Costa del Sol 14 – 20 March 2024 Issue 2019

Anne Bowles of La Cala Lions.

Photo: Facebook / Mij as Town Hall

Kevin Fraser Park

THE rainstorm that hit Costa del Sol in the early hours of Saturday morning, March 9, washed away a large part of the beach of El Bombo in Mijas and caused significant damage to a beach bar located on the seafront.

The high seas knocked down a watchtower, a beach bar was seriously affected, with part of its structure badly damaged leaving several pipes exposed as the photographs show. Municipal services cordoned off the area to prevent injury to any pas-

Swept away

sers-by.

The mayor of Mijas, Ana Mata, published on the social network X (formerly Twitter) several photos showing the damage that the heavy rains caused on the beachfront of the town.

“The storm has caused a lot of damage to our beaches. The central government must take all the necessary actions to stabilise the coastline. As mayor I will continue to demand that measures are taken,”

Mata said in her message postedon X.

The coastline of Mijas has been suffering for some time now from storms and the town hall had already planned to deposit 13,000 cubic metres of sand in El Bombo to alleviate the loss of the beach.

Now though it is estimated that approximately 200,000 cubic metres of sand disappeared overnight because of this latest storm.

Honoured

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.

“These are indispensable women for Mijas as they carry out outstanding social work, carrying out tasks that help to promote culture, sport, traditions and helping people in vulnerable situations,” said Ana Mata, adding that, “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.”

In her address, 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.

The Diabetic Support Group works to increase the awareness of this potential silent killer, by providing much needed information through regular talking and testing.

Thanks were also given to her nurses Fay and Mercy, the volunteers Max, Jon, Dot and Diane who are always available to help, together with her friend fellow Lion Anita. Katja and Lauro of the La Cala Town Hall Foreigners department were also warmly thanked.

Anne said, “Without all the collaboration from these people I would not be here receiving this welcome award today - so once again very big thanks to you all and Viva Mijas!”

EL BOMBO: The beach bar was seriously affected by the rainstorm.

Photos: Ana Mata / X

Water donation

BENALMADENA Town Hall has received another 320,000 litres of water from the swimming pools of the Hotel Mac Puerto Marina in Benalmadena Costa and the Andalucía Apartments in Calle Le Courbosier, water that will be used for irrigation so that none is wasted.

June Rendle

SADLY, June Rendle ALAM (Hons) passed away quietly in her sleep on Monday March 4, aged 93. She was a prominent and important member of the International Theatre Studio for many years.

Filling up

AFTER months of decline, the latest rains have increased the amount of water in the reservoirs which supply the Costa del Sol. La Concepción reservoir is now at almost 60 per cent of its total capacity, with 262.30 hectometres accumulated in the first weeks of 2024.

Noise reduction

€3.3 MILLION has been awarded by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility to carry out works on the AP-7 motorway on the section between Malaga and Estepona as it passes Torremolinos to reduce traffic noise in the area by building three large screens.

Shop closed

THE Scottish butcher in Fuengirola is likely to be closed for a while as owner, Scott has had a nasty accident on his scooter and is in Costa del Sol hospital awating treatment. On the shop’s Facebook page, Scott posted, “I hope to be cutting up the meat for you all as soon as possible.”

Flood prevention

IN a time of severe drought it is strange to be talking about ood prevention. However, Fuengirola Town Hall and the Junta de Andalucia are taking steps to put an end to the ooding problems in the Paseo Marítimo of Torreblanca by repla-

cing the sewage collection system that dates back to 1979. “We have been demanding urgent action as, during heavy rainfall, the pipe

No more 100ml?

SPANISH airport operator, Aena, is changing the restrictions on liquids in cabin baggage thanks to the installation of new 3D X-ray scanners. This measure will allow liquids to be kept inside hand baggage without having to be removed at security checkpoints.

The first trials in Spain will be carried out at Barajas airport in Madrid and El Prat in Barcelona which together account for 40 per cent of all passenger traffic in Spain. The technology will then be rolled out to other airports in the country, including Malaga-Costa de Sol, hopefully as early as the end of 2024. In total, Aena is investing €1.17 billion in security and baggage screening.

At a European level, the European Commission has already started talking about easing restrictions and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is also backing proposals to gradually relax security restrictions at airports.

network ooded a large part of the Paseo Marítimo,” said the mayor, Ana Mula. The work will cost nearly €9 million, a ecting just over 1.1 kilometres of pipework and will take around 12 months to complete.

The project consists of replacing the existing 800-millimetre diameter concrete pipework with 1,200 and 1,400-millimetre high-density polyethylene.

The project also includes the creation of an in-line storm tank with a structure made up of prefabricated reinforced concrete frame modules.

LED lighting

FUENGIROLA will have LED technology in all of the public lighting within a year, said Mayor Ana Mula.

This will mean a reduction in annual electricity consumption of 150 megawatt hours, a saving of around €400,000 per year, as well as a reduction in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere of some 495 tonnes.

“We have been working for many years to improve this essential service.

“To this end, we have

Bike rental scheme

MALAGA will relaunch its bike rental scheme, but not before 2025 or even 2026.

The councillor for Mobility, Trinidad Hernández, said that the city council is already working on resuming the service, which has been in the hands of a private company for two years after the Malaga Bici contract was

terminated.

Hernández excused the lack of the public service on the grounds that technicians recommended, “building the house before buying the furniture,” pointing out that a connected, safe and cohesive network of cycle lanes was needed first.

“We are working

with the main bicycle associations in this country to have them as soon as possible,” said councillor, Nicolás Sguiglia.

At the moment the bicycle rental service in the city is offered by private company Dott, at a price of €17.40 per hour, compared to the 50 cents that Malaga Bici used to cost.

made a firm commitment to LED technology.

“A system that, in addition to projecting much more luminosity than the previous ones, manages to save on energy consumption, and therefore, on electricity costs,” said the mayor.

The town hall has budgeted to spend almost €14 million to replace the nearly 5,600 streetlights that are not yet using this system with LEDs and to maintain them for a period of 15 years.

AFTER years of uncertainty, Benalmadena Town Hall has announced plans to demolish the former Hotel Los Pintores to make way for a new development on the site, which is located in an upmarket residential area on the coast.

The three buildings that make up the complex, which has been derelict since it was forced to close during the economic crisis of 2008, have been branded “eyesores” by local residents, as they have been boarded up for some time to prevent squatters returning. The last squatters living in the abandoned complex were evicted by police in January 2022.

The hotel, which was immersed in bankruptcy proceedings, was recently acquired by the real estate company Aliseda and the company is now in talks with the council to proceed with the demolition of the three buildings.

Photo: Fuengirola Town Hall

REPLACING PIPEWORK: The project will take around 12 months to complete.

New bridge

Kevin Fraser Park

ESTEPONA Town Hall has installed a new bridge on the Bahía La Plata section of the coastal path.

The new structure replaces the existing one,

Affiliated to

which was in poor condition due to its age, dating back to 2007, and the corrosive effects that it had been suffering due to its proximity to the sea. This equipment is now safer

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for pedestrians, as well as being more modern and better integrated into the surroundings.

New centre takes shape

IT has been revealed by the mayor of Torremolinos, Margarita del Cid, that the future social centre which is being completed on the site of the old market will be named after Isabel Manoja, in honour of this well-known and committed woman from Torremolinos.

Isabel Manoja or ‘Isabelichi’, as she was popularly known, was a tireless fighter for the independence of

the municipality. She died in 1988, just four months before the town achieved its autonomy. One of the main arteries of Torremolinos bears her name, now also this important social building.

Del Cid told the Manoja family: “It is a recognition of one of the most important women in the recent history of Torremolinos and one with a clear social vocation.” This facility,

currently under construction, will be completed in April, with the intention that it will be open to the public by June.

The building will house the Community Social Services Centre, the Disadvantaged Areas Plan, the Family Treatment Team, a special office for the elderly, as well as all the activities related to volunteering and social activities, among others.

Promotions and discounts

FUENGIROLA town councillor for Commerce, Francisco Javier García Lara, launched an initiative that the town will host from April 4 to 6: ‘Outlet and Promotion Fuengirola’.

Town hall workers demolished and removed the old bridge. The new bridge, which has required an investment of €39,000, has been built by a specialised company in Asturias. It is 11 metres long, 3.5 metres wide and weighs 12 tonnes. It is made of pine wood. One of its main characteristics is that it is made in a single piece and has integral stainless steel ironwork reinforcements.

“We organised the Outlet and Promotion campaign Fuengirola 2024 so that our local commerce, after the sales period, can clear the stocks of products that have been left, as well as promotions and discounts on new season items,” explained García Lara.

All shops in Fuengirola that are open to the public and that undertake to offer ad-

ditional discounts on items left over from the sales period and affordable promotional prices on new season items are able to participate in this initiative.

To participate, interested traders can pick up an application form at the information desk of the town hall or download it from the municipal website www.fuen girola.es. The deadline for submitting the application form is March 22. The Department of Commerce invited all businesses to register and participate in this initiative that seeks to promote their sales in a period of low activity for trade in our city.

New

Photos:

Gimme shelter

Kevin Fraser Park

MARBELLA has opened its new animal shelter built to protect the welfare of dogs and cats. The works have taken almost two years with a cost of €1.8 million.

The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, visited the new facility accompanied by the president of the Triple A Association, Bettina Pietsch, who thanked the town hall for the “municipal effort” to provide the city with “decent facili-

“The facilities have been designed with the assistance of Triple A and the technicians of the Health Department,” said the mayor, who said that, “Marbella has always shown itself to be an animal-friendly city and had to have a facility to match this commitment.”

In total, the facilities have the capacity to hou-

se 600 pets, with separate kennels, play areas and a medical area with operating theatres. Triple A not only offers a shelter service, but also has a vet who will be able to attend to the pets in the two operating theatres which are now in place

The president of Triple A said that the new animal shelter will be fully operational after the transfer of the dogs that are in provisional facili-

Bulls return

IT has been almost nine years since a bullfight was held in Marbella, a situation that seems to be about to change.

Since 2015, the Marbella bullring has remained closed but, in December 2018, the town hall announced the refurbishment at a cost of €800,000. The works were completed in August 2020 and, in October, a motion was passed at Marbella Council to apply to join the Network of Andalucian Bullfighting Municipalities (RETMA).

The councillor for Fiestas, Yolanda Marín, announced at the time that bullfights would be held this year 2024, as well as concerts and other large-scale events. “The objective is that in 2024 bullfights and other events can be held to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the construction of the Plaza de Toros,” said the councillor, adding that bullfights are, “a unique cultural expression of the Spanish and particularly of Andalucians.”

Now, the website ‘Málaga Taurina’ has just reported that bullfighting will return to Marbella in the summer and negotiations are at an advanced stage for a bullfight to be held with three top matadors in the first two weeks of June 2024.

Marbella is one of the five towns in the province of Malaga which are members of the Network of Andalucian Bullfighting Municipalities (REMTA). Other current members include Benalmadena, Gaucin, Montecorto and Villanueva del Rosario.

ties. “We are very happy and grateful to all those who have carried out this project,” said Pietsch.

However, not everyone is happy as reports have been received that the buildings are poorly built which has meant the animals have been without shelter during the recent storm.

Despite this it has also been noted that the project was 50 per cent over budget.

MARBERUN is back

THE charity night race ‘Marberun’ for the benefit of Aspandem is aimed at all people who like sport and want to run while supporting ASPANDEM.

People with reduced mobility and people with intellectual disabilities can take part and, for 2024 Nordic walking is included and runners can also participate with their pets.

The race will be held on Saturday May 11, starting at 8pm with a route which starts and finishes in Calle José Saramago, next to Plaza de Antonio Banderas in Puerto Banús.

The race is 10km for adults and various distances for children and 300, 500 or 1,000 metre events for children under 15 years old and wheelchair users.

The registration fee is €10 for the 10km race and €6 for children and, at the end of the race, trophies and a commemorative t-shirt will be handed out.

All the money raised will go entirely to Aspandem and the amount collected will be used to purchase equipment to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.

For more information or to register, please visit the link: marberunaspandem.wordpress.com

NEW FACILITY: For the welfare of dogs and cats.

Photo: Marbella Town Hall

Climbing the wall

Michael Carrington ESTEPONA will have the largest municipal outdoor climbing wall in Spain. The infrastructure, which is in the final phase of construction, will become a unique space for the practice of ‘outdoor’ climbing.

This new facility, which is being finalised by Estepona Town Hall in the Permanent Fair, Sports and Leisure Park, will have the charecteristics that will allow, in addition to amateur sports, the holding of national and even international competitions for elite sportsmen and women.

It will have a complete surface area of 662 square metres, which will be divided up for the practice of the different disciplines: speed area (115 square metres), difficulty area

(363 square metres) and block area (184 square metres).

For the construction of the climbing wall, high-precision 3D modelling and a self-stable structure of 130 tonnes of steel with a luminous coating have been used. The space will have a covered area and can also be used at night, as it will be equipped with a lighting system.

Climbing is currently a booming sport that became part of the

international Olympic programme from 2020. The aim of the new structure is that both amateurs and elite athletes can practise, train and compete at any level.

Estepona has increased its sports facilities over the last 12 years with important facilities such as the Fair and Sports Park, where you can practise more than 20 disciplines free of charge throughout the year.

Debate on hours

SPAIN’S Minister of Employment, Yolanda Díaz has said that, “It is unreasonable for a country to have its restaurants open at one o’clock in the morning,” and highlighted the differences in the opening hours of the hotel and catering industry between Spain and the rest of Europe.

EWN posted her remarks on our website and social media and the reaction from readers was unanimously in favour of the

status quo with one reader commenting, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”

And, in a complete rejection of the Minister’s remarks, the tourism sector in the province of Malaga has said they are totally opposed to the possibility of cutting the opening hours of restaurants and terraces on the Costa del Sol and in the rest of Andalucia.

The hospitality businesses consider themselves the economic engine for

MALAGA has one of the most spectacular Semana Santa processions according to National Geographic magazine, ranking the city among Spain’s top 10.

“Silence, drums, firelight, pasos and liturgies. The events celebrating Holy Week fill the streets of towns and cities all over Spain,” reports the magazine, explaining: “The processions and religious events multiply for days, although the peak of these religious demonstrations of pain and feeling reach their zenith on Passion Friday. Holy Week are days with strong traditional roots and each region has its own characteris-

Andalucia, and a spokesperson said of the Minister, “She should be more responsible when she makes public statements representing the position she holds within the Spanish government.

“The regulation of opening hours in the autonomous community is the responsibility of both the Junta de Andalucia and the different municipalities, so it is not up to the State to control them,” concluded the spokesperson.

Top 10 at Easter

tics and differential elements.”

About Easter Week in Malaga the magazine says: “For 500 years this tradition has been celebrated in Malaga, one of the oldest and most colourful. Here, Holy Week is not lived in seclusion and silence, but with joy, with hustle and bustle, with spontaneous saetas and applause as the images pass by. The processions in Malaga are distinguished by their baroque sumptuousness and the richness of their images, accompanied by Nazarenes and penitents.”

A unique space for outdoor climbing.

Photo: Estepona Town Hall

THE mayor of Alhaurin de la Torre, Joaquín Villanova, has announced that the town hall’s plan of measures against the drought will be extended to ornamental public fountains, which will undergo design changes or be temporarily closed in order to save water.

In the Pinos roundabout, known as the pyramid roundabout, it has been decided to replace it with a series of species and flowers adapted to the Mediterranean climate and

wild flowers such as palmetto, gauras of different colours and rosemary.

The mayor said that the rest of the ornamental fountains are expected to be cut shortly and that, although the fountains work through closed circuits that reuse water, there is always around 5 per cent that needs to be replaced due to evaporation.

Water meters

Dry fountains Bus strike

Kevin Fraser Park

THE Junta de Andalucia is talking to hotels about inroom water meters to save water so that those who consume the most pay the most.

At the moment, the incorporation of smart meters, in the form of individual meters at the entrance to the bathrooms in hotel rooms, is rare. However, the proposed measure seeks to make those who consume more pay more, that is, to discourage water wastage in the tourism sector.

Smart meters in rooms has already been the subject of discussion between some hotel chains and local water companies, according to El Correo de Andalucía. The challenge for the Regional Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is to choose when, how and within what

timeframe these measures are to be implemented so as not to damage business over the summer.

Measuring consumption per user would be one of the most visible measures to control water use in one of the sectors that is always in the spotlight, tourism. In January, Emasesa, the public water company in Sevilla, published a figure that sparked the debate: each

FUENGIROLA is facing a critical situation: the suspension of the town bus service during Easter Week. According to Miguel Ríos, union representative, the strike is due to “labour discrimination in wages and working conditions.”

The discrepancy stems from a labour agreement that affects new employees, who receive considerably lower wages and lack benefits such as holiday pay and overtime.

In addition, the agreement has been changed for older workers, who now have to work longer hours without compensation. “Since this new company took over operations, we have to work longer

tourist or guest consumes an average of 350 litres of water, a figure much higher than the average resident uses.

Among the measures also up for discussion is the complete replacement of bathtubs as well as the incorporation of water aerators that increase the pressure and strength of the flow, but which can save up to 50 per cent in water consumption.

hours without compensation, we are working nine-hour shifts, and on some of the lines we don’t even have time for a sandwich,” said Ríos.

The strike, which will begin on March 15 and run until April 30, aims to press for fair negotiations. The workers demand an urgent solution to these problems, noting that their contribution to the functioning of the service has not been recognised or considered in the improvements implemented in the transport system.

SMART METERS: Would measure water consumption.

Photo:

Estepona project

THE mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, has presented the project for the remodelling of Calle Terraza, one of the main arteries of the town’s road network due to its mainly commercial character.

The mayor held a meeting with shopkeepers and local residents to present this proposal, which aims to completely transform the street to make it more accessible, safer and more sustainable.

He informed the meeting that the works have already been put out to tender for €2.4 million financed by the EU’s Next Generation Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and are expected to take eight months to complete.

The project has opted to give priority to pedestrians and create a feeling of spaciousness

to the entire urban area. In addition, the new project will renew the current paving by incorporating safer materials for pedestrians and will unify the different levels of the road to reduce the risk of falling or tripping, creating continuity along its route.

Calle Terraza connects Avenida Andalucia with Avenida España, and the area of

action envisaged runs along this road from Avenida de Los Reales towards the sea, crossing the historic heart of the town.

The work on Calle Terraza is part of the project to revitalise the historic quarter, ‘Estepona, Garden of the Costa del Sol’, which Estepona Town Hall has been working on for the past decade.

New stores in Alhaurin

CARREFOUR and Lidl will soon be opening supermarkets in Alhaurin de la Torre. This is in addition to the large Mercadona, whose planning permission was recently approved by the town hall.

Mayor, Joaquín Villanova said that these projects go beyond the supermarkets themselves, as what will be developed will be commercial areas with the possibility of other businesses in different sectors, small shops, bars and restaurants opening up adjacent to the large stores.

Lidl has plans for a large store which will be located in a commercial area to the west of town, near the ‘pyramid’ roundabout. Carrefour, will be built on Avenida de San -

ta Clara, at the eastern end of the urban area.

Both projects are currently going through the planning process prior to starting work.

“Alhaurin de la Torre has undergone an im -

portant change since Covid. What I want is for Alhaurin not to be a suburb of Malaga, but for it to have its own personality, its own history and its own quality of life,” said the mayor.

Remodelling of the town’s historic quarter.

Photo: Google

DO YOU WISH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

FIRST of all congratulations on your decision to make a difference. It rea-

lly doesn’t take up a lot of time. When choosing which organisation you

want to work with it’s important that the Vision and Values of the Charity

you select dovetails with what you want to get from volunteering. Sounds simple, but too many prospective volunteers lose heart when the ‘reality’ of their choice sets in.

To avoid such disappointment you are invited to check out a rather special Charity - AGE CONCERN MARBELLA-SAN PEDRO. Our Vision is straightforward and to the point. Helping the older expat community to ‘live their best lives’. Older people are special so the Charity is built on Care, Fun and Friendship.

We do this by offering practical FREE Welfare Advice that is available five days a week from 10am to 6.00pm on our Helpline 689 355 198 We have four easily accessible coffee mornings, all

with a sense of ‘family’ that we know most older people miss.

The Charity also operate a Social and Activity centre which as the name suggests offers a range of interests and the opportunity to discuss any issues in person on Monday mornings

We have a range of ‘volunteering’ opportunities to suit everyone. These include taking clients to their medical appointments, offering translation services and putting the ‘fun’ back into fundraising. We don’t ‘pigeon hole’ you or your skill set - that is just short sighted

and a waste of talent.

Over the past seven years we have earned the trust of clients, volunteers and the community. Not just because of WHAT we do but also the WAY we do things

If you would like to find out more, please get in touch ANY weekday between 10.00am and 6.00pm. Please call or WhatsApp our Helpline on 689 355 198.

Our Helpline will be answered by a trained volunteer who has the time to listen to you and answer all your questions. We look forward to meeting you

Alan and Sarah Groves were commended for being good neighbours.

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 difficult for people who are not familiar with the system and have no family support on hand. Spanish people depend on their families in times of crisis like this. Others don’t have that support.”

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

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

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

Unexploded bombs

CC Paul Edwards

Serna

Credit: Noa

COLACHO: Leaps over the children to dispel bad spirits.

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

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

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

street on pillows and cushions just in time for the Colacho to arrive and literally leap over the children in order to dispel bad spirits and ensure that they enjoy good health.

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

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

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.

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.

The crater left after one of the bombs was exploded.

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

Become a travel blogger

John Smith

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

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

in Spain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street flickr

IRELAND

Measles alert

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

Not a laugh

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

NORWAY

Super setting

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

Tragic fail

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

Lost and found

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

Bank on it

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

EURO PRESS

NETHERLANDS

Harmful herbs

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

ITALY FRANCE

Fine gesture

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

Paint job

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

It’s magic

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

Strong message

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

Hands-on

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

Not fair

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

FINLAND

Radar ruse

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

Wages gap

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

SWEDEN

Not needed

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

Flypast

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

BELGIUM

Domino effect

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

Work it out

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

Spy game

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

Hot stuff

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

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

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Talk quietly

TWO years after its launch

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

More woes

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

Tastes good

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

New use

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

Summed up

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

€6 billion STAT OF WEEK

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

Falklands contract

Linda Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

The company, founded in 1861 by Edward Harland

Cellnex plans

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portugal offer Naming names

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

buybacks between 2026 and 2030, it said.

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

Spending down

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaccine factory Office orders

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

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

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

Armed up

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

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

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

BONDALTI

Photo credit: Cellnex.com

Photo credit: CC/August Schwerdfeger

ICONIC COMPANY: Harland and Wolff’s Belfast shipyard.

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

Windfall tax

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

Long-term

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

Where did it go

Linda Hall

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

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

BODY SHOP: Stores are already disappearing

Morocco’s choice

PUBLICLY-OWNED Spanish company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pay rise

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

Golden high

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

at an early stage, the Telegraph said.

Photo credit: CC/Edwardx

It’s time to wake up

LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time to wake up and tackle the true problems that threaten our existence on this wonderful planet.

Keep the faith.

Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

Berlin scores big

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEAPY

Leapy Lee’s

Image:

Spotlight

Music Talent Show

Marbella Town Hall and Hard Rock Hotel Marbella have organised a competition to find the best musical talent in Andalucia.

Echoes of the 60s

Michael Carrington

A SPECTACULAR show featuring music from early rock to Woodstock, ‘when music changed the world’, will be taking place on Saturday March 30 at Divot, Banus Executive Golf in Marbella with doors open at 7pm and a 60s show from 9pm.

Enjoy a set menu extravaganza for €85 per person which includes a half bottle of wine each and a welcome glass of cava on arrival.

Chef de Cuisine and Maître d’ for the last 12 years.

David Hart

THE town hall and Hard Rock Hotel Marbella have launched a project called ‘Spotlight Music Talent Show’, a contest that aims to find the best musical talent in Andalucia.

The councillor for Youth, Alejandro González, explained that the initiative, which is aimed at people aged between 16 and 35, will have two auditions on April 5 and 6, a semi-final on April 20 and a final on April 27, to

be held at the hotel itself.

The winner, among other prizes, will perform weekly at the hotel during this season.

The runner-up will be able to perform once a month and the winner of the third place will do so once this year.

The jury will be made up of a member of the hotel, a member of the council and a music expert and the inscriptions, which are already open, can be made through the Youth website. The di-

rector of Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, Ignacio Gómez, thanked the town hall for its support in this project, which, “seeks to discover, encourage and promote the talent of young people in Andalucia,” he said, adding, “we are placing Marbella in the cultural spotlight.”

Urbanización Nueva Andalucia, s/n, Nueva Andalucia, 29660 Marbella, Málaga 951 552 050 hardrock.com/marbella

Divot is a new concept in Marbella, a Gastro Grill restaurant which not only offers the best selection of meats on the market, but also a wide variety of fish and pasta dishes for diners looking for a gastronomic experience.

Created by Martins Vanags and Ben Mahdaoui, between them they have more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, working hand in hand as

At the beginning of 2020, they took over the Divot Restaurant with their own vision of international cuisine, providing with passion the best food and service to their customers. For more information on this event and to book your table call Banús Executive Golf, Cam. del Ángel, s/n, Nueva Andalucía, 29660 Marbella, 951 56 61 72 - 628 594 010 or info@divot.es.

Photo: Divot

Misake a new high quality Asian Fusion restaurant opens in Mijas

IF you love Japanese food, especially all forms of sushi then the newly opened Misake Restaurant in Mijas is an absolute must to visit.

A large number of people arrived at the restaurant for its exceptional opening event which took place on Saturday March 9 with a formal ceremony whereby a red ribbon was cut and guests were welcomed personally by the owners and their staff.

There has been an incredible eye to detail when designing this modern and vibrant restaurant and it offers stylish dining both inside and out.

As you enter this elegant new eatery you can’t help but be impressed with the sense of style and size of the restaurant with its impressive bar set to one side and two quite distinct seating areas which you know will be comfortable just by looking at them.

There is also a private room with modern decoration available for parties of up to 18 people, but wherever you sit, you can be sure that not only will it be comfortable but there will be plenty of space between the tables.

When the weather becomes warmer, then there is a very large terrace that guests can also take advantage of.

The ambience is Japanese and the entire restaurant exudes a calm and peaceful mood which can only enhance

the pleasure of the dining experience.

If you don’t completely understand the difference between sushi, maki, nigiris, sashimi and the other delicately flavoured options on offer, don’t worry as the experienced and knowlegable staff will be happy to explain what is on offer in this modern Asian Fusion style restaurant.

On the opening night, it was clear that everyone from kitchen staff to front of house were well trained with food being prepared from the tastiest ingredients and served with style, ensuring that the hot food was hot and the cold food was at exactly the right temperature.

Food isn’t just about taste but is a combination of senses with the addition of sight, smell, hearing and touch and many of the dishes were served on exquisite plates clearly specially commissioned by the restaurant and there were genuine food artists at work with the addition of dry ice to make the meal even more enchanting.

The mayor of Mijas took the opportunity to visit Misake and to welcome this latest restaurant to the many high quality homes of gastronomy currently open in in the municipality.

spectacular firework show and two dragons performed their traditional dance to the delight of those who were there.

Looking forward Misake is going to be a major contender for top Mijas restaurant and with the charming and popular Ms Sonia involved, guests can be assured of a warm welcome.

In addition to the fine food, guests were entertained with live music, a

One of the partners in this venture, Mr En Lei Zhou, for whom this is a second restaurant experience, told Euro Weekly News that “what makes this restaurant unique is the top quality of the ingredients and the international environment, and the decoration.”

www.misakesushi.es

If you care to make a booking at Misake, Ctra de Mijas, Urb. Las Yucas, Nº 1 by calling 682 373 937 or 951 512 726 before March 31, you can take advantage of their opening offer of a discount of 30 per cent on normal prices and in due course they will be offering a take away option.

The restaurant is open seven days a week 1pm to 4.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Free parking is available for all clientele and patrons of the restaurant.

Sponsored

Donkey day out

THE donkeys of Donkey Dreamland are going to the beach! On Saturday March 16, the charity gets the opportunity to take the donkeys to the beach in Mijas. It is only once a year that they are allowed to do this and you can join them on this unique experience. They will be taking the donkeys for a long walk to the beach, along the shore, all the way up to the end of La Cala de Mijas stopping at ‘Peña el Caballo’ a little country style cortijo where a delicious Spanish lunch will be served and the donkeys too will have their

lunch there. Tickets are €60 for adults and €25 for children, but there are only 20 places available.

Please send a WhatsApp to 640 111 651 for more information and you can also book online at the following link: bookwhen. com/donkeydreamland/e/ ev-sf9k-20240316100000

Enjoy this unique and wonderful event with with the donkeys.

Kevin Fraser Park

AS Easter Sunday approaches, Oak Firehouse & Cocktail, Marbella’s hidden dining gem, is excited to invite you for an indulgent Easter Sunday Lunch experience on Sunday March 31.

Egg-ceptional lunch

at your table for a touch of theatre. Alternatively, savour the

Alternatively,

Herb Roasted

Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb or the Slow

Nestled against the iconic La Concha, Oak Firehouse & Cocktail offers an enchanting setting, blending rustic-contemporary charm with the beauty of natural surroundings.

A stone’s throw away from La Sala Puerto Banus, this exceptional steakhouse has become a favourite for those seeking top-notch grilled meats, a premium wine selection, and a captivating cocktail list.

This egg-ceptional Easter Sunday Lunch priced at just €45 per person, is served from 1pm to 6pm and guarantees a culinary sensation featuring exquisite choices to make your Easter celebration truly special.

Begin your journey with delightful starters like Wild Game Pâté Duo, Classic Prawn and Avocado Cocktail, and Smoked Salmon Rosette. For the main course, indulge in the exceptional Roast Sirloin of Beef, expertly carved

Roasted Chicken Coquelet. Each main course is accompanied by traditional trimmings, including duck fat roast potatoes and roasted seasonal roots, ensuring a traditional Easter Sunday feast.

Book your table to enjoy a luxury Easter Sunday Lunch in Marbella at Oak Firehouse & Cocktail via email at reservations@ oakmarbella.com or alternatively call 951 319 411

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ART FOR SOUL

KATERYNA experienced a life changing experience when she left her art studio in Kiev and followed a path which led her to Marbella, Kateryna is committed to making art accessible for all, reminding people that creativity is inside of everyone.

Becoming a mother, Kateryna realised how essential it is to nurture children’s creativity. She has now relocated her studio to Marbella, working with Celeste and Olga, who deliver creative weekly classes for children.

During the holidays, they hold intensive camps and this Easter, will focus on the traditional Ukranian custom of painting eggs and making celebratory crafts to embroider the festive season. The love and care for the children and the power of creativity is visible in the space, which provides a safe and inclusive environment for all kids. Encouraging the parents to connect with their children, the women have curated special workshops, in which adults

and children spend quality time together, by leaving all mobile devices, and committing to being present in the moment. The project has blossomed into a sanctuary, where children can freely explore their creative potential, bolstering their confidence and resilience in the process.

To brighten your child’s day with a unique experience, Kateryna’s Gallery Studio is the place which makes a life-long positive impact on your lives, with the help of devoted teachers.

Holiday camp sessions are priced at €50 per day, with a 10 per cent siblings discount or the entire camp booking. The Studio awaits you at:

Avenida Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, 44, Nueva Andalucía, 29660 Marbella, Málaga, Spain 647 979 080

Saint George’s ‘Knight’

Kevin Fraser Park

SIMPLY THRIVING are organising a St George’s ‘Knight’ on the Tuesday April 23 at Monaghans in Torreblanca with entertainment from Fuengirola’s very own own Saint George.

You’ll need to start practising your singing as ‘The Lambeth Walk’, ‘Britannia rules the waves’ and ‘I love London Town’ are all going to feature in this patriotic evening.

The price is €25 per person for a welcome glass of cava on arrival and a three-course meal of some of the UK’s favourite and most popular dishes, including: Cheese and Pickle, Fish and Chips and Apple Crumble and Custard among others. A half bottle of wine per person is included in the price. So get the flags out and celebrate England’s Saint George, everyone is welcome and it all starts at 7pm.

Get your skates on

Kevin Fraser Park BENALMADENA will host an international ice skating show at the Palacio de Deportes.

The event will take place on Saturday March 16 from 12.30pm and will feature skaters from 12 countries in a high-level competition organised by Endless Summer Adult Skate Camp.

Councillor for sports, Alejandro Carretero, said that this will be, “a great show, an exciting international ice skating competition, with the participation of skaters from England, Turkey, Chile, Argentina, Germany, Belgium, Portugal,

Spain, Colombia and the United States.

The renowned elite coach and Olympic commentator Susana Palés, ISU technical specialist for Spain, will be present at the competition to assess and highlight the level of skill of the participants in their jumps, pirouettes and choreographic steps in this mix of competition and show.

Endless Summer Adult Skate Camp, organiser of this sporting event, said that it will be an unforgettable experience for those attending, inviting residents and visitors to Benalmadena to enjoy it live.

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Kevin Fraser Park

MARBELLA Town Hall, through the Delegation of Foreign Residents, is helping with the celebrations that the Bulgarian and Irish communities are organising over the weekend of March 16 and 17. There will be two celebrations, both between midday and 11pm, at the Fontanilla roundabout in Marbella. On Saturday March 16, the event ‘Bulgaria sings and dances’ will take place, an initiative in which those attending will be able to enjoy typical dishes and traditional music

ADAM DANIEL BOSZE stops time and invites you to come and watch his magic show to witness miracles and escape from reality. The theme of the show will be ‘Time’ which the audience will encounter in a different and entertaining way, unlike ever before. Adam an experienced professional magician, has been delighting audiences across Gibraltar, United Kingdom, Spain, and Hungary for over 12 years.

Now in Fuengirola, you can see Adam’s new show at the Cafe Teatro by Ocean

discover the culture and folklore of this nation. The Andaluz Choir will perform at 2pm, there will be Celtic dancers at 5.30pm and popular Costa de Sol rock band, ‘New Tricks’ will perform at 7pm.

Drive on Friday April 5 at 8pm. With a wealth of skills and experience, he guarantees that his show will be highly enjoyable for both children and adults. Come along and bring your family or friends, and immerse yourselves in the entertaining magic that you will talk about for years to come.

Purchase your tickets now at: tickettailor. com.

Culture, food and music Magic Show

Saint Patrick

ON the Costa del Sol expats enjoy huge celebrations on the saint of their country’s special day.

Next Sunday is March 17 and we will celebrate St Patrick of Ireland. St Patrick was the son of a Roman officer and deacon, studied to become a priest and for 20 years travelled throughout Ireland baptising believers and building churches and monasteries.

In Fuengirola on the port on Sunday it will be jam packed with expats and holidaymakers, all celebrating St Patrick’s Day. Even

We are a family-run business using quality products, and we love our job.

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though many might not be Irish, they will be seen with tears in their eyes at Alexandra Avery’s rendering of the song Danny Boy and When Irish eyes are smiling.

And on April 23 we celebrate St George, the patron saint of England though he never actually visited England. Little is known of the history of St George but he became popular due to the strength of his faith.

For more details ring Val on 951 313 257 or go to Simply Thriving Group on Facebook.

EASTER’S COMING! A Swedish

Easter

IN Sweden, Easter used to kick off with Shrovetide, a three-day festivity filled with carnivals and games.

People would playfully hit each other with birch twigs and go tobogganing.

Before observing a 40-day fast, it was customary to eat seven hearty meals on Shrove Tuesday.

On Easter Saturday, the mood shifted to joy as people began eating eggs again. Sometimes, eggs were painted in different colours and given as presents. In the 1800s, paper eggs filled with sweets became popular.

In western Sweden, bonfires were lit, shotguns fired, and people shouted to scare off witches, a tradition that continues today.

Decorating birch twigs with coloured feathers, dating back to the 1880s,

became common.

Legend had it that witches flew off to Mount Blåkulla to meet the Devil on Maundy Thursday.

Nowadays, children dress up as Easter witches and go door-to-door exchanging paintings for sweets.

After consuming sweets, children search for Easter eggs hidden in treasure hunts with clues and riddles.

A traditional Easter lunch typically includes pickled herring, gravlax, and Jansson’s Temptation (a dish with potatoes, onions, and pickled anchovies baked in cream), often accompanied by eggs.

The table is set like a traditional smorgasbord, decorated with birch twigs adorned with feathers.

Hallelujah Saturday

HALLELUJAH Saturday, celebrated on the eve of Easter Sunday, holds special significance in Brazil, where it’s considered a public holiday as part of the Easter festivities.

Hallelujah Saturday is lighting the Paschal Candle, symbolising the “light of Christ” that dispels darkness.

In Christianity, Hallelujah Saturday falls between Good Friday, marking Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, and Easter Sunday, commemorating his resurrection.

It symbolises the joy of Jesus’ resurrection, with celebrations starting on Saturday night at the Easter Vigil.

Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, recalls Jesus’ final days, including his Last Supper, crucifixion on Good Friday, and resurrection on Easter Sunday.

In Brazil, Holy Saturday also sees the Malhação de Judas, a festival representing the death of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Dolls resembling disliked personalities are made and “tortured” by hanging or burning, symbolising popular revenge against betrayal.

Easter Roast

During Lent, Christians refrain from saying “hallelujah” and decorating churches with flowers, but on Hallelujah Saturday, they can joyfully say it again.

CELEBRATE the joy of Easter at Olivia’s La Cala, nestled in the heart of La Cala de Mijas where you are invited to enjoy their special Easter Sunday Roast for €50 per person, which includes the soulstirring live music from Ivanildo Kembel, famed for his performances on The Voice of Holland.

This event promises to be more than just a meal; it is a symphony of exquisite flavours and musical artistry at one of Costa del Sol’s most enchanting locales.

The Easter Vigil, organised by Catholic churches worldwide, involves a solemn Mass followed by hours of prayer until just before sunrise on Easter Sunday.

Another tradition on

In addition to the special menu, guests will be entertained with festive activities such as an Easter egg hunt, face painting for the kids, and a visit from the Easter Bunny, ensuring fun for the entire family.

Don’t miss out on making wonderful memories on Easter Sunday, March 31, starting from 12.30pm until 8pm. Book your table for this exclusive dining experience via email at reservations@oliviaslacala. com or by phone 608 784 367.

Photo: Ulf Lundin/imagebank.sweden.se.

Christy’s Irish Gastropub - Guaranteed quality

ADVERTISING FEATURE

LOCATED five minutes from the main street of Fuengirola, Christy’s Irish Gastropub offers a variety of dishes at affordable prices.

The venue’s special menu features fantastic three-course meals for €22.95, including chicken liver pate, entrecote steak and chocolate brownie dessert of the highest quality.

To find out what was special about the establishment, a team from Euro Weekly News visited Christy’s Irish Gastropub and was impressed by the wide variety of menu options, including vegetarian meals.

The team members especially appreciated the spicy and tender prawns and the vegetable samosas starter for their flavourful kick.

The main courses also offer a great deal of Irish classics, including braised beef, Guinness pie and the half pounder Irish angus burger.

Bursting with flavour, the high-quality meat produce has the authentic taste of Ireland. Boasting high quality ingredients, multiple choice menus and excellent presentation, the chefs at Christy’s have lifted the term gastro-

pub to a new level. Perfect for enjoying a beer and watching a sports game with friends, Christy’s Irish Pub is rich in choices of beverages. Embracing the Irish traditions, the venue is hosting events to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

On March 15, visitors are welcomed to grab a drink and watch the Cheltenham racing, followed by the rugby match the next day, getting together to watch Ireland facing Scotland in the final round of the six nations. The weekend will conclude on March 17, with the FA Cup Quarter Finals where Manchester United will battle Liverpool and Mayo will take on Derry in the division 1 Gaelic Football league.

Throughout the weekend the venue is offering €5 pints of Guinness and Irish Coffee as well as €2 shots of baby Guinness.

Christy’s Irish Gastropub encourages the visitors to share the native festivity by wearing their best Irish outfits. All customers wearing the traditional Irish colours across St Patrick’s weekend will be granted a free shot.

Located at Calle Olleria, 20 Fuengirola.

Christy’s Irish Gastropub is open from 1pm to 1am every day of the week.

JAPANESE FUSION

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Michael Carrington WHO hasn’t listened to ‘Sultans of swing’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Brothers in arms’, ‘Tunnel of love’ or ‘Money for nothing’ by dIRE sTRAITS? ‘The great songs of dIRE sTRAITS’ is the new musical show by Óscar Rosende and his band gREAT sTRAITS, in which he pays tribute to the successful musical career of dIRE sTRAITS at the Felipe VI Auditorium Theatre of Estepona on Saturday March 16 at 9pm.

gREAT sTRAITS

An authentic sonic journey with which to enjoy once again live the magic of all the greatest hits composed by Mark Knopfler, with nine excellent musicians including Óscar Rosende, a Galician guitarist who even confused Knopfler himself and his band. In the words of Guy Fletcher (keyboard player of dIRE sTRAITS): “I was listening to him and I have to say that I thought it was one of our recordings.” After more than 260 concerts in Germany, Luxembourg, France, Portugal and Spain playing Mark Knopfler with his previous project (he was the creator, founder and leader of ‘Brothers in Band’ until 2019), Óscar Rosende presents his new band,

gREAT sTRAITS to perform the wonderful musical work of dIRE sTRAITS. ‘The great songs of dIRE sTRAITS’ is the biggest tribute production to the British band in Europe, with a careful staging and an unmistakable sound quality: the most authentic recreation of the universe of the greatest hits of the mythical dIRE sTRAITS.

Known by the media as ‘the Galician Mark Knopfler’ and acclaimed by dIRE sTRAITS fans internationally as one of the best interpreters of the Scottish guitarist, Óscar Rosende has been able to internalise Mark Knopfler’s essence and technique like no other, as well as his voice and his stage presence. Seeing and hearing Rosende on stage is a thrilling journey into the brilliant era of Mark Knopfler and the band ‘dIRE sTRAITS’.

For more information or tickets see the website: tafestepona.com.

Photo: Facebook / gREAT sTRAITS

Estepona turns green

ON Saturday March 16 Estepona celebrates St Patrick’s Day, a gathering in which the Irish population of the town will be able to enjoy their day for which several events have been planned and which will have the collaboration of Irish restaurants and bars in the town.

A concert of Celtic music by the group ‘Band O’ Leros’ is scheduled to take place from 4.30pm in the Plaza Antonia Guerrero. At 5pm a parade will start with the traditional Irish pipers ‘Sur Pipes Band’, who will visit the Irish pubs participating in the event: Banagher Irish, in Calle Adolfo Suárez; Fergusson’s, in Avenida España; and Healy’s Irish and O’Donoghue’s, in the port area. Also participating will be

of El Pilar.

To add a little green magic to this event, a passport can be collected from each participating pub, which will be stamped and can be exchanged on Sunday March 17 to enjoy the league match of CD Estepona against VelezMalaga. During the match, the Irish supporters club ‘Estepona Guiri Reds’, who cheer on the Estepona team every week, will be present and vocal.

In order to exchange your passport for a ticket, those interested must present themselves at 11.30am at tower B of the Muñoz Pérez football ground.

Another must is of course, to wear a green shirt!

Dramatised visit

David Hart

THE English Cemetery of Malaga has organised night-time dramatised visits to learn about its history. On Fridays March 15 and 22 there will be two nightly shows at 7pm and 9pm at a cost of €15.

Before the English Cemetery was created in 1831, the death of a non-Roman Catholic in Spain was problematic, as no provision was made for their burial. All cemeteries were consecrated according to the rites of the Catholic faith.

In Malaga, non-Catholics could only be buried at night, on the beach and in an upright position, and left at the mercy of the waves and of prowling dogs.

When William Mark, who had been a witness to night-time burials on the beach, became British Consul in 1824, he determined to find a site where Protestants could be given a decent burial. In 1829 the Malaga authorities finally granted him a plot of land outside the city, on the road to Almeria, and here he founded the first protestant cemetery in mainland Spain.

Now, through a dramatised nocturnal visit, you can explore this holy ground and discover its secrets,

from the shooting of Robert Boyd to the shipwreck of the German frigate Gneisenau, along with other fascinating stories, such as that of Mary Ann and her famous tomb of the stone angel. It’s a fascinating look into the history and culture of Malaga, revealing the complexities of its past through the stories buried in the English Cemetery, now brought to life in this unique night-time tour experience.

Photo: Facebook / English Cemetery

Elke has had a long career in IT

THE Barona Service Centre in the centre of Fuengirola already employs more than 350 sales, IT, and customer service employees in modern office space. There are people of many ages and in many different life situations, as well as space for new Barona employees.

One of the service centre’s employees was Elke, who headed to Fuengirola and has already had a long career in the IT industry in Finland.

“I wanted to stop the treadmill, which I felt was spinning a bit too fast in Finland, but also to learn new things professionally and get to know new people under the Spanish sun. Moving here has been a very positive culture shock for me in all respects,” Elke says.

He recommends working at Barona’s service centre to everyone and all ages, as there are good opportunities for both beginners and longterm ICT experts.

“I would like to emphasise that it is also possible to change fields or landscapes in adulthood. Working at a service centre can also be a

good start to the careers of those who apply for IT jobs through retraining, for example. For me, working here has been a great opportunity to look at working life and life in general a bit outside the sandbox,” Elke says.

Work in remote support is challenging and motivating

Elke works at Fujitsu’s remote support desk, where he helps Fujitsu’s end customers in Finland. According to Elke, the job offers a suitable number of challenges, even though it does not require an extensive network and server management as many other tasks in the IT sector.

“Even

though I myself went straight from school to become an IT expert, for many people the service desk is the first step into the world of information technology. It is possible to get to grips with the job quickly even with a little experience, and it provides a good foundation for progress,” Elke says.

“In this job, how good service you can give customers over the phone makes a concrete difference, and it motivates you to do your best,” Elke points

The work community supports at work and outside

“In my previous job, I kept a couple of steps ahead all the time, and work matters were easy to re-

member even after the working day. Here at the Fuengirola Service Centre, most of the work takes place at the office, and the working day typically ends at three o’clock at the end of working hours. After that, there is plenty of time for hobbies and recovery from work,” Elke rejoices.

Barona is the second largest employer after the town of Fuengirola and, according to Elke, has “good rules within which to operate and no decisions”. He feels that the sense of community among those working at Barona’s service centre is strong - together we can overcome even challenging situations.

“The support provided by the work community has been amazing and our team has excellent supervisors. I don’t remember ever in my 40-year career getting as good an orientation as I did when I started here.

“You get good instructions for self-study, and in addition, the atmosphere here is such that anyone who knows about it will tell others about it. It also makes learning on the job easier,” Elke points out.

INTERVIEW

High quality of life

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

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

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

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

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

trainer, and interior designer. She mentioned that transitioning was easy due to the “amazing expat community” of Valencia.

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

Credit: Mira Pranger

Mira Pranger.

Mira works as an actress, personal

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

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

Head

MARBELLA MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING

WHEN I lived in Madrid I was fully aware of what was going on in Spain. I knew the name of the President, the leaders of the different political parties as well as their comings and goings. Their demeanours and misdemeanours were common conversation with colleagues and friends as they were always plastered over the newspapers and on Spanish television and very much a part of day to day life.

Since moving down to Marbella full-time it’s a very different story. Now, like many of the foreigners that live in coastal areas, I spend most of my time with the international community which is dominated primordially by networking not policies nor politics. This is fine by me as like many of you, I have little to no interest as to who is running the city or how they do it, I just love living here and it doesn’t seem to matter: Marbella is always great as it is.

Our town hall however has been working on many ambitious projects over the past years to bring Marbella further to the forefront of the tourism industry as a five-star destination, constantly making changes and impro -

The price of progress

vements. The efforts have obviously paid off as our city has been chosen as the Best European Destination for 2024 by over a million voters from 172 countries.

There is however a bittersweet taste to success. We have all wanted Marbella to become an all year-round tourist

destination so that business can boom, but did we want all the people that come with it and the increase in the cost of renting and buying due to the high demand?

There are many other subtle changes too. For example, have you noticed how few ‘chiringuitos’ we have left? Ori-

ginally these shack style restaurants were on the beach and quite inaccessible but the extension of the promenade over the years, now reaching from Los Monteros through to San Pedro de Alcantara, has turned them into frontline opportunities. Since the addition of the new bridge built at the end of last year over the river Guadaiza the pace on the promenade has really picked up, becoming a littoral highway for many who embrace this alternative route to get around.

The increase just from last year of the amount of promenade traffic is staggering with people who walk, jog, run, cycle and scoot up and down from dawn to dusk, many with dogs. One would never know we’re in the off season with the amount of circulation.

This amount of movement on the promenade has worked out well for the original owners who have been able to get good money when selling on their businesses but now we have restaurants on the beach, changing not just the traditional atmosphere of the typical chiringuito but also the ‘typical’ price.

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

I’m glad to be back

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

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

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

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

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

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

So I phone Amazon - total waste of time - they just tell me it’s a Vodafone problem. This started on Tuesday and it’s now Friday. I am getting two or three phone calls a day and nobody can tell me what’s going wrong. They then let slip this is not an isolated case but is happening to lots of punters. I don’t know why this is so difficult for them to sort out.

I will keep you informed. But if any of you have had the same problem let me know please. Just as an aside three of the six different people that I spoke to on the English helpline may have spoken some form of English but I couldn’t understand a word they said and likewise they didn’t understand my cockney accent. Am I allowed to mention that or am I breaking woke rules? I really hope I am and I’m going to break a load more over the next few weeks.

Glad to be back.

Please email with your feedback Mikesenker@gmail.com

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Victoria Car Hire UK Self Drive

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

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

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

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

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

Wild herbs growing

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The gel from Aloe Vera plants can soothe sore lips

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 preservative-free, offer immediate relief.

Follow the 20-2020 rule during prolon-

ged 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.

Specialist in pediatrics

THE pediatric specialist at our el Campanario Medical Centre in Calahonda is prepared to deal with preventive and diagnostic care procedures, such as vaccinations, pediatric control, comprehensive and continuous child care, as well as the possibility of providing guidance to the family on the habits healthy for the child in the growth process.

When faced with the doubts and concerns of parents, especially those who do not have experience, they will be able to find in the medical team of specialists in pediatrics in Calahonda a helping hand that will provide security and help in the growth process of their children. Likewise, you can count on comprehensive care in the area that requires it, from physical health to psychological and emotional health.

Avenida de España 20, Local 5, sitio de Calahonda, Malaga.

952 933 377

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 revea-

led 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.

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.

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

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.”

‘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

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 -

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

Family dinner with broccoli.

Credit: Cottonbro studio, Pexels

Contouring culture

EMBRACING

the

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

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

Master the art of blending for a seamless finish, celebrating individual features. With these tailored techniques, make-up becomes a tool to amplify the timeless elegance that defines women over 50, allowing them to embrace and celebrate their unique beauty.

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 expe-

rience with endometriosis and are committed to helping others who are affected.

The organisation works with public institutions 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 Blanca South Best in Europe

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

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

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

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

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.

PETS

‘Coco’ alive after eight days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Welfare Minister Lord DouglasMiller stated, “We are proud to have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, including these new restrictions which will help tackle

UK’s new pet ban

the inadequate conditions that some of these inquisitive creatures are kept in.

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

The RSPCA has long advocated for better living conditions for primates.

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

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

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PROPERTY

CLASSIFIEDS

AIR CONDITIONING

AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy. The family company that cares. Installation and repairs. Quality machines. Ecosense movement sensors supplied and fitted from 100 Euros. For other energy-saving products visit www.coolandcosy.es.

952 935 513. We are Junta de Andalucia authorised installers as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017). On the Costa del Sol since 1993 (303640)

Quality Air Conditioning Installations.  Economical heating, & silent in operation. 28 Years installation history in Spain.  EnviroCare. All Areas Covered.   952 663 141/670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

MR COOL – Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Sales & Service –Call Christian +34 629 527 587 or Nick +34 618 678 853 – www.mrcool.es (305074)

AIR-CONDITIONING installations. Service &

Repair to any make or model, commercial air conditioning, as well as Bar bottle coolers. Suppliers of catering equipment. All work guaranteed. All areas covered including campo. Contact Williams Refrigeration 952 596 404 / 679 284 959. (305317)

AIR CONDITIONING

SERVICING

28 Years Servicing & Installing in Spain.  EnviroCare. All Areas Covered.   952 663 141/670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com

AWNINGS

ACE OF SHADES – All colours available. Urbanisations catered for, electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design T1(101730)

SUNSHINE AWNINGS/ BLINDS Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs. 25yrs on the coast. 680 323 969 / 952 199 640 (304742)

BLINDS

ACE OF SHADES - Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Roller, Wooden blinds, various colours available, also black-out blinds. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

BLINDS, awnings, mosquito screens, curtains, vast choice. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (303730)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito Nick on telephone: 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (304439)

If

BUILDERS

SOLAR BLINDS

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

BUILDERS

34 951 386 161

14 - 20 March 2024

BUILDING SERVICES

JIM’S HOME IMPROVE

MENTS. Bathrooms/kitchen reforms, repairs, plumbing, carpentry, painting, tiling, maintenance. Give us a call no job too small. 692 207 799 / 645 559 423

GENERAL BUILDER, Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician, plumber, carpentry. Reasonable prices. 635913885 (Ref.available)

SWINGLES CASAS SL. For all your building needs. Visit www.swinglescasas.com for more details or call 635 999 765 / 666 960 262 (303441)

PLUMBING & GENERAL BUILDING All your plumbing needs. Bathroom, kitchens, tiling & painting. Benalmadena based, travel no problem. Glen 669 073 773 or Paul 642 098 115

CARS FOR SALE

QUALITY renovation:

Kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, windows, doors, plastering, Total property renovations  info@ masterbuildspain.com 952663141 /670409759

Over 28 years renovating history in Spain (302479)

METALWORK

NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Fencing, repairs & alterations. Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 19yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder. Call/WhatsApp 655 040 648 (305256)

BUY & SELL

HOUSE CLEARANCE SPE

CIALISTS, FULL OR PART CLEARANCE. ALL FURNITURE WANTED, WE PAY MORE. TEL 634 324 914 OR EMAIL house clearanceman@hotmail.com

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

ALHAURIN FURNITURE

EMPORIUM Buyers & Sellers of quality furniture. Top prices paid. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (304243)

CAR HIRE

ALH RENT A CAR – SHORT & LONG-TERM RENTALS

FROM €15 A DAY.

INSURANCE INCLUDED IN OUR PRICES. - Telephone: 638 846 909 or reser vasalhrentacar@gmail. com (303303)

CHARITY

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

CHIMNEY SERVICES

CHIMNEY SWEEP. Clean reliable professional 608 377 497 (303436)

APEX CHIMNEY SERVICES, professional chimney sweeping and smoke testing.

NACS Qualified. Clean and efficient Tel: Bob 696 320 202 (303700)

CHURCH SERVICES

BENALMADENA Elim Family Fellowship. Elimfamilyfellow ship.com or call telephone: 951 912 525 or 952 446 627. (10011)

CALAHONDA: Encounter Church (Elim), Family church with kids’ activities, Iglesia San Miguel, Sundays 4.30pm, Rev. David Hodgson, 695 115 496 (10012)

THE Ark Christian Church. We meet at The Ark Christian School, Calle Río Darro 2 y Plaza Juncal, 29651, Mijas Costa (the road behind the Mijas Aquapark) on Sundays at 11.00am. Pastor, Andrew Seale Tlf 682 713 491 www.thearkspain.com (293850)

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet, upholstery cleaning, 27 years experience, wet/dry clean.  Honest, reliable service 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 or email  acservs@outlook. com (290189)

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189)

STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance. All types of cleaning. Any size of property. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. 682 636451 www.starlight-spain. com (303728)

DECORATORS

ATD DECOR. British Painter. 30 Years’ Experience. Punctual. Great Rates. Call for free quote. 602 431 968 Facebook: @ATDDecorMalaga (304784)

RAINBOW PINTURAS

Spray painting, professional finish of kitchens, doors and furniture. All aspects of interior/ exterior paint and decorating under taken. Call/ Whatsapp: 628066308  www. rainbowpinturas.com Facebook. Instagram: rain bowpinturasmalaga (303387)

DOMESTIC APP REP

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

DRAINAGE

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

ELECTRICIAN

ALL TYPES OF ELECTRICAL work, re-wiring, fault finding. Certified, Reliable & Guarantee. Frank Tel or Whatsapp 650 561 629 (304788)

FLOOR POLISHING

MARBLE FLOOR (2.50€/ m2) WHY PAY MORE. WE CLEAN, CRYSTALLISE, SEAL THEN POLISH YOUR MARBLE TO HIGH GLOSS, NON-SLIP. PROFESSIONAL GUARANTEED, FAST SERVICE. 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. ALSO REPAIRS DAMAGES TO MARBLE, CLEAN AND

SEAL TERRACOTTA TERRACES, COVERS ALL COSTA DEL SOL. TEL: 671 244 683 (305397)

MARBLE FLOORS polished high shine non-slip. Fast Service Reliable, family-run business. TERRACOTTA CLEANED and sealed. No job too small. Cleansol 10am –10pm 7 days all areas. 952 930 861 / 607 610 578 Discount code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

MARBLE POLISHING, CRYSTALLISING, LASTING, HIGH SHINE. REGRINDING, RESTORATION OF SALTY, DEAD FLOORS. 27YRS EXPERIENCE. RELIABLE. REFS AVAILABLE. CYRIL. 645 840 199 (305107)

FOR SALE/WANTED

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

FURNITURE

FURNITURE wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (304243)

GARDENING

IRRIGATION

IRIS-IRRIGATION and landscapes. TRENCHLESS NO DIG Irrigation installation, Cables, Fibre Optic, Electric & Lighting Cables. New Installations & problem-solving. Turf (supply and laying). Garden constructions. Tree surgeon. Clearing. Astro Turf (Free Quotation) Call telephone: 676 747 521 (303376)

GATE REPAIRS

ELECTRIC GATE/GARAGE DOOR automation repaired. Free, no obligation quotation. Call Colin - 636 394 641 (304223)

GATES

ELECTRIC GATES/Garage Doors. Intercoms/access control systems and replacement remotes. New installs and repairs. For all your electric gate and garage door requirements call us on 605 356 469/952 786 178. The Garage Door Co & 2 Way Gates. tgdc@hotmail.co.uk www.2waygates.com (302680)

GLASS CURTAINS

GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN: General Building work, painting, wall/ roof waterproofing & other jobs. Call Michael 622 755 666 (305394)

HEATING

Fires:  Electric, Gas.  Quality guaranteed.  EnviroCare.  All areas covered.  952 663 141 / 670 409759.  info@ envirocarespain. com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

VINYL WRAP

VINYL SOLUTIONS WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RENOVATE? Modern adhesive vinyl coverings in hundreds of styles and designs can renovate a tired kitchen, bathroom, wall panels, bedroom wardrobes, fridge doors. Turn a tired looking wood designed kitchen into a modern solid colour or metallic look without painting or replacing. Work carried out on site with 10 year warranties Contact Ian 644 546 176 for design brochure and samples.

HOT TUBS AND SPAS

HOT TUBS new used, bought, sold, hired. Also move & repairs. Used good Hot Tubs for sale. 691 973 131 / +44 7836 379122 (304541)

HOUSE CLEARANCES

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM furniture wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (304243)

INSURANCE

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to

Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

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

LOCKSMITHS

ENGLISH LOCKSMITHS,  SECURITY & SHADE EXPERTS. FREE HOME SECURITY SURVEY. 636 770 865 / 952 660 233

WWW.SECURITYOFSPAIN.

COM CONTACT DAREN (303056) T1

ENGLISH LOCKSMITH emergency & appointment, locks changed, patio doors & windows secured. All locks supplied insurance approved. Fast & reliable service. No hidden extras or nasty surprises. 657 466 803 www. mrlocksmith.es (305380)

MASSAGE

SAN PEDRO. Sandra. Professional relaxing, tantric massage. Young, slim, work alone, unforgettable moments. Nueva Andalucia. 641 346 278

PURE RELAXATION in Nueva Andalucia with attractive independent masseuse. Tantric and other special massages in private apartment. For gentlemen and couples, with no rush attention to your needs 656 350 401

ENGLISH ELEGANT independent & affectionate lady in late 40s, gives a sensual golfers massage to relieve tension in her discreet private apartment. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 680 177 569 (305079)

MARBELLA CENTREthe ideal place for relaxing massage in the city centre. Available 24h and prices from €50. For reservations and information call 620 366 817.

PROFESSIONAL MALE muscled masseur. Full-body relaxing, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. In/ outcalls. WhatsApp me 607 595 906 (304067)

BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427

FUENGIROLA. Japanese Shiatsu & Zen Ki relaxing and therapeutic massage. Excellent service guaranteed. Home Visits. WhatsApp for appointment 693 988 340 (304785)

AT MY Wellness Massage Studio your first visit will be the first of many. Tel: +34 623 492 262 (304620)

JAPANESE massage. Marbella. Relaxing, less stress. 664 177 216 (MI 559)

MARBELLA Tantric ritual massage with aromatherapy to leave completely renewed. 642 751 070 (2907)

FUENGIROLA. Vanesa, 25 years old, beautiful brunette, Brazilian, massage and relax 672 056 595 (FU 3215)

SARA Venezuelan, professional relaxing therapeutic & sensitive massage. I can visit you. For more information contact me 632 770 051 (303021)

BENALMADENA: DANIELA

Slim Brazilian Masseur 21 - C/ Imperio Argentina 1 - 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305539)

NEW FUENGIROLA. Ruby 21 years old mulatto beautiful, massage and relax 672 056 595 (FU 3215)

FILIPINA/Thai, exclusive prostatic, deep, hard, soft massage pleasure to body mind therapy, exotic proffessional relaxation, clean, good atmosphere. Elviria. Marbella. 604 457 672 (MI 578)

60

NEW IN FUENGIROLA private Villa, four friends, total discretion, massages and relax 672 056 595 (FU 3215)

BENALMADENA: ELENA relaxing massages, model, slim, blond, 20 - C/ Imperio Argentina 1- 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305539)

BOLICHES: Celina Https:// celina-16.jimdosite.com.

Elegant loving kind lovely delightful lady for educated very discreet, respectable gentleman. Unique relaxing moments, hot sensual massages, private quite place. Enjoy full deep complete, excellent treatment, special attention of your needs and total satisfaction. Demanding impeccable hygiene. Previous appointment 11am/6pm. 622 210 797 (FU 3211)

BENALMADENA: Maria 20I am a masseur from Italy, call me today. C/ Imperio Argentina 1 - Telephone: 679 267 197 (305539)

ASIAN lady tantric sensory generate self esteem body technique, fantastic relaxation massage Marbella. 671 442 664 (MI 578)

VANESSA Benalmadena excellent massage services. Relaxing & therapeutic. Home premises. Call me 624 811 098 (305274)

BENALMADENA: Alicia Spanish brunette masseur. C/ Imperio Argentina 1 - 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305539)

ASIAN Touch Oriental European massage, prostatic, tantric, very relaxing relief pain stress, private luxury. Elviria. Marbella. 604 473 831 (MI 578)

ASIAN MASSUER offers relaxing full body massage. Home Visits. WhatsApp 641 980 066 for details (304011)

BENALMADENA: Sandra Spanish and Amalia from Colombia single and couples masseurs - C/ Imperio Argentina 1 - 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305539)

OLGA Mature Masseure relaxing & sensitive. Outcalls & Incalls. 24 hrs. Marbella – Tel: 632 467 580 (304040)

FUENGIROLA - Johanna Brazilian 45yrs Slim Mature Masseur. Relaxing Massages. Best relax guaranteed. Tel: 617.818.615 (305174)

ORIENTAL ladyboy pretty professional traditional, tantric massage relieving. Marbella. 604 428 812 (MI 578)

ASIAN PROFESSIONAL

Massage, sensual, relaxing & therapeutic, to release tension & stress. Fuengirola. Call 613 592 062 (304091)

ASIAN ladyboy and gay, authentic professional/ traditional massage therapy unique treatment, clean atmosphere. Marbella. 603 257 690 (MI 578)

GENESIS blonde explosive masseur, men and women, from Venezuela. 24 hoursoutcall / incall - visa & amexTel. 680 55 614 (304861)

CASSIE. Mature English lady. Discreet and clean. Fuengirola. 667 914 732 (FU 3031)

FILIPINO MASSAGE CENTRE, where hearts of Asian proffessional massage daily. 604 421 973 (MI 578)

BARBARA mature masseur educated 42yrs, private, 24hrs, Marbella. Tel 613 213 030 (304740)

CRISTINA and MIA - duo masseurs on holiday in Marbella - infall & outcalls 24hrs - visa & amex - Tel. 680 55 614 (304861)

ORIENTAL ladyboy pretty professional traditional, tantric massage relieving. Marbella. 604 428 812 (MI 576)

THAI Benalmádena Costa. Body-body full massages. Visits, hotels. Whatsapp 689 387 448 (MI 579)

FUENGIROLA. Relaxing massage, Venezuelan Ladyboy masseuse Violeta. Chiropractor. 660 867 374 (FU 3213)

FUENGIROLA. Marisa, 38 years old, mature, all kinds of massages. Only WhatsApp. 631 659 408 (FU 3188)

LOS BOLICHES - Carolina Pretty Masseur, Slim 45yrs Relaxing Massage, Guaranteed

relax - Tel: 634.703.111 (305174)

BENALMADENA. FRIENDLY attractive masseuse, relieve muscle tension. From 50€. 613 106 153 (FU 3208)

WWW.CASAKINKSPAIN. COM. Heated pool, Jacuzzi and private bar. Inland private retreat with a full massage service. 662 913 428 (FU 3191)

PROFESSIONAL massage on the table. Fuengirola. Irina. 605 076 407 & 640 357 128 (FU 3189)

MARBELLA. Karina trans, 29, Brazilian masseuse feminine blonde. Whatsapp 667 846 464 (FU 3212)

COLOMBIAN. Yeraldin, I do massages and something else. I am independent 45 years old I am in Nueva Andalucía. 611 245 461 (FU 3214)

EVA, JAMAICAN full body professional massage, discreet, San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella 613 211 041 (305387)

FUENGIROLA. Excellent company, massage and more... Blond, tall, pretty lady. In/ outcalls 657 697 397 (FU 3205)

MASSAGE and fun!!! Genuine trained exotic Male tantric masseur. 602 098 606 (FU 3210)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOSQUITO SCREENS

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours, call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www. mosquitonick.ws (304439)

MOTORING

ACE OF SHADES - Don’t let the bugs get you! Available in enrollable, slider and pleated. Large choice of colours including wood effect. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@ aceofshades.design (101730)

MOSQUITO Screens for windows, doors and a high-quality sliding patio door screen. All finishes available. Quick service. All areas covered. Call Julian 655 825 931 (303730)

or email  carsinspain@live. co.uk (290189)

WANTED

CARS, Vans, Bikes wanted. Any Reg, Anything Considered Call or Whatsapp 687 049 592 (305254)

WANTED, wanted, wanted!! All cars, all years, all models… from exotic to classic. Spanish, English, Dutch plated. Call us on 951 977 329 or 606 647 597. (304490)

WANTED CARS AND VANS, FREE COLLECTION, SAME DAY 685 524 921 (290189)

CARS, VANS BOUGHT WITH / WITHOUT PAPERS. CASH WAITING 678 808 837 (303115)

EURO CAR Established since 1998. All Cars / Commercials wanted, runners or no-runners. Cash. Buyer Collects. Transfer included. 605 109 796 (304099)

CAMPER VANS, CARAVANS, MOBILE HOMES, BOATS AND ALL PLANT, DIGGERS, DUMPERS, MOTORBIKES, CARS AND COMMERCIALS WANTED. BEST PRICE PAID, CASH TODAY, ANY REGISTRATION WITH OR WITHOUT PAPERS. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 (290189)

CARS, VANS, ANY RESGISTRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE / EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921 (290189)

CARS, VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN / UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (290189)

FOR SALE

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

CAR SERVICES

ENGLISH bodyshop, fully equipped, Mijas Costa. No Job Too Small. 952 667 074 (304140)

IMPORT/TRANSFER

CARS TRANSFERRED, history checks, Imports and Embargo problems. Change of use and lost papers. Change your car to Spanish plates, simple efficient service. Cars bought and sold. Please call 678808837

275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the town hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any help offered, including donations of food and blankets. Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736. Our website is www. ace-charity.org where you can view all the dogs in our care. (93320)

OTHERS

EDS? We have the solution, Ka magra pills & jells, Cialis, Side nafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs. Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PASSPORT RENEWALS

UK & IRISH Passport renewals including photos. Complete Service. Cath’s Cards. 952 885 759. www. cathscards.es (290153)

PEST CONTROL

COCKROACHES, ANTS, insects, fleas, mice, rats, wasps, termite specialists. Fumigations, bars, restaurants, houses, etc. Sanitary department officially registered certificates. Serving the coast since 1985. Only legal English owned pest control company on the coast. If you want the best then phone N.P.S. Paul 676 700 370 (303636)

PETS

LAGUNAPETHOTEL.COM

Loving care for cats and dogs TEL 646 066 351 (302996)

KENNELS

CAT & DOG World Kennels and Cattery. 952 112 978 / 630 197 435. www. catanddogworld.com (305199)

PET CHARITY

ACE CHARITY ‘El Refugio’ in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average

ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see on www.adana.es. Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, available from 10.00am until 2.00pm. (93319)

ANIMEX Foundation offers free will upgrading when leaving something for abandoned animals. Contact animexfoundation@gmail. com or call 692 166 434 now for this absolutely free service (288287)

ARCH - The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses, registered charity 8448, the Centre is open to visitors every Sunday from 9am until 2pm. Working closely with the Spanish authorities, we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and abandoned horses and donkeys. Come and meet our current rescues, learn about our work and how you may be able to help. Run solely by a small team of dedicated volunteers, the Centre is located between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin in Comm. de Viña Borrego behind Venta Miralmonte. For more information and directions see our website www.horserescuespain.org, our Facebook page Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos or tel. 610 845 491 or 656 935 613 (93322)

LAWYERS

SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public at weekends from 10.00 to 5.00. Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at any time. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel. 608 258 950 info@sepeonline.net www.sepeonline.net (93321)

SOS ANIMAL REFUGE we have dogs, young and old looking for homes. Some of our dogs have been with us for some time and would love to find a cosy spot to curl up in and a knee on which to rest their heads. If you have room in your heart and home we would love to hear from you. We do not put our dogs to sleep - no matter how old, they are safe with us. For day to day needs and to pay for veterinary care, we much appreciate the support we receive. We desperately need items to sell on our market stall to help raise funds and are happy to come and collect. So, if you are having a clear-out, please contact us on 605 227 155. If you would like to know more about rehoming, please call 653 257 875. Visit our website www.sos-animals.org or please phone Sandy on 952 385 923 or 666 814 056 if you would like to make a donation or help in any way. (93317)

PLUMBING

PLUMBING. Leak detection & blocked drains. Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain. com (296441)

POOLS

PRIVATE BUYER looking for properties between Marbella to Malaga at realistic prices. Quick decision and cash purchase if suitable. Any condition but must be legal. Call or Whatsapp 0034606 526 618

Thinking of selling your property or interested in a current valuation? We have clients actively looking for properties from Torremolinos to Calahonda. List with us and let us sell your property.  Call Joe 626 864 683 (305376)

PROPERTY FOR SALE

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property for sale. All areas / all budgets / all types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008

Email info@intermarbella. com (305258)

SELLING UP?? Why not give us a call and let us give you an honest and realistic valuation of your property. List with us and let us take the stress out of selling your home. No sale no fee!! English agent on the ball with clients waiting. Please call 685 524 921. (290189)

PROP MAINTENANCE

STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance

All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. Persiana repairs, Decorating, Electrial & Plumbing repairs. 682 636451 www.starlight-spain.com

PROPERTY TO LET

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property Long Term Rentals All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422 UK +44 208 144 5008.

Email info@intermarbella.com (305258)

PROPERTY WANTED

REMOVALS/STORAGE

15 CUBIC metre van returning to the UK 29th March 2024. Space available each way. Tel. 639 928 090 (305057)

MAN AND VAN

MAN & VAN, 20€ ph. Removals, Rubbish & House Clearances. Paul 634 112 677 (294214)

2 MEN, Van €30 p hour. House Clearances & Storage. 651 081 610 (304603)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129)

STORAGE, Storage, Storage. Man & Van Services. Call/ Whatsapp 690 155 340 (304667)

MAN AND VAN removals / storage service. House clearances Collections and deliveries Waste removal NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Mike on 604 380 570 (304093)

A&J REMOVALS For all your clearance, delivery and removal needs. Moving never looked so good. Call us on 662534877 (305213)

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL REMOVALS AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 1/2 DAY FROM €90. FULL DAY FROM €175. WE ALSO PROVIDE A FORTNIGHTLY DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE TO UK AND EUROPE (INCL SCOTLAND). WORLDWIDE SHIPPING TO USA, AUSTRALIA, ETC AND FULL STORAGE FACILITIES. TEL (0034) 952 578 507 OR (0034) 637 892 278 / EMAIL garymoveit@yahoo.co.uk (304252)

JDS EURO TRANSPORT & REMOVALS - Regular trips throughout Europe. Call or WhatsApp Julian 0044 7884 908 929. See Facebook Page for recommendations (304139)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129)

STORAGE

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129)

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual, various colours available including wood effect, we also offer a repair service. Make your home more secure! Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@ aceofshades.design (101730)

ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (303730)

SITUATIONS VACANT

PROPERTY LISTER to join our successful team operating in the Fuengirola/ Mijas area. Spanish

speaking an asset. Not commission based. Lister will be paid for each property listed. Please contact Robert 608 764 774 or email robert@ araproperty.com (305378)

SOLAR

SOLAR Hot Water heating: FREE HOT WATER.  28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality guaranteed. 952 663 141/ 670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com

SOFT FURNISHINGS

CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosannacarmella8@gmail.com

SPECIALITY SERVICES

3 IN 1. Nurse 17 years experience, Cleaner, Home help. English / Dutch speaking. Limited slots available €30 per hour. WhatsApp or Call 690 849 277, 24 hours (304638)

SWIMMING POOLS

POOL MAINTENANCE, & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona & inland areas. 678 791 495 / 951 536 389 www. sparklenripple.net

SWIMMING Pool Heating Pumps, Pool Covers, Rollers, Filtration Sys tems.  28 years installation history in Spain. Enviro care.  All areas covered.  Quality Guaranteed. 9526 63141/670409759 info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com

POOL MAINTENANCE & repairs. Special Winter Maintenance offer for Dec / Jan / Feb /Mar. Call NOW for more info call 603 312 588 (304816)

TRANSLATORS

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS All Languages. 952 789 204 Mobile 654 613 094 sanpedrotransla tions@gmail.com (304238)

TV/SATELLITE

REPAIRS to TV’s, LCD, LED, -Videos, Hi-Fi, & Microwaves, Mag Boxes, UK channels installed. 35 years experience. Free Estimates, Can Collect. John 952 491 723 or 600 706 201. (305199)

UPHOLSTERY

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, 28 years experience, wet/dry clean.  Honest, reliable.  678 808 837 / 952 669 701 acservs@outlook.com

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921

CARPETS AND SOFAS cleaned. Reliable, fast service. Family run. Cleansol 952 930 861 / 607 610 578. 10am - 10pm 7 days, all areas Discount Code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

WATER HEATERS

ELECTRIC & Gas Water Heaters. Quality Installations.  28 years installation history in Spain.  EnviroCare.  All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com

PROPERTY WANTED

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property Sales & Long term rentals wanted. All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@intermarbella. com (305258)

WINDOW TINTING

Most desired features Durability of your tyres

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 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 Consumer 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.

The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) provides a simple guideline for identifying worn tyres: ‘to know if it is time to change your tyres, you should look at the tread. There are studs in the tread pattern that mark the minimum depth, which is 1.6 mm. If they reach the surface, the tyre is too worn and it is time to change it.’

Ignoring this advice not only poses a risk to safety but also risks incurring a fine if stopped by a Guardia Civil officer.

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 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 handsfree calls, music, 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.

Speedster clocked at 300 kmph

ONE motorist in Madrid who publicised his high-speed exploits online has been caught out by Spain’s National Police.

News of the incident was published on Tuesday, March 5, following a complaint from a social media user that triggered a police investigation.

A motorcyclist filmed himself travelling at astonishing speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour on the M-50 highway in Madrid, raising serious safety concerns.

The Central Cybercrime Unit of the National Police sprang into action after being alerted to the videos. They discovered not one but four instances where the same individual flouted speed regulations with a disturbing sense of bravado.

One video captured the motorist soaring at speeds of 290 kilometres per hour, including through the Perales del Rio tunnel, where he mo-

mentarily hit 300 kilometres per hour.

Another clip showed the motorcycle speeding at 213 kilometres per hour on the A-42 towards Madrid, far in excess of the legal limits.

Further investigation revealed a pattern of deliberate attempts to avoid detection. The motorcyclist had ingeniously folded the licence plate inward across all appearances in the videos. This manoeuvre was intended to make

identification by the authorities more challenging.

The persistence of the police paid off when they identified the culprit. He was a resident of Parla, Madrid, who owned a motorcycle matching the make and model seen in the videos. He was promptly arrested for endangering road safety.

The swift action of the National Police underscores the serious view taken towards such offences.

TYRE TREAD: If it’s too worn, it’s time to change it.

HIGH-SPEED: Motorcyclist’s point of view.

Credit: /Shutterstock.com

Credit: interior.gob.es

PARKING SENSORS: Top feature.

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.

Shock as Sainz replaced

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

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

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

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

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

Staring at 11th on the grid, he fought his way through the 50-lap race to cross the line in 7th, earning himself a well-deserved six points.

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

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

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

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

ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Recent League and Cup action

AWFL Over 50s League

Marbella Marbesula 4 v 1 Real Calahonda

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

AWFL Over 60s League

Real Calahonda 4 v 1

Sporting Benahavis

The Internacionales Mollina squad.

rebound after a fine save by the Benahavis keeper. Discipline issues threatened to spoil Real’s performance, but, once settled, Dave CW scored two more to seal the win.

AC Benahavis 5 v 3

Sporting Benahavis

for AC with a blockbuster!

Axarfusion Cup Internacionales Mollina

2 v 1 Boca Seniors Competa

Benahavis began in lively fashion but it took a while for Real to get going. Eventually though, player-manager Scott put them ahead with a well-taken strike. A corner resulting in an equaliser put the visitors level. Soon after, Scott scored once more from a

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

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