to be one to seal the win but the score became 14­9 when Max Homa held his nerve on the 18th to take the match after his opponent missed his putt.

A comeback was on the cards when Xander Schauffele beat Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard 3&2 at the 16th to make it 14­10. The tension rose further when Justin Thomas holed a birdie on the 18th to beat Austrian golfer Sepp Straka, and it was 14­11.

Victory was complete when England’s Tommy Fleetwood placed his putt just three feet from the pin in the 17th. Rickie Fowler conceded the match at 3&1 to make the score 15­11 and spark jubilant scenes at the Italian golf course.

Despite having the trophy in the bag, Robert MacIntyre gave Team Europe an even bigger lead of 16­11 by beating Wyndham Clark 2&1 at the 17th.

Jordan Spieth missed an eagle putt to eventually halve the final match with Shane Lowry to make the final score Europe 16½­11½ USA.

Tommy Fleetwood winning the Ryder Cup 2023 for Team Europe.