Costa del Sol 25 – 31 January 2024 Issue 2012

PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT INSIDE Costa del Sol • Issue No. 2012 • 25 - 31 January 2024

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GRATIS

FANCY A DIP?

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The Smuggling Raisins braved the sea.

Photo: Facebook / The Smuggling Raisins

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

25 - 31 January 2024

Charity walk

WEDDING JOY: Andrea and Kim accompanied by Michel Euesden and Tibbi Aquila.

Congratulations AS the editor of the Euro Weekly, I have the privilege of conveying personal congratulations. Andrea Szőke is well-known on the Costa del Sol for her active role in one of the biggest local Facebook Groups, and frequent, glowing endorsements for her removals company. The Euro Weekly News team, along with me, extends heartfelt congratulations to Andrea and her new husband, sound and lighting engineer, Kim Rasmussen. According to those present, EWN friend, Tibbi Aquila, worked his magic at his La Scala restaurant for the wedding lunch. We wish you both the very best for your future life together.

Photo: AECC

Kevin Fraser park A MIJAS cancer charity has organised a walk through the mountains.

The Solidarity Route Sierra de Mijas, organised by the Mijas delegation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer, will take place on Sunday January 28 at 11am. The meeting point is the quarry of Los Arenales.

“It is a family route, very simple so that the elderly, children and pets can come and spend a pleasant morning taking advantage of the good weather. The route is not very long, we want to get to Jarapalos, it is between two and three kilometres,” said the president of the Association, Lola Sanchís.

The donation will be just €1, which will go to

Mayor hit by scooter

MOUNTAIN WALK: A simple route that everyone can enjoy.

research, as Sanchís said: “This year we want to focus all the strength of the association on research because, unfortunately, more and more cases of cancer are being detected and, moreover, in very young people, and we are financing several research projects that are very important and have already

made a lot of progress.”

The association points out that the route is suitable for everyone, but gives some advice. “Take water, clothes and footwear suitable for walking and we will also give them a small gift from the association so that they can take it during the route,” Sanchís concluded.

From Front page

The Smuggling Raisins

Kevin Fraser Park THE Smuggling Raisins Cold Water Swimming Club would like to give a big thank you to everyone who came and braved the cold sea to raise money for the St George’s Feed a Child Campaign.

The final amount raised from the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day dips was a brilliant €792 which was transferred to the charity on Friday January 19 and which will help feed so many local children over the coming year.

The St George Charity was founded at the beginning of 2013 initially as a fundraising organisation to provide funding, equipment and services to worthy causes within the local community.

The Smuggling Raisins is a group who want to go swimming in the sea (and possibly rivers too) all year round.

They are based in Estepona, Playa de Cristo and say that cold water swimming is (apparently) good for us!

THE mayor of Malaga was hit by an electric scooter in front of the town hall on the morning of Monday January 23 as he was walking towards La Casona del Parque.

Mayor, Francisco de la Torre, was on his way to work in the municipal building via the pedestrian crossing, which is part of the bike lane and was hit a glancing blow by the scooter according to a local news source.

Eyewitnesses reported that the scooter rider stopped and asked him if he had hurt himself, while De la Torre told them not to worry, that he was fine. He later confirmed this to his team when he told them that he was not in any pain from the accident he had suffered.

The incident happened on the day it was announced that Temporary Mobility Vehicles, which include electric scooters, will require a roadworthiness certificate for safety reasons.

Statistics for 2022 showed 299 serious accidents involving electric scooters in Spain, resulting in 12 fatalities.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com No showers

DUE to the drought situation, Manilva Council has taken the decision to remove the showers from all the beaches of the municipality. In addition, the town hall requested that all citizens make responsible use of water, which is for the common good and of vital importance.

Hugging theft

POLICE in Estepona have arrested a woman and a man, both 23 years old, for their alleged involvement in the theft of luxury watches through the technique consisting of a ‘hug’ of usually elderly tourists.

This follows a complaint from a 74-year-old British citizen, who had his €9,000 watch stolen.

Jab success

THE Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs of Andalucia has described as a success the walk-in flu vaccination campaign launched on December 11, 2023, which has resulted in almost 300,000 Andalucians being protected against the virus, double the number of the 2022-2023 campaign.

Easter water

THE president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, reassured the tourist sector, and especially to the hotel and catering industry that, “there will be no water supply problems” during Easter Week. Moreno ruled out the possibility of imposing water supply restrictions in urban areas for now.

Builder dies

A 54-YEAR-OLD worker died after a pallet fell on him from a crane in Estepona. The accident took place on a construction site in the Nueva Atalaya area just after midday on Tuesday January 16. The Police and the Centre for the Prevention of Occupational Hazards are investigating the cause.

Michael Carrington ESTEPONA Town Council is making progress with emergency measures in response to the serious drought situation. They are seeking the necessary authorisation for the construction of both a purification and a desalination plant to obtain water resources for the municipal water supply.

The town council wants to start construction of boreholes to collect brackish water at the mouth of the River Padrón, to supply the municipality in this water emergency situation. This

New water supply Photo: Estepona Town Hall

NIBS EXTRA

25 - 31 January 2024

ESTEPONA: Acting in response to serious drought situation.

infrastructure, which is expected to be operational in spring, will provide a volume of drinking water of

Motorhome menace

BENALMADENA Local Police are ensuring scrupulous compliance with the permitted capacity for motorhomes on the esplanade of Arroyo de la Miel.

Benalmadena Town Hall explained that motorhome tourism is regulated by a local bylaw and said that control is necessary after the maximum permitted capacity was multiplied almost tenfold.

“At some points, 200 vehicles of this type have been counted, while the area is authorised for a maximum of 29 authorised vehicles, which are also obliged to be in rotation as established in a local bylaws,” said the councillor for Mobility, Raúl Campos.

In addition to the controls, the police presence has been increased throughout the area to avoid overcrowding and possible security problems and to enforce the regulations so that it can be accessible at all times to emergency medical vehicles such as ambulances or fire brigades. New signage has been installed and owners of these vehicles have been informed in order to avoid further problems. “We have to strike a balance so that this type of tourism can coexist with the day-to-day life of residents who have always enjoyed this recreational area with their families,” concluded Raúl Campos.

2,900 cubic metres per day to the municipal network, and will contribute 11 per cent of the town’s supply.

The high life FUENGIROLA is the town with the highest life expectancy in Andalucia, according to the National Institute of Statistics. The latest data, recorded in 2021, show that the people who live in the town are the longest-living in the autonomous community, with an average life expectancy of 82.94 years.

“This news confirms that Fuengirola is a town with high levels of well-being and quality of life,” said councillor for Social Welfare, Cristina Bornao.

High and dry TORREMOLINOS Town Hall has begun the work of emptying the lake in the Parque de la Batería so they can use the water for irrigation of endangered botanical species, as a result of the severe drought that plagues the Costa del Sol. Torremolinos has suspended the boat rental service and begun emptying the artificial lake of the Parque de la Batería to alleviate the shortage of water due to the lack of rainfall.

Among the saving measures set out in the lates drought decree, dated December 11, 2023, was the, “prohibition of ornamental or private fountains and lakes, unless they have recirculation systems.”

Estepona is also continuing with the installation of a containerised seawater desalination plant in the area of El Castor river, with a system of photovoltaic power supply panels. This is a water treatment plant that can produce 20,000 cubic metres per day.

The mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, explained these are priority actions that are necessary to guarantee the supply to the population and to preserve the local economy.

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Tyk

BOATING LAKE: Water needed elsewhere.

Therefore, the municipality of Torremolinos has closed the boat rental service of the lake until the Junta de Andalucia authorises its reopening. On Monday, January 22, the lake was emptied and the water will be used for emergency irrigation of trees or other plant species of special interest.

The councillor added that, “without a doubt, the services and activities provided by the town hall, dedicated to all age groups, together with the extraordinary range of leisure, culture and events generated by the private sector, are attracting more and more people to live in the town. From just over 71,000 people living in Fuengirola in 2009, we have grown to more than 85,000 in 2023.

“Fuengirola is the perfect place to establish a life project. It is undoubtedly the best town to live in and to make our dreams come true,” she concluded.

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Selfdefence ON March 23, the sports centre of Arroyo de la Miel is hosting a self-defence course for women, covering basic techniques of how to deal with an attack. The course will be free of charge, all that is required is a donation of two kilos of non-perishable food, which will be donated to the group Las Libélulas.

The councillor for Sports, Alejandro Carretero, accompanied by the councillor for Equality, Jésica Trujillo, presented details of an intensive self-defence course for women which has been promoted by the town hall.

The course will be given by Maximiliano Montiel and Román Luengo, both instructors from the local Doyang Taekwondo club, which has great international prestige.

The Euro Weekly News publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews.com and in its papers than any other English news publication in SPAIN. Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

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euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

Is democracy dead?

VIEWPOINT BILL ANDERSON I’M not saying it is, but just asking the question. Winston Churchill had a lot to say about the democratic process in a world which was very different from the world we inhabit today. “A five-minute conversation with the average voter would make you question the very principle of democracy,” he said. A harsh statement if there ever was one. The Greek roots of the word indicate ‘the rule or power of the people’. Again, I ask the question, ‘Do the ‘people’ feel in charge of the country they live in?’ I think not.

There is no single system of democratic process. In the UK they still use a ‘first past the post’ election system which does allow voters to select the

person they want to represent them and allows individuals to stand independently. Many in the UK have advocated for proportional representation which they claim will be fairer and more representative of the will of the people.

However, even proportional representation is not a unified concept and there are many forms of the beast.

The starting question is, how do we ensure that the best people are put into the political jobs which best match their skillset? Frankly we don’t. Having survived six years in the Spanish political world, I am very clear that the lists presented have little or nothing to do with what candidates have to offer, and everything to do with how many votes

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those in charge feel that candidates can draw from their own community. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that there are no skilled people on these lists or holding positions of responsibility that they are completely capable of doing.

There are some very good people, but you didn’t get the opportunity to decide who went on that list. It’s like going into a restaurant and being told what they are going to serve you: like it or lump it.

In a perfect world, people presenting for office should have altruistic motives, but how many hairdressers or plumbers do you know that can command the salary levels of a politician? Once they are in, they want to stay there. No one

wants to see their lifestyle deteriorate.

The next question I ask is ‘Who actually runs the country?’: the people we elect, or the unelected, shadowy bodies that pull the strings? The European Commission, the World Economic Forum, The World Health Organisation.

Unelected and non-removeable. The more influence and power they have, the further we drift from the democratic process. To what extent are these unelected overlords dictating and determining what our future will look like? We can only guess and speculate.

Giving Churchill the last word, “Democracy is the worst form of government - except for all the others we have tried.” Like it or lump it.

Bill Anderson’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors. bill-anderson@euroweeklynews.com

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PROVERB OF THE WEEK “The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.”

PRINTERS: OMNIPRINT. Thee EWN does not accept responsibility for the following: Claims actions and promises made by advertisers; Errors in advertisements reproduced from poor quality artwork or inadequate instructions for text layout or for any loss or damage caused by any error; Inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement; More than ONE INCORRECT insertion. No republication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement, errors and omissions excepted. EWN Media Group no part of this newspaper may be reproduced without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved / Todos los Derechos reservados.

Dep. Legal MA-74-2004

Basically there are some things that you cannot know until you are older, until you have lived a bit. The clarity of hindsight. This is a quote from poet, Robert Frost.

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euroweeklynews.com II MARBELLA NEWS

Marbella on WhatsApp David Hart THE Marbella Youth Department is launching a WhatsApp channel to provide this sector of the population with direct information of interest to them and to encourage their participation in activities in Marbella and San Pedro. Marbella councillor, Alejandro González, said that with this initiative, “we are taking another step forward so that young people are aware of the things that they can benefit from in this city.”

He also stressed that, “we are not going to send out mass mailings, but only what we understand may be important to them, which is why he has encouraged young people to join this channel.

“Through it, they can find out details of events such as Verano Joven, San

Photo: Marbella Town Hall

YOUTH DEPARTMENT: Is launching a WhatsApp channel.

Juan, Marbepop or Juerga Fest, among others, via their mobile phone,” added the councillor.

This initiative follows the recent announcement that Marbella Town Hall has received the distinction of ‘Municipio Joven’ (Young Municipality) from the Junta de Andalucia for its commitment and support for this sector of the population.

“Marbella and young people go hand in hand and we wanted to recognise the city as a ‘Youth Municipality’ for its great work in this area,” said Alba Ortiz, Director of the Andalucian Youth Institute in Malaga.

Access to the channel is via the link - https:// w h a t s a p p . c o m /c h a n nel/0029VaFVoqECxoB1A 8jf4644

Betting on love CASINO Marbella presents an exciting initiative to celebrate the most romantic week of the year.

This Valentine’s Day, make a difference through an exclusive raffle, giving a couple the opportunity to live an unforgettable night. Casino Marbella is betting on love by raffling an exquisite gourmet dinner in its cosy Restaurant, completing the evening with a dreamy night at the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, available for redemption

between February 14 and 18.

To enter this incredible prize draw, interested parties simply follow Casino Marbella’s social media channels. On Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, they can find all the details and make sure they don’t miss out on the chance to win this memorable experience.

The winning couple will enjoy a delicious dinner at Restaurante Casino Marbella, they will receive a

MARBELLA Town Hall has approved the Urban Development Plan (POU) of the city.

This was announced by the mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, who said that, “there will be a period of 30 working days of public exhibition of the document, which will be available on the municipal website, for citizens and groups to submit their suggestions and our aim is that the initial approval of the plan can be carried out around the summer.”

The councillor said that, “we want it to be a participatory and consensual process that looks to the future and can respond to current needs in order to plan a more sustainable municipality, with more opportunities for access to housing, job creation and

welcome gift along with a glass of cava to toast the special moment. After dinner, they will be presented with a VIP card to join the prestigious Casino Club. To complete the evening in the most magical way, they will spend a night at the renowned Hard Rock Hotel.

Participation in the draw will remain open until February 4, with the name of the winner to be published by Casino Marbella on February 5.

Urban plan a significant improvement in facilities and infrastructure.”

The mayor explained that, “the POU is a fundamental document which is responsible for establishing the detailed planning of all urban land and its challenge is to create an area with more facilities that contribute to the quality of life of the citizens.”

Muñoz concluded by saying that, “the POU proposes new facilities, green areas and a buildability that enables greater access to housing. Marbella offers many opportunities for growth in the future.”

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

25 - 31 January 2024

Brian Bamford MARGERY TAYLOR MBE, President of the Mijas Costa branch of the Royal British Legion, and John Pattison, Chairman of the Alhaurin el Grande branch were welcome guests of the Coin branch on Wednesday January 18.

Thirty-five people and one cat gathered together at Miralmonte to celebrate the branch’s 18th birthday.

To mark the occasion Chairman Jo Taylor baked a fantastic fruit cake which was served with a chocolate cake alternative for those not fond of fruit. The photo shows Chairman Jo Taylor alongside Margery who was honoured to cut the cakes.

Branch chaplain Caroline McFarlane opened the mee-

Photo: Royal British Legion

18th birthday Branch is 18 years old.

ting with a prayer that celebrated 18 years of friendship and support and looked to the future of the branch as a long and happy venture.

Jo Taylor looked back to the first meeting in January 2006 when 40 people turned up, more out of curiosity than anything else. Within

a year the branch had over 100 active members and went from strength to strength. However, she recognised that times have changed and many former members preferred to spend their twilight years with family in the UK so branch numbers were shrinking steadily.

It is fair to say that 2024 will be a challenge for the management committee but they are up to the test and look forward to providing a rewarding environment for friends old and new to meet at Miralmonte on the first and third Wednesday of every month. There is no doubt that the Coin branch of the RBL is a great success and anyone who wants to join will be made very welcome.

BENALMADENA Town Hall has finished the refurbishment of the pedestrian path along the Arroyo del Pantano stream. The 1,200-metre footpath had an investment of more than €162,000 partly paid out of EU Next Generation Funds and a council injection of more than €82,000 of its own funds.

The Arroyo del Pantano Pedestrian Path is a route for outdoor sports (cycling, running, hiking and walking with pets). The work was carried out between October and December and consisted of the development of a path that runs parallel to the right bank of the Arroyo del Pantano stream.

Benalmadena Town Council has completed the refurbishment as part of the call for aid for the implementation of actions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, through the creation or rehabilitation of healthy environments

Photo: Benalmadena Town Hall

Healthy lifestyles

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within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the European Union Next Generation.

The route of the path, with an approximate distance of 1,200 metres, from its northern access, connects an urban area (Av. Arroyo Hondo), with a green space of 21 hectares in which the Ibn Al-Baytar Park is being developed.

Subsidised housing MAYOR of Estepona, José María García Urbano, announced that the town hall has begun the process to carry out a planning modification to obtain land for the construction of some 300 subsidised housing units in the Monterroso area of the town.

The mayor explained

that this is to facilitate access to housing for groups with greater difficulties.

This follows on from the acquisition in 2023 of two municipal plots for the construction of more than 100 subsidised housing units in the area of Camino de Cortes, in the eastern part of the town and he has expressed his

commitment to continue obtaining plots for this type of housing on all new land that is developed for urban development.

Those interested in accessing one of these homes must be registered in the municipal register of housing applicants, which is located in Estepona Town Hall.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

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Brian Bamford FITUR, the International Tourism Fair held in Madrid, once again opens the tourism year. The city of Malaga is at the event in force with a work space in the Andalucia pavilion for the entire autonomous community, in Pavilion 5 of IFEMA. The Malaga delegation, headed by the Mayor, Francisco de la Torre, together with the ccouncillor for Tourism, Jacobo Florido, will be accompanied by 40 co-exhibiting companies, mainly travel agencies, accommodation establishments and other tourism services.

Malaga is attending Fitur with the aim of show-

Malaga at Fitur Charity golf TOURISM FAIR: Malaga will include more than 80 events.

casing the strengthening of some of the most promising segments, such as premium and luxury tourism, food and wine tourism, and congress

ACCIONA has acquired 14 hectares of land next to Sotogrande to develop a 115-room hotel and 100 residential properties linked to the hotel services, a project which has been approved by the town council.

The Los Alamos project involves an investment of more than €100 million and will have a high impact on job creation, both in its development and in its subsequent operation in the neighbourhood.

tourism. In total, Malaga’s visit to Fitur will include more than 80 events.

The Tourism Area will host almost 30 presentations that will take place

€100 million project The mayor of San Roque, Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, welcomed, “the new investment of the real estate division of Acciona in the municipality of San Roque with the acquisition of land next to Sotogrande. This is, in the mayor’s opinion, “a growth

in different areas of the Andalucia pavilion. The presentation of the Sustainable Tourism Plan of the City of Malaga will be one of the main actions of the Tourism Department at Fitur 2024.

Institutions such as Mahos, Aehcos and companies such as Mastercard are also included in the programme of presentations, and other municipal areas such as Culture, Sport and Festivities will be present to promote events and upcoming programmes.

for tourism, a growth for real estate activity and for the construction sector.”

He publicly expressed his support for the project, “because for the government of San Roque the priority is the creation of employment and above all the permanent employment that will result from the construction of this new hotel, which will provide more than 250 hotel beds in these 115 rooms of a new hotel.”

THE Karama Golf Tournament is one of the most eagerly awaited sporting events for golf enthusiasts in the municipality of Casares and the whole region, offering the opportunity to play the exceptional Finca Cortesín course at an affordable price.

Rated among Spain’s best golf courses, the relationship between the natural Mediterranean landscape and environment on the resort’s world-class 18hole championship course make it a course everyone wants to play.

The event is organised by the Casarean association of friendship with the Sahrawi people to raise funds for the refugees in the Tindouf camps.

The traditional championship will take place on Sunday February 10 at the Finca Cortesin facilities. There will be two categories with simultaneous tee-off for all participants at 9.30am. Places are limited, the registration fee of €125 per participant includes green fee and buggy. Book early, for contact details see the website https://www.fincacortesin.com.

Photo: Casares Town Hall

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Photo: Malaga Provincial Council

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FINCA CORTESÍN: One of Spain’s best golf courses.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

Torremolinos Pride

Photo: blog.turismotorremolinos.es

PRIDE OF TORREMOLINOS: Last year around 70,000 people attended.

Brian Bamford THE Junta de Andalucia has declared the Pride of Torremolinos as an Event of Tourist Interest in Andalucia. This declaration grants the right to include it in promotional activities and to be the object of specific promotional work by the Regional Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Through Pride, the aim is to favour the elimination of gender stereotypes and promote real equality between men and women and to contribute to the good tourist image of Andalucia. To this end, Torremolinos Town Hall will periodically carry out actions to promote the event as a tourist attraction.

The mayor of Torremolinos, Margarita del Cid said that she values “the declaration of the Pride of Torremolinos as an Event of

Tourist Interest in Andalucia. It is a further step in the recognition of a great event that promotes many values and that also contributes to consolidate our town as a tourist mecca due to the internationalisation of the event.”

Del Cid also said that this milestone favours the elimination of gender stereotypes, promotes real equality between men and women and other values that encourage Torremolinos as a tourist destination, sustainable, accessible and promoting equality.

Torremolinos Pride will celebrate its ninth edition this year, which will take place on May 30 and 31 and June 1. Last year’s celebration brought an economic return of around €88 million and an estimated 70,000 attendees.

25 - 31 January 2024

BIOPARC Fuengirola has opened registrations for the ‘Jungle Adventurers’ children’s camp that will take place during Semana Blanca.

Bioparc is launching activities for the youngest members of the family to get to know the species that live there. This camp will take place over four days, February 26, 27 and 29 and March 1.

In a fun way, the children will learn about respect, conservation and love for FUENGIROLA Town Hall is undertaking the complete repair of the Armada Bridge. The Mayor Ana Mula, visited the repair work on this infrastructure, which will soon be completed.

“The Armada Bridge is an emblem of the city and has been in existence for more than 15 years. Its proximity to the sea, with the consequent corrosion caused by salt, the humidity of the river and the passage of time had caused deterioration,” said the mayor.

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Jungle adventurers nature and the animals that live in it. Accompanied by the Education Department, they will experience firsthand the routine of some of the teams that make up Bioparc Fuengirola, such as Zoology, Herpetology and Exhibitions.

Children, aged six to 12 years old, who want to enjoy a Semana Blanca holiday immersed in nature can do so through a full programme of activities that will

Armada Bridge The work now focuses on tightening the steel strips that support the platform and the general repainting of the footbridge. Another of the tasks is the renovation of its lighting using low consumption LED technology. “Very soon we will have a practically brand-new bridge,” said the mayor.

be a unique opportunity to experience life in the jungle and discover all the animal and plant species that live in this conservation centre on the Costa del Sol. The camp is designed for all children who are passionate about nature and animals.

Registrations should be made through the website www.bioparcfuengirola.es the experience costs from €125 for four days.

This pedestrian footbridge, which connects the Sohail Castle area with the Paseo Marítimo, was designed by Fhecor Ingenieros and entered into service in 2006. However, it did not acquire its current name until October 2008, when, on the occasion of some manoeuvres carried out by the minehunter ‘Tajo’ in which its commander handed over the combat flag to the city, it was renamed Puente de la Armada (Armada Bridge).

10 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Town of witches Credit: Soportujar Facebook

John Smith ON the face of it, the village of Soportujar in the central part of the Alpujarra region of Granada is just like any other small community in the mountainous area.

In actual fact, it has gained notoriety by positioning itself as the home of witches and the entire tiny municipality invites visitors to enjoy the slightly spooky feeling as you walk through the narrow winding streets not knowing what you are going to see next.

Soportujar can trace its history back to the 13th century and was occupied at one stage by the Moors and then became firmly Christian and despite the façade of paganism still recognises all of the Catholic feast days.

There is a history of fables about witches and other supernatural beings, but a little like the Blue Smurf village of Juzcar, someone thought that to amplify the supernatural

MACABRE ATTRACTIONS: A huge spider greets visitors.

side of the village would be good for tourism and the local economy, so the Town of Witches was born in 2007.

As well as numbers, houses invariably have a witch on her broomstick, the central fountain features witches, snakes appear out of walls, there are broomsticks to take selfies on, somehow Hansel and Gretel’s house made of sweets has found its way there and a giant spider commands one wall.

There are plenty of other

macabre attractions including several black cats as well as shops selling all that a budding young witch might need and imagine what the town is like come Halloween!

Parking may be a bit difficult and there aren’t too many places to stay or indeed eat but any young lover of Hogwarts or the supernatural in general will be a much happier sightseer than if you just visit one of those pretty, but possibly bland, simple white villages.

Emotional tributes TRIBUTES have come flooding in on the news of the death of Marbella based businessman Chris McCarthy.

Chris passed away last week aged 66.

Chris was the co-founder of Viva Estates in the late 1990s, a venture which transformed the Real Estate sector on the Costa del Sol and beyond. In its heyday, Viva Estates employed over 300 people and its offices reached from Sotogrande to Denia.

Suzie Morrit was Chris’ PA for six years and holds extremely fond memories.

She highlights the constant acts of kindness shown by Chris, done in secret with no wish for recognition. “He’s gone too soon,” she said holding back the tears.

Pat Atridge worked with him for many years and he recalls “He was a superb salesman and marketer, but so down to earth at the same time. He will be missed.”

Jason Godwin, businessman and co-founder of the Mayan Monkey said, “He was super charismatic. When you were in his presence you felt that you were with someone who came from a different mould. He put his life and soul into everything he did.”

Louise Kilpatrick worked with him over many years. “He was a big charac-

Chris McCarthy in his element.

ter, with an infectious sense of humour.”

Everyone agreed that Chris was a people person and not just a boss. He took a personal interest in everyone. He was big hearted, kind and generous.

The other universal theme was how many people were given their first big opportunity from Chris, and their starting point in life and careers through his excellent training and constant support.

He was a powerhouse of energy.

Chris is survived by his wife, Mandy, and his two children Connor, and Ellie.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS/FEATURE

Classics in Malaga

ON the last weekend of January, from 26 to 28, the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Malaga (FYCMA) will host the 11th edition of Retro Malaga, the most outstanding Classic, Vintage and Collection Vehicle Show in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.

This annual event will bring together leading exponents of the world of classic vehicles, exhibiting everything from impressive two and four-wheeled gems to stands specialising in spare parts, accessories, gifts and sales and purchase areas.

With a total of 11,000 m² of exhibition space and over 6,000 m² of covered parking, Retro Malaga promises to be a highly attractive event, featuring models spanning all eras.

One of the most captivating aspects of the show is undoubtedly the classic car parking area. In this space, enthusiasts come with

RETRO MALAGA: Visit the world of classic vehicles.

their own vehicles, contributing to the exhibition.

This unique aspect of the event adds a special touch to the gathering, where enthusiasts can share their love of classics and become an active part of the Retro Malaga experience.

As always, another of the great points of interest of the show will be its varied classic parking, which will bring together all visitors who come to Retro Malaga at the wheel of

their own classic vehicle.

This parking will be divided into two areas, indoor and outdoor, and only vehicles of at least 30 years old will be able to access with their respective tickets, which will be on sale online and at the main ticket office during the event.

Attendees will be able to enjoy a discount on this ticket for a maximum of two occupants per vehicle.

General entrance tickets are €10 at the venue’s ticket office.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Finland del Sol Kevin Fraser Park FUENGIROLA has long been known locally as ‘little Finland, and in Finland, Fuengirola is known as the country’s most southerly town.

It has a lot to do with the Finnish airline Finnair, which made this Costa del Sol town as its first destination in Spain. This led, over time, to the establishment of a small colony here; according to the Viajar portal it’s the largest Finnish colony in the world.

When this air route between Finland and Fuengirola was set up, the country was going through the process of independence, a situation that led many of its citizens to travel to other places and finding Fuengirola, its sun, its beaches and its quality of life.

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Olaf Tausch

14 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

FUENGIROLA: Loved for its sun, beaches and quality of life.

And this led many of these Finns to settle in the province of Malaga.

There are just over 5,000 Finnish inhabitants living in Fuengirola according to the latest census data, with a large presence in the neighbourhood of Los Pacos. In fact, the link between Fuengirola and Finland is so strong that in

many supermarkets and food shops there are plenty of Finnish products.

The area also attracts many tourists from the country and Fuengirola is consolidating its position as a top tourist destination for Finns by promoting itself at the Matka International Tourism Fair being held in January 2024 in Helsinki.

The best days

TORREMOLINOS aims to become ‘the best days of the year’ in its new tourist promotional campaign at Fitur, the International Tourism Fair.

The mayor, Margarita del Cid, has been in charge of the launch of the promotion, which has a double objective.

On the one hand, it is a thank you to all those who consider Torremolinos their home, it is also an invitation to, “experience the best days of the year, to share, to experience, to disconnect, to connect, to really feel and to break with routine. The best days of the year that are already part of our memories and our way of being and feeling; but above all, the best days that are yet to come,” explained Del Cid. This slogan is also targeted at those who do not know Torremolinos because, “the town awaits them with open arms,” according to the mayor, who also took the opportunity to say that the municipality experienced the best tourist year in its history thanks to more than five million overnight stays.

Photo: Torremolinos Town Hall

TORREMOLINOS: New tourist campaign.

“We come to Fitur with a full agenda of promotional activities in which we will address the diversity of our tourist destination,” she said. The mayor has set herself the challenge for 2024 to surpass the figures of 2023.

16 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024 IS your kitchen feeling the impact of soaring olive oil prices? According to recent trends, the high prices look set to continue. 2024 has seen a dramatic surge in the cost of this staple commodity, fuelled by a combination of climatic challenges and international trade restrictions.

The new year has brought with it an unexpected and

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Record olive oil prices sharp rise in olive oil prices.

The core of this surge is found in Andalucia.

Andalucia is currently grappling with severe drought conditions which has made the problem worse. Turkey, which ranked third in global olive oil production last year, has imposed export limita-

tions. Both these issues have contributed significantly to the market’s instability.

In Jaen, the heartland of Spain’s olive oil production, prices have reached a staggering €9 per kilogram for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). This represents a 20 per cent increase, marking a significant shift from the price drops observed between October and November.

Comparing current prices to those of previous years, the escalation becomes even more stark. EVOO in Jaen is now 70 per cent more expensive than it was one year ago, and a staggering 260 per cent higher than two years ago.

The olive oil industry is witnessing a shift in its traditional production strongholds.

Castilla-La Mancha is gaining prominence, overtaking regions like Granada and Malaga in production. This change is reshaping the landscape of Spain’s olive oil market.

This development, along with production trends in countries like Portugal, Italy, and Greece, is reshaping the global olive oil supply chain.

British voting rights THE issue of voting as a resident in Spain still seems to be causing some confusion among the resident British community.

A reader’s question is ‘Do Brits with TIE, but temporary residency, get a vote at all?’

Predictably, there is not a short answer to this, but let’s take one at a time.

European elections: the simple answer is no you can’t. Even with a temporary TIE you are considered a full resident in Spain, and as the UK is no longer a member of the EU, we are not permitted. Having Spanish residency does not entitle us to the same voting rights as a native Spaniard.

Spanish elections: the only Spanish elections TIE holders may be able to vote in are Spanish local elections (for local councils). Once a person has been resident for three

VOTING RIGHTS: Where you can and cannot vote.

years, they do have the right to vote in Council elections, and given that the next are in May 2027, anyone who currently hold a TIE, even if it is still ‘temporary’ will be eligible.

Having said this, British residents have to register to vote in a very short timescale prior to each election. In the 2023 elections, it was around six weeks from early December to mid-January. Presumably these dates will be

announced on an election by election basis. These are the only elections we can vote in in Spain.

UK elections: Additionally, you will still have the right to vote in UK elections. The UK government has just removed the exclusion for people who have been away from the UK for more than 15 years, so all Brits living in Spain, or elsewhere, will be able to vote in UK national elections.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

25 - 31 January 2024

MORE January discount packages have been announced with Renfe’s latest offer being just the ticket.

Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, has rolled out an enticing offer for senior travellers.

Starting from Monday, January 22, and running until Sunday, January 28, the company is providing a substantial discount on train tickets for those holding its Gold Card.

For a nominal fee of €6, travellers over the age of 60 can obtain the Renfe Gold Card. This personal and non-transferable card is the key to unlocking numerous travel discounts throughout the year.

The current promotion offers a significant price reduction of up to 30 per cent on select train services.

This special discount applies to several train categories, enhancing travel options for seniors. Eligible

Credit: V_E/shutterstock.com

Affordable travel

RENFE OFFER: More destinations at an affordable price.

services include AVE, Long Distance, and International AVE trains connecting Spain and France.

Renfe’s statement encourages travellers to take advantage of this offer: “Advance the purchase of your tickets for your 2024 getaways and get the best price with the Gold Card.

“We offer you all the destinations and train plans to forget about Christmas commitments and travel for pure pleasure.

“Discover our selection of winter getaways and

buy your tickets now with a 30 per cent discount thanks to the Gold Card.

Nobody gives you more!”

The Gold Card isn’t just for this week’s promotion. Throughout the year, it offers a standing 25 per cent discount on various services, including AVE, AVE International between Spain and France, and Long Distance trains.

This makes it an invaluable asset for senior travellers looking to explore these destinations at a more affordable price.

IN a major overhaul of its food aid system, Spain is transitioning from distributing food baskets to issuing supermarket cash cards.

This significant change, taking effect from May 2024, will impact families in need across Spain.

This new approach is designed to combat child poverty, with eligibility limited to families with dependent children earning less than 40 per cent of the average income.

According to government estimates, around 70,000 families are set to benefit from this initiative.

“We dignify social protection so that families do not have to go to the hunger lines,” stated Minister Pablo Bustinduy.

The new system allocates funds directly onto cards or vouchers, which families can use in supermarkets.

This method allows beneficiaries greater choice and dignity in selecting their groceries. The allocated amounts, will range from €130 to €220 per month based on family size.

Initially, the Red Cross will oversee the management of

EWN 17

Facing the food crisis

these cards, including their production and distribution through agreements with supermarkets.

The funds on the cards will be proportional to the number of people in the family unit, varying from €130 for a two-person family to €220 for families of five or more.

The new card system, part of the European Social Fund Plus programme, boasts a budget of €619.3 million for 2021-2027.

Fesbal, the food bank federation, has expressed concerns the system might overlook certain groups, such as those with very low pensions.

18 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWSDESK

NEWS ACROSS THE REGIONS FROM THE PEOPLE’S PAPER COSTA BLANCA NORTH

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

ALMERIA

THE Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport has started on a project to expand and renovate its main duty-free shop.

The shop location is the first one encountered by passengers after passing through security.

This initiative aims to enhance the overall travel experience by incorporating an innovative design and a more appealing commercial selection.

The expansion will result in a new 2,640 m2 store, an increase of 577 m2 from its current size.

The revamped duty-free store will feature distinct sections for perfumery and cosmetics, accessories, international food, local products, liquors, souvenirs, and more.

Introducing new brands and a contemporary approach, with a significant emphasis on digital formats, aims to provide a more engaging and up-to-date shopping experience.

To minimise the impact on passenger traffic, the renovation and expansion work is being carried out in three phases,

2024 sees the start of a new chapter for the doggy charity Protectora SAT Animal Rescue as it celebrates over 30 years of dedication to canine welfare in the Alicante Province.

Image: Protectora SAT Animal Rescue Having saved and improved Staff and volunteers at the lives of 10,000 dogs, the orProtectora SAT Animal. ganisation’s most significant move to the San Isidro site is now a reality after facing challenges at its previous location.

Commencing the construction in phases due to budget constraints, phase 1 was completed with 16 kennels, offices, storage rooms, a vet’s room, a room for sick animals, staff facilities, and a kitchen. Amid weather challenges and collective efforts, the move-in date was set for mid-January, enhancing the dogs’ quality of life with increased space.

MANY residents and frequent visitors of Mojacar will know Debby from Wacky Barbers. She always has a smile for her customers, and loves a good chat in the chair!

This March, in 2024, Debby Courtnage will be taking part in the Barcelona Marathon, where she will be running the race in aid of the Paws Patas animal shelter, who as many are aware are currently in desperate need of funds.

Euro Weekly News spoke to Debby, who is originally from St Albans in the UK and moved to the sunny shores of Mojacar 18 years ago. She explained to us that this was her second time competing in the marathon. “I am training my heart out, it’s a five day a week schedule and it’s definitely a challenge!” She chose Paws Patas is that “they really need it at the moment”, and hopes this will make a real difference to the charity.

Let’s make every running step count for this determined and generous lady! To donate to her cause visit www.gofund me.com/f/barcelona-marathon-for-paws-patas-mojacar.

CALIDA

AXARQUIA

MALLORCA

THE Cartagena Town Hall has announced all the details for this year’s Carnival celebrations. Set to unfold from February 3 to 12, this spectacular event, deemed of Regional Tourist Interest, comes with a substantial €230,000 investment from the city council.

In a glittering presentation at the Consistorial Palace on January 19, Mayor Noelia Arroyo, unveiled the thrilling line-up.

The Official Marquee will return to Plaza Juan XXIII, promising a 10-day carnival extravaganza starting on February 9, kicking off at 8.30pm. Key events include the Grand Carnival Parade on February 10 at 6pm, a school parade, and a costume contest with cash prizes at 10pm also on February 9.

Don’t miss the ‘Ciudad de Cartagena’ Chirigotas Competition, a traditional Spanish musical and theatrical contest at El Batel Theatre on February 8 and 9, a charity gala on January 7 also at El Batel in aid of the Cruz Roja, and the ceremonial farewell on February 13, culminating with a fiery display of fireworks.

For a complete breakdown of the programme go to www.car tagena.es.

THE Costa del Sol Axarquia Municipalities Consortium is set to make a splash at Fitur 2024 (the International Tourism Fair) with its campaign, ‘The Secret of Good Living,’ targeting both the general public and industry professionals. President Jorge Martín emphasised the region’s exceptional destination appeal, rooted in its diverse landscape and privileged location within Andalucia and the province of Malaga.

The Axarquia stands out for its varied offerings, from the charm of white villages and blue flag beaches to natural parks, historical heritage, local cuisine, and a plethora of outdoor activities, according to Vice President Jesús Pérez Atencia. In a sustainable move Axarquia is going digital, the region has introduced QR codes for tourist information, abandoning traditional paper brochures.

Notably, the campaign will also be highlighted on two giant screens in Plaza Callao, near Gran Vía in the centre of Madrid, featuring a 10-second looped TV spot throughout the week, reaching an audience of over five million people.

ON Friday January 19, the President of the Chinese Association of the Balearic Islands, (ACHINIB) Fanh Ji announced the Chinese New Year Programme.

The start of the New Year is February 10, but the announcement was made to coincide with the launch of a special ONCE lottery ticket celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Dragon.

Also in attendance at the ceremony held in the Cort (home of the Palma Council) were Mayor Jaime Martínez and representatives of the ONCE charity.

The main celebration will take place in Palma on Sunday February 11 and there will be a selection of stalls and cultural events being held in Pere Garau.

With an estimated 3,500 Chinese residents in Palma, this is an opportunity for many of them to get together and share their culture with other nationalities.

According to tradition, those born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be blessed with power, vigour, and charm as well as being born leaders who encourage and inspire others.

Duty-Free

Cartagena carnival

LIFE seems to be slowly returning to what is normal on the Costas after the turn of year festivities.

The charitable organisations are resuming their work, and people are turning their faces to the year ahead. Despite a bit of rain, the Andalucian Premier, Juanma Moreno is still urging great caution in the use of water.

He predicts that we will need 30 days of rain to bring the reservoirs to the level needed to ensure sufficient water for the summer and the expected influx of visitors and residential tourists. Barcelona has also issued similar warnings

Pawesome new chapter

Tourism spotlight

Sprinting star

Lunar New Year

The People’s Paper if substantial rain doesn’t fall within the next days.

This places a responsibility on all of us to limit our consumption of water in any way we can. This is not just for the tourists, but also for the benefit of all of us who live here.

On the separate, but related, subject of tourists, the Spanish Tourist Board has published figures for tourism in 2023 and infor-

ms us that 84 million tourists visited Spain during the year.

Of course, this is vital for the Spanish economy, not to mention for the thousands of small businesses which support families.

The scarier part of this, however, is the target of 100 million tourists.

There is a lot of talk, and it is only talk, of sustainable tourism.

How are water shortages and in-

creased tourism phrases we can use in the same sentence? How much of this income is going to pay off the Spanish national debt, and how much is being invested in infrastructure to make these proposed increases in tourism sustainable.

Or, is Spain a very popular taxi driver who is always in demand to the extent that he/she doesn’t even bother to get the vehicle serviced

until one day, it just doesn’t start?

Olive oil is a sacred form of liquid gold in Spain. Purchasing it in five litre containers and using it abundantly is a way of life, but with people often struggling to make ends meet, how will many afford the €60 for their staple?

Apart from the simple and proven health benefits of olive oil, it makes the diet Mediterranean.

Drier summers have reduced the amount of olive oil produced and we have seen a 165 per cent increase in price over the last three years, selling, at the moment, in the range of € 12 per litre.

Costa Blanca North • Costa Blanca South • Costa Almeria • Costa Calida • Axarquia • Mallorca • Costa del Sol

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20 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

IRELAND Two graces A STATUE of Mayo’s legendary pirate queen Grace O’Malley was unveiled in Newport, which is promoting itself as the ‘Town of the Two Graces’. The sculpture joins the statue inaugurated by Prince Albert of Monaco in 2023 in honour of his mother, Grace Kelly, whose grandfather left Newport for the US in 1887.

Battery injury A GP apologised and the Health Service Executive paid €220,000 compensation to the mother of a 14-month-old boy from Tuam (County Galway) who swallowed a button battery which burnt his oesophagus and trachea. This was lodged in his throat for nine days before an X-ray was carried out and it was removed.

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS BELGIUM Organ honour ANDERLECHT craftsman Johan Deblieck has been commissioned to build a ‘positive’ organ to celebrate the reopening of Notre-Dame in late 2024. Deblieck is a recognised expert in making these small, portable organs and constructed a similar instrument for the Bach Archive in Leipzig (Germany) in 2001.

Stuck fast SEBASTIAN STRIEGEL, a Green Party MP in the national parliament, was hurt during a Last Generation climate demonstration in Halle (Saxony-Anhalt). Striegel was not taking part but suffered minor injuries when a car mounted the pavement to avoid demonstrators who had glued themselves to the road.

School lunches

JOHAN DEBLIECK: The Belgian craftsman is a ‘positive’ expert.

ITALY

GERMANY

Photo credit: VRT.be

FRANCE

THE Nutrition in Transition Council, created in May 2023, presented Bundestag Speaker Bärbel Bas with a list of recommendations to improve public health and promote healthy eating. Free lunches for all state-school pupils topped the list, as healthy food ‘was often too dear for economically-disadvantaged families’.

DENMARK

Wildlife peril

DNA clues

Not for me

Adoptions veto

A TOTAL of 68,592 animals were killed on Sweden’s roads and railway tracks in 2023, an increase of almost 3,000 on 2022, the National Wildlife Accident Council said.

Most occurred in Vastra Gotaland in western Sweden and generally involved deer although incidents affecting elk were becoming more common.

DOG owners living in Bolzano Province must pay €65 to test their pet’s DNA after which the results will be uploaded to a data base enabling the authorities to trace animals responsible for depositing poo on local streets. Once a dog has been identified, its owner will face a fine of between €292 and €1,048.

THE Social Affairs ministry suspended adoptions from the six countries currently cooperating with the Danish International Adoption Agency (DIA) following reports of irregularities. Although the DIA is at present processing 36 adoptions from abroad, no information was given regarding the outcome of these cases.

Modern piracy

Green corridor

NEW Education minister Amelie Oudea-Castera was criticised for educating her three sons at Stanislas, an exclusive private school described by Le Monde as “Catholic, elitist and conservative.” The minister upset teachers by claiming she had been “frustrated” by the state system’s shortages and unreliable cover for absent teachers.

TWENTY-FIVE per cent of Sweden’s population access television programmes and films via illegal media services, up from 20 per cent in 2022, a Mediavision survey found. This rose to 50 per cent amongst young people and was costly for the industry, Mediavision analyst Natalia Borelius said.

THE government agreed to fund a feasibility study to construct a pipeline transporting green hydrogen from Morocco to Italy.

The project is promoted by MP Debora Serracchiani (Democratic Party) who pointed out that it would boost sustainable energy while strengthening commercial links with Morocco.

NORWAY

THE NETHERLANDS

Office-bound EMPLOYEES wanting to work exclusively from home had “absolutely no attachment, passion or creativity” according to L’Oreal’s chief executive Nicolas Hieronimus. L’Oreal employees are expected to work from the office for three days a week, which was “vital” for creativity and company profits, Hieronimus said.

FINLAND

Watch watched THOSE in the know noticed that Denmark’s King Frederik wore an Omega Seamaster 300M watch which, apart from its hefty price tag, did not entirely blend in with his ceremonial uniform. The watch, said to be his favourite, was a unit watch given to Frederik by fellow officers during his time in the Navy.

PORTUGAL

Good starters

Best medicine

Flight plans

Times-past

VEHICLE rescue service company Viking had to attend many more callouts than usual during the recent severe weather conditions, mainly to solve battery problems for drivers unable to start their cars.

Only 13 per cent of electric vehicles had difficulties compared to 87 per cent of fossil fuel vehicles, Viking revealed.

RESEARCH by Hanneke van der Wal-Huismana showed that live music helped people recover from surgery faster, she found.

Music played for Groningen hospital patients, especially the elderly after an operation, not only cheered them up but helped to normalise the heart rate and blood pressure while reducing pain.

A TOTAL of 1.8 million passengers used Finnish airports in December 2023, Statistics Finland announced, 7 per more than 2022, but 20 per cent lower than in pre-pandemic December 2019. Passengers on domestic flights increased by 2 per cent and on international flights by 9 per cent compared with December 2022.

PLAQUES highlighting Lisbon’s part in the slave trade and Portugal’s African history have been installed in different parts of the city. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, more than six million Africans were captured and transported in Portuguese ships to be sold as slaves, mainly in Brazil.

Right choice

In a hurry

Few babies

PRIME MINISTER Jonas Gahr Store defended his choice of Anniken Huitfeldt as Norway’s US Ambassador despite having sacked her as Foreign minister owing to conflict with her husband’s business interests. Future US ambassadors should have a political background rather than diplomatic experience, Store insisted.

A MOTHER-TO-BE on her way to hospital in the early hours of January 17 had to pull over on a roundabout seven kilometres away from the hospital when it was clear the baby would arrive before she did. Assisted by her midwife mother and police officers, she delivered a healthy boy without complications.

FINLAND’S birthrate declined noticeable in 2023, especially in the Uusimaa region covered by Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) where if fell by 1.5 per cent. The dip in births was more rapid than expected, raising government concerns regarding population trends and their implications for the country’s future.

Try harder PORTUGAL has made little progress in preventing corruption amongst MPs, judges and public prosecutors, the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body GRECO wrote in a report published on January 15. Three of GRECO’s 15 recommendations had been applied so far but 12 were yet to be implemented.

FINANCE BUSINESS EXTRA Fired up

BRITAIN’S last coal-fired power station which is still active, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, helped to produce 3.4 per cent of all the electricity produced in the country as temperatures plummeted recently. The largest share since November 2023 was registered on Monday January 15, the Energy Dashboard statistics revealed.

AI okayed

FORTY-SIX per cent of Spanish firms now use artificial intelligence (AI) for some tasks, a study carried out for the Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) revealed. Only two companies said that they had reduced staff after introducing AI, compared with 8 per cent who said they had increased personnel.

No sweat

PRICEY British sportswear label Sweaty Betty, which was bought by the US group Wolverine World in 2021, reported a loss of £5.1 million (€5.9 million) for the year ending January 2023.

Sales fell 8.5 per cent to £167.7 million while profits dipped to £66 million (€76.9 million) from £94.5 million (€110.2 million).

Pay rise

TELEFONICA and the unions agreed to a 3.1 per cent wage increase and a €150 bonus for 2024, as well as a reduction in the working week from 37.5 to 36 hours that comes into effect in 2026. Plans include reducing the workforce by 3,421 employees, with the “possibility” of further redundancies.

Back to black

OCADO RETAIL has returned to the black after its “highest-ever” level of Christmas selling with more than 90 per cent of its peak delivery slots taken by mid-October. Sales rose almost 11 per cent to £609.4 million (€710.5 million) in the three months to November 26, 2023, its fourth quarter of growth.

22

euroweeklynews.com • 25 - 31 January 2024

STAT OF WEEK

€5.7 billion

in losses for the Spanish economy each year owing to counterfeited goods that are sold in shops and online and also endanger 44,700 jobs.

Magnificent Seven

Linda Hall IBERDROLA is back amongst the world’s 500 leading brands after having dropped out in 2022.

Each year, Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy, analyses 5,000 globally important companies which it classifies according to sector and country.

The consultancy then lists the 500 most companies it considers to be the strongest and most financially valuable. This year, they once again included Iberdrola which occupied

Photo credit: Flickr/World Economic Forum/Boris Baldinger

ANA BOTIN: Chair of Santander, Spain’s strongest company.

453rd place in the rankings.

The multinational energy company was preceded by Santander, Zara, Movistar, BBVA, Mercadona and CaixaBank.

Santander was ranked

INFLATION in the UK rose unexpectedly to 4 per cent in December owing to higher alcohol and tobacco prices.

This was the first increase in 10 months after City economists had predicted a 3.8 per cent December figure following November’s 3.9 per cent.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the annual inflation rate increase was influenced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s increases on alcohol and tobacco duty in his Autumn Statement, with prices rising by 9.6 per cent and 16 per cent respectively on the year.

The ONS’ chief economist Grant Fitzner pointed out that higher drinks and cigarette prices were partially offset by falling food inflation.

Magic wand SIR DAVE LEWIS, former chief executive of Tesco, has joined Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), private equity owner of Morrisons. Sir Dave has been brought in to boost the supermarket chain as it fights to regain its market share three years after CD&R acquired it for £10 billion (€11.6 billion).

The experienced retailer reshaped Tesco’s fortunes during his time as its chief executive between 2014 and 2020 and CD&R now hope that he can do the same for Morrisons, which has lost its spot as Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket. This is now occupied by Aldi whose discount prices lured consumers hit by the cost-of-living crisis.

in 101st place - up from 116 in 2023, with Brand Finance concluding that its value increased by 8 per cent thanks to its increased net profits.

The bank chaired by Ana Botin was followed

by Zara (120), Movistar (290), BBV (316), Mercadona (395) and Caixabank (404).

Energy and petrochemical firm Repsol, included in the 2023 listings, was absent from this year’s Brand Finance Global 500.

Between them, Spain’s seven leading companies are worth €62.5 billion, 12 per cent more than in 2023.

Apple took first place with a value of €482.1 billion, ahead of Microsoft ((€317.8 billion) and Google ((€311.2 billion).

Dead letters

ROYAL MAIL announced that it could need a government subsidy to prevent the postal service from going under.

The company lost £319 million (€372.1 million) in the first six months of its financial year, £100 million (€116.6 million) up on the same period in 2022.

There had been such an acute falloff in sending letters that it was no longer feasible to maintain a delivery network built for 20 billion letters when the company now handled seven billion, Royal Mail’s chief executive Martin Seidenberg said.

At the current rate this would decline to four billion within five years, he warned.

Aldi Inflation surprise expansion

Prices had still risen, he said, but they went up “at a much lower rate” than in December 2022.

There was little change in the price of factory-produced goods while raw materials were lower than in 2022,

Fitzner added.

Fuel prices dipped by 10.8 per cent in the year ending in December 2023, compared with a decline of 10.6 per cent in the year to November after a fall in petrol and diesel prices.

Services inflation rose a little from 6.1 per cent to 6.2 per cent but core inflation, which did not include items including energy, food, alcohol or tobacco, remained - against expectations - unchanged at 5.1 per cent.

City experts said this would come under scrutiny from the Bank of England as Threadneedle Street’s next bank rate decision is due on February 1 although a reduction was likely to be delayed until May.

IAG-Air Europa

Grifols angst

Photo credit: ReneSchulze1984

TOBACCO: Increased duty affected December inflation.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUP (IAG) is resigned to a full-scale European Union investigation into its plans to buy Spain’s Air Europa. The company, which owns British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus amongst others, announced in February 2023 that it would pay €400 million for the 80 per cent of Air Europa that it did not already own.

The company will now offer remedies and divest assets to allay the EU regulators’ concerns, IAG’s chief executive Luis Gallego said on January 16.

“This will allow them to fully assess the viability and relevance of our proposals,” Gallego said.

The IAG-Air Europa deal is one of several in the airline sector, as Lufthansa in Germany currently pursues a minority holding in Italy’s state-owned ITA Airways while Korean Air seeks to buy Asiana.

BIOTEST has left beleaguered Grifols with debts of €2 billion without contributing anything in the way of profits.

The Barcelona-based pharmaceuticals company acquired its German rival in April 2022 after issuing €2 billion in bonds to fund the ‘strategic transaction’.

The company, now under attack from short seller Gotham City Research, expected Biotest to make a major contribution to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation in 2024.

Up to 2023’s third quarter the operation has brought only negative results, with Biotest responsible for just €367 million of Grifols €4.82 billion earnings up to the end of 2023’s last quarter.

THE German retail chain operated 435 stores in Spain by late 2023 and will open 50 more in 2024.

Most are located in Andalucia, the Madrid Community, Valencian Community and Catalonia, the same regions where half the new stores will be located, Aldi revealed.

Others are planned for the Canary Islands, where Aldi arrived in 2022, although the low-cost chain intends to strengthen its existing market position in the Basque Region, Galicia, Cantabria and Castilla y Leon.

There are also plans for further supermarkets in Murcia, Baleares and Extremadura, Aldi said.

Help at hand

MIKE DANSON, the New Statesman’s multimillionaire owner, has injected millions into the magazine as losses accumulate. Since buying the political weekly 15 years ago, Danson had loaned £30 million (€35 million) to the parent company by late 2022 and continued bailing out the publication in 2023.

His holding company’s recently-filed accounts revealed £6.1 million (€7.1 million) losses in 2022 and debts totalling £34.4 million (€40.1 million).

A rescue strategy is in place and Danson has pledged to secure the New Statesman’s future, the Telegraph reported.

24 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 22 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.358,00.............+32,00........... +1,38%.......... 61,20K Admiral Group.............................2.518,0...............+17,0............ +0,68%........... 7,49K Airtel Africa................................. 128,60................+1,30............ +1,02%.......... 47,15K Anglo American...........................1.806,8...............+20,2............ +1,13%......... 243,48K Antofagasta................................1.593,50..............+2,00............ +0,13%.......... 85,23K Ashtead Group............................4.868,0...............+19,0............ +0,39%.......... 41,63K Associated British Foods.............2.264,0................ -6,0..............-0,26%........... 59,38K AstraZeneca...............................10.540,0.............+108,0........... +1,03%......... 189,69K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 714,40................+4,20............ +0,59%.......... 48,08K Aviva........................................... 433,00................+6,00............ +1,41%......... 240,14K B&M European Value Retail SA... 525,20................+0,40............ +0,08%......... 127,68K BAE Systems..............................1.181,00..............+2,50............ +0,21%......... 195,64K Barclays...................................... 142,24................+1,52............ +1,08%...........1,41M Barratt Developments................. 528,20................+4,00............ +0,76%......... 147,08K Beazley........................................ 511,50................+6,00............ +1,19%.......... 89,29K Berkeley......................................4.776,0...............+44,0............ +0,93%.......... 12,92K BP............................................... 447,90................+3,65............ +0,82%...........2,53M British American Tobacco...........2.326,0...............+37,0............ +1,62%......... 196,14K BT Group.................................... 115,20................+0,80............ +0,70%......... 628,58K Bunzl...........................................3.243,8...............+14,8............ +0,46%.......... 10,61K Burberry Group...........................1.231,2................+1,2............. +0,10%.......... 67,81K Centrica....................................... 139,75................+0,05............ +0,04%......... 700,09K Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.345,0...............+11,0............ +0,47%.......... 14,47K Compass....................................2.184,00..............+9,00............ +0,41%.......... 60,11K ConvaTec Group......................... 245,20................ -0,40.............-0,16%.......... 495,82K Croda Intl....................................4.468,0...............+51,0............ +1,16%.......... 13,61K DCC.............................................5.714,0...............+70,0............ +1,24%.......... 13,47K Dechra Pharma...........................3.866,0.................0,0............... 0,00%................0 Diageo.........................................2.747,0...............+14,5............ +0,53%......... 102,73K Diploma.....................................3.282,00..............+8,00............ +0,24%........... 4,91K DS Smith.................................... 278,80................+0,40............ +0,14%......... 215,58K Endeavour Mining......................1.396,00..............+8,00............ +0,58%.......... 27,53K Entain.......................................... 953,60................+4,00............ +0,42%.......... 55,99K Experian......................................3.197,0................+1,0............. +0,03%.......... 87,22K F&C Invest.................................. 944,75................+6,75............ +0,72%.......... 14,10K Flutter Entertainment..................15.465,0.............+240,0........... +1,58%.......... 91,04K Frasers........................................ 791,00................ -1,00.............-0,13%........... 40,17K Fresnillo...................................... 484,70................+2,10............ +0,43%......... 110,11K Glencore...................................... 418,85................ -1,00.............-0,24%............3,59M GSK plc......................................1.557,80..............+2,20............ +0,14%......... 546,32K HALEON...................................... 326,70................+0,70............ +0,21%......... 621,09K Halma..........................................2.169,0................+7,0............. +0,32%.......... 31,07K Hikma Pharma...........................1.946,00.............+20,00........... +1,04%.......... 16,85K Howden Joinery.......................... 780,80................+4,20............ +0,54%......... 140,28K HSBC.......................................... 589,95................+0,45............ +0,08%...........2,41M IAG.............................................. 145,15................+0,60............ +0,42%......... 802,04K IMI PLC......................................1.606,00..............+1,00............ +0,06%.......... 49,24K Imperial Brands..........................1.905,00.............+21,50........... +1,14%.......... 78,95K Informa....................................... 748,20................+9,80............ +1,33%.......... 88,54K InterContinental..........................7.432,0...............+88,0............ +1,20%.......... 31,92K

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Intermediate Capital...................1.599,00.............+13,00........... +0,82%.......... 27,82K Intertek........................................4.308,0................+8,0............. +0,19%.......... 14,01K J Sainsbury................................. 285,10................+2,30............ +0,81%......... 102,88K JD Sports Fashion....................... 109,20................+0,95............ +0,88%...........1,04M Kingfisher.................................... 219,00................ -0,80.............-0,36%.......... 218,08K Land Securities........................... 644,40................+4,00............ +0,62%......... 201,31K Legal & General.......................... 247,30................+2,40............ +0,98%......... 857,44K Lloyds Banking............................ 42,72.................+0,22............ +0,52%...........8,07M London Stock Exchange..............9.234,0...............+70,0............ +0,76%.......... 24,31K M&G........................................... 219,40................+1,20............ +0,55%......... 255,68K Marks & Spencer........................ 252,80................ -1,20.............-0,47%.......... 263,24K Melrose Industries...................... 587,00................+7,60............ +1,31%......... 185,81K Mondi.........................................1.425,00.............+10,00........... +0,71%.......... 74,98K National Grid..............................1.027,00..............+2,50............ +0,24%......... 241,45K NatWest Group........................... 208,20................+0,50............ +0,24%......... 712,81K Next............................................8.382,0................ -4,0..............-0,05%............ 6,25K Ocado.......................................... 571,40.................0,00.............. 0,00%........... 86,80K Pearson....................................... 953,20................ -4,60.............-0,48%........... 71,94K Pershing Square........................3.595,35.............+63,35........... +1,79%.......... 11,33K Phoenix....................................... 510,60................+4,20............ +0,83%.......... 73,52K Prudential.................................... 791,40................+4,40............ +0,56%......... 157,64K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.604,7...............+36,7............ +0,66%.......... 51,48K Relx............................................3.288,00.............+24,00........... +0,73%......... 207,55K Rentokil....................................... 398,70................+4,20............ +1,06%......... 359,57K Rightmove.................................. 530,80................+2,60............ +0,49%......... 138,74K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.478,0...............+43,0............ +0,79%......... 114,23K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 307,40................+0,90............ +0,29%...........1,58M RS PLC....................................... 759,20................+2,80............ +0,37%.......... 50,74K Sage...........................................1.154,50.............. -6,00.............-0,52%.......... 240,29K Schroders.................................... 416,1..................+3,8............. +0,92%.......... 46,79K Scottish Mortgage....................... 761,00................+5,80............ +0,77%.......... 91,09K Segro.......................................... 834,40...............+11,40........... +1,39%.......... 87,26K Severn Trent...............................2.522,0...............+13,0............ +0,52%.......... 21,72K Shell............................................2.388,0...............+14,0............ +0,59%......... 254,98K Smith & Nephew........................1.114,00.............+16,50........... +1,50%......... 324,40K Smiths Group.............................1.682,50.............+10,50........... +0,63%.......... 31,57K Smurfit Kappa.............................2.944,0...............+22,0............ +0,75%.......... 25,29K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........9.718,0...............+22,0............ +0,23%........... 4,22K SSE............................................1.753,00.............+17,00........... +0,98%......... 114,74K St. James’s Place........................ 639,80................+2,60............ +0,41%.......... 33,82K Standard Chartered..................... 576,00................ -0,80.............-0,14%.......... 518,10K Taylor Wimpey............................ 144,40................+1,25............ +0,87%......... 818,30K Tesco.......................................... 298,00................+1,90............ +0,64%......... 668,96K Unilever.......................................3.736,7...............+28,2............ +0,76%......... 210,43K Unite........................................... 999,00................+6,50............ +0,66%.......... 24,08K United Utilities............................1.023,20..............+2,70............ +0,26%.......... 58,44K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 66,710...............+0,800........... +1,21%...........2,31M Weir Group................................1.813,00..............+3,00............ +0,17%.......... 16,99K Whitbread...................................3.630,0................ -5,0..............-0,14%........... 14,30K WPP............................................ 733,60................+5,80............ +0,80%.......... 42,15K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.85743

1.16565

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0872 Japan yen (JPY)...................................160.94 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9443 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4567 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.407 currenciesdirect.com/marbella • Tel: +34 952 906 581 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 22 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3M.............................................. 106,44................+0,36............ +0,34%...........2,01M American Express....................... 179,80................ -1,20.............-0,66%............2,62M Amgen........................................ 304,49................+0,41............ +0,13%...........2,04M Apple........................................... 188,63................+5,95............ +3,26%..........74,00M Boeing......................................... 211,59................+8,53............ +4,20%..........19,05M Caterpillar.................................... 282,07................+3,44............ +1,23%...........2,04M Chevron...................................... 141,83................ -1,29.............-0,90%............9,31M Cisco............................................ 50,75.................+0,45............ +0,89%..........16,39M Coca-Cola..................................... 60,16.................+0,18............ +0,29%...........9,96M Dow............................................. 52,60.................+0,13............ +0,25%...........3,48M Goldman Sachs........................... 377,02................ -0,16.............-0,04%............1,67M Home Depot................................ 358,04................+2,34............ +0,66%...........2,39M Honeywell................................... 200,13................+2,18............ +1,10%...........1,65M IBM............................................. 166,81................+0,73............ +0,44%...........3,50M Intel.............................................. 46,74.................+0,68............ +1,48%..........43,99M J&J............................................. 161,18................+0,75............ +0,47%...........5,09M JPMorgan................................... 167,42................+0,33............ +0,20%...........7,56M McDonald’s................................. 294,39................+3,23............ +1,11%...........2,05M Merck&Co................................... 118,51................+0,38............ +0,32%...........5,24M Microsoft.................................... 393,87................+4,40............ +1,13%..........20,98M Nike............................................. 100,95................+0,13............ +0,13%...........8,24M Procter&Gamble......................... 148,13................ -0,87.............-0,58%............4,75M Salesforce Inc............................. 274,47................+3,03............ +1,12%...........4,42M The Travelers.............................. 198,30................+0,80............ +0,41%...........1,55M UnitedHealth............................... 516,41................ -8,53.............-1,62%............6,52M Verizon......................................... 38,93.................+0,06............ +0,15%..........13,99M Visa A.......................................... 268,13................+1,50............ +0,56%...........6,34M Walgreens Boots.......................... 22,15................. -0,02.............-0,09%...........12,40M Walmart...................................... 163,25................+2,18............ +1,35%...........5,86M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 22 January

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced M.D.C. Holdings, Inc........................................+18.37%.........................8.943M Flutter Entertainment plc..................................+15.38%......................... 69,346 LiveRamp Holdings, Inc...................................+11.41%.........................1.381M Compagnie Financière Richemont SA..............+10.01%........................ 482,695 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Lmtd...+9.79%.........................58.536M Federal National Mortgage Association.............+9.63%.......................... 45,524 Peabody Energy Corporation............................+9.28%.........................11.566M Hertz Global Holdings, Inc................................+7.54%.........................14.145M Capitec Bank Holdings Limited.........................+7.40%.......................... 28,078 Fastenal Company.............................................+7.18%.........................12.629M M - Million Dollars

Most Declined NEXON Co., Ltd................................................ -18.41%......................... 29,615 Grifols, S.A....................................................... -18.11%......................... 51,112 Discover Financial Services.............................. -10.80%........................11.098M Humana Inc....................................................... -7.99%..........................9.392M Birkenstock Holding plc.................................... -7.72%..........................4.581M agilon health, inc............................................... -7.30%..........................6.839M Coinbase Global, Inc......................................... -7.11%.........................14.426M Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.......................... -6.89%.........................91.426M Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.......................... -6.61%......................... 403,122 Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd............................... -6.16%......................... 132,731 Rivian Automotive, Inc...................................... -6.09%.........................54.337M M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Seasonal cheer

PHARMACY chain Superdrug said sales in the four weeks ending December 30 were 9.2 per cent up higher than 2022’s despite the cost of living crisis.

Three perfume gift sets were bought every minute in the crucial weeks preceding Christmas, while sales of Superdrug’s ownbrand goods were 10 per higher than the previous year.

Indra stake

ING acquired 6.98 per cent of Indra, converting the bank into one of the Spanish transport and defence company’s principal shareholders. A 5.16 per cent financial instruments holding represents the bulk of ING’s €188 million transaction, with 1.81 per cent in Indra shares whose value has increased by 11 per cent in recent weeks.

25 - 31 January 2024

Queen Vic for sale

Linda Hall THE BBC has sold its EastEnders studios in Elstree in a drastic cost-cutting exercise.

According to reports in the UK media, the broadcaster has sold the north London complex to the investment division of the French insurance giant, Axa. No mention has been made of the sums involved, although the BBC is known to have wanted

Photo credit: CC/Matt Pearson

EASTENDERS: Elstree studios sold to French insurer Axa

£70 million (€81.6 million) for the site.

Elstree Studios opened in 1914 and the BBC acqui-

Closer ties

IBERDROLA and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management, are doubling their clean energy investment in a €2 million alliance. The companies are joining forces to fast-track new wind and solar projects in Spain and Portugal while accelerating decarbonisation with a 2.6-gigawatt renewables portfolio in both countries. The agreement could also be

extended to other countries in future, the new partners revealed.

Norges Bank is already one of Iberdrola’s main investors, owning a 3 per cent holding for more than seven years.

Iberdrola will hold a 51 per cent majority stake in the assets, the multinational’s executive chairman Ignacio Galan announced during meetings at the World Economic Focus in Davos (Switzerland).

red the 16-acre (approximately 6.5- hectare) installation with seven sound stages and post-production facilities in 1984 to produce EastEnders, its new soap opera.

Under the terms of the deal which were revealed in the Telegraph, the BBC can continue filming the soap set in fictitious Walford as Axa will lease part of the studio space back to the BBC for 25 years.

The BBC knows it must make up a £500 million (€582.4 million) shortfall now that the government has vetoed plans to increase the licence fee by 9 per cent. Instead, the annual fee will rise by 6.7 per cent to £169.50 (€197.45).

Director general Tim Davie has already made programming cuts which include slimming down Newsnight, in hopes of saving an annual £200 million (€232.9 million).

EWN 25

Family affair INCARLOPSA, which supplies Mercadona’s ham and meat products, announced that Jesus Loriente de la Ossa takes over as chief executive from Clemente Loriente Calonge, who occupied the post since 2014. With 15 per cent of sales outside Spain in 2022 and a €1.037 billion turnover, Mercadona now accounts for only 55 per cent of the Loriente family’s interests.

Rough luck LOSSES for smoothie-maker Innocent rose by more than 400 per cent after the company, now 90 per cent owned by Coca Cola Company, combatted production issues at its new £200 million (€233 million) all-electric factory. Sales dipped £15.6 million (€18.16 million) in 2023, as soaring costs hindered Innocent’s plans to increase production at the Port of Rotterdam plant.

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS/FEATURE

Graham Boland: Gone but never forgotten

INTERVIEW

A ‘PROPER send-off’ took place on Monday, January 22 for the one and only ‘Happy Days’ Graham Boland.

Many people who holiday in Benidorm or have watched Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun will no doubt have heard of Graham ‘Happy Days’ Boland.

One of the town’s best known and best loved characters, he was a cherished soul. Unfortunately, Graham passed away on Tuesday January 16.

Graham Boland was a vital member of the Benidorm community, well-liked for his kind disposition and ability to make people happy. Both residents and visitors have experienced sadness upon learning of his passing.

Friends of the much-loved man from Benidorm have reported that the place was ‘completely packed’ as everyone came to say a final farewell to their dear friend.

Graham’s long-time friend Wayne Bellamy-Wright wrote and delivered a heart filled eulogy that made all in attendance laugh, cry and

Credit: Facebook

26 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

NEVER FORGOTTEN: Graham at his beloved bar.

remember some truly fantastic moments that they had shared with Graham over the years.

Wayne described it as a “wonderful send-off”, as well as thanking everyone for their “beautiful tributes” that have been posted on social media as well as at the funeral.

A total of €4,300 was received in generous donations that will be given to Graham’s family on behalf of all who loved and cared for

him, along with a copy of all the messages from each gift.

Within the messages of memories and goodbyes, many described him as “humble, kind and giving”, with others explaining that they “could not have gotten through lockdown without him!”

It is clear from the hundreds of loving posts, messages, donations and words, that Graham ‘Happy Days’ Boland, definitely did leave the world with a smile.

Sam from Ireland Why do Europeans move to Spain? This is the question that Euro Weekly News is asking many people who now live here but come from all over Europe.

This week EWN met up with Samantha Kay, who is originally from Ireland but has lived all over the world in places including Scotland, Romania, Cyprus, Australia, and now the sunshine coast of Spain, where she rents a property in Manilva, Malaga.

FIRSTLY we asked Saover soon and he expects mantha why she chome to teach him it se this spot, just when he arrives near the Puerto but I’m not sure de Duquesa.

I’m at that level “Well I love yet!?”

Spain, I feel Finally we that my soul asked this was here in Irish beauanother lifety what her time or soplans were for mething, and her future on I already had the Costa del close friends liSol. She replied: ving here. I like a “Just have fun. As traditional Spanish they say here, ‘mavibe so that’s why ñana’, I didn’t come Manilva in particular here to work hard Happy Samantha in the sun! caught my eye!” and stress, I’m here Having only been here six months, to learn about this lovely land and sip EWN were keen to know how her Spa- sangria in the sun, vibes.” nish is coming along. “It’s going really Vibes indeed, we might have to join well actually, my boyfriend is coming her!

28 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

Post-Covid recovery Be patient with your body’s recovery process.

RECOVERING from Covid-19 is a journey that extends beyond the initial illness for many individuals, with persistent symptoms like a lingering cough posing a unique challenge. Coping with this never-ending cough requires patience and targeted strategies.

Firstly, stay hydrated to soothe your throat and facilitate the healing process. Warm teas, honey, and plenty of water can

provide relief. Consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, preventing further irritation.

Incorporate gentle exercises to strengthen your respiratory system. Breathing exercises, such as pursed lip breathing, can aid in reducing cough frequency. Additionally, avoid irritants like smoke and strong odours that may trigger coughing episodes.

Consult your healthcare provider to rule out any

underlying issues contributing to the prolonged cough. They may recommend medications or therapies tailored to your specific needs.

Above all, be patient with your body’s recovery process. Rest, nourishment, and a gradual return to normal activities will play key roles in overcoming the persistent cough, allowing you to regain your health and vitality post-Covid.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

Perfect timing

IN a small town nestled between hills, there lived a curious group of coffee enthusiasts who swore by the magic of waiting until precisely 9.30am to savour their first cup. Their peculiar ritual had a scientific rationale that transformed their morning routine into a delightful experience.

Studies revealed that cortisol, the stress hor-

mone, peaks in the early morning, preparing the body f o r wakefulness.

FIRST COFFEE: Made for a sublime experience.

Waiting until 9.30am allowed cortisol levels to naturally decrease, creating the perfect synergy with caffeine’s awakening effects. This synchronised dance between hormones and the beloved brew enhanced alertness and focus without the jittery aftermath.

As the clock struck 9.30, the town’s residents gathered in unity, relishing their first sips of coffee.

The rich aroma filled the air, and the delightful ritual became a cornerstone of their mornings. With

Washing brushes MAINTAINING clean makely. Rinse thoroughly until the up brushes is not just a matter water runs clear, and reshape of hygiene; it’s a crucial step the bristles. Avoid soaking the in achieving flawless make-up base of the brush to prevent application while safeguarding damage to the handle or looyour skin. Regularly washing sening of the glue. your brushes removes accumuAfter cleaning, lay the bruslated make-up, oils, and bactehes flat to air-dry completely ria, preventing breakouts and before storing them. Aim to ensuring a smooth canvas for wash your brushes at least your beauty routine. once a week to maintain both MAKE-UP BRUSHES: To clean your brushes effec- Wash at least once a their longevity and the health tively, begin by dampening week. of your skin. By embracing this the bristles with lukewarm simple routine, you not only water. Apply a gentle, antibacterial soap or elevate your make-up game but also priorispecialised brush cleanser, lathering it gent- tise the well-being of your skin.

patience as their guide, they unlocked the secret to maximising the benefits of their beloved coffee, transforming each cup into a sublime experience.

25 - 31 January 2024

EWN 29

30 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

The common cold

THE common cold, a ubiquitous viral infection, plagues millions annually, yet it remains elusive to a definitive cure. Caused primarily by rhinoviruses, the common cold manifests with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and congestion.

The challenge in curing

the common cold lies in its sheer diversity. Hundreds of viruses, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses, contribute to cold infections, and they continually mutate. This high variability makes it difficult to develop a universal vaccine or medication that can effectively combat all strains.

Ear, nose & throat

OUR Otorhinolaryngology specialist is an expert in treating diseases that affect the ear, nose, and throat.

Our team of doctors will be delighted to provide you with information so that you can make an informed decision about your health.

Avenida de España 20, Local 5, Sitio de Calahonda, Malaga. +34 952 933 377

Moreover, the cold virus primarily infects the upper respiratory tract, making it challenging for antiviral medications to reach and eliminate the virus effectively. While there is no cure for the common cold, symptom management through rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies remains the best approach.

The ongoing quest for a cure underscores the complex and adaptable nature of these ubiquitous viruses.

Runny nose and cough.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

The banana solution BANANAS, the humble fruit found in kitchens worldwide, may hold the key to soothing the discomfort of heartburn. Packed with natural antacids, bananas help neutralise stomach acid, providing relief to those plagued by acid reflux.

The magic lies in their composition - bananas contain potassium, a mineral that helps balance the body’s pH levels and reduce acidity in the stomach. Moreover, bananas produce a natural mucus coating that shields the stomach lining, offering a protective barrier against acid irritation.

For heartburn relief, incorporate ripe bananas into your diet. Enjoy them as a standalone snack, blend them into smoothies, or pair them with yoghurt for added benefits. This simple, natural remedy provides a delicious solution for those seeking a gentle and effective way to alleviate the discomfort of heartburn.

A heartburn solution.

25 - 31 January 2024

Growing old gracefully AS we age, prioritising health becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, focusing on activities that promote strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Adopt a balanced diet rich in nutrients, emphasising fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Stay socially active to foster emotional well-being, engaging with friends, family, or community groups.

Regular health checkups are imperative, allowing for early detection of potential issues.

Prioritise adequate sleep to support physical and mental rejuvenation.

Manage stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or hobbies that bring joy. Hydration is key, so ensure ample water intake.

AGEING: Hydration is key, so ensure ample water intake.

By cultivating a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional

well-being, one can age with grace, maintaining vitality and enjoying a fulfilling, healthy life.

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32 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT THE ol boy was somewhat reticent about submitting this piece as the week’s offering. One of the reasons for my hesitance is a reluctance to present more fodder to the ‘woke brigade’. That bunch of seriously mislead or perfidious individuals, whose ruffling out departments pore over media and public reporting and infer that any accusation of foreign insurgents threatening the West is regarded as racist.

This latest escalation of the conflict(s) in the Middle East is to my mind so dangerous that we really have to ignore the threats and accusations made by this misinformed fallacious bunch and regardless of their opinions - tell it like it is. The latest threats emanating from Iran and the newly surfaced Houthi ‘rebels’ are dangerous in the extreme. This week Iran announced that the West would ‘pay dearly’ for the attacks in Yemen. This takes me back to similar rhetoric presented by bin Laden, when he also announced that, America would

‘pay’ and ‘fire and destruction’ would rain down on the streets of their cities.

Well, we all fully aware of how that threat was accomplished.

To carry out those horrific attacks was a difficult and well planned exercise. Today it would be much easier. In my opinion the ‘more immigrants the merrier’ attitude of the woke and misinformed authorities has resulted in hundreds of Europe’s enemies becoming firmly entrenched and are growing in numbers by the day. These people are known as sleepers. Fighting insurgents who lay dormant until they are awakened on the orders of regimes that were once described as far off, but now thanks to technical advances and communication, are almost literally just around the corner.

I truly am sorry, but as much as I would like to regard this as another Leapy rant, I’m afraid it actually is not. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Germany had a number of these ‘sleepers’ entrenched as ordinary British citizens and although they were few, before they were traced they were able to report and reveal many secretive activities and home actions by the British people and government. Imagine the outcome if for

some years before the outbreak of the Second World War, Germany had experienced vast numbers of their citizens being welcomed into British society? The war would have been lost in weeks.

The embedded enemies call to arms would have resulted in thousands of innocents being slaughtered and the halls of Westminster soon ringing to the victorious cries of Sieg Heil. Have no doubt, many of these present dormant enemies will be highly trained and have unlimited access to the weapons and explosives that are undoubtedly stored in caches of armaments dotted all over the country.

Someone has been paying for the immigrant boats, mobile phones and luxury trainers. The large majority of passengers are almost all young men of fighting age, accompanied by the occasional female or child passenger; a ruse merely to put the welcoming committee off the scent. I do sincerely hope I am wrong and this is indeed another Leapy rant. Somehow I seriously doubt it. Be careful out there.

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.

John Smith THE baby western lowland gorilla, which was born at Prague Zoo on January 2 is a female and this was revealed to the world at large on Thursday January 18.

The two-week-old female is the first addition to the group of gorillas living in the Dja Reserve pavilion and she is the granddaughter of legendary gorilla Moji who was the first ever gorilla bred in the Czech Republic.

The gender was confirmed on the basis of a special examination in which DNA was isolated from the umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord.

The public will now have the opportunity to choose a name for the infant from a list of 10 suggestions made by children from the area of the Dja Biosphere Reser-

Credit: Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

I do hope I’m wrong It’s a girl Mother and baby are doing well.

ve in Cameroon, Central Africa.

The baby gorilla is enjoying good health and its mother Duni is increasingly allowing other members of the group to approach her.

The western lowland gorilla is critically endangered so the fact that another infant was born at London Zoo on January 18 means that although zoos may not be the ideal habitat for animals to live in, they are certainly safe environments and help save many species from complete eradication.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Where is the property market at right now?

WE spoke with Aaron Moffatt, founder of Collective Real Estate, and asked him where is the market at right now?

The one question I get asked the most right now and in truth no one size fits all answer can be applied to the question, as it depends on which side of the table you sit, explains Aaron, be it a seller, investor, developer etc but in this case, we’ll play it’s from a buyer.

What we have witnessed and seen happen here in Marbella over the past two - three years is a marketplace which was unprecedented after Covid but has now normalised and balanced back out.

Now a lot of clients and buyers interpret this as prices are coming down and the market is going to struggle, I’ve even had people referencing the 2009 crash to me.

As I explain, we are nowhere near this, the real estate market is in a completely different place, people aren’t mortgaged out of their capacity, and buying has been predominately cash purchases and not over mortgaged, the world has also drastically changed, Marbella is a haven unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Grade A properties in prime locations of

REAL ESTATE: Think outside the box and be smart.

high quality, which have views and certain features and tick the boxes of what a ‘luxury’ home should be, continue to rise, and going into this year I believe will continue to do so by a further 1-2

per cent naturally. What happened after Covid was a freak period, which may never happen again. We now are in a stable market and importantly a correct one.

Volume of buyers has dropped due

to the world getting back to how it was, and interest rates have risen which of course naturally slows down volume of buyer, but the quality of buyer is up, and this is how a healthy market should be. The point I think a lot of people do miss though, is what happens next.

When rates start to drop which, they already have, demand will then pick back up, and more buyers will re-enter the buying pool. When this happens sellers of course see this, and demand increases prices once again, when the market picks back up as we move through 2024.

The more buyers the more competition you face when trying to secure a property at the best price, so sitting and waiting for something to happen and trying to anticipate market conditions, is counterproductive and doesn’t serve you well.

Do not try and anticipate the market as no one can do that but do look at track record and what we have seen happen here over the past few years, think outside the box and be smart.

If you would like some free or charged advice and to speak to Aaron then he is contactable at any time, contact details can be found on www.collectiverealestate.es.

Wish you were here REVISIT ‘The Dark Side of The Moon’ for two nights only with The Pink Floyd Experience.es on Friday February 23 and Saturday February 24 at 7.30pm at Teatro Salón Varietés in Fuengirola.

It’s a symphony of psychedelic music, performed by nine talented musicians and vocalists from across the south of Andalucia, bringing you the experience of the iconic Pink Floyd.

Pink Floyd is a British rock band formed in London in 1965. That year, Syd Barrett and Roger Waters meet an experimental percussionist and an extraordinarily gifted keyboards-player, Nick Mason and Rick Wright respectively. The result is Pink Floyd, which nearly 60 years later has moved to almost mythic standing.

By 2013, Pink Floyd had sold more than 250 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ and ‘The Wall’ were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and these albums together with ‘Wish You Were Here’ are among the best-selling albums of all time.

One of the most iconic and influential albums ever, Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ continues to find new audiences globally and, in 2023 celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Tickets are now available and are moving very fast, so don’t miss these two incredible nights, contact the Salon Varieties Box Office, on their website: www.salonvarietes. com.

COSTA DEL SOL

Love is in the air

Kevin Fraser Park ‘MOTOWN Love’ takes Centre Stage this Valentine’s Day at La Sala Puerto Banus.

Love is the focus this Valentine’s Day at La Sala Puerto Banus, as the renowned venue hosts an enchanting evening of ‘Motown Love’ featuring the sensational Mr Maph Motown and Soul Show accompanied by LIVE Saxophone.

On Wednesday, February 14, La Sala Puerto Banus invites couples to immerse themselves in an unforgettable Valentine’s experience. Mr Maph, known for his appearances on The Voice, E4, Channel 4, and more, promises an evening of dining, dancing,

THE bars and catering establishments in Torremolinos that want to participate and be included in the 12th Ruta del Rock (Rock Route) can now apply for registration in the General Register of the Torremolinos Town Hall Events Delegation.

This musical event consists of performances in bars and establishments of the municipality of different bands and musical styles such as pop, rock, soul or jazz, among others, and will be held on February 9, 10, 16 and 17 from 7pm to 11pm and on February 11 and 18 from 5pm to 9pm. All styles and formats have a place in this musical route in which the establishments of Torremolinos become the stage.

Any premises in the municipality which have an opening licence for hotel and catering activities can take part in the event. Concerts can be held both inside and outside the premises, as long as they

Photo: Facebook / Mr. Maph

The perfect atmosphere for love.

and soulful melodies that will create the perfect atmosphere for

celebrating love.

To enhance the romantic ambiance, guests will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne upon arrival.

The evening’s culinary delights include a sumptuous three-course Valentine’s

menu, for just €65 per person, inclusive of VAT, with no pre-order required.

There are many conflicting legends about the origin of Saint Valentine but most believe he was a Roman priest who performed weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry, because of a Roman emperor’s edict decreeing married soldiers did not make good warriors and thus young men could not marry.

Whatever the truth, Valentine’s Day is sure to be special at La Sala Puerto Banus so reserve your place now.

Contact La Sala Puerto Banus on 952 814 145 or via email: reservations@LaSalaBanus. com to secure your spot for the best Valentine’s Day.

Ruta del Rock

have the necessary space and do not harm neighbouring premises.

This allows bars and other venues to have live music even if they do not have a music licence. It also gives musicians a chance to play in parts of the town where there is normally little live music available.

In order to promote the musical groups based in the

municipality, the organisers will provide the participating venues with a small stage or, failing that, promotional t-shirts for the event. Local musical groups are understood to be those in which the majority, or at least half of their members, are residents of the municipality.

The full programme will be available shortly and we will keep you updated about

Facebook

Correcaminos performed at a previous event.

what’s happening and which venues will be taking part.

Las Lagunas MIJAS Town Hall, through the Culture Department, has announced the cultural programme of the Teatro Las Lagunas, scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. The programme is made up of more than 20 activities aimed at all audiences, including theatre, music, dance and comedy, among others.

The children’s and family programme occupies a prominent place. Examples of this are the productions of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (January 27), ‘Encanto Oriental’ (February 3), ‘The Three Little Pigs’ (February 11), ‘Mirabel, a musical with charm’ (February 18) and ‘Alice’ (March 3).

The councillor for Culture, Juan Carlos Maldonado, presented at a press conference the poster with the proposals and thanked the technicians, “for their contribution, their contribution and love for the culture of Mijas.”

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

Malaga Carnival MALAGA Carnival is the first big party of the year.

Carnival events in Malaga start on Saturday, February 3 and run until Sunday, February 11.

Malaga Carnival starts with the selection of the god and goddess of the carnival.

The Carnival contest in Malaga (COAC) is another of the great events and attractions of this festivity. The COAC of Malaga is held at the Teatro ESAD Malaga, theatre of the Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático, and at the Teatro Cervantes.

Carnival lovers will be able to buy tickets for all of the preliminary sessions of the competition which will take place from Sunday, January 21 to Friday, January 26 at the ESAD starting at 8pm.

Once the preliminaries are over the carnival proper begins on Saturday, February 3 with the grand opening at 8pm and the selection of the carnival Gods and Goddesses.

On Saturday, February 10 there is a childrens’

Photos: www.carnavaldemalaga.es

Kevin Fraser Park

First big party.

Fancy Dress Competition from midday in Plaza de la Constitución followed by the Battle of the Flowers - a brightly coloured parade with confetti and streamers from 6pm in Calle Larios.

And in the evening, there is an 80s Fancy Dress Competition from 9pm with live music and entertainment.

Sunday, February 11 is the date for the Gods’ and Goddess’ Carnival Parade. And finally, there is the Gran Boqueroná - a culinary highlight during

Malaga Carnival.

Get your free portion of fried anchovies at Plaza de la Constitución from 1pm and follow the parade starting in Calle Larios and ending on the beach of La Malagueta.

Hombres G at Starlite

AFTER celebrating 40 years on stage last year, the Madrid band Hombres G will return to Marbella on Saturday August 31 to star in one of the concerts of the 13th edition of the Starlite festival.

They are considered one of the most successful bands of the 80s in Spain, selling hundreds of thousands of tickets in Spain and abroad. Their albums became number 1 in the charts and then accumulated listens on streaming platforms to reach almost eight million listeners on Spotify today. They are remembered for the fervour of their fans which at the time, was often compared to the hysteria that accompanied The Beatles.

David Summers, Rafa Gutiérrez, Daniel Mezquita and Javi Molina were caught unawares by success and evolving, like the band from Liverpool, from the teenage pop of their early days into the sound they have today.

David Summers (vocals and bass) met guitarist Rafa Gutiérrez in 1982, as part of the audience on a recording of the TVE programme Aplauso. Shortly af-

Photo: Oliver Alexander Anderson Huerta

34 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

HOMBRES G: 40th anniversary in 2023.

terwards he asked him to join his group, with his friends Daniel (guitar) and Javier (drums), and the classic Hombres G line-up took shape. In 1983, the band debuted in the mythical Rock-Ola, inspired by the early Beatles and New Wave that also came from Britain.

David, Dani, Javi and Rafa, had a spectacular year 2023, with their 40th anniversary tour, which they closed in December with two concerts at the WiZink Center in Madrid. Now they will bring their music to Marbella at Starlite in the summer of 2024.

36 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

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Photo: Malaga Provincial Council

CLASSIC CARS: Joining forces with the Rockin’ Jamboree.

Get ready to be enthralled by an impressive lineup of classic cars and energised by the dynamic tunes of top-notch rockabilly music. This event is more than just a show, it’s a tribute to

Callejea festival

CALLEJEA, the great festival in Alhaurin de la Torre, which returns on Saturday January 27, has announced its final programme and its line-up of participating groups and artists, with 10 live concerts. The event will take place throughout the day in different corners of the Barrio Viejo with numerous activities. The mayor of Alhaurín de la Torre, Joaquín Villanova, announced the transformation of Barrio Viejo, which will become a large cultural space that will host numerous stands of associations and groups, workshops, games and activities for the whole family. As well as live music and entertainment there will be bouncy castles and a circus to keep the children amused.

heritage, flair, and musical beats. Featuring special guest: Glenn Billqvist with his pioneering Streamliner C-16 - the renowned firstever straight 16 cylinder powered streamliner. This is a festival where you can live an authentic vintage experience, where you can enjoy the huge dance floor, with great sound and lighting in a unique atmosphere, in the style of the travelling circuses of the early 20th century that will envelop you in wood, stained glass, mirrors and velvet.

And if that wasn’t enough, on February 3 you can immerse yourselves in some of the best classic cars on the road.

WRITERS FESTIVAL: Will include a large delegation of authors.

UNDER the title ‘Power and the Word’, a large delegation of authors, including Richard Ford and Joyce Carol Oates will discuss current cultural issues linking Latin America, Europe and the United States.

The Writers’ Literary Festival of America and Europe (‘Escribidores’) will celebrate its third edition from February 7 to 10 in the eight Andalucian capitals with a line-up of some 30 writers, literary critics and top-level specialised journalists. Following the success of previous editions, the festival is growing once again this

year to bring the dissemination of literature and cultural exchange between Latin America, Europe and the United States to the whole of Andalucia.

The opening of the Escribidores festival will take place on Wednesday February 7 at 7.30pm in the Sala Unicaja de Conciertos María Cristina in Malaga. The world-renowned American writer Richard Ford and the prestigious Colombian novelist Juan Gabriel Vásquez will discuss their prolific literary careers and the art of storytelling.

Metalmania in Malaga Photo: Facebook / Metalmania

Michael Carrington GEAR up for an unforgettable Classic Car and Music Festival as Classics on Wheels joins forces with the Rockin’ Race Jamboree.

Make a note of the date: Saturday February 3 in Plaza del Remo, Torremolinos (La Carihuela Near to Hotel La Barracuda) from 11am to 4pm is where you can see the most spectacular classic car show on the coast as Classics on Wheels merges with the vibrant Rockin’ Race Jamboree for a memorable extravaganza.

Photo: Rockin’ Race Jamboree 2023 / ZIGPIX

Classics on Wheels Power and the Word

METALMANIA: Goes beyond a tribute with a two-hour spectacular show.

SINCE 2001, Metalmania has given more than 600 concerts all over the Spanish peninsula, from halls and closed venues to festivals as important as Viña-Rock, Extremusika, En Vivo, Festival Del Oeste, especially as they are the only band in Spain recognised by Metallica themselves.

Metalmania goes beyond a tribute; it is a band focused on the live show with a two-hour spectacular and a great staging.

Synchronised video projections, sce-

nery and stage props, balloons, confetti and fun with the audience throughout the event together with technique, attitude, energy and passion are the keys to nearly 20 years of success of bringing all the power of Metallica to each of their shows.

Now they will be at La Cochera Cabaret on Friday April 26 at 10pm and if you buy your tickets before January 31 they are reduced from €15 to €12. Tickets can be bought from the La Cochera website.

Picasso programme THE Museo Picasso Malaga has launched its exhibition programme for 2024, which starts with a new presentation of Picasso in the museum’s collection rooms, thanks to the collaboration between the museum and the Almine and Bernard Ruiz Picasso Foundation.

On March 19 the galleries of the Palacio de Buenavista will present the seventh remodelling of the art gallery’s collection in its 20 years of existence.

Around 150 works by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) will be on display in the exhibition entitled ‘Pablo Picasso: Structures of Invention. The Unity of a Work’.

This new presentation presents the overall unity of Picasso’s oeuvre rather than dividing his art into specific periods or styles.

Thus, until the spring of 2027 the rooms of the Palacio de Buenavista will house paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramics and graphic works, creating an environment that will reveal new connections between Picasso’s works which will show why he was one of the most influential artists of modern times.

This new arrangement has been devised under the academic supervision of Michael FitzGerald, the Kluger Family Professor of Art History at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut (USA), in collaboration with the Almine and Bernard-Ruiz-Picasso Foundation (FABA).

The exhibition is designed to involve the viewer in the Malaga-born artist’s creative process and stimulate the imagination, creating a new way to understand the work of this great master and creator.

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Polish Party

Photo: Fuengirola Town Hall

38 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

CHARITABLE INITIATIVE: Raising funds for hospitals in this country.

Kevin Fraser Park THE Cepyme stand at the Fuengirola Fair Grounds will host the Polish Great Christmas Solidarity Orchestra Party on Sunday January 28. This is a charitable initiative to raise funds to purchase health material for hospitals in this country, which the Polish community carries out on the same day all over the world and which in the Iberian Peninsula is only held in Madrid

and Fuengirola.

The event will start at 2pm and includes concerts, charity auctions, activities for children, a book and toy market and a tasting of typical Polish food, among other proposals.

This was announced by the councillors for Fiestas and Social Welfare, Isabel Moreno and Cristina Bornao, respectively, and the Fuengirola representative of the Gran Orquesta Solidaria de Navidad association, Janina Ferlin.

“Today we present a great event promoted by the association Gran Orquesta Solidaria de la Navidad, formed by people of Polish nationality who live in our municipality. Bornao, added, “We always support the social groups and entities of our municipality

and in this case our support consists of publicising this event, which will be held in the Cepyme stand at the Fair Grounds on Sunday January 28.

There we will be able to taste delicious Polish food, enjoy concerts by violinist Alicia Starega, the Granada band The Replicants, with a tribute to Tina Turner, and also Pop FM. There will be auctions, a lottery and an unbeatable atmosphere,” explained Ferlin.

Isabel Moreno pointed out that, “In Fuengirola there are almost 2,000 Polish residents and we invite everyone to come to this celebration. It is a lunch-party that will include typical Polish cuisine, music and, in short, a great party to raise funds for a great social project in Poland.”

Rock del Sol

THE Rob Sas Band plays some of the best in Classic Rock with tunes from Led Zeppelin, Free, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, ZZ Top, ACDC, Black Sabbath and much more.

Guitarist Rob Sas moved to to Marbella in 2012 where he formed The Rob Sas Band.

In 2013 Rob was invited to join a Soul function band on the Costa del Sol called Soul Survivors and since then he has been involved in several one off gigs with bands put together especially for the night, including one prestigious party night in Marbella where the band including Rob on guitar, backed a Supremes tribute act from the UK, followed by legendary soul singers Clem Curtis of The Foundations and Jimmy James of The Vagabonds.

In 2014 Deeper Purple, a tribute to the music of Deep Purple was formed.

The band have played several tours in the UK and in Spain, playing prestigious events at venues such as Blackpool Winter Gardens Arena, 02 Academy in the UK as well as for the Harley Davidson Owners Group in Jerez, the Mijas Auditorium and the Estepona bullring.

If you like your Rock hard, then you need to check out these dates and venues where the Rob Sas band will be playing: Friday January 26 at Groove Bar, Fuengirola Port from 9pm and Sunday January 28 at Eddy’s Music Factory, Malaga from 5.30pm.

And if you miss either of those you can catch the band on Saturday March 30 at Louie Louie in Estepona.

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25 - 31 January 2024

EWN 39

Carnival time 200 activities Photo: Rawpixel CC

Gran Gala Draq Queen.

BENALMADENA has launched the poster announcing its Carnival which will begin on Friday February 2 with the Gran Gala Drag Queen 2024 in the Plaza de la Mezquita.

Jesús García was the author of the winning design and Antonio Jiménez and Ana Florido, the finalists. According to its creator, Jesús García , this year’s poster is based on the traditional ‘Burning of the Lizard’, this being, “one of the most important icons, together with La Niña de Benalmadena, from whom comes the spark that sets the lizard on fire.” García acknowledged that it was “a great honour” for him to win the competition, as this has been a good year for him artistically, as he was also a finalist for the Feria de Malaga.

As well as the Gran Gala Drag Queen, this year’s programme for Saturday February 3, also in the Plaza de la Mezquita, includes the election of the Prince and Princess of Carnival, as well as the opening speeches.

In the afternoon, Benalmadena Pueblo will host a parade where this year the route has been extended to enjoy the shows that will enliven the carnival day.

On February 4 the ‘Callos Carnavaleros’ will take place, a traditional event of the carnival week. On February, 7 in the Casa de la Cultura, the group competitions will be held at 8pm. On Saturday February 10 the parade will move to Arroyo de la Miel, thus completing a great carnival week in the municipality.

Kevin Fraser Park MALAGA’S Provincial Council has programmed more than 200 cultural activities for the province in the first six months of the year.

Councillor, Manuel López Mestanza, said that the programme is “ambitious, where there is room for everything and which is going out to other areas of the province more and more”.

Theatre, dance, music, documentary and audiovisual screenings, exhibitions, training and mediaPhoto: Provincial Council of Malaga tion workshops, literature MALAGA: Will be hosting many shows and events. and the promotion of reading, make up, “an ambitious programme which is promoted by other institutions and asmore outward-looking and which will sociations. take place between the beginning of In the province, the six-month period January and the end of June,” said López will be packed with performances by Mestanza. artists belonging to the ‘Culturama CaThe provincial cultural centre ‘María talogue’ and several municipalities will Victoria Atencia’, located in the historic host symphonic concerts by the Malaga centre of the city of Malaga, is the epi- Symphony Orchestra and the Malaga centre of most of the activities organi- Provincial Youth Orchestra. sed by the Provincial Council itself, as Full details are on the Provincial Counwell as hosting other shows and events cil of Malaga’s website.

40 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

Ladies Night 12.30am, all ladies are invited to enjoy complimentary free-flowing cava and signature house cocktails. It’s the perfect opportunity for an elegant night out with friends, filled with laughter, music, and a touch of luxury.

As the night unfolds, immerse yourself in the sounds of the very best live music that Marbella has to offer from 8pm, followed by DJ Junior D’Acosta. Known for keeping the dance floor alive until the early hours, DJ Junior guarantees an electric atmosphere that will have you and your friends dancing the night away.

Make your Thursday nights unforgettable by securing your spot at the best Ladies Night in Marbella. To reserve your table, contact La Sala Puerto Banus at: re servations@LaSalaBanus. com or call on 952 814 145.

Photo: La Sala

Brian Bamford THIS winter season, La Sala Puerto Banus is proud to announce the launch of an exclusive and NEW Ladies Night, set to captivate the hearts of Marbella’s social scene every Thursday. This weekly event promises an evening of glamour, excitement, and pure indulgence.

From 10.30pm until

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

New Ladies Night.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Your ultimate sports bar CHRISTY’S Irish Gastropub in Fuengirola is not just a pub; it’s an experience. Voted the Best Irish Bar in Fuengirola by TripAdvisor, Christy’s boasts an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. This modern Irish lounge has it all - from delectable food to a fantastic selection of drinks, including the renowned Guinness. Christy’s kitchen is open from 1.00pm daily.

As February approaches, Christy’s is gearing up for an exhilarating rugby season.

Make Christy’s your go-to spot to catch all the action, and proudly wear your country’s jersey. All jerseys are welcome, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for sports enthusiasts. Six nations kicks off Friday Febuary 2 with France v Ireland at 9pm At Christy’s, they celebrate the diversity of sports, making it the home of quality sport. Whether you’re a fan of GAA, football, rugby union, golf, motor racing, boxing, tennis, the Olympics, cricket, darts, or snooker, Christy’s has you covered. With six screens strategically placed throughout the pub, you won’t miss a moment of your favourite game.

What sets Christy’s apart is their encouragement for customers to wear their team

CHRISTY’S: Everyone will feel at home.

colours with pride. Unlike some bars that shy away from football shirts, Christy’s positively embraces them. Come and join the banter, experience the craic, and enjoy the camaraderie with your fellow sports enthusiasts. It’s not just about great sports at Christy’s; it’s about great friends, great Guinness, and an all-around fantastic time.

So, wear your colours proudly and make Christy’s Irish Gastropub your ultimate sports destination in Fuengirola.

Open seven days a week from 1.00pm till late.

(+34) 620 226 911

LA SCALA GROUP

42 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tomodachi Marbella: The taste of quality TOMODACHI is a Japanese restaurant in Marbella, with South American influences and specialising in Robatayaki grill.

Robatayaki directly translates to ‘fireside cooking’. It is a long-lasting Japanese tradition, which can be compared to a traditional Western-style barbecue.

Tomodachi is well renowned for its impeccable quality, as well as offering a unique dining experience, with a beautiful terrace in the warmer months and a cosy yet cool, intimate inside dining area for the winter.

Euro Weekly News had the pleasure of enjoying a dinner at Tomodachi during the second week of January, and we can safely say it not only surpassed expectations, but definitely cured those winter blues.

Tomodachi is located in the heart of Nueva Andalucia, an up and coming area which many refer to as the new ‘hot spot’ of Marbella. On arrival we met Banti, the owner of the restaurant, who is clearly extremely passionate about quality Japanese cuisine.

Stepping into the dining area of Tomodachi is akin to entering the home

A memorable dining experience.

of an artist. Beautiful mood lighting surrounds the tables and invites the eye to explore the culturally rich design. It is a truly unique space, one may even suggest that it is avant-garde in nature.

Whilst explaining the menu, Banti stated that: “each dish is a specialty, and created with passion.” An important aspect that the owner highlights is that Tomodachi is all about quality.

EWN learned many new things during this experience, including the di-

fference between yellowfin and bluefin tuna, the latter being of a significantly higher quality and the ingredients to all tuna dishes on the Tomodachi menu.

Each and every dish presented during the dinner was an absolute delight.

A culinary innovation, where the quality could be tasted in each bite. EWN’s favourites were: the salmon sashimi, the tuna

tataki, the popcorn shrimp, and the black cod miso, all of which were fantastically unique dishes, yet when blended together made the perfect feast.

To finish off the experience, a matcha tiramisu, which left the perfect sweet taste after an array of tangy plates.

Banti came to join at the table, and delighted us with the story of how Tomodachi first came to be.

Originally from Nepal, he then moved to the UK and explained that: “I had worked in luxury Japanese restaurants for decades, spending most of my working life at Nobu in London. However, of course I had always dreamed of my own restaurant, to put all my skills into action and create a dream menu. During the pandemic most things fell apart, I felt this was my perfect opportunity.”

Banti emphasises that it is “all about the quality here at Tomodachi, and of course creating a memorable dining experience for each and every guest.”

Well, it certainly was a memorable dinner, and the taste of that famous Tomodachi quality still lingers on our tongues.

Tomodachi is situated on Calle Rosalia De Castro, in Nueva Andalucia. Their opening hours are Tuesday – Sunday: 13:00 – 15:30 and 18:30 – 23:00.

For reservations call +34 951 742 508 .

ON Thursday January 25 at 6pm, the exhibition of paintings by the Argentinian artist, Romina Cupp, will open in Room 2 of the Casa de Las Tejerinas, located in the Plaza de las Flores of Estepona.

The exhibition, entitled ‘Experiences of the subconscious’, can be visited until February 8, from Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 8pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, with free admission.

Romina Cupp began studying Fine Arts in 1992.

Previously she trained with Jorge Meijde in his drawing workshop, which she attended from the age of 16, and later with Gabino Tapia, from Patagonia, Argentina.

Since then she has participated in collective and individual exhibitions and events, in her native province, Buenos Aires, in the Argentinian Pata-

Photo: Facebook / Romina Cupp

Painting exhibition

ROMINA CUPP: Her new exhibition is now open.

gonia, in Spain (Malaga and Valencia), in Italy, Holland and the USA. At present she continues to show her work in the province of Malaga, where she has lived for the last 20 years.

The multidisciplinary artist tends to use colour as an expressive vehicle, without categorising her style. She can go from one point to another, figurative drawing or more

expressive abstractions.

She likes to know that she has the freedom to create and does it from the heart.

Her collections and works are present in private collections in Italy, Argentina, Germany, USA and France. She is currently dedicated to teaching and cultural management of artistic events in Spain, with ProyectArte.

SOCIAL SCENE II euroweeklynews.com

25 - 31 January 2024

David Hart HEAD to Estepona Port on Wednesday February 14 for a special Valentine’s Day Fiesta. Leave the sadness of boutique dating style on Tinder and try this matchmaking event, exclusively designed for the vibrant age group of 30 to 50 years old. Set in the picturesque backdrop of Puerto de Estepona, the event starts at 8pm and offers a unique opportunity for romance and connection. Malaga Single Expats Group take great care in selecting the participants, ensuring authenticity by verifying identities, ages, and marital statuses.

This process, which has contributed to their success in previous events in Gibraltar, ensures no surprises and a comfortable environment for everyone.

Remember, to gain entry, guests must present their ID at the door - no ID, no entry. For an attendance fee of €50 per person, each guest is welcomed with two drinks of their choice from house wine, cava, or beer, setting the stage for an evening of engaging and relaxed conversations. However, they maintain a three-drink maximum rule to ensure that the atmosphere remains refined and conducive to genuine connections.

To add to the fun, they have organi-

Photo: Facebook / Malaga Single Expats Group

Valentine’s mixer

SPECIAL DAY: Join this exclusive event.

sed a variety of games and activities designed to break the ice and foster easy interactions. These activities are a great way to get to know one another in a playful and relaxed environment.

This event is more than just a chance to find a date; it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a sophisticated and enjoyable setting.

To ensure your spot at this exclusive event, please confirm your attendance

by February 1. Don’t miss this chance to mingle, laugh, and perhaps meet that special someone this Valentine’s Day in Puerto de Estepona.

Go to the Malaga Single Expats Group Facebook page for more information.

EWN 43

Simply Thriving - don’t be lonely Photo: Shutterstock / Happy cafe

There is no need to feel isolated or lonely on this coast.

LONELINESS is a prevalent and global problem and it has been linked to multiple chronic conditions, including: heart disease, lung disease It’s a major predictor of psychological problems, such as depression, psychological stress, and anxiety.

This is a particular problem on the Costa del Sol for retired expats where many couples moved from the UK and decided to come and live in Spain: some of them 40 years ago.

It worked for many, but for others marriages broke up, partners died and for many it was impossible to move back and buy property in the UK because of the high cost of housing. For some not mastering a foreign language led to isolation of single and couples alike.

There are now many expats living here and suffering from loneliness causing serious harm to one’s health and bringing great distress to the individual. There are many associations that one can join

to alleviate loneliness, Lions, Rotary, Freemasons, and social groups and do so much for local charities. Age Concern and Age Care are doing a lot of good work.

Other social groups are walking groups such as one in Fuengirola and a Ladies walking group in La Cala.

All these different groups have a Facebook site where they explain their aims and support. Social Media has also also helped with friendship clubs and other activities.

The Simply Thriving Group, started in the pandemic as Simply Surviving and which helped out many businesses to survive at such a difficult time.

After the pandemic it changed to Simply Thriving, just a simple social group where monthly lunches and monthly events are held and anyone can join in.

Val Williams can be contacted on 951 313 257. Please do not feel isolated or lonely on this coast.

44 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

BOHO CLUB, A LUXURIOUS RESORT AND FINE DINING IN THE HEART OF MARBELLA’S GOLDEN MILE

Boho Club is a luxury resort located between Marbella’s Golden Mile and Puerto Banus. With a bohemian and distinguished atmosphere, this boutique hotel invites you to indulge in superb gastronomy within a complex spanning over 30,000m2 of lush vegetation dominated by palm trees and towering cacti.

Its carefully designed and harmonious facilities include 20 cosy rooms and 20 comfortable bungalows, two pools, two restaurants - Boho Restaurant and Bernie’s - both offering Mediterranean cuisine, and Boho Bar, a cocktail bar with a terrace overlooking the wonderful garden. The bar provides an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails.

Additionally, there’s an outdoor gym equipped with everything needed for training, featuring free weights and machines for cardio-

BOHO CLUB: A luxury resort with superb gastronomy.

vascular exercises.

One of Boho Club’s major attractions is its gastronomy.

Malaga-born chef Diego del Río is passionate about local produce and Andalucian cuisine, blending it with international influences.

Boho Club’s kitchen, open all day, presents a diverse menu with enticing dishes such as carabinero croquettes and tartare, smoked corn soup with avocado green mojo and pickled vegetables, grilled coquelet with sautéed vegetables, market fish, a wide selection of meats, and the option to choose the chef’s tasting menu. These op-

tions pair perfectly with any of the over 300 national and international wine references in the restaurant’s cellar. This luxurious resort combines the privacy of residential-style accommodation with the comforts and amenities of a home and meticulous service where every detail is considered.

The rooms and bungalows are decorated in a boho-chic style, with furniture and fabrics bursting with colour, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They feature king-size beds and balconies with views of the pools, garden, or sea.

Music is the guiding thread that envelops visitors in the magical and relaxed atmosphere of Boho Club, where open spaces and cosy corners allow the appreciation of magnificent artworks by Henry Hudson, Claire Tabouret, David La Chapelle, Lawrence Schiller, and Richard Hudson.

www.bohoclub.com * +34 644 464 744 * Urb Lomas de Rio Verde, 144, 29602, Marbella

Photo: Candlelight Concerts

Candlelit Vivaldi

WARM CANDLELIGHT: Makes for a unique evening.

THE concerts in the Candlelight series offer the public different and original musical and sensorial experiences, thanks to a spectacular setting based on the faint light of candles.

This cycle, organised by Fever, the Spanish company that transforms historic venues into magical musical stages, aims to bring music to everyone and support local talent. One of the most special experiences offered by Candlelight is the opportunity to enjoy music in an immersive, candlelit atmosphere.

Imagine spending a unique evening with background music and warm candlelight. Candlelight is a phenomenon that has captivated cities around the world with its magical and intoxicating recitals.

Now you can as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons comes to the Museo Carmen Thyssen in Malaga on Sunday January 28 at 8.30pm. Tickets are from €24 and can be bought online from the website feverup.com.

Remembering Marchena JOSÉ TEJADA MARÍN, known as ‘Pepe Marchena was a Spanish flamenco singer who achieved great success.

Remembering Marchena is concert on Saturday February 10 at 8pm in the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.

The audience will travel the paths of Flamenco, through the, sweet and deep voice of Sandra, accompanied by the excellent guitar sound by David de Arahal, accompanied by Los Mellis de Huelva and José Luis López with his cello will bring chamber music sounds to the pieces.

Tickets are on sale at €10 from the box office, online at www. mientrada.net or by calling 952 938 814.

46 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

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T  HE FILMS SHOWING IN ENGLISH ARE FROM 25/01/24 TO 31/01/24

PLAZA MAYOR CINEMA • MALAGA

POOR THINGS FRI, SAT: 20:30 SUN: 13:00, 20:30 TUE: 19:10

THE THREE MUSKATEERS: MILADY SUN: 13:30 TUE: 19:55

ANYONE BUT YOU SUN: 13:15 TUE: 17:05 THE HOLDOVERS TUE: 17:10

PET SHOP BOYS DREAMWORLD: THE GREATEST HITS WED: 19:00

OPPENHEIMER TUE: 21:20

RED DOG CINEMA • PUERTO BANUS

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES THU, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE, WED: 21:30 NAPOLEON THU, FRI, MON, TUE, WED: 17:00 SAT, SUN: 17:30 WONKA THU: 17:00, 19:15 FRI, MON, TUE, WED: 17:15 SAT, SUN: 12:00, 15:00, 17:15

MORE MOVIES ON

ANYONE BUT YOU THU: 17:30, 19:30 FRI, MON, TUE, WED: 19:30 SAT, SUN: 12:00, 15:15, 19:30

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM THU: 17:00, 19:15 FRI, SAT, SUN, MON, TUE, WED: 17:15 MEAN GIRLS THU: 18:50, 21:00 FRI, MON, TUE, WED: 19:30 SAT, SUN: 19:30, 21:40

Romantic La Cala

INDULGE in a romantic Valentine’s Day at Olivia’s La Cala, the culinary heart of La Cala de Mijas.

Choose from a lunch set menu at €40 per person with Carm Piano or a €55 per person dinner while Tony Roberts fills the evening with classic Motown and Soul from 8pm until 11pm. The prices include a free bottle of Cava and breathtaking views.

Tony Roberts is one of the most established and sophisticated male voca-

Photo: Tony Roberts

Tony Roberts to entertain.

lists with performance experience that spans over two decades, Tony has many accolades that contribute to his well respected position as one of the

Michael Carrington THE famous Malaga bodega El Pimpi is opening a restaurant in Marbella this summer. El Pimpi, one of the most traditional establishments in Malaga, will leave the provincial capital for the first time to open on the Costa del Sol. It will be in Marbella, in the Puente Romano hotel, and the opening is planned for before the summer, according to the managers of the iconic establishment.

El Pimpi occupies an old 18th century manor house, built on an old Roman

leading artists in the UK and across Europe. One of Tony’s biggest achievements was winning Heart FM’s Prestigious ‘Next Big Thing’ competition in 2011.

Join him on Wednesday, February 14 and make it an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. Reserve your spot for love-infused dining.

For more information see Olivia’s La Cala website or contact Olivia’s via email at reservations@oliviasla cala.com or calling 608 784 367.

El Pimpi in Marbella road. It was in 1971 when it was converted into this bodega. The traditional bodega is divided into different rooms and patios, each with a particular atmosphere that makes it unique.

El Pimpi is one of the most emblematic places in Malaga and in its more than 40 years of existence it has become a meeting place for all the people of Malaga, and a place that all tourists want to visit when they come to the city.

48 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024 ADVERTISING FEATURE

It’s a Swedish tradition

IN Sweden, the approach of Lent is met with a beloved tradition that warms both the heart and the palate - the Semlor.

These delectable almond-paste and whipped cream-filled buns are a seasonal treat, eagerly anticipated and celebrated in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday. This year, mark your calendar for February 13 to immerse yourself in the delightful tradition of savouring at least one Semla.

For those seeking an authentic Swedish experience, there’s a unique way to enjoy Semlor - place them in a bowl of hot milk and savour each spoonful. The experience becomes a comforting ritual, blending the rich flavours of the bun with the warmth of the milk.

Fortunately, if you find yourself in Fuengirola, there’s a place where you can indulge in the Swedish delight of Semlor. Casa Nordica, a family-run business, brings a piece of Scandinavia to the Costa del Sol. Stocking favourites from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, Casa Nordica is your go-to destination for Nordic treats.

Marita, the proprietor, recommends

SEMLOR: A delightful tradition.

ordering your Semlor in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on this seasonal delight. Casa Nordica is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm, Saturday from 10am to 3pm, and closed on Sundays.

Make this Fat Tuesday a memorable one by embracing the Swedish tradition of Semlor at Casa Nordica - a haven for Scandinavian delights in the heart of Fuengirola.

Casa Nordica has been established for 25 years and loves bringing a little piece of home to all their Scandinavian customers.

CASA NORDICA, C/SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR 10, FUENGIROLA - 952 199 148

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

Flying tickets Kevin Fraser Park CIRQUE DU SOLEIL returns to Malaga this spring 2024.

From May 31 until June 23 they will present their iconic show Alegría, a production with almost 30 years of history that has been completely renovated to adapt it to the present day. The event will take place on the esplanade of the Malaga Fairgrounds, in Cortijo de Torres.

Unforgettable music, amazing acrobatics, dreamlike costumes, otherworldly sets, emotion, humour and a touch of magic are the ingredients of this cocktail of theatre, circus and music that has captivated millions of people since its premiere in 1994.

With performances in 255 cities in 40 countries and before an audience of 14 million people, this amazing story is renewed and comes to Malaga with more than 50 professionals, from acrobats to singers, who will offer a

Photo: Cirque du Soleil

CIRQUE DE SOLEIL: Present their iconic show, Alegría.

show of more than two hours divided into two acts with an intermission of 25 minutes.

A total of 32 sessions of the Alegría show will take place in Malaga.

The grand premiere will be on Friday May 31 at 8.30pm.

The following Saturdays and Sundays will have double sessions at 6pm and 9.30pm, while on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays there will be a performance at 8.30pm.

There will be no performan-

ces on Mondays.

Tickets have been on sale for weeks now, so you’ll need to be quick to get yours. Prices range from €43 to €130, depending on the proximity to the stage and the location of the seats. Family packages are available for groups of four to eight people, which offer discounts on individual ticket prices.

Tickets can be purchased through the Circo del Sol website.

Opulence and extravagance THE next lecture of the Arts Society Costa del Sol features some of the stunning items collected by Catherine the Great. Join them on Monday February 12 at 4.30pm at the Salon Varietés in Fuengirola to hear Andrew Prince tell

the tales of opulence and extravagance Andrew Prince was taken by his mother, at the age of nine, to the Princely Magnificence exhibition at the V&A, exhibiting Renaissance jewels dating from 1500 to 1630.

It proved a revelation. Dazzled by the splendour and opulence of the jewels on show, Andrew decided then and there that creating jewellery was what he wanted to devote his life to. Leaving school at the age of 16, he joined a Bond Street jewellers and his true education began.

He developed a taste for jewellery that was valued more for the design and craftsmanship than for the value of the stones.

He has created pieces for celebrities such as Michael Jackson and Shirley Bassey. In 2005 he was asked to make tiaras and jewellery for Mrs Henderson Presents, starring Judy Dench, in 2009 pieces were commissioned

Photo: Facebook / Andrew Prince

Created by Andrew Prince.

for The Young Victoria starring Emily Blunt and in 2012 he was chosen by the creators of Downton Abbey to supply a large collection of jewellery for the third series. The characters played by Maggie Smith, Shirley Maclaine, Elizabeth McGovern and Michelle Dockery were all adorned with elegant tiaras, combs, earrings and necklaces designed and created by Andrew Prince.

His entertaining and informative lectures on the history of jewellery and fashion have delighted audiences around the world.

P RO PE R TY THE S PE C IA L

On The Coast | Investing In Property Investing in property on the Costa del Sol, Spain, offers a lucrative opportunity due to its stunning Mediterranean climate, picturesque landscapes, and thriving tourism industry. The region’s popularity among international visitors ensures a steady demand for rental properties, providing a potential source of passive income. The Costa del Sol boasts a diverse real estate market, ranging from beachfront villas and golf course properties to charming apartments in historic towns.

Recent infrastructure developments, such as improved transportation and amenities, enhance the area’s overall appeal. Additionally, Spain’s Golden Visa programme, offering residency to property investors, further attracts foreign buyers.

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PROPERTY THE SPECIAL On The Coast | Investing In Property

While property values have historically shown appreciation, it’s essential to conduct thorough market research and seek professional advice to make informed investment decisions. With the potential for both rental income and capital appreciation, investing in property on the Costa del Sol presents an enticing prospect for those seeking a blend of lifestyle and financial returns.

A recently published report from a leading Real Estate consultancy group found that prices for Costa del Sol real estate went up 7.6 per cent during 2023 to an average of €1,977 per square metre. In quarterly terms, the increase was 1.2 per cent. After Madrid and Barcelona, the Costa del Sol has seen the highest increases in value.

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PROPERTY THE SPECIAL On The Coast | Investing In Property Real Estate Market on the Costa del Sol Analysis of the Andalucian property market shows that the rate of increase in house prices is beginning to stabilise. The average value of both new and used residential property saw a growth of 5.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the report on local markets prepared by the appraisal company Tinsa. Despite the stability of prices in 2023, in line with the previous year, sales volume at the national level experienced a decrease of 8 per cent.

The luxury sector, largely dependent on the foreign market, has been a key player, contributing towards total sales in Spain to an impressive amount of €17,500 million.

In terms of financing, 47 per cent of transactions are made with savings, while 53 per cent opt for mortgages, revealing a diversity in purchase strategies in the current financial market. It should be noted that, although the luxury market has a big impact on the total sales volume, only 15 per cent of real estate transactions on the Costa del Sol exceeded €1 million in 2023, while 35 per cent were for homes below €500,000.

In terms of reasons for purchase, 56 per cent are first residences and 44 per cent are intended as second homes. The nationalities leading real estate transactions continue to be those of the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. On the regional level, Andalucia is still at the top of the list for buyers from the United Kingdom representing 16 per cent of the total.

Choosing your new home on the Costa del Sol There are many things to consider when choosing a new home, wherever it is. However, buying a property on the famous ‘sunshine coast’ has its own unique set of specifics.

Firstly, will this property be your new primary residence? If yes, it is important to consider how your everyday life will fit into the move. Families with small children should look at schools in the area, and practical needs should also be contemplated, for example, nearby hospitals, shops and any other unique, personal necessities. Many people choose to stay temporarily in the area they wish to buy in to experience what everyday life there looks like. Remember that some places on the Costa del Sol are much quieter during the winter season.

If it is to be a holiday home, or to rent out to others, make sure to research other similar properties in the area and their rates so you can gauge the earnings you expect to reap.

The coast consists of many different residential areas, all of which have their unique benefits. It is wise to consider whether or not you wish to be located somewhere that is busy and popular with tourists, or if you prefer a place a little ‘off the beaten track’. There are many towns and urbanisations that still consist of mainly Spanish residents, whilst others are far more international.

The valuation company Gesvalt has reported that Marbella is the most expensive place in the Costa del Sol to buy property, with an average valuation price of €3,343 per square metre. It ranks as the second most expensive city in Spain with over 50,000 inhabitants.

SVENSK HEMSERVICE PROPERTY Skensk Hemservice are a company, located in Fuengirola, that cares about each and every one of their clients.

They offer a high level of personal engagement and a value for all customers, whether their requests be small or large. They cater for many nationalities and are accustomed to helping people from all over the world find, and love, their new life in Spain. Svensk Hemservice are fluent in Swedish, English and Spanish.

However, this Swedish home assistance company can actually do much more than just help you manage the tasks of daily life and to perfect the household, they can also start by finding you your perfect home, right here on the sunny coast of Spain.

Johan is the co-owner of the company and an experienced property expert who manages all of the Svensk Hemservice real estate proceedings. He has recently created his own unique application that can be downloaded onto your smartphone which has been designed especially for buyers and renters that are interested in the Costa del Sol area. He has many years of practical experience in the real estate industry and is committed to finding the perfect fit for each and every one of his clients.

Svensk Hemservice will assist you throughout the entire process of buying your new home, from finding a property that suits your unique needs, to purchasing, and complete management of local taxes, not forgetting of course the best part, moving in! They provide their clients with the essential local contacts regarding lawyers and banks with whom they have extremely good relations and experiences. Svensk Hemservice will ensure that you get settled in your new home in the sun as quickly and smoothly as possible. They take care of all the hard work and hassle, so that you can focus on the important thing: enjoying your new dream life in Spain.

They can also help you to find properties to be rented for a short or longer periods, in order to try out living everyday life on the beautiful Costa del Sol before deciding to buy a property here, and moving out permanently.

Svensk Hemservice have a wide network of contacts and properties on the coast, alongside a deep and thorough understanding of the current real estate figures and trends in the area. Their committed staff possess the language and personal skills needed to ensure you get the best possible deal on your new home.

To take the first step to a new adventure on the Costa del Sol, or for any more information on the services Svensk Hemservice can offer, contact Johan on +34 622 66 42 37 and have a chat today about how he can assist you in any of your real estate needs. Alternatively, email Johan at johan@svenskhemservice.com

SVENSK HEMSERVICE PROPERTY FINDER Skensk Hemservice are a company that cares about each and every one of their clients, with a high level of personal engagement and a value for all customers, whether their requests be small or large. They cater for many nationalities and are accustomed with helping people from all over the world find, and love, their new life in Spain. Svensk Hemservice are fluent in Swedish, English and Spanish.

However, this Swedish home assistance company can actually do much more than just help you manage the tasks of daily life and to perfect the household, they can also start by finding you your perfect home, right here on the sunny coast of Spain.

Johan is owner and property expert that manages all of the company’s real estate proceedings. He has created his own unique application that can be downloaded on to your smartphone which has been designed especially for buyers and renters that are interested in the Costa del Sol area. He has many years experience in real estate and is committed to finding the perfect fit for each one of his clients.

Skensk Hemservice will assist you throughout the entire process, from finding a property to purchasing,

management of local taxes, and of course moving in. They provide the essential local contacts regarding lawyers and banks with whom they have extremely good relations and experiences.

Svensk Hemservice will ensure that you get settled in your new home in the sun as quickly and smoothly as possible. They take care of all the hard work and hassle, so you can focus on the important thing: enjoying your new dream life.

They can also help you to find properties to be rented for a short or longer periods, in order to try out living everyday life on the beautiful Costa del Sol before deciding to buy a property here, and moving out permanently.

Skensk Hemservice have a wide network of contacts and properties on the coast, alongside a deep and thorough understanding of the current real estate trends in the area. Their committed staff possess the language and personal skills to ensure you get the best possible deal on your new home.

Johan (+34) 622 664 237 johan@svenskhemservice.com www.svenskhemservice.com

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A SECOND HOME IN THE SUN A beautiful break in the Spanish sunshine, something that many people spend months looking forward to, as they work and save for a summer holiday.

However, what if that sun filled getaway didn’t have to be limited to just the summer, or even limited at all. At the same time, imagine a holiday without the cost of accommodation. These factors and many more are why people from all over the world continue to purchase holiday homes on the Costa del Sol. Euro Weekly News sat down with one such person, Susan Millington from the UK who has owned her dream home in the sun in Estepona for just over a year.

We asked Susan what gave her the idea to buy on the sunshine coast. “Well me and the family have always loved it here, especially Estepona, and we were coming about twice a year,” she explained. “We always joked that we’d love to come out every month if we could, and then finally last year I decided to take the leap, and here we are!”

What a leap! Susan then told EWN that: “It’s changed my life. I come out very often, even if it’s just cheap last minute flights and a couple of nights!” When asked what the best part of owning her home here is, she stated: “well I can speak a lot more Spanish now, mucho mas!, and I feel I have a second home, an extra life, rather than it being just a break from life.”

PROPERTY PRICES IN MALAGA WILL CONTINUE TO RISE IN 2024

Solvia anticipates changes in property sales in Spain and the province due to high interest rates, but believes that the high demand will keep prices up.

Housing prices in Malaga and Spain will continue their upward trend (albeit moderate) in 2024. The Solvia Market View 2023 study suggests that robust demand for housing will offset an overall reduction in transactions. The clear “cooling” in sales that the real estate sector is experiencing is due to interest rate rises, which have pushed up the Euribor and the cost of financing. This is reflected in the latest Solvia Market View 2023 study, which highlights that, despite a period of slightly lower sales prices will continue to rise, mainly due to the shortage of houses on the market.

“The slight reduction in sales we are witnessing is not due to lack of demand, but to scarcity of supply, but increases in value in 2024 will continue to grow with similar increases to this year, between 1.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent,” explained the Director of Real Estate Business at Solvia, Ernesto Ferrer-Bonsoms.

The province of Malaga is an example of this trend of adjustments. Sales have been lower in the first three quarters of the year, with a total of 24,400 transactions. Prices, however, have risen by 5 per cent year-on-year.

“The market remains under pressure in an environment of high interest rates, which together with the impact of inflation has made it difficult for many potential buyers to purchase a home,” says Ferrer-Bonsoms. However, compared to previous years, activity levels remain high, according to Solvia’s estimates.

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PROPERTY THE SPECIAL On The Coast | Investing In Property “Costa del Golf,” Perfect Place to buy a home!

The Costa del Sol, often referred to as the ‘Costa del Golf’, is favoured by golfers for several reasons.

Firstly, its Mediterranean climate ensures mild winters and hot summers, allowing golf enthusiasts to enjoy the sport year-round without extreme temperature variations.

Beautiful villas, townhouses and apartments are a part of scenic landscapes surrounding the golf courses and further enhance the overall golfing experience, with views of the Mediterranean Sea, mountains, and lush greenery.

The region boasts a multitude of golf courses, featuring diverse designs and challenges. Ranging from championship layouts to more casual options, these courses are known for their high quality and some have hosted international tournaments, contributing to the area’s reputation as a premier golf destination.

Golfers are treated to visually appealing and relaxing surroundings.

The Costa del Sol has developed robust golfing infrastructure,

Working with agents on the Costa del Sol Home buyers will probably be unfamiliar with how agencies work and more importantly, how they collaborate, on the Costa del Sol. Most foreign buyers will be accustomed to viewing properties through listing agents; that means for instance, if you find six properties you like which are listed for sale by six different agencies then you have to contact each one separately and make arrangements to view.

That’s not how it works here. With a few exceptions, mainly at the top end of the market, every single agent working on the Costa del Sol has access to pretty much every property currently on the market. Agents subscribe to a central data base of properties, collaborate on viewings and share commission in the event of a sale. And this can be to the advantage of buyers because they just need to choose one agent to support them through the process, they will do all the work for you and save you a lot of stress.

One of the popular real estate portals in Spain is Idealista. A very quick search of all property for sale from Torremolinos down to Sotogrande reveals a total of over 30,000 homes. As a buyer you are unlikely to have the time or inclination to search through them all and with so much to choose from many buyers become overwhelmed. That’s when a good agent who understands what you’re looking for becomes invaluable as they will do all the hard work for you.

Key to the rise in property sales on the Costa del Sol is the golf property market. Renowned for its world-class golf courses and resorts, the Costa del Sol has become a magnet for golf enthusiasts and lifestyle investors. Properties located in a golf development offer a unique blend of leisure, luxury, and sports opportunities, making them in extremely high demand.

including resorts, hotels, and academies, making it convenient for golfers to access top-notch facilities, receive professional instruction, and enjoy a comprehensive golfing experience.

Accessibility is another advantage, with well-connected airports and transportation networks, making it easy for golfers from various regions to travel to the Costa del Sol for golf vacations or extended stays. The region also hosts a vibrant golfing community, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. This sense of community adds to the social aspects of golfing, providing opportunities to connect with fellow golfers and participate in events and tournaments.

Unique Development in La Quinta, Nueva Andalucia Please contact us for more information The multinational, multilingual team at Roc Estates are dedicated to finding you your dream home on the coast of Spain, specialising in bargains, bank repossessions and distressed sales in the most sought-after areas including Benalmadena, La Cala de Mijas, Calahonda, Marbella, Puerto Banus and Estepona.

At Roc Estates, their business model is about quality rather than quantity, so you can be sure the team will be with you throughout your journey, providing you with honest and transparent advice.

With unrivalled experience and expertise gained from over 20 years of selling properties on the beautiful Costa del Sol and in Scandinavia, the team at Roc Estates focuses on negotiating the best price for their clients, making the process as enjoyable as possible!

This small and friendly company has access to over 20,000 properties and over 150 agencies across Andalucia, and can provide you with a huge range of contacts such as lawyers, architects, builders, management, rentals and tax through their associates.

Not only do Roc Estates have access to every single property for sale on the Costa del Sol, they can also help you to build your dream home, matched exactly to your taste and lifestyle. Their team of experts in consulting, project management, and reforms work with some of the most recommended architects and designers on the Costa del Sol to enable you to create the perfect property.

Perhaps you have found the property of your dreams but you want renovations? Roc Estates helps their clients to renovate or reform smaller properties and larger jobs such as transforming an Andalucian villa into a modern contemporary style Villa. And, if you are looking for a new build Spanish property on the coast, Roc Estates have over 150 developments of all types including charming townhouses, luxury new build villas and modern apartments.

With Roc Estates´ expertise and professionalism, all of their clients benefit from a personal and honest service, enabling you to make informed decisions. So, whether you are looking for a bargain holiday or retirement home, investment property, or to build your own new home, Roc Estates are committed to finding you the right property at

the best price. The team can also provide you with rental and management assistance, their sub constructors to rent or built you the perfect new home, or why not take a look at their incredible renovations and new builds?

Website: https://www.rocestates.com/home Address: Av. Salvador Vicente, 10, 29631 Benalmádena, Málaga Telephone: +34 650 95 20 84 Email: info@cestates.com

12 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II PROPERTY SPECIAL

PROPERTY THE SPECIAL On The Coast | Investing In Property Property in Costa del Sol: Is it still a good investment?

The real estate market in the Costa del Sol is currently booming but there is a big difference now to the boom-and-bust cycles of the 1990s and 2000s.

The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have initiated a move away from the cities to both the country and the coast and has also spurred many buyers into bringing plans forward: making that move sooner rather than later.

In addition, the reduction in stamp duty to a standard 7 per cent, together with demand for Golden Visas for buyers from third party countries (which now includes the UK) has fuelled demand for properties priced above €500,000. This upsurge in property searches has coincided with a shortage of stock: yes, there seems to be plenty of properties for sale and many agents selling them but, there remains a shortage of good quality property at a reasonable price.

Economics inevitably dictates that, as supply reduces and demand increases so prices will rise and Moody’s confirms that prices have risen steadily over the last five years.

In addition to capital appreciation, you can realistically expect to rent out nine months a year on the Costa del Sol as a holiday rental thanks to the benign climate and all year-round tourism. This can be used to offset overheads such as maintenance expenses and mortgage repayments.

According to the latest data from the Registrars Association, over 35,500 properties changed hands on the Costa del Sol during the year of 2023. The figure is the fifth highest in the country, behind Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante and Valencia, and indicates a busy market on the sunshine coast.

Unico Properties is a professional and independent real estate agency on the Costa del Sol. Our team will help you in English or other languages. You can contact us at the office in Estepona, but also online we are ready to assist you.

Sell your property with confidence | If you are considering selling your property on the Costa del Sol, there is no better option than Unico properties. We give you free and professional valuation of your property. Knowing how much your property is worth is the first step to selling it successfully.

BUYING A PROPERTY ON THE COSTA DEL SOL We also specialise in the sale of new and existing properties on the Costa del Sol. Are you looking for a flat, townhouse, villa or something else?

We will search for the perfect property for you. Our working area stretches from Malaga to Sotogrande with well-known places like La Cala de Mijas, Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona. We guarantee you personal, professional service and sound advice. All th e properties on our website have been selected by us and are of top quality. Can’t find what you are looking for? We can personally guide you through our database of +1000 properties on the Costa del Sol.

OFF PLAN APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN MARBELLA

• • • • • •

New build 2- 3 bed apartments Los Monteros area Sea Views Indoor swimming pool From 375.000€

A APARTMENT FOR SALE IN ESTEPONA, N NEW GOLDEN MILE:

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RESALE 2 bedrooms Large terrace Sea views Parking and storage Price: 289.000€

Noami Cuyvers: +34 666 236 566 Chris Eyskens: +34 646 455 090 Nickey Corr: +34 711 020 324 English Elena: +34 642 30 24 28 German, Spanish, Italian and English

Unico properties: Centro comercial Bahia Azul 11, 29693 Estepona (Málaga)

info@unico-properties.com | ıwww.unico-properties.com

14 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II PROPERTY SPECIAL

PROPERTY THE SPECIAL On The Coast | Investing In Property NEW BUILD OR SECOND HAND

You will have seen the cranes on the horizon as Costa del Sol property developers build to keep up with demand. But is it best to go down the route of new build or are you better with a resale home that has had a previous owner (or owners)? Buying brand new has the advantage that there is no seller to change their mind or try and delay completing the transaction. You know a developer wants to conclude matters and doesn’t have any other agenda.

There can also be a considerable financial advantage to buying new, especially if you opt for an ‘off plan’ development which is yet to be completed. Many projects are offered to the market place for reservations, months, or in some cases years before building work is due to start and prices are often reduced by between 20 and 25 per cent for reservations at this early stage so it can be a great way to buy if you are happy to wait.

DID YOU KNOW! The Benefits of Golden Visa Many countries have their equivalent of ‘The Golden Visa’, but the Spanish visa is one of the least complicated to obtain.

Holders of a Golden Visa in Spain have a Spanish residency permit. This gives them permission to live and work in Spain, freedom to travel within the Schengen area, and extended rights for family members. The Visa is available to people who invest a minimum of 500,000€ in real estate, whether it be residential or commercial.

It should be purchased without a mortgage, although any amount above the 500,000€ may be financed.

The process is relatively quick, the first stage of which is taking possession of the property. This may take around 6 weeks. Applying for the residency permit should take no more than 20 working days.

The documents required are a valid passport from a non-EU country, private medical insurance issued by a Spanish company, criminal records check, proof of income to support the family, and the relevant documents demonstrating your investment.

The visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for a further two years if you keep the property. This is up to a maximum period of 5 years after which permanent residency may be applied for.

To make sure there are no problems and that things go smoothly, it is best to seek professional advice.

That’s not the case of course for resale homes; buyers can be moved in often within just a few weeks of finding their perfect home. And then there is the ‘what you see is what you get aspect’. It is likely that the urbanisation is well established, the garden is well cared for and you know exactly what is around you in terms of buildings and services.

Working with agents on the Costa del Sol. Home buyers will probably be unfamiliar with how agencies work and more importantly, how they collaborate, on the Costa del Sol. Most foreign buyers will be accustomed to viewing properties through listing agents; that means for instance, if you find six properties you like which are listed for sale by six different agencies then you have to contact each one separately and make arrangements to view.

Many areas in the Costa del Sol are also starting to soar in value.

A study by the Gesvalt has found that properties in the areas of Benalmadena, Estepona, Fuengirola, Mijas and Torremolinos currently have an average price that exceeded €2,000 per square metre.

Urban

planning and the Marbella of the future..

It is important that Marbella has an urban plan adapted to the 21st century that responds to the future needs of the municipality - the current plan was approved in 1983 - but it is even more important to have a clear idea of the model that the city should aim for.

Professionals involved in urban planning and the real estate sector on the Costa del Sol have advocated that the public administrations should focus their efforts on thinking about the Marbella of the future and the improvement of its services.

“The challenge is no longer to have a general plan, which we have been dreaming of for years; the challenge is to find a model for the city. What kind of Marbella do we want for the future? What infrastructure do we need? We have to think about a strategic plan for the future,” said José Carlos León, president of the association, Leading Property Agents of Spain, at a conference held at the end of 2023.

“Without a doubt, the urban plan is very necessary, but there are other infrastructures and needs, such as water or roads, that we have to address as a strategic plan for the future,” added the president of the collective which has more than 20 years’ experience in the Costa del Sol real estate market.

“The challenge is to continue improving infrastructure and services. In the towns of the Costa del Sol we have to have the best in the world,” he concluded.

FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

25 - 31 January 2024

EWN 65

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Neater Heaters - a model that will suit anyone

OVER many years Neater Heaters have become the first choice of many expats living in Spain.

Behind our stylish Scandinavian designs are a modern state-of-the-art convector heater that can match any on the market for economy and efficiency, and beats all the serious competition hands down on price.

The real secret of these heaters is the computer-age technology in the form of extruded aluminium in the construction of the heating element. This material and the design creates a huge surface area for heat transfer, which means more air can be heated for less cost.

Neater Heaters use convection principals and are designed so that the electricity you put into the heater is converted to heat as cheaply as possible. When you turn on the heater the element warms up rapidly and heats the air around it, this air rises and draws more cold air into the hea-

ter. Because the element is extremely efficient and is designed to have a huge surface area a large quantity of air is heated very quickly. If your room has the correct sized heater, it will take about 20 mi-

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nutes to warm up from cold, after which the heater eases off and works at about two-thirds capacity, (depending on various exter-

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Our heaters are not only efficient, effective, and economical, but as you would expect from a Scandinavian product, they are extremely stylish and practical. There is a model that will suit anyone, from the BEHA, (Bluetooth option or Wi-Fi option) and the NEO Wi-Fi, so that you can control your heaters easily via a Wi-Fi APP but still being able to control them manually if preferred, or the trendy original style Neo with digital controls and a choice of colours and if you are limited for wall space, then available for purchase are factory designed feet to enable the heater to be freestanding.

However, a few years ago we added the NEO Wi-Fi Compact model. This heater shares the design technology and ethos of the current NEO heaters, but it has two differences: It is much smaller in length, thus able to fit into tighter wall spaces, plus this model has the added bonus of a 2.5 kw version as well.

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

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74

68 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

EVERY few months when one or other of the British newspapers are short of a silly story, they focus on an invariably elderly English lady who has complained because her holiday in Spain was spoiled by a combination of too many Spaniards also on holiday, Spanish food and no-one speaking English.

This time, we have been able to amuse readers with the story of an American TikTok traveller who was moved to tears when visiting France as even though she had armed herself with a pink beret, she felt isolated and unwanted because she doesn’t speak French.

Well she got her two minutes of fame, move on. If she goes to Yorkshire is she going to wear a flat cap and buy a whippet?

Why is it that people go to a foreign country and expect them to speak your language, how ignorant is that.

Diane Pinkerton

Kevin Airey

If you try to speak the language (whichever country you are in) then the locals will bend over backwards to help you. It’s all about respect xx Jocie Hoten

She wasn’t wearing a French beret, and wasn’t carrying any onions! What does she expect, they speak French!

Tony O’Shaughnessy

Go to Benidorm. They mostly speak English.

Richard Wise

Of course it would help to speak a bit of French! But many French people are not willing to speak another language other than French. It is true that tourists who do not speak French have problems sometimes! I always try to help them when i am in France (I am French) and make them feel welcome. After all France is the most visited country in the world and French people should be a bit more friendly to tourists.

Véronique Kropin

AND her little show was a success.

Marketing goal fulfilled, well done Erik Ea Petersson

The majority speaks English but expect the tourists to make an effort to try to speak some French! And they are right!

Ulli Hawthorne

If it wasn’t for the Brits and the Americans the French would be speaking German now!

Lee Whearty

Stop in America and speak Mexican.

Terry Sutcliffe

Well I’m from Lyon and it is a magnificent city with so much to do, amazing monuments and top world class gastronomy. Maybe she should have spent a little money to pay herself a local guide to show her around.

Stay home lady, that is the best you can do.

Simon Sendac

I visited Cherbourg on a regular basis and chatted up the bar owner’s daughter in my broken French... after a couple of years she spoke to me in the best English I’d ever heard.

Dee Jaa Mas

I’m shocked, a North American, with a passport, and travelling outside of their country.

Les Pimlott

If you visit a country that does not speak your language you can’t expect them to speak yours. However I remember our French teacher in high school telling us to speak any other language but English while visiting France.

Armando Padron-Dueñas

Whilst there were a couple of examples of traditional British anti-French feeling, the majority of people agreed that if you travel to a foreign country don’t expect everyone to speak English and almost no-one had any sympathy for the young ladies view.

To read this story and hundreds of others visit www.euroweeklynews.com or the EWN Facebook page 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.

69

euroweeklynews.com • 25 - 31 January 2024

PETS Enojón prefers cat-sitters at his home Puppies rescued SPONSORED BY

DO you have a fussy cat who prefers sitters to care for him at home?

Find free checked pet-sitters through HouseSitMatch ahead of your trip.

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The pet-sitters come for free!

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 join now to find sitters. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised. All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network. The sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care.

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ENOJÓN: Is a very fussy cat.

HouseSitMatch.com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

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

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HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable 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.

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

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

Cat meets dog

INTRODUCING a cat to a household with a resident dog requires a thoughtful and patient approach. Initially, it’s crucial to provide the cat with a private space equipped with essentials like food, water, and a litter box.

This safe haven allows the cat to adjust at its own pace.

The introduction process should be gradual, starting with scent exchanges through shared towels or blankets. This helps both animals become accustomed to each other’s presence.

When it’s time for the first face-to-face meeting, keep the dog on a leash to manage its enthusiasm and ensure the cat’s comfort.

Observing body language during these encounters is vital; signs of stress or aggression should be taken seriously. Short, positive interactions are key, gradually increasing in duration over time. Rewards and treats can help in building positive associations.

Ultimately, some pets form deep bonds, while others simply coexist peacefully. The pet owner’s role is to guide this journey with patience and understanding, ensuring a harmonious cohabitation where both the cat and dog feel safe and loved.

Some pets can form deep bonds.

A RECENT operation by the National Police has dismantled a criminal organisation involved in the illegal importation, breeding, and selling of puppies.

The report gave details of the investigation which took place in the provinces of Madrid and Girona and resulted in the arrest of eight people.

The investigation began after police received tips about the existence of an organisation importing puppies from Eastern European countries.

These puppies, once in Spain, were sold with falsified documentation.

During the operation, more than 100 animals, primarily puppies of various breeds, were rescued.

The organisation were involved in purchasing animals from farms in Slovakia and Hungary or domestic breeders.

The animals endured journeys over 15 hours long, often arriving in Spain with altered records, younger than permitted, and suffering from various illnesses.

The animals were then sent to breeding and trading establishments in Madrid and Catalonia.

70 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING

CLEANING SERVICES

AWNINGS

DANCE CLASSES

CONSTRUCTION

DAMP PROOFING

DRAINS

ES

SHAD F O E AC

BUILDING SERVICES

GATES

MOTORING

INSURANCE

LEGAL

SERVICES II euroweeklynews.com PAINTERS & DECORATORS

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

REMOVALS & STORAGE

25 - 31 January 2024

EWN 71

72 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024 REMOVALS & STORAGE

euroweeklynews.com II SERVICES

SERVICES II euroweeklynews.com SWIMMING POOLS

WINDOWS

25 - 31 January 2024 INSURANCE

EWN 73

CLASSIFIEDS AIR CONDITIONING AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy.

The family company that cares.

Installation and repairs.

Quality machines. Ecosense movement sensors supplied and fitted from 100 Euros.

For other energy-saving products visit www. coolandcosy.es. 952 935 513. We are Junta de Andalucia authorised installers as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017). On the Costa del Sol since 1993 (303640) Quality Air Conditioning Installations.

Economical heating, & silent in operation.

28 Years installation history in Spain.

EnviroCare. All Areas Covered.

952 663 141/670 409 759 info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (304164) MR COOL – Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Sales & Service – Call Christian +34 629 527 587 or Nick +34 618 678 853 – www.mrcool.es (305074) AIR-CONDITIONING installations. Service & Repair to any make or model, commercial air conditioning, as well as Bar bottle coolers. Suppliers of catering equipment. All work

guaranteed. All areas covered including campo.

Contact Williams Refrigeration 952 596 404 / 679 284 959.

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES 28 Years Servicing & Installing in Spain.

EnviroCare. All Areas Covered.

952 663 141/670 409 759 info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (304164)

AWNINGS ACE OF SHADES – All colours available.

Urbanisations catered for, electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast.

Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design T1(101730) SUNSHINE AWNINGS/ BLINDS Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs. 25yrs on the coast. 680 323 969 / 952 199 640 (304251)

BLINDS ACE OF SHADES - Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Roller, Wooden blinds, various colours available, also black-out blinds. Telephone:

74

951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730) BLINDS, awnings, mosquito screens, curtains, vast choice. All areas covered.

Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (303730) MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (304439)

Solar Blinds SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@ solarshadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (303296)

BUILDING SERVICES JIM’S HOME IMPROVE MENTS. Bathrooms / kitchen reforms, repairs, plumbing, carpentry, painting, tiling, maintenance. Give us a call no job too small. 692 207 799 / 645 559 423 (304610) GENERAL BUILDER, Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician, plumber, carpentry. Reasonable prices. 635 913 885 (References available) (304615)

25 - 31 January 2024 SWINGLES CASAS SL. For all your building needs. Visit www. swinglescasas.com for more details or call 635 999 765 / 666 960 262 (303441) PLUMBING & GENERAL BUILDING All your plumbing needs. Bathroom, kitchens, tiling & painting. Benalmadena based, travel no problem. Glen 669 073 773 or Paul 642 098 115 (304246) QUALITY renovation: Kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, windows, doors, plastering, Total property renovations info@master buildspain.com 952663141 /670409759 Over 28 years renovating history in Spain (302479)

METALWORK NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Fencing, repairs & alterations.

Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 19yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder. Call/ WhatsApp 655 040 648 (304977)

BUILDERS

BUY & SELL HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIA LISTS, FULL OR PART CLEARANCE. ALL FURNITURE WANTED, WE PAY MORE. TEL 634 324 914 OR EMAIL houseclearan ceman@hotmail.com (303629) PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPO RIUM Buyers & Sellers of quality furniture. Top prices paid. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071

CARS FOR SALE

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

CHARITY COLLECTIVE CALLING are urgently requesting donations of clothing, homeware & furniture, so if you are having a House Clearance, Please call us for FREE COLLECTION. We sell good quality items, which then supports low-income families and the homeless in the community. These items can be dropped directly to our charity shop Tienda Solidaria: Av. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 4, San Pedro de Alcantara, alternatively, call us to arrange collection on +34 711 006 961 (295137)

CHIMNEY SERVICES CHIMNEY SWEEP. Clean reliable professional 608 377 497 (303436) APEX CHIMNEY SERVICES, professional chimney sweeping and smoke testing. NACS Qualified. Clean and efficient Telephone: Bob 696 320 202 (303700)

CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com CHURCH SERVICES BENALMADENA Elim Family Fellowship. Elimfamilyfellowship. com or call 951 912 525 or 952 446 627. (10011) CALAHONDA: Encounter Church (Elim), Family church with kids’ activities, Iglesia San Miguel, Sundays 4.30pm, Rev. David Hodgson, 695 115 496 (10012) THE Ark Christian Church. We meet at The Ark Christian School, Calle Río Darro 2 y Plaza Juncal, 29651, Mijas Costa (the road behind the Mijas Aquapark) on Sundays at 11.00am. Pastor, Andrew Seale Tlf 682 713 491 www.thearkspain.com (293850)

CLEANING MAINTENANCE ADVANCED Cleaning Services.

Professional carpet, upholstery cleaning, 27 years experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable service 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 or email acservs@outlook. com (290189) UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189) STARLIGHT Property Clea ning & Maintenance. All types of cleaning. Any size of property. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. 682 636451 w w w. s t a r l i g h t - s p a i n . c o m (303728)

DECORATORS ATD DECOR. British Painter.

30 Years’ Experience. Punctual.

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602 431 968 Facebook: @ ATDDecorMalaga (304784) RAINBOW PINTURAS. Spray painting, professional finish of kitchens, doors and furniture. All aspects of interior/ exterior paint and decorating under taken. Call/ Whatsapp: 628066308 www. rainbowpinturas.com.

Facebook. Instagram: rainbow pinturasmalaga (303387)

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

DRAINAGE BLOCKED DRAINS? Leak detection, CCTV survey, root removal, Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com (296441)

ELECTRICIAN ALL TYPES OF ELECTRICAL work, re-wiring, fault finding.

Certified, Reliable & Guarantee. Frank Tel or Whatsapp 650 561 629 (304788)

FLOOR POLISHING MARBLE FLOOR (2.50€/m2) WHY PAY MORE. WE CLEAN, CRYSTALLISE, SEAL THEN POLISH YOUR MARBLE TO HIGH GLOSS, NON-SLIP. PROFESSIONAL GUARAN TEED, FAST SERVICE. 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. ALSO REPAIRS DAMAGES TO MARBLE, CLEAN AND SEAL TERRACOTTA TERRACES, COVERS ALL COSTA DEL SOL. TEL: 671 244 683 (303059) MARBLE FLOORS polished high shine non-slip. Fast Service Reliable, family-run business.

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952 930 861 / 607 610 578 Discount code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437) MARBLE POLISHING, CRYSTA LLISING, LASTING, HIGH SHINE. REGRINDING, RES TORATION OF SALTY, DEAD FLOORS. 27YRS EXPERIENCE. RELIABLE. REFS AVAILABLE. CYRIL. 645 840 199 (305107)

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

FURNITURE FURNITURE wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (304097)

GARDENING

IRRIGATION IRIS-IRRIGATION and landscapes.

TRENCHLESS NO DIG Irrigation installation, Cables, Fibre Optic, Electric & Lighting Cables. New Installations & problem-solving. Turf (supply and laying). Garden constructions. Tree surgeon.

Clearing. Astro Turf (Free Quotation) 676 747 521 (303376)

GATE REPAIRS ELECTRIC GATE / GARAGE DOOR automation repaired.

Free, no obligation quotation.

Call Colin - 636 394 641 (304223)

GATES ELECTRIC GATES / Garage Doors. Intercoms/access control systems and replacement remotes. New installs and repairs.

For all your electric gate and garage door requirements call us on 605 356 469/952 786 178.

The Garage Door Co & 2 Way Gates. tgdc@hotmail.co.uk www.2waygates.com (302680)

GLASS CURTAINS GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931 (303730)

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN: General Building work, painting, wall/roof waterproofing & other jobs. Call Michael 622 755 666 (305164)

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

(303296)

HOT TUBS AND SPAS HOT TUBS new used, bought, sold, hired. Also move & repairs.

Used good Hot Tubs for sale. 691 973 131 / +44 7836 379122 (304541)

HOUSE CLEARANCES ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM furniture wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes.

697 511 071 (304097)

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!

(200726) STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call telephone: 971 277 455 For your security w w w. a b b e y g a t e i n s u r e . c o m (291234)

25 - 31 January 2024 LOCKSMITHS ENGLISH LOCKSMITHS, SECURITY & SHADE EXPERTS. FREE HOME SECURITY SURVEY. 636 770 865 / 952 660 233 WWW. S E C U R IT YO F S PA I N . C O M CONTACT DAREN (303056) T1 ENGLISH LOCKSMITH emer gency & appointment, locks changed, patio doors & windows secured. All locks supplied insurance approved. Fast & reliable service. No hidden extras or nasty surprises. 657 466 803 www.a1locksmiths.es (290138)

MASSAGE RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (305218) SAN PEDRO. Sandra.

Professional relaxing, tantric massage. Young, slim, work alone, unforgettable moments.

Nueva Andalucia. 641 346 278 PURE RELAXATION in Nueva Andalucia with attractive independent masseuse. Tantric and other special massages in private apartment. For gentlemen and couples, with no rush attention to your needs 656 350 401 ENGLISH ELEGANT indepen dent & affectionate lady in late 40s, gives a sensual golfers massage to relieve tension in her discreet private apartment.

Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 680 177 569 (304543) MARBELLA CENTRE - the ideal place for relaxing massage in the city centre. Available 24h and prices from €50. For reservations and information call 620 366 817. (302600) PROFESSIONAL MALE mus cled masseur. Full-body relaxing, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. In/outcalls. WhatsApp me 607 595 906 (304067) BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427 (305219) FUENGIROLA. Japanese Shiatsu & Zen Ki relaxing and therapeutic massage.

Excellent service guaranteed.

Home Visits. WhatsApp for appointment 693 988 340 (304785) ESTEPONA. Susana, Latin Girl sculptural body, trained for deep relaxing massage. 697 705 304 (FU 2786) AT MY Wellness Massage Studio your first visit will be the first of many. Tel: +34 623 492 262 (304620) JAPANESE massage. Marbella.

Relaxing, less stress. 664 177 216 (MI 559) MARBELLA Tantric ritual massage with aromatherapy to

leave completely renewed. 642 751 070 (2907) NEW IN FUENGIROLA. I am Daniela, 19 years old, massages and relax. 603 366 841 (FU 3178) SARA Venezuelan, professional relaxing therapeutic & sensitive massage. I can visit you. For more information contact me 632 770 051 (303021) BENALMADENA Private Villa: DANIELA from Colombia 19yrs Masseur. New on the Coast. in C/ Imperio Argentina N.1 in Benalmadena. Incalls Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305173) BENALMADENA: IRINA Ru ssian Masseur, model, slim, Russian, Spanish, English. Incalls & Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 604 181 157 (305173) BENALMADENA Masseur, massage, jacuzzi, outcalls 24hrs.

Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305173) NEW IN FUENGIROLA. I am beautiful brunette Luna, treat yourself to massages and relaxation 603 366 841 (FU 3178) BENALMADENA: Maria Colombian Masseur - blond long hair, Incalls & Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 604 181 157 (305173) BENALMADENA: Alicia Spanish professional & relaxing Masseur..

Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305173) FILIPINA / Thai, exclusive prostatic, deep, hard, soft massage pleasure to body mind therapy, exotic professional relaxation, clean, good atmosphere. Elviria. Marbella.

604 457 672 (MI 576) FUENGIROLA Centre 3 beautiful girls enjoy with authentic beauties 603 366 841 (FU 3178) BOLICHES: Celina Https:// celina-16.jimdosite.com. Elegant loving kind lovely delightful lady for educated very discreet, respectable gentleman. Unique relaxing moments, hot sensual massages, private quite place.

Enjoy full deep complete, excellent treatment, special attention of your needs and

INSURANCE

EWN 75

total satisfaction. Demanding impeccable hygiene. Previous appointment 11am/6pm. 622 210 797 (FU 3165) BENALMADENA: Sandra Spanish Masseur and Amalia duo massage & relaxing. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 604 181 157 ASIAN lady tantric sensory generate self esteem body technique, fantastic relaxation massage Marbella. 671 442 664 (MI 576) NEW VILLA in Fuengirola. 4 masseuses. Total discretion. 632 018 105 (FU 3178) VANESSA Benalmadena exce llent massage services. Relaxing & therapeutic. Home premises.

Call me 624 811 098 (305190) ASIAN Touch try something different combination Oriental European, absolutely relaxing massage relief pain stress, luxury place. Marbella. Elviria. 633 705 558 (MI 576) ASIAN MASSUER offers relaxing full body massage.

Home Visits. WhatsApp 641 980 066 for details (304011) OLGA Mature Masseure relaxing & sensitive. Outcalls & Incalls. 24 hrs. Marbella – Tel: 632 467 580 FUENGIROLA Johanna Brazilian 45yrs Slim Mature Masseur. Relaxing Massages.

Best relax guaranteed. Tel: 617.818.615 (305174) FILIPINO MASSAGE CEN TRE, where hearts of Asian professional massage daily. 604 421 973 (MI 576) ASIAN PROFESSIONAL Massa ge, sensual, relaxing & therapeutic, to release tension & stress. Fuengirola. Call 613 592 062 (304091) ASIAN ladyboy and gay, authentic professional/traditional massage therapy unique treatment, clean atmosphere.

Marbella. 603 257 690 (MI 576) GENESIS blond explosive masseur, men and women, from Venezuela. 24 hours - outcall / incall - visa & amex - Tel. 680 55 614 (304861)

76 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024 CASSIE. Mature English lady.

Discreet and clean. Fuengirola.

667 914 732 (FU 3031)

continued support over the last 35 years here in Spain. Stay safe and outdrive everyone. If contacting Samantha in the afternoons, please only Whatsapp on 608 658 785 or Email therobertsonclan@gmail. com as I am driving mostly & unable to take your calls.

BARBARA mature masseur educated 42yrs, private, 24hrs, Marbella. Tel 613 213 030 (304740) CRISTINA and MIA - duo masseurs on holiday in Marbella - infall & outcalls 24hrs - visa & amex - Tel. 680 55 614 (304861) ORIENTAL ladyboy pretty professional traditional, tantric massage relieving. Marbella. 604 428 812 (MI 576) THAI Benalmádena Costa.

Body-body full massages. Visits, hotels. Whatsapp 689 387 448 (MI 577) FUENGIROLA. Marisa, 38 years old, mature, all kinds of massages. Only WhatsApp. 631 659 408 (FU 3168)

MOSQUITO Screens for windows, doors and a high-quality sliding patio door screen. All finishes available. Quick service. All areas covered. Call Julian 655 825 931 (303730) MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours, call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (304439)

MOTORING

CASSIE. Mature English lady.

Discreet and clean. Fuengirola.

667 914 732 (FU 3169)

WWW.LAILALYNCH1.COM. Heated pool, Jacuzzi and private bar. Inland private retreat with a full massage service. 662 913 428 (FU 3172) COLOMBIAN. Yeraldin, I do massages and something else. I am independent 45 years old I am in Nueva Andalucía. 611 245 461 (FU 3175)

BENALMÁDENA. FRIENDLY attractive masseuse, relieve muscle tension. From 50€.

613 106 153 (FU 3177)

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

MOSQUITO SCREENS ACE OF SHADES - Don’t let the bugs get you! Available in enrollable, slider and pleated.

Large choice of colours including wood effect. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

LAWYERS

ROBERTSON CARS SALE SALE SALE AUTOMACTIC / DIESEL MERCEDES C220 ESTATE 2013 ONLY 82,000KMS Yes Approx. 50,000 Miles. Electric Big Sunroof, this is no ordinary Mercedes this is my own much loved super Good Looking. Striking Shade of Grey Mercedes, New ITV till Augugst 2024 ,Sat Nav, Electric Everything, Parking Sensors, Fabulous Air-con, Samantha´s Hot Bargain WAS 17,995 Euros Now FINAL SALE PRICE €17,500. www.rob ertsoncars-spain,com or text me whatsapp 608 658 785 Email: therobertsonclan@gmail.com ROBERTSON CARS SALE SALE SALE AUTOMATIC / CABRIO SMART CAR Silver with Black Electric Hood, hood can be half opened or fully down, go top-less, 2 seater. Small Car Big Personality. Park anywhere, little beauty she has her own car cover.

Huge Service History originally from Germany, now Spanish Plates. Low KMS. ITV, Air-condition , Electric Windows and Locking, 2 Keys. Outstanding Condition, WAS €5,995 NOW SALE PRICE €5,250 Perfect Runaround. See Photo on my web page – www.robert soncars-spain.com or text/ Whatsapp me: 608 658 785 Email therobertsonclan@gmail.com

LOS BOLICHES - Carolina Pretty Masseur, Slim 45yrs Relaxing Massage, Guaranteed relax - Tel: 634.703.111 (305174)

SAN PEDRO BEACH. RELAXING AND SENSITIVE MASSEUSES WELCOME YOU IN A PRIVATE AND DISCREET PLACE. YOUNG, PLEASANT. WITH APPOINTMENT. EASY, PRIVATE PARKING. 666 194 079 - 674 679 757. (305229)

euroweeklynews.com II CLASSIFIEDS

CAMPER VANS, CARAVANS, MOBILE HOMES, BOATS AND ALL PLANT, DIGGERS, DUMPERS, MOTORBIKES, CARS AND COMMERCIALS WANTED. BEST PRICE PAID, CASH TODAY, ANY REGISTRATION WITH OR WITHOUT PAPERS. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 (290189) CARS, VANS, ANY RESGIS TRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE / EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921 (290189) CARS, VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN / UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (290189)

FOR SALE ROBERTSON CARS...would like to thank all of my past, present & future clients for their

ROBERTSON CARS SALE SALE SALE 4x4 RANGE ROVER SPORT 2022 LOW KILOMETRES Stunning in White, New ITV Till August.

Always garaged, lady owner has looked after her. Arrive in style was €18,995 now FINAL SALE PRICE €17,500 See Photo on my web page – www.robert soncars-spain.com or text/ Whatsapp me: 608 658 785 Email therobertsonclan@gmail. com ROBERTSON CARS SALE SALE SALE 4x4 SUZUKI SAMURAI CABRIO This old warrior is in amazing condition.

White with White Soft Hood.

No Air-Con, just take the hood off! Drives like a tank great for campo. ITV until June 2024 only 77,000KMS. MUST BE SEEN €4,995. See Photo on my web page – www.robert soncars-spain.com or text/ Whatsapp me: 608 658 785 Email therobertsonclan@gmail. com WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance.

Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

CAR SERVICES ENGLISH bodyshop, fully equipped, Mijas Costa. No Job Too Small. Call: 952 667 074 (304140)

IMPORT/TRANSFER CARS TRANSFERRED, history checks, Imports and Embargo problems. Change of use and lost papers. Change your car to Spanish plates, simple efficient service. Cars bought and sold.

Please call 678808837 or email carsinspain@live.co.uk (290189)

WANTED WANTED, wanted, wanted!!

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

(303386) WANTED CARS AND VANS, FREE COLLECTION, SAME DAY 685 524 921 (290189) CARS, VANS BOUGHT WITH / WITHOUT PAPERS. CASH WAITING CALL: 678 808 837 (303115) EURO CAR Established since 1998. All Cars / Commercials wanted, runners or no-runners.

Cash. Buyer Collects. Transfer included. 605 109 796 (303389) CARS, Vans, Bikes wanted. Any Reg, Anything Considered Call or Whatsapp 687 049 592 (304671)

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

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

PEST CONTROL COCKROACHES, ANTS, insects, fleas, mice, rats, wasps, termite specialists. Fumigations, bars, restaurants, houses, etc. Sanitary department officially registered certificates. Serving the coast since 1985. Only legal English owned pest control company on the coast. If you want the best then phone N.P.S. Paul 676 700 370 (303636)

PETS L A G U N A P E T H OT E L . C O M Loving care for cats and dogs TEL 646 066 351 (302996)

KENNELS CAT & DOG World Kennels and Cattery. 952 112 978 / 630 197 435. www.catanddogworld. com (305199)

PET CHARITY ACE CHARITY ‘El Refugio’ in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average 275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the town hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any help offered, including donations of food and blankets.

Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736.

Our website is www.ace-charity. org where you can view all the dogs in our care. (93320) ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see on www.adana.es.

Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, available from 10.00am until 2.00pm. (93319) ANIMEX Foundation offers free will upgrading when leaving something for abandoned animals. Contact animexfoundation@gmail.com or call 692 166 434 now for this absolutely free service (288287) ARCH - The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses, registered charity 8448, the Centre is open to visitors every Sunday from 9am until 2pm. Working closely with the Spanish authorities, we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and abandoned horses and donkeys. Come and meet our current rescues, learn about our work and how you may be able to help. Run solely by a small team of dedicated volunteers, the Centre is located between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin in Comm. de Viña Borrego behind Venta Miralmonte. For more information and directions see our website www.horserescuespain.org, our Facebook page Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos or tel. 610 845 491 or 656 935 613 (93322) SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public at weekends from 10.00 to 5.00.

Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at any time. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We

PLUMBERS

are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel. 608 258 950 info@ sepeonline.net www.sepeonline. net (93321) SOS ANIMAL REFUGE we have dogs, young and old looking for homes. Some of our dogs have been with us for some time and would love to find a cosy spot to curl up in and a knee on which to rest their heads. If you have room in your heart and home we would love to hear from you. We do not put our dogs to sleep - no matter how old, they are safe with us. For day to day needs and to pay for veterinary care, we much appreciate the support we receive.

We desperately need items to sell on our market stall to help raise funds and are happy to come and collect. So, if you are having a clear-out, please contact us on 605 227 155. If you would like to know more about rehoming, please call 653 257 875. Visit our website www.sos-animals.org or please phone Sandy on 952 385 923 or 666 814 056 if you would like to make a donation or help in any way. (93317)

PLUMBING PLUMBING. Leak detection & blocked drains. Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com (296441)

PHOTOGRAPHY SCANNING Old Photos Negatives or Slides. Convert to Digital Files or Prints. View on iPad & Phone Colourising B/W & Retouched to Professional Quality. 664 540 154 (305166)

POOLS

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

CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com PROPERTY

Electrial & Plumbing repairs. 682 636451 www.starlight-spain. com (303728)

PROPERTY TO LET W W W. I N T E R M A R B E L L A .

COM Costa del Sol Property Long Term Rentals All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422 UK +44 208 144 5008.

Email info@ intermarbella.com (303052)

REMOVALS/STORAGE 15 CUBIC metre van returning to the UK 09TH February 2024. Space available each way. Tel. 639 928 090 (304200)

MAN AND VAN MAN & VAN, 20€ ph. Removals, Rubbish & House Clearances.

Paul 634 112 677 (294214)

PROPERTY WANTED W W W. I N T E R M A R B E L L A .

COM Costa del Sol Property Sales & Long term rentals wanted.

All areas / All budgets / All types.

Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@ intermarbella.com (303052) THINKING of selling your property or interested in a current valuation? We have clients actively looking for properties from Torremolinos to Calahonda. List with us and let us sell your property.

Call Joe 626 864 683 (304019) PRIVATE BUYER looking for properties between Marbella to Malaga at realistic prices. Quick decision and cash purchase if suitable. Any condition but must be legal. Call or Whatsapp 0034606 526 618 (305263)

PROPERTY FOR SALE W W W. I N T E R M A R B E L L A .

COM Costa del Sol Property for sale. All areas / all budgets / all types. Spain +34 951 708 422.

UK +44 208 144 5008 Email info@intermarbella.com (303052) SELLING UP?? Why not give us a call and let us give you an honest and realistic valuation of your property. List with us and let us take the stress out of selling your home. No sale no fee!!

English agent on the ball with clients waiting. Please call 685 524 921. (290189) FOR SALE URBAN PLOT 1200m2. Able to build 3 Houses of 143m2. Good investment in a prominent position Urb Sierra Chica Coin / Malaga. 130,000€ plus taxes. Tel: +34 696 376 454 (304791)

PROP MAINTENANCE STARLIGHT Property Clean ing & Maintenance All Areas.

Residential & Holiday Lets.

Persiana repairs, Decorating,

2 MEN, Van €30 p hour.

House Clearances & Storage.

651 081 610 (304603) moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129) STORAGE, Storage, Storage.

Man & Van Services. Call/ Whatsapp 690 155 340 (304667) MAN AND VAN removals / storage service. House clearances Collections and deliveries Waste removal NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Mike on 604 380 570 (304093) A&J REMOVALS For all your clearance, delivery and removal needs. Moving never looked so good. Call us on 662534877 (305213)

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL LOCAL REMOVALS AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 1/2 DAY FROM €90. FULL DAY FROM €175. WE ALSO PROVIDE A FORTNIGHTLY DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE TO UK AND EUROPE (INCL SCOTLAND).

WORLDWIDE SHIPPING TO USA, AUSTRALIA, ETC AND FULL STORAGE FACILITIES. TEL (0034) 952 578 507 OR (0034) 637 892 278 / EMAIL garymoveit@yahoo.co.uk (304252) JDS EURO TRANSPORT & REMOVALS - Regular trips throughout Europe. Call or WhatsApp Julian 0044 7884 908 929. See Facebook Page for recommendations (304139)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129)

STORAGE moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129)

ROLLER SHUTTERS ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual, various colours available including wood effect, we also offer a repair service. Make your home more secure! Telephone: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730) ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland.

655 825 931 (303730)

SOLAR SOLAR Hot Water heating: FREE HOT WATER. 28 years installation history in Spain.

Envirocare. All areas covered.

Quality guaranteed. 952 663 141/ 670 409 759 info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (304164)

SOFT FURNISHINGS CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosannacarmella8@gmail.com (304143)

25 - 31 January 2024 POOL MAINTENANCE & re pairs. Special Winter Maintenance offer for Dec / Jan / Feb /Mar. Call NOW for more info 603 312 588 (304816)

TRANSLATORS OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS All Languages. Call: 952 789 204 Mobile 654 613 094 sanpedrotranslations@gmail.c om (304238)

TV/SATELLITE TV REPAIRS to TV’s, LCD, LED, -Videos, Hi-Fi, & Microwaves, Mag Boxes, UK channels installed.

35 years experience. Free Estimates, Can Collect. John 952 491 723 or 600 706 201.

(305199)

WATER HEATERS

EWN 77

WINDOW TINTING

ELECTRIC & Gas Water Heaters.

Quality Installations.

28 years installation history in Spain.

EnviroCare.

All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759 info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (304164)

SOLAR PROTECTION

UPHOLSTERY ADVANCED Cleaning Services.

Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, 28 years experience, wet/dry clean.

Honest, reliable. 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 acservs@ outlook.com (290189) UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189) CARPETS AND SOFAS cleaned. Reliable, fast service.

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

If you can read it, so can your clients.

Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

SITUATIONS VACANT

SPECIALTY SERVICES 3 IN 1. Nurse 17 years experience, Cleaner, Home help.

English / Dutch speaking. Limited slots available €30 per hour.

WhatsApp or Call 690 849 277, 24 hours (304638)

SWIMMING POOLS POOL MAINTENANCE, & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona & inland areas. Call telephone: 678 791 495 / 951 536 389 w w w. s p a r k l e n r i p p l e . n e t (303027) SWIMMING Pool Heating Pumps, Pool Covers, Rollers, Filtration Systems.

28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality Guarante ed.

952663141/67040975 9 info@envirocarespain. com www.envirocarespain. com (304164)

SITUATIONS VACANT

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

78 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING

Credit: alvarog1970/Shutterstock.com

THE General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) in Spain has announced its latest plans to embrace digital advancements with regard to Spanish vehicle inspections.

2024 marks a significant transition as the DGT discontinues the traditional ITV (Technical Vehicle Inspection) labels that have adorned car windshields in Spain for over 30 years.

On a date yet to be announced, the DGT will formally replace the physical ITV stickers with a digital alternative.

This move is part of a broader initiative to digitalise administrative processes, aiming to modernise the system and enhance road authorities’ efficiency during vehicle inspections.

As a substitute for the sticker, the DGT is going to promote a new application or electronic system through which both authorities and drivers can access the status of the vehicles’ ITV and all relevant information.

Credit: Ararkis Automobili Ltd

End of ITV stickers

The Ararkis Sandstorm promises a special ride ITV STICKERS: DGT looking to replace digitally.

This innovation promises not only administrative convenience but also environmental benefits by reducing the costs and impacts associated with producing and distributing physical stickers.

However, the transition to a digital platform has raised concerns among some users about data privacy and security. Reportedly, there are some who are concerned about their safety, since any slight failure in this application could publicly expose drivers’ confidential and personal information.

Some claim that the risk of digital identity theft and impersonation is a serious consideration that the DGT must address to ensure the robustness of its security system against potential cyber threats.

The introduction of this digital system by the DGT marks a significant step in adapting to contemporary technological trends and improving road safety and administrative efficiency.

However, it’s crucial that these advancements do not compromise user safety and privacy.

World’s fastest car

THE Ararkis Automobili Ltd, a company based in the UK has unveiled what it claims to be the fastest street-legal car ever.

What’s more, the Ararkis Sandstorm is an EV Hypercar which is not only luxurious but accelerates from standing to 100kph in a staggering 1.5 seconds according to the man behind the company.

Priven Reddy, is a South African-born tech entrepreneur known for his innovative and cutting-edge global projects and this has culminated in the creation of the Sandstorm, a vehicle that he claims represents the future of EV Hypercars.

The vehicle boasts an impressive 500-kilometre range on a single charge, can achieve an 80 per cent charge in just 30

minutes, and the Sandstorm boasts Lightweight Body Technology, Accurate Installation Technology, Mirror Surface Technology, Super Boost Technology, and Thermostat Battery Technology. Sounds good but in order to own one of the limited edition of 20 unique lightweight carbon fibre bodywork vehicles you will need to pay around $2 million (€1.8 million approx.) and the ownership club will be so exclusive, you have to wait to be invited to join.

Perhaps once these cars are sold, the entrepreneur will turn his attention to producing a model which is just as efficient but more in line with the average driver’s pocket.

MOTORING II euroweeklynews.com

25 - 31 January 2024

EWN 79

BMW i5 - old fashioned style with modern power

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

THE BMW 5-Series has been a feature of the German manufacturer’s sales brochures since 1972, designed by automotive guru Paul Bracq the 5-series has seen numerous incarnations over its production life. You can still buy petrol and diesel 5-Series and there’s some new, greener power under the 5-Series bonnet now in the form of plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions.

In an age where hatchbacks, crossovers and SUVs dominate it’s rare to find a traditional saloon. While some may consider a saloon old fashioned many think a saloon looks classy and stylish. BMW’s i5 eschews the seemingly standard approach of making EVs somewhat quirky, or arguably downright odd, and has produced a near perfect fusion of old fashioned style and class with modern power.

A 105kw electric motor

5-SERIES: A well-drawn combination of sports saloon and luxury cruiser.

powers the rear wheels in true BMW tradition. Two i5 models are the e-Drive 40 MSport and MSport Pro plus the all-wheel-drive M60 XDrive, which is the more sporting of the trio.

Despite this the MSport and MSport Pro are no pedestrians, with the benchmark 100kph/62 mph reached in six seconds. Exercise your right foot in swift style and the i5 heads for the horizon at a considerable pace and certainly made my passen-

gers break into large smiles.

Going electric with the 5-Series means an i5 with prices starting from €86,431/£74,105. My test

MSport Pro has a decent standard equipment list but as ever getting carried away on options can be costly. On my test car to the extent of an additional €19,092/£16,370

Facts at a Glance

including a panoramic glass roof, superb Tanzanite blue metallic paint and a replacement for the already high quality standard Harmon Kardon sound system. This pushed the total price of the

Model: BMW i5 MSport Pro Engine: 81.2 kwh battery – 335 PS Gears: Automatic Price: €86,431/£74,105 - Test car with options €107,967/£92,570 Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 6 seconds/Maximum Speed 191 kph (119 mph).

Range: 574km/357 miles on single charge Emissions: 0 g/km Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

test car to a not inconsiderable €107,967/£92,570.

Inside the i5 it feels special, as it should at the price, yet despite the subtle style it’s a head turner and during my time garnered much favourable comment. For me there’s far too few buttons and too much touchscreen action required. That said the touch technology works well and reacts quickly, it’s a nicely intuitive system.

On the road, addictive acceleration included, the i5 is a delight and a well-drawn combination of sports saloon and luxury cruiser.

With a quoted maximum range of 574km/357 miles, real world driving probably 482-498km/300-310 miles, it’s a useable distance.

Let’s hope that the public charging network here in the UK improves so that you can take an i5 on road trips with confidence. For me a plug-in hybrid version would be a better companion.

80 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

Historic win for Sainz

IN a stunning display of skill and determination, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz have clinched their fourth Dakar Rally victory, securing their names in the motorsport history books.

On Friday, January 19, the Spanish duo emerged victorious in the car category of the 2024 Dakar Rally, conquering the gruelling desert terrain and making a ground-breaking mark with their Audi hybrid-powered vehicle.

At the age of 61, Carlos Sainz has not only claimed his fourth Dakar crown but also set a remarkable record as the oldest car driver to achieve this feat.

Sainz and Cruz have been

Credit: CSainz_oficial/X

MAKING HISTORY: Carlos Sainz on the way to Dakar victory.

an inseparable force in Dakar, winning all their titles together. Their journey began in 2010 with Volkswagen, followed by triumphs with Peugeot in 2018, Mini in 2020, and now, Audi in 2024.

Sainz joins the exclusive club of drivers who have conquered the Dakar with four different manufacturers, an achievement previously accomplished only

by Stephane Peterhansel.

While moments of tension

arose, such as a near-overturning incident in the third stage and a crucial tire-saving assistance from Ekstrom on stage 10, Sainz and Cruz remained resolute.

They didn’t even need to secure a stage victory to claim victory in the world’s toughest race, their impeccable driving skills and a reliable machine carried them through the challenges.

The 2024 Dakar Rally marked a significant milestone as it witnessed the first-ever victory of a hybrid-powered car in the competition’s history.

Carlos Sainz’s fourth Dakar Rally victory not only places him in elite company but also equals him with Ari Vatanen, securing his place on the podium of drivers with the most Dakar victories.

The 2024 Dakar Rally will be remembered as the year when they made history with their Audi hybrid, redefining the boundaries of what is possible in the world of desert racing.

WALKING FOOTBALL GAMES ON!

AFTER the lull in proceedings for the festive layoff, several matches have taken place in the League and Cup. AWFL Over 50s Real Calahonda 3 v 2 Marbella Marbesula An exciting game saw both evenly matched sides going strongly for the win, with the lead switching hands and the result being decided by a fine Real goal from Big Sean, adding to those from Darren Canty and Gary Robertson, to earn them the 3 points.

AWLF Over 60s Malaga WFC 4 v 0 Sporting Benahavis Despite the scoreline, this was a closely contested game in which, although the hosts were largely in control, scoring two in each half through Gary Seymour, Mark Sargent, Steve Fort and Bryan Richmond, taking them to second in the table, Benahavis certainly played their part and made a game of it.

Sporting Benahavis 2 v 5 Real Calahonda After Sporting took the lead twice through goals from Tony Peters and Gary Stevens, the visitors began to dominate the game and ended deserved winners with goals from Colin Parkinson (2), Scott Cousins, Steve Kelly and Bob Laverick. The hosts did pressurise the Real defence but were unable to convert their chances.

Arxafusion Over 60s Cup Nerja Utd 5 v 1 Boca Seniors Competa Nerja took an early lead through Tony Wells and Paul Leveridge with Paul Kavanagh replying for the visitors before half time. After the break, Nerja took control and added three more from Wells and two from Mike Corish to earn a comfortable win.