Costa Blanca North 14 – 20 March 2024 Issue 2019

La Nucia - to the future!

Anna Akopyan

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

The mayor, Bernabe Cano, announced the town’s plans: “The municipal accounts will continue to combat the economic situation and unemployment with €1.9 million investment in job training.”

Part of the €2.1 million will benefit families of low income, creating 10 subsidies, including benefits for schools, special needs students, and day centre users.

FREI

GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ

LIVRE

GRATIS GRATUIT

Costa Blanca

Investing in La Nucia.

Credit: La Nucia Council,

14 -

Floral club demo

MARINA ALTA Costa

Blanca Floral Club’s next demonstration is on Thursday March 21 at the Salon de Actos, La Senieta Moraira when they look forward to welcoming Lynne Sharpe.

Lynne has been interested in all things “fauna and floral” since an early age having been inspired by her parents love of gardening. She passed her NAFAS area demonstrator’s test in 2012, and apart from being a keen floral art competitor, she is a member of the Leicester Cathedral Flower Guild and has helped to create floral installations at Lincoln Cathedral, Belvoir Castle Flower Show and RHS Chatsworth.

Do go and join them for an afternoon of floral fun - the demonstrators are always happy to answer any questions and share tips and ideas.

Doors open at 2.15pm

and they ask everyone to be seated by 2.50pm. Entrance is €10 and everyone is welcome.

Funds raised from their Christmas Hamper were donated to The Protección Civil, Teulada/Moraira to buy needed items for the ambulance service.

For further information visit www.marinaaltafloral club.es, or ring Pat 622 921 812 or Christine 602 246 546.

•

Safe from fire in Finestrat

Anna Akopyan FINESTRAT’S Department of Social Services is delivering free fire detections to the homes of elderly and dependent people, who live alone.

“We are a municipality with a significant population of elderly and dependent people. Many of these people live alone. We are concerned about your safety and well-being,” stated the councillor for Senior Citizens and Social Services, Teresa Pérez.

The delivery of automatic fire detectors to these homes is now taking place, as a preventive strategy to minimise the risk of fires.

The project has been approved by Finestrat’s local government and all fire prevention devices can be requested until March 31.

09/04/1936 - 02/03/2024. To the sorrow of the community, Roger Gallant passed away on March 2, in Denia Hospital. Roger has been the leading director in the Costa Barber Singers for the past 35 years and has performed more than 300 concerts, most of which were dedicated to charity.

The CBMVC (Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir) often collaborated with Roger and many of the members cherished their friendship with him.

Back in 1972, Roger left the USA to

Teresa Perez also spoke out about the rise in fires in the recent months throughout the Valencian Community:

“Unfortunately, reality has shown us the importance of these self-protection measures that have become topical after the tragic fires in Valencia and the most recent one in the neighbouring town of Villajoyosa.”

All applications to receive this support should be submitted to the General Registry of Finestrat Town Council, in person or through the electronic office.

The devices will benefit all residents registered in Finestrat, aged 67 and over, living alone.

The applications must be submitted until March 31.

RIP - Roger Gallant

work in Holland and Germany, after which he came to retire in Spain in 1980. It was here in Spain, where he finally found success as a barber singer in 1988. Roger was a keen quizzer and regularly enjoyed the events held at the Gran Sol in Calpe.

He will be greatly missed by the Barber Singers, CBMVC, and all of his many friends.

Lynne likes all things “fauna and flora.”

Roger Gallant with the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir.

Credit: Sheona Wheeler

Oldest resident

GASPAR CRUAÑES, a former Guardia Civil, celebrated his 105th birthday, becoming the oldest resident of Javea and one of the oldest people in Spain. The mayor, Rosa Cardona, congratulated Gaspar, awarding him a historic shield of Javea.

Beach ban

BENIDORM Council bans swimming from midnight until 7am. The fine can cost between €750 to €1,200. The same applies if you are found sleeping on the beach. The new swimming ban aims to reduce drowning accidents during the night.

Jayan cinema

JAVEA’S prominent cinema, Jayan, held a screening of As Long as it is You, attended by the Goya prize winner and director of the film, Claudia Pinto. The director was awarded for best documentary, starring Carme Elias, exploring the subject of Alzheimer’s and memory.

New method

THE Denia Hospital develops a minimally invasive technique to remove lung nodules, improving the treatment of thoracic surgeries and reducing postoperative pain. Denia Hospital’s surgeon, Jose Alejandro Gonzales, held a meeting with other specialists from the region, to share his advancement.

Clean Calpe

THE sustainability organisation, Acciona, has signed a contract with Calpe Town Council, to make Calpe, ‘the cleanest municipality in Spain’. Thirty electric and gas vehicles will clear the streets, along with the installation of 1,300 new bins.

Roman remains restored in l’Albir

Anna Akopyan

THE Alfas del Pi Town Council has begun the excavation and restoration of the Roman Villa of l’Albir, connecting it to the museum.

The project has been supported by the local, provincial and regional management, with a €217,000 funding from the Provincial Plan of Alicante Council.

The project was announced to the media by the mayor, Vicente Arques alongside the councillor of Heritage, Manuel Ca-

sado, and the municipal archaeologist and director of the Villa Romana de l’Albir Museum, Caroline

Revitalising the heritage

ON Monday March 11, the mayor of Teulada-Moraira, Raul Llobell, walked down the renovated Calle Colon, alongside local residents, to enjoy new urban developments.

The Calle Colon has been relocated to the historic centre of Teulada in a redeveloped appearance to mark the importance of the municipality’s heritage and attract new visitors.

The councillor for Urban Planning, Toni Reig, stated that this redevelopment “represents an important step in our commitment to the preservation of the historical heritage of Teulada.”

The remodelling was nanced by the Provincial Council of Alicante and the Teulada Town Council, to modernise the surface furniture, improve urban infrastructure and develop telecommunication, as well as electric and gas supply networks.

The president of the Alicante Provincial Council, Toni Perez, joined the town in the local gathering and expressed his impression of the new design: “With works like this, Teulada-Moraira becomes an international tourism destination that takes care of every detail to make everyone feel welcome and comforta-

Frias. Caroline Frias highlighted the importance of enhancing the museum with

this discovery: “It is one more step within the Recovery, Conservation and Dissemination Plan of our heritage to diversify the tourist o ers of the municipality.”

It has been revealed that an oil mill from the 18th19th century had been located here, near the villa, as the ‘productive centre’ of the past area.

Work on connecting the newly discovered remains has already begun, rehabilitating the establishment and creating access to visitors in the near future.

Easter animal blessing

SUPPORT animals in need by going along to SCAN’s (Society for the Care of Animals in Need) annual Easter event on March 31.

Held from 1pm, at SCAN’s Shelter in El Verger, the annual Easter celebration invites guests and their pets to join in the spring festivity with delicious BBQ and drinks.

The popular local band, Angel Station, will play superb live music, and SCAN’s friend charity, SOS Charity Riders Motorcycle Club, will visit from Calpe with a spectacular Ride-In performance.

The event will help raise funds for the local animals in need of aid and for the special occasion, the local vicars will perform a blessing of the shelter’s animals.

SCAN has been dedicated to rehabilitating, rehoming and supporting the local cats and dogs in need since 2012.

Entry is free.

Booking is essential for catering purposes.

Please call +34 711 038 640 or email scanmarketing team@gmail.com.

SCAN Shelter at Vergel, Carrer Alcoi.

Food bank of Costa Blanca

PROJECT4 ALL, a key non-profit organisation aiding the local homeless community, has launched a new Food Bank.

Project4All is committed to providing essential help to those less fortunate in the Costa Blanca community and is dependent on contributions from those willing to help.

To help reduce hunger on the streets and make

catering easier, Project4All is asking for donations of sustainable food items, including tins and packets, which will support the lives of those in need.

The main drop-off point for non-perishable food items is the Halfway House at Calle Purissima 48, Benissa.

If you want to contribute, you are also welcome to join Project4All’s mem-

bership scheme, making a long-lasting impact on the lives of local residents who need your support.

All members receive a card, with which discounts and special offers become available from the restaurants, cafes, and businesses collaborating with the charity.

To find out more, visit www.project4all.org or email infoproject4all@ gmail.com.

JAVEA takes action against herpes with a vaccination campaign by Herpes Zoster.

The Health Centre of Javea is running a vaccination campaign throughout the following weeks, providing free vaccination for herpes.

All residents of Javea, who were born in 1943, 1944, 1958, and 1959, will receive a text message with information about their appointment to receive the vaccine, ensuring herpes prevention in every individual.

The Health Centre advises those who were born in the listed years to contact the Centre by phone, in the case of not receiving a message.

Museo Villa Romana in l’Albir.

Credit: Alfas del Pi Council

European architects

Anna Akopyan

THE EASA (European Assembly of Architecture Students) looks forward to uniting in Benidorm this summer to study the city’s innovative flair.

The EASA was founded following the teachers’ strike in Liverpool in 1981 when students of architecture began developing study projects outside of schools. The community has now been holding assemblies of students for 43 years and has become the largest unit for architecture students in Europe.

This year, the assembly is to be held in Benidorm

from July 28 until August 11, bringing together about 400 participants from 30 different countries.

This will be EASA’s first visit to the Valencian Community and Benidorm has been chosen for its diversity

and eco-friendly modernity.

The mayor, Toni Perez, expressed his delight in hosting the EASA assembly.

New members

IF you’re passionate about singing, here’s an exciting opportunity for you.

(CBMVC) The Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir welcomes individuals who love to sing and want to be part of a harmonious ensemble.

They have adapted to modernity and now rehearse with technology, including MP3s, Music PDFs, and Musescore.

CBMVC is now gearing up for their premier outing at the sold-out Concerts at the Caves this June, with plans for autumn and winter concerts underway.

Architects across Europe have been especially inspired by the city’s innovative character, as its urban model has been described by the mayor as, “compact and tall, consuming the sky and very little land.”

With the first-ever AI hotel room in the country being installed in Benidorm this year, the city continues to grow in its attraction for tourists.

Men of all nationalities are invited to join the talented choir, which was founded in 2007 and remains the renowned choir of the Costa Blanca.

Their repertoire ranges in songs from musicals, classical, sacred, popular and traditional music.

The choir plays a key role in the local community, performing at festive and charity events.

sales@euroweeklynews.com info@euroweeklynews.com editorial@euroweeklynews.com distribution@euroweeklynews.com

Currently, the choir has around 40 members from various nationalities who all share a passion for singing and love to get together in their free time.

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday, at 5.45pm at Bar Mediterraneo, Teulada.

For more information, visit the website www.costablancamalevoicechoir.com or contact +34 645 081 539.

Easter beach special

THE Alfas Town Council has remodelled the Albir beach to boost the local Easter celebration.

sure a specialised and safe holiday service on the beach.

The councillor for Tourism, Beaches and the Environment, Luis Miguel Morant, announced the renovation of the Albir beach for the Easter season.

The town’s Citizen Security, Beaches, Environment, Technical Services and the Local Police have collaborated to en-

The Alfas Town Council has improved the Raco de l’Albir beach, levelling the swimming area, installing pedestrian areas, and a beach library and repainting urban furniture.

“The conditioning, maintenance and cleaning work continues, intensifying with the arrival of good weather so that

the beach and surrounding areas are in perfect condition,” stated Luis Miguel Morant.

From March 22 to April 7, Racó de l’Albir beach will host a new edition of the Easter Crafts Fair, with a variety of stalls set up with artisan products. The beach stalls will be filled with a wide spectrum of products, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles and paintings.

Benidorm city, daytime.

Credit: Benidorm Council, Facebook

Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir.

Credit: Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir, Facebook

Anna Akopyan

EL CAMPELLO allocates over 400 square metres of its sand terrain to create dune ecosystems, regenerating the local beaches.

With the assistance of the IEL (Institute of Coastal Ecology), the Environment and the Beaches Department of El Campello will collaborate to create two ecosystem dunes in the municipality.

The projects will be ca-

El Campello protects its coast

rried out on the beaches of Carrer la Mar and Muchavista, prohibiting human access to ensure a natural recovery of the vegetation.

‘Help’ systems will be installed, alongside information panels with data on the dune ecosystem benefits and rules for coastal cleaning and protection.

With this operation, the local environment is expected to restore its dynamics, accumulating sand naturally and providing notable benefits to the coast.

The dune ecosystems play a significant role in adding landscape value to the beach, which encoura-

Creativity over consumption

SLAP (Street Light Art Project) is a development by Ansur Zapico Alonso, using plastic thermofusion to create a night illumination route in Altea.

Exploring the old town of Altea, the visitors can choose their own routes by following the red dots on the map, which are distributed in Altea’s House of Culture and across the town. The dots mark the location of each of the 50 lamposts that make up the journey.

The project was made to promote creativity over consumption, using plastic thermofusion, in which plastic is transformed into works of art.

“In my hands, the bag undergoes its own metamorphosis, hatching and emerging through light,” said Alonso about his SLAP.

The innovation has been yet another local reminder

to be mindful of energy consumption and the state of the environment.

The project was sponso-

red by Altea’s town council.

“With all my love for the town of Altea and its visitors,” said Alonso.

ges tourist visitations and promotes environmental awareness.

With this project implemented, El Campello enhances its natural heritage, creating habitats for a

range of plant and animal species and contributing to the regeneration of local beaches.

The councillor for the Environment, Marcos Martinez, had noted,

“This is an interesting environmental proposal that will increase the value of the beaches of El Campello and a project that scientists from other places will closely follow.”

Tourism distinction award

THIS month, Benissa Town Council was awarded as a municipality with a tourism distinction in the Valencian Community.

The Department of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism granted the

town recognition for its successful tourism attraction.

This grant has been given to municipalities across Spain, which have delivered exceptionally high-quality services and contributed to sustainable

and inclusive tourism.

The councillor for Tourism, Jorge Ivars, expressed his gratitude: “I want to thank the great work of Benissa Tourism. Four years ago, we started a path focused on obtaining important distinctions, which place Benissa as a tourist reference on the Costa Blanca and we are now achieving it.”

In 2021, Benissa Town Council obtained the largest subsidy in its history, awarded €2.4 million by the EU’s Next Generation fund to implement the Tourism Sustainability Plan.

By 2023, Benissa has made the most of the funds

and is now celebrating its success.

Not only is the town highly visited during the summer, but Benissa’s ecological centres, the old town, and the 1920s-constructed Cathedral of the Marina continue to be highly popular landmarks within the Valencian Community.

The mayor of Benissa, Arturo Poquet, highlighted this idea and expressed his enthusiasm about the future: “We continue to take steps for the deseasonalisation of tourism that will allow us to be an attractive tourist destination 365 days a year.”

DINING GROUP: Enjoying lunch at La Fosa.

U3A Calpe lunches

U3A Calpe Dining Group recently enjoyed a lunch at Restaurant La Fosa in Calpe. New Spanish owners had recently taken ownership and produced a menu with a range of varied choices.

Planning is in hand for the next event on March 28, and when agreed, details will be forwarded to members in good time. Andrew is negotiating the deal which could be at Everest Indian Restaurant, Calpe at a lunch time.

When booking please remember that the organiser will acknowledge your booking. If you don’t receive an acknowledgement the reservation has not been received.

Most participants are members although guests are welcome to join providing there is a vacancy available.

Anyone interested in the Group please contact tranderton@yahoo.com and/or Lee O’Neill - lee jen43@hotmail.com.

El Cid Bowls Club

AFTER 22 matches, that started last November and finished this week, El Cid Sabres were crowned Champions of the Northern League Bowls clubs.

Their Captain, Stuart Beattie, said that he was “Chuffed, chuffed and more chuffed. It has been an honour and privilege to Captain this squad and I am so proud to lift the Trophy on their behalf. We have worked so hard with a small squad, it has been brilliant.”

The title was secured with a 15 point margin from their nearest rivals the Benitachell Sharks.

Plans are already in place for next season but new bowlers are always welcomed to El Cid if they want to give this great game a try.

ON March 11, Denia Town Council announced a new civility campaign, Brutea, to discourage residents from leaving unwanted furniture in the streets.

Brutea was released in shiny leaflets similar to advertisements from Ikea and other retail stores, showing photographs of the furni-

HOW often do you come across a stray cat in Spain?

There are approximately 9,000 feral cats in Spain at the moment, in dire need of human aid.

Many well-intentioned people feed the stray cats, but neglect to have them neutered, thus unknowingly adding to the problem.

Although the laws in the country include severe penalties for abandoning cats, and the town hall is legally responsible for the animals, the crisis persists. There just aren’t enough resources to achieve the results needed.

But thanks to the local voluntary associations, stray cats have better chances of safety, as long as they are able to carry out the work.

According to the charity worker, Marika, from Happy Cats Altea, educating ourselves and those around us is the key to the path of improvement in the lives of local animals.

Happy Cats Altea is an organisation dedicated to caring for the stray cats in the local area. They emphasise their effective method of TNR - the trap-neuter-return

Unwanted furniture

ture left in the streets and their price, alongside a highlighted phone number.

This phone number, 966 431 154,

should be dialled to communicate with the authorities that you want to get rid of unwanted furniture, stating the drop-off point to ensure

Happy cats

method. Neutering first and foremost prevents pregnancies. During her reproductive life, a female cat could produce more than 100 kittens.

This can mean an average of 20 new stray cats each year for every unneutered female.

Neutering also prevents the spread of FIV (feline aids) and limits the spread of other diseases which are transmitted by mating and fighting.

With Happy Cats Altea, cats are looked after by volunteers, provided food, vet care, and maybe adoption.

There is a large number of

stray cats, which were once a household pet and it is heartbreaking to see the animals becoming abandoned and uncared for, while still craving human affection.

President of Happy Cats Altea, Marijke Viezee, is encouraging the locals to become members of the association, for only €5 a month.

an efficient and quick pick-up.

The Regional Council for the Environment, Sandra Gertudix, revealed that the town council pays

approximately €300,000 annually, to collect and transport the furniture from the streets. She highlighted that this sum should instead be contributing to improving the municipality, hence all residents are highly encouraged to use the telephone number when disposing of their old furniture.

With this donation, the TNR method of aiding stray cats will make a difference.

Check out Facebook Happy Cats Altea or contact 642 559 500 / gatosfelicesaltea@ gmail.com.

Kittens from Happy Cats Altea.

Credit: Happy Cats Altea

Unveiling Harrison Tipping

IN his first major role in cinema, Harrison Tipping hopes to enhance his acting career thanks to the star-studded movie Protocol 7 which is due for release this year.

Currently on holiday in Moraira, Costa Blanca

he told Euro Weekly News that this was his home from home which he has been visiting for the last 10 years as he has family living there.

He waxed lyrical about Protocol 7 which is based on a true ‘whistle blower’

story which details the catastrophic regression of Lexi, a small-town lawyer’s adopted son, who confronts the harsh realities of corporate fraud at the highest echelons.

There was two way praise as he thanked director Andrew Wakefield for such a wonderful experience and related that Wakefield had said about his performance “Harrison Tipping blew everyone away; people were astonished by this man’s ability to capture the moment.”

Harrison appears alongside acting heavyweights Eric Roberts and Matthew Marsden and between them they bring to life this portrayal of a character entangled in the web of deceit and corruption.

Filmed against the vibrant backdrop of Austin, Texas, in the latter part of 2022, Protocol 7 not only showcases a stellar cast but also captures the unique atmosphere of this iconic city.

Tourism upheave

Anna Akopyan

FEBRUARY held more than 70 per cent of visitors to the Valencian Community: the figures continue to rise.

The Hosbec hoteliers revealed that Benidorm reached the highest tourism figures in years over the past month.

The hotels in the city were 76 per cent filled, rising almost 6 per cent from last year.

Driven by Valentine’s Day celebrations, the authorities expect an even bigger increase in tourist numbers throughout the Easter season.

In February of this year, the tourism market was 56.3 per cent international, led by England with 39 per cent, followed by the Dutch with 4.4 per cent, the Belgian market with 4.2 per cent, and the

Irish sector with 2.2 per cent.

Not only are they visiting, they are staying. According to the INE (National Institute of Statistics), more than 373, 423 foreign residents are now registered in Costa Blanca, due to the growing international community, pleasant weather, and the development of English education and work opportunities.

Strengthening the Costa Blanca’s economy, the number of visitors rises as Las Fallas and Semana Santa (The Holy Week) approaches.

The first week of March already had 73.9 per cent booked rooms in Costa Blanca, especially in Benidorm.

The locals are expecting a huge increase, not only in tourists but in residents, in the following year.

Credit: Antonio MM, Flickr

Benidorm beach.

Rare lynx caught

AN incident reported on Friday, March 8, by the Guardia Civil, in partnership with the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge’s General Subdirectorate of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity, recently captured the potentially dangerous African lynx in Marbella, Malaga.

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 identi ed 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 decla-

red as a domestic cat.

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 su ering. This facility was chosen for Jakar’s relocation due to its specialised care capabilities.

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 le formal noti cation 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.

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 nally be heard,” Binet declared.

“Hundreds of thousands of workers will be a ected by the Games with more overtime and restrictions on taking time o ,” 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 Olympics 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.

JAKAR: African lynx caught in Malaga.

Credit: Guardia Civil.es

Bob Marquess

IN 2023, Eurostar celebrated a signi cant achievement, reporting a remarkable increase in passenger numbers to 18.6 million.

This gure marks a noteworthy 22 per cent rise from the previous year and reaching pre-Covid levels.

This growth was driven by strong demand on key routes connecting Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris, setting the stage for Eurostar’s ambitious

Eurostar’s triumph

goal of accommodating 30 million passengers by 2030.

Key routes within the Eurostar network from the UK experienced signi cant growth in 2023.

The London to Amsterdam route saw a remarkable 38 per cent increase, followed by London to Brussels at 33 per cent and London to Paris at 25 per cent. Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar

noted Eurostar’s strong performance across various routes, with nearly eight million passengers travelling between London and France, 1.1 million between the Netherlands and the UK, and 2.2 million to Belgium.

In 2023, Eurostar introduced several enhancements to enhance the passenger experience, including a new website, application, and rewards

Tiny racer: Big dreams

ALTHOUGH it looks like an ordinary children’s toy car, capable of reaching a top speed of 92.24 mph (148.45 km/h), this creation is far from ordinary.

Made by Marcel Paul, a 31-year-old electrical engineering student from Germany, this modi ed ride-on toy car holds the title of the world’s fastest.

Inspired by the famous DeLorean from ‘Back to the Future’, Marcel, who calls himself a ‘big nerd’, aimed to go beyond the legendary 88 mph speed needed for time travel.

Marcel’s love for racing began in childhood, racing Bobby Cars, originally made for toddlers learning to walk but later used for downhill races in the 1990s.

With an impressive track record of 14 World Championships and nine European Championships, Marcel is one of the sport’s top racers, under the watch of the Bobby Car Sports Association.

Driven by his passion for speed, Marcel moved from gravity-powered Bobby Cars to creating a motorised version for his Guinness World Records attempt. After 10 months of careful research and building, Marcel turned a Baby Porsche 911 toy car into a high-speed marvel.

Using an aluminium chassis, custom suspension tweaks, and an electric motor and battery, Marcel achieved the impossible while keeping the car’s original look.

Getting sponsors to back the project was tough, with Marcel spending around €9,000 of his own money.

The o cial record attempt happened at Germany’s Hockenheimring racetrack, where Marcel easily went over 88 mph on the longest straight.

programme.

Additionally, new services such as Eurostar Snow between London and the French Alps, Smartcheck for fasttrack facial biometric checkin, and partnerships with Olympic/Paralympic teams for Paris 2024 were launched.

Looking ahead to 2024, Eurostar remains focused on growth.

MARCEL PAUL: Fastest toy car.

Image: Guinness Book of Records.

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

Off plan property purchase.

Documentation to be required from the promoter BEFORE handing over the keys. Legal guarantees. Minimum information.

A FEW WEEKS

AGO, we explained the main legal guarantees and rights of every buyer in an off plan property purchase. The developer’s special account. The guarantee of amounts. The documentation that the promoter must provide before signing the contract, etc. This week, as a continuation of that article, we analyse the handing over of the keys and the documentation to be provided by the developer.

Handing over the keys and signing of the title deeds before a Notary Public

Once the construction of the property has concluded, buyer and developer will complete the transaction by handing over the keys and signing the title deed before a notary. When will the property be considered finished and ready to be handed over?

The private purchase contract

always establishes this moment with accuracy. In general, it is understood that the property is completed and ready to be delivered when the following documents have been obtained:

- Final Works Certificate: It must be signed by the competent technician and must be duly endorsed by the Architects’ Association. This document certifies that the work has been completed and complies with the legal requirements.

- First Occupation Licence/ Responsible Declaration

It is the administrative document that authorises the occupation of the dwelling. Its purpose is to certify that the property has been built in accordance with the project and the conditions for which the town hall granted the building licence.

- Deed of Division of New

Construction and Horizontal Property

This document establishes which elements are common and which are private. The way in which the dwellings are organised within the co-ownership regime. The participation quota of each owner with respect to the total of the property, etc.

In any case, it is also possible (in fact, it is highly advisable) to make the handover of the property conditional on other factors. For instance, the completion of the common elements. Swimming pool. Gym. Sports facilities, etc.

Documentation that must be required from the developer when handing over the keys

Along with the handing over of the keys at the Notary’s office, the developer is obliged to provide the consumer with a series

of documents. So that the buyer can occupy the property with all the guarantees. Among these documents, the following stand out:

- Energy efficiency certificate of the property.

- User’s manual and maintenance manual for the installation.

- Certificate of the gas installation, initial inspection, and adjustment.

- Fire safety measures for the property, as well as instructions for evacuation in the event of an emergency.

- The statutes of the community of owners.

- Guarantee of all electrical appliances, duly stamped by the manufacturers.

- Electrical and water installation reports.

- If the dwelling is a VPO (Official Subsidised Housing), the de-

finitive certificate of qualification of the same.

- As we have previously highlighted indicated, the Occupancy Licence or Responsible Declaration.

- Etc.

Conclusions

The handing over of the keys at the signing of the title deeds in front of the Notary is a crucial moment in any purchase. At White-Baos Lawyers we have been advising our clients for nearly 20 years and ensuring that they exercise their rights in off-plan purchases. If you are thinking of buying an off plan property in Spain, do not hesitate to contact us.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.

ABOGADOS

Open spaces for chimps

Linda Hall

AN anonymous donation of 17 million kroner (approximately €2.3 million) will provide more freedom for Copenhagen zoo’s nine chimpanzees.

Speaking to the Danish media, the zoo’s Zoological director Mads Frost Bertelsen explained that the management had been hoping for some time to provide the chimpanzees with more space to move around and enjoy the changing seasons.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them rustling their way through dry leaves, soaking up the sun or splashing around in the rain,” Frost Bertelsen said.

“The new facility will make all this possible. In fact, it is a priority if we are to keep this species

here,” he added.

The Zoological director went on to reveal that the zoo was in long-term contact and on good terms with the unnamed benefactor, resulting in their significant support for the outdoor facility which will be built alongside the existing enclosure built in 1983.

“Obviously, we are looking forward to making a start, as it has been a long-standing target to give the chimpanzees better opportunities to fulfil their potential,” Frost Bertelsen continued.

“Plans have already been drawn up and we are happy to say that the financial aspect of the project has been finalised,” he said.

The work should be completed by autumn 2024.

Keeping it down

Algarve’s busiest city will have new regulations on opening hours of businesses in the municipality and new noise regulations.

After a hearing of interested parties and public scrutiny - namely by residents’ associations, business leaders, residents and traders - the new regulations come into force in March.

The previous regulation on opening hours came into force in 2017 and has remained unchanged since then, while the current noise regulations came into force in 2012.

The regulations now approved de ne that catering, drinking or mixed establishments (restaurants, cafés or pastry shops, among others) can operate every day between 6am and 2am the following day.

Licensed drinking and catering establishments (bars, concert halls, theatres, cinemas, entertainment venues, among others) can operate between 10am and 3am the following day, from Sunday to Wednesday, and between 10am and 4am the following day on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays.

Businesses located in residential buildings can only operate between 8am and midnight. Exceptionally, they can adopt the hours set for other establishments if they obtain the prior consent of the building’s owner or the administrators.

The noise regulation aims to adopt procedures that allow for better action in the prevention, inspection and penalisation of practices that do not comply with the new regulations to guarantee the expectations of residents.

Photo

NEW ENCLOSURE: One of Copenhagen zoo’s nine chimpanzees.

14 -

SPAGHETTI Carbonara is one of the most famous and popular Roman dishes all over the world, so much so that there is even a day dedicated to this dish, the so-called Carbonara Day on April 6. The dish is one of the most famous but also one of the most controversial.

Carbonara is Italy’s preferred way to prepare pasta, according to a survey by Doxa. That is why

‘Carbonara Day’

there are several recipes, even if some of them are controversial, as when in 2016 a French website published a recipe that was heavily criticised for using, among other things, heavy cream.

It was then that the professional association Unione Ita-

liana of Food decided to launch Carbonara Day. According to chef Luciano Monosilio only ve ingredients are needed: pasta, egg yolk, pecorino cheese, pork cheek and pepper.

At only 27 years of age while working at the restaurant Pipe-

ro, Luciano Monosilio was one of the youngest to be awarded a Michelin Star before opening his own restaurant, ‘Luciano Cucina Italiana’, in the centre of Rome. He is now known internationally as the ‘King of Carbonara’.

Carbonara is said to date back to 1944. Today pasta carbonara forms part of Rome’s culinary heritage.

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

High-flying heroics

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.

“After 18 years as a pi-

lot, 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 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.

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

Sky’s the limit

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 continent’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 mo-

vements 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.

He highlights the importance of learning from past incidents to prevent future accidents and encourages a strong safety culture within airlines where every employee is responsible for safety and is encouraged to report safety concerns.

Image: International Air Transport Association (IATA) / Facebook. AIR TRAVEL: Ongoing commitment to improve safety.

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

Become a travel blogger Tower to turret

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 chan-

ce 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

LONDON’S famous BT Tower is getting a big makeover into a hotel, thanks to a €321 million deal with American hotel company MCR Hotels.

Even though it’s a whopping 189 metres tall and has been a key part of London’s skyline since 1964, the tower will soon be open for guests, although not right away.

Originally called the Post Office Tower, it was important for telecommunications until recently.

It had microwave antennas that helped with nationwide communication, and it even had a fancy restaurant that spun around, giving diners great views of London.

But a bomb scare in 1971 shut down the restaurant, and as technology changed, the tower wasn’t needed for its original job

guides.com/earn-money-bywriting-about-living-abroad/ 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.

anymore.

The antennas were taken down over 10 years ago, leaving the tower waiting for a new purpose.

BT Group, the tower’s current owner, sees this sale as a chance for the tower to become something new while still being an iconic part of London.

But even though it’s becoming a hotel, it’s not ready for guests just yet.

Turning the tower into a hotel is a complicated process, especially since there’s still a lot of telecommunications stuff inside.

So, it’ll take some time before everything’s ready, but with famous British architect Thomas Heatherwick leading the design, the future hotel is expected to be a mix of modern luxury and the tower’s historic charm.

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

Credit: Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street flickr

A GERMAN man, dubbed ‘hyper-vaccinated’, reportedly received 217 Covid-19 vaccine doses over 29 months without experiencing any adverse effects or signs of Covid-19 infection.

The news was reported in a study published in Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The 62-year-old from Magdeburg, Germany, cited ‘private reasons’ for his extensive vaccination regimen, according to researchers from the

FRANCE’S Cité de l’Espace Centre in Toulouse is introducing an exciting opportunity for space enthusiasts: the Lune Xplorer experience.

Here, visitors can take part in a thrilling journey aboard a rocket simulator, giving them a taste of space travel.

The simulator is designed to mimic spacecraft planned for upcoming lunar missions, offering an authentic adventure similar to going to the Moon.

Each capsule holds four passengers, ensuring an immersive experience

German marvel

University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Researchers approached the man to investigate his body’s response to the numerous vaccinations.

Dr Kilian Schober stated, “We then contacted him and invited him to undergo various tests in Erlangen. He was very interested in doing so.”

Lift-off

with attention to detail.

Using a centrifuge, the simulator recreates the sensations of acceleration to make the experience more realistic.

To make the experience even more special, veteran

astronauts and NASA experts are on hand to guide and brief the visitors.

Jean-François Clervo, a seasoned NASA representative, says the realistic accelerations and decelerations add to the authenticity, making it feel like an actual rocket launch.

The study team confirmed 134 of the vaccinations with official records, encompassing eight different vaccines.

They analysed the man’s previous blood tests and conducted further examinations as he continued to re ceive additional vaccines. Despite

the extraordinary number of vaccinations, the man exhibited no noticeable side effects, indicating a high level of tolerability for the vaccines, according to the doctor. The researchers observed that his immune system remained fully functional, with significantly elevated levels of certain immune cells and antibodies against Sars-CoV-2 compared to individuals who had received only three

Ready for liftoff.

Image: Cité de l’espace / Facebook.

Good neighbours

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

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 di-

fficult 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.

Female billions

HOW many women billionaires are there in Italy?

As many as 19 apparently, a number that puts Italy in fourth place in Forbes’ world ranking of the richest people in the world, which this year sees Jeff Bezos of Amazon overtake Elon Musk of Tesla at the top of the list.

The United States is in first place with 97 women billionaires, then there is China with 42 and Germany with 22, followed by Italy.

The richest woman in Italy is Massimiliana Landini Aleotti. In 2014 she inherited, together with her three children, the pharmaceutical giant Menarini from her husband Alberto Aleotti. The Italian heiress is estimated to have a fortune of $7.5 billion, according to Forbes.

In second place is Miuccia Prada of the luxury fashion house of the same name with $5.6 billion. In third comes Marilisa Del Vecchio together with Nico-

letta Zampillo and Paola del Vecchio, all members of the family that heads the ExilorLuxottica Group with a wealth of $4.6 billion each. They are followed in sixth place by Giuliana Benetton with $3.3 billion then Susan Carol Holland of the Amplifon family, Isabella Seragnoli of Coesia, a packaging company and Alessandra Garovaglia of Campari, all with $3.2 billion. In 10th place is another member of the Prada family, Marina with $2.4 billion.

Alan and Sarah Groves were commended for being good neighbours.

MIUCCIA PRADA: Of the luxury fashion house of the same name.

Photo: Flickr CC / Cory M. Grenier

John Smith

Jumping over babies Barcelona Beer Festival

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

Credit: Noa

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.

IF you couldn’t get enough of Octoberfest, this month presents another chance to get the taste of the best beer from Spain and beyond.

Barcelona Beer Festival will take place from March 22 to March 24 at Fira de Barcelona-Montjuïc.

The Festival is claimed to be one of the most important annual craft beer events in southern Europe. These three days, Barcelona becomes the world’s beer capital, uniting visitors from all over the world.

As estimated by the organisation, this year, the festival will unite several thousands of beer enthusiasts from different countries and will present beer tasting of approximately 400 varieties of craft beer.

About 40 per cent of the presented beer will be Catalonia’s products, 30 per cent will be from other regions of Spain, and the remaining third from other countries.

For the best experience, Beer Informers, identified by wearing yellow vests, offer professional advice on the wide range of beers and help the visitors make

their decisions.

Beer specialists will also demonstrate innovative brewing methods, encouraging the visitors to participate.

Alongside the best beer, traditional Catalan dishes are expected which the organisers say, “will create a special festive atmosphere” and live music will be performed by DJs and the groovy band Koko-Jean & The Tonics.

Book your entry through the website BarcelonaBeerFestival.com.

COLACHO: Leaps over the children to dispel bad spirits.

A festival for all beer enthusiasts.

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.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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.

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

A range of cars are on offer.

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.

Debit and Credit card payment accepted. No hidden extras - Fully Inclusive

Delivery & Collection - Gatwick Airport only Reservations: Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm Telephone: 0044 1293 432155 / jpselfdrive@hotmail.co.uk

DENIA’S Auditorium is welcoming visitors to experience a musical immersion into Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in full concert.

The concert will be held on Friday March 29, from 7pm until 9.30pm, performed by the Odessa String Quartet.

Four Seasons

The Quartet’s eclectic musical proficiency will reveal Vivaldi’s precise expression of every season of the year.

From the wind of autumn to the ice of winter, the smell of

spring’s bloom, and the sea waves of the summer, the concert touches on every human perception.

The compositions will be performed by Evgeny Moryatov and Martin Buchhalter-Montero on violins, Anatoliy Melnychuk on the viola and Iryna Yurchenko on the cello.

A wide variety of virtuoso pieces will enliven the Friday evening.

The event is supported by the ProAkustic Institute for the Hearing.

All tickets purchased at the box office are €20.

Woofstock charity

Anna Akopyan

ON Saturday March 16, the MisterX restaurant in Altea is hosting the Altea Blues Project charity concert to aid animals in need.

Organised by Altea Blues Project, with the collaboration of the Council of Health and Welfare Animal of Altea, the event makes it easy for people to ‘make it pawsible’ for the local animals to have good quality lives.

The tickets for the price of €15 will be 100 per cent transferred to fund the Society for the Protection of Animals and Plants of the Marina Baixa. The Society for the Protection of Animals and Plants of the Marina Baixa commits to informing the community about the animals in urgent need of aid, maintaining

stray animals, as well as providing veterinary care and rehoming.

The Society was supported by the mayor of Benidorm, Toni Perez last year, and has since received funding of more than €40, 000.

However, the organisation could not function without the support of the locals and the Altea Blues Project is encouraging people to make a difference in

the lives of animals in need, combining the power of music and the community.

The event aims to become a bridge between people and animals in Costa Blanca.

Starting at 1pm, there will be live music, delicious food, including vegan options, and the opportunity to contribute to the lives of the animals left unprotected and helpless.

Credit: Alice Castro, Pexels

Altea Blues Project raises funds for animals in need.

Open Stage Javea

Anna Akopyan

AS a performer or as an audience member, step into the Open Stage of Javea to explore Costa Blanca’s music scene.

Held at a homely, rustic cocktail bar, Triskel, every Wednesday night, local musicians and music lovers get together to connect.

Beginning at 8pm, the night is a unique chance to explore your musical potential in open jam sessions and build new friendships

From singer-songwriters to classic covers, poetry recitals, funk and flamenco, the Open Stage welcomes anyone who wishes to express themselves and connect with the local community.

Created just this year, the project has already gathered international musicians from all over the Costa Blanca, becoming a creative and welcoming space for all.

Come to Open Stage Javea to unravel the musical wonders of the Costa Blanca.

Celebrate Paddy’s Day

THE Irish centre of Costa Blanca is celebrating St Patrick’s Day with authentic live music, drinks and giveaways.

On Sunday, March 17, The Irish Tavern in Albir is expecting a festive flood of visitors, celebrating the traditional Irish festival. The country’s big event, the traditional Irish sports bar in Albir, is

bringing the best of Irish culture and taste to the Costa Blanca.

With live music from The Bootleggers, Jack Devlin and Guests, Liam Gillespie, and Steve the Breeze Martin, guests will be offered an extensive list of beer and cocktails, as well as festive giveaways.

Come celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Everyone’s Irish tonight.

Credit: Anya Leva, Open Stage Javea, Facebook

Open Stage performance in Javea.

Easter Kids Club

THE Easter celebrations liven up the season, Javea’s Kawana Restaurant makes a special offer of the Easter Kids Club: a fun and festive getaway for kids.

The local Tip Top Tuition regularly holds a Kids Club in Javea’s familyfriendly restaurant, Kawana. The Club is held during the school holiday season, giving parents an alternative to children’s daycare.

The Club is held in Kawana’s kids’ room and outdoor space with children’s facilities, separated from the restaurant area.

The Club is available from Monday to Saturday, for this year’s Easter, from

March 28 until April 13.

The kids are welcome to partake in fun activities including Easter egg hunts, mini-golf, arts and crafts and a movie night which is arranged every Saturday from 18.30 - 20.30.

The Club is open to all nationalities, organised by bilinguals in English and Spanish languages.

The entry age for children is anywhere between four and 13.

The parents are also welcome to enjoy the restaurant’s cuisine and the often-held live music concerts.

The fee is €20 per day for a child and there is a special 20 per cent off sibling discount.

The DIVAS are coming

ON Saturday April 13, the Palau Altea Theatre will present The Divas Xperience: a tribute show to the most fabulous and famous female singers.

Instantly recognised, The Divas Xperience pays tribute to icons including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna.

With timeless pop hits, the night will be lit up in futuristic audiovisual production and take your breath away

with confident choreography.

The Divas Xperience performers always sing live and create an incredibly strong, women-led atmosphere, enchanting and empowering their audiences.

‘All of us are divas’, is their motto, selling out shows around Spain.

Starting at 7pm and lasting almost two hours, the tickets are available online at Palau Altea.

Looking for companions? You’ll find them in Albir

Anna Akopyan COMPANIONS ALBIR is an English-speaking social club, welcoming all nationalities to their get-togethers across the Costa Blanca.

The group brings the English-speaking residents of the Spanish coast together to share news and advice on living in Spain and have a fun time at the beach cafes, local events and beyond.

The collective was founded in 2004 and has since been renamed and changed in members.

Sadly, the Covid crisis put the Companions on hold but the friends stayed in touch and are now arranging a wide variety of events.

Companions’ favourite spot is the Rober Palace Hotel in Albir, where they meet every Tuesday from 11am, sipping on morning

coffee and chatting about everything in the world. All new members are welcome to come to the next meeting.

Important notices in the local community and upcoming trips or excursions, organised by the Companions are always announced at the weekly meetings.

Shopping trips,

special Lunch Menus, wine tasting, hiking, and even cruises: the Companions get together to experience the best of Spain.

To join, visit the weekly Tuesday meeting at Rober Palace Hotel in Albir or contact Companions of Facebook Companions Albir - Public Group.

Credit: Paul S H McFarlane, Facebook WARM WELCOME: Companions Club in Albir.

SOFAS - CHAIRS - CORNER SUITES - SOFA BEDS - OCCASIONAL PIECES - FIRESIDE CHAIRS - RECLINER CHAIRS - POWER RISER RECLINER CHAIRS

It’s time to wake up

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

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

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.

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 together.

“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.

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

Mira Pranger.

Mira works as an actress, personal

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.

LEAPY LEE SAYS

Leapy Lee’s

Image:

INTERVIEW

Credit: Mira Pranger

The wages of crime

Linda Hall

TWO men convicted of the 2005 diamond robbery at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport were shocked to learn that they must repay millions.

They belonged to a gang dressed in KLM uniforms who hijacked an armoured car in a secure area of Schiphol airport and made off with uncut diamonds and jewellery worth at least €73 million.

Some of the diamonds were later found in their getaway vehicle, a KLM van, but the remainder of their haul valued at around €39.5 million disappeared into thin air.

The robbery went down in history not only as the Netherland’s largest-ever diamond robbery but also because the thieves were able to breach an area which until then had been regarded as totally secure.

The five men and two women behind the heist were finally arrested in Spain and Amsterdam.

Four of them were imprisoned in 2019, two were found not guilty and one died. Those who were jailed were temporarily released in 2020 while the courts heard their appeals and during this time, one of them - identified as Errol H V and now aged 59 - disappeared.

Regarded as the brains behind the robbery, he received a 9.5-year sentence in absentia in 2021 and was arrested in Ibiza in February 2024.

Marlon D, who actually

carried out the theft with Errol HV, was arrested in Amsterdam in December 2023, the Netherlands’ newspaper, Telegraaf said.

A Haarlem court has confirmed that each must pay approximately €1.7 million while former KLM employee Ramazan N (49), who supplied the KLM uniforms and van, must find €850,000.

Esther S (56), convicted of money-laundering and also partner of the deceased gang member, must repay €250,000.

SCHIPHOL AIRPORT: KLM aircraft in 2005 when the heist was carried out.

Photo credit: CC/Dale Coleman

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

Herbal Health

SPAIN has a rich tradition of herbal medici ne. There is sti ll a great deal of knowledge about wild medicinal plants and most families have, or even make their fa vourite re medies.

The re are 1,376 wild plants in Spain which have been documented as having potential medicinal uses.

Only 8 per cent are classi fied as endan gered, so most are commonly available and thri ving.

Families co llecting small parts

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 pandemic.

By Karan Sud Dental

Dental Insurance plan

DENTISTRY in the UK has become almost non existent, impossible to get an appointment. We have so many patients travel here to get treatment.

They all have a similar fear that they may lose their registration, as our database of patients is phenomenal.

So we have decided to introduce a monthly insurance plan for peace of mind, similar to those in the UK such as Denplan.

Our scheme will be a monthly payment of €14 per person.

This will entitle the holder of the policy to have priority treatment including two exams, two scale and polishes and routine X-rays a year. When we all worked in the UK, we found these plans work very well as it encourages patients to maintain their check-ups and cleans due to

the fact they are paying monthly, and it’s such a low cost amount you don’t even notice it.

We will develop more comprehensive plans in the future which will include discounts on fillings, crowns and bridges.

For more information or if you wish to sign up, please contact our reception and we can arrange a time for a chat.

www.ksuddental.com.

Nourish, soften, restore

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.

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.

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

The gel from Aloe Vera plants can soothe sore lips

Wild herbs growing

By Clinica Britannia

Hydro colon therapy benefits

OUR colon is responsible for processing and expelling all solid waste from the body, but when it is not working efficiently then it can cause our body to become out of sync. Hydro colon therapy is a treatment we offer at Clinica Britannia that can help alleviate this.

Benefits of hydro colon therapy:

• Increased Energy Levels: By removing bad bacteria that allow toxins to build up in the colon.

• Decreased Risk of Colon Cancer: When toxins are allowed to build up in the liver and colon, they can become detrimental to your health and cause a variety of problems to the surrounding cells and systems.

• Improved Digestion: Colonic irrigation helps to restore your colon’s natural ability to digest food and eliminate waste, you will see a substantial improvement in any symptoms you’re experiencing because of poor gut health.

Assists with Weight Loss and Prevents and Relieves constipation.

• Improved Concentration: When

your colon is in poor health and not functioning properly, regular signalling between the brain and colon can become interrupted. This can lead to several different symptoms such as anxiety, brain fog, sleep difficulties, hormonal imbalances, and reduced mental processing.

• Increased fertility in women: Because oestrogen is a fat-based hormone, having too much in the body can decrease your chances of becoming pregnant by causing your period to become irregular or even stop altogether. Having a healthy colon is key to processing and eliminating fat that you consume through dietary means.

Appointments Landline: 965 837 553 / 965 837 851 • 24H/365D Emergency Number: (+34) 607 255 755

• Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 9:00am / 5:00pm

Clinica Britannia Calpe

Av. Ejercitos Españoles 16 BIS, 1st Floor, Calpe

Contouring culture Less is more

EMBRACING the natural beauty that comes with age, make-up contouring for women over 50 focuses on enhancing features with a gentle touch. Start with a hydrating skincare routine to create a smooth canvas. Opt for lightweight, dewy foundations for a fresh look.

Choose cream-based contour products for a soft and subtle approach, delicately defining cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. Illuminate key areas with a touch of highlighter, bringing a radiant glow to mature skin. Emphasise eyes with neutral eyeshadows, defined brows, and a hint of mascara. Accentuate lips with flattering, softer tones.

Master the art of blending for a seamless finish, celebrating indivi

IN the ever-evolving realm of beauty, the barely-there brows trend has taken centre stage, redefining the conventional standards of eyebrow aesthetics.

This minimalist approach to brow grooming celebrates the natural arch and texture of eyebrows, steering away from bold and heavily defined looks.

Characterised by a soft, feathered appearance, this trend allows for a more relaxed and effortlessly chic vibe. Embracing barely-there brows emphasises individuality and authenticity, encouraging a departure from overly structured and manicured styles. Achieving this look involves subtle grooming, focusing on enhancing the brows’ natural shape while maintaining a light touch with products. The barely-there brows trend is a refreshing ode to embracing one’s unique features, promoting a timeless beauty that effortlessly complements diverse facial structures and personal styles.

Fitness revolution

BODY FIT TRAINING

(BFT), a renowned Australian fitness franchise, is launching its first centre in Spain, marking the beginning of a significant expansion across the country.

The first BFT studio is scheduled to open its doors in Barcelona, with Malaga and Madrid set to follow.

This centre not only brings a fresh perspective to fitness regimes by integrating resistance, cardio, and strength training in dynamic sessions, but also caters to individuals across all age groups and fitness levels.

‘The BFT Eixample studio is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offers a motivating environment to achieve optimal results,’ the company stated. This statement underscores

BFT’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge and supportive fitness experience.

Liz Andrews, who oversees BFT’s growth in Spain and Portugal, shared the company’s ambitious blueprint for the region: “In addition to Barcelona, we have already closed agreements with franchisees in cities such as Ma -

drid in a first phase, and soon in Malaga, and we hope meet the goal of opening up to 100 studios’ in the next five years.”

BFT’s personalised and group training programmes are tailored to meet the unique requirements of each client, cementing its status as a leader in the fitness industry.

By Clinica Britannia

Professional denture service

HERE at Clinica Britannia we are happy to offer our existing and new patients an Express Service for the repair of any type of Dental prosthesis (denture) within as little as one hour, due to our onsite laboratory and technicians. If you already have existing dentures and want them to look like new again, then why not have them cleaned and polished, we can make that happen whilst you wait.

Did you know that a completely new set of dentures can now be made within four days, allowing you to enjoy your NEW smile within record time, you could even have them made without interrupting your vacation.

Now available is a new flexible denture, which is made of a material known as Nylon. This semi-flexible high-quality material is almost transparent and can be made to mimic the natural colour of the gums, giving a completely natural look.

Thanks to the technological advances in the world of dentistry, the materials used for the creation of dental prostheses has improved immensely, making them last longer, much more comfortable and easier to use.

For further information contact our Dental Team at Clinica Britannia on 965 837 553 / 965 837 851

who will be happy to answer all your questions.

FIRST STUDIO: BFT Barcelona.

Credit: BFT eixample/Instagram.com

Obesity plan

Anna Akopyan

AS March 4 marked World Obesity Day, the Spanish government refocused on improving the health conditions of its citizens.

Nearly eight million people in Spain are overweight, especially men and children and INE (National Institute of Statistics) has revealed that 11 million of the residents do not practise sports.

The reasons for the decline in healthy lifestyles have proven to be intermittently linked to the nation’s economy.

The lack of economic resources leads to the prioritising of refined and processed foods over fresh products in the country. Low-income families struggle to purchase nutritious products and often opt for processed foods.

Since 2013, there has been the Nutrition and Obesity Study Observatory to monitor the food and restaurant industry.

Battling endometriosis

Anna Akopyan SUFFERING from endometriosis can feel distressing and isolating, but having support from those around you makes all the difference.

Endometriosis affects roughly 10 per cent of women worldwide and causes health complications including life-impacting pain symptoms and even infertility.

With the growing

awareness of the disease, support organisations have been developed.

ADAEC (Association of Those Affected with Endometriosis) is a Spanish non-profit organisation, founded by women who have had direct experience with endometriosis and are committed to helping others who are affected.

The organisation works with public ins-

titutions and maintains a help service online and in-person to reach every woman who is struggling with the disease.

‘We are no longer invisible’, is their motto. The ADAEC organise public events, and awareness campaigns and collaborate with specialist doctors to develop coping strategies and treatment for women.

Visit adaec.es for more information.

Quick relief tips

DRY EYES: Simple strategies can be effective.

COMBATING dry eyes involves simple yet effective strategies for relief. Begin by consciously blinking more frequently, especially during extended screen use, to distribute natural tears. Introduce a humidifier to maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level, preventing further dryness.

Stay well-hydrated by drinking sufficient water, promoting overall moisture in the body, including the eyes. Applying warm compresses for a few minutes can stimulate tear production and alleviate discomfort.

Over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops, preferably preservative-free, offer immediate relief.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule during prolonged screen time, taking breaks to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Protect your eyes from outdoor elements with sunglasses, and consider adjusting screen settings for optimal viewing comfort.

If symptoms persist, consult with an eye care professional for personalised advice and further evaluation.

EATING HEALTHY: Family dinner with broccoli.

Credit: Cottonbro studio, Pexels

• 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.

Axarquia Celebrity cheers

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), El Trapiche. 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 TrapicheMarket Spain@gmail.com.

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 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.

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.

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.

Big splash

MADRID is making a big splash in London, with images of the city being featured on 50 classic London taxis and 200 bus shelters across the British capital.

This outreach effort aims to reach about 4.1 million people.

To ensure maximum visibility, a comprehensive digital campaign is also underway in British media.

This includes publishing an editorial, sending four newsletters about Madrid, displaying banners on the Wanderlust travel magazine website, and promoting the city in various British newspapers focused on travel, lifestyle, culture, and shopping.

Additionally, there will be a video campaign on Instagram, expected to generate around two million impressions and 800,000 video views.

As a bonus, a tactical campaign with the online travel agency Lastminute is targeting travellers interested in visiting Madrid during Holy Week.

A dedicated microsite offers the best accommodation options, essential experiences in Madrid, and detailed information about life in the city.

In 2023, travellers from the United Kingdom ranked fifth in terms of international tourism to Madrid.

Nearly 300,000 Britons visited the city, staying an average of about two and a half days and spending a total of €424m, according to the EGATUR Tourist Expenditure Survey.

Total spending at the destination exceeded €520m, with 68 per cent of travellers from the UK opting for high-end hotels (four and five stars) during their stay in Madrid.

Madrid featured on 60 classic taxis.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Madrid

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.

A dog-sitter could care for your pet for free!

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. And they pet-sit for free.

Rated 4.9 / 5.0 on TrustPilot.

When you know the sitters are checked and come from House SitMatch you know we have your back. What is more, they wont charge you a cent! Our house and pet-sitting works as an exchange of services. You offer free accommodation and the pet-sitters house-sit 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:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

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

‘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.

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

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch 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. House-sitters 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

Coco reunited with his owner after eight days.

Credit: BombersAjuntamentValencia/X

PLUMBERS

PLUMBING

REMOVALS

TV & SATELLITE

WINDOW TINTING

SOLAR ENERGY

CLASSIFIEDS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

WASHING MACHINE

BROKEN? Call Bluesky Repairs for ALL your domestic appliance repairs. 626 430 671 (WhatsApp) (305215)

ARCHITECTS

BUGGY TOURS

BUY & SELL

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek

Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

I BUY RECORDS 50s to the 90s. Best prices for good records. Tel: 622 750 117 / 962 851 809 (304500)

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

EL CAMPELLO CHRISTIAN

COMMUNITY – Life and Family Sunday Service at 11 a.m. Bilingual (English and Spanish) at San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello.

For more information visit www.elcampellochristian community.org, email campellocc@gmail.com or call Juan Zúñiga –686203183 (Spanish) or Jim Eaton - 680594134 (English). (233602)

THE SALVATION ARMY

English Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am followed by a time of Fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are! For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698 609 658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652 319 810 Email dieterzimmerer@hotmail. com, www.centrosaron.com (10008)

www.helpbenidorm. org and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have a car (although this is not essential). Tel President 607 387 040. We are an English-speaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all nationalities in times of crisis. We meet every Thursday at 11am in Jose Llorca Social Centre C. Goya s/n. Benidorm. We loan out mobility and medical equipment including oxygen concentrators on a short-term basis. (288658)

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIA

TION COSTA BLANCA

This association, formed in 1988, exists to foster comradeship amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, have qualified to operate military aircraft and are serving or have served, as military aircrew in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or those nations which are allies of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS POPULAR ASSOCIATION, CALL the Secretary on 966 495 228. (295990)

THE ALFAZ SPIRITUAL FRIENDS CENTRE OFFER A WARM WELCOME AT ‘THE COMM’ - (EX THE FORUM/ MARE NOSTRUM) CAMINO DEL PINCHO 2, L’ALFAZ DEL PI, 03580 ALICANTE. VISITING MEDIUM EVERY WEEK - SERVICE STARTS 6.30PM EVERY THURSDAY. CONTACT DOT 634 320 013. EMAIL  dorothydorothy 608@gmail. com (295995)

ELECTRICIAN

MB ELECTRICS. Appro ved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork. Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www.mbelectrics.es (302561)

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

ALL METAL WORK AND MOBILE WELDING. +44 7787 585 714 (302963)

GOLD WANTED

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 TOO) OR VISIT www. sosinsuranceinspain. com or email tracey@ sosinsuranceinspain. com (305189)

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@ beneficialinsuranceinspain. com or visit www.benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com for online quote. (304738)

MOTOR INSURANCE

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WIGS

WWW.WIGS-R-US.ES Iindoor market, Rincon De Loix Benidorm. Monday to Friday 10 -4pm Sat 10 –3pm scrunchies, ponytails, toppers, fascinators, headwear etc. Private appts after 3 pm 681 049 502 (304723)

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE

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 (302810)

RELAX CENTRE in BENIDORM - Excellent atmosphere. Expert Masseuses. 24/7 Outcalls - Call telephone: 603 324 564 (305206)

14 - 20 March 2024

NATURIST male gives relaxing massage. Half price 1st time offer €25. For men and women. Private premises in Jávea, WhatsApp Rob on 613 831 380 (305161)

RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (305528)

METALWORK

AUTO BASTIAN mobile mechanic. Tel 608 860 725. (290141)

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)

NURSING

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORBIKES

PETER ZWAAN MOTOR BIKES, A+ Occasions Showroom, Suzuki Burgman 400 (cc) ABS , yr. 2016, 12.000 kms, E 4.900,= CostaBlancaMotorbikes. com (304978)

MOTORING

OTHERS

VIAGRA / KAMAGRA / CIALIS. BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY. ALL AREAS COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (305142)

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

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

DECORATORS W.D. GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator. Established 35 years in Moraira. ESTIMATES FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 490 602 (304180)

PETS

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (1296233)

BEAUTIFUL & Healthy

BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768 (305310)

PET TRANSPORT

PETS BACK HOME Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www. petsbackhome.co.uk

Removals also arranged in other vehicles Call Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

PROPERTY

WHITE SAND HOMES

REAL ESTATE. Trusted professional property services for buyers and sellers: 673 557 824 (304326)

PROPERTY WANTED

RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixa - prefer two beds. Needed urgently - call Janice on telephone number: 0044 7736 251 800 (279523)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

BENIDORM and surroun ding areas. Two-man remo val. 622 658 992 (303512)

MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/Whatsapp 636 100 873 (305521)

COSTA LESS EXPRESS, small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK budget prices. Urgent jobs undertaken www. costalessexpress.co.uk Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/ people carriers. Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www. toldosalchemy.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

BLUE SQUARE REAL ESTATE is currently searching for Sales Executives to work in the Denia / Oliva area. A training

package is provided and excellent incentives. Multilingual candidates, Spanish, French, Dutch and German are sought after. Please email hr@ blue-square.com your CV

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS

MARK PADDON BSc Hons. MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurveyors. com (294923)

WANTED

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

BROKEN or unwanted gold jewellery, watches or coins. IMMEDIATE Cash Payment. Call Peter 617 550 016 (303567)

INSURANCE

IN modern times, the desires of car buyers have evolved, prioritising not just performance and reliability, but an array of features that enhance convenience, comfort, and safety. Among these sought-after features, parking sensors emerge as a top contender. They alleviate the stress of navigating tight spaces, alerting drivers to obstacles and ensuring precision parking.

Sat-nav systems have become indispensable for the contemporary driver, offering real-time

Most desired features

traffic updates, shortest routes, and points of interest, transforming travel into a seamless experience. Similarly, the advent of heated windscreens has revolutionised driving in colder climates. USB charging ports and Bluetooth connectivity address the modern necessity of staying connected. These features ensure devices are charged and integrated into the car’s system for hands-free calls, mu-

CAR tyres endure significant wear, being in constant contact with the tarmac. While the need to replace tyres inevitably arises after a certain mileage, several factors influence their durability.

Notably, aggressive driving, characterised by rapid acceleration and abrupt braking, can drastically shorten a tyre’s lifespan. However, adopting a smoother driving style can considerably extend it.

A remarkably straightforward tactic for tyre preservation involves

sic, and navigation.

Rear-view and parking cameras further exemplify the shift towards safety and convenience, offering drivers a comprehensive view of their surroundings.

Cruise control, once a luxury, has now become a staple, offering relief during long drives by maintaining a constant speed, reducing driver fatigue, and enhancing fuel efficiency.

Heated seats add a

layer of comfort, particularly in colder regions, making journeys more pleasant. Lastly, the seemingly simple addition of cup holders speaks volumes about the lifestyle of drivers today, highlighting the demand for convenience and accessibility within arm’s reach.

These features are no longer just luxuries but essentials that shape the decision-making process of buyers.

Durability of your tyres

maintaining the correct tyre pressure. Proper inflation ensures the vehicle’s weight is evenly distributed across the entire surface of the tyre, significantly reducing wear.

To find out the optimal pressure for your tyres, simply refer to the information sticker located on the fuel tank cap or the interior side of a car door.

The latest survey by the Consu-

mer Organisation, conducted in 2022, revealed the brands offering the best longevity.

Yokohama leads the pack, with tyres lasting an average of 44,634 kilometres before requiring replacement. Following closely are Michelin and Vredestein, with 44,187 km and 42,973 km respectively, while Toyo (42,406 km) and Continental (41,943 km) round out the top five.

Goon, Goon, Gone: Unique Bentley at auction

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

A UNIQUE 1960 Bentley S2 Continental, formerly owned by Peter Sellers, one of the greatest comic actors of all time, is expected to fetch between £120,000 - £150,000 when it heads to auction.

Being offered for sale by H&H Classics at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, the car boasts a fascinating history. It was owned by Sellers from November 1961 until July 1966. During that time, the fastidious Sellers entrusted the Bentley’s maintenance to Jack Barclay Ltd who, it is believed, he commissioned to carry out work to reprofile the front wings with the addition of two further headlights.

“Sellers was a man who changed his cars so often, his fellow star of The Goon Show, Spike Milligan, referred to them as ‘metal underwear’, so to have retained this Bentley for so long, shows how much he che-

rished it,” remarks Damian Jones, from H&H Classics.

Included in the car’s history file are several works invoices that specifically mention returning the car to the film set of The Wrong Arm of the Law, of which an original 1963 poster promoting the film is included

Jaguar Mk2 3.8 litre saloon combined.

The car comes to market from one of the world’s largest collections of Bentley Continentals and is offered with an extensive history file and an assortment of memorabilia including a signed photograph of Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau, an original movie poster, a vinyl Goons LP and more than two dozen original press cuttings about Sellers’ various ac-

The Continental is unrestored and in need of recommissioning, and/or restoration, so it could be something of A Shot In The Dark, if you’ll excuse the pun, with potentially more to spend on top of the final sales price. The paintwork colour arguably doesn’t make the most of the car’s lines but originality is all with such cars and especially with the history of this particular example. One thing is assured though, with such provenance it’s almost certain that’ll you’ll Never Let Go of such an automotive gem.

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.

Barbarians Marina Alta Rugby

TWO fine wins for the Barbarians last weekend starting with the Under 16’s on Saturday March 9 against La Vila, then followed by the seniors on Sunday March 10 against University of Valencia.

The S16 game was a decider for who plays in the first division play-off final stages. With Abelles A, CAU A and Valencia A all through, it was down to the Barbarians and La Vila/ Akra as to who should take the final place. It turned out to be a very hard fought match over the 80 minutes with the lead changing hands several times.

Although the Ba Bas started slow, they finished the strongest, running out 32-25 winners. It looks like they will play Las Abelles in the semi-final in a few weeks’ time.

The seniors were also competing for a play-off place on Sunday, this time against the University Valencia team who were on the same points in the league table.

The home team got off to a flying start and were 14 points up within 10 minutes. It seemed that visitors were short of

players due to injuries and with the BaBas being at full strength, the match was effectively won before half time.

The Ba Bas ran out 74-5 winners and they now look forward to their last game in a week’s time against Elche in Denia. The Barbarians are in full training mode and are looking for players across all ages to join the emerging squads for 2023-24. Their training sessions (every Tuesday and Thursday) are for academy players from S6 to S16 ( 5.30-8 exact times vary for differing age groups) and Seniors (including S18) from 8-10.

If you played before in the UK and still fancy a game and live in the Marina Alta, you are very welcome to have a run out at training with the squad every Tuesday and Thursday.

They have players from Spain, Argentina, NZ, the UK, France, Italy, Canada, Chile and Ecuador. Basically you could say they are a multinational set up which envokes the culture of Barbarians Rugby

Free qualified coaching is available at all levels.

Please call Santi (Spanish) on 676 612 357 or Mac (English) on 609 646 349 for more information.

The Seniors were competing against University Valencia team.

Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou at the weigh in.

Credit: Anthony Joshua Facebook