Axarquia 14 – 20 March 2024 Issue 2019

Celebrity cheers

Catherine McGeer

THE charming Rula Lenska, a renowned British actress and TV personality, added a touch of glamour to the Trapiche weekly market recently.

The lovely Rula, with her unmistakable grace, was spotted indulging in some wine shopping at the bustling marketplace. Notably, she chose to explore the delightful offerings at ‘Tastes of Spain & Olé’.

The actress known for her roles in Coronation Street, Minder, Special Branch, and much more was happy to stop, chat, and take pictures with fellow shoppers.

The Trapiche market is held every Tuesday from 9.30am to 1.30pm, at Carretera de Benamargosa, Km 0.5 29719 Trapiche (Malaga).

There you can find, artisan products, handmade gifts, fruit and vegetables, local businesses, and second-hand stalls. For more information call 627 877 164 or email Trapi cheMarketSpain@gmail.com.

Winter peaks

AS winter bids its farewell, snow has finally graced the mountain peaks of the province of Malaga. The Pilones Pass, situated at 1,400 metres in the Sierra de las Nieves, and La Maroma in the Axarquia region woke up to a delicate white covering. The thin layer measured 0.4 millimetres according to the official statistics from the Junta’s HydroSur Network.

Environmental officers reported snowfall around Yunquera at approximately 1,500 metres. The snowfall was relatively light, and tem-

peratures were not excessively cold. There was

also heavy rainfall of 6070 litres per square metre in the Ronda area, benefiting the La Concepción reservoir, and around 50 litres per square metre in the Axarquia region, impacting the La Viñuela reservoir.

Coffee morning

GET ready to sip, savour, and support as the Costa Animal Society brings you a heartwarming charity coffee morning on Thursday, March 21. From 10.30am to 1pm, the Hostal Marazul Fitzgerald’s on Avenida Mediterraneo will be abuzz with compassion, offering a spread of irresistible home-made cakes and bakes generously provided by their dedicated volunteers.

For just €5, attendees can treat themselves to a cup of tea or coffee paired with not one, but two delightful cakes or bakes. All proceeds from this fundraiser will fuel the Costa Animal Society’s mission of aiding abandoned animals in Nerja, Frigiliana, and Maro. Don’t miss out on the chance to participate in the raffle and tombola, adding an extra layer of excitement to this feel-good event. Join the community, enjoy some treats, and contribute to the welfare of our furry friends!

FREI GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE ILMAINEN G F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G Axarquia

Snow blankets the peaks of Axarquia.

Image: Facebook/Trapiche Market

Celebrity sighting at local market.

Costa Animal Society’s charity coffee morning.

Image: Shutterstock/ Foodpics

Image: Ayuntamiento Canillas de Aceituno

Tapas Route

PERIANA is gearing up for its inaugural Tapas Route on March 15 and 16, with numerous local restaurants joining in the flavourful festivities. Casalola Restaurant tempts taste buds with a pan bao featuring crunchy chicken and kimchee mayo sauce, while Caserón de Guaro crafts Iberian pork cheek in wine with lime aioli. Cantueso Restaurant delights with almond gazpacho, smoked sardines, pico de gallo, and Periana olive oil ice cream.

Oásis Las Palmeras Estate offers creamy cheese and mushroom turnovers with forest berry jam, and Ellen Pizzeria cooks up a mini Ellen-style burger. Tapería Cati revives traditional flavours with mus-

hroom snout and quail egg, and Loft95 Coffee serves Iberian rib pan bao with yakiniku mayo, crispy corn, and Granny Smith apple.

Verdugo Restaurant presents home-made meatballs with vegetable sauce, while El Galeno Café offers a tasty chicken dish, and Cuenca Bar Restaurant prepares a roasted meat toast with radish crunch.

The town hall reminds participants to pick up their ‘tapaportes’ at the participating venues. The first 50 to complete their ‘tapa passport’ receive a t-shirt and enter a draw for five €50 vouchers. Collect yours at the Periana Town Hall. The draw will take place on March 21.

IN the heart of Malaga Province, adventure enthusiasts are gearing up for the most spectacular hike of the season on March 16.

Organised by Los Nórdicos of Almuñecar, a dynamic non-profit association fostering cultural exchange since 2004, the hike to Maroma Peak promises breathtaking views and a physical challenge.

This demanding trek spans approximately 15 km, ascending 1,000 metres to

the summit at 2,069 metres above sea level. With well-maintained trails and picturesque paths, participants will navigate through diverse landscapes, including a thrilling 400-metre stretch on rough bedrock. Wildlife enthusiasts can anticipate encounters with mountain goats, adding a touch of excitement to the journey.

Scheduled for a full day, participants will convene at the helipad in the marketplace at 8.00am, for a

nine-hour adventure. The association recommends bringing water, a packed lunch, and trekking poles for the hike.

In the event of adverse weather conditions or low clouds, the hike will be cancelled for safety reasons.

Los Nórdicos emphasises camaraderie and cultural exchange, ensuring participants not only conquer heights but also forge lasting connections. For more information contact vandrin gar@losnordicos.com.

Water guarantee

REGIONAL and local authorities gathered at La Viñuela Reservoir to celebrate the inauguration of a vital infrastructure: the new floating water intake. Representing a significant step forward in water management for Axarquia with an investment exceeding €700,000 promises improved efficiency in water capture and distribution. It ensures a more stable and sustainable water supply for local communities.

regardless of reservoir fluctuations. With a pumping capacity of up to 350 litres per second, this infrastructure adapts to variations in water levels, guaranteeing a continuous supply even during droughts or low reservoir levels.

The floating intake efficiently draws water from different levels of La Viñuela Reservoir through a system of valves and pipes that adjust automatically to water level changes, ensuring a constant supply

Currently providing a flow of 50 to 55 litres per second, the intake serves seven towns, including Benamargosa, Almachar, Cutar, El Borge, Benamocarra, Iznate, and the Triana district in Velez-Malaga. During droughts, additional resources like water transfer from Malaga and groundwater from the Chillar River are activated to supply almost the entire coast.

Shop & Scoff

Axarquia Animal Rescue and the Royal British Legion Benajarafe on an

exciting fundraiser trip set for Sunday, April 21. Enjoy a fantastic day beginning

with a visit to the vibrant Casariche Market, boasting hundreds of stalls offering everything from homeware to haberdashery. Coach pick-ups commence at 9am in Benajarafe, making stops in Torre del Mar, Trapiche, and Riogordo.

After exploring the market, savour a delightful Sunday roast at Bar Dinger’s Place in Mollina. The package is priced at €35 per person and includes a vegetarian option. The adventure spans from 11am to 4.30pm, ensuring ample time for shopping, feasting, and camaraderie.

Book your spot early to avoid disappointment! For more details, contact Liz Pusey on 657 293 663. Don’t miss this Shop & Scoff experience, supporting a noble cause and creating lasting memories.

Grace Meredith

Image:

New heights

Half marathon

VELEZ-MALAGA is organising a half marathon on April 21 at 9am. The start line and finish line will be at the Fernando Hierro Sports Centre. Registration is open now until April 17. To sign up go to https://atletismovelez. es/.

Flamenco air

THE Lik Academia is hosting a flamenco show at the Plaza de Competa on March 19 at 8pm titled ‘Aire Flamenco’ with dancer Eugenia Jimenez.

Easter class

ENJOY an Easter workshop on March 19 from 4pm to 6pm at Jems Café on Torrox Costa. It costs €15 and includes all the materials, a hot cross bun, and tea or coffee. During the workshop, you will decorate an Easter egg. Contact 691 922 938.

San Jose

LA HERRADURA celebrates the festival of their patron saint ‘San Jose’ (Saint Joseph) from March 16 to 19. They have arranged a programme of events for all ages. For more information see the Almuñecar Town Hall Facebook page.

Vintage market

EVERY Sunday morning the town of Almuñecar hosts a vintage market at the Ferial de la Paloma. Pick up some vintage antiques, knick-knacks, and much more.

Tropicalia

TICKETS are now available for the summer festival in Salobreña Tropicalia Summer Music. The festival will have Rock & Roll night and will feature headline acts such as Luis Fonsi. Visit tropicalia summermusic.com.

RINCON de la Victoria’s Tourism Department began a digital advertising campaign targeting Germany, Norway, Belgium, Finland, and the Netherlands. Unveiled at the International Tourism Fair in Berlin (ITB), the campaign introduced exclusive ads tailored to each country’s language, featuring a customised promotional video. Tourism councillor Antonio José Martín describes it as a milestone, marking the first-ever simultaneous digital ad campaign in these countries.

Euro market

The social media visibility campaign, ‘Rincon de la Victoria: Full of Life,’ targets audiences aged 30 and above on social media platforms, adapting the promotional video to local langua-

Climate action

IN a bid to protect its natural spaces and improve the local environment, Canillas de Albaida’s town council is starting work on a Municipal Plan against Climate Change (PMCC). This plan is crucial for dealing with the changing climate in the area. It’s also a requirement under the approved Law 8/2018, aimed at addressing climate change and transitioning to a new energy model in Andalucia.

To make sure the plan covers all bases, the town wants everyone involved. They’re asking residents and local groups who know about or are a ected by climate change to join in.

Over the next few weeks, the Canillas de Albaida Town Council will set up ways for people to get informed and share their thoughts on the plan.

The whole cost of developing the Municipal Plan against Climate Change is covered by the Andalucian Government’s Department of Sustainability, Environment, and Blue Economy.

ges. Martín highlights that user engagement directs visitors to the official Tourism Department website, inviting them to explore Rincon’s attractions.

The country selection aligns with visitor data, and the overall goal is to attract new tourists, leveraging the prestigious ITB platform.

In addition to the digital efforts, Rincon de la Victoria gained exposure in Berlin’s Tagesspiegel newspaper, reaching a vast audience.

New bus line

RINCON DE LA VICTORIA

has launched the M164 bus line to alleviate congestion and improve public transit between La Cala del Moral and Malaga’s capital. In collaboration with the Malaga Transport Consortium and Avanza, the service provider, the town introduces seven outbound and six return trips daily for the next six months.

This initiative aims to mitigate travel challenges faced by La Cala del Moral residents.

Pablo Pardini, responsible for Mobility and Transport,

Tasty fundraiser

THE Axarquia Animal Rescue (AAR) invites animal lovers to an exclusive Wine Tasting fundraiser at the Safari Lounge in Torre Del Mar on Thursday, April 11, with doors opening at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. Renowned wine expert Edward Ravenswood will guide attendees through a Blind Wine Tasting experience, adding an element of sur-

prise to the evening.

For a fee of €15, participants will have the opportunity to sample three white and three red wines.

The Safari Lounge, renowned for its excellent food and service, will provide water, cheese, and biscuits during the session.

Edward Ravenswood generously donates his time, expertise, and the featured wines for this

charitable event. All proceeds from ticket sales will support AAR’s vital animal rescue e orts. Secure your tickets in advance at Trapiche Market on Tuesdays or contact axar quia-rescue@hotmail.com or call Diane on 691 961 429. Join AAR for an evening of delightful wines, great company, and a shared commitment to animal welfare.

assures that the new route won’t a ect the existing M160 line, maintaining its stops in La Cala del Moral. The temporary agreement aligns with Avanza’s commitment to introduce 15-metre buses within six months to e ciently handle the rising demand.

Mayor Francisco Salado emphasises the area’s commitment to enhancing public transportation, acknowledging the importance of timely commutes for residents. The investment underscores the determination to provide reliable and e cient services for everyone.

CELEBRATE St Patrick’s Day in style at Siddhartha on the Rock in Competa! Join them on Sunday, March 17, for a day lled with craft fayre, lively Irish music, and exhilarating dancing.

The festivities kick o in the afternoon, featuring a craft fayre alongside traditional Irish tunes and dance. At 8.30pm, the merriment continues with more Irish music and dancing.

Mitch and other talented musicians will provide the musical backdrop, inviting everyone to join in and sing along. The energetic dancing will be led by Alexandra Hänig, featuring a ceilidh where everyone can participate. Don’t miss out on the craic and enjoy the lively atmosphere! Reserve your table by calling 952 516 748 or 628 177 424, or simply drop by for a drink and immerse yourself in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

European tourism takes centre stage.

Image: Shutterstock/ Jandro March

Catherine McGeer

MARCH marks a significant milestone for the Lux Mundi Food Drive, which has been tirelessly aiding local families in need for a full year. The success of this initiative is owed to the generous contributions from individuals who donated anything from one item to 50 or contributed €5 to a whopping €1,000.

Over the past 12 months, this commitment has made a substantial impact, assisting approximately 1,100 individuals with 285 bags of food filled with 4,500 items.

The initiative has more than doubled the number of supported families since March 2023. While celebrating these achievements,

the Lux Mundi Food Drive acknowledges that there are still many more families requiring assistance.

To continue this positive momentum, the upcoming

packing session on Monday, March 18, requires essential items such as sunflower oil, sugar, pasta, rice, coffee, tomato sauce, dried lentils, dried chickpeas, chocolate milk powder, biscuits, breakfast cereal, and flour.

IN a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, amateur cyclist José Ángel Zurita from the Pro Rutas cycling team has successfully completed the first-ever Everesting challenge in the Axarquia region. Covering a staggering distance of 249 kilometres with an uphill elevation of 8,911 metres, Zurita completed the gruelling challenge in a time of 16 hours and six minutes.

Choosing the challenging terrain of Canillas de Aceituno with its steep ascents, ascending and descending

Everesting

the town 18 times. The local cyclist, motivated by a personal goal, expressed pride in being the first to accomplish the Everesting challenge in the Axarquia region, specifically on the slopes leading to the town of Canillas de Aceituno.

Zurita, a member of the Playas de Torre del Mar sports club, acknowledged the support of fellow cyclists who joined him during some ascents, making

the lengthy hours more enjoyable.

For those unfamiliar with the Everesting challenge, it involves accumulating over 8,848 metres of elevation gain in a single cycling session, which is equivalent to the height of Mount Everest. This daunting task demands relentless effort without sleep, making it an achievement attained by only a select few in the cycling community.

fessionals, echoing the broader trend of remote work.

Your contributions can be dropped off at various locations in Torre Del Mar, including the cafe at Vals Sports, Lux-Mundi Centro Ecumenico, BluCee estate agency, and Oasis Hair and Beauty. Your support is greatly appreciated in making a difference in the lives of those in need.

AXARQUIA’S tiniest villages are launching a campaign to reverse depopulation, targeting a unique demographic: digital nomads. The ‘Come and Live in a Village’ platform showcases the picturesque Axarquia region as an ideal destination for remote workers seeking a balance between personal and professional life. In an effort led by the Axarquia Municipalities Consortium, the campaign ‘For a Thousand More Years’ aims to draw in young pro-

Rafael Torrubia, President of the Axarquia Rural Development Centre, highlights the urban exodus of youth from highland villages like Alfarnate and Periana. The campaign, now part of a nationwide initiative, offers insights into affordable housing, services, and an enhanced quality of life. Ramón Pradera, director of ‘Come and Live in a Village,’ urges people to envision successful life projects in smaller locales, emphasising that rural living can provide not just financial benefits but also superior amenities and a higher overall quality of life. With over 4,000 small towns across Spain joining the movement, the campaign invites digital nomads to consider the charms of rural living in Axarquia.

JOIN The Underdog in a heartwarming event to help raise funds to aid forgotten and abandoned cats and dogs. Your support is crucial, and here’s an exciting opportunity to contribute: a Fundraiser Picnic on the Beach on March 23 at 1pm. Snag your tickets for just €15 per person!

Indulge in a delightful feast featuring home-made falafel, mint yoghurt sauce, baba ghanoush, and scrumptious cakes. Nibbles and refreshing soft drinks are on the menu too! The picnic promises a vegan extravaganza, ensuring a delightful experience for all. Head to Playa de Torre del Mar between Chiringuito Sirena and Estrella for an afternoon of compassion and deliciousness.

Act now, share the news, and visit www.the underdogspain.com to secure your tickets. Let’s make this fundraiser a paws-itively unforgettable event!

Hearse hubbub

MOVE over flowers and chocolates! A Velez-Malaga local recently received a hearse complete with an empty coffin as a Valentine’s gift from her boyfriend.

Now, the Villa de Madrid neighbourhood is buzzing with mixed feelings.

The hearse, chilling on Calle La Música, has become the talk of the town, leaving residents scratching their heads.

Despite neighbours pleading with the town hall to relocate it to a less conspicuous spot, they insist that legally they cannot move it as all the paperwork is in order.

The owner of the hearse who is a performance artist says she plans to use the hearse, a Renault 21.

Tensions may rise even further as the owner is apparently contemplating decorating it with a floral wreath.

It seems this hearse is set to stay the neighbourhood’s quirky conversation starter.

Tap water truths

RECENTLY, Dario Bressanini, a chemist and science communicator, tackled the misconceptions surrounding Spain’s tap water during a presentation.

There is a common perception that bottled water is safer and healthier than tap water, particularly in regard to its lime content, blamed for kidney stone formation.

However, Bressanini emphasised the nutritional benefits of limestone-rich water, highlighting its essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Bressanini’s insights, supported by the Higher Institute of Health, refute the idea that tap water contributes to kidney stone formation.

He went on to explain that the concentration of calcium in domestic drinking water does not contribute to the formation of kidney stones, dismissing the common fear that tap water might be harmful.

This clarification challenges the widespread preference for bottled water in Italy, underscoring the general safety and suitability of tap water for consumption.

The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) has also weighed in, advocating for tap water over bottled water based on cost and quality.

Despite this, many opt for bottled wa-

ter due to taste preferences or the hardness of their local tap water. The OCU’s ranking reveals cities like Burgos, Vigo, San Sebastian, and Las Palmas leading in tap water quality, with Madrid, Granada and Leon also scoring high.

Conversely, cities such as Zaragoza Ciudad Real, Palma de Mallorca, Huelva, Logroño and Barcelona face challenges with water hardness and taste, prompting recommendations to drink natural mineral water with low mineralisation in these areas.

Women-only ITVs

A UNIQUE ITV station in Spain has made headlines for being staffed entirely by women, a significant milestone in the traditionally male-dominated industry.

The vehicle technical inspection (ITV) sector in Spain has witnessed considerable progress towards gender equality. Currently, women constitute about 21 per cent of the workforce in ITV stations, a figure significantly higher than in past years, as reported by AECA-ITV.

This includes 6 per cent of women working as inspectors and 16 per cent in engineering roles. Furthermore, women make up 31 per cent of the management staff and a remarkable 71 per cent of the administrative staff. Despite these advances, the journey towards full equality is ongoing.

The Montijo station in Badajoz stands out as a

beacon of change in this evolving landscape, where the staff of eight are 100 per cent women. Directed by Sonia Santo, the station is pioneering a female-driven approach, that ‘10 years ago was unthinkable.’

“We wanted to bet on a station run only by women, to give them the possibility to demonstrate that women can do this work under the same conditions as a man,” Santo explains.

This initiative not only showcases the capabili-

ties of women in the sector but also aims to foster an environment of equal opportunities.

It emphasises the shift in perceptions, with customers no longer surprised to see women in these roles.

The Montijo ITV station is a singular example of how gender equality is being pursued within the sector. While it represents a significant step forward, it is just the beginning of a broader movement towards achieving parity between genders.

RUN BY WOMEN: ITV station, Montijo, Badajoz.

Credit: AECA-ITV/YouTub

How safe is tap water?

Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.com

IN the last edition of Euro Weekly News, we announced the winner of Age in Spain’s latest winner of their Good Neighbour Award.

Good neighbours

She is Alison Brophy, of Corralejo, Fuerteventura, who created ‘Stronger Together’ an organisation which exists for the benefit of non-Spanish residents. There was a very strong field of finalists and a number of people were awarded special commendations and among them were Alison’s friend Elaine Berry, who is President of Stronger Together and helped Alison set it up. Elaine has worked with the Spanish courts as a legal translator and has also helped the British Consulate and several holiday tour operators when visitors have met with difficult circumstances while on holiday.

She commented that she has developed a specialism - helping people cope with bereavement, guiding people through all that is involved and arranging funerals, cemetery arrangements, dealing with the banks and with the deceased’s will.

Similarly, Alan and Sarah Groves of Villena, Alicante were nominated for the assistance they gave a grateful neighbour following the death of her husband.

Sarah said “My own experience in losing both parents in Spain taught me what is involved, and I have used that experience to help others.

“The speed with which burials and cremations must be arranged in Spain can make it difficult for people who are not familiar with the system and have no family support

on hand. Spanish people depend on their families in times of crisis like this. Others don’t have that support.”

Giulia de Santo Wood lives in Iznajar, Cordoba, a community she describes as 50 per cent Spanish and 50 per cent incomers of different nationalities, particularly British and Dutch. She arrived in Spain eight years ago and “not being someone to sit back and do nothing” immediately got involved in helping others.

She accompanies people as their interpreter to hospital visits, helps people through bereavement, goes to house viewings, helps when a car has broken down. She was nominated for doing all the things that a good neighbour might be expected to do and received commendation.

Long history

John Smith

THERE are so many pretty little villages in Spain with a long history and one of them, Castrillo de Murcia, is first mentioned in a document dated 1029.

At that time it was known as Castrillo de Muza, but time saw its name changed and it is now a suburb of the municipality of Sasamon in Burgos.

There are plenty of attractive old buildings but that’s not why it is so well-known as the time to visit is the first Sunday after the Feast of Corpus Christi which this year will be June 2 as Easter was so early.

People from all over the region flock to the town for the celebration known as the Salto del Colacho which dates back to 1621 and combines both Christian and Pagan elements as it celebrates the victory of good over evil in a most bizarre and unexpected way.

The day starts relatively normally as the Parish Priest parades the Eucharist around the town and blesses children who were born locally during the previous 12 months, but it is then that it takes what some might consider a more sinister turn of events.

A man, dressed in red and yellow, recognised as the Colacho who represents the devil, runs through the

streets hitting members of the crowd with a horse hair whip and in return they hurl insults at him.

In the meantime, the mothers of the children who have been blessed have laid them out in the middle of the street on pillows and cushions just in time for the Colacho to arrive and literally leap over the children in order to dispel bad spirits and ensure that they enjoy good health.

Once this has been completed the children have flowers strewn over them before being collected by their mothers as the onlookers watch the Colacho flee, hopefully after he managed not to land on any babies.

Once the ceremony is completed, it’s time for everyone to get together and party.

High-flying heroics

A PILOT’S quick thinking led to the successful delivery of a baby during a flight when the mother unexpectedly went into labour.

Jakarin Sararnrakskul was flying a VietJet aircraft from Taipei, Taiwan, to

Bangkok, Thailand, when alerted by the cabin crew about an onboard emergency.

Reacting promptly, he rushed to assist the distressed woman, who was in one of the plane’s lavatories.

published by the International Society of Travel Medicine in 2020, there have been 74 documented cases of babies born on commercial flights between 1929 and 2018.

“After 18 years as a pilot, I’ve just helped deliver a newborn baby onboard,” he shared on Instagram, along with a photo of himself holding the infant.

The father, also on the flight, affectionately mentioned that the crew had nicknamed the newborn ‘Sky Baby’.

According to research

The NHS confirms that flying isn’t harmful to you or your baby, but discussing any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly is wise.

The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks and some airlines won’t let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy.

Image: drjakarin / Instagram

Alan and Sarah Groves were commended for being good neighbours.

COLACHO: Leaps over the children to dispel bad spirits.

Credit: Noa Serna CC

Become a travel blogger

John Smith

TO mark World Book Day which took place in the UK on March 7 (as opposed to April 23 in other countries) Euro Weekly News has been asked to alert readers to a great opportunity.

There is a long history of best selling books about moving to another country and two of the top 10 chosen by PropertyGuides.com, Driving Over Lemons by Chris Stewart and Snowball Oranges: One Mallorcan Winter by Peter Kerr amusingly relay two epic stories of settling

in Spain.

Property Guides, has a network of expatriate writers who keep their audience of would-be overseas property buyers inspired, informed and amused and EWN readers are being invited to join in and if successful will be offered the chance to write a minimum of 12 blogs over one year and will be paid £100 per article

If you have moved to Spain or are just about to and would like to write about your experiences, visit https://www. property guides.com/earn-mo-

ney-by-writing-about-livingabroad/ to get some ideas and then enter your article of 500 to 1,000 words on any aspect of moving to your new home and submit by the closing date of May 1, 2024

To qualify you need to be a native English speaker who has moved abroad in the past 10 years, or are about to.

You should be prepared to cover the details of your move, including property buying or rental, getting visas and just dealing with the everyday in your new country, with accuracy and verve.

Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murty hosted a World Book Day event on March 1.

Credit: Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street flickr

8

20

The operation was carried out when a local resident alerted the Guardia Civil’s Seprona unit about a lynx spotted in a residential garden.

The feline, known as Jakar, weighed 20 kilos and had strayed from another house, an incredible 20 kilometres away.

Experts identified it as an African lynx (caracal), a species threatened under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

The authorities discovered that the lynx had been smuggled into Spain from Moscow in 2022, misleadingly declared as a domestic cat.

JAKAR: African lynx caught in Malaga.

The owner failed to provide legal import documentation required by CITES, leading to an administrative complaint for potential smuggling violations.

Jakar, aged two and a half, was safely captured and entrusted to the AAP Primadomus rescue centre in Alicante, well-known for its care of exotic mammals.

AAP Primadomus, part of the European animal welfare

organisation AAP - Animal Advocacy and Protection, is dedicated to rescuing and advocating for exotic mammals.

They work tirelessly to raise awareness and push for stronger legislation to prevent future animal suffering. This facility was chosen for Jakar’s relocation due to its specialised care capabilities.

This incident highlights the critical need for awareness to protect endangered species.

Games disruption

Linda Hall

PARIS could grind to a halt during this year’s Olympic Games which begin on July 26 and end on August 11.

The General Federation of Labour (CGT) union announced on Thursday March 7 that it intended to file formal notification of a strike in April.

Should it go ahead, this would involve stoppages by national and local government employees as well those in the medical and social work sectors.

A Paris transport workers’ go-slow between February 5 and September 9 will also have repercussions on the Games.

Interviewed by the Franceinfo broadcaster, CGT leader Sophie Binet maintained that essential points like overtime, accommodation and childcare facilities have still to be settled.

“Our warnings must finally be heard,” Binet declared.

“Hundreds of thousands of workers will be affected by the Games with more overtime and restrictions on taking time off,” she pointed out.

“We want to know about the social conditions entailed in this extra work. For instance, how will all the workers who have to come to the Paris region for the Olym-

Nora Shephard NEW research from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that flying in Europe is now safer than ever before.

The 2023 annual safety report reveals a significant improvement in Europe’s ‘all accident’ rate, dropping from 0.98 per million flights in 2022 to 0.48 accidents in 2023.

This surpasses the con-

SOPHIE BINET: Union leader wants answers for workers during the Paris Olympics.

pics be housed?” she asked.

“How will their children be taken care of, with school holidays at the same time? What bonuses will the employees get? So far nothing has been sorted out on this issue.”

Her comments followed a recent call from Paris Olympics’ organising committee for a ‘social truce’ and an absence of strikes.

Meanwhile, Sophie Binet has now requested a meeting with France’s Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal.

tinent’s five-year average of 0.77 accidents per million flights.

Europe has maintained a zero fatality risk since 2018, which is remarkable.

However, landing gear collapses are the most common cause of accidents, usually due to mechanical issues.

Overall, most regions worldwide saw improvements in their ‘all accident’ rates compared to 2022, except for North America and the Asia Pacific.

Despite a 17 per cent increase in aircraft movements compared to the previous year, the global ‘all accident’ rate decreased to 0.80 per million flights in 2023, the lowest rate in over a decade.

This means there was one accident for every 1.26 million flights, an improvement from 1.30 in 2022.

The significant decrease in the risk of flying over the past five years is evident, with statistical analysis showing a very low chance of experiencing a fatal accident while flying.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, acknowledges the positive findings but stresses the ongoing commitment to improving safety in air travel.

Credit: Guardia Civil.es

Rare lynx caught

Photo credit: CC/Selbymay

Sky’s the limit

High quality of life

MIRA PRANGER is Dutch but has lived in London for 13 years, and spent the past year and a half in Valencia.

FINDING daily life a challenge, Mira and her husband decided to move out of London.

“London was getting too expensive and we couldn’t have a good quality of life there.”

Mira’s husband is half-Spanish and Valencia was already dear to them, being the location of their first holiday toge ther.

“I love Valencia! It is so much calmer than my life back in London, and it’s definitely what I needed,” said Mira about her move.

trainer, and interior designer.

She mentioned that transitioning was easy due to the “amazing expat community” of Valencia.

Credit: Mira Pranger

Mira Pranger.

Mira works as an actress, personal

“We have friends from all over the world, a diverse mix.”

Mira also has Spanish friends and is learning Spanish: “We have a friend group of proper Valencians, and they introduce us to the city and the culture.”

Mira confessed that in Spain, she found a “high level of life quality,” uncomparable to anyplace else.

I’m glad to be back

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

WELL, well, look who’s back - Mr Grumpy! It might not be every week but I do have some catching up to do. OK let’s start !

I have had the same mobile phone supplier for 20 years. It’s changed names a few times and over the years it’s gone from one phone to two. Then I added an internet/TV package and I’ve bought phones from them. When I changed to a new plan I got a free subscription to Amazon Prime and HBO Max, both of which are very handy.

So you can imagine how I felt last week when I got a message from Amazon telling me my subscription had run out. I know it hasn’t. My deal was as long as I kept the plan I was on, I would have these ‘free’ subscriptions. So all of you that know me, strap yourselves in for the bumpy ride following my reaction.

First I call Vodafone and after explaining the situation, the very helpful lady tells me she will have to report the problem to technical. They only speak Spanish and I don’t speak enough to have that type of conversation but she says don’t worry she

will interpret for me and they will call me back, which they do and after an hour they can’t solve the problem. We have changed passwords, we have used different numbers, we have even used a new email address. I’ve had six messages giving access numbers and nothing works.

So I phone Amazon - total waste of time - they just tell me it’s a Vodafone problem. This started on Tuesday and it’s now Friday. I am getting two or three phone calls a day and nobody can tell me what’s going wrong. They then let slip this is not an isolated case but is happening to lots of punters. I don’t know why this is so difficult for them to sort out. I will keep you informed. But if any of you have had the same problem let me know please. Just as an aside three of the six different people that I spoke to on the English helpline may have spoken some form of English but I couldn’t understand a word they said and likewise they didn’t understand my cockney accent. Am I allowed to mention that or am I breaking woke rules? I really hope I am and I’m going to break a load more over the next few weeks.

Glad to be back.

Please email with your feedback Mikesenker@gmail.com

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

IRELAND

Measles alert

THE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) confirmed that it had received notification of a second measles case and was taking all necessary public health precautions to prevent an epidemic. The new case follows the death of a Westmeath man from measles in February, the first in more than 20 years.

Not a laugh

DUBLIN doctors were worried about the number of teenagers they treat for frostbite associated with oxide, better known as laughing gas. When transferring the gas from canisters to balloons before inhaling it, spilled liquid can cause severe frostbite burns consultant Paediatric surgeon Dr Catherine de Blacam said.

NORWAY

Super setting

OPENING scenes for the Superman remake, starring David Correnswet have been shot on location in Adventdalen, Svalbard, director James Gunn confirmed to the Svalbardposten newspaper. “There were a lot of things that sold Svalbard to us above the other places. For one, its natural beauty,” Gunn said.

Tragic fail

A SIKORSKY S-92 helicopter which crashed on a training mission to offshore oil and gas fields west of Bergen on February 28 would have stayed afloat if vital equipment had not failed, investigators concluded. A nurse in her 60s who worked for Equinor died in the accident and five people suffered minor injuries.

Lost and found

A WOMAN of 28 who vanished in October 2023 from a medical facility in Arevalo (Spain, where she was receiving treatment for mental health problems, was located by the Portuguese police on March 6. She disappeared after receiving permission to go for a walk and was said to be in good health when found.

Bank on it

A SURVEY of Portugal’s banking habits found that 53.4 per cent of the population had only one bank account while 29.5 per cent had two or more. The same study found that 59 per cent of the Portuguese habitually used contactless payments, second highest after the UK (69 per cent) and Spain (72 per cent).

EURO PRESS

NETHERLANDS

Harmful herbs

THE Netherlands’ Public Health and Environment Institute (RIVM) warned against mind-altering herbal supplement Tabernanthe iboga (ibogaine). The RIVM said even when used according to instructions it could disrupt the heart’s rhythm and had caused “dozens of deaths” worldwide, including some in the Netherlands.

ITALY FRANCE

Fine gesture

A FLORENCE municipal police chief paid a traffic fine for a jobless ex-employee of the closed GKN engineering plant who asked if city hall would suspend a €74 fine until he was able to pay it. As the fine could not be frozen, the officer said she would pay it herself “to demonstrate solidarity with GKN workers.”

Paint job

THREE climate activists in their 20s received eight-month suspended sentences for spraying the Senate building in Rome with orange paint in January 2023. The Last Generation members, who will elude jail only on payment of €60,000 in damages, announced that they would appeal “and keep going.”

It’s magic

THE Danish Customs Agency (Toldstyrelsen) stopped 921 attempts to smuggle psychedelic mushrooms into the country in 2023, more than double the 453 cases detected in 2022. The mushrooms were usually smuggled in the post, generally from the Netherlands but also from other countries, the Agency revealed.

Strong message

DENMARK’S currency reserves rose from 630.2 billion (€84.5 billion) to 636.7 billion kroner (€85.4 billion) in February 2024, underlining the country’s robust financial stability. International analysts said sent “a strong message” about Denmark’s resilience and expertise in managing its economic policies.

Hands-on

BRITISH artist Damien Hirst who dominated the UK art scene in the 90s launched an exhibition show of his works at Chateau La Coste, a 500-acre estate and vineyard located near Aix-en-Provence. This includes an on-site chapel due to open in 2025 that will feature a 30-metre high bronze hand pointing skywards.

Not fair

SEVENTEEN charities complained that the police were taking an over-tough line with Paris sex workers prior to next July’s Olympics and inflicting ‘heavy-handed’ identity controls. Officers would do better to focus on the criminal organisations which robbed, raped and assaulted them, a joint statement maintained.

FINLAND

Radar ruse

FINNISH meteorologists revealed that military exercises in northern regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway produced unusual images on radar observation maps on March 6. Apparent rain over Finland when none was falling probably originated, they said, in materials used to foil radar-spying by hostile neighbours.

Wages gap

OFFICIAL figures from Statistics Finland showed an overall 1.4 per cent reduction in January 2024 salaries when compared to those of 2023. Private sector wages were 4.3 per cent lower than a year ago, analysts found, although people employed in the public sector saw a 7.7 per cent increase during this same period.

SWEDEN

Not needed

POLICE in southern Sweden want a ban on sales of bulletproof vests, maintaining that they belong to war zones and bring fear to peaceful communities. Dismissing claims that they protected the young from gang warfare, police officer Patrik Andersson said he believed that body armour “has no place in Swedish society.”

Flypast

ESCORTED by two jets from the Swedish air force, two US bombers flew low over Stockholm, Arlanda and Uppsala on March 5. “We are doing this in a clear signal that we are protecting our national territory alongside our allies, creating safety and security for the Swedish population,” one of the Swedish officers said.

BELGIUM

Domino effect

FOLLOWING The Body Shop cosmetics chain’s collapse into administration in the UK, 20 stores belonging to its Belgian operation have now closed and gone into liquidation. Receivers in the Netherlands will be dealing with the bankruptcy as the shops were part of The Body Shop Benelux’s Dutch division.

Work it out

BELGIANS on permanent contracts worked 33.5 hours per week in 2024, compared with 31.8 hours in 2014, a study by HR experts Acerta found. Men now work 19 minutes more each week, amounting to an extra two days each year, but women work almost two hours more, equivalent to an annual 11 days.

Spy game

GERMANY’S ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, said former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had fallen into a Russian trap by slating German intelligence over a leaked phone call where army officers discussed support for Ukraine. “This is what Russia wanted by publishing this phone conversation,” he said.

Hot stuff

ENGINEERS decided that Hartheim, Breisach and Bad Krozingen were possible locations for a geothermal heating project after discovering water-bearing layers between 2,500 and 3,200 metres below ground. They said the geothermal heat stored in these layers should be able to support a heating and distribution plant.

TABERNANTHE IBOGA: Don’t use it, RIVM warned.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Talk quietly

TWO years after its launch

Rupert Murdoch’s TalkTV is to be taken off air amidst heavy losses that were not helped by the departure of one of its star turns, Piers Morgan. Scott Taunton, TalkTV’s president of Broadcasting said that by early summer, the channel would now be focusing on online streaming.

More woes

MOODY’S, which rates the creditworthiness of companies and governments, “quarantined” Barcelonabased pharmaceuticals company Grifols already under attack from short-seller Gotham City. Moody’s said the company and its subsidiaries were under review owing to “poor results, its governance risk and refinancing.”

Tastes good

GREGGS staff will share a £17.6 million (€20.57 million) bonus as the bakery chain sells ever-increasing amounts of pasties and sausage rolls. After a year which saw 2023’s profits climb to a record £188 million (€219.7 million), the company said that it had no plans to introduce further price rises in 2024.

New use

BTECH, owned by EV motors, has acquired all of the Decarbonisation Hub in Barcelona’s Zona Franca industrial area after buying the remaining 40 per cent from electric vehicle manufacturer QEV Tech. The reindustrialisation of the old Nissan plant will pave the way for producing the first 50 Zeroid cars, BTech said.

Summed up

KPMG was fined £1.5 million (€1.75 million) by the UK’s Financial Reporting Council (FRC) for ‘basic’ failures in its 2018 audit of advertising firm M&C Saatchi. KPMG partner Adrian Wilcox must also pay £48,750 (€56,982) after M&C Saatchi found accounting errors which required a restatement of its accounts.

€6 billion STAT OF WEEK

is the announced 2026 sales target for Spanish multinational Indra which leads in the electronic defence sector and reported revenues of €4.34 billion in 2023.

Falklands contract

Linda Hall

HARLAND & WOLFF are in line for a multimillion contract to build a port in the Falkland Islands.

The Belfast-based shipyard, remembered for building the Titanic, was its “preferred bidder” the Falklands’ government announced after putting out to tender the contract for a new floating dock in late 2023.

The company explained on March 5 that the contract was subject to final negotiations on pricing and commercial arrangements but would be worth between £100 million (€116.9 million) and £120 million (€140.3 million) spread over two years.

The Falklands deal provides a further boost to the fortunes of Harland and Wolff which had to close a subsidiary in 2022 over an unpaid £92,275 (€107,839) tax bill.

The non-payment was an administrative error, insisted Harland, which

shortly afterwards saw an improvement to its fortunes on winning a £55 million (€64.3 million) contract to revamp a Lithuanian minesweeper formerly owned by the Royal Navy.

The company, founded in 1861 by Edward Harland

Cellnex plans

SPANISH multinational Cellnex Telecom is selling its Irish subsidiary to Phoenix Tower International for €971 million.

The telecommunications infrastructure company, whose network of mobile phone towers is the largest in Europe, said on March 5 that it was reviewing its portfolio and would “focus on core markets and businesses.”

Cellnex is setting its sights on revenue of between €4.5 and €4.7 billion by

2027, excluding energy costs, which will be passed on to clients.

This represents an average annual growth rate of 6 per cent, with adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of between €3.80 and €4 billion, averaging 7 per cent.

The company will be introducing a cost-efficiency plan aimed at improving profitability and intends to return cash to shareholders through dividends and

Portugal offer Naming names

CHINESE fast fashion company Shein’s plans to list in London could be affected by not naming a physical owner.

All UK companies must declare a human “person with significant control” (PSC) but Shein UK’s filing lists Singapore-based Roadget Business as its PSC.

The omission was spotted by Dan Neidle, founder of the Tax Policy Associates thinktank, who has now notified Companies House that Shein had failed to list an individual.

Shien, valued at $66 billion (€60.56 billion) said it was “grateful” that the error had been brought to its attention.

“We are currently working to rectify this,” a spokesperson said.

IBERICA has launched a takeover bid for Spanish chemicals manufacturer Ercros.

The subsidiary of Portugal’s principal chemicals manufacturer, Bondalti, would pay €329 million, offering €3.60 per Ercros share, a premium of 40.6 per cent on March 4’s closing price of €2.56.

Bondalti Iberica’s proposal requires acceptance of more than 75 per cent of the share capital as well as authorisation from both the Spanish government and regulators.

Should the transaction go ahead, the Ercros headquarters would remain in Barcelona, as would all jobs at the company’s facilities in Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Aragon, and Madrid.

The deal would allow Bondalti “to anticipate the challenges facing the European chemicals industry,” the company said.

and his German business partner Gustav Wolff, then went on to share a contract to build supply ships for the Royal Navy.

The existing Port Stanley dock that Harland installed in 1984 is now obsolete, and work on its replacement is likely to begin later in 2024.

Involving the construction, transportation and installation of four 90-metre floating pontoons, work will be shared amongst the shipbuilder’s multiple facilities. Its four sites in Belfast, Devon, Scotland and Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides all have the capacity to build the pontoons, a company statement said.

buybacks between 2026 and 2030, it said.

The Cellnex statement added that earlier payouts might be possible, depending on its debt ratio and credit rating.

Spending down

SPENDING on drinking outside the home fell 1.4 per cent in Spain in 2023. The decline - the first since the pandemic - was due to higher prices in bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels, especially for beer and bottled water. Both rose by 9 per cent, said market data analyst Nielsen, attributing the cutbacks to the increased cost of living.

Bars and cafes saw the biggest difference, Nielssen said, where people spent 3.3 per cent less on drinks, while hotels and restaurants noticed a fall of 1.6 per cent.

In contrast, nightlife venues saw a slight increase of 0.8 per cent.

ASTRAZENECA, which was instrumental in developing Covid vaccines during the pandemic, will spend £450 million (€526 million) on a new vaccine hub in Liverpool.

The ‘green’ factory in Speke will be powered by renewable energy, revealed the pharmaceutical company.

It is also allocating a further £200 million (€233.8 million) to expanding its life sciences research laboratories in Cambridge, where it plans to build an additional facility.

The announcement of the new investments coincides with AstraZeneca’s talks with UK government ministers to secure public funding of around £100 million (€116.9 million).

Vaccine factory Office orders

AFTER 17 years of private ownership, Boots is preparing to return to the London Stock Exchange, Boots’ owners, the US-based Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), believe that a £7 billion (€8.18 billion) valuation could return it to the FTSE100, Bloomberg said in December 2023.

Meanwhile, thousands of Boots UK staff must work a five-day week in the office, as director Seb James told staff that he was determined to make the company more efficient.

The new regime will affect office workers in London, Nottingham and Weybridge.

Armed up

A DELEGATION from Spain’s Ministry of Defence visited India, seeking €5 billion in naval, aeronautic and electronics contracts.

New Delhi wants to sever its traditional ties with Moscow by looking for technological partners capable of helping it to become less dependent on outside expertise and develop its own arms’ industry, Defence sources explained in Madrid.

After negotiations lasting 10 years, Spain has already agreed to supply India’s air force with 56 Airbus C-295 transport planes, delivering the first of the €2.1 billion order last September.

BONDALTI

Photo credit: Cellnex.com

Photo credit: CC/August Schwerdfeger

ICONIC COMPANY: Harland and Wolff’s Belfast shipyard.

CELLNEX: Mobile phone tower network is Europe’s largest.

Windfall tax

THE UK’S Chancellor Jeremy Hunt expects to raise £1.5 billion (€1.75 billion) by extending the windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas profits, which will now end in 2029 instead of March 2028. The tax was introduced in May 2022 when producers’ profits soared as gas prices rocketed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Long-term

DESPITE Ford’s ERTE furlough scheme which laid off Almussafes (Valencia) workers until the end of March, the car manufacturer has long-term plans for the plant. “We are producing the Kuga and intend to do so for many years,” insisted the director of Ford’s electric vehicle division, Martin Sander.

Where did it go

Linda Hall

THE BODY SHOP administrators are investigating claims that millions were removed from the business before its collapse last February.

The Telegraph revealed that FRP, which took over the cosmetic chain’s British arm after it fell into administration, is exploring allegations of unaccounted-for funds prior to the sale to private equity group Aurelius. The investigation remains

BODY SHOP: Stores are already disappearing

Morocco’s choice

PUBLICLY-OWNED Spanish company

Ineco will design the extensions to Casablanca’s international airport.

The Moroccan National Airport Office (ONDA) has awarded Ineco the €500,000 contract to draw up plans for extending and remodelling Casablanca’s two terminals as well as its ramps and runways.

The project is an important one for Morocco, as the airport will see vastly increa-

sed traffic in 2030 when it will be hosting the Football World Cup together with Spain and Portugal,

Although French companies have traditionally dominated Morocco’s infrastructure market, Ineco also developed the country’s air navigation system. The company, attached to the Transport Ministry, has previously designed airports in Spain, Greece, Colombia and Mexico.

Figures seen by the Telegraph have shown that The Body Shop’s UK division posted profits of £19 million (€22.2 million) on revenues of £163 million (€190.5 million) in the period before its collapse.

These figures covered The Body Shop’s 198 shops across the UK in 2023 but not the costs incurred by the company’s global operations.

FRP revealed that when the company went into administration, figures which included The Body Shop’s operations outside the UK showed a 2022 loss of £60 million (€70.14 million).

The chain’s apparent financial vigour could prompt questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the company’s decline into administration and Aurelius’s role, the Telegraph said.

Pay rise

LUIS GALLEGO, chief executive of IAG, owner of British Airways and Iberia amongst other airlines, obtained his first pay rise after taking over from Willie Walsh in 2020 and riding out the pandemic. Gallego received €979,000 in 2023, 4 per cent more than the previous year, as well as €2.95 million in variable pay which depended on IAG’s performance.

Golden high

THE price of gold remains historically high amid investors’ fears of continuing Middle East tension and the assumption that the US will cut interest rates by the summer. On March 5 its price reached $2,141 (€1,965) for an ounce at one point, overtaking the previous record of $2,135 (€1,959) in December 2023 before falling back to $2,128 (€1,952).

at an early stage, the Telegraph said.

Photo credit: CC/Edwardx

It’s time to wake up

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

DESPITE what the CO2 alarmists would have us believe our glorious planet has been warming up for thousands of years. Although the air polluting emissions released by the vehicles and factories of modern society are certainly unacceptable, the prophets of alarmist doom have managed to have us all running around like headless chickens in pursuit of worldwide solutions that are not only near impossible, but despite what Saint Greta and her followers (who have been somewhat silent of late) would have us believe, is rather like throwing a cup of water on a forest fire!

What we should be doing is concentrating on an adaptive response to the potential advantages of global warming. It is my belief that all things in creation have an equally positive and negative side - Ying Yang, Newton etc. If this were not the case the whole planet and all that reside on it would have disintegrated eons ago. With this in

mind, I decided to do a little research into the positive effects of so-called global warming. The results were eye opening to say the least. According to reports some 70 countries or more stand to gain by the changes in our climate. In the main, countries that exist further to the north of the planet are those set to benefit the most.

Russia’s Siberia and Alaska could likely become vast fertile areas that could be developed at extremely reasonable cost. China would also profit by bringing rain to its northern drought areas and easing the flooding in the south. Canada, most of the Netherlands, Iceland and even further north, are all set to benefit as the earth’s temperature warms up.

Unfortunately most of Europe and the southern most parts of the USA don’t fare so well. Flooding, monsoons, tornadoes, crippling heatwaves and severe weather fluctuations will be the order of the day. None of this is a present day phenomena. Human civilisation goes back some 10,000 years or so. Over the last 400,000 years, long before we started changing the planet, there have been several periods of warming

and cooling. Ice core readings show that CO2 measurements have at times been 10 per cent higher than current levels, with global temperatures similar and even lower than they are today. There is simply no correlation between the two events. Left wing and Liberal governments believe power to stop climate change rests in controlling people; their solutions to the problems always give more power to ever growing government bureaucracy. Well I don’t buy it.

While we are succumbing to the pathetic brainwashed protesters and illogical electric transport innovations, the West is slowly but surely being taken over by Eastern forces that are assailing from all sides and on all levels. Using every opportunity to take advantage of our ridiculous mistaken priorities, non-Europeans are infiltrating Western civilisation at a far more dangerous rate than global warming or CO2 emissions. Time to wake up and tackle the true problems that threaten our existence on this wonderful planet.

Keep the faith.

Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

Choc prices surge

THE price of chocolate is set to increase as the price of cocoa has reached an all-time high.

In March 2024, the cost of cocoa exceeded $7,000 per ton, marking a significant leap from the beginning of the year when it was priced at $4,000.

This surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including labour strikes, drought, and excessive rainfall in major cocoa-producing countries like the Ivory Coast and Ghana. These conditions have severely impacted the latest harvests.

Remarkably, cocoa’s price trajectory has outperformed major assets and indices such as Bitcoin, Nasdaq, and the S&P 500.

Starting at $2,500 per ton in March 2023, cocoa breached the $6,000 mark in February 2024 for the first time. Currently, with a 75 per cent appreciation so far this year, cocoa’s financial

Berlin scores big

THE countdown to Germany’s biggest sporting event of the year, UEFA EURO 2024, is nearing its peak. March 5 marks just 100 days until the opening match in Munich.

Berlin, the capital city, is expected to see a significant economic boost from UEFA EURO 2024, with an estimated €90m in economic activity.

Visitors won’t just come for the football; they’ll also explore the city’s attractions, go shopping, and enjoy cultural activities.

Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin, is thrilled to welcome visitors from around the world, saying, “What could be better

than welcoming Europe to the biggest football event of the year! We’re setting up the world’s biggest football goal in front of the Brandenburg Gate. We’re not just rolling out the red carpet for football fans but the green pitch.”

Berlin anticipates around 2.5 million football fans during the tournament, with approximately 1.9 million visitors from 120 countries.

Air travel bookings for UEFA EURO 2024 have already surged, and hotel room rates are rising.

The average rate in March 2024 is currently €181 but is expected to reach €253 in June.

Victoria Car Hire UK Self Drive

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

Credit:

CHOCOLATE: Indulgent necessity.

performance is drawing significant attention from commodities experts.

The driving force behind this robust growth stems from climatic adversities affecting the cocoa supply from West Africa, which accounts for three-quarters of global production.

Crucial to this supply chain is the Ivory Coast, which represents 44 per cent of world production and Ghana with 14 per cent. Both countries have faced unfavourable weather conditions, directly impacting

production capabilities while demand remains unchanged in Europe, the US, and beyond.

Concerns are growing that El Niño-induced dry weather and strong Harmattan winds will further exacerbate the situation.

This phenomenon, known for causing droughts and storms, is likely to keep cocoa prices high. As the next cocoa harvest is not due until October, with new production taking up to five years to mature, high chocolate prices seem inevitable.

On offer is a range of cars starting with small everyday cars and up to family-sized vehicles to include manual and automatic transmission. We also have a variety of both petrol and diesel fuelled engines. All cars are well maintained and presented in a clean condition.

We have full 24-hour AA breakdown cover. The most popular brands used include: Ford, Vauxhall, Nissan, Citroen and Renault.

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

The collection procedure is very efficient, taking a small amount of time and allowing the customer to swiftly

proceed with their onward journey.

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

Office hours are 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday, weekends by arrangement. An out of hours service is available for late arrivals and early morning departures. Subject to conditions.

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

CAPITAL CITY: Will see a significant boost.

Herbal health

SPAIN has a rich tradi tion of herbal medicine. There is still a great deal of knowledge about wild medici nal plants and most families have, or even make their fa vourite remedies.

There are 1,376 wild plants in Spain which have been documented as having potential medicinal uses. Only 8 per cent are classified as endangered, so most are commonly available and thri ving. Families collecting small parts of the plants for their own use has no measurable effect on the species overall survival. Spain’s flora is diverse and, due to small farm production rather than agricultural monoculture, widespread.

Far from being lost to cultural history, herbal knowledge and use of plants as medicine is increasing, particularly after the global pande-

mic. This resurgence draws upon a body of knowledge which, until the late 1950s, was the foundation for self-care and healing in the country.

The use of natural herbal remedies to boost health and well-being is no longer confined to villages. It is becoming increasingly popular in our towns as well. A visit to your local ‘Herbolaria’ (herb shop) can be an interesting way to learn more.

Nourish & soften

CHAPPED lips are a common woe, therefore embracing natural remedies can offer effective relief and restore softness to your lips. Begin by staying well hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate chapping. Regularly apply natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil, which possess moisturising properties. Beeswax-based lip balms with added natural ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter provide a protective barrier against dryness. Gently exfoliate your lips with a homemade sugar scrub to slough off dead skin cells, promoting smoother lips. Aloe vera gel, known for its healing properties, can be applied to soothe and repair chapped skin. Lastly, maintain a nutrient-rich diet, including foods high in vitamins A and E, which contribute to overall skin health. By incorporating these natural remedies into your routine, you can nurture your lips back to a supple and healthy state, ensuring a comfortable and beautiful smile.

Wild herbs growing

Credit: Photo by Ali Kargı: https://www.pexels.com shutterstock

The gel from Aloe Vera plants can soothe sore lips

• News Across The Regions •

Costa del Sol

Well deserved award

ANNE BOWLES, member of la Cala Lions, was surprised and honoured to receive an award from Ana Mata, the mayor of Mijas.

Anne was selected with five other ladies to receive an award for their services to the community at a gala event in Mijas celebrating International Women’s Day.

Ana Mata, said, “Anne Bowles, founder of the diabetes group of the Lions Club of La Cala, has been chosen for her more than 20 years of raising awareness about this disease.”

After thanking the mayor, Anne explained that the award was only possible because of all the enormous help La Cala de Mijas Lions Club have given to her and her late husband Frank in the fight to raise awareness of the hidden causes of diabetes.

Costa Blanca South Best in Europe

ONCE again, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport has proven itself by winning the title of the best airport in Europe in its category. This is the fourth time it has achieved this award.

The Airports Council International (ACI) awards this honour, which shows the airport’s commitment to providing excellent services and facilities.

The airport’s success is measured through the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) programme, which relies on feedback from travellers, which gives a clear picture of their satisfaction with the airport’s services.

Laura Navarro, the director of the airport, highlighted the airport’s dedication to prioritising passengers’ needs and mentioned the ongoing efforts to improve facilities and services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for every traveller.

Mallorca

Classic golfers

THE Golf 50 Anniversary Drive, organised by Gaston Westphal of Classic Car Club Mallorca, promises to be an exhilarating journey for motoring enthusiasts. Scheduled for Saturday, March 23 at 10.30am, the event will celebrate half a century of passion for the iconic German marque.

Participants can expect a scenic drive, culminating in a delicious three-course lunch at the picturesque Restaurant Ca N Josep Ca Vostra in Port de Pollenca at 2.00pm. At €40 per person, with a small additional fee for non-members, the gathering not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also an opportunity for petrolheads to indulge in the car’s rich heritage. Due to limited seating, people are urged to book promptly to avoid disappointment. This occasion is an opportunity to blend the love for cars with the joy of community.

Costa Blanca North La Nucia - to the future!

THE city council of La Nucia released its budget for 2024, amounting to €31.8 million of investment in the future of its residents.

The annual budget has increased by 1.4 per cent from last year.

The mayor of La Nucia, Bernabe Cano, announced the allocation of €2.1 million to projects of the Department of Social Welfare.

“At the end of 2024, we will begin the construction of the third school,” revealed Bernabe Cano.

Alongside the school building, the mayor highlighted the improvement of the city’s infrastructure, with the creation of a new drinking water tank and the expansion of the water treatment plan.

The city’s new sports complex, Edifici de I´Es port, is also to be complete.

Almeria Almeria taking off

ALTHOUGH no-one could claim that Almeria Airport is a gateway to the world, it will have many more flights to new destinations effective from March 30.

During the winter period it serves 11 destinations, but after Easter that is going to expand with many additional destinations being served.

According to the latest news, internal flights will take you to Asturias, Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Melilla, Palma de Mallorca Santiago de Compostella, Sevilla, Valladolid and Zaragoza with some flights cheaper than catching a train!

As far as international flights are concerned, the UK is the busiest destination with flights to Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester. Other European destinations include Brussels, Luxembourg, Paris, Prague and Rotterdam.

Costa Calida Murcia lights up

THOUSANDS gathered in Murcia to enjoy an Alicante-themed celebration as the two regions united to host a San Juan festival. San Juan is usually celebrated on June 24 for the Summer Solstice and Alicante celebrates the bonfires of San Juan from June 20 until June 24. The bonfires of Alicante are well known for their tradition since ancient times and are declared of International Tourist Interest.

From March 8 to 10 Murcia transformed into an ‘Alicante-like city’ welcoming the mayor of Alicante. Festivities kicked off with a giant paella, distributing around 800 servings. On March 9 they enjoyed the traditional ‘mascleta’ a firework show, and a concert at Almudí Palace.

The celebrations concluded with the symbolic burning of the Murcia Bonfire.

PETS

ON Tuesday, March 5, the UK government announced a revolutionary change, prohibiting the domestication of primates as pets.

This ground-breaking law, effective from April 6, 2026, will require that anyone wishing to keep primates must adhere to stringent welfare and licensing criteria up to zoo-level standards, in effect banning the practice of keeping primates as pets.

The initiative aims to enhance the lives of an estimated 5,000 primates currently housed in UK homes. These animals, known for their intricate social and welfare

UK’s new pet ban

needs, often suffer in inadequate domestic environments.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord Douglas-Miller stated, “We are proud to have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, including these new restrictions which will help tackle the inadequate conditions that some of these inquisitive creatures are kept in.

“Anyone who fails to provide the same welfare standards as found in a zoo faces a fine and having the primate removed from their care,” he added.

The RSPCA has long advocated for better living

conditions for primates. David Bowles, the RSPCA Head of Public Affairs, commented, “This legislation will be a really important moment for animal welfare - ensuring primates can only be kept in an appropriate environment, as we all strive to create a better world for every animal.”

This law is a continuation of the UK’s commitment to animal welfare, following the Action Plan for Animal Welfare unveiled in 2021. With these measures, the UK strengthens its position as a global leader in animal welfare.

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‘Coco’ alive after eight days

THE remarkable story of Coco, a cat from Campanar, Valencia, suggests there might be some truth to the old adage that a cat has nine lives.

On Friday, March 1, firefighters discovered Coco alive amidst the debris on the 13th floor of the burned-out building after the devastating fire eight days ago.

The fire engulfed the residential complex in Campanar, leaving utter destruction in its wake. Among the affected was Andrea, Coco’s owner, who lived on the 11th floor. The discovery of Coco, two floors above her apartment has baffled everyone on how he managed to survive the inferno.

Coco is now safely back with Andrea, who gave way to tears during the emotional reunion. The circumstances of Coco’s survival remain a mystery, which only serves to add to the mystique of cats’ reputed nine lives.

The search team, while combing through Andrea’s apartment, stumbled upon Coco, who was found hiding in a niche with water outlets from the dry column of the building and after a visit to the vet was found to be in good health.

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Coco reunited with his owner after eight days.

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Shock as Sainz replaced

IN an unexpected turn of events, it was announced on Friday March 8 that Carlos Sainz would not appear at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix over the weekend due to a sudden case of appendicitis.

Ferrari quickly communicated the news that Sainz, currently lying third in the F1 standings, would miss the GP on Twitter/X: ‘Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery’.

The message concluded: ‘The Ferrari family wishes Carlos a speedy recovery’.

Ferrari’s last-minute replacement for Sainz was 18-year-old British driver Oliver Bearman, making his Formula 1 debut.

Consequently, Bearman will miss this round of the F2 Championship, stepping into a significant role at a moment’s notice.

Staring at 11th on the grid, he fought his way

through the 50-lap race to cross the line in 7th, earning himself a well-deserved six points.

However, it was Dutchman, Max Verstappen who dominated. Starting on pole position he took an assured win, stretching his lead to 51 points in the overall championship.

Messages wishing Sainz a rapid recovery have flooded in from across the F1 community, including teams like McLaren, Alpine, Aston Martin, Mercedes, and drivers such as Alex Albon.

Sainz’s withdrawal marks a significant moment in the racing calendar, impacting not just his season but also offering a chance for reserve drivers like Bearman to shine.

With the Australian Grand Prix just a couple of weeks away, the racing community will eagerly await updates on Sainz’s recovery and return.

ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Recent League and Cup action

AWFL Over 50s League

Marbella Marbesula 4 v 1 Real Calahonda

This was a finely contested game with Marbella using their usual, slick passing and moving skills effectively. Real created several chances and their defensive positioning made things difficult for the hosts. However, Marbella gradually got on top in the second half particularly and scored four through Francisco Carrasco, Juan Carretero, Cristobal and Jose Carrasco with Thomas McMillan replying for the visitors.

AWFL Over 60s League

Real Calahonda 4 v 1 Sporting Benahavis

Benahavis began in lively fashion but it took a while for Real to get going. Eventually though, player-manager Scott put them ahead with a well-taken strike. A corner resulting in an equaliser put the visitors level. Soon after, Scott scored once more from a rebound after a fine save by the Benahavis keeper. Discipline issues threatened to spoil Real’s performance, but, once settled, Dave CW scored

Anthony Joshua bout

John Smith

FORMER two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua made short work of his latest opponent Francis Ngannou in Riyadh on the evening of March 8.

This was only Ngannou’s second professional bout having moved over from mixed martial arts but the French-Cameroonian had given current world champion Tyson Fury a bit of a fright in his first match which he just lost on points in a split decision.

Joshua had a point to prove and when he stepped into the ring for his 31st professional fight he was all muscle and ringcraft.

He needed to make this a real fight if he wants to return to the upper echelons of world boxing and fight for another world title and he had to do it quickly and efficiently.

He caught Ngannou with a beautiful straight right two minutes into the first round which saw the un-

derdog hit the canvas but he recovered from that and carried on boxing.

Come round two and near the end, a right then left put Ngannou back on the canvas and then, looking shaken he returned to his feet to literally walk into an overhand right punch which knocked him out and the doctors were called in to the ring immediately with the fight over.

He eventually came to and congratulated Joshua who had earlier called him an African Giant and added that he should continue boxing despite this loss.

two more to seal the win.

AC Benahavis 5 v 3 Sporting Benahavis

AC dominated the first half, scoring four through Marc Morris (2), Colin McGeary and Tony Aiello without reply, the Sporting keeper, Nick Exton, brilliantly preventing further damage. Sporting roared back in the second half with three quick goals from Sam Reynolds, Martin Durant and Moreno but Morris completed the victory for AC with a blockbuster!

Axarfusion Cup

Internacionales Mollina 2 v 1 Boca Seniors Competa

This was a fine cup tie! Despite the two sides having chances, the score remained goalless by half time. Early in the second half, Dave McCann put the home side ahead with a low, accurate drive. Although Competa defended stoically, Mollina sub Ian Taylor came on to put the hosts two up before being sin-binned for a foul! Competa replied with a goal from Paul Kavanagh but Mollina hung on to win the match.

Spain’s favourite sports

A COMPREHENSIVE study by Spsg Consulting unveiled the sporting preferences across Spain in 2023, showing a clear inclination towards certain activities.

The findings, derived from over 1,000 participants, reveal that 22.5 per cent favour running, significantly outpacing other sports. Football was the next choice, with 17.9 per cent participation, closely followed by swimming at 17.6 per cent.

These figures highlight the dominant sports trends in Spain last year, with cycling also making a notable appearance in fourth place with 13.7 per cent.

2023 saw a concentration in the popularity of a few sports, with traditional activities gaining momentum. Running surged back to levels seen in 2021, capturing over 20 per cent interest.

However, football’s participation slightly decreased, trailing by two percentage points from its 2021 peak. On the other hand, CrossFit emerged

as a revelation, claiming 3.5 per cent of respondents, an increase from previous years. Similarly, athletics saw a rise, from 3.6 per cent in 2021 to 5.6 per cent in 2023. One surprising statistic saw

golf quite low in the results, gathering only 1.6 per cent of those who were quizzed.

The study also highlighted gender disparities in sports choices. Men predominantly preferred running, football, cycling, and paddle tennis, whereas women showed a greater inclination towards swimming.

Specifically, 24.8 per cent of men chose running over 19.6 per cent of women. Football saw a significant gender gap, with 26.4 per cent of men participating compared to 7.5 per cent of women.

Interestingly, the sports that captured the most attention did not necessarily correlate with participation levels.

Football led as the most followed sport, with an 83 per cent viewership.

Basketball at 39 per cent and tennis with 38 per cent were also popular among spectators.

Motor sports also feature strongly with Formula 1 claiming 18 per cent and motorcycling with 11 per cent.

The Internacionales Mollina squad.

Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou at the weigh in.

Credit: Anthony Joshua Facebook

Credit: Jacek Chabraszewski/Shutterstock.com