Costa Blanca South 29 Feb – 6 March 2024 Issue 2017

Naval tradition

George Cunningham

THE February meeting of the Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) was lled with pride and special recognition for dedicated members.

Chairman, Ship Mate

(S/M) Tony Jenkins awarded special RNATB certi cates to honour commitment and loyalty.

Margaret Forshaw BEM received a Gold Certi cate for her 20 years of support alongside her late husband,

S/M Bryan Dalton was awarded a Bronze Certi cate for his 10 years of membership.

Additionally, the meeting included the usual events, such as the Ex RN Ditty, where retired RN personnel share anecdotes from their service, and Tot Time, where toasts are made to various events, including Valentine’s Day, St David’s Day, and the health of King Charles III.

John Forshaw, who was also a founding member.

FREI GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE ILMAINEN

G F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G Costa Blanca

Margaret Forshaw receiving her Gold Certificate.

Image: RNATB

Great results

IN its inaugural month of operation, the virtual assistant of the Alicante City Council, ALI, accessible at ali.alicante.es, has delivered impressive results.

ALI efficiently resolved 8,688 procedures and queries online within seconds, issuing over 826 registration certificates, assisting 194 individuals with online payments, and facilitating 166 prior appointments.

Antonio Peral, the councillor for Innovation, IT, and Digital Agenda of the Alicante City Council, expressed great satisfaction with ALI’s performance, noting that it has surpassed all usage expectations in its first month.

ALI has proven to be a valuable, rapid, effective, and highly efficient tool, greatly exceeding the administrative community’s expectations and bringing the city council closer to the citizens.

In detail, ALI assisted more than 4,474 citizens.

Citrus farmers

ALICANTE Council agreed to reconcile with the interests of citrus farmers and beekeepers.

On February 21, the council approved, at the request of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the measures to reduce the pollution in citrus production, limiting cross-pollination to the maximum.

The agreement foresees the obligation of all beekeeping operations to comply with the health programme established by the Zoosanitary Plan for 2024 and ensures that all beekeeping locations will be equipped with water points to meet the biological needs of the insects.

Cross-pollination increases the presence of seeds in the fruits, so the farmers will have to implement new production strategies.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, had forecast that Spain

Beekeeping farm with flowers.

would produce 5.754 million tons of citrus during the 2023/2024 campaign.

Being such a large producer of citrus products, the council had agreed that it was a priority to make changes.

The beekeepers and citrus farmers had a week from February 21, to with-

Dubai route

THE Valencian Community is actively seeking to attract tourists from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Nuria Montes, the councillor for Tourism, recently led a trade mission to Dubai during the Gulfood 2024 fair.

She held meetings with Emirates Airlines, one of the world’s leading airlines, and Emirates Holidays, a prominent tour operator.

rrently operates daily flights to Barcelona and Madrid airports, with plans to increase the frequency to two daily flights.

draw their hives from the polluted citrus areas.

As the citrus flowering season came earlier this year due to increased temperature, the beehives produced from February 26 until May 31, will have to be located at least four kilometres away from the plantations.

During discussions with Emirates Airlines, Montes expressed the Valencian Community’s interest in establishing a direct flight link with Dubai Airport, the world’s busiest international airport, in the medium to long term.

Both parties have shown considerable interest in this prospect, particularly as it would serve as a gateway to Asia and Australia.

Emirates Airlines cu-

However, they are particularly interested in the Madrid route due to its connection with the AVE high-speed train to Valencia.

Dubai International Airport served 87 million passengers in 2023 and boasts connections to 262 destinations in 104 countries through 102 international airlines.

The aim is to position the Valencian Community as a premier destination within the travel portfolios of these countries within the next four to five years.

Credit: Papa Piper, Flickr

Seeking tourists.

Image: Emirates / Facebook

Working wonders

ALICANTE City Council has managed to generate new pedestrian routes, improve accessibility, change the urban landscape, and expand pavements, gaining space for pedestrians in the neighbourhoods of the Edusi territory, which reduces CO2 emissions by more than 96.3 tons per year.

Elche’s Luck

LADY LUCK smiled upon Elche in the National Lottery draw on February 24. The second prize was sold at an administration on Avenida de Novelda in Elche. Meanwhile, the two winning tickets were sold in Torrent, Valencia, and a municipality in the province of Almería.

Loo tender

TORREVIEJA has now put out to tender the contract for the refurbishment and upkeep of 202 bus stops. The canopies have lacked maintenance service since 2015. The works will include upkeep and cleaning of toilets at the most important stops on the bus routes.

Pension first

THE revaluation of pensions in Spain has placed the average in Elche above €1,000 for the first time. On the Costa Blanca, pensioners in Santa Pola are the best-paid in the region, with €1,116, while pensioners from Crevillent receive an average of €985.

Hero fighters

ON February 25, a large fire broke out in an orchard between Catral and Gomares roads, in Almoradí. Fortunately, there were no personal injuries but much vegetation was damage.

TORREVIEJA has introduced a unique service called ‘motocaca’, aimed at daily collecting dog excrement left on public roads throughout the municipality.

Despite its amusing name, the vehicle plays a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness in the city.

The ‘motocaca’ is a specialised vehicle that travels an average of 70 kilometres per day, equipped to vacuum up approximately 30 droppings daily.

Although this number has been decreasing over time due to the vehicle’s efficient cleaning efforts, it remains an essential service in keeping public spaces free of dog waste.

The service primarily focuses on areas such as the seafront of

Poop patrol

Culinary delight

“ MORTAL , the best rice in the province of Alicante and in Spain is in Pinoso,” exclaimed one diner who travelled from Alicante to Pinoso on Saturday, February 24, to join the fifth day of the Mostra de Cuina del Pinós.

All four restaurants were fully booked, bustling with patrons eager to indulge in exquisite gastronomy.

As the weekend approached, more locals from Pinoso joined the diners, especially in larger groups, often using the occasion to kick off celebrations for the upcoming patron saint festivities, now known as the Mig Any Fester.

The festive atmosphere wasn’t limited to locals; visitors from towns across the country also joined in, drawn by the opportunity to savour Pinoso’s renowned rice with rabbit and snails.

Some even travelled from neighbouring towns in the province of Alicante, such as Torrevieja and Castalla.

The Mostra continued its culinary celebration on Sunday, February 24, offering a tasting menu showcasing the best dishes from the preceding days.

The festivities will carry on from Friday, March 1, to Sunday, March 3.

IN January, hotels in Elche saw a historical peak in occupancy, reaching 67.7 per cent, marking a 6 per cent increase compared to 2023 and a 3.5-point rise from December.

What’s encouraging is that pro tability remains steady, with the average room price staying at €60.58, just 10 cents higher than last year.

However, compared to December 2023, there was a decrease of €4.04 per room.

The Association of Tourism Companies of Elche notes that January typically

Torrevieja, roads, public spaces, squares, and the centre of La Mata. Additionally, it operates in urbanisation areas on a rotating schedule from Monday to Saturday.

Although the ‘motocaca’ has some limitations, such as its inability to operate in dirt-laden areas or narrow sidewalks, it remains a powerful and effective tool for maintaining cleanliness in the city streets. Its presence has contributed to a reduction in dog waste, with citizens increasingly taking responsibility for cleaning up after their pets.

Windy opponent

ULTRAMARATHON runners are known for their incredible resilience, always pushing their limits and overcoming tough challenges.

In the 13th Transilicitana race, a famous 100-kilometre event in Elche, the runners faced a tough opponent: the wind.

Despite concerns about the weather, Mayor Pablo Ruz started the race at 8.00am on February 25. A remarkable 1,424 runners took on the challenge. The runners came from di erent parts of Spain and other countries like Germany, Great Britain, and Andorra.

They tackled a tough course that passed by many famous landmarks, including Pantano Lake, Raco de la Morera, Font de Llop golf course, and SaladasJuvalcoy area.

The route continued through Torrellano and El Altet, o ering stunning views of the beaches along the way.

Passing through ValverdeMaitino and Pantano again, and navigating through Monte CastroLlano de San JoséPeña Las Águilas and the Carrús industrial estate, the runners nally reached the Vinalopó river.

Fully booked

sees lower occupancy due to fewer daylight hours and a lack of signi cant events.

They observed that weekends weren’t as busy as other times of the year.

Nonetheless, they highlight a ‘gradual improvement in winter seasonality’, noting that January’s occupancy rates were previously unseen until spring less than a decade ago.

Looking ahead, forecasts

for February are optimistic despite international conicts.

Economic indicators in Spain and key source markets remain positive, with expectations to match or exceed last year’s visitor numbers.

However, improving protability remains a challenge due to stagnant prices compared to competing destinations.

THE Spanish government is proposing to reduce short flights, like the one between Alicante and Madrid, to cut down on CO2 emissions from aviation in a bid to help the environment.

They want to encourage people to take trains for trips under two and a half hours if there’s a rail option available.

The Alicante-Madrid route does fit this criteria, but it might be saved due to a loophole as there might be exceptions for flights connecting to international routes through major airports.

Aena, the airport operator, says the Alicante-Madrid route should not be affected much because most flights between the two cities are used as connections for international travel.

Even though Alicante-Elche airport had a record number of passengers in 2023, mainly from international flights, it’s expected to break that record this year.

Cleaning up after pets.

Easter in Elche

Nora Shephard

ELCHE Town Council is launching the senior ‘bonfire’ contest for the first time to celebrate the traditional Easter cake, Mona de Pascua.

The cooking contest will be held on March 16 at 10.30am at the Elche Congress Centre.

Registration opened on Monday, February 26, and will close on March 8 and is open to residents aged 60 and older who are registered in the municipality.

Registered participants must also attend an informational meeting at the

Casa del Mayor on Tuesday, March 12 at 11.00am to get information regarding the contest details.

The councillor in charge, Aurora Rodil, highlighted

the significance of the bonfire dessert, a staple on elders’ tables for generations, with each family having their unique recipe while preserving its essence.

Rodil encouraged all adults to participate in the contest to keep this Elche tradition alive.

Contestants can bring their families to compete with their creations for the prize and enjoy a fun time tasting the sweet accompanied by chocolate.

The councillor confirmed: “It’s a sweet day not to be missed!”

Tennis champ

THIS year, 24 players from the Pinoso Tennis Club are taking part in the Deportes Amorós Junior Tour.

The Pinoso club is hosting the second Phase of the Cadet and Under 20 categories, which are part of a larger circuit involving around 300 players across all categories.

In exciting news, player Victoria Vrublitskyy achieved a remarkable victory, defeating the number 3 seed in the draw with a double 7/6 score in the 1/4 final match of the Champions Bowl at the Saldar Sports Club in Valencia.

On February 24, a gathering of the top players from the province of Alicante took place at Pinoso’s Ilicitano Tennis Club facilities.

Dynamic demographics

THE demographic landscape of Orihuela in 2023 reflects a significant increase in the foreign population, which now represents 33 per cent of the total population, making Orihuela the third municipality with the largest foreign population in the pro -

vince of Alicante.

The overall population of Orihuela reached 84,054 in 2023, with a net increase of 1,900 individuals compared to the previous year.

While the Spanish population in Orihuela grew slightly to nearly 53,000 individuals,

marking an increase of 94 people compared to 2022, its proportion relative to the total population decreased by 1.35 per cent.

Conversely, the foreign population saw a growth of 1.34 per cent during the same period.

The foreign population in Orihuela is primarily composed of individuals from the United Kingdom, although there was a slight reduction of 0.83 per cent compared to the previous year.

Other nationalities with significant populations (between 10,000 and 1,000 people) include Belgium, Bulgaria, Morocco, and Russia.

Most of these nationalities experienced growth in 2023, with notable increases observed in the Russian and Moroccan populations.

Nationalities with populations ranging from 1,000 to 500 people include Germany, Algeria, Colombia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Ukraine.

The majority of these nationalities witnessed growth in 2023, particularly notable increases seen in the Ukrainian and Colombian populations, while Germany and the Netherlands experienced a decrease.

CONGRESS CENTRE: Cooking contest takes place.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Victoria’s outstanding performance has earned her recognition as one of the top three players in her age group in the province - a well-deserved accomplishment!

Victoria Vrublitskyy.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Pinoso

Gardening glory

Nora Shephard

ATTENTION all gardening enthusiasts!

Are you an avid gardener but just don’t have the land? Applications are now open until March 7 for the Ecological Gardens of Public Interest, offered by the Aspe City Council. There are 18 plots available along Camino Parrés.

To qualify, applicants must be of legal age and have been registered residents in the municipality for at least one year.

Additionally, non-profit entities registered in the Municipal Registry of Associations, specifying the number of individuals benefiting from the garden’s use, exploitation, and enjoyment, are also eligible to apply.

This initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability and revive the tradition of gardening while encouraging organic farming

practices.

For further details, contact the Local Development Agency by

email at: dolo.valdes@ aspe.es or by calling (+34) 966 919 900, extension 120.

Quieting skies

DURING a recent meeting of the Environmental Monitoring Commission of the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, it was announced that soundproofing works have just been completed in 43 homes as part of the Acoustic Insulation Plan (PAA) for the airport.

Additionally, another 33 homes have been included in the plan after their owners met the required conditions.

This means soundproofing works have been carried out in a total of 3,247 homes, representing over 90 per cent completion of the works out of the 3,525 requests received. If you want to submit a request, contact (+34) 915 903 170, or email office.paa@ineco.com.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Aspe

Eighteen plots are now available for residents.

Bus app

CLAUDIO GUILABERT,

Elche’s Mobility councillor, has unveiled the latest innovation in urban transport with the introduction of the ‘Movilidad Elche’ mobile application.

The app offers a range of new features designed to simplify city bus usage for Elche residents.

Users can now access updated maps and menus directly from their mobile devices.

The app enables purchasing tickets or bus passes using QR codes, checking available balances, and reviewing past trips.

Additionally, users can track real-time arrival times, detours, and vehicle occupancy for all buses in service.

The app’s maps section allows users to locate bus stops by distance or name, save favourites, and apply filters. The Lines menu provides route information and arrival times.

Furthermore, the Notices feature alerts users to cancelled stops in real-time.

Since its launch at the beginning of the year, the ‘Movilidad Elche’ app has garnered significant user engagement.

Over 1,500 users have registered, 350 vouchers have been purchased, and approximately 2,000 users have utilised the app to board city buses.

Service above self

Bob Marquess

FRANCISCO JURADO assumed the role of President of the Guardamar Rotary Club in July 2023, marking his second tenure in this position.

With over nine years of involvement in the Rotary Club, he’s dedicated to leading the club until June 30, overseeing various initiatives, events, and community actions.

Under his leadership, the Rotary Club successfully organised fundraising events like World Polio Day and a charity golf tournament, raising funds for important causes such as End Polio Now.

They’ve also initiated programmes like mentorship, training, and work experience opportunities for students at IES Les Dunes.

Francisco emphasises the Rotary Club’s commitment to the motto ‘Service Above Self’ and the importance of giving back to the community.

As the store director of

Italian inspiration

STARTING in April, Alicante Province and Rome will be more accessible with the reopening of a ight route operated by Wizz Air, o ering three weekly ights.

Image: Guardamar Rotary Club

three Specsavers Ópticas branches, he’s proud to support the Rotary Club’s activities and fundraising efforts, aligning with Specsavers’ commitment to community involvement.

The Guardamar Rotary Club actively supports local charities and initiatives, including the Red Cross, IES Les Dunes secondary school, the local food bank, and Cáritas.

They collaborate with local businesses like Spec-

savers Ópticas for fundraising and practical support, highlighting the importance of corporate social responsibility.

Local businesses interested in supporting these initiatives can contact the Rotary Club via email: ro taryguardamar2203@gmail. com

. Donations for the Rotary Club can also be made at Specsavers Ópticas in Guardamar, Torrevieja, and La Zenia.

The introduction of this ight route by Wizz Air, a low-cost Hungarian airline and the second-largest airline in Italy, presents a valuable opportunity to increase tourist in ow from Rome.

The Director of Alicante’s Tourist Board, Jose Mancebo emphasised that this route, in addition to those already operated by other airlines, underscores their commitment to the Italian market.

The Hungarian airline’s service doubles the accessibility for Italian tourists, particularly those from Rome, one of Italy’s largest metropolitan areas, to visit the Costa Blanca.

Turespaña in Rome, the Spanish tourism board’s o ce located in central Piazza di Spagna, collaborated on this initiative by providing conference space.

The director con rmed that a recent presentation in Rome, conducted in both Italian and English with collaboration from Wizz Air, aims to increase awareness and interest among Roman and Italian visitors and reestablish connections with this market.

ROTARY CLUB: Important to give back to the community.

Elche passion

George Cunningham

THE Department of Culture has announced an extraordinary rendition of The Passion of Elche through the streets of the city’s historic centre.

This travelling performance is a special commemoration of the Jerusalem Cultural Group’s 40th anniversary.

Scheduled for March 23, the Saturday before Palm Sunday, the performance will unfold across six different locations in Elche’s historic centre, each representing a scene from the Passion of Christ.

Starting at 9.00pm, the journey will begin from Hort de Baix to Molí Real, featuring pivotal scenes such as the Last Supper, the Garden Prayer, and the arrest of Jesus.

The depiction will continue in Traspalacio, portraying Peter’s denials and Jesus’ encounter with Pilate,

before culminating in the crucifixion.

In addition to the street performance, the Jerusalem Cultural Group will stage The Passion of Elche at the Grand Theatre on Good Friday, March 29, with free admission, and on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, with ticket sales contributing to the group’s continued endea-

vours.

Since its inception in 1984, the Jerusalem Cultural Group, comprising around 100 dedicated members, has passionately brought the Passion of Elche to life.

The declaration of the Passion of Elche as a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest in 2015 underscores its cultural significance.

Lights, camera, action

THE Castle-Fortress of Santa Pola is gearing up to be the backdrop for Alejandro Amenábar’s latest film, ‘El Cautivo’.

Production has already begun, with materials being gathered in the parade ground for the creation of a temporary set.

As a result, a section of the Sea Museum within the castle will be temporarily closed to the public.

El Cautivo will depict the captivity of Miguel de Cervantes by Barbary pirates in 16th-century Algiers.

The Department of Culture has obtained the necessary authorisation from the General Directorate of Heritage of the Generalitat Valenciana, allowing the fortress to

THE Alicante City & Beach Tourist Board has acknowledged the outstanding contributions of 31 companies and institutions that have maintained certification within the Comprehensive Tourism Quality System in SICTED Destinations for a decade.

Ana Poquet, the councillor for Tourism, emphasised the significance of participation in SICTED, highlighting its role in enhancing tourism competitiveness and elevating the appeal of Alicante as a tourist destination.

She expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the more than 140 services affiliated with the system, all striving to provide exceptional service to visitors.

serve as a filming location.

Due to these preparations, the Sea Museum area in the south wing of the Castle will be off-limits to visitors for the duration of filming.

While the filming activities may cause some disruptions to daily life in Santa Pola, it’s exciting news for the town to host such a prestigious production by a renowned director like Alejandro Amenábar.

The global exposure from a film of this calibre will greatly promote Santa Pola’s cultural heritage and boost tourism, building on the success of previous productions like the series ‘La Ley del Mar’, which was also filmed in the municipality.

Desirable

The councillor added that this commitment has contributed to Alicante’s reputation as a desirable destination for both national and international tourists.

SICTED, a project initiated by the Secretary of State for Tourism and implemented in the Valencian Community by Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, is managed by the Alicante City&Beach Tourist Board.

The 31 entities recognised for maintaining certification for a decade received plaques in acknowledgment of their dedication.

A special commemoration for 40th anniversary.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Showcasing Alicante Carp-r-us

ROUND 8 of the CarpR-Us Winter Series was fished on Edens 2 and 3. On arrival the river looked in excellent condition and

with the temperatures expected to rise to and unseasonal 27°C, good sport was expected.

In the end though, the fishing was patchy

with some decent weights and a number of not so decent weights.

On Eden 3, it was the battle of the Tonys with Tony Felstead just edging out Tony Flett.

Tony Felstead had 9.50kg from peg 4 (downstream end peg) on maggot feeder while Tony Flett had 9.46kg from peg two on feeder and maggot. Third and fourth were on Eden 2, where Paul Burton had 8.14kg from peg 8 using pole feeder and maggot and Trevor Morrey had 4.64kg on the adjacent peg again using pole feeder with corn or maggot.

Further information about the club can be found on its website carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

ALICANTE’S main museums and cultural centres have joined hands with the Provincial Association of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations of Alicante (APHA) to share their exhibitions and cultural offerings with visitors staying in the province’s hotels.

This collaborative effort involves placing informational displays in hotel receptions, featuring details about each museum and venue grouped under MUSEA, along with a QR code directing visitors to the respective website.

Currently, 30 hotels and tourist apartments have signed up, with more expected to join in the coming weeks.

The establishments included in MUSEA are municipal venues such as MACA, Las Cigarreras, La Lonja, MUSA, and Museo Nueva Tabarca, along with provincial cultural centres like MARQ (Archaeological Museum of

Alicante), MUBAG (Museum of Fine Arts of Alicante), and the Alicantino Institute of Culture Juan Gil Albert.

Other participants include The Ocean Race Museum, MUA (Museum of the University of Alicante), Alicante City University Headquarters, and the Alicante Water Museum.

Councillor for Culture, Nayma Beldjilali, praised the initiative and emphasised the efforts made by the participating centres to promote their programs among both residents and tourists.

The collaboration is expected to boost cultural visits and enhance dissemination among tourists.

Main musuems and cultural centres joined hands.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante

How much of your income do you lose to tax?

If you ever had the feeling that you have spent half your working life just paying tax, you are not far wrong. What with income tax, national insurance/social security, capital gains tax, VAT, council tax, excise duties and so on, a considerable amount of our income goes straight to the taxman each year.

Even if you are retired, you are still faced with tax on savings, investments and pensions. Having paid so many taxes all your life, you will not want to pay more than necessary – that’s why tax planning plays such an important part in protecting your wealth.

Each year the Institut Economique Molinari compares the taxes payable by the average wage earner across the EU member states and the UK, measuring how many work days of each year are devoted to paying taxes. While it focuses on wages and the tax and social security employees pay, it illustrates the general tax burden of each country.

Tax freedom day

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

The study calculates a “tax liberation day” for each country – the date on which an employee has earned enough to pay off all taxes for the year – and identifies the average “real tax rate” for workers (gross salary minus all tax liabilities).

2023’s report reveals the average tax freedom day across the EU was 10 June, a day earlier than 2022. Cyprus had the earliest date with 16 April, while France had the latest with 17 July.

How did Spain fare?

Spain’s tax freedom day fell on 8 June, one day later than the previous year, placing it twelfth in the rankings. Spanish employees worked 159 days of the year just to pay their tax bill.

The average gross salary is €34,989, but after the real tax rate of 43.4%, Spanish are left with €19,792 to spend on themselves.

What about the UK?

According to this study, the UK’s tax freedom day landed on 9 May, with a real tax rate of 35.2%.

However, the UK’s Adam Smith Institute uses a different methodology to calculate tax freedom day and includes indirect taxes. This approach places the UK’s 2023 date on 18 June. This is 10 days later than in 2022,

which itself was a week later than in 2021, and the latest date since reliable records began in 1995.

The ASI expects the UK’s tax freedom day to continue to fall later in the year and hit 23 June in 2025, the latest since the early 1960s according to historical data.

How much tax did you pay in 2023?

Of course, the research is just indicative of the average taxpayer in each country – higher earners will generally have a later tax freedom day, though if you are retired then you don’t have to worry about social/national insurance contributions.

Every taxpayer is different, but if you felt you paid too much tax in 2023 now is the time to take action to see if you can mitigate your liabilities in 2024.

In many cases, there are steps you can take to lighten your tax burden, especially on your capital investments and pensions. While we all have to pay our share of taxes, cross-border taxation is highly complex; do not risk getting it wrong or paying more than you have to. Take personalised, specialist advice on the compliant tax mitigation opportunities available in Spain and the UK – you may be surprised at how you can improve your tax situation.

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

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

ALICANTE is set to play a significant role in the upcoming ninth National Artichoke Congress, which will be held on March 2 and 3 in Almoradi.

Lidia López, the councillor for Commerce, emphasised Almoradi’s decision to host this year’s Congress in Alicante, particularly at the Central Market, which serves as the birthplace of the province’s garden.

The mayor of Almoradi invited everyone to attend the Congress and indulge in the showcooking, noting the significant presence of attendees from Alicante in previous years and expressing gratitude to the city for its support.

Highlighting the increasing integration of artichokes in local restaurants’ menus, López praised the exceptional quality of this locally-grown product from the Vega Baja region, con-

BOTH Elche General Hospital and Vinalopó Hospital are actively promoting their flu vaccination campaigns to safeguard the health of vulnerable individuals from the potential complications of the flu.

This year, the vaccination campaign has broadened its focus to include children aged six to 59 months without underlying health conditions for the first time.

Priority has also been given to residents of elderly care facilities, individuals over 80 years old, healthcare and social care workers, people aged 60 to 79, and other high-risk groups.

Rafael Carrasco, the medi-

cal director of Vinalopó Hospital, highlighted the hospital’s success in administering a higher number of vaccine doses compared to previous campaigns, positioning Vinalopó as a leader in vaccination coverage within the Valencian Community.

The hospital achieved a remarkable 68 per cent vaccination rate among individuals over 60 years old.

Councillor for Health, Inma Mora reiterated the importance of continued vaccination efforts until the

Flu vax Artichoke jeweller Weather wonders

firming its significance in Alicante’s gastronomic scene.

Additionally, Alicante will be recognised at the Congress for its gastronomic excellence, with the Alicante Gastronomic Solidarity NGO receiving

the special iArtichoke Jewelleri award on March 3.

The NGO will also cook a bowl of giant rice with artichoke during the event, with proceeds benefiting their charitable endeavours.

GRANJA DE ROCAMORA recently joined the MeteOrihuela network, setting up a modern weather station.

This station provides accurate weather information specific to the municipality, including historical data saved day by day.

Operating since February 16, the weather station collects various weather details like temperature, humidity, wind

end of March, the conclusion of the campaign.

Despite ongoing challenges, the hospitals remain committed to promoting vaccination as a crucial preventive measure against the flu and other respiratory illnesses.

During the ongoing campaign, Vinalopó Hospital has treated 74 flu-related hospitalisations, with only one requiring intensive care, in addition to admissions for Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses.

speed, and more.

This information is available in real time on the town council’s website and other meteorological stations’ networks across the southeastern part of Spain.

The partnership between Granja de Rocamora Town Council and MeteOrihuela includes providing weather advice during important events like festivals and outdoor gatherings.

National artichoke congress is taking place.

Seals feel at home

DEN HELDER is the home of Holland’s naval base, the Royal Naval College and the Admiralty Building.

Its canal is also home to two seals who are in trouble because they are feasting on the fish, a local fishing club complained.

Five years back, a pregnant seal entered Den Helder’s inland water network through one of the locks and after giving birth to a pup neither mother nor offspring has shown any interest in leaving.

Hans Koopman from the HSV Angling Club, which organises annual competitions, explained to local broadcaster NH that members spend €4,000 each year on stocking the canal with fish, which the seals demolish at the rate of four kilos a day.

Irritatingly, they often decide not to eat the entire fish but merely take a bite out of it, before moving on to the next one.

“Fish stocks are completely destroyed,”

Koopman said. “Just move the seals out to sea.”

The association has asked on several occasions to have the seals removed, but the Pieterburen seal sanctuary, which is both a rehabilitation and research centre, can only do so if the request comes through a local authority, a spokesperson said.

The sanctuary also explained that it was not unusual for these marine mammals to swim in canals.

“Seals often swim in inland waters. So long as they look healthy, there is no reason to move them.”

As responsibility lies with the municipality in question, the Pieterburen shelter steps in only when animals are in need of assistance.

Moving a seal is not easy. “Seals cannot be lured,” a spokesperson told a local newspaper.

QUITE COMFORTABLE: The seals are at home in Den Helder canal.

Photo credit: Flickr/Ian Carvell

Colossal fine

THE European Union is expected to impose a ne of over half a billion euros on Apple, marking a signi cant milestone in the tech industry’s legal landscape.

This landmark penalty, estimated at around €500 million, is expected to be unveiled in early March.

It concludes an extensive antitrust investigation by the European Commission, initiated by Spotify’s complaint in 2019, concerning Apple’s music streaming service operations within the EU.

The crux of the investigation revolves around Apple’s alleged preferential treatment of its services on its platform, potentially side-lining competitors.

According to the Financial Times, the probe looked into whether Apple restricted apps from notifying iPhone users about more economical alternatives for music subscriptions outside the App Store.

Insiders expect the Commission to declare Apple’s behaviour as unlawful and violate the bloc’s regulations that promote competition within the single market.

Furthermore, the EU plans to prohibit Apple’s practice of hindering music services from directing users to less expensive options outside its App Store, accusing Apple of leveraging its dominant position

to impose anti-competitive trading practices on rivals.

This ne represents one of the most substantial nancial penalties imposed by the EU on a major technology rm. It comes in the wake of a series of penalties against Google totalling approximately €8 billion, which are currently under legal challenge.

Previously, Apple had not faced antitrust nes from Brussels, though it was ned €1.1 billion in France in 2020 for similar accusations, which was appealed and later reduced to €372 million.

The EU’s stern action signals a renewed con ict between Brussels and major tech companies, underlining the importance of compliance with the Digital Markets Act, aimed at fostering competition and enabling smaller tech entities to ourish.

APPLE: Expected to receive a fine.

Credit: TonyV3112/Shutterstock.com

Linda Hall

NORWAY’S government announced that it will no longer grant residence permits for au pairs.

Labour Party MP, Per Vidar Kjolmoen, explained to a TV2 interviewer that what should be a mutually beneficial arrangement was increasingly exploited as a cheap labour source.

“The au pair scheme was supposed to be about cultural exchange,” he said. “It was a way of giving young people the chance of a job and somewhere to live in return for providing help with childcare and housework.”

In Norway, where the average monthly wage reached 56,360 kroner (€4,961) in 2023, an au pair receives 5,900 kroner (€519.36) a month, plus food and accommodation.

She - or he - is supposed to work 30 hours each week with one day off.

This arrangement was not always adhered to,

HOUSEHOLD CHORES: Au pairs often used as cheap servants, Norway said.

Kjolmoen told TV2. Although the legislation came into effect mid February, au pairs currently living in the country with a Norwegian residence permit have two years to conclude the arrangement. Applicants who had already booked an appointment to present their paperwork to the Norwegian Immigration Directorate (UDI) by March 15, 2024, will still receive a permit. The new law has not come as a surprise, as Labour minister Marte Mjos Persen announced the measure in March 2023.

“The system is being used to obtain cheap domestic help,” Mjos said.

Peggy Hessen Folsvik, who heads the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions agreed at the time that the au pair scheme resulted in exploiting women, citing the 2017 case of a wealthy couple who received a hefty fine and a five-month prison term for abusing au pairs from the Philippines.

“I am simply relieved that this scheme has now been put to an end,” she said to a local newspaper.

Norway’s no to au pairs Funds for internet training

SPAIN grants €21 million to internet training of rural residents across the

The Spanish government is allocating millions in subsidies to integrate

the technology into the lives of farmers and other residents of rural towns.

The Reto Rural Digital has organised a technology training programme, aimed at residents of sma-

ll towns with a population of less than 5.000 people.

The training includes a minimum of 7.5 hours of training and digital consulting, in which farmers are taught basic skills in navigation, information discovery, data management and digital content tracking.

The digitisation of neglected rural regions of Spain has been a key priority in the government’s management of depopulation.

The top three aims of the Spanish National Digital Agenda include the policies of broadening the infrastructure, public services and rural digital innovation skills.

In 2019, a similar and effective campaign was carried out, providing support of €5-6 million to boost the digital transformation of rural areas, including technical training for the residents.

Photo credit: Pixabay/Maria Kray

Linda Hall

A POSSIBLE Van Gogh self-portrait has come to light in Ghent in Belgium.

Hannes and Lore discovered the painting during extensions to their home, Lore explained to the VRT broadcaster.

As the family had outgrown the house the couple bought in 2008, they recently purchased the neighbouring property which they are currently converting into a single home.

They immediately recognised the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh in a picture painted directly onto plaster which until then had been covered with insulation.

The previous owner is no longer alive but her son has told VRT that the picture must have been there before 1993 when she went there to live.

Their first thought was

to contact the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam but after failing to receive a reply, they contacted a local art expert, Lore told VRT.

An initial examination was inconclusive, although the age of the plasterwork suggested the painting was old. On the other hand, although the style was ‘awkward’, that did not rule out the possibility that it was Van Gogh’s work, the expert explained, as the artist often made rough preliminary studies for the pictures he painted later.

Could Van Gogh have painted it?

The dates add up, as the district where Hannes and Lore live was built between 1875 and 1890, while Van Gogh’s letters reveal that he passed through Ghent in 1885 after leaving Paris for a three-day journey to the Netherlands.

Jannes and Lore also have a theory that Van Gogh could have painted the picture to pay for his stay in the house which, rather than a lodging house, was possibly a brothel, Lore believes.

Meanwhile, Ghent University is interested in analysing the painting, as the pigments used could help to date it.

Paris gets ready

THE Paris booksellers whose distinctive dark green stalls line three kilometres of the Seine will not have to move during the Olympics.

When the 2024 Games begin on July 26 with all national teams sailing down the Seine on a fleet of 100 boats, this will be the first time that an opening ceremony is held outside the main stadium.

During the early planning stages for the event, police ordered that 600 of

the 900 stalls needed to be removed amid concerns they would be ideal for concealing explosive devices.

The (booksellers) immediately complained, comparing the absence of their stalls to ‘a tooth extraction’, while announcing that they intended to take legal action to prevent their removal.

After negotiations failed to find a ‘consensual and reassuring solution’, France’s president Em-

manuel Macron had to intervene, asking the Interior Ministry and police to ensure that none of the bookstalls would be forced to move.

The spire should be entirely visible in time for the Olympics, the Etablissement Public, which is attached to the Ministry of Culture confirmed.

“Dismantling the scaffolding has started and will continue over the coming months,” a spokesperson told the AFP news agency.

HIDDEN TREASURE: Could this be a Van Gogh self-portrait?

Photo credit: VRT News/Ward Schouppe

SEINE BOOKSELLERS: Will not be forced to move during the Olympic Games.

Photo credit: CC/Ninara

Blow against cybercrime

AN announcement on Tuesday February 20 revealed how an international investigation has disrupted the world’s most harmful cybercrime group.

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has declared a significant victory against LockBit, labelled as the most destructive cybercrime syndicate in the world.

The NCA, in a covert operation, infiltrated and commandeered LockBit’s operations. This strategic move has neutralised their cybercriminal network entirely. LockBit, known for its ransomware attacks over the past four years, has victimised thousands internationally, inflicting financial damages in the billions of pounds, dollars, and euros.

This disruption targeted LockBit’s ransomware services, a scheme offering malicious tools for global hackers. When LockBit infected a system, it encrypted data and demanded ransom in cryptocurrency, threatening to leak the information online. The NCA’s seizure of LockBit’s adminis-

trative environment and leak site marks a significant blow to their operations.

The NCA now plans to use the seized dark website to expose LockBit’s operations. They’ve also gained access to the group’s source code and detailed intelligence on their activities. This operation, named Operation Cronos, involved close collaboration with the FBI and international partners from nine other countries.

In a coordinated effort with Europol, arrests were made in Poland and Ukraine, with over 200 cryptocurrency accounts frozen. The US Department of Justice has charged two indi-

viduals with crimes related to LockBit ransomware attacks, highlighting the global commitment to dismantling cybercrime networks.

Home Secretary James Cleverly commended the NCA’s expertise: “The National Crime Agency’s world-leading expertise has delivered a major blow to the people behind the most prolific ransomware strain in the world.”

The NCA encourages public cooperation, urging organisations to report ransomware attacks promptly. This collaborative approach enhances the ability to counteract and prevent further damage by cybercriminals.

Successful NCA-led operation blow to cybercriminals.

Credit:

The first Urban Art Gallery

John Smith

SOME 25 years ago, the village of Fanzara high in the mountains in the interior of Castellon Province in eastern Spain, was in danger of becoming a ghost town.

There were plans for the installation of a toxic waste incinerator and whilst villagers demonstrated against it, their children played at demonstrating as well.

In the end, it wasn’t constructed but this didn’t help the villagers actually find work or sustain their families.

to spend some time and some money there.

Their simple idea, which has now been copied and expanded upon by many towns throughout Spain was to invite graffiti artists to visit the village and paint really attractive designs on the walls of different houses, turning the village into an urban art gallery.

dents to allow the walls of their properties to become ‘blank canvasses’.

Next step was to find artists prepared to visit the village and create some work, but it escalated beyond all expectation.

Two locals Javier López and Rafa Gascó thought that Fanzara could become a thriving community if they could come up with a new idea which would encourage visitors

Sounds simple but in those days, urban art was seen as potentially mindless vandalism but eventually the pair persuaded some of the elderly resi-

In fact 23 artists, mainly Spanish, answered the call and in that first year, no less than 44 murals had been created in what was then dubbed the MIAU, or Museo Inacabado de Arte Urbano (Unfinished Museum of Urban Art).

At the time, the Fanzara Council contributed €2,000 to help the costs and the artists raised funds themselves online and by selling merchandise.

Each year, since then, there has been a festival inviting new artists from around the world to add to the artwork in the village, although there was something of a hiatus in 2023 when there was a change in the make-up of the council with the Partido Popular taking control and allegedly imposing certain restrictions on what wording could appear accompanying the artwork.

Despite this, the village of Fanzara is arguably the first and most complete example of concentrated Urban Art in Spain.

Credit: MIAU Fanzara Facebook

Just one of the numerous urban murals in Fanzara.

EUROPOL has revealed that in a sweeping crackdown carried out in 2023, a coalition of law enforcement, customs, and health agencies from 30 countries joined forces in the fight against the trafficking of counterfeit and misused medicines.

Dubbed Operation SHIELD, the initiative was spearheaded by a steering group from France, Greece, Italy and Spain, with the Guardia Civil playing a crucial role. The operation’s efforts were bolstered by several European institutions, including the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), and resulted in significant seizures valued at over €64 million.

Spain’s involvement through the Guardia Civil underscored the operation’s comprehensive approach, targeting not only the trafficking networks but also the online platforms facilitating these illegal sales.

The trafficking of pharmaceuticals has emerged as a lucrative venture for

Fake medicine

organised crime, posing significant risks to public health and burdening healthcare systems across the EU. The operation uncovered a disturbing pattern of large-scale trafficking, with the sale of counterfeit medicines leading to severe health consequences.

The crackdown led to 1,284 individuals being charged, with 296 arrests and 988 prosecutions underway. Authorities dismantled four underground labs, shut down 92 websites, and carried out

thousands of inspections and anti-doping controls. These efforts underscore the scale of the problem and the determination of the authorities to combat it.

Operation SHIELD

IV marks a significant step forward in the fight against the trafficking of counterfeit and misused medicines. With the collaboration of international agencies, the operation highlights the ongoing battle to safeguard public health and integrity in the pharmaceutical sector.

Gender-neutral victory

Linda Hall

A ROME Appeals Tribunal has overturned a 2019 law obliging local authorities to use only the terms ‘mother’ and ‘father’ when registering a child’s birth.

Until then, some town and city halls were making it easier for same-sex couples to register births by using the gender-neutral ‘Parent One’ and ‘Parent Two’.

This came to an end when the current deputy PM and Transport minister Matteo Salvini headed the Interior Ministry and brought in a 2019 decree re quiring the authorities to revert to the traditional words.

Limiting the terms used on ID cards to ‘pa rent’ was an example of “political correctness going too far,” he maintai ned.

So, too, did the now-PM Giorgia Meloni who con demned the ‘Pa rent One, Parent Two’ formula when still in opposition “I am a woman. I am a mother. I am Italian, I am

Christian,” she declared. “You will not take that away from me!”

Meloni is also on record as saying that a child “deserves only the best: a mother and a father.”

Italy’s LGTBQ+ community accused Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government of ‘trampling’ on the parental rights of same-sex couples, although in any case these hardly compared with those of most other European countries.

One same-sex couple appealed against the Salvini decree, insisting that their child’s identity card should show them as legal parents while giving an accurate indi-

An initial lower-court hearing found in their favour and that decision was upheld the Rome Appeals Court on Fe-

The Appeals Court verdict was ‘wrong’, Salvini insisted the next day. “It is absurd and reprehensible to cancel the words ‘mum’ and ‘dad’,” the Ansa news agency reported him as

Photo credit: Flickr/European Parliament MATTEO SALVINI: Appeals Court overrode his 2019 birth registry decree.

Credit: europol.europa.eu

Illegal medicines seized.

Fast delivery

A MCDONALD’S restaurant in Dublin became the unlikely location for an unexpected delivery of its own, as a mother had her baby in the car park.

In what may seem like a scene from a movie, how often does a fast-food parking lot become a delivery room? This became reality for a Dublin mother on Wednesday, February 21, after she gave birth in a McDonald’s car park in

Tallaght, just southwest of Dublin City.

Dublin Fire Brigade received an urgent call to the McDonald’s location, stepping in to support a sudden childbirth.

The event unfolded rapidly, yet both mother and the newborn emerged from the situation healthy and in good spirits, marking a truly unexpected series of events.

The situation was in-

deed urgent, with the statement revealing, ‘A baby girl was in an Uber hurry and couldn’t wait for hospital. The crew assisted the new Mammy with the delivery and all are doing well.’ The community on social media quickly caught on to the humour, engaging with light-hearted comments. One user named Biff quipped, ‘Surely she has to name him Ronald?’

Dublin Fire Brigade to the rescue.

Credit: DubFireBrigade/X

World of Banksy

John Smith

IF someone asked you what Barcelona, Brussels, Paris, Prague and Rome have in common you could come up with many answers, but probably not this one.

Very simply each of those capital cities boasts a World of Banksy ‘museum’ and they proudly boast that “In the spirit of Banksy’s famously known claim that “Copyright is for losers”, our exhibitions are proudly and openly “100 per cent unauthorised” and have been organised entirely without his involvement.”

Banksy of course is a British grati artist, who is considered one of the main representatives of contemporary street art. His works, often satirical, address universal issues such as politics, culture or ethics.

His work pops up all over the place, mainly in the UK, but he has worked under-cover in many countries and cities including Bethlehem, Calais, Chicago, Jerusalem, Kyiv, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Paris.

The main irony is that although his work tends to be anti-establishment, he has been adopted by the art world, meaning his work is worth a fortune and

Just one of more than 100 Banksy artworks on display.

even the famous shredded artwork at the infamous Sotheby sale which sold for just over £1 million in 2018 was resold in 2021 for more than £18.5 million.

People ght over the right to remove his gra ti from walls not because they are opposed to gra ti but because they know how much it is going to be worth.

Each of the World of Banksy exhibitions has more than 100 copies of his work, often recreated by other street artists and there are regular pop-up shows in other cities such as Berlin, there is an ongoing tour of his copied work in the USA and iBANKSY is a video examination of his work.

Credit: Copyright is for losers

Turning sunshine into gold

NO one doubts the health benefits of Spain’s greatest asset: Olive Oil, but in a corner of the Andalucian olive grove, a woman, in a world led by men, growing organically when everyone around her was working in conventional agrochemical production, Bioluz was born, and Esperanza Marín’s organic adventure began.

Anyone who has driven through the Cordoba countryside will have seen the olive groves with the land around and between the trees stripped bare to the pale soil. The Euro Weekly News spoke exclusively to the woman who pioneered a more ecological way of growing olives and in the process produces the highest quality oil using only nature and the warmth of the sun.

Esperanza Marín grew up helping her parents in the countryside and she tells of the days when she saw the birds falling from the trees after the chemical treatments. Her love of nature made her determined to change this, and the practices which had become common in the olive growing world.

In springtime, her olive grove looks more like an English wild flower meadow than the stark clean skimmed earthy surroundings of many of her neighbours. She tells how, in 2007, the received wisdom was that that the environment now needed chemicals, and that if you didn’t spray your olive trees, they would not produce a harvest due to being attacked by pests. “But I knew this wasn’t right and I looked for the

opportunity to learn about organic farming,” Esperanza recalls. She met with some other producers who were equally concerned about the direction things were moving in, and Subbética Ecológica was founded. Esperanza instinctively knew that bugs needed to live, too, and if you removed their environment, of course they would attack the trees. She immediately started to convert the land she had inherited from her pa-

rents into an ecological paradise.

“At that time, if I said I was going green, and talked about it among the men, they didn’t see it as viable,” she tells EWN

It took years of hard work, but Esperanza gradually created an oasis of diversity and natural vegetation in an environment dominated by olive trees and poor soils. Tragically, her husband Paco, who, with Esperanza, was a well-known face at the local farmers’

markets, died in January of this year, but accompanied by her sister, Nati, she continues her work. Esperanza explains how the price of her oil is set. After harvesting and pressing the olives at a carefully chosen mill, the volume of oil has to meet her production, distribution, and living costs. She sets the price for the year, and reviews the following January based on the new harvest. Drought has severely impacted on the volume of oil produced. Hence, the price of Olive Oil has risen sharply. Ecological Olive Oil producers can be found on subbeticaecologica.com.

Photo: Subbética Ecológica

A springtime garden.

Esperanza Marín, and sister, Nati.

IRELAND

More hope

TAOISEACH (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar announced an €800 million investment in cross-border projects, which he said was the largest-ever package of this kind. “The return of the power-sharing executive is hugely important for the people of Northern Ireland,” Varadkar said, “and has brought renewed hope.”

Penny-wise

IRELAND’S national debt works out at €42,000 for every member of the population, making it one of the highest in the world, the Department of Finance said. It also warned that by 2030, the Irish state would need an additional €8 billion a year to maintain current funding levels for areas like healthcare and pensions.

EURO PRESS

BELGIUM

No romance

THERE was no truth in rumours that Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, who is first in line to the throne and studying at Oxford, was “in a relationship with a fellow student named Nicholas,” the young man’s family said. “They merely go to the same college and study together,” a relative told a UK newspaper.

ELISABETH: Belgium’s crown princess with King Charles.

SWEDEN

Boar off

WILD boars were found dead near Fagersta, 145 kilometres north-west of Stockholm, in August and September 2023 although Swedish expert Karl Stahl said there was currently “zero” risk of more swine fever in Sweden. The last wild boar to test positive died in September and the disease was no longer circulating, Stahl said.

False alarm

A SUSPICIOUS package found amongst luggage on an SAS flight taking off from Arlanda Airport turned out to be harmless, said police who were called to the scene on February 21. Passengers were evacuated while the aircraft was cordoned off but later allowed to return and continue with their journey.

NORWAY DENMARK

Less rich

NORWAY had Europe’s highest disposable income in 2022 but its average of €8,337 by late 2023 put it in sixth place after Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria according to Eurostat, the European data agency. Economic experts attributed the decline to higher interest rates on mortgages and bank loans.

Jellyfish peril

A TOTAL of 65 million farmed salmon perished in Norway’s fish farms in 2023, a 27 per cent increase on 2022, the Institute of Marine Research reported. The “dizzyingly” high number was caused by jellyfish attacks on fish farm pens as well as outbreaks of diseases which required the destruction of millions of fish.

ITALY FRANCE

Dog danger

A GIRL of two was helicoptered to a Rome hospital in a serious condition after she was attacked by her grandmother’s two dogs, one of which was a German shepherd. The attack occurred in her grandparents’ home in Anguillara Sabazia, where they were looking after the child while her parents were at work.

In a hole

THE occupants of a parked car and another that was moving were rescued with minor injuries after a sinkhole in a Naples street swallowed both vehicles in the early hours of February 21. Gaetano Manfredi, Naples’ mayor, said the incident was the result of neglecting the city’s sewage system “for many years.”

Hot stuff

NINE HUNDRED tons of lithium batteries recently went up in smoke at a Viviez (Toulouse) recycling plant. Essential for items ranging from mobile phones to electric cars, the batteries’ combination of inflammable materials and stored energy meant they ignited easily when exposed to heat, firefighters explained.

Veg pledge

THE French Nutrition Society (SFN), a body of public and private sector nutrition experts, together with Climate Action Network (RAC), issued a document stating that the French needed to change their eating habits. They were also advised to reduce meat consumption “for the sake of the planet’s health.”

Keep out

DENMARK is fighting a UK ban on fishing for sand eels on Dogger Bank in the North Sea, maintaining that Britain is reneging on the Brexit agreement. The sand eel is an important primary source for the country’s produce fishmeal and fish oil industry in Denmark, Foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said.

Toxic buildup

WASTE from an abandoned steelworks in Frederiksvaerk is contaminating Roskilde Fjord with hazardous manmade PFAS chemicals and equally dangerous phenols. The pollution, which accumulated over decades, could “probably” put the fjord at risk, a report by the Greater Copenhagen regional authority maintained.

Back home

FOREIGN residents who work in Portugal sent €570 million to their countries of origin in 2023, an increase of 7.39 per cent on 2022, when they sent back €530.96 million and comfortably above the €504.17 million sent in 2021. Much of this went to Brazil, which accounted for around half of the remittances.

Revenue loss

ELIMINATING tolls on the former motorway in the Interior and Algarve would cost the state around €113 million, Miguel Cruz, stated-owned Infraestruturas de Portugal’s chairman, told the Portuguese media. He also confirmed that the Beira Alta and South International Corridor railway lines would be completed in 2024.

NETHERLANDS

Nice and warm

FEBRUARY 15 was the warmest February 15 ever known, with temperatures reaching 15.5 degrees, announced the De Bilt weather station near Utrecht where official records are set. “We have broken a lot more heat records than cold records over the past few years,” said Marco Verhoef, the NOS broadcaster’s weatherman.

Wrong snow

SKI accidents were 10 per cent up in the Netherlands so far in 2024, compared to 2023, the Eurocross emergency response centre said, with “breaks, knee injuries and torn ligaments.” The problem was warm weather which produced the slushy kind of snow responsible for accidents like these, a spokesperson said.

FINLAND

GERMANY PORTUGAL

Moving out

HUNDREDS of Finns who received more than €50,000 a year in unearned income moved abroad between 2019-2022 to dodge or reduce the amount of capital gains tax they had to pay, a report from the Finnwatch organisation maintained. Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and the US were the most popular boltholes.

In tune

GRAMEX, Finland’s copyright organisation, quoted figures which showed that a record-breaking number of songs were registered in 2023. The 21,785 new songs, many of them the work of social media influencers, that were registered with Gramex last year was 30 per cent higher than those copyrighted in 2022.

Empty pews

FIVE Catholic churches closed recently in Kiel, where most of the population are Protestant and buildings are being deconsecrated and demolished to make way for housing. By last year only 50 per cent of Germans belonged to the two principal Christian faiths, which have lost hundreds of thousands of parishioners.

Tesla tussle

RESIDENTS in Grunheide, a rural community under 8,000, voted against authorising a rail goods depot and storage facilities which would have been used by Tesla’s batteries and car assembly plant. Plans, which included building a goods depot and storage facilities, would have entailed felling 250 acres of trees.

Airlines issue ultimatum

IN a recent clash over Dublin Airport’s future, global airlines have issued stark warnings that they will take their business elsewhere.

This dispute unfolded as the powerful US-based Airlines for America (A4A) and other major carriers demanded an urgent increase in Dublin Airport’s passenger capacity.

Their ultimatum: approve expansion plans or face a business exodus from Ireland, potentially taking major multinationals with them.

The contentious issue came to a head as planners at Fingal County Council received submissions urging them to permit an increase from 32 million to 40 million passengers annually.

The cap on passenger numbers must be lifted ‘if Ireland is to sustain and grow current levels of US tourism and foreign direct investment,’ A4A stated.

Highlighting the gravity, A4A reminded that three US giants - Apple, Microsoft, and Google - contribute signicantly to Ireland’s economy.

Their stance is clear: failing to meet US-Ireland travel demands could severely impact Ireland’s economic prosperity. A4A’s roster boasts heavyweights like American Airlines, United, and Delta, emphasising the broad industry

consensus on the need for expansion.

British Airways and its parent company IAG, which also owns Aer Lingus and other airlines, reinforced the urgency. ‘IAG cannot stress enough the urgency for Fingal County Council to make a decision to increase the passenger cap,’ they warned.

Aer Lingus, Vueling, Emirates, and other airlines underscored the importance of lifting the cap for maintaining and growing international routes.

However, the expansion proposal has met with resistance. Residents living under ight paths and environmental advocates argue against the increase, citing noise pollution and climate impact concerns.

Historic bracelets returned

John Smith

AFTER considerable investigation, the premier of the Flanders region of Belgium, Jan Jambon was able to return three antique gold bracelets to a Romanian delegation.

The presentation at the Antwerp Museum on February 19 was the culmination of months of investigation by archaeologists and a police team following the discovery of two supposed Belgian gold bracelets entered into an auction in Monaco and said to date back to 1,000 BC.

If this was true, then they would have been an important nd for the history of Flanders but experts considered that the explanation by the owner that they had been found after dredging a moat around a property in Flanders unconvincing.

Nothing of this type has ever been found in Belgium and the style was typical of the type of bra-

celets found in the Eastern Carpathians.

The bracelets were immediately classi ed as of historical importance which meant that they were withdrawn from the auction where they had an estimated value of €80,000 to €100,000 and the ‘owner’ was interviewed.

It then emerged that

he had obtained three rather than two bracelets in Romania from an illegal excavation and they had been exported without a licence which then allowed the authorities to confiscate them and return these important examples of Romanian heritage back to the country that they had been removed from.

Credit: Peter Krocka/Shutterstock.com

Dublin Airport under pressure.

Return of the three bracelets.

Credit: Jan Jambon Facebook

ENJOY a charity spring fair on Saturday, March 9, starting at 1pm at the Masa Square in Gran Alacant, all in support of the ASPETGA Animal Charity.

The fair will feature a variety of stalls offering something for everyone, including greetings cards, gifts, cakes, specialist cheese pies and savouries, pebble art, Avon products, jewellery, fire bowls, clothing, and much more.

ASPETGA is a non-profit association founded by a group of neighbours, including a local veterinarian, with a mission to promote

responsible pet ownership in our community.

This includes educating residents about local regulations, with a focus on pet waste management. ASPETGA believes in fostering peaceful coexistence between pet owners and non-pet owners and advocates for designated spaces for animals such as dog parks and beaches.

In addition to their educational efforts, ASPETGA also organises events aimed at promoting canine socialisation and good behaviour, as well as contests, games, and charity fundraisers.

In 2015, ASPETGA established a pet food bank to assist needy families in the Santa Pola area.

Rocking Outlaws Spring Fair Evening of song

LOCAL Soprano Verity Jo Spencer Hall flies back from London for ‘A Spring Serenade’ on Saturday April 6 at 7pm in La Zenia.

Verity has been well-known to many locally since the tender age of 16. With numerous performances as a soprano soloist in several well-known choirs, musical theatre productions and her own solo concerts around the Costa Blanca but

ROCK FANS, get ready to rock out with ‘The Rocking Outlaws’ on Saturday March 2 in Quesada! They’ll be playing 50s and 60s Rock and Roll and Country covers. To book your table, call (+34)

CALLING all expats in Spain! Get essential help and advice on Spanish rules at the Restaurante Veinteocho in Hondon De Las Frailes and Surfers Bar Playa Flamenca Beach.

Reserve your free places now!

Expat Briefings offers guidance on visas, TIE rules, taxes, inheritance, savings, pensions, wills, funeral systems, and more.

Whether you’re here part-time or full-time, this advice is for you.

966 717 028 or head to The Club at Toledo, 18, 03170 in Rojales, Quesada.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy some classic tunes and great vibes!

Expat briefings

Join the meeting on Wednesday, March 6, at Restaurante Veinteocho in Hondon De Las Frailes, or on Thursday, March 7, at Surfers Bar Playa Flamenca Beach, both at 10.30am, and enjoy a complimentary breakfast.

To reserve your free places, visit www.expat briefings.com or email info@expatbriefings.com.

on Saturday April 6 she will be back for a concert on her home ground. Joined by her tenor boyfriend, Michael Lacasella, flying in from Seattle and local stalwart Mr Philip Mitchell to tinkle the ivories, they will put on a well awaited concert

at La Iglesia de la Zenia (or the little white church on the N332). Verity and Michael will sing beautiful well-known pieces from opera and musical theatre, La Traviata, The Magic Flute, La Boheme, Phantom of The Opera, My Fair Lady,

Westside Story to mention but just a few. Don’t miss out on this very special evening of song. A donation will be going to The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and also The Church Funds. Tickets are €10 from The Ponderosa Gift Shop in La Zenia, Bargain Books in San Miguel, Butterflies Tearoom in Jacarilla or telephone Tabitha on 722 486 936 for more information.

Image: ASPETGA

EASTER’S E

COMING !

Easter food

Credit: https://curatetrips.com/

ASTER in Spain is an important time. Parades and solemn religious observances go hand-in-hand with music and ritual at this time. Spain is also famous for its culinary arts which usually centre around the sharing of food between family and friends.

In ‘Semana Santa’(Holy Week), the shops overflow with cakes and breads traditionally eaten at this time.

The most famous of these is possibly the ‘Mona de Pascua’ (Easter Cake), which can be seen everywhere. This is a round sponge cake topped with boiled or chocolate eggs and colourful decorations.

‘Sopa de ajo’ (garlic soup) is made with smoked peppers, chicken stock, garlic and hard-boiled eggs.

‘Flores fritas’ (fried flowers), are sweet and crunchy with a cookie like texture, found in many bakeries throughout Spain.

‘Borrachuelos’(fried dough), are pieces of dough soaked in wine or brandy and dusted with powdered sugar.

‘Bacalao’(cod) in pil-pil sauce was particularly popular in the past during Lent, since fish was the only flesh that people could eat. Lastly, ‘Torrijas’(French toast) is a Spanish version of the French classic, with cinnamon and sugar.

There’s lots of food to try in Spain at Easter that’s part of Spain’s great culinary and cultural experience.

Hit and run

Nora Shephard

IN a curious event, a food delivery robot in Helsinki had a bit of a mishap with a parked car, making it the rst incident of its kind in the Nordic climate.

Last summer, the S Group grocery chain introduced robots to help with food deliveries in nine Finnish cities.

These robots, made by Starship Technologies and looking like mini rovers with six wheels, became quite popular among customers as they zoomed around the streets.

But then came winter, and people wondered how well these robots would handle the cold and snow.

The company responded by giving the robots special winter tyres to help them navigate through the winter weather. However, despite these preparations, unexpected things can still happen in the real world.

According to reports, one of the delivery robots had a small accident when it bumped into a parked car in Helsinki before continuing on its way as if nothing had happened.

It was the rst time such a thing had occurred with an autonomous vehicle, as noted by Finnish media.

Food delivery robots.

Eyewitnesses shared what they saw with local media.

The robot was travelling along a pavement covered in snow that hadn’t been cleared, causing it to lean towards a parked car because of the icy edge.

Struggling to move on the slippery surface, the robot accidentally scratched the car while trying to get unstuck. It was only with the help of a passerby that the robot was able to get free.

Once back on the pavement, it continued its delivery route, seemingly unaware that it should have exchanged insurance information.

Image: Starship Technologies / Facebook

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Filling up

SPAIN now has 12,636 independent petrol stations, overtaking the Repsol, Cepsa or BP chains and accounting for 45 per cent of the country’s network, the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) figures revealed. Selfservice outlets are also due to increase from 13 to 20 per cent of the total this year.

Looking better

BANK OF ENGLAND governor Andrew Bailey told the Treasury Select Committee on February 20 that there were “clear signs of an upturn” although the economy went into recession at the end of 2023. He also told the MPs that current investor bets on a cut in the bank rate were no longer “unreasonable.”

Arms race

CHARLES WOODBURN, chief executive of the British armaments multinational BAE Systems, revealed that the company had accumulated £70 billion (€81.7 billion) of orders by late 2023. He also warned that although global conflict boosted arms sales, ramping up production after post-Cold War cutbacks “took time”.

Eagle eye

AN EU directive now in force throughout Spain means that the Agencia Tributaria tax authority will want more extensive information regarding earnings that are made via digital platforms like Wallapop, eBay, Vinted or Airbnb. Tax returns must be made after taking an annual €2,000 or making 30 transactions.

Bodywork

THE BODY SHOP confirmed that it was closing almost half of its 198 UK stores for good, with seven that shut down on February 20. New owners, the European private equity firm Aurelius which specialises in turning round failing companies, is also cutting 40 per cent of jobs at its London headquarters.

€1.46 billion STAT OF WEEK

outlay for the latest share buyback programme announced by Santander bank, together with a 50 per cent increase in its dividend for 2023 compared with 2022’s.

Hunt’s wiggle room

Linda Hall

BRITAIN’S Chancellor

Jeremy Hunt has a £9.2 billion (€10.7 billion) surplus to play with for his March 6 pre-election Budget.

During the first 10 months of the government’s financial year, which ends on March 31, borrowing amounted to £96.6 billion (€112.8 billion), the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed.

This was below the expectations of the tax and spending regulator, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which anticipated government borrowing of £105.8 billion (€123.6 billion) at this stage. The record figure was boosted by a £16.7 billion

Green

(€19.5 billion) surplus in January, which is the month when British taxpayers file their returns and was also helped by lower interest payments on government debt. This was more than twice January 2023’s £7.5

billion (€8.7 billion) surplus.

Nevertheless, financial markets had foreseen an £18.7 billion (€21.8 billion) surplus. Jessica Barnaby, deputy director of the ONS’ Public Sector division revealed that “in nominal

for Orange

AFTER a lengthy in-depth scrutiny of the €18.6 billion deal, Brussels cleared the Orange-MasMovil merger on February 20.

But there are strings attached as the EU’s Competition regulator had previously feared that creating the largest operator in Spain would push up prices for mobile customers by more than 10 per cent.

As a result, Brussels is obliging the newly-formed company to cede three of its frequency spectrum bands to Romania-based Digi.

SPAIN’S trade gap fell by 40 per cent to €40.56 billion in 2023, thanks to a 7 per cent reduction in energy imports, particularly gas.

Xiana Mendez, the country’s junior minister for Commerce, announced exports which reached €383.68 billion last year, the second-highest yet after the record year of 2022, with imports of €424 billion. The European Union remained Spain’s principal export market and accounted for 62.7 per cent of the total although exports to Australia and other Oceania countries rose by 8.7 per cent, followed by Latin America (8.1per cent) and European countries outside the EU (4.6 per cent).

“The commitments offered by the parties will enable Digi, the largest and fastest-growing mobile virtual network operator in Spain, to replicate the strong competitive pressure exerted by MasMovil,” announced Competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager.

Digi will also receive an option for a national roaming agreement, the commissioner said.

Between them, the merged companies will have 7.3 million broadband clients, more than 30 million mobile phone clients and approximately 2.2

THE National High Court in Madrid upheld National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) claims of a price-fixing milk cartel.

This provided nine companies with cheap supplies while preventing farmers from negotiating prices, the tribunal ruled.

The court rejected appeals from Calidad Pascual, Central Lechera Galicia, Grupo Lactalis Iberia, Nestle and Schrieber Food España, but lowered the fines totalling €86 million which the CNMC recommended to €28 million.

Appeals by Comercial Alimentaria Peñasanta, Danone, Industrias Lacteas Granada (Puleva), and Asociacion de Empresas Lacteas de Galicia were partially accepted, as the time limit for some of the periods under investigation had expired.

terms” the January surplus was the greatest since modern records began in 1993, although borrowing in the 10 months ending in January 2024 was only marginally lower than in the same period in 2023.

Falling inflation measured by the retail prices index resulted in lower payments to those holding government bonds, Barnaby added, while an end to last year’s support for energy bills also reduced state spending.

National debt as a share of the economy had continued to increase and represented 96.7 per cent of Britain’s gross product (GDP) in January, an increase of 1.8 percentage points.

television subscribers. This gives them more customers than any other Spanish telecommunications company, pushing Telefonica into second place for the first time in its history.

The new company, which will continue to be headquartered in France, envisages annual revenues of €7.4 billion.

Tower power

LONDON’S Grade II-listed BT Tower will become a hotel.

The telecoms company announced that it was selling the 189-metre tower to the US hotel chain MCR Hotels for £275 million (€321.2 million). The technological value of the tower completed in 1964 was now ‘limited’ owing to the evolution of both landline and mobile networks, BT Group explained.

Converting the Fitzrovia site into a hotel will need time, as BT Group expects to take years to vacate the tower because of the ‘scale and complexity’ of removing all its technical equipment.

TWENTY-FIVE

per cent of Britain’s capital gains went to Londoners between 2015 and 2019.

Even then, the gains were concentrated in five London constituencies of Kensington, City of London and Westminster; Chelsea and Fulham; Hampstead and Kilburn and Richmond Park.

Residents in Notting Hill, which belongs to Kensington and is an enclave of 6,400 people, earned as much in capital gains during this four-year period as Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle combined. All would have benefited from a lower tax rate than the tax which must be paid on income earned from a salary.

Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Warwick and the London School of Economics who analysed unidentifiable personal tax returns between 2015 and 2019 found that 97 per cent of the population received no capital gains at all.

SPAIN’S government is scrutinising the €632 million Talgo takeover by Hungarian group, Magyar Vagon.

As rolling stock manufacturer Talgo is strategically important, the government reserves the right to veto the proposed deal. “Should it give permission, it would do so with the assurance that it could maintain strategic control,” Industry minister Jordi Hereu added.

Magyar Vagon said jobs and Talgo factories would remain in Spain, although the government is analysing possible links with Hungary’s government headed by Viktor Orban and the possible involvement of Russian cash.

BARCLAYS will lend a minimum of £30 billion (€35 billion) to UK families and businesses over the next three years.

Demonstrating its faith in Britain’s economy, the bank is forsaking lending restrictions that were imposed first by Brexit and later by the pandemic, Barclays’ chief executive CS Venkatakrishnan - known as Venkat - said.

Instead it would invest more money in UK credit card lending, mortgages, unsecured loans and business loans.

Photo credit: orange.com

Photo credit: HM Treasury/ Andrew Parsons

MERGER: Orange-MasMovil will be headquartered in France.

BUSINESS EXTRA

It’ll cost you

NET ZERO emissions will cost more than the public realises, the International Monetary Fund’s former chief economist Olivier Blanchard told the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee on February 20. The low-carbon economy was “necessary”, Blanchard conceded, but it was essential to send out the message it was going to be expensive, he said.

Up and down

TELEFONICA reported 2023 revenues of €40.65 billion in 2023, 1.6 per cent more than 2022 and its highest since the pandemic. Despite this increase, the telecoms company was €892 in the red for the first time since 2002 after spending €1.3 billion on redundancies and €3.6 billion on its UK subsidiary, Virgin Media 02.

Significant Gibraltar

NIGEL FEETHAM, Gibraltar’s Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, recently met several senior leaders from the gambling sector.

They included Stella David and Per Widerstrom, respective chief executives of Entain Group and 888 Holdings.

The 888 company acquired the William Hill brand in July 2022 and is currently integrating both businesses in Gibraltar. Entain has also been through some structural changes.

FASHION multinational Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) is losing out to rivals.

H&M reported a €775-million profit for 2023, compared with €316 million in 2022, although its share price has dipped 16 per cent over the last six months and it closed 28 stores in Spain alone. Underlying problems were demonstrated by the sudden departure of chief executive Helena Helm on

January 31. Bankinter analyst Elena Fernandez-Trapiella Janssen explained to national daily, El Pais, that Helm’s departure came as a surprise although it was obvious that her turnaround plans were not gelling. “They closed offices and improved efficiency, but profit margins remained below 7 per cent, compared with Inditex’s 23 per cent,” Fernandez-Trapiella said.

“These companies have significant substance in Gibraltar and are major contributors to the local economy,” Feetham said.

The gambling sector accounts for around 28 per cent of Gibraltar’s gross domestic product (GDP), the minister pointed out.

“Our meetings provided an opportunity to discuss several issues,” Feetham continued. “These included regulation, taxation, business optimisation and the substance that gambling firms were required, and expected, to maintain in Gibraltar as part of the licensing proposition.”

The minister also expressed satisfaction with the companies’ commitment to Gibraltar as an important hub for multi-jurisdictional businesses.

He was very grateful for the time invested in these discussions and agreed to remain closely engaged with both companies, Feetham added.

UNION negotiations with the finance sector revealed that thanks to internal restructuring and record profits, Santander had 357 executives who earned more than €1 million in 2023, 30 per cent up on 2024. Two top earners were newly-recruited executives whose ‘golden hello’ bonuses put them on salaries outstripping that of the bank chairman Ana Botin, Santander sources disclosed.

Big earners Luton boost

ITALY-US vehicle manufacturing conglomerate Stellantis announced from 2025 it would produce medium-sized electric vans at the Vauxhall plant in Luton for the Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat Professional brands. The move will safeguard the jobs of the plant’s 1,500 employees following difficult times for the automotive sector owing to Brexit trade complications and a shortage of semiconductor chips.

Photo credit: Nigel Feetham

NIGEL FEETHAM: Gibraltar’s Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry.

Complete control

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ALMOST two years ago I wrote that Labour had to make sure their anti-governmental actions must continue unabated if they had any chance of winning the next election. Almost unbelievably Starmer’s brigades are still managing to do precisely that.

With the assistance of the unions and biased media, they have maintained strike after strike, continuing to depress and demoralise a British public into such a climate of misery and dejection that it will do almost anything to bring a little sunshine and hope into their beleaguered lives.

This week the Unions announced that the train drivers’ strikes could continue for another six months (surprise, surprise). An action which will extend the long suffering of the public perpetrated by a group of employees, already actually earning in advance of £1,250 a week!

If Labour does get in, the Union bosses, before returning to relax in their Costa villas, will triumphantly converge on number 10 and amid the pints of beer and me-

dium sherries, congratulate each other on a successful conspiracy well-coordinated and organised. The biased media will ease up on all depressive reporting and smile broadly at their ‘relieved’ viewers as the solutions to long term problems appear to miraculously come to pass.

In the first hundred days, the Rayner brigade will be a gleeful party to the rejuvenation of their beloved ’workers rights’ bill, which has of course been their objective all along. This bill, honed down by the incoming conservative party, will then be the forerunner of complete disaster for the whole utterly browbeaten British populace. The act was bad enough all those years ago.

In these times, with immigrant numbers already swollen to almost unmanageable heights, it will be a catastrophe. Basically it actually means that employers are from day one, not allowed to sack anyone. Should an employee appear to deserve the sack for almost any reason, they can then declare unfair dismissal, appeal the decision and will automatically await the verdict of a tribunal.

While waiting, possibly for months or even years, they will of course be retained on full wages, while they sit watching tele

waiting for the pubs to open.

Can you imagine the sheer numbers of immigrants obtaining jobs they are nowhere near familiar with (or actually capable of) and even after a fully-deserved dismissal, continue to collect wages and benefits, while the employers face the wrath of the unions and their cohorts? A high number of other disasters emerge from these situations.

New business investment totally dries up. Companies, who carry on, naturally have to be extremely careful who they employ and can no longer put new employees on a probationary period, which dramatically pushes up unemployment. Non workers, who claim their newly available exorbitant Labour government benefits, then proceed to create run down areas steeped in crime containing huge numbers of party supporters, who would rather not work anyway.

All of this produces exactly what the Labour party and unions desire; complete control over an anti-royalist, communist, diversified and brainwashed population. Good luck.

Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

easyJet - elevating Eurovision

EASYJET has been confirmed as the Eurovision Song Contest’s Official Airline Partner, symbolising a fusion of travel and music that promises to connect the European continent.

Announced on Tuesday, February 20, easyJet will serve as the Official Airline Partner for the Eurovision Song Contest over a span of three years, beginning with this year’s spectacle in May.

The airline is gearing up to transport thousands of Eurovision enthusiasts from across Europe to Copenhagen Airport, offering direct access to Malmo, Sweden.

Nearly three decades ago, easyJet revolutionised travel, making flying accessible for countless individuals

and heralding a new era of European exploration. Presently, the airline boasts a workforce of over 17,000 individuals from 97 nationalities, speaking more than 43 languages across eight European countries.

With a commanding presence on Europe’s most frequented routes, easyJet offers flights to over 150 airports in 35 countries, ensuring that over 300 million Europeans are just an hour’s drive from an easyJet flight.

The 2024 contest in Malmo, Sweden, promises to be a spectacular affair, with 37 broadcasters vying for the coveted title, underscoring the EBU’s commitment to fostering public service media for a sustainable future.

Leapy Lee’s

INTERVIEW

There’s always joy

BORN in Holland, raised in Antwerp, Amber moved to Dubai to work but would come to Spain on holidays, as her parents had visited Javea for over six years.

Amber’s parents dreamt of moving to Javea for their retirement, and after spending so much time in Spain, she found her second home here.

“I came to Javea for a holiday and the holiday never ended. I felt like I was moving to a place that was already familiar.”

Amber has now lived in Javea for over two years and is working as a real estate agent at Key2Properties: “I know what it’s like to move, searching for property, so I enjoy sharing my experience with people.”

She is currently learning Spanish, infusing her daily life with the language: “I watch Spanish films, listen to Spanish music and talk to people. People here like hearing someone learning Spanish, don’t worry about making mistakes.”

Amber thinks she has finally found happiness in Spain: “I’ve changed so much since I’ve moved here. Seeing the sun every day gives me energy I didn’t have before. There’s always joy. A true happiness.”

Amber de Rave.

Credit: Amber de Rave

MORE women are choosing to give birth alone for various reasons. Some seek a deeply personal and empowering experience, desiring full control over their birthing process without external pressures.

Others may opt for solo births due to dissatisfaction with past hospital experiences or the desire for a serene, intimate setting.

The rise in home births and unassisted childbirth reflects a broader shift towards personalised healthcare, where women are increasingly advocating for their preferences and autonomy in the birthing experience. However, it’s crucial for those considering this path to research, understand the risks involved, and consult professionals first.

Realistic goals Free eyeglasses and contact lenses

SETTING and sticking to realistic exercise goals is paramount for sustained fitness progress. Start with specific, measurable goals that align with your fitness level and preferences. Incorporating variety in your workouts, such as a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, can prevent boredom and promote overall fit-

ness. Break your goals down into smaller, achievable milestones for regular motivation boosts.

Consistency is more important than intensity; regular, moderate activity is better than sporadic, intense workouts.

Find activities you enjoy to ensure long-term commitment. Accountability is crucial; consider a workout buddy or a fit-

ness app to keep track of your progress.

Adjust your goals as you progress, allowing flexibility in your plan to accommodate changes in lifestyle or fitness levels. Remember, setbacks are part of the journey; stay patient and resilient. Celebrating small victories along the way can also boost motivation and commitment.

DURING a congressional committee meeting of 2024, the newly appointed Health minister, Monica García, announced that eyeglasses and contact lenses will become free of charge.

In a progressive measure to improve the Spanish healthcare, the Health minister affirmed that the social security system intends to provide the financing for people with eyesight issues.

The target is to ensure future benefits for Spanish citizens. It has been predicted that half of the Spanish population will become affected by myopia within 27 years, due to the heightened use of technology.

According to recent research, at present, seven out of 10 Spanish citizens use glasses or contact lenses daily, so this proposal could affect up to 30 million people in Spain.

In France, the purchase of new glasses every two years is financed by the government for everyone above the age 16 and in Germany glasses and lenses are already free for people below 18 and with serious eye conditions.

Monica Garcia in conversation with the health councillor of Salut.

Sculpting strong arms Spain is eighth-largest

ACHIEVING well-defined arms involves a combination of targeted exercises and the right equipment. Dumbbell curls stand out as a classic yet effective choice, targeting the biceps for noticeable results. For overall arm strength, incorporating tricep dips is essential, requiring no more than a sturdy chair or bench.

To enhance your arm workout, consider in vesting in resistan ce bands. These versatile tools add resistance to various exercises, cha llenging your muscles for optimal growth. Pushups, a bodyweight favou rite, effectively engage the entire arm and chest mus cles, requiring no additio nal equipment.

For a more advanced

approach, kettlebells offer a dynamic range of motion, promoting muscle stability and endurance.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, a combination of these exercises, coupled with the right equipment, will help you sculpt strong, toned arms that showcase your dedication to

WITH an impressive array of 173 production sites and a €20 billion turnover, Spain’s footprint in the global pharmaceutical landscape is undeniable, ranking as the eighth largest market worldwide. However, the high degree of external dependence is still worrying.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Spain saw a dramatic spike in Paracetamol usage, witnessing a 36.9 per cent increase between 2021 and 2022 alone.

Maria Jesus Lamas, the director of the Spanish Medicines Agency (Aemps), has raised alarms, stating, ‘Not a gram of paracetamol is synthesised in all of Europe,’ a statistic which underscores a critical dependency on imports.

The bulk of Paracetamol tablets available in Spain are imported from India and China, with a smaller portion coming from the United States.

Additionally, the Spanish government has identified 903 different types of medications, including amoxicillin and several antidiabetic drugs, that could face supply issues.

This situation is attributed to a sudden rise in demand and the fact that production is increasingly being out-

sourced to other countries.

try in 1995 to breaking the €17 billion mark in 2021, Spain has consistently expanded its pharmaceutical manufacturing base.

• News Across The Regions •

Costa del Sol

Ukraine and the Lions

ON Saturday February 24, the second anniversary of the Ukrainian conflict, the La Cala de Mijas Lions were at the Legends Show Bar in La Cala along with a full house and the Ukrainian family who are currently staying with Lions Vice-President Karen Blair.

The Rybalka family, a mother and her two children were entertained by Theo and the excellent Frankie B. A raffle took place along with an auction with a surprise item of a car (a toy Porsche) donated by Legends owner Paul.

The event raised a total of €1,275 for the Lions who continue supporting those in need throughout the community and support for Ukraine. The next Lions event is a Car Treasure Hunt to be held on March 24.

Axarquia

Desalination deadline

IN a recent meeting at the Palacio de San Telmo, Sevilla, President Juanma Moreno, and Minister Teresa Ribera affirmed the joint commitment to combat drought in Andalucia.

The focus lies on the anticipated desalination plant in Axarquia, expected to be operational by 2027 or 2028. While the start date for construction remains uncertain, efforts will also involve boosting existing desalination capacities and exploring water transport by ship.

Ribera clarified that the complex approval process influences the desalination project’s timeline, making 2027-2028 more realistic. The collaboration includes urgent measures like reactivating hydraulic projects, advancing pending desalination initiatives, and considering water sources outside Andalusia. President Moreno emphasised preparedness, revealing plans for water transport via ships as a last resort.

Mallorca

Ukraine remembered

ON Saturday, February 24, nearly 150 individuals gathered in La Misericordia’s gardens to mark two years since the onset of the Ukrainian conflict. The event was predominantly attended by Ukrainians who displayed flags, photographs of casualties, and banners protesting the ‘genocide’, urging for the conflict not to be forgotten. ‘People continue to suffer from this war … including many children, and we need you to continue supporting us, helping us,’ stated Anastasia Kvach, head of the Associacio Amar Ucraina. A march from Dalt Murada to Plaza España followed. Irina Zubko, of the Ukraine Aid Association, highlighted, “Today our soul aches for Ukraine, we gather here to remember two years of the day that changed our lives and the destiny of our country.”

Costa Blanca North 14 million investment

THE Valencian Community Council, Carlos Mazon, affirmed an investment of over €14 million into the Costa Blanca region.

The regional Deputies are adjusting to the needs of the Valencian municipalities, changing their approach by, “lowering taxes and committing to social policies.”

Mazon had highlighted, “improving primary care and implementing the Mental Health Plan,” as his priority, using the funds to empower the people of the Marina Alta.

One of the projects from the investment is the legislature of the Gandia-Denia tram, which as the Council of the Valencian Community stated, will result in, “No more waiting and delays. It is only fair that this historic and necessary demand now begins to be a reality.”

Almeria Wings of Freedom

ACCORDING to the Cuevas del Almanzora Council “Equality gives us the wings of freedom” and this will be the main theme on March 8 in the fight against Gender Violence.

It is International Women’s Day on that date but the council wants to highlight the fact that women are still being abused around the world.

Councillor for Equality, Melchora Caparrós made her opinion clear as she said “Being a woman today, in many places in the world, is almost a tragedy, because simply by being a woman, her rights and freedom are eliminated.

“That is immoral, unfair, it is indecent, but, furthermore, it is unsustainable, since there is no progress in a society if equality between men and women does not exist.”

Costa Calida

Michelin sandwich

IN the latest Madrid Fusión event, one of the most significant events in Spain’s culinary scene, the 11th Bocadillo Contest (Sandwich Contest) took centre stage, awarding a Murcia-based establishment with the third prize.

CaféLab, a specialty café in Murcia and Cartagena, clinched the honour with their creation, the ‘Bocadillo de Autor by Magoga,’ crafted by María Gómez, the Michelin-starred chef of Magoga restaurant in Cartagena. The sandwich boasts a Pretzel bread base, featuring smoked coffee butter - a unique ingredient symbolising the collaboration between CaféLab and Magoga.

Available at any of their three cafés in Cartagena and Murcia, the ‘Bocadillo de Autor by Magoga’ (Signature Sandwich by Magoga) is a testament to the rich gastronomy of the region.

WITH winter still upon us many people will be deciding how best to keep their homes warm. The choices seem endless, confusing, and contradictory. There is no simple answer, or single best solution. Tony and Richard at Neater Heater have, however, got one solution that deserves serious consideration.

There are many reasons to choose electricity as your heating option. It is clean, requires no effort to maintain, and has a comparatively small installation cost. In fact Tony and Richard claim to be able to install a five heater system for the same price that many people pay just to have a gas bottle casita built. But once you have decided on electricity then you have even more choices to contend with.

The Neater Heater team sympathise with you, because that is exactly where they were 15 years ago. After discarding the unhealthy Gas Estufas, and deciding to ‘Heat Electric’ they tried various options - as custo-

Fighting the winter blues with Neater Heater

mers - and realised one thing. There were no affordable good electric heaters on the market. Elec tric heaters tended to fall into one of the following categories.

• Very expensi ve (€400-€800) but make a virtue of be ing economical,

• Cheap to buy (But horrendously expensive to run) oil-filled heaters,

• Economical to run (but inefficient) panel heaters.

With a great stroke of luck, it was while actively looking for a heater for his son’s room that Tony came across, and installed, some Norwegian BEHA

convector heaters. That decision was life changing.

Discovering just how good these heaters were, Tony saw a business opportunity and approached his friend Richard

Winter and between them they started Neater Heater.

As Richard explains: “The beauty about Neater Heaters is that they are simple but are built to the highest quality. It also helps that they look good. They use modern, state of the art technology, such as extruded aluminium for the element, and a highly sensitive thermostat. This produces an affordable no-nonsense heater that works efficiently and economically to keep your home warm through those long cold winter nights.” Our heaters are not only effi-

NEATER HEATER DISTRIBUTORS: COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

cient, 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.

BENIJOFAR: Vincent Real Estate. Tel. 966 712 440 • BLUE LAGOON: The Electrical Shop (Euronics). Tel. 966 188 170

Heaters also available for purchase at our online shop with free home delivery WWW.NEATERHEATER.ES or Tel. 634 312 171 (WhatsApp available)

Processionary problem

Processionary Problem

THE emergence of processionary caterpillars in early spring has prompted warnings from the Spanish government due to the early presence of these pests, which is believed to be linked to climate change.

These caterpillars, characterised by their orange, green, or brown colour and covered in tiny poisonous hairs, typically move in long chains, hence their name.

While they were first discovered in oak trees in the UK, they are more

commonly found in pine trees in Spain.

Despite efforts by local councils to control them, even urban areas with pine trees remain at risk.

Of particular concern is the danger these caterpillars pose to humans and animals. Their toxic hairs can cause skin irritation or rash upon contact, similar to a nettle sting.

Pets, especially dogs, are vulnerable to the toxic effects of these caterpillars. There have been reports of pets being fatally affected by the caterpillars’ toxic hairs.

Changing times

IS it time for a change in the carousel tradition? Advocates for animal rights argue that British fairgrounds should cease using animal figures on carousels as it promotes exploitation.

Recently, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) proposed that fairgrounds could instead highlight human achievements. They suggested a shift towards featuring mechanical objects and other fantastical designs.

Peta spokesperson, Elisa Allen suggested: “It would be wonderful to see UK fairgrounds replace animal-shaped carousel figures with vehicles such as cars, unicycles, tractors, aeroplanes, rockets, and bulldozers - or more whimsical designs like shooting stars, rainbows, or brooms.”

The animal rights campaigners have voiced the same concerns in the Netherlands and also contacted the American company Chances Rides, arguing that depicting animals in carousels inadvertently glorifies the exploitation of sentient beings.

However, the sentiment was not shared by many members of the public, “Have you lost your minds ?” wrote one individual, “Leave deeply mythic traditional fairground rides alone.”

Oscar posted: “You are going to make yourselves a laughing stock with this nonsense. Sane people don’t associate wooden horses with real ones.”

Carousels have a rich history, originally inspired by medieval cavalry games. They have evolved significantly since their inception in 12th-century Europe and Asia.

Meet Quincy – A dog sitter’s delight

Keeping your pets at home when you travel can give you real peace of mind. Our house and pet sitters can also entertain your pets and keep them company while you are away. We’re rated 4.9 / 5.0 on TrustPilot.

When you know the sitters are checked and come from HouseSitMatch you know we have your back. What is more, they won’t charge you a cent! Our house and pet sitting works as an exchange of services. You offer free accommodation and the petsitters housesit for Free! You review each other at the end.

If you’re travelling in 2024 join our network now to find sitters, sooner rather than later. Get organised today! All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. Next steps:

Register as a Homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

Choose a Standard account (£ 69

Quincy is the friendliest Bichon Frise ever

GB per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. HouseSit Match can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. Housesitters see your advert,

respond, and you choose the sitter of your choice.

Trustpilot Testimonials – 4.9 / 5

Excellent

I have used HouseSitMatch for the last three years and would highly recommend it. Very easy to communicate with and very helpful by phone if needed. Janet Bryant, Pet owner. How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com

Need a pet or house sitter? Get in touch. Housesitting is a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the house sitters get free accommodation!

Reader exclusive offer – 25% Off Any New Membership Register as either house sitter or homeowner. Get a 25% discount - Use coupon code OLIVE25.

Toxic treats

PET owners cherish the bond with their furry companions, often sharing meals with them. However, many common human foods are toxic to pets, posing serious health risks. It’s crucial to be aware of these dangers to prevent accidental poisoning.

Chocolate contains theobromine, deadly to dogs and cats, causing heart issues and even death. Onions and garlic can destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia. Grapes and raisins, though small, can result in kidney failure in dogs. Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free products, triggers liver failure and hypoglycemia.

Avocados are risky, especially for birds and rodents, due to persin, which induces vomiting and diarrhea. Alcohol’s effects on pets are immediate and can be fatal, affecting the central nervous system. Caffeine, macadamia nuts, and bones from fish and meat also pose significant threats, from choking hazards to internal blockages.

Before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet, consult a veterinarian and keep hazardous items out of reach. Knowledge and vigilance are key to ensuring the health and safety of our pets, allowing them to thrive alongside us.

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ALARMS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BUILDERS

CONSTRUCTION

BLINDS

BALUSTRADES

BOILERS

BLINDS

GRILLS

LOCKSMITHS

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

POOL

POOLS HOME

WINDOW TINTING

TV SATELLITE

TV

WINDOW TINTING

GLASS CURTAINS

ARCHITECT

BUILDING SERVICES

J & J PAINTERS. Insideoutside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (1296232)

BUY & SELL

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

CARE HOME

PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. Also, Dementia care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (305146)

CHARITY

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your lifedamaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German:

645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@hotmail.com (95475)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www. givinglight.com.(10006)

FREEMASONRY Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact  sec@ glpvalencia.com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www. helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@ helpvegabaja.com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcomeContact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorrevieja.org (95476)

LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangeli calchurch.org (10005)

PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No

10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459)

PILAR CHRISTIAN COM

MUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www.pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463)

ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group:  The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website  rafa.org. uk Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

- Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com. If

you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http:// branches.britishlegion.org. uk/branches/orihuela-costacovering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www. orihuelacostarbl.co.uk. (95457)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant. secretary@rbl.community

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION

(Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkinspain@yahoo. co.uk (10004)

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl

29 Feb - 6 March 2024

Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorrevieja@aol.com (95455)

STROKE  ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email  strokesupportgroup@ hotmail.com, website: torreviejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461)

THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458)

THE PATIENCE LODGE No

2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)

THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178.  We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www. spiritualistcentre-benijo far.com.  Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindroute66@ hotmail.com. Fiscal G54713789

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm – 3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb.org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www. amscb.org.es (295976)

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

ELECTRICIAN

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (294487)

FOR SALE/WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 716 693 (288662)

GOLD WANTED

HEALTH AND BEAUTY PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225 (301319)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (294648)

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL?

CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuranceinspain. com or email tracey@sosin suranceinspain.com (304724)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@bene ficialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com for online quote. (304738)

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

MASSAGE

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE , slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302439)

EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (303934)

MAGIC TOUCH, French, speaks 3 languages, professional masseuse, tantric. Apartment in Villamartin and home visits. Tel 693 357 526 (303833)

CLASSIC MATURE SPANISH

LADY, Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 50€. Ana 657 603 495 (303952)

TORREVIEJA centre 5 Spanish and Colombian girlfriends, transvestites, very affectionate and dominant masseuses 24 hours a day Call outs . 613 664 558 (304917)

LOVELY slim lady, 46, offering a pleasant massage. Mil Palmeras. In your home or hotel. Contact leilapuss@yahoo.co.uk for more details (303843)

TORREVIEJA Unique Massage Experience. Slim Masseur. Relax for 1 hour and enjoy a distresful massage. My name is Tina FROM BRAZIL and I am Mulatto 44yrs and perfect body. Incalls & Outcalls - Tel. 603 301 635 (305224)

LA ZENIA English lady for masseuse. Full body relaxing massage, in own apartment

or 10 kilometres from La Zenia WhatsApp 711 041 330 (304963)

MASSAGE

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been

to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

MOTORHOMES

MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905

MUSIC

FOR SALE 2 brand new Grundig Hi-Fi speakers 50watt, 26 x 18cm. €25. 699 321 591 (304542)

MUSIC TUITION

PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (303913)

OTHERS

KAMAGRA Gold 100mg plus Kamagra Jellies. Collection or Delivery Roy- 613 584 915 (295447) tp

EDS?  We have the solution , Kamagra pills & jells, Ciali s, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PERGOLAS

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to

Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 krugercanopies@yahoo.co.uk (302053)

PETS

BEAUTIFUL & Healthy BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768

PET CHARITY

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE

CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare. net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www. pepaspain.com (95708)

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www. spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor.blog. com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

PLUMBERS

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (294487)

POOL MAINTENANCE

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (294206)

PROPERTY FOR RENT

VILLA FOR RENT in ORIHUELA COSTA – Long Term Rent Villa on a 1,000m2 plot & house of 250m2. 4 beds, 3 baths, private garden, private pool & garage. Only 3 minute walk to the beach

and close to shops, restaurants and golf course. For info email caroblo@yahoo.es (305157)

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

INTRIGUINGLY, a recent poll sheds light on the correlation between one’s profession and their driving habits, revealing some fascinating insights into the demeanour of various professionals on the road.

At the forefront of this revelation, doctors have been pinpointed as the most aggressive drivers. This finding might stir a bit of surprise, considering the calm and composed nature required in their professional lives. Yet, it suggests that the high-pressure environment and the constant race against time in their work could potentially spill over into their driving style.

Conversely, the poll finds hairdressers to encapsulate the opposite end of the spectrum, being dubbed the friendliest drivers. This could be attributed to the nature of their work, which involves engaging in pleasant conversations, fostering a warm and

Who’s the worst?

welcoming atmosphere for their clients. Such traits seemingly translate into a more courteous and considerate approach when they’re navigating the roads.

These insights offer

a fascinating glimpse into how the demands and characteristics of one’s job can influence behaviour in entirely different contexts. While the connection between occupation and driving

habits might appear unexpected, it underscores the profound impact our professional lives can have on everyday actions, including how we handle the steering wheel.

Vehicle rentals

IN a significant shift, the landscape of car rentals is evolving as the industry embraces digital documentation. The latest service, aptly named ‘DNI-Car’, is spearheaded by the collaborative efforts of the National Business Federation of Vehicle Rental (FENEVAL) and the General Directorate of Traffic. With over 10,000 vehicles already registered, this innovative approach is transforming the way we interact with rental paperwork.

The implementation of ‘DNI-Car’ required the issuance of clear instructions for the digitisation of rental vehicle documents. Additionally, a virtual communication platform has been established to facilitate seamless interaction between car rental companies and users.

This transition holds promises of efficiency and convenience for renters. No

longer burdened by physical paperwork, renters can expect a streamlined and eco-friendly process. The digital format not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures a quicker and more accessible experience for both parties involved.

The collaboration between industry stakeholders and traffic authorities signifies a commitment to embracing modern technology for the benefit of users. As the digital wave continues to reshape various sectors, the vehicle rental industry istands at the forefront of this transformative journey.

In conclusion, the introduction of ‘DNICar’ marks a significant milestone in the evolution of car rentals, paving the way for a more sustainable and user-friendly future.

Mazda 2 - worth adding to your small car pick list

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

IF you think of small cars then not unnatura lly cars like Ford’s Fies ta, Vauxhall’s Corsa and Renault’s Clio, plus others, spring to mind. One car that arguably gets overlooked is Mazda’s 2. It offers everything you would want from a small car but with the added bonus of Mazda’s reputation for quality.

Other Japanese car makers such as Honda all make small cars, but Mazda’s 2 is perhaps a more complete proposition. There’s a more obvious styling link to the larger models in Mazda’s line up.

such items as black roof film, half-leather upholstery, privacy glass, smart entry and start, reversing camera and heated steering wheel.

my view, to operate with little need to take your eyes off the road.

The range offers four trim levels, petrol and hybrid powertrains with one engine option, a 1.5-litre petrol allied to either manual or automa-

outputs 75PS, 90PS and 115PS. Standard fare across the line-up includes climate, cruise control, powered and heated folding door mirrors, navigation, Car Play and Android Auto, auto lights and wipers, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, auto dimming mirror, engine stop/ start push button and

€21,744/£18,615 and my the-range Homura Aka at €24,955/£21,365, added

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Mazda 2 Homura Aka

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol developing 90PS

• Gears: 6-speed manual

• Price: €24,955/£21,365

I find the build quality on all Mazdas is superb and the cars, even at this entry level to their line-up, feels premium. The instrumentation displays, both in front of the driver and the central screen, are easy to assimilate when on the move and thankfully the Mazda 2 eschews the trend for mass digitalisation in favour of dials and buttons. Hurrah! These are so much easier, and safer in

• Performance: 0-100kph/62mph 9.8 seconds/Maximum Speed 183kph/114mph

• Economy: 4.7 l/100km/60.1mpg combined driving – WLTP

• Emissions: 107 g/km – WLTP

I found that over the hilly terrain here in the Derbyshire Peak District of the UK the 90PS unit needed copious use of the delightfully positive and slick six-speed manual gearbox. The ride quality is good and once on the move it can be quite good fun along twisty roads if you keep the revs high and gears slightly lower.

As mentioned earlier the Mazda 2 seems to fall under the radar, which given its many virtues is a shame. It offers something a little different to the standard small car choices and in terms of equipment a very good array of standard features.

It’s a car that’s as capable on longer runs as it is for a city runabout and well worth adding to your small car pick list.

Good choice of features.

Blue card for referees

OVER the years, football has seen several significant changes aimed at improving the game’s integrity, fairness and entertainment value, now there is the prospect of a ‘blue card.’

Football’s most recent innovations have included the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Goal-Line Technology to aid more accurate referee decisions.

The latest development has seen FIFA address the idea of a ‘blue card’ system. This would empower referees with the ability to temporarily exclude players for unsportsmanlike conduct, such as arguing with the referee.

The proposal was initially discussed by the International Football Association Board, suggesting a sin-bin system for football.

Under this system, a blue card would mean a player is sidelined for 10

minutes for acts of dissent or cynical fouls. The idea is planned to be reviewed at the IFAB Annual General Meeting on March 1.

FIFA has expressed reservations about applying the blue card rule at the top levels of the sport. In a Twitter/X statement, on Thursday, February 8, FIFA clarified the situation: ‘FIFA wishes to clarify that reports of the so-called ‘blue card’ at elite levels of football are incorrect and premature.

‘Any such trials, if implemented, should be limited to testing in a responsible manner at lower levels, a position that FIFA intends to reiterate when this agenda item is discussed at the IFAB AGM on 1 March.’

Many ardent fans saw red at the idea of a blue card: ‘Why are people obsessed with fixing things that aren’t broken,’ wrote one.

Roy Hodgson retires

John Smith

THE Premier League’s oldest manager, at 76, Roy Hodgson of Crystal Palace stepped down as manager of the club hours before their match with Everton on February 19.

He was taken ill a few days earlier during training and spent some time being examined in hospital before being released but clearly he had seen the wri ting on the wall.

It was always intended that he would retire at the end of this season after having (until recently) a successful return to the club which he first managed from 2017 to 2021 but results had suddenly gone against the club with 10 defeats in their past 16 Premier League games prior to his departure.

manager, as intended for this summer.”

In a club statement announcing his departure, Hodgson said: “I understand, given recent circumstances, it may be prudent at this time for the club to plan ahead, and therefore I have taken the decision to step aside so that the club can bring forward their plans for a new

Having managed 17 clubs and four national teams including Liverpool and England over a 48 year career, Roy Hodgson can certainly hold his head up high.

A new manager, the Austrian Oliver Glasner was in the stands to watch the 1-1 draw with Everton and whilst he may not be a well-known name in

England, he previously found some success with Vfl Wolfsburg and then Eintracht Frankfurt who he led to the Europa League Final, which they won.

Having been let go by Frankfurt in 2023, one year before his contract expired, the Austrian now looks forward to getting Crystal Palace back into winning ways especially if their two vital players Eze and Olise make a speedy return from injury.

Roy Hodgson whilst still Crystal Palace manager.