Costa de Almeria 7 – 13 December 2023 Issue 2005

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2005 • 7 - 13 December 2023

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A BEARY MERRY CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS is a magical time, not only because of the twin­ kling lights and family fun, but also because this festive peri­ od often brings out the spirit of giving in many.

One such person, who de­ cided to make a difference with her generosity this Christ­ mas, is Annie Holley from Almeria. Back in October, she came up with the idea of mak­ ing soft toys and donating them to children, who per­ haps otherwise would not be waking up to any toys this Christmas.

Euro Weekly News spoke to Annie, who actually revealed that her inspiration first came from reading our article ‘Give a Gift in Albox this Christmas’, “it was meant to be!” she

DONATING THE GIFTS: Annie Holley and council worker Juan Domingo at Albox Town Hall.

laughed. Annie, who loves all sorts of crafting, then ex­ plained that after seeing this, she realised she had many toy patterns of bears and ele­ phants, and so came up with Turn to page 2

Credit: Annie Holley

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7 - 13 December 2023

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LOCAL NEWS

Creating Community ON Friday, December 1, The Third ‘Creating Community’ Gala was held at the Vera Auditorium, where the ef­ forts of people and associa­ tions that create the commu­ nity of Vera were celebrated.

These groups and individuals

work tirelessly to achieve a more just society and to build a powerful and inclu­ sive community that accepts diversity as part of itself.

Awards were given to: Guillermo Nieto Garcia, Manuela Saez Sanchez, Gang

of Costaleros and Butlers of the Blessed Virgin of Piety.

Congratulations to all! As well as the great Asprodalba family for the great work you do and for helping Vera to build, together, a better soci­ ety for people, for all people.

From front page

What wonderful ladies! the idea of making toys for these children in need. However, her plan was to donate around 20 soft toys, so she understood she needed a little help. Annie told Euro Week­ ly News that “that’s when I put the post up on Facebook, with not much expectation, but then all these incredible ladies got in touch.” The result was a total of 67 toys! An amount that far exceeded Annie’s initial goal.

“It would not have been possible with­ out these wonderful people, many of whom have now become friends,” she ex­ plained, adding that she is “so proud” of them all and what they have achieved, “es­ pecially since many of them had never made soft toys before,” she exclaimed.

Together, Annie and the rest of her magi­

cal Christmas elves, Claire Barrett, Joe Coleshill, Lesley Gunning, Lisa Cruse, Loret­ to O’Brien, Lynda Warren, Pearl Butler, Sal­ ly Dickens, Sheena Hurley, Sheila Aldous, Susan Medlicott, Teresa Kozyra Hooker, Jenny Brear, Helen Sharp and Sue Brand, donated 50 of the toys made to the town hall in Albox and the rest will be donated to Caritas Food Bank. What an achievement for this generous group. They have big plans for next year also, with many more wanting to get involved and ideas already being discussed on their Whatsapp group chat! What lovely ladies, and what a differ­ ence their hard work has made to many children in Albox, who thanks to their lov­ ing hearts, will surely wake up with a smile this Christmas morning.

LOCAL NEWS

NIBS EXTRA Study room AT the town hall in Antas there is now a study room for young people or universi­ ty students who will have their exam sessions in Jan­ uary. This room is located in the House of Culture (first floor), and will be open to the public from 8.30am to 9.30pm every day.

A perfect port THE Port of Almeria will carry out tests on the state of the Levante Pier for the recep­ tion of cruise ships. These tests will verify the state of the Levante Dock and deter­ mine its stability, before planning a solution to adapt and improve it as a space for the reception of cruise ships.

Many activities IN Cuevas del Almanzora, the students of the Asensio Granados school have partic­ ipated in the Prevention Week activities held in the multipurpose Pavilion. These speciality workshops in­ volved practice of emergen­ cy reactions, assisted by Lo­ cal Police, Civil Protection and firefighters.

Winter jellyfish MANY of us still enjoy a swim in the sea in the win­ ter, however, be careful, as ‘Mauve Stinger’ jellyfish have been spotted off Mojacar beach. Beautiful, but painful!

Every inch of them has sting­ ing cells, and although not nice, their sting is not fatal.

Dog’s name AT the AA dog rescue charity shop Albox, on Calle Malaga opposite Scrumptious and Gladrags, there is a beautiful cake of a sleeping puppy that will be there until Saturday. If anyone wants to guess his name for €1, the winner will take home the cake!

Lucky number THE second prize of the Lot­ tery of €120,000 has been won in Almeria! The winner, a resident of Pulpi won with the lucky numbers of 03.222 and is one of five winners of this amount.

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7 - 13 December 2023

Flavours of Almeria THE Flavours of Almeria Fair, or as it is called in Spanish, ‘Sa­ bores de Almeria’, is being held until December 9.

It is in the Plaza de las Velas in the capital of Almeria and a total of 42 companies are go­ ing to participate. The idea of this fair is to bring products that are ‘made in Almeria’ to its residents and visitors alike.

During the days of the fair, different workshops will be held by renowned chocolatiers ‘Chocolates La Virgitana’, which will be a great way to bring the family together.

There will also be other activi­ ties such as making sustainable Christmas crafts and not for­ getting the delicious Christmas cookies creation classes.

Today, December 7, there will be a special live perfor­ mance of Gabimagoo which will begin at 7.00pm.

The provincial deputy for Agri­Food Promotion, Com­ merce and Consumption, Car­ los Sánchez, stated that this year “the craft fair will have the most participants in its his­ tory and with an agenda for the whole family.”

Credit: Blog Diputacion de Almeria

SABORES DE ALMERIA: Many different workshops.

Rubble restored THE Aljambra Tower in Albox has recently been re­ stored to make it more accessible to tourists.

An intervention from the council that has in­ volved the restoration of the masonry tower, con­ sisted of the rubble from its interior being re­ moved, the cracks being sealed with lime mortar and the replacement of mortars between the ma­ sonry. In addition to this, the improvement of its environment has been carried out, in order to im­ prove accessibility. A project that has received a subsidy of €52,000.

The delegate of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Jose Angel Velez, highlighted the importance of the restoration project, stating that, “this action has served to improve its environment, and promote its enhancement, which will allow it to be a place of tourist attraction for all visitors and locals.”

Seasonal singers

Credit: Sue Moretta Facebook

CHRISTMAS FUN: The Sue Moretta Singers!

THE Sue Moretta Singers are back!

They will be performing their Christmas selection of carols and songs to help get you into the spirit of Christmas. This will then be fol­ lowed by Sue Moretta performing a solo set of many favourite popu­ lar songs and show tunes.

Come along and join in the Christmas fun!

Plenty of Paws!

THE Almeria animal charity Paws Patas currently have plenty of paws patrolling their premises!

Due to unforeseen developments, Paws Patas have had a massive in­ flux of cats and dogs, and by mas­ sive, meaning a total of 80 dogs and 40 cats and counting!

Due to this huge increase of ani­ mals in their care, they desperately need blankets, sheets, duvets, tow­ els and basically anything to make the animals more comfortable.

In addition to this, if anybody has any unwanted large /small dog beds kennels or any thing you think they may be able to use, kindly either take them directly to their shelter in Los Gallardos or, into one of their shops in Turre, Mojacar or Las Buganvillas.

They have stated that they really are desperate at this point, and al­ though any help is always appreciat­ ed, Paws Patas explain that this time “it’ll be a God Send.”

This singing group performs for free, however they always greatly appreciate a contribution to a named local charity that will be an­ nounced on the night.

The dates of these festive shows are Tuesday, December 19 at 7pm at Valery Mojacar and Friday, De­ cember at 7pm at The Irish Rover.

Table bookings are advised.

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Bedar Christmas Market FESTIVE fun comes to the beautiful streets of Bedar this week, with its Christmas Market start­ ing on December 8.

There will be many stalls, full of unique gifts and traditional Christ­ mas items for guests to browse and buy, making sure we are not all leav­ ing our present buying until the last minute!

There will also be live performances from the children’s group ‘los mu­ sicales’ who will perform at 12.45 on the opening day, as well as a ‘Villanci­ cos Show’, which will fol­ low at 1.30pm.

In addition to this, var­ ious craft stations will be available for those cre­ ative souls to create some lovely Christmas products.

This is a winter won­ derland that cannot be missed!

The Euro Weekly News publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews.com and in its papers than any other English news publication in Spain.

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LOCAL NEWS

Beloved ‘Wheelbarrow Shop’ Disability Day

A DELEGATION of the international community took the opportunity recently to visit the owners of the local La Alfoquia hardware shop ‘Electro Hogar Carretero’, Jeronimo and Maria, who after over 40 years of serving the local community, have decided to retire at the end of 2023.

The shop, which locally is affectionately known as the ‘wheelbarrow shop’ due to the display of this item outside the door, was always the

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Huercal Overa

RETIRING: A happy send off!

PROVERB OF THE WEEK “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”

This proverb is from Japan and teaches us that perseverance is one of the most important virtues. Whatever happens - keep on keeping on!

first go-to point for residents in La Alfoquia and Zurgena, not only for the purchase of standard hardware, electric white goods and household articles, but also for advice on any DIY questions one may have. Both owners always went the extra mile to help in their shop and in people’s homes, with Jerónimo not only delivering and installing appliances, but also taking old ones away and servicing the ones he had sold.

A collection was organised and over €130 raised; a testament to the gratitude of the local community. Members of the international community delivered a card signed by numerous grateful residents and with wishes for a happy

retirement in English and Spanish, together with a food and drinks hamper, a ticket for the New Year lottery, a bouquet of flowers and a voucher.

In addition to this, all the many comments left on the local Facebook group were translated into Spanish and presented in a second card.

Everyone expressed their sadness about the departure of this valued business and its lovely owners, but wished them a long and happy retirement.

Both Jeronimo and Maria were visibly moved by the well wishes and will be remembered and missed, not just as shop owners, but also as friends.

DECEMBER 3 is the an­ nual observance of the International Day of Dis­ abled Persons. It was first proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly with aims to promote an un­ derstanding of disability issues and mobilise sup­ port for the dignity, rights and well­being of persons with disabili­ ties.

It also seeks to in­ crease awareness and integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, so­ cial, economic and cul­ tural life.

The main programme of the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the UN Headquarters in New York included the Opening, panel dis­ cussions and cultural events.

Member States, civil society organisations and the private sector were welcome to or­ ganise their own events to celebrate the Interna­ tional Day to raise awareness and pro­ mote the rights and per­ spectives of persons with disabilities around the world. The Council of Vera, in collaboration with Asprodalba, per­ formed their third offi­ cial ‘March for Interna­ tional Disability Day’ on Sunday, where people with disabilities and also those who do not, joined hands and marched for inclusion, in recognition of this im­ portant day!

1.4 billion The number of insects per person.

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7 - 13 December 2023

THIS Christmas, many resi­ dents of Almeria will surely ‘come together’, for a con­ cert that is sure to rock Al­ box! For the first time ever, one of the best Beatles trib­ ute bands in the world, Help! A Beatles Tribute, is doing just two exclusive shows in Almeria! One will be in Almeria capital and the other will be right here in Al­ box.

This will be a unique live show that revives in a very special way a trip to the past, with a spectacular characterisation and staging of the Liverpool lads’ great­ est hits, for all to enjoy.

An unforgettable experi­ ence for sure, that promises to be full of that unique Bea­

Rock in Albox!

Credit: Facebook

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THE BAND: Help! A Beatles Tribute.v

tles magic.

The show will begin at 7pm but as a special addi­ tion there will also be music

ON Friday, December 1, the Collec­ tive Exhibition, by Aitor Pablogor­ ran, in collaboration with other fel­ low artists from the ArteFacto Collective, from Mojacar, opened.

This opening ceremony began at 8pm at the La Fuente de Mojacar Art Centre and will now be open to the public every day until Decem­ ber 17.

Artist Aitor Pablogorran ex­ plained that he “moved to live in

of that time period playing from two hours before the concert to get everyone into the dancing spirit!

Get ready to live a day of coexistence, memories, magic and reunions that are much more than special, for all lovers of the most leg­ endary group in history, that will never go out of style no matter how old you are!

So, if you are ready to twist and shout, take note of the date, Saturday Decem­ ber 16.

Advance tickets are cur­ rently on sale for only €12 if you buy them now, they are available at Albox Town Council, Hyper Leisure ­ Toy Planet and Sport Atmo­ sphere. Online tickets can al­ so be bought at www.todaslasentradas.com.

For more information call 650 030 303.

Collective exhibition

Mojacar just a year ago, and I re­ member that as soon as I arrived I fell in love with its entire surround­ ings, its light, its precious joyful, vi­ brant, and at the same time serene energy.

“As well as a feeling of freedom that accompanies me every day”.

He added that he also “fell in love

with the sun, the sea, and the flow­ ers on the landscape.”

Last February Aitor exhibited part of his work in this same centre, and on this occasion he shows part of what has been emerging during the last few months, with which he joy­ fully wishes to transmit all these sensations, states and emotions.

LOCAL NEWS

Better streets

THE new steelwork in El Morro, Cuevas del Almanzora, promises to provide better pedestrian accessibility and safety to the cemetery and industrial estate.

The Cuevas del Almanzora Town Council has already start­ ed the works to improve and build new pavement on El Mor­ ro Street. These works are part of the ‘Urban Infrastructures in Cuevas del Almanzora 2023’ work corresponding to the PFEA 2023/24 programme of the Almeria Provincial Council.

The urbanisation of this section of Calle El Morro will mean having these new steel roads, which until now were non­exis­ tent, which will extend to the connection with the access road and the industrial zone. They also adapt to current uni­ versal accessibility regulations with the appropriate width for this.

Craft workshops

CAHOOTS in Mojacar will be holding some cute Christ­ mas craft workshops this week.

Today, December 7 at 1pm there will be a Christ­ mas Ceramics Workshop. In this workshop with cerami­ cist Victoria Jones attendees will be making Christmas hanging decorations and decorative ornaments. Vic­ toria will take it home to fire

them. The price is €35.

On December 8 at 1pm there will be a Christmas Earrings Workshop. The price for this is €20.

If anyone would like to get a group of five or six friends together for any workshops they offer please get in touch for dates and times to suit you.

For any more information Whatsapp 711 006 027.

LOCAL NEWS

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7 - 13 December 2023

OUR modern world functions more efficiently than ever be­ fore, with each new day bringing better technology and slicker systems.

However, what about the state of Mother Nature?

What price does our home­ land, the Earth, pay for our progress?

The beautiful coastal town of Mojacar is currently under heavy construction.

Following an extraordinary plenary session held at Mo­ jacar Town Council, in which the General Town Planning Strategy was given provision­ al approval, works to ‘ur­ banise’ rural areas have in­ creased. Structural roadways have also been incorporated, especially the coastal relief road.

It is a certain coastal road­ way under construction that is currently causing an uproar from local residents, as they share images online of the ‘devastation and destruction on the pointless bypass road currently being built’, as one user put it.

Credit: User Ineke van Osch, Facebook

Plundering nature

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: ‘Progress’ in Mojacar.

Many others agreed, with one questioning, ‘why do they have to spoil everything.

The one thing I’ve loved about Mojacar for the past 40+ years is that wasn’t com­ mercialised!’ Another user commented, ‘yes the road to nowhere, a big shame!’

However other residents were quick to disagree, stat­ ing that this work was neces­ sary and for the benefit of the town, its residents and its tourism.

‘The roads are hell in the summer, and the road will be

great for the locals’ stated one user, as another argued that, ‘in 12 months, when it’s finished and you have all used it a few times because it’s more convenient’.

Despite this, the group Let’s Save Mojacar have offi­ cially denounced the ‘wild’ urban development of the new PGOU and are making movements to attempt to prevent it.

It seems the age old saying, ‘unite to move forward’, is not quite relevant here in Mojacar right now.

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LOCAL NEWS

Michelin Guide AS usual for the end of the year, the list of the best, the Michelin Guide, have announced their top restaurant picks.

This year, in the 2024 guide, an astounding 11 Almeria restaurants appear, one more than the previous year. Only one of them obtains the Michelin Star: La Costa, in El Ejido. Chef Jose Alvarez’s place retains its top reference for haute cuisine in the province.

Among the 11 restaurants recommended by Michelin inspectors, there are two new fea­ tures compared to the previous year: VIVO Ex­ perience Gourmet, on Antonio Muñoz Zamora Street in the capital, and La Villa, in Agua Amar­ ga.

A fantastic achievement for Almeria, al­ though even more could be added throughout the year, since the guide is now continually up­ dated month by month.

With its tourism already booming and beat­ ing figures from 2022, this announcement will be sure to bring food lovers to the area, in search of these recommended eateries.

The complete list of Michel Guide restau­ rants in Almeria is: La Costa ­ Estrella Michelin (El Ejido).

Credit: Michelin Guide

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MICHELIN STAR: La Costa El Ejido.

La Barra de José Álvarez (El Ejido).

Travieso (Almeria).

Salmantice (Almeria).

VIVO Experiencia Gourmet (Almeria).

Tony García Espacio Gastronómico (Alme­ ria).

La Villa (Agua Amarga).

Asador La Chumbera ­ Distintivo Bib Gour­ mand (Agua Amarga).

El Cabo (Carboneras).

Restaurante Juan Moreno (Vera).

Terraza Carmona ­ Distintivo Bib Gourmand (Vera).

Magic in Mojacar CHRISTMAS has officially ar­ rived in Mojacar, as have the activities planned by the local council, so Mojacar looks more magical than ev­ er at this time of year.

A Christmas craft market, which will spread around the squares of the old town and host various gift stalls and food trucks, will begin on Wednesday, December 6 and will open every day from 11am.

However, the most ea­ gerly anticipated moment

of Christmas will be on Fri­ day, December 8, with the Mojacar Christmas Lights In­ auguration Gala at 7pm in Plaza Nueva.

This will be the moment that the most magical and anticipated act will take place, when the old town will again shine under the Ferrero Rocher lighting, which for this year has even been further increased and improved to “shine even brighter.”

Following the switch­on,

the Raya Real group will of­ fer a Christmas carol con­ cert which will set the fes­ tive tone. Raya Real is one of the best­known and high­ ly regarded musical groups, having had great hits that have been heard halfway around the world.

Every day from now on, different types of music, pa­ rades, concerts and activi­ ties of all kinds will take place in Mojacar.

The festive fun has truly begun!

Work at the Red Cross THE Spanish Red Cross, Mojacar Local Associ­ ation, has put out an announcement to cover a job placement specialist position.

Responsibilities would include guiding peo­ ple in the process of improving their employa­ bility and job search, improving their skills and adapting them to the professional objectives and needs of the labour market.

Anyone interested must have a diploma, bachelor’s degree, higher technical degree in social branches with a minimum of two years experience in a similar position, workshop ori­ entation and job intermediation.

Experience in employment programmes with people at risk of social exclusion, knowl­

edge of the labour market, whether compa­ nies or institutions, volunteer management and dynamisation of work groups. Their skills will focus on teamwork, achievement orien­ tation, initiative and self­management.

The type of contract would be indefinite, full­time, although with flexible hours and the contract is direct with the Red Cross. The pro­ fessional category will correspond to group II and the remuneration, according to the agreement, is around €2,000 per month.

Knowledge of languages, belonging to a vulnerable group or having a disability certifi­ cate are valued, and applicants must have a valid driving licence.

FEATURE

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UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered his Autumn Statement on 22 November. For UK residents the good news was the cuts in National Insurance Contribitions, though income tax thresholds remain frozen. It was also confirmed that three new pension allowances will be introduced.

National Insurance contributions cuts Now that UK inflation has halved and the economic recovery is swifter than expected, there was room for tax cuts.

Effective 6 January 2024, the main rate of Class 1 employee National Insurance contributions (NICs) will be reduced from 12% to 10%, while for Class 4 self-employed people the rate decreases from 9% to 8% from 6 April 2024.

Tax allowances remain frozen The National Insurance cuts are welcome, but only partially offset the fiscal drag created by the frozen income tax thresholds. The budget did not include any plans to remove the freeze, scheduled until 2028.

Often referred to as ‘tax by stealth’, freezing thresholds and allowances results in many taxpayers paying more tax over time.

The pension triple lock rise The government confirmed its commitment to the pensions triple lock, where the state pension is augmented by

7 - 13 December 2023

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UK Autumn Budget and new pensions allowances

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

the highest of three metrics: average earnings growth, Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation, or a minimum of 2.5%.

The State Pension therefore rises by 8.5% from next April, in line with earnings.

New pension allowances Legislation proposed in the Autumn

Finance Bill 2023 eliminates the Lifetime Allowance and introduces three allowances in its place.

Two were anticipated, but official documents published the same day as the Autumn Statement also revealed a new ‘Overseas Transfer Allowance’.

Lump Sum Allowance The Lump Sum Allowance (LSA) applies to payments made during the pension scheme member's lifetime. It will be set at a fixed limit of £268,275.

It encompasses tax-free cash from Pension Commencement Lump Sums and Uncrystallised Funds Pension Lump Sums. Notably, it also includes trivial commutation lump sums, small lump sums and winding-up lump sums with uncrystallised rights.

The Lump Sum Death Benefits Allowance The Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance (LSDBA) will have a fixed limit of £1,073,100 and be applicable to death lump sum payments.

When the death benefit is paid as a lump sum, it will only be tax-free if it falls below the deceased's remaining LSDBA. Any excess will be taxable at the beneficiary’s marginal rate of income tax. This applies regardless of the member’s age when they die.

If the pension fund is designated to drawdown within two years of the death, and the benefit is taken as pension income, the age of death remains relevant. If the death occurs before age 75, the payment will be tax free. If after 75, the recipient will pay income tax.

The Overseas Transfer Allowance Also starting next April, the Overseas Transfer Allowance (OTA) will apply to transfers of registered pension schemes out of the UK into Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pensions Schemes (QROPS). It will also be set at £1,073,100.

From the information released so far – the proposed law is yet to receive royal assent– one could conclude that the

Overseas Transfer Allowance metaphorically replaces the Lifetime Allowance for overseas transfers. While transfers into QROPS were tested against the Lifetime Allowance until April 2023, from 2024 they will be tested against Overseas Transfer Allowance. Any excess will now be subject to the Overseas Transfer Charge of 25%.

These reforms make an already complex regime even more of a minefield, particularly for expatriates, so it is important to take personalised, regulated cross-border advice.

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual should take personalised advice.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.

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IMPRESSIVE: The Pulpi Geode in Almeria.

like the Pulpi Geode are hu­ man­size crystals that may have formed in especially strange ways.

In the latest study, geode specialist Juan Manuel Gar­ cia Ruiz applied techniques from his previous analysis of a site with even larger specimens, the Cave of Crystals in Mexico’s Naica Mine. Garcia Ruiz stated that following these tests, he suspects that its forma­ tion involved a combina­ tion of cannibal chemistry,

tiny crystals being feasted on by their bigger ones, alongside ancient climate change.

“To me, the giant crystals of Naica, or the geode of Pulpi, are like the Egyptian pyramids,” García­Ruiz stat­ ed, before concluding that “all are remarkable monu­ ments and are literally irre­ placeable. By deciphering their mysteries, we will bet­ ter appreciate and preserve them for many more eons to come.”

WHO or what is the mysterious Indalo Man? A Bronze Age magical symbol found in the cave of ‘Los Letreros’ in Velez Blan­ co, Almeria, it now serves as a protection for many in the region and across Spain.

Legend has it that the Indalo was a ghost that could hold and carry a rainbow in his hands, thus the arch over the head of the man and it has now become cus­ tomary to paint the symbol on the front of houses and businesses to protect them from evil.

It is considered to be a god totem and has now been adopted as the official sym­ bol in the province of Almeria, due to its belief of bringing good luck.

The Indalo symbol is used as a lucky charm in the region, but to carry the charm is only beneficial if it has been pre­ sented as a gift.

Some people also believe that the story behind the symbol of the Indalo man is about a man who escapes in a cave to get away from the rain, then when the rain stops, out comes a rainbow and when the man walks away from the wall of the cave, the image of him remains.

The symbol’s rebirth in popularity coin­ cided with the rebirth of the area. Mo­ jacar’s fortunes began to change in the mid 1950’s, after free farm land was of­ fered to residents and attracted many in­ spiring artists, philosophers and writers to

Credit: Wikipedia Commons Ismael Olea

NEW clues into ancient cli­ mate shifts have revealed a possible origin story of Almeria’s own Pulpí Geode, which is one of the world’s largest Geode.

The Pulpi Geode, which was found in an aban­ doned silver mine in 1999 right here in Almeria, has a cavity about 390 cubic feet in volume, with walls adorned with gypsum crys­ tals that are up to nearly seven feet long.

Because of the impres­ sive size of this shining tem­ ple of transparent spires, scientists have always ached to understand its ori­ gin and how it was forged.

Geodes are seen as sparkling hollows filled with glistening crystals.

When one hears the word geode, it is often imagined as a small object that can fit comfortably in the palm of a hand. However, some,

The mysterious man

Credit: Hotel Servi Group

Giant Geode

LOCAL NEWS

GOOD LUCK: The Indalo Man in Almeria.

the region. This was also a time of tourism boom, seeing many make their fortune, all thanks, apparently, to this sa­ cred symbol.

The Indalo has come a long way since its ancient origins on a dark cave wall. The symbol has now been adapted as not only representative for the Mojacar region but also for the whole province of Almeria. It now adorns everything from t­shirts to key­chains, from pottery to jewellery, car­ rying a unique meaning for each person that embraces its power.

What does the Indalo man mean to you?

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LOCAL NEWS

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Albox

FROM the Albox Town Council and the Women’s Information Centre, the diplomas and prizes award­ ed to the winners of the drawing and story contest, that was held in commem­ oration of Rural Women’s Day, have been delivered.

This activity was intend­ ed to help the students to understand why this day is commemorated as well as its important history.

The winners and their schools are as follows: CEIP. VELAZQUEZ: Victo­ ria Alfonso Guerrero, 5ºB CEIP. VIRGIN OF THE SALIENTE: Javier Granados

Credit: PSP

Drawing contest CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Check out the opening times to help you stay informed.

CONTEST: Helping students to understand the importance of the history.

Oller, 5ºA IES. CARDINAL CIS­ NEROS: Saffa Elhanana, 3ºC IES. MARTIN GARCIA

RAMOS: Maria Carmona Diaz, 3ºB Well done to all the win­ ners and of course all who participated!

Bank Holiday opening THE Spanish Bank Holi­ day, the Immaculate Bridge, is upon us, a sure sign that Christmas is close, but also meaning some of our shops will be shut or have different opening times.

The celebration will be­ gin on December 6, with the celebration of the Spanish Constitution Day and in some cases will last until Sunday, Decem­ ber 10.

Two non­working dates that form ‘a bridge’ to rest and enjoy festive ac­

tivities. However, many also take advantage of it to do that all­important Christmas shopping. Here are some opening times to help you stay in­ formed!

Carrefour will be open on December 8 (Day of the Immaculate Concep­ tion) from 10.00am to 10.00pm. However, it will be closed on December 6, Constitution Day. The rest of the bridge will re­ main open as normal.

Mercadona will close on December 3 and 8.

Dia will only open on December 8, while on De­ cember 6 it will be closed.

Cash Borosa will open every Sunday in Decem­ ber from 9.00am to 3.00pm in Huercal de Almeria. On December 8 it will open from 8.30am to 9.30pm. Likewise, in Roquetas de Mar it will also be open on Decem­ ber 8 from 9.00am to

9.30pm.

Other supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, Consum and Dia will open as usu­ al, as well as Maxi Shop, the main bazaar chain in Almeria, that will open every day, including all holidays.

IKEA will open on De­ cember 8 as usual, how­ ever, it will be closed on December 6.

El Corte Ingles in El Eji­ do will open both Wednesday 6 and Friday 8 from 10.00am until 10.00pm and the Tor­ recardenas Shopping Centre has announced that it will open on Fri­ day, December 8, so it will probably be closed on Wednesday 6.

Finally, The Gran Plaza Shopping Centre in Roquetas de Mar will open its usual hours on December 8. However, on December 6 only the restaurants will be open.

Happy present hunting!

Albox artisan AN artisan food market will soon be hosted by the town of Albox, a de­ licious event that’s name translates to ‘with pleasure’.

‘Albox Con Mucho Gusto’ will be that gas­ tronomic market, where all will have the oppor­ tunity to purchase the best local products for the most important fes­ tive dates of the year.

A lot of activities will complete this first edi­ tion that will take place

in the Plaza de San Fran­ cisco on December 16, including a gastronomic exposition, specially themed for Christmas, a chocolate making work­ shop for children, a Zumba show, live music, a mini feria, face paint­ ing, tattoos and even a mailbox for letters to Fa­ ther Christmas and the Magic Kings.

The festivities will be­ gin at 10am and last all day until around 6pm.

With pleasure!

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Tom Hague THE town of Albox will soon recover its lost local Civil Pro­ tection service that was extin­ guished during the last legisla­ ture.

The motion was presented by the socialist group in the plenary session of the corpo­ ration in ordinary session held on November 3 for the cre­ ation of the local Civil Protec­ tion service. It has subse­ quently been approved unanimously.

The objective of The Civil Protection organisation, which is made up of Albojens

7 - 13 December 2023

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Protecting Albox volunteers, is fundamentally to respond to aspects related to forecasting, prevention, planning, intervention and re­ habilitation in emergency situ­ ations During the pandemic, they carried out commendable work to support people in­ fected by Covid 19, offering to bring them food and collect their waste, in an example of public service and solidarity with others that should not be forgotten.

INFLATION has sent many of us into a struggle in recent years. However, the Almeria Chamber of Commerce have decided to step in with a super­ hero style plan to combat it for their communi­ ties.

The name of this plan is ‘Toda Almeria’, All Almeria, and it will reduce the cost of electricity for many residents of this fair region.

They have stated that within approximately one year, families and self­employed people from the eight towns that have joined this coop­ erative, Pulpi, Cuevas del Almanzora, Bayarque, Abrucena, Las Tres Villas, Nijar, Sufli and Maria, will be able to benefit from a substantial dis­ count on the electricity bill.

“We have not invented anything,” stated

They were also always es­ sential in events such as the pilgrimage or the fair itself, taking care of everyone’s safe­ ty and providing fundamental support for the Local Police in coordination and surveillance tasks.

Without a doubt, it is a much appreciated and neces­ sary organisation for Albox, that will soon return to ensure the safety of the town and all its neighbours, as it had been doing previously.

Cutting costs Jeronimo Parra, president of the Almeria Cham­ ber, “we have limited ourselves to promoting here an initiative that has been operating suc­ cessfully in Navarra for just over a year, and if they have achieved significant savings there, the one we will achieve, with 700 more hours of sunshine per year, will be very important.”

The project consists of installing photovoltaic panels on the roofs of buildings and municipally owned spaces. The energy produced will not on­ ly reduce the electricity expenditure of each member municipality, but also that of the neigh­ bors who subsequently join.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Vera

LOCAL NEWS

FANTASTIC ACT: Back in time!

A history shared CONGRATULATIONS to the Moors and Chris­ tians of Vera Associa­ tion for their participa­ tion in the ‘Festival of History. A Shared Histo­ ry’.

The event took place on Saturday December 2 at the El Palmeral fair­ grounds, when specta­ tors were transported back to June 10, 1488.

This was the day when Fernando ‘El Catolico’ took the town of Vera

and made the flag of Castile fly from the Tow­ er of the Alcazaba.

There was no battle, not a single crossbow or spear shot. They are the Capitulations of Vera at the End of the Middle Ages and the Recon­ quest. Vera, and its Moors and Christians, have been the hosts of the second edition of this event organised by the Diputacion of Alme­ ria, and where they

have represented the act of the Taking of Vera and signing of the Capit­ ulations with the main protagonists: King Fer­ nando El Catolico, Rodri­ go Ponce De Leon, Mar­ quis of Cadiz, and Cidi Yahya Alnayar, mayor and viceroy of Almeria and governor of Vera This fantastic act has once again put the fin­ ishing touch to the Great Parade of Moors and Christians.

Fully equipped p open p p plan kitchen working well withhe rest of the house.

14 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

A MAN has veen ex­ pelled from Spain for five years for trying to rob a passport pro­ cessing centre in Almeria.

The criminal, who tried to rob a pass­ port processing cen­ ter in the capital of Almeria, where he en­ tered and attacked one of the people who was at that time, has found himself kicked out of the country for his ac­ tions.

A judge from Alme­ ria has ordered the expulsion from the country for five years, as well as a sentence of one year and nine months in prison.

However, the sen­ tence agrees to re­ place the custodial sentence with his ex­ pulsion from the country, as he is a citi­ zen of foreign origin.

The ruling stated that he must also compensate the shop assistant with €480 in civil liability due to the injuries. who suf­ fered as a result of the attack.

LOCAL NEWS

Identity investment Historic painting Credit: Almeria Provincial Council

Cast out criminal

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BUDGET ANNOUNCED: The president at the presentation.

A BUDGET of €247 million was presented last week, on WednesdayNovember 29, to enhance the identi­ ty of Almeria.

The Provincial Council of Almeria presented the budget for the year 2024, that totals to €247 million and that has been defined

by Javier A Garcia as “the most social of the 201 years of life of the institu­ tion” referring to its al­ most 70 million allocated to the Area of Social Wel­ fare, Equality and Family.

The hallmarks of the Almeria Province will also be enhanced, putting its historical, artistic and cul­ tural heritage into the spotlight, as well as its brands ‘Costa de Almeria’ and ‘Sabores Almeria’.

The president of the provincial institution, Al­ varo Izquierdo, stated that “financial assistance

to Almeria town councils and entities will also be increased, with more sports activities, and nat­ ural spaces of enormous tourist interest such as Castala will be recov­ ered.”

Finally, in 2024 the launch of bar­shops in small towns will become effective to address de­ population. The first, al­ most ready, will be launched in Benitagla, the smallest town in Andalu­ cia which has only 53 in­ habitants.

“Setting up a business like this in a municipality with these characteristics is obviously deficient, but our objective is to help it move forward and be­ come profitable,” the president detailed in the presentation of budgets that almost 13.5 million will go to Assistance to

Municipalities.

He concluded by ex­ plaining that the promo­ tion of the ‘Costa de Almeria’ destination will once again become an es­ sential chapter, consoli­ dating markets that have been new destinations for the province.

IN Cuevas del Almanzora, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Her­ itage has received a historic painting, from the 19th century, that has recently been restored.

A year and a half ago, lo­ cal specialist Maria de Haro Rivas was commissioned to restore the ‘Portrait of Francisco Soler Flores’.

Francisco Soler Flores was the protagonist of the era of splendour that was experienced in the town as a consequence of the dis­ covery of the silver mine of Sierra Almagrera in 1838, and later due to the new economic and social apogee derived from his discovery of native silver in Herrerías in 1869.

Mining and metallurgical businessman, he can be

CHESS grandmaster Karen Grigoryan has once again emerged victorious in the ‘Vicente Bonil’ Chess Tournament in Albox.

Seventy­four players participated in the tournament, representing the international and national chess scene, and €4,000 in prizes was awarded.

Grigoryan, who was also the winner of the tournament last year, did not have an easy ride to his victory though, as in the last round he played for the title with the Argentine grandmaster, Tomas Sosa, in a challenging final battle that he managed to eventually win.

Grigoryan won the title of undefeated champion, with 6.5 points out of a possible seven. One of the big surprises of the tourna­ ment however was the player from the

considered a significant representative of that bourgeoisie that flourished in the mid­19th century and marked the destinies of the population.

On November 30, the re­ stored work of this historic painting was delivered to the town council.

The restaurateur María de Haro Rivas attended the event and was received at the Mayor’s office by the first mayor Antonio Fernan­ dez Liria and the councillor for Tourism.

The council, and conse­ quently all citizens, are en­ riched by this restoration to which other interventions will be added in the coming years that will complete this process of recovery of the artistic heritage of Cuevas del Almanzora.

Almeria’s gambit Roquetas club, Ariton Vasile Nedelea, who took second place with six points.

The mayor of Albox, Maria del Mar Alfonso, presided over the awards ceremony and con­ gratulated the organisation by saying “the words chess and Albox are united, thanks to the work of many people and especially the tournament director, Jose Maldonado. Thanks to him we continue to enjoy this hobby, but it is also possible thanks to the rest of our collab­ orators and sponsors.”

After congratulating the winner, she con­ cluded by stating that, “on behalf of the council I can say that we will continue to maintain and promote this tournament in Albox.”

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

7 - 13 December 2023

By John Ensor IS the future of young drivers’ mobility about to change? The Ministry of the Interior, as part of its ‘Road Safety Strategy 2023′ plan, unveiled a new driving permit that could rede­ fine vehicular access for the youth.

The scheme, which was an­ nounced in the previous leg­ islative session, the B1 licence remains a key agenda and is expected to come into force in 2024.

The introduction of the B1 li­ cence was announced as a sig­ nificant development in the realm of road safety and elec­ tric mobility. This initiative aims to provide young individ­ uals, starting at 16, with a more gradual and responsible path to car driving.

The B1 licence, deriving from the existing type B li­ cence, has already seen suc­ cessful implementation in countries like the United King­ dom, Italy, and Portugal.

The B1 licence facilitates en­ hanced mobility for young drivers and contributes to the

Credit: BestPhotoSudio/Shutterstock.com

Green light to B1 Licence

YOUNG DRIVERS: A more responsible path to car driving.

broader goals of road safety and sustainable transporta­ tion.

It recognises the growing in­ terest among the youth in electric vehicles and aims to in­ tegrate them into the trans­ portation system safely and re­ sponsibly.

The B1 licence stands out with its eligibility age set at 16, a notable shift from the cur­ rent options limited to motor­ cycles and mopeds. This new category enables youngsters to operate motorised quadri­ cycles, tricycles, quads, and light quadricycles. These vehi­ cles can weigh up to 400 kilo­

grams (excluding battery weight for electric models) and have a maximum power of 15 kW. Particularly, it applies to L7e classified vehicles, pre­ dominantly electric, with pow­ er not exceeding 15kW. Validity of the B1 licence ex­ tends up to three years, post which holders can upgrade to the standard B licence upon reaching adulthood. To obtain the B1 licence, applicants must clear both theoretical and practical examinations.

The launch of this licence, initially scheduled for this year, was postponed due to political delays.

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16 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

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NEWS

SPAIN has become home to many nationalities from around the world, but there is one municipality that has an overwhelming number of foreigners, where nine out of every 10 inhabitants come from another country.

Have you ever wondered which Spanish village has the most international popula­ tion? And where are they from? The answer lies in Torre del Burgo, a small but remarkable municipality in Guadalajara.

In the second quarter of 2023, as revealed by the Con­ tinuous Population Statistics conducted by Spain’s Nation­ al Institute of Statistics, the Spanish population reached a record 48,345,223. This signif­ icant growth is attributed largely to the influx of foreign nationals, impacting not just Torre del Burgo, but the en­ tire country.

Spain has witnessed a widespread increase in its for­ eign population, with signifi­ cant rises in regions such as the Balearic Islands, the Va­ lencian Community, and the

Credit: Emilio J. Rodriguez Posada

Most international village

INTERNATIONAL: Torre del Burgo, in Guadalajara.

Community of Madrid.

As of July 1, 2023, out of Spain’s total population, 42,009,804 are Spanish na­ tionals, and 6,335,419 are for­ eign residents. This surge is reshaping the demographic landscape of the country.

In most provincial capitals, foreign nationals make up less than 12 per cent of the population. However, cities like Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona exceed this average, with Almeria lead­ ing at 28 per cent. Towns such as Partaloa, Arboleas, and Bedar have even more foreign than national resi­ dents.

Torre del Burgo, spanning 4.91 square kilometres and

primarily driven by agricul­ ture, stands out with an as­ tonishing 87.13 per cent for­ eign population, which translates to 413 out of its 474 inhabitants.

Predominantly from Bul­ garia, but also including Pol­ ish, Romanian, and Moroc­ can nationals, the village’s unique demographic compo­ sition offers a glimpse into a diverse cultural landscape.

In this unique setting, a Bul­ garian greeting, ‘Zdravey, kak si?’ might be more common than the traditional Spanish ‘Hola, ¿como estas?’. This re­ flects the profound impact of the foreign population on the local culture and social inter­ actions in Torre del Burgo.

A RECENT study published

by Idealista has unveiled in­ triguing trends in the Span­ ish property market.

According to the study, the supply of homes for sale in Spain has experienced a 4 per cent decrease during the third quarter of 2023 com­ pared to the same period last year, indicating shifts in the country’s real estate landscape.

The majority of Spanish provincial capitals have wit­ nessed a decline in the avail­ ability of homes for sale, with notable reductions in Cuenca (­34 per cent) and Avila (­30 per cent).

Other cities experiencing significant decreases include Huelva, Santander, Valencia, Toledo, Soria, and Tarrago­ na.

However, nine provincial capitals have bucked this trend, with increases in housing supply.

Notable cities include Cor­ doba and Pamplona (10 per cent increase), followed by

Image: ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com

Spain’s housing market sizzles: Supply shrinks by 4% in a year

HOUSING STOCK: There has been a distinct decline.

Huesca (9 per cent), San Se­ bastian (8 per cent), Zaragoza (5 per cent), Cadiz (5 per cent), and Badajoz (3 per cent).

Vitoria has maintained a stable housing stock over the past year.

With varied dynamics among the major markets, several cities have wit­ nessed a reduction in hous­ ing supply, such as Alicante (­15 per cent), Palma (­11 per cent), Barcelona (­10 per cent), Malaga (­3 per cent), and Madrid (­1 per cent).

Conversely, Bilbao and Sevilla have experienced

slight increases of 2 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively.

At the provincial level, the situation mirrors the dy­ namics observed in provin­ cial capitals.

Cuenca tops the list with an 18 per cent reduction in housing supply, followed by Santa Cruz de Tenerife (­17 per cent), A Coruña (­16 per cent), and Avila (­15 per cent).

Notable decreases are al­ so observed in Soria, Lugo, Cantabria, Segovia, Valen­ cia, Teruel, Zamora, and Huelva (­13 per cent in each case).

18 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

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Does someone help you with the shopping?

There was a special com­ mendation for Kay Rowbot­ tom in Mojacar who, during lockdown, set up an online support group for women who felt isolated or vulnera­ ble.

Also, Kay Frances Sturdy­ girlsRus, beginning as a local group for Spanish women and incomers, it now has more than 1,500 members throughout the world.

With her late husband, Peter, Pat Love from the Loja area of Granada won special commendation for starting a

group for English­speaking migrants to Spain. Pat co­or­ dinated with UK Consular services in Granada and Malaga to help newcomers find their feet in their adopt­ ed country.

It takes two minutes to nominate someone (that person must live in Spain) and everyone nominated will receive congratulations from Age in Spain.

Go to www.ageinspain. org/goodneighbouraward to say thank you to that special person who’s helped you.

A GOVERNMENT that is expected to last no longer than 14 days was sworn in on Monday, November 27, by Polish Presi­ dent Andrzej Duda.

The move is seen as a tactical ma­ noeuvre that will al­ low the conservative Polish President Andrzej Duda.

Law and Justice par­ ty to stay in power a little longer and give them wants to be part of the gov­ time to make more appoint­ ernment, they will almost ments in their government certainly lose the vote, with agencies. the PM recently estimating Following the national his chances to be ‘10 per elections held in October, cent or even less’.

Duda swore in Prime Minis­ Critics of Morawiecki and ter Mateusz Morawiecki, Duda have condemned the who had already been in of­ decision to form a govern­ fice since the end of 2017. ment that clearly has no According to the Polish chance of gaining the sup­ constitution, Morawiecki port of parliament, consider­ and his cabinet now have 14 ing it a hopeless act of politi­ days to submit to parlia­ cal theatre, said a news ment for a vote of confi­ outlet. dence.

After eight years in pow­ Due to the fact that er, Law and Justice won the Morawiecki has no coalition most votes in the elections, after his Law and Justice par­ but lost its parliamentary ty lost its parliamentary ma­ majority and won only 194 jority and no other party seats in the 460­seat Sejm.

Credit: Giorgi Abdaladze/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

THE Euro Weekly News has teamed up with Age in Spain to uncover some of the great things happening around the country.

We want to find those un­ sung heroes who deserve to be thanked for what they’re doing. Dinner for two, a cer­ tificate for framing, and con­ gratulations from the UK Am­ bassador to Spain await the winner.

Has someone done you a good turn? Nominating them for the Good Neighbour Award is a great way to say thank you.

The outright winner last year was Lucia Miguel Bores from Carrion de los Condes, in Spain’s meseta. The lan­ guage school she founded has become a portal for new­ comers to Spain, not only to learn language skills ­ but through which people get help to deal with the chal­ lenges of life in a new coun­ try. Grateful students nomi­ nated Lucia for the award.

Credit: Holger Kraft/Pixabay

Good neighbour 2023

14-day government

NEWS

Sweden’s Olympic bid SWEDEN’S hopes of hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics were dealt a massive blow on Wednesday, November 29, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the sole candi­ date was the French Alps.

As reported in a statement, France will now enter into ‘targeted dialogue’ with the IOC, as will Salt Lake City in the United States, which was chosen as the sole candidate for the 2034 Games.

In a statement, Karl Stoss, the head of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) fu­ ture host commis­ sion, said: “The IOC will now start more detailed discussions with the Preferred Hosts, led by their National Olympic Committees (NOCs), with the aim of awarding both edi­ tions at the 142nd IOC Session in July in Paris.”

On Tuesday, November 21, Stock­ holm City Council had publicly announced its intention of sup­ porting Sweden’s bid to host the 2030 Olympic and Para­ lympic Games.

Switzerland was the other country hoping to host the 2023 Games, and it was subsequently of­ fered an olive branch by the OIC. “The IOC EB (execu­ tive board) decided to grant the non­edi­ tion­specific project, Switzerland 203x, a special status by inviting it into ‘Privi­ leged Dialogue’ for the Olympic and Par­ alympic Winter Games 2038,” the IOC added.

20 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

THE legendary Pogues front­ man has died, with tributes from politicians, fellow celebrities and fans pouring in.

On Thursday, November 30, the world lost Shane Mc­ Gowan, one of Ireland’s most iconic singers, following a long­fought battle against vi­ ral encephalitis.

Shane, aged 65, was re­ leased from hospital only last week, but his wife Victoria Mary Clarke posted a mes­ sage on Instagram to confirm on Thursday afternoon he had sadly passed away and paid her own heartfelt re­ spects: “I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar posted: “Sorry to hear that Shane McGowan has passed.

He was an amazing musician

CC - Marcus Lynam

Shane McGowan passes

SHANE MCGOWAN: One of Ireland’s most iconic singers.

and artist. His songs beauti­ fully captured the Irish expe­ rience, especially the experi­

ence of being Irish abroad: Shane MacGowan, Fairytale of New York singer, dies aged

65.”

Ireland’s President Higgins issued a statement in tribute: “Shane will be remembered as one of music’s greatest lyricists. So many of his songs would be perfectly crafted poems, if that would not have deprived us of the op­ portunity to hear him sing them.

“It was a great honour for me, as President of Ireland, to present Shane with a life­ time achievement award in the National Concert Hall in January 2018 as we marked his 60th birthday.

“A richly deserved hon­ our,” he concluded before of­ fering his deepest condo­ lences to Shane’s family.

Shane’s sister, Siobhan simply quoted the lyrics from one of Pogues many memo­ rable songs: ‘So I walked as day was dawning, as small birds sang and leaves were falling, where we once watched the row boats land­ ing on the Broad Majestic Shannon’.

Controversial guru arrested A TOTAL of 41 people were ar­ rested during police raids con­ ducted in France on Tuesday, November 28.

According to judicial sources close to the investigation, the detainees were suspected of being linked to an internation­

al sect accused of numerous abuses under the cover of the practice of yoga.

Among those arrested was 71­year­old Gregorian Bivolaru, the Romanian spiri­ tual guru and founder of this controversial international

yoga movement, the source revealed. Other alleged ‘im­ portant leaders’ of the sect were also arrested, the source said.

The arrests took place in the Paris region and in the Alpes­ Maritimes, according to the source. Some 175 police offi­ cers were deployed in a large­ scale operation, coordinated by the OCRVP (Central Office for the Repression of Violence against Persons). During the ar­ rests, 26 women, several of whom were under influence, were released.

Known as the Movement for Spiritual Integration to­ wards the Absolute (Misa), the sect has many yoga schools and other branches across France, the source reported.

“It is difficult to quantify the number of followers,” they said, but suggested that it to­ talled: “several hundred peo­ ple.”

A judicial investigation was opened by the Paris prosecu­ tor’s office in July 2023, for abuse of weakness, kidnap­ ping by an organised gang, rape and human trafficking.

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euroweeklynews.com

NEWSDESK

NEWS ACROSS THE REGIONS FROM THE PEOPLE'S PAPER MOST SOUGHTAFTER

NOT everyone welcomes rain, but the absence of it, while potentially detrimen­ tal, has proven advanta­ geous for some.

This holds particularly true for campsites along the Cos­ ta Blanca, which emerged as the most sought­after desti­ nation in Spain in October, according to data just re­ leased by the National Insti­ tute of Statistics.

Emerging as Spain’s top destination, the Costa Blan­ ca led significantly with 521,021 overnight stays.

The Costa Blanca’s appeal is notably driven by interna­ tional campers, with Ali­ cante hosting 420,000 for­ eign guests, in stark contrast to the previous winner of Tarragona, who had 168,000.

This statistical revelation highlights the region’s en­ during popularity among campers, especially from abroad, showcasing its re­ silience despite weather challenges.

COSTA DEL SOL

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Photo: Marbella Town Hall

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

CUDECA: Provides care for people with cancer and other advanced diseases.

ÁNGELES MUÑOZ, mayor of Mar­ bella, has spoken about the, “es­ sential work” carried out by Cari­ tas, during the inauguration of its 18th Solidarity Christmas Bazaar, which brought together more than 100 stalls at the Adolfo Suárez Trade Fair and Congress Centre last weekend, with a complemen­ tary programme of activities in­ cluding book presentations, con­

certs and children’s workshops.

“The city council is very proud to be able to contribute to this event taking place every year,” said the mayor, who pointed out that, “practically everything that is raised in this initiative goes direct­ ly into the organisation’s coffers.”

The mayor was accompanied by the president of the bazaar, Anto­ nio Belón, and the general coordi­

nator of the initiative, Alberto Gar­ cía, who explained that, “the con­ figuration of the stalls was changed this year to gain more space, to attract more people and for them to spend more time here with their families and friends.”

All funds raised at the bazaar have gone to help the work of Car­ itas Marbella caring for people in need.

AXARQUIA

MAGICAL TOWNS THE final stretch of 2023 brought excellent news to the tourism sector in the Axarquia region as Canillas de Aceituno was awarded the prestigious 2024 Active Tourism Award by the Network of Spainis Magi­ cal Towns. Recognising the municipalityis dedication to promoting active tourism, the award highlights its exception­ al natural environment and commitment to sustainability, notably its renowned El Saltillo bridge.

Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and offering a wide array of outdoor activities, this charming magical town has become a must­visit for nature enthusiasts and seekers of au­ thentic experiences.

Serving as the lively gateway to the Sierra Tejeda, Alhama, and Almijara Natural Park, it proudly hosts the highest peak, La Maroma, as praised

by Spain’s Magical Towns rep­ resentatives ­ an initiative driv­ en by the Institute of Local De­ velopment and Social Studies, encompassing over 120 locali­ ties nationwide.

Spain’s Magical Towns Awards, symbolised by a bronze artwork crafted by the Moreno Brothers Sculpture Workshop (Granada), repre­ sent honour and recognition.

COSTA CALIDA

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

MALLORCA

THE world’s most expensive extra virgin olive oil is made in the Region of Murcia. Nestled between Lorca and Caravaca de la Cruz, an extraordinary organic extra virgin olive oil of natural origin, derived from acebuchina (wild olive), is meticulously crafted. Produced by retired Guardia Civil Colonel, Tomás Navarro, near the San José Church in Coy’s highlands, this liq­ uid gold fetches approximately €50 per litre.

This unique oil, extracted from acebuchina, an olive variant smaller and less fleshy than conventional olives, yields a mere six litres per hundred kilograms compared to the 25 litres from regular olives. Despite being economically unviable, its rarity makes it unparalleled globally. Acebuchina, nearly five times more concentrated than olives, boasts 18 per cent more polyphenols. Scientifically proven to stimulate the immune system and deter the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, di­ abetes, and cardiovascular ailments.

BENIDORM has a reputation for discovering real characters and one of those was the sexy magic show performer known as Sticky Vicky. Victoria María Aragüés Gadea was born in Tenerife in 1943 and moved to Barcelona, training as a ballet dancer but the death of Franco and the relaxation of censorship pointed her to a new direction. Having been persuaded to call herself Vicky Leyton, she created a magic show where she performed in the nude and initially removed handkerchiefs from her v****a.

In the early 80s she moved to Benidorm, supposedly to take a break but discovered that there was a real demand from tourists for her risqué performances and having adopted the stage name of Sticky Vicky she expanded her role considerably. She became a legend in Benidorm and worked until 2015 when her career was brought to an end by a hip operation and then she was diag­ nosed with cancer and she decided it was time to retire and spend time with friends and family. On November 29, her daugh­ ter Maria Gadea Aragüés said her mother had died.

THERE is almost as much excitement in the outlet that sold a winning lottery ticket in Spain as there is from the lucky owner and also the Spanish Tax Authority.

We all know that the Spanish love lotteries and al­ though a lot of money is being targeted towards El Gor­ do the Christmas lottery, there are still plenty of others with much larger prizes and Euro Millions continues to be drawn every Tuesday and Friday.

Gamblers in Mallorca seem to be quite lucky and af­ ter the €26 million (less the tax man’s 20 per cent) win in Lloset last October, one lucky player won €1 million in the Friday December 1 draw with a ticket purchased in Can Pastilla, Palma.

This is one prize only in El Millón which is basically a free raffle with one potential winner if they have the correct lottery ticket number and this time it was Mal­ lorca where that number was held.

LIQUID GOLD

R.I.P. STICKY VICKY

EL MILLÓN WINNER

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26 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

NORWAY Fuel duel GREENPEACE and Friends of the Earth’s Norwegian branch launched a lawsuit challenging the government permission to open three new offshore oil and gas fields. Norway should leave the oil "where it is," they maintained, and accused the government of using petrol to extinguish the “climate crisis fire.”

In the dark A SPECIALIST firm was chosen to design minimal lighting for comfort stop toilets along the Hardanger section of the 18 roads included in the Norwegian Scenic Routes. The public loos designed by architect studio Code needed a ‘sensitive lighting scheme’ that would not stop visitors from appreciating the spectacular landscape.

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com

EURO PRESS THE NETHERLANDS

Ottoman gift A HANDMADE carpet given to the Peace Palace in The Hague by the Ottoman sultan, Abdulhamid II in 1907, has been sent for restoration to Aksaray (Turkey). Twenty-five people will work for a year on the carpet before it is returned to the Peace Place, which now houses the International Court of Justice.

IRELAND Hygiene poverty A SMALL-SCALE survey carried out by Trinity College Dublin found that 65 per cent of respondents went without basic toiletries or hygiene items this year because they could not afford them. Sixty-nine per cent admitted feeling ‘embarrassed or ashamed’, while 61.2 per cent reported increased stress.

Charge it

NETHERLANDS: Turkey carpet will take a year to restore.

Photo credit: hurimg/i/hurriyet.com

GERMANY

EUROPEAN PRESS

FRANCE

EIGHTY-FIVE per cent of drivers with electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland said they found running costs were lower than their previous petrol or diesel car. A further 62 per cent of motorists who currently drive an EV said that they would happily buy another when choosing their next vehicle.

PORTUGAL

Fine example

Lucky star

Chanel myth

Fair shares

WHILE Tesla battles Sweden’s IF Metall for refusing to sign a collective agreement, the union’s lawyer, Darko Davidovic, has played a leading role in negotiations. Despite his criticism of the carmaker's stance, insiders revealed that Davidovic’s family currently uses a Tesla Model Y, while he drove a Model S in the past.

WHEN Lucy, a three-year-old tabby disappeared from her Wallensen (Hanover) home in November 2022, her family thought the worst until she turned up 60 kilometres away in Garbesen a year later. A cat lover took her in and, since Lucky was luckily chipped, she was immediately reunited with her family.

HISTORIAN Guillaume Pollack questioned the authenticity of new documents suggesting that Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel was a member of the Resistance as well as a Nazi informant during the Second World War. Chanel possibly used the documents to restore her reputation after the war, Pollack said.

ONE-HUNDRED teachers demonstrated in front of the Portuguese parliament, calling for the government to allocate at least 6 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product on education. The teachers claimed that with tax revenue increased by €2 billion, it was a missed opportunity not to invest in state schools.

Cheaper coffee

Direct route

Metro hike

New foods

COFFEE prices dropped by around 6 Krona (€0.53) a kilo as prices stabilised following a steep rise in 2021 owing to poor crops in Brazil and higher shipping prices during the pandemic.

With the prospect of an abundant 2024 harvest, prices are now falling the Matpriskollen food price comparison website, said.

PART of German Rail’s future 150-kilometre line between Dresden and the Czech capital, Prague, will include the country’s longest tunnel. This will enable passengers to travel between the two cities in 60 minutes at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour once the line is completed in the mid2040s.

PARIS metro tickets will practically double in price between July and September next year to help meet the cost of expanding the city’s transport network for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Millions of people are expected to flock to the capital when the Games are held from July 26 until August 11.

MICROHARVEST, a German biotechnology company producing sustainable proteins through microbial fermentation has opened a pilot plant in Lisbon where it intends to speed up marketing of its single-cell protein additive. This has many uses, the company said, including environmentally-friendly aquafeed for fish farms.

DENMARK

FINLAND

BELGIUM

ITALY Fast fashion LUCA CIUFFREDA, director of Primark Italy, announced €50 million plans for five new stores, bringing a total of 20 nationwide.

Ciuffreda, who joined the fast fashion chain when it opened in Italy in 2016, revealed that the new shops would be inspired by the latest retail innovations and ‘Italian style and architecture’.

Expo letdown ROME lost out to Saudi Arabia which has been chosen to host the 2030 World Expo that hopes to attract millions of visitors.

Members of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris awarded runner-up Rome 17 of a possible 165 votes, with 119 going instead to Riyadh despite its human rights failings.

Epidemic level

Good dog

Mussel power

DENMARK’S State Serum Institute (SSI), responsible for the prevention of infectious diseases, prevention reported that atypical pneumonia cases had reached epidemic level, particularly amongst the six-to-12 age group.

The Institute’s Hanne-Dorthe Emborg said that a “significantly” higher number of cases were prevalent across the country.

PEPI, a sniffer dog that works with Customs officers in Turku, has been named Customs Dog of the Year. The labrador-retriever was responsible for locating several consignments of amphetamines as well as a stash of ecstasy that was hidden in children’s toys imported from the Netherlands.

BELGIAN scientists and mussel growers are collaborating on an experiment off the La Panne beach to prevent erosion. They have applied for a government grant to install mussel reefs between the shallow coastal waters and the North Sea to halt the powerful currents that strip sand from the beaches.

Getting colder SOME parts of Denmark experienced the coldest November night of the century as temperatures plunged to double digits below zero. Copenhagen’s Roskilde Airport’s weather station registered 15 degrees below freezing, while 7.7 degrees below zero in the city's Frederiksberg district was the lowest since 1919.

Post early FINLAND’S principal postal service, Posti, handled around 1.4 million parcels during Black Friday week, which also coincided with the beginning of the Christmas period. Posti has now opened 37 temporary pickup points and begun Saturday parcels’ deliveries in major cities to guarantee coverage over the holiday season.

Cut the cackle A NEW dating app called Breeze is unlike all others, as it provides no chat function but asks users who match if they are available for a date, which can they confirm for a €9 fee. “Singles no longer want to chat superficially and endlessly online,” co-owner Marco van der Woude said.

O

FINANCE DOUG PUTMAN, owner of HMV who hoped to rescue Wilko which collapsed into ad­ ministration with debts of £625 million (€723 million), said the failed retailer’s suppli­ ers and landlords were ‘super­ inflexible’. They did not think of the 12,000­plus jobs that would have been saved, Put­ man claimed.

Helping out YOUNG Spanish wage­earners are now earning less in real terms than their parents did at the same age, a BBVA­financed survey revealed. It also found that 37 per cent of the over­ 60s had helped their children over the last year to buy the weekly shop or to pay their electricity or water bills.

Big bills AROUND seven million square feet (650,321 square metres) of Canary Wharf office space does not comply with environ­ mental property standards, as the UK government imple­ ments its green agenda. Dock­ lands landlords will now have to spend £300 (€347) per square foot to convert proper­ ties and remain within the law.

EV delay SEAT’S Martorell (Barcelona) plant will start building electric vehicles in 2026, instead of mid­2024 as originally planned.

The delay is linked to doubts as to whether the batteries for the cars will come from the gi­ gafactory currently under con­ struction in Sagunto (Valencia) or the Salzgitter plant in Ger­ many.

Looking ahead ROLLS­ROYCE chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic plans to in­ crease medium­term annual operating profits to £2.8 billion (€3.2 billion) measured against the £1.4 billion (€1.6 billion) forecast for 2023. The Rolls­ Royce chief also wants to see a free cash flow of £2.8 billion (€3.2 billion) and £3.1 billion (€3.6 billion).

was spent on soft drinks in Spain last year, with sales that STAT OF were 15 per cent more than in 2021 and exceeded preWEEK €4.3 billion Covid figures for the first time.

Ferrovial leaves Heathrow SPANISH multinational Fer­ rovial is selling its 25 per stake in Heathrow airport for £2.4 billion (€2.7 billion).

Ten per cent will go to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund run by the Sau­ di crown prince, Mo­ hammed bin Salman, and 15 per cent to the French private equity firm Ardian.

The sale must first obtain regulatory clearance and it is also dependent on the rights of other shareholders in FGP Topco, Heathrow’s parent company. These in­ clude the Qatar Investment Authority and the Aus­ tralian Retirement Trust.

Ferrovial began trimming down its 56 per cent stake

Photo credit: CC/Orderinchaos

Too late

euroweeklynews.com • 7 - 13 December 2023

HEATHROW AIRPORT: Ferrovial sells its 25 per cent stake.

in Heathrow in 2012 and has held an unchanging 25 per cent since 2013.

Heathrow is currently running at a loss but the shortfall began to contract this year as passenger num­ bers returned to 2019 lev­

IBERDROLA, Europe’s biggest electrici­ ty company and the second­largest globally, intends to invest £12 billion (€13.9 billion) in the UK between 2024 and 2028.

The company’s executive chairman Ignacio Sanchez Galan explained Iber­ drola’s plans to the British PM, Rishi Sunak, and Defence secretary Grant Shapps during the recent UK Global Investment Summit.

Galan stressed that thanks to the UK’s stable and predictable regulatory frameworks Iberdrola was “more committed than ever” to continuing to invest in its networks and renew­ ables.

The company had invested approxi­ mately £30 billion (€34.7 billion) over

Chipping in AMERICAN companies are in­ terested in opening semi­con­ ductor factories in Spain, re­ vealed Mark Gitenstein, the US ambassador to the EU. Gitenstein said during a re­ cent visit to Madrid that there was growing interest thanks to the Spanish government’s €12.25 billion PERTE chip pro­ gramme.

“I know of at least two American companies consider­ ing Spain for this type of ven­ ture,” the ambassador said.

Semi­conductor giant Broad­ com announced plans to build an electronic chip plant here last July, suggesting that an­ other manufacturer is also eyeing Spain for future invest­ ment.

els, following the pandemic restrictions which at one stage grounded practically all air traffic worldwide.

The airport received 59.4 million passengers between January 1 and September 30, a 34.4 per cent increase

Iberdrola’s UK projects Photo credit: hbpl.co.uk

BUSINESS EXTRA

28

UK COMMITMENT: Rishi Sunak, Grant Shapps and Ignacio Galan.

the past 15 years in the UK’s electrici­ ty grid and renewable generation ca­

Float for buoyant Puig CATALAN fragrance, cosmetics and fashion company Puig is planning a stock exchange float for early 2024.

Amongst other brands, Puig owns Charlotte Tilbury, Carolina Herrera, Pa­ co Rabanne, Jean Paul Gaultier, Nina Ricci and Penhaligon’s.

Initial market valuations put a figure of around €10 billion on a future list­ ing but sources quoted in the financial daily Cinco Dias emphasised that the company’s plans are still at an early stage.

JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and STJ Advisors as well as the Linklaters and Cuatrecasas law firms were all named as consultants in the operation.

Puig reported revenues of €3.6 bil­ lion last year and €400 million in prof­ its, which was well ahead of its three­ year plan announced in 2022 that foresaw a turnover of €3 billion by 2023 and €4.5 billion in 2025.

on the same nine months in 2022.

Ferrovial, which has a 50 per cent holding in Ab­ erdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports and owns 49 per cent of Termi­ nal One at New York City’s JFK, remains ‘fully commit­ ted’ to carry on investing in its airport interests, Luke Bugeja, Ferrovial Airports’ chief executive said.

When markets opened on November 29, Ferrovial shares rose 2.5 per cent while Banco Sabadell ana­ lysts were quoted in the me­ dia as saying that the compa­ ny would now invest in projects “with more attrac­ tive returns than Heathrow.”

pacity, he added.

Meanwhile, ScottishPower was the UK’s first utility to generate 100 per cent green electricity.

Around two­thirds of Iberdrola’s 2024­28 investments will focus on transmission and distribution electrici­ ty networks, with projects including the £2.7 billion (€3.1 billion) Eastern Green Link 1 undersea transmission cable, which received the go­ahead in November this year.

Construction is due to begin in early 2024 and, once completed, will trans­ port enough clean, green, renewable energy to supply up to two million homes while increasing the resilience of the UK’s transmission grid, Galan announced.

Metro rescue METRO BANK shareholders have approved a £925 million (€1.07 billion) rescue deal.

A refinancing proposal re­ ceived ‘very strong support’ as more than 90 per cent of Metro shareholders voted for ‘all resolu­ tions’, the bank revealed on November 27.

Metro announced last month that it had negotiated a £925 mil­ lion package consisting of £325 million (€376 million) in new capi­ tal plus £600 million (€694 mil­ lion) of debt.

The bank’s largest shareholder, Spaldy Investments owned by Colombian billionaire Jaime Gilin­ ski Bacal, increased its stake from 9 per cent to 53 per cent by con­ tributing £102 million (€118 mil­ lion) of the new capital.

Slow to grow BANK OF ENGLAND governor An­ drew Bailey voiced concerns re­ garding the UK’s future growth prospects at the end of last month.

Days after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) reduced its growth predictions for the next two years, Bailey told a Newcastle newspaper that the “supply side” of the economy had slowed.

“If you look at what I call the po­ tential growth rates of the econo­ my, there’s no doubt it’s lower than it has been in much of my working life,” he said.

Asked about interest rates, the Bank of England government an­ swered that they were unlikely to be cut “for the foreseeable future.”

Telefonica redundancies BETWEEN 2,500 and 3,000 of Tele­ fonica’s 17,000 employees are to be made redundant.

The company, which has not yet announced specific numbers, dis­ cussed the redundancies with union leaders on November 27, the Union General de Traba­ jadores (UGT) confirmed after a meeting to negotiate the collective bargaining agreement.

This was an unexpected move on Telefonica’s part, following last October’s rumours of early retire­ ment and ‘incentivised departures’ for 5,000 staff members.

Negotiating tables to discuss the collective bargaining agreement and the redundancies would be set up in early December, with an official statement regarding the number of workers affected.

Telegraph worries A GROUP of MPs asked minis­ ters to investigate a deal that would give control of the Tele­ graph to a United Arab Emi­ rates­backed consortium.

The call from MPs, who in­ cluded the former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith, asked ministers to use national security legislation to investi­ gate the Barclay family’s pro­ posed deal with RedBird IMI. The Abu Dhabi­backed joint venture is preparing to deliver a letter to the UK’s Culture sec­ retary, giving her 48 hours’ no­ tice that the Barclays’ £1.16 bil­ lion (€1.34 billion) debt with Lloyds Bank is ready for repay­ ment.

FINANCE

30 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

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CLOSING PRICES 4 DECEMBER

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

InterContinental

6.336,0

+32,0

+0,51%

6,08K

Intermediate Capital

1.591,92

+6,00

+0,38%

6,28K

18,31K

Intertek

4.049,0

+15,0

+0,37%

7,77K

-2,36%

296,76K

ITV

60,94

+1,02

+1,71%

1,05M

-15,00

-1,00%

53,20K

J Sainsbury

284,60

+0,10

+0,04%

57,90K

4.903,0

+1,0

+0,02%

21,93K

Johnson Matthey

1.560,5

-11,5

-0,73%

12,16K

Associated British Foods

2.396,0

+9,0

+0,38%

53,30K

Land Securities

638,60

+5,00

+0,79%

125,49K

AstraZeneca

10.198,0

0,0

0,00%

32,28K

Legal & General

228,00

+0,50

+0,22%

431,06K

13,69K

Lloyds Banking

44,95

+0,46

+1,03%

11,31M

204,54K

London Stock Exchange

8.984,1

-10,0

-0,11%

8,39K

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

3I Group

2.257,00

+9,00

+0,40%

56,80K

Abrdn

166,70

+2,55

+1,55%

104,24K

Admiral Group

2.695,7

-9,0

-0,33%

Anglo American

2.256,5

-54,5

Antofagasta

1.480,50

Ashtead Group

Auto Trader Group Plc Aviva

724,40 418,20

+3,00

+0,42%

NET VOL

COMPANY

1.16541

0.85804

Units per €

US dollar (USD) ........................................1.0817 Japan yen (JPY)........................................159.71 Switzerland franc (CHF) ...........................0.9493 Denmark kroner (DKK) .............................7.4557 Norway kroner (NOK) ...............................11.651

-1,60

-0,38%

B&M European Value Retail SA593,60

+4,60

+0,78%

81,56K

Melrose Industries

540,40

+6,60

+1,24%

126,73K

currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914

BAE Systems

1.050,91

-8,50

-0,80%

252,27K

Mondi

1.438,50

-4,50

-0,31%

73,90K

THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

Barclays

142,82

+0,46

+0,32%

1,70M

National Grid

1.034,00

+1,00

+0,10%

134,71K

Barratt Developments

522,40

+2,60

+0,50%

138,26K

NatWest Group

213,60

+2,40

+1,14%

792,32K

8.082,0

+40,0

+0,50%

11,57K

+19,80

+3,33%

141,23K

Berkeley

4.739,0

+27,0

+0,57%

3,36K

Next

BHP Group Ltd

2.443,00

-31,50

-1,27%

42,83K

Ocado

614,48

BP

468,35

-10,05

-2,10%

2,28M

Persimmon

1.287,0

+4,5

+0,35%

24,65K

98,47K

Phoenix

471,62

+1,70

+0,36%

69,61K

Prudential

868,00

-0,80

-0,09%

147,77K

British American Tobacco 2.520,0

+12,0

+0,48%

British Land Company

363,20

+2,30

+0,64%

52,82K

BT Group

124,20

+0,55

+0,45%

744,56K

Bunzl

2.984,9

-11,0

-0,37%

2,89K

Burberry Group

1.511,0

+12,5

+0,83%

87,25K

Carnival

1.110,9

+30,0

+2,77%

22,34K

Centrica

151,75

-0,80

-0,52%

410,42K

Coca Cola HBC AG

2.220,0

+1,0

+0,04%

48,84K

Reckitt Benckiser

5.424,0

+8,0

+0,15%

34,80K

Relx

3.040,00

-10,00

-0,33%

135,18K

Rentokil

431,00

+2,90

+0,68%

170,62K

Rightmove

560,20

+8,00

+1,45%

59,28K

Rio Tinto PLC

5.454,0

-145,0

-2,59%

165,92K

Rolls-Royce Holdings

286,75

+10,00

+3,61%

4,23M

Sage

1.153,00

+4,00

+0,35%

76,84K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.385,00

+7,00

+0,51%

0,69K

Schroders

407,3

+0,9

+0,22%

154,93K

Scottish Mortgage

721,90

+2,40

+0,33%

115,69K

Segro

827,80

+4,40

+0,53%

88,14K

Severn Trent

2.607,5

-9,0

-0,34%

67,25K

Shell

2.524,5

-43,5

-1,69%

568,43K

Smith & Nephew

1.038,73

+2,50

+0,24%

86,02K

Smiths Group

1.652,50

-7,00

-0,42%

23,88K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 9.298,0

+20,0

+0,22%

3,01K

SSE

1.852,00

+7,00

+0,38%

74,73K

St. James’s Place

665,80

+7,60

+1,16%

63,43K

Standard Chartered

653,40

+0,80

+0,12%

161,60K

Taylor Wimpey

132,05

+0,90

+0,69%

465,78K

Tesco

281,01

+1,40

+0,50%

509,02K

Tui

501,50

+12,00

+2,46%

63,04K

Unilever

3.791,5

+11,0

+0,29%

114,15K 472,37K

Compass

2.035,00

+9,00

+0,44%

84,92K

CRH

5.058,0

+18,0

+0,36%

30,58K

Croda Intl

4.501,7

+23,0

+0,51%

5,19K

DCC

5.500,0

+14,0

+0,26%

3,20K

Diageo

2.816,0

0,0

0,00%

112,99K

DS Smith

302,84

+6,50

+2,19%

593,14K

EasyJet

478,00

+5,80

+1,23%

477,22K

Experian

2.928,0

+4,0

+0,14%

30,23K

Ferguson

13.320,0

-235,0

-1,73%

10,02K

Flutter Entertainment

12.240,0

-355,0

-2,82%

71,72K

Fresnillo

588,47

-3,80

-0,64%

46,20K

Glencore

447,05

-10,65

-2,33%

1,73M

GSK plc

1.454,20

+18,20

+1,27%

167,13K

Halma

2.144,0

+11,0

+0,52%

71,57K

Hargreaves Lansdown

716,00

+3,80

+0,53%

30,23K

Hikma Pharma

1.749,50

-8,50

-0,48%

13,03K

HSBC

603,40

-0,70

-0,12%

880,74K

United Utilities

1.081,00

-11,00

-1,01%

IAG

158,88

+2,38

+1,52%

926,60K

Vodafone Group PLC

71,56

-0,11

-0,15%

2,72M

Imperial Brands

1.876,50

+18,00

+0,97%

75,28K

Whitbread

3.194,0

+12,0

+0,38%

14,47K

Informa

763,00

+6,00

+0,79%

66,63K

WPP

720,80

+10,00

+1,41%

101,54K

DOW JONES CLOSING PRICES 4 DECEMBER

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE

CHANGE% VOLUME(M)

3M American Express Amgen Apple Boeing Caterpillar Chevron Cisco Coca-Cola Dow Goldman Sachs Home Depot Honeywell IBM Intel J&J JPMorgan McDonald’s Merck&Co Microsoft Nike Procter&Gamble Salesforce Inc The Travelers UnitedHealth Verizon Visa A Walgreens Boots Walmart Walt Disney

99,85 173,75 272,45 191,24 233,85 256,76 144,81 48,47 58,63 52,30 348,59 319,68 197,78 160,57 43,74 158,38 156,93 285,92 103,44 374,51 113,48 152,67 259,99 182,01 547,01 38,57 257,05 20,79 154,35 92,55

+0,78 +2,98 +2,81 +1,29 +2,22 +6,04 +1,21 +0,09 +0,19 +0,55 +7,05 +6,19 +1,86 +2,01 -0,96 +3,72 +0,85 +4,08 +0,96 -4,40 +3,58 -0,85 +8,09 +1,39 -4,08 +0,24 +0,37 +0,85 -1,34 -0,14

+0,79% 2,70M +1,75% 2,91M +1,04% 2,02M +0,68% 40,06M +0,96% 6,44M +2,41% 3,03M +0,84% 11,09M +0,19% 18,00M +0,33% 13,74M +1,06% 3,32M +2,06% 1,88M +1,97% 3,23M +0,95% 2,81M +1,27% 4,78M -2,15% 39,51M +2,41% 8,59M +0,54% 8,49M +1,45% 2,90M +0,94% 6,52M -1,16% 29,21M +3,26% 7,69M -0,55% 5,29M +3,21% 14,23M +0,77% 1,16M -0,74% 3,31M +0,63% 17,89M +0,14% 3,78M +4,26% 12,12M -0,86% 11,20M -0,15% 9,96M M - MILLION DOLLARS

NASDAQ CLOSING PRICES 4 DECEMBER

COMPANY Most Advanced Elastic N.V. UiPath Inc. Samsara Inc. Upstart Holdings, Inc. Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Vornado Realty Trust Carvana Co. HashiCorp, Inc. Lyft, Inc. Enovix Corporation

CHANGE NET / %

VOLUME

+37.13% +26.72% +25.60% +20.96% +14.45% +14.31% +13.68% +12.39% +12.14% +12.02% +11.92%

12.197M 53.009M 16.514M 17.616M 57.061M 5.431M 5.428M 12.032M 4.504M 32.276M 5.271M

-34.54% -7.27% -7.22% -6.56% -6.22% -5.26% -5.24% -5.19% -5.12% -4.66% -4.34%

159,078 8.582M 5.529M 836,350 42,995 25.376M 12.614M 14.19M 103.187M 1.485M 95,570

Most Declined Incannex Healthcare Inc. Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. VinFast Auto Ltd. Central Puerto S.A. Pacific Gas and Electric Company Marvell Technology, Inc. XPeng Inc. Dell Technologies Inc. Pfizer Inc. LifeStance Health Group, Inc. BOC Aviation Limited

‘

FINANCE

euroweeklynews.com

ASK THE EXPERT Peter Loveday

Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com

• Euro EUR/GBP: Down from £0.87 to £0.86 EUR/USD: Up from $1.05 to $1.09 The euro closed October on the back foot as the European Central Bank (ECB) ended 15 months of consecutive interest rate hikes by leaving its monetary policy unchanged at its latest policy meeting.

Weak Eurozone data and a cooling of inflation placed further pressure on the euro, before the single currency bounced back as we entered November, underpinned by its strong negative correlation with the US dollar.

Further support came from the release of stronger-than-expected German factory orders, while risk-off flows also buoyed EUR exchange rates. The euro then faced resistance in the middle of the month. While Germany reported a stronger-thanexpected rebound in economic sentiment, demand for the safe-haven currency was stymied by a sharp upswing in market risk appetite.

7 - 13 December 2023

US DOLLAR NOSEDIVES ON DISAPPOINTING DATA, POUND BOLSTERED BY HAWKISH BOE EUR exchange rates then struggled to find support in the second half of November, partly due to a warning from the ECB regarding the risks posed by weak growth and high interest rates to the Eurozone’s financial stability. Looking ahead, the immediate focus for EUR investors is likely to be the latest Eurozone consumer price index. Another cooling of inflation could push the ECB to begin discussing interest rate cuts when it holds it final policy meeting.

• Pound GBP/EUR: Unchanged at €1.14 GBP/USD: Up from $1.21 to $1.25 The pound traded in a wide range over the last month in response to mixed data and uncertainty over Bank of England (BoE) monetary policy.

After stumbling at the end of October amid UK recession fears, Sterling was rocked by the BoE’s latest interest rate decision. While the BoE left rates on hold, a surprisingly hawkish split within the Monetary Policy Committee, infused volatility into GBP exchange rates.

CURRENCY OUTLOOK: The pound could end the year on a high.

Dovish comments from BoE Chief Economist Huw Pill, then pulled the pound lower again as he hinted at possible rate cuts by the bank by the end of 2024.

Movement in Sterling then grew even more volatile in light of some mixed UK data releases. While GBP exchange rates were supported by surprisingly positive GDP and employment data. Cooler-than-expected inflation and an unexpected contraction in retail sales countered these releases.

The pound then rocked towards

the end of November. After initially finding support from some hawkish BoE commentary, Sterling sentiment faltered amid an underwhelming response to UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement.

The BoE is scheduled to hold one more policy meeting before the end of 2023.

If the bank continues to strike a broadly hawkish tone this could see the pound end the year on a high.

• US Dollar USD/GBP: Down from $0.82 to

EWN 31

$0.79 USD/EUR: Down from €0.94 to €0.91 The US dollar has fallen off a cliff over the past four weeks, with the currency sliding to new multi-month lows against the pound and the euro.

The collapse of USD comes as some high-impact US data missed the mark, which triggered a sharp pullback in Federal Reserve rate hike bets.

This was initially linked to the latest US non-farm payrolls data, after October’s figures printed well below expectations and shone a spotlight on the slowing US labour market. An even sharper USD selloff was then witnessed following the publication of the latest US CPI figures.

With both headline and core inflation cooling more than expected last month. This not only cemented expectations the Fed has reached the end of its hiking cycle, but also began to stoke rate cut speculation.

Looking ahead, the Fed is set to hold this year’s final policy meeting in December. No policy changes are expected next month, but the US central bank is likely to give a rough outline of its policy plans for 2024.

Could hints of a rate cut see the US dollar test new lows?

Visit us at our Spanish offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Almeria, North Costa Blanca and South Costa Blanca.

Telephone UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 Spain +34 950 478 914 • Email euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com • www.currenciesdirect.com.

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT IS there such a thing as a diversity biscuit? If so the deluge of TV com­ mercial, Christmas­tide presenta­ tions truly does take the full tin. A whole conglomeration of adverts has been sanitised by political correct­ ness, dissected with diversity, mugged by multi­culturist and treat­ ed to a positive blizzard of ‘snow­ flaking’ that is utterly mind boggling.

Mixed marriages and relationships abound.

Bunches of people in cars, restau­ rants and crowd locations, all contain the ‘correct’ number of white and ethnic minorities. Happy families, of carefully selected denominations, gather around tables groaning with Christmas fare; and all is well with the world on the birthday of Our Lord. Unfortunately, this so­called ‘merry’ conception is in no way a true reflection of the main bulk of British society. The great cities and communities of the UK are more seg­ regated than ever. Whole boroughs are dedicated to one particular race or religion. Growing numbers of British citizens don’t even celebrate

euroweeklynews.com

Mind boggling Christmas. Diversity is not working.

Last December, on a short UK visit, I telephoned the Salvation Army, en­ quiring as to why I had noticed their Christmas Carol street appearances seemed to be missing in certain (of­ ten unlikely) shopping areas; they in­ formed me that they were very care­ ful to now only present the Christian Army Bands where they would be acknowledged! Until we face up to the truth, we will NEVER find the Shangri­La of existence so desperate­ ly depicted by these sadly delusional ostriches who are in utter denial of the true state of affairs and seem to worm their way into every nook and cranny of our beleaguered social ex­ istence. It did strike me that the gatherings of those responsible for these ads must produce some of the most racial riddled confusing mish mash of problems imaginable.

Terrified of being declared non­PC, the selection committees, or casting agents, are no longer torn between those who may have more talent and be better qualified for the gig, but more importantly are judged by

their ethnic background and appear­ ance. The young Lady causing all the dissent on ‘I’m a Celebrity’ (some­ thing she most certainly is not!) is a prime example. Thousands of letters and comments on social media are voicing their dissatisfaction over her inclusion and attitude. The whole thing has become utterly ridiculous.

Nothing more than a pathetic at­ tempt to fool the viewing public that good old diversity is truly working and we are all living the paradise of good will and human understanding.

Well I’m sorry, I maintain that truth in these matters, however hard it is to bear, is the only real pathway to the peaceful resolution most of us truly do crave. And for those who would rather not hear the truth, I leave you with an ominous reflection of the great George Orwell, who wrote. ‘The further society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it’! And ain’t that the truth.

Keep the Faith.

Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

FEATURE

Bank telephone scam

TAKE HEED: Don’t discuss personal matters.

A SOCIAL media alert from a resident in Spain about a recent phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank set off alarm bells.

In this case, the call dis­ play made it actually ap­ pear that it had come from a bank and the person call­ ing said that they had de­ tected an attempt to with­ draw money from a cash machine using the individu­ al’s details.

The whole point of the exercise was to obtain con­ fidential information which will allow them to access your account and of course if you have given this volun­ tarily there is a chance that your bank will decline to re­ fund any money stolen, so

Image: Atlantic Wreck Divers / Facebook

32 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

take heed.

A British based organisa­ tion UK Finance confirms that individuals may receive an automated call claiming a suspicious transaction has occurred on their account.

The consumer is then in­ vited to press a number on their phone to go through to a supposed agent who is in fact a fraudster.

The fact is that no bank will ever contact you asking for your online banking password, your four digit pin number or insist you transfer money to a new account to avoid fraud.

The best advice is to sim­ ply refuse to discuss person­ al matters with anyone who might call you unex­ pectedly and hang up.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

7 - 13 December 2023

Tesla sues

T E S L A filed a lawsuit against the Swedish Transport Agency on Monday, November 27, at Norrköping District Court, in the region where the Agency is based.

Similarly, Elon Musk’s electric vehicle manufac­ turer filed another case against the Nordic postal service Postnord, this time at Solna District Court.

The purpose of the law­ suits is to gain access to number plates for its ve­ hicles that striking work­ ers in Sweden have halt­ ed. “This behaviour constitutes a targeted, baseless and discrimina­ tory attack on Tesla, its employees and cus­ tomers,” said Tesla.

A court order was also made, requesting a so­ called interim safety mea­ sure that the number plates can be collected di­ rectly from the plate

Credit: Holger.Ellgaard/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

The Tesla factory in Segeltorp, Sweden.

manufacturer while the legal process is ongoing.

This request was duly ap­ proved by Norrköping District Court.

The district court’s deci­ sion read: ‘The Swedish Transport Agency is or­ dered to agree, at the lat­ est within seven days of notification of the district court’s decision ­ for the period thereafter until otherwise decided ­ at the risk of a fine of SEK

1,000,000, that Tesla can pick up licence plates for the vehicles that Tesla owns.

‘According to the dis­ trict court’s opinion, the security measure is pro­ portionate,’ the court added.

The Swedish Transport Agency now has 14 days to lodge an appeal, after which the district court would have to re­exam­ ine the matter.

EWN 33

34 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023 Advertising Feature Voss Homes

euroweeklynews.com

Property of the week

Ref. VH2278

Casa Cuevas near Huercal-Overa NEW & EXCLUSIVE LISTING FOR VOSS HOMES ­ A full of character, spacious, light and airy three/four bed, two bath Country House with stunning views. Renovated to a high standard with lovely gardens, covered terrace area and jacuzzi with land of 3,804m2 on the edge of a small hamlet. Seven minutes drive to the village of Santa Maria with shop, two bar/restaurants, doctors and chemist.

Fifteen mins drive to Huercal­ Overa town. Approx 40 to 45 mins drive to the coast at San Juan de Los Terreros or Mojacar.

Cortijo Cuevas’ design is ideal for when visitors come to stay as it en­ ables you to have separate accom­ modation upstairs or downstairs with their own entrance doors.

To the side and front of the house is a block paved driveway.

There is also a communal parking area for when guests come to visit.

FEATURE

€149,950 euros

COUNTRY HOUSE: Renovated to a high standard with lovely gardens on the edge of a small hamlet.

To the other side of the house are private, attractive gardens mostly laid to gravel and tiled with a vari­ ety of Mediterranean plants and trees and has fantastic open coun­ try views (distant sea views on a clear day). There is also a conserva­ tory, covered fly free outdoor din­ ing room, jacuzzi, workshop, built in bbq and two small caves which can be used for storage of logs etc or could be made in to very nice features.

There is also more land at a low­ er level at the front of the property which is suitable for planting or ani­ mals. Behind the property is hill­ side which gives privacy.

At the front of the house is a small entrance porch/cloakroom which leads into the living room/ dining room with log burning fire.

To the right is the fitted kitchen. To the left of the living room a door takes you into the downstairs dou­ ble bedroom with ensuite bath­

room with separate bath and shower. From the ensuite a door takes you into a useful utility room which leads out to the covered fly free dining area and gardens.

Also from the living room an at­ tractive stairway leads up to the second upstairs living/dining room with log burning fire. From here you have access into the upstairs main double bedroom with at­ tached double bedroom which is currently used as a dressing room

and would make a great study.

From the living room doors also go to a further double bedroom, shower room and conservatory.

From the conservatory stairs lead down to the main gardens.

Voss Homes is a British family­ run business with offices in the nearby, thriving, market town of Huercal­Overa and the village of La Alfoquia. We are the main selling agent for the Huercal­Overa, Zurge­ na, La Alfoquia and Taberno area.

For more information and to arrange a viewing of VH2278 or a meeting in our offices please contact Voss Homes DIRECTLY on 0034 950 616 827 or email us on enquiries@vosshomesspain.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY IN the realm of daily personal care, encompassing soaps, lo­ tions, and cosmetics, emerg­ ing reports highlight concerns over potentially harmful chemicals.

Mercury in skin lightening creams, carcinogens in hair products, and fragrances linked to fertility issues raise alarms. Despite known expo­ sure to hazardous sub­ stances in their products, cosmetics and personal care items still remain no­ tably underregulated, with labels boasting terms like ‘naturally derived’ often serving as nothing more than marketing ploys rather than indicators of safety. Negotiating this landscape proves challenging for consumers, compounded by limited testing for individu­ al exposure levels.

Experts advocate for in­ formed choices, recommend­ ing scrutiny of product ingre­ dients and minimising overall toxin exposure. Common chemicals of concern in per­ sonal care products include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), found in lipsticks and moisturisers, linked to stom­

euroweeklynews.com

Beauty at a price

HARMFUL CHEMICALS. Check the contents carefully.

ach cancer and repro­ ductive issues; coal tar dyes (m­, o­, and p­ phenylenediamine) in hair dyes, associated with skin irri­ tation and increased cancer risk; diethanolamine (DEA) in shampoos, forming carcino­ genic nitrosamines; formalde­ hyde­releasers (DMDM hy­ dantoin, diazolidinyl urea) in cosmetics, with potential links to nose and throat cancers;

fragrance, concealing various undisclosed chemicals, some disrupting hormonal function; parabens in water­based products, linked to estrogen­ mimicking effects and breast cancer; and phthalates in vinyl plastics, affecting hor­ mones and fertility.

Awareness of these sub­ stances empowers con­ sumers to make informed choices.

7 - 13 December 2023

EWN 35

36 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Undersea defence

NEXT month the UK will deploy seven Royal Navy vessels as part of a Euro­ pean Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) to safeguard critical undersea infras­ tructure.

In a remarkable defen­ sive initiative, the UK will launch a naval task force comprising seven Royal Navy vessels and a Royal Air Force aircraft and will join forces with nine other European countries as part of JEF. On Tuesday, November 28, defence ministers from the 10 Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) nations reached a unanimous deci­ sion. They agreed to launch a first­of­its­kind operation, deploying a task force comprising two frigates, two offshore pa­ trol vessels, mine counter­ measures vessels, a Royal Fleet Auxiliary landing ship, and a RAF P­8 Posei­ don maritime patrol air­ craft.

The task force is sched­ uled to set sail in early De­ cember, joining forces with ships and aircraft from other JEF nations.

This collective effort aims to patrol a vast area stretching from the English Channel to the Baltic Sea. This operation under­

AFTER the Danish real­estate chain EDC refused to pay a very large ransom, a Russian hacker group published the personal information of over 1,000 clients online.

It included copies of about 1,300 passports, driving li­ cences, and health insurance certificates that were stolen by the pro­Russian ran­ somware group Black Basta on November 1.

Contact information such as telephone numbers, e­ mail addresses and address­ es ­ including secret address­ es ­ and almost 100,000 social security numbers are also said to have been freely distributed.

The action was confirmed

by EDC’s information man­ ager, Jan Nordmann. “It is

Naval task force.

scores the seamless inter­ operability between JEF nations across maritime and air domains.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated, “This his­ toric and unprecedented agreement will see a Royal Navy task force of seven ships, supported by the RAF, join allies from across northern Europe as part of a joint operation to defend our shared critical infras­ tructure against potential threats.” He emphasised the commitment to de­ fending mutual interests and upholding the rules­ based international order.

This deployment will in­

tensify surveillance around offshore assets and facili­ tate intelligence sharing among JEF nations. It builds on NATO’s recent Vigilance Activity in the Baltic Sea region. This col­ laboration represents a significant step in defend­ ing offshore critical infras­ tructure, which has recent­ ly seen a surge in threats and attacks.

The JEF, comprising Den­ mark, Estonia, Finland, Ice­ land, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK, fo­ cuses on security in the High North, North Atlantic, and Baltic Sea regions.

Real-estate hack

correct. It is, as far as we know, a Russian group that co­finances war activities.

We don’t want to support that, and we don’t think our customers will either,” he stated.

Black Basta specifically stole approximately 2.5 ter­ abytes of data from the company after allegedly ac­ cessing a backup file that had been created by human error, according to EDC. The Russian hackers did not gain entry to EDC’s main server though.

EDC has tried to contact everyone whose informa­ tion has now been pub­ lished. “We sent out many hundreds of thousands of

emails to those whose con­ tact details we have, but I can’t say that we have man­ aged to get hold of them all.

We have done what we could,” Nordmann added.

In an effort to strengthen its defences against similar attacks, EDC has increased its defences. “Our security level was high before, it is ex­ tremely high now,” revealed the company’s information manager.

Nordmann concluded: 'However, these hackers are not just two schoolboys in a basement. So, I can't promise that it won't hap­ pen again, but I can promise that at least we did every­ thing we could'.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

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45

40 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

THIS past week, food has caught the imagination of readers of Euro Weekly News and the two hot topics were the launch of the new M&S Spanish Chorizo Paella Croquetas and the love that readers seem to have for Spanish Christmas favourite Roscón de Reyes.

Some of the comments on the croquetas veered back to Jamie Oliver and his proposed use of chorizo in paella and the outcry from Spanish food writers decrying it and a selection follows;

“

Oh yes they are right up my street!!

Samantha Idle

Firstly there is no potato in a croquette. It's just a bechamel, thick and creamy.

All M&S are doing is making a chorizo croqueta (not uncommon these days in modern bars) more cheaply by padding it out with rice. I won't be rushing to try it.

I've never heard of, or seen or tasted this concocted dish in Spain. But if people buy it and like it, then good luck to them. What's the Spanish equivalent of Delhi Belly?

Kevin Barber

Chorizo Paella what is that?? Can't beat a proper Paella, I will not forsake my home country's national dish Kathy Hyett

Liz Kirkham

Looks good to me.

Teresa Tracy Ramsey

Well. The jury is out here. Not sure of the combination, but I love paella and I love croquetas. But it does feel a bit disrespectful.

Still Fusion food is a thing.

Roisin Maire Stephenson

I t's really a simple wording mistake by them.

Don't write Spanish on them. They don't make that flavour here, so it's not Spanish.

Maybe it's Spanish ingredients.

Paella can have anything in it, it is a working man's dish, made with whatever is to hand. Sometimes just vegetables, just fish, in the hills they use squirrel, up until about 25 years ago they sold skinned rats in some carniceros, for paella. Rabbit is also very common... there is more than one recipe.

Alex Murdoch

What on earth is a chorizo paella anyway. A complete mystery here in Mallorca. No doubt the same in Spain. Ridiculous!

Charmaine Mockett

Hand made in Spain? Where in Spain would they make this rubbish.

Let’s be honest, most Spanish food is not that great. I truly believe it too highly overrated and I genuinely mean that. So I will try the M&S dish because it cannot be worse than I get in some local restaurants around the Orihuela Costa.

Doug Haynes

Mike George

Gordon O'Keeffe

Sounds good to me.

Sue Peers

What a load of crap! That is not Spanish cuisine just another abuse of traditional food from another country that's full of crap! Why don't they promote healthy food? And the benefits of the Mediterranean diet!

Christina Ford

Thirty plus years in Spain, eaten with numerous Spanish families and never had paella that includes chorizo. First time I saw paella con chorizo was the food mishandler, Jamie Oliver. No. Alan

Turning to the Christmas delicacy, readers seemed to be in almost complete agreement; I loved both Christmas, and the cake.

Heath Savage

Don't worry Spain, it shall not pass my lips!

Stevie Rayner

I'm definitely the grinch, I hate Christmas Nigel Springall

As an ex M&S man, now living in Mojacar, I think they look brilliant.

Gerry Diamond

Love it. Always go to our Spanish neighbours.

Hopefully I get the king. Not the bean! Lol. Sheila Hounslow

Comments should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers.

No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

FEATURE/NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

7 - 13 December 2023

Property of the week

Advertising Feature Grupo Platinum

Homes that inspire happiness

BEAUTIFUL penthouse, just a few steps from the beach, with two bedrooms and open plan kitchen in a cosy urbanisation in El Calon, close to Villaricos and San Juan de Los Terreros.

As you enter the flat, on the left hand side you have the high quality fully fitted kitchen. If you keep walking, you will enter the spacious living room with dining table and cosy sitting area.

The living room is also equipped with a pellet cooker which keeps it nice and warm in winter. To the right of the living room are the two spacious bed­ rooms, one with a double bed and one with two single beds.

The large wardrobes in the bedrooms offer plenty of stor­ age space for your wardrobe.

The bathroom has a bathtub and shower. All rooms have air­ conditioning, which is brand new. The living room also gives access to the sun­drenched ter­

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€149.000 euros

COSY URBANISATION: A beautiful penthouse just a few steps from the beach.

race. From here you have views to the sea and the communal pool. Stairs lead up to the spa­ cious roof terrace, from where you have views to the surround­ ings and the sea.

The flat comes with a private underground parking space.

Don’t miss out on this excel­ lent opportunity ­ call us now to arrange an appointment to view 950 466 112.

More about the area: Situated in the pretty village of El Calón between Villaricos and San Juan de Los Terreros. The area is an

oasis of peace and tranquillity, ideal for permanent residence or summer holidays. With a wonderful microclimate, a place with sun almost all year round, with pleasant temperatures.

Beautiful scenery, contrasting mountains with green fields and sandy beaches. The beaches are authentic with crystal clear wa­ ters, many hiking trails to enjoy.

Near the town of San Juan de Los Terreros, you will find a whole range of beaches, Mar Serena, Mar Rabiosa, Calipso, Blue Flag beaches.

La Higuera and La Carolina, as well as the coves of Tia Antonia, Cala Cuartel and Cala Cerrada, La Entrevista and Los Nardos.

Safe for the whole family and with disabled access. Ideal for snorkelling. Golf courses ­ Aguilón Golf is 3km from the re­ sort, while Desert Springs, Mari­ na de la Torre and Valle de Este Golf are not too far away.

Services ­ Numerous beach­ front bars and chiringuitos, and a new commercial centre with bars, restaurants, shops, super­ market and gym, pilates classes,

fitness, athletics club and much more. San Juan de Los Terreros is open all year round and offers facilities for all basic daily needs, including a medical centre and pharmacy. Close by is Pulpi and also Aguilas, with its various shopping centres and services.

Local trains make the area very accessible. One hour from Almeria airport, 45 minutes from Murcia airport and 1.5 hours from Alicante airport. In addition, a new motorway con­ nects directly to Cartagena and La Manga del Mar.

Stunning Architecture, Unparalleled Views: Your Future Home is Waiting for You! Contact us now to register for your visit. **950 466 112 or **info@grupoplatinum.com

Sizzling showdown Anna Ellis HOLD on to your taste buds, because the gastro­ nomic battleground is set and the flavours are about to explode as Spain’s culi­ nary titans battle for the 2024 Gastronomic Crown.

Spain’s Capital of Gas­ tronomy (CEG) is back with a vengeance, and the final showdown promises an epic clash between four culinary heavyweights: Ali­ cante, Antequera, Castel­ lon, and Oviedo.

Buckle up for a roller­ coaster ride through Spain’s culinary landscape as these cities vie for the prestigious title.

In a world where every bite is a piece of art, Alicante stands tall with over 1,700 registered gastronomic havens, creating a sympho­ ny of flavours that resonates far beyond its shores.

Down south in Andalucia, Antequera emerges as a culinary maestro with a his­ tory as rich as its pastries.

The secret weapon? Local

EWN 41

Image: stockcreations / Shutterstock.com

GASTRONOMY: That will leave taste buds in awe.

olive oil.

Castellon, a coastal gem in Valencia, lures you into a seafood paradise. The city’s fame extends to a mouth­ watering seafood paella, where every bite transports you to the sun­kissed shores of the Mediter­ ranean.

Oviedo, a relentless con­ tender, enters the ring for the third time, armed with a gastronomic arsenal that leaves taste buds in awe.

From the hearty embrace of fabada (bean stew) to the crisp kick of cider, the tender allure of cachopo

(veal), and the artisanal dance of cheeses and seafood, it’s a sensory jour­ ney that beckons for a gas­ tronomic coronation.

As the curtain rises, the city crowned Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy won’t just savour victory; it will host a year­long competition that unites food lovers from ev­ ery corner of the globe.

Who will emerge tri­ umphant in this culinary clash of titans?

The answer lies in the simmering pots and sizzling pans of these four excep­ tional cities.

42 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

INTERVIEW

Catch up with Jesse Meester WHAT does one do when they see a famous face casually walking across the street from them? Shout their name loudly at them of course (as if they didn’t already know it) and take a selfie to post on Instagram to prove it to your friends!

THAT was the story of how this good ‘tapear’. Next question, Euro Weekly News reporter do you prefer swimming in first met actor Jesse Meester, the pool or the sea? who is originally from the I am a sea kind of guy.

Netherlands. He explained The salt is great for the at the time that he had reskin too. Even now, in cently moved to the sunshine the winter, it’s an unCredit: Jesse Meester coast and purchased a property matched feeling of freeJesse in Estepona. in Estepona. One year later EWN dom in swimming in the vast caught up with Jesse again to see sea. Like a wild merman with no how the move from Amsterdam to Marbellimits! Cute. So aside from the all year la is unfolding for him. round swimming weather, what is the main Hello again Jesse! So, what attracted you difference between the Netherlands and specifically to the Costa Del Sol? Spain? Climate, culture, pace of life, and even Marbella is quite unique in its fusion of lux- the architecture are starkly different. ury and culture. Its stunning coastline, vibrant The Netherlands might be more known for lifestyle, golf courses and historical charm its bicycle-friendly cities (oh boy I miss that), make it the place to be. Now Malaga just while Spain has a deeply ingrained laid-back turned out to be the best city to live in, in the culture with a love for fiestas and leisurely world that is, did you know? siestas - haha. Got to love the siestas! So We did see that actually! So, what is your Jesse, lastly, but definitely not least(ly), Dutch opinion on Spanish food? girls or Spanish girls?

Spanish cuisine is amazing! From paella to Well, both are wonderful in their own tapas, the rich flavours and fresh ingredients ways. Dutch girls might be more straightformake dining an absolute delight. I love eating ward and open, while Spanish girls are light in the evening with just a few tapas. known for their passion and warmth. Beauty Yes, we agree with you there, EWN loves a truly lies in the eye of the beholder, doesn’t it?

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43

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All the fun and frolics keep his owners fit. And when they travel on holiday they find dog sitters on HouseSitMatch. But they must be fit and active to keep up with Jake!

The pet­sitters come for free!

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 regis­ ter now to find pet­sitters in time. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised ahead of time. All pets benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their rou­ tines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch. com for affordable trav­ el, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on

HouseSitMatch.com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house 4. Post an ad­ vert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters ap­

Jake is a mature mutt who loves a dog-sitter playmate.

ply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSit Match can help you find suit­ able sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent Pure Joy ­ I have completed two house­sits so far so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog Thoroughly enjoyable expe­ riences with beautiful homes and well­rounded animals.

I’m looking for more!

Lisa Stimpson, Pet­sitter from the UK How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

Living longer THE longevity of our beloved pets has significantly increased over recent years. Various fac­ tors contribute to this trend, ensuring a longer and healthi­ er life.

1. Advanced Veterinary Care: Veterinary medicine has made leaps in progress, offer­ ing treatments for ailments that were once considered fa­ tal. Preventive care, including vaccinations and regular health checks, plays a crucial role in extending pet lifespans.

2. Improved Nutrition: The quality of pet food has drasti­ cally improved. Now, pet foods are specially formulated to meet nutritional needs at different life stages, contribut­ ing to overall health.

3. Awareness of Pet Health: Pet owners are now more knowledgeable about their pets’ health needs. This in­ creased awareness leads to timely medical intervention and better care at home.

4. Indoor Living: More pets, especially cats, are living in­ doors, protecting them from external threats like traffic, predators, and diseases.

5. Spaying and Neutering: These procedures can prevent diseases such as uterine infec­ tions and some cancers.

6. Emphasis on Exercise: Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a pet’s health. It prevents obesity, which is linked to numerous health problems.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE: 112 24 HOUR PHARMACY FERNANDEZ ORTEGA ANGELES - MOJACAR 950 469 082 24 HOUR VETS CLINICAL VETERINARIA - MOJACAR 950 472 252

Dog finds happy home IN a surprising turn of events, a dog who unwittingly became embroiled in a major drug smuggling operation has found a new lease of life.

In May of this year, Camila, a two­year­old dog, arrived at Heathrow Airport from Mexico with her Mexican owner.

Staff at the Animal Aircare Reception Centre grew suspicious when they noticed how Camila’s crate was excessively heavy and had unusual dimensions, along with a strong odour of paint stripper.

Their investigation revealed 10 one­kilo blocks of cocaine cunningly concealed within a false base of the crate. This dis­ covery led to the involvement of Border Force and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The owner was apprehended when he came to collect Camila. He initially claimed to have adopted the dog from a Mexican rescue centre.

However, the NCA’s investigation uncovered glaring incon­ sistencies in his story, including over £3,000 spent on shipping the dog without booking a return trip. He later confessed to im­ porting class A drugs, worth £800,000 into the UK, and was sent to prison.

Since her arrival, Camila has been under the care of the re­ ception centre’s staff. Darren Barr, NCA senior manager, said: ‘This story now has a happier ending for Camila, who will spend the rest of her life in a happy home.”

The head of Animal Welfare at LHR, Jake Holliday, said: “We decided to foster Camila while the NCA investigation was ongo­ ing to ensure she was given the love she deserved. It became apparent she was a friendly, affectionate girl. Now it’s been confirmed Camila can go home with one of our animal welfare officers, who she adores.’”

CLASSIFIEDS AIR CONDITIONING

BUILDERS ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.com (253556)

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

CARAVANS MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7@hotmail.com

CARS FOR SALE

CHURCHES 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

BEDS

our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at www.almeria-an glican.com. Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

44

DRAINAGE

7 - 13 December 2023 • euroweeklynews.com

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

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

ELECTRICAL ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (304222)

ESTATE AGENT 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 (283824)

FOR SALE

MOTORING

FOR SALE WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

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)

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

Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (303577)

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OTHERS EDS? We have the solution, Kamagra pills & jells, Cia lis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Available by mailorder. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

INSURANCE 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!

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DRAINAGE

SOLAR ENERGY 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)

LANGUAGE CLASSES

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 LEGION Why 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 zur genarblchairman@gmail.com - (253989)

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REMOVALS

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

7 - 13 December 2023

REMOVALS & STORAGE

EWN 45

46 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com ARE you inadvertently break­ ing traffic laws while driving in Spain? Many drivers are, risk­ ing fines and points on their driving licences without realis­ ing it.

A surprising number of drivers get fined for inappropri­ ate use of the car horn. Incur­ ring an €80 penalty, using the horn should only be reserved for situations of extreme need to prevent unnecessary noise and maintain safety.

Eating behind the wheel, a seemingly harmless act, is ac­ tually a punishable offence.

This common habit often done on long journeys to save time, can lead to distractions, posing a danger to road safety.

MOTORING

Traffic violations

An obvious one, but a sur­ prisingly common offence is throwing any item from a vehi­ cle, including cigarette butts, is illegal and environmentally harmful. Such actions also in­ crease the risk of fires and at­ tract substantial fines.

Driving without appropriate clothing, like being shirtless or barefoot, is not only unsafe but also subject to penalties.

Proper dress and footwear en­ hance comfort and safety at the wheel.

In some localities, exceeding specified parking durations can lead to fines. Although not

punishable by the DGT, munic­ ipal ordinances enforce these limits to manage public space availability effectively.

At petrol stations, it’s im­ perative to turn off the engine and not using a mobile phone. Neglecting these safe­ ty measures can result in a fine of up to €90.

Allowing pets to roam freely inside the vehicle is not only a distraction but also a fineable offence.

The DGT imposes fines rang­ ing from €80 to €200 for such violations, escalating to €500 in more severe cases.

Mobile ITV devices

MOTORISTS in Spain who may attempt to drive their vehicle without a valid ITV certificate now face a new measure implemented by the DGT. In its continual efforts to ensure safety on the Spanish road system, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has now provided the Guardia Civ­ il’s Traffic Department with mobile ITV devices that can carry out checks at the roadside.

Specifically, traffic cops have been armed al­ ready for several months with an instrument that can make a better inspection of a vehicle

than they could do with the naked eye.

Obviously, this device will not have the same comprehensive inspection capabilities that the machines used in physical ITV stations possess.

The mobile ITV will focus mainly on a vehicle’s headlights, steering, suspension, windows and windscreen wipers, plus its tyres.

These devices should not be confused with those used by some ITV stations in rural areas of Spain. In those cases, the ITV machines are taken in a van to conduct a full inspection on vehicles.

48 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com

THE Spanish cycling world mourns the sudden passing of Jorge Martin Mon­ tenegro. At just 40 years old, the ac­ claimed cyclist was found dead at his home.

Martin, an Argentine native who had made Spain his home, was a celebrated figure in cycling. He tragically passed away on November 26, leaving a legacy marked by significant achievements in both the professional and Elite cate­ gories.

Notably, Martin had been part of the 2010 Vuelta a España with Andalucia­Ca­ ja Sur and was actively competing with CC Padrones Cortizo at the time of his passing.

Martin’s journey in cycling began in 2005, making an immediate impact by winning the Argentine U­23 champi­ onship. He soon transitioned to Euro­ pean circuits, showcasing his talent in various races, including the Vuelta a León and Tarragona.

His move to the Andalucia­Caja Sur team in 2010 marked his debut in the prestigious Vuelta a España. His career continued to flourish with victories like the Spanish Cup and the 2016 Spanish Elite Road Cycling Championship. Even in recent years, Martin remained a THE town of Huercal de Almeria hosted the An­ dalucian Pump Track Championship 2023 on December 3.

This is the first edition of a regional of these characteristics, organ­ ised by C.D. DirtyBike in collaboration with the Junta de Andalucía and the Andalucian Cycling Federation. This striking sport was recently recog­ nised by the UCI and the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation and has an important base of partic­ ipants now in the land of Spain.

On the same stage that hosted the Spanish Championship in 2022, this important event was held, where around 60 participants have fought to win the titles of re­

formidable competitor in the Elite cate­ gory.

The cycling community has expressed its deep sorrow over Martin’s untimely death. The official account of the classic Caja Rural de Zamora shared a heartfelt tribute on social media: ‘We are very sor­ ry for the loss of the cyclist Jorge Martin Montenegro who said goodbye to us at only 40 years old.

‘The Spanish­Argentine was the win­ ner of our race in 2016 and second in 2012. A huge and heartfelt hug from Zamora to all his family and friends.

D.E.P.’ Similarly, the Galician Cycling Federa­ tion extended its condolences, highlight­ ing Martin’s significant contributions: ‘The Galician Cycling Federation (FCG) wants to convey its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jorge Martin Montenegro, who died at the age of 40.

‘The Argentinian rider was closely linked to our community, defending the colours of Padrones­Cortizo from 2015 to 2021 and those of Retelec­Team Cycling Galicia in 2022.’

Martin’s legacy will be remembered for his extraordinary talent and the sig­ nificant impact he made on the world of cycling.

Pump track champs gional champions. After the previous training ses­ sions, where the athletes

were able to recognise the route, two timed rounds were held where

“WE did what we had to do to win,” were the words spoken by UD Almeria coach Gaizka Garitano lamented in a press con­ ference following the teams 0­0 draw on Sunday, December 3.

He added that “the team has created chances and has allowed the rival little hope, but a win has escaped us again,” before stating, “we leave with a draw that tastes like nothing to us.”

Well, considering this team’s terrible record and start to the season, perhaps UD Almeria fans won’t be too upset with this result.

The team continues to evolve positive­

the excitement was clear from the audience at this thrilling sight.

The best times were set by the junior Pedro Andres López (C.D. Dirty­ Bike) with 15”62 and the junior Ines Chinchilla (C.D. The AJ46 Project) with 18”06. Present at this event were Almude­ na Serrano, Jesus Pome­ dio and Enrique Muñoz, councillors of the Huer­ cal de Almeria City Coun­ cil, alongside Guillermo García, delegate of the Andalucian Cycling Fed­ eration in the province of Almeria.

Not a loss ly, although still not managing to grasp those three points, which at this point, is what it truly needs. Gaizka Garitano went on to say that “the team improves more every day and against Betis we have done what had to be done to win; generate chances and allow little. Sooner or later we will win, but today we have lost a great opportunity.”

Well, as they say, not a loss, but not a win. Fingers crossed for next week!

Rafa returns Credit : Shutterstock/ Leonard Zhukovsky

Spain mourns cyclist

FANS of Rafael Nadal won’t have to wait for too long to see him in action as the Spanish tennis star gears up for his comeback.

On Friday, December 1, Rafa Nadal took to the social media platform Twitter/X to announce his return to pro­ fessional competition: ‘Hello everyone, after a year out of competition, the time has come to return. It will be in Brisbane and it will be in the first week of January. I’ll see you there.’

The event marks his first official match after a year out of competition due to injury.

Following a hip surgery on June 2, just a day before his 37th birthday, Nadal has been absent from the profes­ sional scene. The surgery co­ incided with the Roland Gar­ ros tournament, a contest he has dominated 14 times.

Since October last year, Nadal has been in regular training, preparing for his re­ turn. His announcement ends months of speculation about his comeback.

Nadal’s participation in the upcoming Australian Open, scheduled from January 14 to 28, 2024, is also con­

SPORT

RAFAEL NADAL: Gearing up for his comeback.

firmed. This major event will be a critical test for Nadal, who currently ranks 663 in the ATP. This ranking means he won’t be among the 32 seeds, potentially setting up an early clash with long­time rival Novak Djokovic, who has expressed excitement about Nadal’s return.

Nadal’s schedule also high­ lights the French Open and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, hosted at Roland Garros from July 27 to Au­ gust 4. These events remain

significant goals for the 22­ time major champion.

Meanwhile, the Brisbane tournament, returning after a hiatus since 2019, will see the participation of top play­ ers like Holger Rune, Grigor Dimitrov, and Andy Murray.

Rafael Nadal’s return to the tennis courts is a highly anticipated event for fans and fellow players alike. His journey to recovery and the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming tournaments should prove to be a high­ light for all tennis fans.

Winter Olympics THE French Alps and Salt Lake City in the US were confirmed respectively on Wednesday, November 29, as the sole candidates for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Games.

Karl Stoss, the head of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) future host commission, said Olympic chiefs would now move into ‘targeted dia­ logue’ with the two candi­ dates.

‘The IOC will now start more detailed discussions with the Preferred Hosts, led by their National Olympic Committees (NOCs), with the aim of awarding both editions at the 142nd IOC Session in July in Paris,’ the IOC said in a statement.

Wednesday’s decision was announced at the ex­ pense of Sweden and Switzerland, the two other candidates. Salt Lake City was the only candidate to launch a bid to host the 2034 Games.

Last month, the IOC said that it was aiming to make a double award by picking the 2030 and 2034 hosts together in July when about 100 members meet in Paris on the eve of the 2024 Summer Games.

That plan could now change to avoid a conflict for IOC members to have to vote for a French bid in its capital city.

France has hosted the Winter Games on three previous occasions. Cha­ monix was the location in 1924, Grenoble in 1968, and Albertville in 1992.

Salt Lake City previously hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.

The French bid for the 2030 Games is based around the resorts of Meribel, Courchevel and Val d’Isere for alpine skiing while La Clusaz would host the Nordic events. Skating events would take place in the Mediterranean city of Nice, which would also act as the Olympic Village.