Costa Blanca South 14 – 20 March 2024 Issue 2019

Best in Europe

George Cunningham 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 impressive recognition.

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 carefully evaluates various aspects of the

passenger experience, including accessibility, facilities, sta friendliness, security, and wait times.

The ASQ programme 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, is proud of this achievement.

She highlights the air-

port’s dedication to prioritising passengers’ needs and mentions the ongoing e orts to improve facili-

ties and services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for every traveller.

FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE ILMAINEN

G F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G

Costa Blanca

Fourth win.

Image: ALC Alicante Airport / Facebook

Blood marathon

A GATHERING where people came together to save lives through blood donation took place at the Elche’s Congress Centre on Saturday, March 9.

A total of 333 neighbours participated in the event, which lasted more than 12 hours.

During this 16th Marathon Blood Donation event, volunteers also had the option to donate plasma, helping more patients.

In anticipation of the event, the mayor of Health, Inma Mora, urged the Elche community to participate, emphasising that a simple act of donating blood could save up to three lives.

THE pilot test initiated by Santa Pola Town Council in Gran Alacant, aimed at later expanding across the municipality, has already shown promising results.

Three individuals have been arrested, and two stolen vehicles have been recovered, with an additional 35 vehicles being intervened.

During the unveiling of the new Santa Pola Local Police checkpoint in Gran

She expressed gratitude for the voluntary contributions of the people of Elche, highlighting the city’s generosity in supporting social causes related to blood donation.

Dr Carlos Clavijo, the coordinator of mobile teams at the Alicante Transfusion Centre, praised the people of Elche as an example for the rest of the province.

While the goal of exceeding 400 donations from the previous marathon wasn’t achieved due to weather conditions affecting the day, the turnout was still substantial, particularly in the early hours of the event.

Check point

Alacant on February 18, the implementation of intelligent traffic control cameras at the entrances to the residential area was announced. This initiative, spearheaded by councillor for Security, Ana Blasco, is part of the town’s effort to modernise its policing methods. The initial trial in Gran Alacant is intended

to enhance road safety, ultimately leading to increased safety for residents and visitors throughout Santa Pola. The data collected during the first three weeks of camera operation is significant. With a total of 477,500 licence plates scanned, over 4,000 administrative infractions have been identified.

Spring Trails

The activities are open to everyone but do require registration due to limited availability.

The ‘Spring Trails’ will begin on March 24 with guided tours through the urban forest parks of Alicante on alternate Sundays.

The Trails offer groups of up to 50 people the chance to explore various natural spaces and environmental sites in Alicante.

The first route will explore Mount Benacantil, followed by Mount Orgegia on April 7 and Mount Tossal on April 21.

In May, the itineraries will switch to alternate Saturday afternoons, starting with a tour of the La Marjal flood park on May 4 and a walk through the Traditional

Centre to admire unique trees on May 18.

The final itinerary on June 1 will lead participants through the Sierra de San Julián and the Serra Grossa, offering panoramic views of Cabo de la Huerta, the bay, and the city of Alicante. Registration is now open. For more information head to the website: alicante.es or call (+34) 965 960 034 (Monday to Friday).

George Cunningham ALICANTE has launched ‘Spring Trails 2024’.

TRAILS: Offer groups the chance to explore various natural spaces.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante

Sporting Aspe

ASPE has a new sports facility. An artificial grass field for eight-a-side football has been created with the necessary connections for irrigation and drainage, in addition to goals and high nets that prevent balls from falling into the street. The work has amounted to a total of €200,000.

Pioneers

ALICANTE is leading the way in the Valencian Community by performing surgeries on tumours in the head of the pancreas using a robot. This area of the pancreas is considered the most complex, as removing cancer from it is deemed impossible in approximately four out of five cases.

Shoe factory

MARIHUANA plantations are multiplying in Elche and in the south of the province, as well as its consumption. On March

11, Elche Police reported the arrest of two men, a Lithuanian and a Dutchman, who ran a plantation, which was located in an old shoe factory.

Siesta smiles

GET ready to mark your calendars! The opening date for La Siesta Park has been announced.

The mayor revealed that the grand inauguration of this space, spanning over 40,000 square metres, will take place on Saturday, March 16, at 11am.

Conflict over

MORE than 700 workers of the Torrevieja health department have been protesting, while many went on strike last December. Minister Marciano Gómez will visit Torrevieja Hospital on March 20 to sign a working conditions agreement.

Bob Marquess

MAYOR Pablo Ruz of Elche has announced that the gardens of l’Hort del Xocolater will now be open to residents for cultural or public social events organised by the council.

Currently owned by the Mediterranean Foundation, l’Hort del Xocolater is a historic orchard in the city, covering over 9,000 square metres and situated next to the municipal park and the Altamira Palace.

The mayor aims to integrate the garden into the municipal park for all Elche residents and visitors to enjoy.

The Parks and Gardens brigade will begin adapting the space by maintaining the gardens, paying special attention to palm trees, pruning, and replacing plants, and improving irrigation systems, paths, and lighting.

Additionally, two new entrances

Historic orchard

NOW OPEN:

will be added to connect the garden with the Municipal Park near the Mare de Dèu hermitage.

The city council plans to inaugu-

All aboard!

THROUGHOUT 2023, more than 324,000 passengers hopped on board Renfe’s Avant trains linking Alicante and Murcia, marking the service’s inaugural year a busy one!

With 6,454 train trips recorded during the year, it’s clear that people were taking advantage of this new connection.

The Avant service kicked o on December 20, 2022, boasting 16 daily trains split evenly in both directions, o ering a combined seating capacity of 3,792 per day.

The journey between Alicante and Murcia clocks in at just 52 minutes, thanks to the speedy series of 104 trains capable of hitting speeds of up to 250 km/h.

These trains make pit stops in Callosa Cox, Elx, Beniel, and Orihuela.

On the environmental front, the use of Renfe Public Service trains in the Valencian Community has made a signi cant impact, preventing nearly 17 million private vehicles from taking to the road and keeping around 164,000 tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

rate the space on May 18, coinciding with the commemoration of the Misteri d’Elx as a World Heritage Site.

Tree for Europe

ORIHUELA’S councillor for the Environment, Noelia Grao, has unveiled the activities planned for the celebration of World Water Day on Friday March 22 and Tree Day on Thursday March 21.

The councillor for Education, Vicente Pina, con rmed that nearly 900 students from various schools in Orihuela will take part in the programme, which aims to motivate and educate on environmental care.

Orihuela’s schoolchildren will engage in workshops ranging from scienti c water experiments to raising awareness about plastic pollution in the seas, particularly in Orihuela Costa.

Additionally, planting workshops will be held in the Palmeral from March 18 to 26 for primary school students.

Team Europe’s spokesperson, PacEnrique Montero, introduced the ‘A Tree for Europe’ project, which involves planting 30 mulberry trees in Orihuela’s schools.

“This species was chosen for its connection to sustainability and tradition in the municipality, aiming to raise awareness of climate change among students,” the spokesperson con rmed.

Breaking the mould

GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA and Torrevieja have been identi ed as towns with signi cant potential for deseasonalisation, capable of welcoming German tourists throughout the annual season.

This initiative was highlighted at the ITB Fair in Berlin, where the Costa Blanca has been actively promoting the region as a year-round destination for German tourists.

President Toni Pérez emphasised the importance of diversifying and adjusting demand, particularly in the German market, to ensure a steady ow of visitors throughout the year.

The aim is to attract German tourists to lesser-known areas of the province such as the Vega Baja.

The excellent connectivity provided by the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport plays a crucial role

in promoting the destination to various European markets.

This strategy is based on the idea of showcasing municipalities to visitors yearround.

Jose Mancebo, the director of the tourist entity of the Alicante Provincial Council, emphasised the continuous e orts to build loyalty among German tourists and promote yearround tourism.

DELVE into the rich history of Guardamar del Segura’s castle, a cherished gem in the town’s heritage for countless centuries.

The origins of the Castle, designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1985, are traced back to its Arab citadel roots.

While likely constructed in the 12th century, evidence suggests the area was inhabited even earlier, with remnants from the Iron Age, Phoenicians, Iberians, and Romans discovered within its walls.

The Castle of Guardamar del Segura underwent significant transformations under King Alfonso.

However, as Guardamar del Segura flourished, the town outgrew the confines of the citadel.

Understanding the castle’s history entails considering key events that shaped its evolution, notably a series of earthquakes between 1823 and 1829.

The gardens can be used for cultural or public social events.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

On the big screen

IN recent weeks, Elche has collaborated with two TV production companies to film several documentaries highlighting the Palmeral and the traditional craft of white palm weaving, showcasing its connection with Holy Week in the city.

RTVE’s filming team visited Elche for their documentary series Pasión y Gloria, which aims to capture popular traditions and customs of Spanish Holy Week.

They were particularly interested in Elche’s tradition and craftsmanship of white palm weaving.

The filming focused on the intricate white palm braiding work done by local artisans, set against the backdrop of the Hort de Pontos, recently opened to the public. Shots of the famous Pas de la Burreta, a key feature

of Elche’s Palm Sunday procession, were also captured, along with other monumental resources related to Holy Week in the city.

channel.

In addition, a television production company from Barcelona visited Elche on February 28 and 29 to film a documentary titled Curiosities of the Earth for Warner Bros Discovery.

The documentary features terrestrial and aerial images of the Palmeral, showcasing the palm tree work and white palm weaving process.

Sports & cafes

HAVE you ever dreamed of owning your own café?

Well, now’s your chance!

Orihuela’s councillor for Sports, Víctor Sigüenz, has just unveiled an exciting opportunity to bid for the catering service and management of the bar-canteen across various municipal sports facilities.

long-awaited requests of athletes and their families who have been hoping for the convenience of a bar-canteen service for years.

This contract offers a piece of the action across eight different facilities, each promising a threeyear lease with the potential for yearly extensions.

The documentary is set to air in 2025 on TVE1, TVE2, and the international TVE

It will be available on international platforms such as HBO and Discovery Max in the coming months, with versions in multiple languages.

The councillor highlighted the importance of revitalising these eight vacant spots from the previous tender.

It’s not just about serving up delicious treats, it’s about fulfilling the

So, whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or simply passionate about cafés, seize this opportunity to blend sports with culinary delights!

IT wasn’t even 10 in the morning, and already, nearly 500 people stood in a long line near Santa Pola Castle, eager to be part of Alejandro Amenábar’s upcoming film, ‘El Cautivo’.

The excitement to participate in the casting was palpable over the first weekend of March, marking the first time such a fever gripped the province.

The scene near the fortress and Glorieta was bustling, with queues extending around the block, prompting the Local Police to manage the traffic.

This unusual hustle and bustle during the off-peak season before Easter also served as a tourist attraction for the town.

While many hopefuls were locals, others travelled from different towns in the province.

For some, participating in film projects is routine, given that it’s a paid activity and selected individuals are registered with Social Security due to the extensive recording sessions.

The film, produced by Mod Producciones and Fernando Bovaira from Castellón, has commenced filming which will continue until June at Ciudad de la Luz studios and various locations in the Valencian Community.

However, recording in the province is expected to last about a month and a half, with one month dedicated to Santa Pola Castle.

TRADITIONAL CRAFT: White palm weaving.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Eagerly awaiting.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola / Facebook

Traditional games

George Cunningham ORIHUELA’S councillor for Rural Development, Víctor Valverde, recently introduced the upcoming Traditional Games event scheduled for April 6 and 7 in La Aparecida and Desamparados.

“This initiative, organised by the Department of Rural Development in collaboration with the JDT Club El Tranco del Raiguero de Bonanza, aims to preserve, promote, and share the traditional games native to our municipality and region,” explained the councillor.

Valverde emphasised that these games are suitable for all ages and are crafted from materials like sheet metal or recycled items.

The president of JDT Club, Juan Francisco Cayuelas, expressed excitement about the partnership with Orihuela City Council, highlighting the importance of reintroducing traditional games to

Connecting towns

GAMES: Are suitable for all age groups.

children and encouraging them to engage in outdoor activities with friends and family.

He noted the prevalence of screen time and the desire to see children enjoying

Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela

games outdoors, as often witnessed in Raiguero de Bonanza.

The event will run from 11.00am to 1.00pm and will feature demonstrations and exhibitions.

Easter fair

THE Royal British Legion are holding their annual spring fair on Saturday March 23 from 1pm to 4pm in the Pub Masa Square. The fair will have more than 20 stalls including hand-made jewellery, fashion, face painting, books, cards and home-made cakes. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt and live entertainment. Entry is free. For more info visit Gran Alacant and La Marina Facebook page.

CONSTRUCTION work on the road connecting Elche and Santa Pola is set to restart this summer, kicking o the transformation of the road into a four-lane Parkway.

The rst step is completing the acquisition of countryhouses and farmlands along the road.

The construction phase has a 15-month timeline.

This phase follows a similar pattern to the previous section, where construction was brie y halted last August but was completed in November, covering a 1.6-kilometre stretch up to the Valverde access.

Simultaneously, the Department plans to open bids for the next section, which involves adding lanes for just over a kilometre (from kilometre point 3+600 to 2+700) by the middle of the year.

Two more sections will be tackled after this, bringing the road to Elche.

The most challenging part is dealing with oods

from the San Antón ravine. Infrastructure is currently working on the construction project for these sections.

Completing the nal 2.7 kilometres will mark the end of a long-awaited pro-

ject that has already seen a €16 million investment from the Generalitat. However, the entire project isn’t expected to wrap up until 2027, as each section takes about a year to complete.

Las Lagunas

THE Natural Park of Las Lagunas de La Mata-Torrevieja is situated to the north of the town, approximately 200 metres from the N-332 road.

Visitors can explore the salt flats by car or opt for the Costa Azul Bus, available on both the urban and interurban lines connecting Alicante-Cartagena.

The history of the Las Lagunas de La Mata-Torrevieja Natural Park is intriguing.

Over the years, owner-

ship of the land shifted from the Spanish crown to local authorities.

Attempts were made to utilise the area for fishing, but the high salt content in the soil hindered fish from entering.

Today, the lagoons within the park are among Europe’s most productive salt mines, yielding tons of salt annually.

However, the highlight of the park is undoubtedly the Pink Lagoon.

Thanks to a bacteria

that releases a pink pigment into the water, the Pink Lagoon takes on its distinctive colour, creating a stunning pink surface dotted with salt rocks.

While swimming in the park’s lagoons is prohibited, simply admiring them is a joy in itself!

In certain areas of the Las Lagunas de La Mata-Torrevieja Natural Park, seawater flows in due to gravity, as the park lies below sea level.

Flores in France

Bob Marquess

ON March 8, the historic pailebote ‘Pascual Flores’ set sail from Torrevieja, embarking on a new journey towards France.

This iconic ship, originally built in Torrevieja in 1917, has undergone restoration and remained docked in the Marinas Salinas port since November 27, welcoming visitors.

Now, it begins a new chapter with Port-Vendres in France as its first destination.

Torrevieja has a rich maritime history, rooted in the exploitation of salt from the surrounding lagoons.

Since the establishment of the Administration of the Reales Salinas in the town in 1803, maritime trade flourished, with salt

JOIN in the excitement of Pinoso’s celebrations as the council is seeking artistic contributions for the Official Programme of the Pinoso 2024 Patron Saint Festivities.

They’re not just looking for art and culture; they’re also interested in articles about local history and cultural traditions.

All submissions must be between 1,000 and 2,000 words, using Times New Roman font, size 12, with 1.5 line spacing.

Submissions should focus on Pinoso and its surroundings, covering topics such as festivals, culture, landscape, heritage, and history.

being exported to various ports in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

In the early 20th century, Torrevieja boasted the largest sailing fleet in the Mediterranean, with around 200 registered boats, including 64 pailebots.

These vessels played a crucial role in commercial cabotage voyages, with Torrevieja serving as the last bastion of sailing in the Spanish Mediterranean.

The term ‘pailebote’ derived from the English ‘pilot’s boat’, but it was also referred to as a schooner.

In 1999, the Torrevieja City Council acquired the deteriorating ‘Pascual Flores’ to restore it as a symbol of the city’s maritime heritage and the prowess of its sailors.

Festivity art

For every 250 words, one image is permitted, with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi in TIFF or JPG format. If the image is not original, authorship must be acknowledged.

In articles centred on photography, the number of photos can exceed the text by up to 20 per cent.

Submissions must be sent to festes@pino so.org by June 7, 2024. All works and images must be free of third-party rights.

Submission implies acceptance of these guidelines.

PINK LAGOON: Creates a stunning surface dotted with salt rocks.

Image: Lagunas de Torrevieja y La Mata.Patrimonio cultural y biodiversidad / Facebook

Easter essence

Anna Ellis

DOLORES is pleased to announce its inaugural National Easter Photography Contest, shining a spotlight on the rich cultural tapestry of Holy Week in the municipality and the wider Vega Baja region.

The councillor for Culture, Rita Flores, shares the contest’s mission: “To celebrate photography as a vibrant form of cultural expression while showcasing Holy Week’s significance as a cherished tou-

rist attraction and cultural spectacle.”

This contest welcomes entries from all over 18s, regardless of nationality or photographic background. The only requirement is Spanish residency.

From seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs, all are invited to submit their artistic interpretations of Holy Week’s essence by April 8.

Each submission will be evaluated based on criteria such as quality, creativity,

originality, and its intimate connection to Dolores.

To ensure authenticity and integrity, photomontages and AI-generated works won’t be considered.

The first prize winner will receive €350, while the second spot will win €150.

The rules are available on the website: www.dolo res.es.

Entries can be submitted either in person at the Town Hall, Pl. Gral. Llopis, 1, 03150 Dolores, or electronically.

Fishing can often be hard

THE final round of the Carp-R-Us Winter Series was fished on the Rio Segura at Eden 2 and 3. The lack of rain has seen the river fall to very low levels and when this happens and the flow on the river virtually disappears, fishing often becomes hard.

Weights were much lower than when these sections were fished a couple of weeks ago and Roy Dainty only required 4.26kg to win the match. Roy fished pole and maggot from the down stream end peg on Eden 3. The next three weights all

came from Eden 2, with Steve Fell managing 3.32kg from peg 7 using pole with bread or corn, just pipping Trevor Morrey on peg 8 who had 3.16kg on feeder and maggot. Fourth was JP with 2.86kg from peg 6 using his usual bomb and maggot tactics.

This left Russell Davidson the overall series winner with 206 points with Jeremy Fardoe runner-up on 193 points.

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.wee bly.com or on their Facebook page.

ONLY a few weeks to go before ACTS performs ‘Play On’. An amusing farce by Rick Abbot.

The group will be performing at Benijofar Cultural Centre from March 21 to 23 at 7.30pm.

They hope you will go along and support the show. Proceeds are donated to local and

An amusing farce

other worthy charities.

As a taster to the plot. A keen amateur drama group are rehearsing a melodrama called Murder Most Foul. You the audience get to follow the journey from rehearsal, dress

rehearsal through to show night.

You can only imagine the drama caused by an interfering and eccentric playwright. A harassed director coping with temperamental actors,

difficult backstage crew dealing with unexpected disasters not to mention their own shortcomings .

Tickets are €10 from various outlets. For more information whatsapp 672 544 026.

There will be a raffle each evening and drinks will be available by donation.

Almost complete

Anna Ellis

THE mayor, Eduardo Dolón, of Torrevieja recently visited the ongoing works at the La Mata municipal sports pavilion between Calle Delfín, Calle Francia, and Avenida de los Daneses.

During his inspection, the mayor announced that the construction progress is on track, and it is anticipated that this highly demanded sports infrastructure will be fully completed before the end of 2024, surpassing the initially set deadline of 18 months.

Exciting additions to the

pavilion include a gym of over 100 m2 on the ground oor and two multipurpose rooms of 95 m2 each, which can be combined to accommodate meetings

and various social and cultural activities. These enhancements aim to meet the growing demand within the Torrevieja district.

FOLLOWING on from the 2024 AGM of the Torrevieja U3A, the new committee has announced two new activities for members. Canasta, which will meet weekly on Thursdays, and Easy Jive and Dance which will run monthly on Tuesdays.

Fuller details from torre viejau3a.org.

The Morris dancing group will, in future, be holding its meetings in the CMO building in Torrevieja.

Anyone who is interested in nding out more about the organisation, or joining, can attend the monthly CMO meetings or visit our members tables on the second Thursday of each month at Rockys Bar on the N332 at Playa Flamenca.

There have been a couple of requests recently about art, painting or photography classes. If you are interested in running a group, contact Michelle at u3agroupsliaison@gmail. com

SPORTS

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

60 disappear

AS Spain remembers its Day of the Disappeared, a poignant statistic reveals that every day 60 individuals vanish without a trace.

This staggering fact becomes ever more relevant every March 9 as Spain commemorates the National Day of Persons Missing Without Apparent Cause, a remembrance initiated following Cristina Bergua’s vanishing in 1997.

Cristina disappeared on March 9, 1997, at the age of 16, after leaving her home in Cornella de Llobregat, Barcelona.

Her last sighting was on the Carretera de Esplugues, accompanied by her boyfriend. Despite an anonymous tip-off claiming her body was in the city landfill, no evidence was ever found. The case, which reopened a decade later remains largely cold.

Spain grapples with approximately 2,000 cases of disappearance reported each year, translating to an alarming two persons vanishing hourly.

Despite the resolution of the majority of these cases, 10 per cent remain unresolved, casting a long shadow over thousands of families.

Cristina’s case, still unsolved after 27 years, symbolises a significant moment in Spain’s handling of such disappearances, underscoring the pain of over 5,000 fami-

lies still seeking closure.

Disappearances are classified into involuntary, where individuals vanish under circumstances beyond their control; voluntary, motivated by personal reasons; and forced, often involving criminal activity.

The distinction is crucial for families and authorities in understanding the varied nature of these incidents and in formulating appropriate responses.

Families of the missing navigate a tortuous path of grief, beginning with the legal declaration of absence, crucial for managing the missing person’s assets. Eventually, they may face the declaration of death, allowing for inheritance proceedings to commence.

Name reaction

Anna Ellis

LONDONERS have had mixed reactions to the new names for the London Overground branches.

Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed the six new names in February to make navigation easier.

The branches, now called Lioness, Mildmay, Windrush, Weaver, Suffragette, and Liberty, reflect different parts of the city’s history.

But some people have questioned whether all the names are suitable.

For example, the Weaver line passes through areas linked to the textile industry but doesn’t stop there.

A recent survey by YouGov asked 1,013 Londoners what they thought of the new names.

The Liberty line was the most popular, with 41 per cent liking it, 29 per cent not caring, and 20 per cent disliking it.

The Windrush line came

next, with 35 per cent approval, 30 per cent disapproval, and 24 per cent neutrality.

Interestingly, ethnic minority respondents liked the Windrush line more than white respondents did.

The Lioness line came third in popularity, with 33 per cent approval, but it also had the most criticism, with 36 per cent disliking it.

The Suffragette line had mixed reactions, with 29

per cent liking it and 34 per cent disliking it.

Men, in particular, weren’t keen on these female-themed names, with Lioness and Suffragette being the least popular among them.

The Weaver line was fifth out of six, with only 24 per cent approval, and Mildmay was the least liked, with just 20 per cent approval.

Overall, opinions varied among Londoners about the new names.

TRAIN LINE: Opinions varied about the new names.

Image: London Overground / Facebook

Spain’s day of missing persons.

Credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com

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

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

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

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

AAP Primadomus, part of the European animal welfare

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

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

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

Games disruption

Linda Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credit: CC/Selbymay

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.

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.

Madrid featured on 60 classic taxis.

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

Keeping it down

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

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.

species here,” he added.

FARO, the 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.

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

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 signi cant 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 ful l their potential,” Frost Bertelsen continued.

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

The work should be completed by autumn 2024.

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.

A rare species

Michael Cano

ACCORDING to Prague Zoo, the Central Asian Przewalski’s horse is the very last surviving wild horse species and by the late 1970s it was extinct in the wild.

It is stockily built, smaller, and shorter than its domesticated relatives with a typical height of about 12–14 hands (48–56 inches, 122–142 cm), and the average weight is around 300 kg with the original horses being found in Central Asia.

Prague Zoo has been breeding this animal successfully since the 1930s and in 1959 was charged with managing the international studbook for the species and since then has bred over 200 foals.

It made its first transport of horses it had bred to China in 1988 and in 1992 sent the first of several specimens to Mongolia working with zoos in The Netherlands, Germany

and Switzerland, but due to financial constraints the number of horses returned to Central Asia tailed off

But thanks to the involvement of the Czech Army a total of 18 mares and one stallion were sent to Mongolia between 2011 and 2015 and they started breeding.

Now after creating a

new large paddock for their horses in 2021, the Prague Zoo director Miroslav Bobek alongside colleagues and a representative of the Czech Military has announced that it will be sending five mares and three stallions to Kazakhstan in June where they will join a small herd created thanks to donations from other zoos.

Credit: Prague Zoo X

Zoo director Miroslav Bobek explained the plans.

Krakow’s milk bars

A BAR mleczny (literally translated as ‘milk bar’ from Polish) is a Polish cafeteria which, during the Communist era, provided government-subsidised traditional Polish cuisine at low cost. The name comes from cheese cutlets, which were often sold when meat was rare.

Today, Krakow’s milk bars are part of local colour and tradition. Many of these places have existed for several decades and have a permanent circle of loyal customers.

Unfortunately, many of them are currently experiencing financial difficulties and some are going out of business.

Karkow’s Programme for the Support of Protected and Disappearing Industries is a municipal initiative that aims to protect small businesses with activities deemed to be disappearing and in need of special protection. There are 48 such

industries, including violin-making, stucco work and, the milk bars.

The Municipality of Krakow can rent out business premises belonging to the city on preferential terms and 15 milk bars currently benefit from this discount. A form of support for milk bars is also provided by funding organised by the Municipal Social Welfare Centre in Kraków for the provision of assistance in the form of a hot meal for

vulnerable people. These services are currently provided in nine locations in Kraków.

It is always sad when a restaurant closes down that has gathered loyal customers who appreciate the quality and freshness of the food served.

That is why Karokow is encouraging everyone to visit milk bars as often as possible and try the home-cooked dinners they serve and help keep them open.

MILK BARS: Are part of local colour and tradition.

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Panek

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.

Become a travel blogger Tower to turret

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

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

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

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

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

‘Carbonara Day’

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.

is now known internationally as the ‘King of Carbonara’.

Unexploded bombs

Paul Edwards

ne Italiana of Food decided to launch Carbonara Day.

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

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 Pipero, 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

ONE would have thought that almost 80 years after the end of the Second World War, there would be very little dangerous unexploded ordnance left to be discovered.

Carbonara is said to date back to 1944.

date to 1944.

Today

ra forms

Today pasta carbonara forms part of Rome’s culinary he-

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

Jakarin Sararnrakskul was ying a VietJet aircraft from Taipei, Taiwan, to Bangkok, Thailand, when alerted by the cabin crew about an onboard emergency.

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

A maritime agency in Belgium feared that there may still be some live explosives still on Koksijde Beach on the North West Coast and called in the Belgian Army Division known as the Service for Clearance and Destruction of Explosive Devices (DOVO).

Over a period of three days, they managed to uncover three large bombs both on the beach and in the water with one containing 100 kilos of explosives.

According to a DOVO statement, it is

believed that these were French bombs dropped from an anti-submarine aircraft which were still live and could have caused considerable damage if they were disturbed and exploded during the summer when the beach hosts large numbers of visitors.

High-flying heroics

“After 18 years as a pilot, I’ve just helped deliver a

newborn baby onboard,” he shared on Instagram, along with a photo of himself holding the infant.

The father, also on the ight, a ectionately 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 ights between 1929 and 2018.

The NHS con rms thatying isn’t harmful to you or your baby, but discussing any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you y is wise.

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

Pilot with the newborn.

Image: drjakarin / Instagram

The crater left after one of the bombs was exploded.

Credit: DOVO Facebook

Budget-friendly

Nora Shephard

IN February, Aldi took the crown as the UK’s most budget-friendly supermarket, surpassing its competitor Lidl, according to the latest findings from consumer advocate Which?

Their monthly analysis looks into the average prices of a typical grocery shop across eight major UK supermarkets.

Aldi emerged as the leader in affordability this month, with a shopping list of 72 items averaging £125.43.

Meanwhile, Lidl came close behind, with an average cost of £128.19, just £2.76 more.

On the other end of the spectrum, Waitrose was named the most expensive supermarket for February, totalling £162.94.

This marked a significant difference of £37.51 compared to Aldi’s prices, a 30 per cent higher cost.

The list of items surve-

yed included both branded and own-brand products, ranging from Dolmio pasta sauce to Heinz baked beans, as well as staples like bread, milk, and butter.

It’s important to note that the analysis considers special offer prices but excludes multi-buys or two-tier loyalty prices exclusive to loyalty scheme members.

Which?’s latest pricing

analysis highlights the substantial savings consumers can make by choosing specific supermarkets for their groceries.

With ongoing financial challenges for many households, Which? stresses the importance of government and supermarket initiatives to support vulnerable customers, ensuring access to cheaper budget ranges in local convenience stores.

German marvel

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 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 interes-

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 with attention to detail.

ted in doing so.”

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 receive 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 SarsCoV-2 compared to individuals who had received only three doses of the vaccine.

Lift-off

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.

ALDI SUPERMARKET: The most affordable this month.

Image: Aldi

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

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.

SCANDINAVIAN DELICIOUSNESS IN TORREVIEJA

EATING good food in Torrevieja is not complicated, there is an array of fabulous places around. But what people may find rare is to be in a restaurant that feels warm, cosy like you are eating at home without stressing out with the cooking process. Absolut Tiger has successfully achieved its aim, providing a nice experience that makes people feel at home.

This Swedish bar/bistro opened its doors in October 2022 at Calle Dr Waksman, close to a few of the coolest coves in Torrevieja. After living in Spain for some years, the owners went from day dreaming to materialise their dreams creating Absolut Tiger. This bistro bar is the result of a lifetime process and self-investigation to express their passion for food and drinks having a cisy atmosphere as the central point.

The chefs have created a potent and simple menu that brings Swedish dining traditions to the Mediterranean coast.

From Swedish traditional condiments like Gubbrøra that is a Swedish potato salad, and shrimp salad called Skagenröra to Mediterranean flavours like

Greek salad with exquisite feta and olives. The sweet notes are the perfect closure for this nice experience where the almondy cake is the star, the caramel and nuts flavour are just marvellous and feel definitely like eating your grandma’s specialty.

At the moment, Robin is in charge of the kitchen and with his experience working for different Michelin restaurants he has taken Absolut Tiger cuisine to the next level. He is very proud to be part of this development, specially in the new recipe for the staple star: the mashed potato. Everything is made from love and care, and you can taste it.

Also Robin came with a genius idea: bringing different cuisines of the world one special night per month. The chef

makes sure to bring different traditions to the table, curating this special soiree from scratch. The next event will take place on March 22, serving a delicious French menu. It’s an amazing opportunity to try top quality food for the modest price of €17 for a three-course menu!

The creators not only wanted to share their Swedish dishes, but also make a positive impact creating a strong community and supporting good causes. In this case they are proud to support several organisations who work with tigers

around the globe to provide a better life for these incredible felines. How good it is to support a project that cares and provides genuine help to animals and the ecosystem.

There is no doubt that Absolut Tiger has created a dream place where you can enjoy a cosy atmosphere with your family and delight in home-made and well cooked food. A place where to be part of a community, to be part of a family that looks after you and wants you happy and full.

MONDAY TO SUNDAY 12pm - 11pm • Calle Dr Waksman, 64, 03183 Torrevieja, Alicante TELEPHONE 634 377 686

ASTER’S E

COMING !

Maundy money

John

Smith

EVERY year in the UK a Maundy Service occurs on the Thursday before Easter and each year, the British Monarch distributes silver coins to chosen men and women.

Early in her reign, Queen Elizabeth II decided that the money should not just be handed out in London and every year

she travelled to a different Cathedral for the service.

During the service, the Sovereign distributes gifts according to the number of years they have lived with the same number going to men and women.

Last year, King Charles III arrived at York Minster to distribute the first Maundy Coins of his reign and each of the 74 men and 74 women received two purses, one purse made from white leather, holding coins to the value in pence of King Charles III’s age. The other purse made from red leather, contained a £5 and 50p.

The concept which goes back to the reign of King Henry VIII drew inspiration from

Jesus Christ and the commandment he gave after washing his disciples’ feet.

This commandment or ‘mandatum’ meant that by the fourth century monarchs would wash the feet of the poor and hand out gifts of food and clothing but this then changed to special coins.

Those produced are in denominations of 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p and although legal tender are not expected to be used around.

This year, the number of recipients will be 75 rather than 74 of each sex.

and if he can’t attend then it is expected that the Prince of Wales will stand in for him.

Jumping over babies

John Smith

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

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

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

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

The day starts relatively normally as the Parish Priest parades the Eucharist around the town and blesses children

who were born locally during the previous 12 months, but it is then that it takes what some might consider a more sinister turn of events.

A man, dressed in red and yellow, recognised as the Colacho who represents the devil, runs through the streets hitting members of the crowd with a horse hair whip and in return they hurl insults at him.

In the meantime, the mothers of the children who have been blessed have laid them out in the middle of the

Barcelona Beer Festival

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,

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.

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.

Friends cheering with beer

Credit:

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Talk quietly

TWO years after its launch

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

More woes

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

Tastes good

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

New use

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

Summed up

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

€6 billion STAT OF WEEK

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

Falklands contract

Linda Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

The company, founded in 1861 by Edward Harland

Cellnex plans

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portugal offer Naming names

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

buybacks between 2026 and 2030, it said.

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

Spending down

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaccine factory Office orders

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

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

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

Armed up

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

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

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

BONDALTI

Photo credit: Cellnex.com

Photo credit: CC/August Schwerdfeger

ICONIC COMPANY: Harland and Wolff’s Belfast shipyard.

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

Windfall tax

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

Long-term

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

Where did it go

Linda Hall

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

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

BODY SHOP: Stores are already disappearing

Morocco’s choice

PUBLICLY-OWNED Spanish company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pay rise

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

Golden high

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

at an early stage, the Telegraph said.

Photo credit: CC/Edwardx

It’s time to wake up

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.

CAPITAL CITY: Will see a significant boost.

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.

LEAPY LEE SAYS

Leapy Lee’s

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

I’m

glad to be

back

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

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

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

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

THE COSTA CALIDA property market is experien cing a steady rise, making it crucial for both buyers and sellers to find a trusted currency exchange ser vice. Lumon, an experienced player in this field, shi nes brightly with its reliability and swift international payments, earning the trust of its clients.

With a commitment to stellar service and a per sonal touch, Lumon has expanded its reach across the Iberian Peninsula, as evidenced by the inaugu ration of its new office in Los Alcazares. CEO Vic Darvey emphasises the significance of this miles tone, highlighting Lumon’s strength and ambition to evolve.

The opening of the new office presents a golden opportunity for British expatriates in the Mar Menor and Costa Calida. Lumon’s reputation for offering competitive rates and secure transactions precedes it, making it a go-to destination for various currency exchange needs, from property transactions to daily expenses abroad.

Costa Calida is the perfect location for the new office as it stands out as an enticing destination for property investment due to its Me diterranean climate, scenic coastal landscapes, and excellent accessibility via international airports and road networks. Offering relatively affordable property prices compared to other coastal areas in Spain, the region presents a diverse property market catering to various preferences and budgets, from beachfront villas to modern apartments. Boasting a high quality of life with abundant amenities, including restaurants, shops, leisure facilities, and healthcare services, Costa Calida provides residents with a fulfilling lifestyle.

With Spain’s stable political environment, well-established legal framework, and robust infrastructure, investors can have confidence in the reliability of the market, making Costa Calida an attractive choice for those seeking to capitalise on Spain’s vibrant real estate opportunities.

Central to Lumon’s success is its emphasis on cultivating enduring relationships with clients and partners. This commitment to personalised service has earned Lumon a solid reputation, making the opening of the new office a strategic move in further consolidating its position in the market.

Lumon’s expertise extends beyond mere currency exchange; they facilitate property transactions, cover living expenses overseas, and streamline payments for goods and services. Recognising the importance of simplicity and efficiency in currency exchange, Lumon ensures a seamless experience, whether through in-person consultations or online transactions.

The celebratory event marking the inauguration of the Los Alcazares office saw Lumon’s dedicated team, including representatives from their London headquarters, coming together. The presence of esteemed partners like Pinar Properties underscores Lumon’s standing within the industry and its commitment to fostering mutually beneficial collaborations. To have an idea of their

“

The CEO said the opening of the new location is a declaration of intent that we are strong and our business continues to expand.

it has had an impact on how he manages the business, having customer satisfaction at the core centre of the business values.

huge reputation and impact it is worth mentioning that Lumon works with over 2,200 referring partners.

Probably the secret to their high level of client retention is due to their professional, knowledgeable and friendly team. There are currently more than 5,000 verified five-star Lumon reviews on Feefo and Trustpilot, and they point out that they still provide services for clients who signed up in their first year of business 20 years ago. It’s certainly remarkable.

The event was held in the vibrant square where the office is located. The team, other partners, businesses and individuals came to celebrate the big moment. The neighbours Fresco bistro bar catered the event with delicious fresh and local products like olives, cheese and other tapas, alongside other beverages. An ideal event for the special launch.

Vic Darvey articulates the strategic significance of the new location, situated in the vibrant 525 Square, as a catalyst for Lumon’s accelerated growth. This locale, renowned for offering British expatriates exceptional value for their investments, holds immense potential for Lumon to expand its clientele and consolidate its presence in the region.

Darvey stands out as a CEO, having more than 25 years of experience working with different international consumer brands. He has held senior leadership positions across several businesses including PurpleBrick, MoneySuperMarket and lastminute.com . He loves spending time with his family and there is no doubt that

For those contemplating currency exchange and seeking optimal value for their money, Lumon emerges as the ideal choice. With a track record spanning over two decades and over 69,000 satisfied clients, Lumon stands as a model of trust and reliability in facilitating Mediterranean relocations while safeguarding clients’ financial interests.

Lumon wants their clients to realise the benefits of using a specialist international payment provider over a bank. With extensive experience they can deliver unbeatable services and benefits to their partners and clients.

Some of the benefits which Lumon stands out for are: savings compared to bank exchange rates, fast and secure payments, free consultation with market specialists, currency market insight, access to currency risk mitigation tools, knowledgeable dealers available to deliver timely information, clear and simple processes and simple and secure online trading platform.

Lumon’s dedication to excellence, personalised service, and strategic expansion positions it as a leading player in the Spanish property market and beyond. As the region continues to attract international investors, Lumon remains steadfast in its commitment to providing top-notch currency exchange solutions and fostering long-lasting relationships with its clients.

Lumon is poised to assist businesses and individuals from the outset, providing outstanding service with a familiar and friendly approach. Their dedication to understanding each client’s unique circumstances ensures a seamless and excellent experience. Lumon will make your currency exchange journey hassle-free and efficient.

NEW OFFICE: The inauguration event at Los Alcazares.

High quality of life

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

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

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

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

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

trainer, and interior designer.

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

Credit: Mira Pranger

Mira Pranger.

Mira works as an actress, personal

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

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

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

Happy like at home

DIRTY AND HAPPY opened its doors five years ago with the ambition to provide outstanding staycation and familiar care to dogs. The canine residency is located in Los Montesinos surroundings, close to La Rafaela.

The residency has the perfect location away from busy roads and crowded areas. It gives the opportunity to the business to own a big piece of land in a quiet area where the residency and its rooms are located, having enough space for seven parks and other wooden areas for the animals to enjoy.

They are proud to provide a very inclusive residency for all types of dogs, offering them spacious rooms and ample space to run, play, and socialise with other fellow companions. Although dogs are the main visitors, you can bring other small animals like cats and rabbits. Families can use the residency service from days to months, and also day care.

Inma, an ardent animal lover and one

of the employees at Dirty and Happy, firmly believes that the key to their success lies in the familial approach they take toward their guests. They have crafted a residency that transcends the typical dog hotel, instead offering a second holiday home for their furry visitors. Here, every need is met with love and attention.

The prices are very competitive, having in mind their professionalism and utilities. The price for a day including the night stay is €16 and for only daycare €11. They provide discounts for long stays or more than one animal. And they are open 365 days of the year!

If you are looking for a friendly place where trusty workers treat your hairy family member with love and care while you are away or busy, this is certainly the place.

Partida La Rafaela, Polígono 1, 03187 Los Montesinos (Alicante)

TLF: 966 063 577 - dirtyandhappy.com

Monday-saturday 9.00-13.00 and 16.30-20.30 - Sunday: 10.00-12.00

Choc prices surge

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

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

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

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

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

CHOCOLATE: Indulgent necessity.

significant attention from commodities experts.

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

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

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

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

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

BRITISH CUISINE IN QUESADA

IN the small and vibrant town of Quesada you can find glorious eateries, among other entertaining venues. Quesada has become a popular place to live because of its services, abundant cultural offer, the beautiful mountain scenery and the 10-min drive to the nearest beach are very attractive. Among the many attractions, one gem stands out: Quesada Fish and Chips.

Quesada Fish and Chips has transcended mere dining to become an institution beloved by British expatriates yearning for the tastes of home, particularly the cherished Sunday roasts. Proudly operated as a three-generation family business, this establishment prides itself on delivering generous portions of superior fare at unbeatable prices, crafted from only the finest ingredients.

The restaurant’s popularity is undeniable, owing to its signature dish of fish and chips alongside traditional British fare like mushy peas, mashed potatoes, and pies. But the menu doesn’t

stop there; it also offers a diverse selection ranging from burgers and salads to wraps, catering to varied palates and preferences

day roast, Quesada Fish and Chips has garnered a loyal following of customers who visit the place weekly to revel in hearty meals with family and friends. The allure lies not only in the ample servings and fair pricing but also in the extensive food choices, including a vegetarian option for the Sunday roast, ensuring a fulfilling dining experience for all.

By serving the quintessential Sun-

Amidst the savoury aromas. Friendly staff and lively chatter, the atmosphere at Quesada Fish and Chips exudes warmth and cordiality, inviting people to indulge in more than just a meal. The meticulous attention to cleanliness and the bustling energy within the establishment contribute to its appeal as a welcoming haven for diners seeking not only culinary satisfaction but also a memorable dining experience.

Adjacent to the restaurant stands another local favourite: Green Baize, a bustling snooker hall also run by a fa-

Every Day 10am – 10pm

• Phone: (34) 966 719 136

• Email: quesadafishandchips.com

• Address: Calle Los Arcos, Quesada, 03170 Rojales, Spain

mily business. Boasting one of Spain’s largest snooker facilities, Green Baize features four full-size snooker tables, two professional pool tables, dartboards, and multiple TVs broadcasting live sports events from across the globe. With a fully stocked bar, patrons can savour a pint while engaging in friendly competition with friends. Notably, Green Baize offers the same quality menu as Quesada Fish and Chips, ensuring a seamless transition from dining to recreation.

In summary, Quesada Fish and Chips is a culinary haven not to be missed. With meal deals starting at €7.50 or €13.50 for two, menu of the day is available from 12 until 5 and Sunday roasts priced at €10.50 for two courses, the establishment takes pride in satisfying its customers with an array of enticing offers. Due to its popularity, it is recommended to book your table in advance. Immerse yourself in the charms of Quesada and treat yourself to the delights of this British gem.

• https://www.instagram.com/quesada_fishandchips/

Herbal health

SPAIN has a rich tradition of herbal medicine. There is still a great deal of knowledge about wild medicinal plants and most families have, or even make their favourite re medies.

There are 1,376 wild plants in Spain which have been documented as having poten tial medicinal uses.

Only 8 per cent are classified as endange red, so most are com monly available and thri ving. Families collecting small parts of the plants for their own use has no measurable effect on the species overall survival. Spain’s flora is diverse and, due to small farm production rather than agricultural monoculture, widespread.

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

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

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

Nourish, soften

Far from being lost to cultural his-

tory, herbal knowledge and use of plants as medicine is increasing, particularly after the global pandemic. This resurgence draws

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 home-made sugar scrub to slough off dead skin cells, promoting smoother lips. Aloe vera gel, known for its healing properties, can be applied to soothe and repair chapped skin. Lastly, maintain a nutrient-rich diet, including foods high in vitamins A and E, which contribute to overall skin health. By incorporating these natural remedies into your routine, you can nurture your lips back to a supple and healthy state, ensuring a comfortable and beautiful smile.

Wild herbs growing

shutterstock

The gel from Aloe Vera plants can soothe sore lips.

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.

FIRST STUDIO: BFT Barcelona.

Credit: BFT eixample/Instagram.com

Quick relief tips

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 pre-

servative-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.

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.

EATING HEALTHY: Family dinner with broccoli.

Credit: Cottonbro studio, Pexels

DRY EYES: Simple strategies can be effective.

Shutterstock/ fizkes

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.

• 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 North La Nucia - to the future!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Almeria Almeria taking off

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

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

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

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

Costa Calida Murcia lights up

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

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

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

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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

UK’s new pet ban

social and welfare 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.

CONSTRUCTION

BUILDERS

BALUSTRADES

BOILERS

BLINDS

DRAINS

ENERGY

ELECTRICIAN

GRILLS

GLASS CURTAINS

HOME MAINTENANCE

LOCKSMITHS

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

POOL MAINTENANCE

ARCHITECT

BUILDING SERVICES

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

BUY & SELL

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

OVER 400 DVD’s for sale. As new. €300 ONO. 0044 7971 459588 (WhatsApp) (305596)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

RETIREMENT SALE: Sunday market stall Zoco. Quality Watches, Silver Jewellery Sales & Repairs. Full Repairs training given. 9am-2pm Sundays. Other days available. Sunday market: 5 figure annual profit income. Well established clientele, over 17 years. Accounts figures available. Repairer contacts available. Supplier contacts available. Well stocked, ready for takeover. Price negotiable. Phone 696 311 704 (305595)

CARE HOME

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

CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your lifedamaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

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

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

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

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH

Tel: 950 617 549 www. givinglight.com.(10006)

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

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

Centre at office@helpvegabaja. com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)

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

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

PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459)

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

ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group:  The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via

the RAFA website  rafa.org. uk Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@ gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branches. britishlegion.org.uk/branches/ orihuela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl. co.uk. (95457)

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

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together

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

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorrevieja@aol.com (95455)

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

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

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

THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)

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

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

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

711 008 250, or email: marion. smith@amscb.org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org. es (295976)

ELECTRICIAN

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

FOR SALE/WANTED

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

GOLD WANTED

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuranceinspain. com or email tracey@sosin suranceinspain.com

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral,

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

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

CLASSIC MATURE SPANISH

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

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

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

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

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

MUSIC

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

MUSIC TUITION

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

OTHERS

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

MOTORHOMES

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

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

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

PERGOLAS

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, made to measure pergola covers, cushions, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. Mazarron based, and reaching Almeria to Costa Blanca, plus mail order.  Google: KrugerCano pies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399  krugercanopies@ yahoo.co.uk (301485)

PETS

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

PET CHARITY

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

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

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

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

RADIO

PLUMBERS

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

POOL MAINTENANCE

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 865 758 056 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (294206)

PROPERTY FOR RENT

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

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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.

Rowing champs

Anna Ellis

THE Real Club Náutico Torrevieja rowing team made an impressive showing at the 22nd Spanish Rowing Metre Championship, bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Daniel Martínez Espinosa secured gold in the men’s junior category, while José Daniel Martínez López won silver in the men’s 500-metre distance.

Belén Hernández Onteniente also claimed bronze in the women’s 500-metre distance. Their achievements helped the Real Club Náutico Torrevieja secure the fifth position in the national club medal table.

The rowing team travelled to San Jaime de Enveija (Tarragona) for the championship, organised by the Rem Delta Club, the Catalan Rowing Federation, and the Spanish Rowing Federation.

Over 230 participants from 40 clubs competed in various categories, including juvenile, children, ca-

The rowing team.

det, youth, sub23, absolute, lightweight, veteran, and Paralympic.

In addition to their success at the Spanish Championship, the Real Club Náutico Torrevieja rowing team also excelled at the Remoergometro Spanish Open, securing gold and silver medals in mixed relays.

The gold medal team included Nadia Georgieva Goryonova, Alejandro Vera Montesinos, and Daniel Martínez Espinosa, while the silver medal team comprised Nadia Georgieva Goryonova, Belén Hernández Onteniente, Alejandro Vera Montesinos, and José Daniel Martínez López.

Torrevieja Petanca League

AN exciting new petanca league has launched in Torrevieja. The Torrevieja (Fun in the Sun) Petanca League started with a triples competition at the pistes of Las Philipinas last week. Fifteen of the founding teams took part in a full day of petanca in lovely warm sunshine, with over 120 players taking part.

After five hours of play the team of Domino Phoenix emerged as winners, with Peacock Marinaros and Domino McCoy’s in joint second place.

All of the players joined in a fun day with lots of friendly banter

and camaraderie.

Host Club Las Filipinas Fireballs, provided refreshments

and a scrumptious BBQ, which was enjoyed by all of the competitors helping to make the day a resounding success.

Next week the summer league season will commence in earnest with each of the teams taking part playing all of the other teams on a one-off basis until the league takes a break for the summer.

This league has been established to provide both players and teams alike an opportunity to play petanca in a social friendly environment, with fairness and camaraderie as core values.

PETANCA: Pictured are all of the teams taking part in the inaugural event.