Costa de Almeria 21– 27 March 2024 Issue 2020

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Race for charity

MORE than 200 people took part in the Junt@s somos más Fuertes (Together we are stronger) charity race in Mojacar on March 16.

Organised by the Mojacar Council, the Red Cross and local athletics group Los Bandidos, it started at noon but prior to that, there were a number of events to get the participants properly warmed up beforehand.

Red Cross volunteers hosted a special space for youngsters which included board games, gymkhana, bingo and Twister whilst adults were invited to enjoy a bio-dance workshop.

The five kilometre route saw the start from the Red Cross facility, with athletes heading as far as the Hotel Indalo via the seafront promenade before returning back.

It was all about raising

money for the Red Cross and those taking part could treat it as a real race or an enjoyable stroll for those of all ages and even a few four legged participants.

At the completion of the race, everyone who took part was invited to share a giant paella along with the families of the participants.

The fastest men’s time was 20 minutes and five seconds whilst in keeping with the equality call for the recent International Women’s Day, the fastest woman finished in 20 minutes and 25 seconds.

Prizes were presented but the reality was that this was an event that brought so many residents of the town and their fami-

lies together in a gesture which would benefit the many needy clients served by the Red Cross. • Issue No. 2020 • 21 - 27 Mar 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE ILMAINEN
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G F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G Costa de Almeria
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Together we are stronger - the race was held in Mojacar.

Campervan parking

WILL the Almeria Council need to build an official dedicated camper van service area in Cabo de Gata?

This could be on the table after the Provincial Association of Hospitality Entrepreneurs of Almeria (ASHAL) again sent letters to both the city council of Almeria and the Government Sub delegation asking them to intervene in the problem of the large amount of overnight and extended stays by camper vans in parking areas around Almeria, one of which is in Gabo de Gata.

The association states that there have been numerous complaints from associated companies with regard to the hundreds of campervans that stop overnight in these car parks in the area. They are requesting

THE first Spaniard to travel to space is to be awarded a Gold Medal from the University of Almeria on May 7. The medal is the highest recognition that the university gives to people who have made outstanding contributions to university purposes.

Miguel López Alegría, who is Spanish-American and was selected by NASA and carried out his first space mission in 1995, will be awarded the medal by

that the motorhomes and caravans parked overnight and those that stay for extended periods of time, setting up their own homes, with table, chairs and tents, should be told to move on by local authorities.

ASHAL has made previous requests of this type to both administrations asking them to act to what they consider to be a Breach for the security of residents of Almeria.

With all that being said, there is always another side to every coin, with camper vans and caravans from all over Europe, visiting the beautiful coasts of Almeria every year. This is of course a great boost to local tourism trade and especially local commerce.

Gold medal

the rector, José J Céspedes Lorente at a public event to be held in the Auditorium at the University.

On February 6 the award was approved by the Governing Council making clear its recognition to López Alegría not only for his contribution to University activities but for his participation in the ‘Alme-

ría Astronomical Days’.

This event, coinciding with his gold medal presentation, takes place between May 7 and 20 and along with his participation, will also be attended by astrophysicists, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, Kip Thorne, astronauts, professors and high-level scientists.

Charity concert

Jules Phillips

PATRICK ADAMS sadly lost his wife Yvonne, three weeks ago after complications following an operation in the hospital at Huercal-Overa. His wife’s birthday being on May 10, he decided to hold an event in her memory featuring some of her favourite artists.

This ‘Night to Remember’ on May 10, promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment while supporting local charities.

Experience five-star entertainment featuring Marbella’s sensational Rat Pack alongside special guest star Peet Rothwell as Michael Bublé.

For just €40 per ticket, guests will enjoy a welcome drink, a three-course dinner, and a night filled with the mesmerising performances of three topnotch entertainers.

This exclusive event will take place in Albox for one night only, offering a uni-

que opportunity to witness two incredible acts while contributing to worthy local causes.

In honour of the generous bequest of Yvonne to fund the five-star entertainment, all profits from ticket sales will be donated to local charities.

Tickets are limited and selling fast, be sure to get

yours online at www.ratpac kbuble.com.

Alternatively, you can reserve your tickets by calling 624 764 784.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Yvonne’s life and make a difference in the community. Join them for ‘A Night to Remember’ and help support those in need.

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Credit: Peet Rothwell Peet Rothwell, performing Michael Buble.

Tourism rising

THE total number of tourists who visited Mojacar from January to August 2023, was over 217,000, according to data published by the National Statistical Institute (INE), representing an increase of 3.1 per cent over 2022.

Art marathon

REGISTRATION for the National Outdoor Painting Marathon has now opened in Vera. Organised jointly with Afipintura Asociación the national contest, with almost €10,000 in prizes.

Man airlifted

A MAN was airlifted to Torrecardenas Hospital after falling six metres on the Terdiguera industrial area in Albox on Thursday March 14 at 9.15am. The cause of this accident is still unclear.

Take a peek

IT may be a sea of plastic to many but take a peek inside the greenhouses of Almeria and you will find a veritable forest covering over 48,000 hectares, producing 3.3 million tons of fruit and vegetables each year.

More organic

THREE companies from Almeria appeared at the top of the list for organic production with a combined production of 250,000 tons. Organic production has been growing globally for 25 years, with a 70 per cent increase in the province.

Treatment plant

IN Tabernas the town hall with the Consejería de Agricultura, Pesca, Agua y Desarrollo Rural and Plan de Recuperación are finalising details to start work on the new wastewater treatment plant.

Health improvements

AFTER requests from the health community and residents in the area Cuevas del Almanzora is reinforcing the care at the medical centre. The aim being not only to improve the care given by the medical sta but also to provide more availability for patient consultations and more hours open for appointments.

Guazamara - Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 to 10 in the morning.

Villaricos - Tuesday and Friday from 1pm to 2pm.

Palomares - Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 3pm, Tuesday and Friday from 8am to 1pm and Thursday from 8am to 3pm.

These changes in care and hours are intended to allow residents broader facilities without having

to travel to one of the larger health centres. This will not only be a bene

Full employment

THE Huercal-Overa Council, is joining the innovative Full Employment project.

This project, part of the Employment, Education, Training and Social Economy Programme of the European Social Fund, has a budget of just over €1.5 million.

This makes a large step forward in the area’s employment and training policies and has been designed through the implementation of training and information days to offer real employability opportunities for its participants.

Aimed at registered job seekers in Huercal-Overa, this will be a great benefit of up to 225 participants, as there will also be available professional internships which could significantly increase their success in the world of work.

There is also a focus on female inclusion, ensuring that more than 75 per cent of the beneficiaries are women with the foresight to not only improve the employability of participants but also move towards greater equality in employment.

Painting exhibit

A PAINTING exhibition organised by the Alzheimer’s Association of Huercal-Overa was inaugurated on March 14 in the Hall of La Inmaculada Regional Hospital in Huercal-Overa.

The exhibition, which will be open to the public until April 12, features a diverse collection of works. As well as anonymous donations to the association it includes pieces by renowned local painters such as Miguel Parra, Antonio Rojas, María Rosa Martínez and Diego Bonillo.

Attending the inauguration were Mayor Domingo Fernández, Association President Vicente Parra, Hospital Manager, José Miguel Medina, along with councillors of the Municipal Corporation and hospital authorities.

Vicente Parra expressed deep gratitude to the artists and collaborators whose donations make this initiative possible and said that the sale of the paintings will raise funds to support their work with families and patients affected by Alzheimer’s.

Kawasaki hybrid

THROUGHOUT March, fans from across Europe will get to experience the newest motorcycle developments on the roads across the province thanks to focused Events and RCM SL.

Kevin Healy, manager of Focused Events, says their main audience comes from England and northern Europe. They come seeking the enjoya-

ble time and great roads that the area offers.

One of the main highlights of this year’s event is the debut of the first hybrid motorcycle on the market from Kawasaki.

It runs on both battery and gasoline, with the ability to recharge itself which marks a big step forward in the motor world and their growing

commitment to environmental.

The mayor of Mojacar, Francisco García, and Sports councillor Jesús Montoya attended the event on March 12.

They stressed the importance of hosting such international events in the town, as they help attract more visitors and in turn support local businesses.

THE large international Music Festival ‘DREAMBEACH’ that used to be hosted in Villaricos, has moved to its new home in El Toyo, but their preparation work has caused outrage amongst the environmental community.

After allegedly damaging protected land whilst clearing a plot for the rst festival in their new location, ‘Salvomos Mojacar’, an environmental group, is supporting a report led to the authorities, by local residents against the organisation.

Almeria City Council granted the licence and the work must be carried out in strict compliance with the approved technical speci cations and the council will also ensure compliance.

‘Salvomos Mojacar’, is demanding the work, on clearing the 33 hectares of land, stops immediately as they claim it will have an unacceptable impact.

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the local people but will help to reduce the strain on some of the larger centres.
NIBS EXTRA
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More patient consultations available.

Collective exhibition

THE Belgian painter Bagé (Bridgette Blansaer) and ceramics Sculptor Roge (Gene Robert Roge) have a collective exhibition of their works, in La Fuente Municipal Arts Centre in Mojacar.

The exhibition which will be open until the end of March is not the first time that Bagé has exhibited in Mojacar, as in April of last year she attained success, in the same venue, with her works, about the feminine world and its spirituality, which she expresses with form and colour and is inspired by the universe and the zodiac.

Her artistic philosophy, that everything is connected and that beauty is born from chaos, can be seen in the paintings.

Roge, also from Belgium, likes to experiment with different techniques especially enamel, which is

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apparent in her latest works. Inspiration is derived from nature and the Andalucian cultures.

The La Fuente Municipal Art Centre is open, free of charge, from Monday to Sunday from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

Night Race Alboran Island

‘RUN, there is a lot to win’ is the new motto of the latest ‘Night Race Against Cancer’ to be held on April 30 in Albox. The 5km route passes through the town centre and the La Loma neighbourhood.

This year they want to break the participation record, so are hoping that many new people will come and take part in this race for a worthy cause. The organisers feel this should be possible as they are taking advantage of the fact that this is not only for a fundamental good cause

Airport closed

but also that the event is being held on a national holiday. So, get your trainers on and come and support them.

SOME 50 kilometres off the coast of Morocco is a small island that is part of the province of Almeria and is inhabited by only 11 people, from the Spanish military.

HEAVY fog severely disrupted flights between Almeria and Sevilla on Friday March 15 causing problems until 11am when the airport reopened.

Although Sevilla Airport then operated as normal, 10 flights had to be diverted and another five were cancelled. The thick fog that engulfed the city of Sevilla

meant that two flights from Almeria had to be cancelled.

Out of the 10 diverted flights, eight were reported to have been diverted to Malaga airport and a further two were diverted to Jerez. Three flights including one to Almeria were cancelled, as were another two arrivals, one also from Almeria.

At the end of February this 600-metre long island was suddenly inundated with nearly 200 immigrants in just 48 hours after a storm forced them to be left on the beaches by the mafia members who were meant to be transporting them to Almeria in their drug boats.

The immigrants stayed on the island for 10 days, whilst awaiting transport by maritime rescue and the Guardia Civil.

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Bagé and Roge – a collective exhibition. Promoting the Night Race against Cancer in Albox. Credit: Mojacar Town Hall
Credit: Albox Town hall

Winning photographs

THE General Association of Moors and Christians of Mojacar, known as Al-Mosaquer, recently held their third Photography Contest. Out of the 275 entries submitted, winners were chosen across six categories. The awards ceremony took place at the Mojacar Town Hall, attended by Emilio Egea, of the Al-Mosaquer General Association, a few representatives also from the association, and Rosa María Cano, a councillor from the Mojacar Town Council.

Emilio Egea expressed gratitude to all attendees and commended the winners for their outstanding work. He emphasised the challenge faced by the jury in selecting the best from amongst all of the high-quality submissions.

Egea also highlighted the Association’s commitment to showcasing the beauty of these festivals, an integral part of Andalucian culture, through photography.

Six prizes were awarded across different categories.

Christopher Hart won in the Moorish photography category, Carmelo Fragua Benavente in the Christian photography category, and Mayte Scheyvaerts in the young person category. Austricliniano Arribas González won the black and white category, while Jesús Cañadas won in the free photography category. Christopher Hart’s photograph also earned the overall best photo prize.

Rosa María Cano, representing the town council, congratulated all winners and praised the Al-Mosaquer association for their dedication in organising the festival. She acknowledged their efforts in improving

the festival year after year, making it one of the most significant events in the region.

Winners received cash prizes, photographic materials, and their works will be displayed in a collective exhibition. This exhibition not only showcases the winning entries but also illustrates the festival’s evolution over the years, highlighting its importance in the community.

Looking ahead, the Association is already planning for the next project and preparations are underway for the upcoming Moors and Christians 2024 festivities, scheduled for June 14 to 16.

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The winners and attendees of the award ceremony. CREDIT: Mojacar Town Hall

SET up in 2018 ‘Los Bandidos’ started as a small group of people who enjoyed running, cycling, swimming and of course, drinking coffee and eating cake.

Today they are a much larger group of the same like-minded individuals made up of residents, regular visitors and holiday makes who come to Mojacar.

Meeting every Wednesday to walk, jog or run the 5k of the ‘Mojacar Paseo Maritimo’, they also have a cycling group that meets on Tuesdays, Thursday and Sundays and a group of sea swimmers that meet Wednesday afternoons.

With all these activities covered and their membership and skill levels growing, they now also take part in races, from 5k fun runs to full scale marathons and triathlons, where they often find themselves on the winner’s podium.

Not forgetting the coffee and cakes, they are a very social bunch of people and always enjoy having a

Los Bandidos

The group enjoy running, cycling and swimming.

post activity coffee, cake or even breakfast. This social spirit is also carried forward in their keenness to integrate and

support the local community and they hold regular social events supporting the local Red Cross food bank.

Tabernas improvements

THE works in Tabernas to improve public spaces and paving is ongoing and the budget of €89,669 are being carried out thanks to the Agricultural Employment Promotion Programme, Pfea, together with the mayor of this town, José Díaz Ibáñez, and representatives of the municipal corporation.

Some of the works already done are in the Parque del Pueblo, the Almazarilla children’s park, the Avenida de las Angustias, Plaza de la Constitución and in the sports areas. In addition they aim to plant new plants and replace irrigation.

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THE new AVE train line between Murcia and Almeria will not all be opened at the same time. It is planned to be opened in phases.

Phase one will run the lines to the ‘Murcia-Mercancias’ (Nonduermas) station, which is a logistics terminal dedicated principally to the movement of freight. In this phase access to the Nonduermas Station, just

Almeria AVE

to the south of Murcia, will be made by creating a line that allows goods trains to arrive at the station. It will also allow trains to circulate between Cartagena and Albacete.

As the trains run on different gauges there will be the need to lay mixed gauge and international gauge tracks to

Bird watching

SURVEYS carried out by the Ministry of Sustainability, Environment and Blue Economy confirm the nesting sites of cormorants in two locations in Almeria.

This large seabird nests on some of the most inaccessible rocky outcrops of the coastline, is a rare bird on the Andalucian coast with two of the species being listed in the Endangered Species catalogue in Spain, the Mediterranean shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii) and the Atlantic shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis aristotelis) which are both part of the cormorant family.

Its decline is thought to be associated with over fishing, pollution and disturbances by recreational boats.

They are locating all the areas, of which there are possibly up to 25 along the cliffs of Almeria, to put into place a conservation scheme to help understand the reproductive habits and try to increase its population in the area.

facilitate the circulation on passenger trains. The two tracks would then be extended into the second phase which will allow the passenger trains to pass at a provisional station in Lorca, just north of Lorca at San Diego, which is already under construction.

Then, the third phase, which is planned for 2026, will be put into use once the new intermodal station is completed.

The new highly anticipated line which integrates Almeria into the high-speed network through the Levante corridor will also have installed the ERTMS system, the most advanced railway safety system in Europe.

2026 is the expected completion date of the Murcia-Almeria AVE line with its €3.5 billion of investment already showing signs of progress in many areas, which can be clearly seen as you drive along the A7 motorway.

Budget approved

A BUDGET of €10.5 million has been approved by the Albox Council from subsidies to carry out a couple of Employment Workshops and a Project aimed at vulnerable groups.

There is also an aim to improve commerce, especially the Plaza de Abastos and to improve the roads and implement traffic solutions around Plaza Major and also a plan to improve the pavements and sewage systems in the areas that need it most.

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Jules Phillips Constructing the bridges for the Almeria connection. Credit:
Ferrovial

Charity Auction

PUT the date in your diary, some great items and great bargains to be had at the Charity Auction in aid of Scotty’s little soldiers, a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved military children and young people, offering them access to the very best health and well-being support, outstanding development opportunities and the chance to smile again.

To be held on Saturday March 23 at the New Bar International in Arboleas from 2pm with viewings from 10am.

To make a donation, please contact hello@mblv -spain.com!

Cash and auction item donations accepted on the day. Let’s help Scotty’s Little Soldiers help those children have the very best they can.

For further information about Scotty’s Little

Soldiers please visit their website at:

https://www.scottyslittle soldiers.co.uk/

FINALLY, it is here, the Andalucian Jet Ski Championships should be an amazing event, that is being organised by the Carboneras Town Hall and the combined forces of the Andalucian and Spanish Motorcycle federation.

Planned to take place on April 5, 6 and 7, it will showcase some of the best jet ski riders taking part in various competitions.

CLEAN BEACHES

WITH Easter nearly upon us, and the large influx of visitors expected to arrive to pass the ‘Holy Week’ on the coast, Vera Town Council have been busy preparing the beaches since the beginning of February.

With the replacement and repair of beach walkways, painting of the municipal beachfront buildings such as the lifeguard stations and cleaning of the 6km of sand, the soon to be completed work, and the expected good weather, this Easter will be something that tourists, visitors and locals alike will really be able to enjoy in Vera.

JET SKI

The high-level event, which has been a long time in the planning, will be an important factor in the local economy, attracting visitors from all across Spain and giving a well needed boost to local hotels, bars and restaurants.

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Support Scotty’s Little Soldiers. CREDIT: Scotty’s Little Soldiers

BERLIN has solidified its position as one of Europe’s most desirable and flourishing cities, according to the ‘Europe’s Best Cities’ report for 2024 by Resonance Consultancy.

Climbing an impressive four spots from the previous year, the German capital now shares the third position with London and Paris among Europe’s top three cities.

The evaluation, which surveyed over 180 European cities, focuses on three primary aspects: ‘Livability’, ‘Lovability’, and ‘Prosperity’.

Resonance Consultancy conducts its analy-

Top three

sis by scrutinising data and feedback from both residents and tourists across various platforms like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

Berlin stands out across all three criteria, particularly for its dynamic art and cultural landscape spread across its 12 unique neighbourhoods.

The city hosts a variety of traditional and contemporary events, including the esteemed Berlinale, the Carnival of Cultures, and the Fête

de la Musique, as well as seasonal exhibitions.

Furthermore, new cultural hubs like Fotografiska Berlin in the former Kunsthaus Tacheles and the THF Tower at the former Tempelhof Airport contribute to Berlin’s cultural vibrancy. According to Europe’s Best Cities Report, the top 10 cities in Europe for 2024 are London at number one, followed by Paris, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Prague and Barcelona. Amsterdam, Istanbul and Milan complete the top 10.

Stratospheric dining

RENOWNED chef Rasmus Munk, known for his work at Copenhagen’s Alchemist restaurant, has teamed up with SpaceVIP and Space Perspective.

The trio plan to create an exclusive dining experience called ‘stratospheric dining’, set to launch in 2025.

This unique adventure will take place during a six-hour flight from Florida, USA.

The event offers a special table for six guests, with tickets starting at $495,000 each.

Participants will fly to an altitude of 100,000 feet aboard Space Perspective’s Spaceship Neptune, which uses a SpaceBalloon instead of a traditional rocket.

the planet’s curve.

Because of limited space on board, some food will be prepared beforehand.

Chef Munk will oversee a small kitchen on the craft, using equipment for heating, finishing, and garnishing dishes throughout the flight.

Guests will wear custom clothing from Ogier and enjoy what’s promised to be ‘the meal of a lifetime’ while flying high above 99 per cent of Earth’s atmosphere, witnessing the sunrise against

Munk, also a co-owner of Alchemist, plans to

create dishes inspired by six decades of space exploration, aiming to capture the impact of these endeavours on society and philosophy. He wants to blend food with art and science to raise awareness about social and environmental issues, inspired by his childhood visits to Copenhagen Planetarium.

Sevilla accident

SIX people died and three were injured in Sevilla after a lorry swept into civilian and Guardia Civil vehicles, reported to be accidental.

At approximately 4.40am on March 19, an accident in the AP4, near Los Palacios in Sevilla, left four civilians and two GAR (Guardia Civil’s Rapid Action Group) officers dead, with three Guardia Civil officers injured.

The accident occurred when a lorry failed to stop on the motorway after being given signals by the Guardia Civil, and swerved, crashing into the nearest vehicles.

The driver was arrested and reported as uninjured and showing negative results for substance use. The road a ected was being investigated by the police.

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UNIQUE ADVENTURE: Will take place during a six-hour flight. Image: Space Perspective / Facebook.

THE Netherlands introduced ‘Amsterdam rules’ to reduce nuisance tourism with the use of specialised websites and campaigns.

The city of Amsterdam website launched ‘Amsterdam rules’, largely addressing visitors from England, Scotland and Ireland, holding quizzes which ask potential tourists about their plans in Amsterdam and targeting potential issues.

The city centre chief, Sofyan Mbarki, spoke about the campaign: “We are taking a different approach this time. Now we are focusing on the things some tourists associate with the city, associations which we want to demolish.”

Stay away

tourists from outside the capital,” stated Sofyan Mbarki.

The campaign received a contribution of €85,000 by the Dutch justice mi-

nistry, and €55,000 from the city to raise awareness of nuisance tourism.

The city centre chief highlighted the aim of the project: “We want a different image for our city.”

Vaccine distrust

THE Hague’s vaccination rate in children has not been able to reach the required 90 per cent rate, with some areas of the city being as low as 59 per cent.

With a concerning rise of measles, health specialists claim that the rate has to be at least 95 per cent to avoid an outbreak of the disease.

The Hague City Council has now multiplied the vaccination stations in the city but it was not enough to ensure children’s safety.

Ensuring children’s safety.

Videos in the ‘Stay Away’ campaign display the problematic situations which many tourists create when visiting Amsterdam.

“The site is now live for British nationals and will soon be published in Italian, Spanish and French. There will also be a website focused on Dutch

The education chief, Hilbert Bredemeijer, told the Press: “For the first time the doubts and mistrust towards vaccination have become a problem across the city.”

He addressed the importance of resolving this issue, urging the government to hold a national campaign to educate the citizens on the importance of children’s vaccinations.

“We have new groups who are reluctant to vaccinate, people who are educated and interpret the science in their own way,” he said.

Bredemeijer expressed his concern, encouraging people to trust the health professionals and mentioned the potential outbreak of diseases: “It seems to me just a matter of time before it happens.”

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Credit: Ketut Subiyanto, Pexels

Netflix users beware

NETFLIX enthusiasts have been urged to stay vigilant, as there’s a new scam currently circulating.

This fraud employs the phishing method to deceitfully gather personal and financial information from victims.

This fraudulent activity came to light thanks to the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE). Cybercriminals dispatch urgent emails to users, falsely alerting them of imminent account closure.

These emails are worded to induce panic and urge recipients to act swiftly, with many people acting instinctively and bypassing the verification processes.

Cyber thieves masquerade as Netflix, misleading subscribers into believing there’s an issue with their subscription renewal due to payment failures.

The emails contain a link, which, when clicked, directs victims to a counterfeit Netflix site. Here,

they’re prompted to enter sensitive information under the guise of resolving the payment issue. Unfortunately, this only results in the unwary user surrendering their data to the fraudsters.

The Guardia Civil and INCIBE have outlined several measures to protect oneself and respond in the event of falling prey to this scam.

• They advise regular monitoring of account transactions to spot and cancel any unauthorised

charges.

• Victims should compile all possible evidence of the fraud, including emails and screenshots, and report the incident to the authorities.

• They also recommend practising egosurfing to check for any exposure of personal or financial information online, followed by requesting its removal.

• For added security, always verify the authenticity of any suspicious email by consulting Netflix’s official help page.

Fully equipped open plan kitchen working well withhe rest of the house rest pp p 13 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • News •
Credit: Netflix scam/Shutterstock.com NETFLIX SCAM: Always check the source email.

Vampire buffet boom

BLOOD donation rates in Romania have seen a remarkable increase, largely credited to a significant boost in the value of meal ticket vouchers provided to donors.

Officials have noted a considerable enhancement in blood stocks at Romanian hospitals, with some witnessing a tenfold surge, thanks to the increased value of meal vouchers.

Traditionally, blood donors in Romania receive food as a token of appreciation.

In January, the worth of meal vouchers soared from approximately €14 (67 RON) to €56 (280 RON), leading to a surge in donor turnout.

Adina Beudean, the director of the Bistrita Blood Transfusion Centre, emphasised a notable uptick in donor numbers compared to the previous year.

Previously, the centre typically saw around five

donors per day, but now it welcomes 40-50 donors daily.

In Sibiu, the Blood Transfusion Centre has capped the number of donors at a maximum of 60 people per day due to the overwhelming response.

Likewise, in the central Alba region, the capacity for blood collection and storage has been stretched to its limits due to the influx of donations.

Some centres have begun to specify certain blood groups, reflecting

the surplus of donations nationwide.

Fish doorbell

ARE you looking for a unique activity in Utrecht?

The Municipality of Utrecht in the Netherlands has just the thing: pressing a digital button to assist fish on their migration journey through the city’s canals.

During spring, fish make their way from the sea upstream to find spawning grounds.

In Utrecht, they often pass through urban canals with lock gates like the Weerdsluis.

A webcam near the lock lets you see if fish are there, indicating that the gate is closed.

By clicking the digital button next to the

DMYTRO HRUNSKYI, a strongman from Dnipro, Ukraine, recently achieved three new world records, adding to his impressive list of accomplishments.

Using his beard, neck, and teeth, he demonstrated incredible feats of strength.

Dmytro faced tough challenges along the way. His first attempt to pull a vehicle with his beard in 2019 didn’t succeed as his beard hairs were pulled out.

But he didn’t give up.

webcam, you let the lock keeper know to open the gates if many fish have gathered.

This prevents a ‘fish traffic jam’ and helps them continue their journey.

This initiative, called the ‘fish doorbell’, has become a cherished local tradition.

It not only assists fish but also raises awareness about the biodiversity in Utrecht’s canals.

Visitors can learn about the fish species passing through and even observe them at night, as fish prefer to travel in darkness.

Last year, the initiative drew 8.2 million website visitors, showing its popularity and impact.

To be a part of the fishy journey, head to the website: visdeurbel.nl.

Beard and brawn

Over time, he let his beard grow longer and tried different braiding techniques to make it stronger.

In his latest triumph, Dmytro broke the previous record set by Antanas Kontrimas of Lithuania by pulling a 2.58-tonne minibus using his beard.

He then showed his strength by pulling a 7.7-tonne lorry with his neck, proving his power.

Lastly, Dmytro beat his own re-

cord for pulling cars with his teeth by towing seven taxi cabs, each with a driver inside.

This required not just strength but also careful precision to keep the cars moving straight.

Despite the heavy weights and challenges, Dmytro succeeded in each record attempt, showcasing his remarkable strength and skill as a strongman.

14 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • News •
BLOOD DONATIONS: Have increased significantly. Image: KorArkaR / Shutterstock.com

“I’ll buy myself a Vespa”

AT the age of 103, Giuseppina Molari was stopped by the carabinieri while driving her car with no licence or insurance. The incident occurred at around 1am on Monday March 11 in Bondeno, in the province of Ferrara in Italy.

Giuseppina Molari, known to everyone as ‘Giose’, said, “The carabinieri were good. I’ve always cared about my autonomy and now I’ll use my bicycle to get around or I’ll buy myself a Vespa.”

The sprightly old lady was returning home after spending a quiet evening with friends when she ended up getting disoriented and could no longer find her way back to her home. It was a citizen who reported to police her unmistakable white Fiat Panda proceeding in a dangerous manner, continuing to drive around the same streets.

The Carabinieri stopped her and got a surprise after checking the elderly

THIS year from April 4 until April 6, Amsterdam is hosting the world’s biggest Coffee Festival with tasty samples, exceptional baristas and live music.

The festival will be held at Westergas, inviting coffee specialists and enthusiasts to dive into a three-day immersion in the world

Ageing in the Netherlands

woman’s driving licence and learning her year of birth - 1920. Her car was picked up by a tow truck, which loaded it and transported it to the place she had requested. The lady was finally driven home by the carabinieri, thus putting an end to her night out.

The news of what happened caused hilarity in her home town, where the woman, who will soon blow out her 104th birthday candle, is well-known and has many friends.

MORE does not mean better, proves the nursing home deterioration in the Netherlands.

The number of commercial nursing homes in the Netherlands has increased fivefold in the past 10 years. Exceptional support for the elderly was expected, yet experts are now concerned about the quality of medical care and living conditions in the establishments.

In the past two years, there has been an increase of 100 new homes for seniors, but quality treatment has been disregarded.

The LHV (National Association of General Practitioners) have expressed their worry about the

Amsterdam Coffee Festival

of coffee.

There are various tickets available already, with options for oneday entry, three-day admission, and more. Starting from €18 admission.

There will be 100+ artisan co-

ffee roasters, equipment and food brands on display, with free samples of gourmet coffee and snacks.

Meet specialist baristas and roasters and watch 15 of them compete for the title of one winner in the Roast Masters competition:

standards of medical care in the centres for the elderly: “In commercial nursing homes, there is not always a geriatric specialist or geriatric psychiatrist present.”

Moreover, in the past few years, LPZ (International Prevalence Measurement of Care Quality) has evaluated the conditions in the Netherlands’ care ho-

inspiring the future coffee-makers.

Watch the top latte art methods, demonstrated by the world’s best baristas and partake in masterclasses to learn the techniques yourself.

Sharpen your taste and mind, by learning about the origins of coffee, coffee pairings and every

mes. The surveys revealed that the number of malnutrition cases amongst seniors in commercial nursing homes has risen to more than 16 per cent. This has prompted the organisation’s research into the structure of the national establishments, to question the nursing staff and prevent a further increase in the figures.

type of drink on the market, from the most experienced workers in the field.

Indulge in coffee culture to live music from established DJs and discover how to take your coffee habits to the next level.

Tickets available at amsterdam coffeefestival.com.

15 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • News •
NURSING HOMES: Experts are concerned about quality of medical care. Credit:
Jsme Mila, Pexels
Woman had no licence or insurance.

New ambassador to Spain

ON Thursday, March 14, the UK announced: ‘Mr Alex Ellis CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and non-resident Ambassador to the Principality of Andorra in succession to Mr Hugh

Elliott who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Ellis will take up his appointment during summer 2024.’

The outgoing ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, took to social media to

share his thoughts: ‘After five wonderful years, this summer my term as Ambassador to Spain ends.

‘Although there are still many months (and work!) left, I am delighted to congratulate my great friend and colleague @Alexwe llis, who will take over as of September.’

What does the change in ambassadors mean for the future of Gibraltar? The diplomatic transition comes after three years and 16 rounds of negotiations between London, Brussels, and Madrid.

As for the time being, talks have yet to yield an agreement on Gibraltar’s status following the UK’s departure from the European Union.

Elliot, who has been a pivotal figure in these negotiations, is departing after a five-year tenure. His efforts were central to the New Year’s Eve Agreement on December 31, 2020, aiming to foster shared prosperity between

Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar in Cadiz.

The Spanish Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, described the agreement as a step towards dismantling the physical separation fence.

However, several crucial issues, such as border control and taxation, remain unresolved. In October 2022, Elliot mentioned the progress but acknowledged the existence of ‘thorny issues.’

Ellis, coming from his

position as British High Commissioner in New Delhi and former National Security Advisor, has a rich background in international negotiations.

His previous roles include Director of the Department of Exiting the European Union, ambassador in Brasilia, Lisbon, and Madrid.

This experience is expected to be invaluable as he navigates the complex issues at stake, including the joint management of

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

Gibraltar’s airport and the post-transition positioning of Spanish officials.

The arrival of Ellis marks a crucial phase in the negotiations, with his expertise anticipated to help resolve the longstanding issues, including military and civil movement through Gibraltar.

His appointment signifies the UK’s ongoing commitment to finding a mutually beneficial agreement for all parties involved.

16 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • News •
Alex Ellis will become ambassador to Spain in September 2024.

THE construction of Genoa’s sub-port tunnel kicked off with the sound of a citywide siren, marking a major milestone in connecting the city’s western and eastern sides and easing traffic congestion around the port area.

After years of discussion, this ambitious infrastructure project is finally underway and is expected to be finished

Europe’s widest

by the summer of 2029.

Genoa’s mayor, Marco Bucci, expressed pride in starting the construction that will reshape Genoa’s landscape.

He highlighted how the tunnel will improve traffic flow in the city, making it safer and more environmenta-

lly friendly.

Italian officials, including Transport Minister, Matteo Salvini, praised the sub-port tunnel as a symbol of Italian engineering excellence, showcasing innovative planning methods.

Once completed, the tunnel will stretch 3.4 kilometres long and descend 45 metres below the seabed.

It will be Italy’s longest underwater tunnel and Europe’s widest, with each tube having an external diameter of 16 metres to accommodate traffic in both directions. Its construction will open up more than 25,000 square metres of urban space.

The price of healthcare

Anna Ellis

IN the event of Sweden’s highest inflation rate in 30 years, the prices continue to rise, affecting the healthcare sector.

The country is continuing to change its healthcare services, emergency care and health centre attendance now growing in price.

The researcher in Health Economics at Karolinska Institute, Naimi Johansson, stated her concern: “It is problematic from an equality perspective. According to law, healthcare must be equal, as needed.”

However, 11 out of 21 regions of Sweden, have increased, or are in the process of increasing their charges for emergency care, and 10 decided to increase the price of appointments in the health centre.

The most expensive emergency care is

now in Västernorrland, where a visit to the emergency room now costs 600 SEK (€53.9).

The Regional Director of Västernorrland, asserted the decisions made: “We have seen an overconsumption of emergency care historically, we need to deal with it.”

The Director of Health and Medical Care at Jämtland Härjedalen, which is now the most costly health centre, has explained: “The increase is part of the measures we have taken based on the region’s economic situation, which is not good.”

Last year, the Minister for Finance, Elisabeth Svantesson, commented on the country’s financial situation: “Sweden remains in an economic winter and a difficult security environment,” and this year this has been ever more evident.

18 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • News •
Prices
are rising.
Image: Comune di Genova / Facebook

Golf garden

PROTESTORS belonging to Portuguese climate activist group, Climáximo, invaded the Oeiras golf course, just 10 minutes outside the capital Lisbon, armed with gardening tools with the intention of planting vegetables along the fairway of the course.

The plan was to transform the golf course into an urban vegetable garden for food production. A statement from Climáximo said: “The crime of continuing to use energy and water resources to maintain golf courses in the midst of a climate crisis needs to be

stopped. We are in the 10th consecutive hottest month ever.

“The Algarve is running out of water and we are facing drought in agricultural and forest land, the emptying of dams, rivers and ponds, leaving hundreds of farmers across the country in distress. It is criminal that in this emergency situation they continue to prioritise luxury and unnecessary consumption.”

The protestors aimed to show how people can, “build a world based on real interests and needs, stop criminal and inappro-

priate consumption by the super-rich, and give new purposes to places that currently are of restricted access to the elites who are most to blame for the climate crisis.”

Climáximo states that, “the increase in food prices due to the impacts of the climate crisis through drought is clearly felt and compromises people’s access to essential food items.”

In a previous protest, Climáximo supporters entered the Paço do Lumiar golf course and rendered several holes unusable by cementing them over.

19 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • News •
Climate activitists protest. Photo: Climáximo

IRELAND

Too fast

ROAD deaths in the European Union fell by an average of 1 per cent in 2023, compared with the previous year, but in Ireland they increased by 19 per cent with 184 people losing their lives, a 33 per cent increase on pre-pandemic 2019. Police attributed the rise to speeding and mobile phone use while driving.

Bog off

REFERRING Ireland to the EU’s Court of Justice, the European Commission claimed it had failed to put a stop to persistent peat-cutting in protection areas for raised and blanket bogs. The sites were continually degraded through drainage and turf-cutting activities, with insufficient action taken to restore them, the EU said.

NORWAY

Royal pacemaker

KING HARALD was fitted with a permanent pacemaker at the Rikshospitalet in Oslo on March 12 to replace the temporary device that was implanted at a hospital in Malaysia after the 87-year-old monarch was taken ill while on holiday. “The operation was successful, and the King is doing well,” the palace said afterwards.

No camping

CRITICS condemned Bergen city hall’s decision to ban overnight camping in parks, public spaces and on roadsides, claiming this was directed at keeping the homeless off the streets. “We’re a city known for promoting human rights, but now we’re distancing ourselves from that,” the Red Party’s Mailiss Solheim Akerblom claimed.

EURO PRESS

GERMANY PORTUGAL

May date

THE final of the Festival da Cançao 2024 to select the song and performer that will represent Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest was won by Iolanda and the composition Grito. The programme had an average audience of 486,000, which amounted to 12 per cent of all viewers but was 74,000 down on 2023.

No problem

THE recently-published European Social Survey (ESS) found that Portugal, along with the UK, Spain and Norway, was one of the countries where respondents were most open to immigration. The ESS study also found that the perception of immigration as a threat was lower than the average for European countries.

Less red tape

GERMANY’S government will cut down on bureaucracy after the Cabinet agreed to a new law that would digitise paperwork and bring savings of €625 million in space, rental and storage costs. “Reducing bureaucracy is one of the federal government’s major tasks, one of our major projects,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared.

ITALY FRANCE

Uniform charge

A COUPLE from Mussolini’s birthplace, Predappio, faced prosecution for dressing their small son as a member of the ONB fascist youth movement in October 2022. Public prosecutors said they and others who were celebrating the centenary of Mussolini’s March on Rome should be tried for breaking anti-fascism laws.

Bear facts

EIGHTEEN people are under investigation for online hate crimes after blaming Andrea Papi, who was mauled to death by a bear while out running in Trentino, for the subsequent court order to have it put down. Instead, the female bear thought to be defending her cubs, was eventually reprieved and rehomed to another area.

Invader shot

A HUNTER in Wadden Sea coastal area shot a raccoon, an invasive species which endangers native wildlife and can be legally killed year-round in Denmark. “Raccoons have spread significantly in Germany and we can expect increasing numbers here,” Jan Boge, director of the Wadden Sea National Park told the DR broadcaster.

Called up

DENMARK’S plans to introduce military service for women will make it one of the few countries requiring females to spend time in the armed forces. Speaking on March 13, Defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that “robust conscription, including full gender equality” would contribute to solving defence challenges.

Frog warning

SCIENTISTS and conservationists said that consumption of frogs’ legs needed stricter regulation. Between 2010 and 2019, France imported 30,015 tons of frogs’ legs, a Nature Conservation study found, which has prompted warnings that continuing demand could ‘decimate’ frog populations in Indonesia and Turkey.

Going for gold

FRANCE’S Ministry of the Economy issued a five-year prospecting permit to Aurelius Resources, a subsidiary of British operator Aurelius Resources. The authorisation covers a 39.19-square kilometre in the Limousin area where the company will seek minerals that include gold, silver, antimony, tungsten, cobalt and lithium.

FINLAND

Early birds

TWO bears at Helsinki Zoo woke from their winter hibernation in early December after only six weeks, one of the shortest hibernation periods ever known there. After their December awakening, the two females returned for a seven-day sleep during the February cold snap before abandoning their dens once more.

Smoothed over

SKATERS are enjoying unusually smooth ice on the sea ice off Helsinki, formed after surface snow began to melt in February but froze over when the temperature dropped again, creating a glassy effect. The authorities warned skaters that the ice remained thick but to venture out only with adequate safety equipment.

SWEDEN

Lichen fears

SAMI reindeer herders in northern Sweden said deforestation threatened their way of life and the animals they depend on. The herders explained that reindeer need lichen which only grows in old forests to survive, and they are on the brink of starvation as the ancient trees disappear, together with their own means of support.

Rat trap

AS Malmo prepares to host the Eurovision Song Contest in May, city authorities brought in ferrets and dogs to eliminate the rats they have been combatting over the past year. “We’re putting in extra-special efforts on locations where the Contest will be held,” the company which provides the ferrets and dogs told SVT television.

BELGIUM

Picture that!

L’AMI INTIME (The intimate friend) by the Belgian surrealist artist Rene Magritte recently fetched £33.6 million (€39.37 million) at Christie’s in London. Collectors Gilbert and Lena Kaplan bought the painting in 1980 but loaned it to Belgium’s Royal Fine Arts Museums for a 1998 exhibition in Brussels.

Crane drama

A CRANE carrying out track maintenance near Belsele collapsed onto an empty train which derailed, damaging tracks, cables and a gantry as well as an oncoming train, none of whose passengers were affected. The crane operator jumped clear although the driver of the empty train and his assistant suffered minor injuries.

NETHERLANDS

Help needed

ROUGHLY half of the over-55s, especially the single, find it difficult to manage cooking, housework and finances, figures from the Netherlands’ Central Statistics Agency revealed. Thirty-four per cent of people over 75 admitted that they “struggled” with at least one household chore or could not do it at all.

Time to go

AFTER the EU lifted sanctions against Arkady Volozh, the Russian billionaire can again access his European possessions including an Amsterdam mansion occupied by squatters. As a court ruled in 2023 that they could remain while Volzh’s assets were frozen, the oligarch’s lawyers now argue that this means they must go.

OLAF SCHOLZ: Less red tape is a priority, Germany’s Chancellor said.
Parliament
Photo credit: Flickr/European
DENMARK 22 euroweeklynews.com • European Press • 21 - 27 March 2024

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Pay boost

FAST fashion retailer Primark will give 27,000 shop staff pay rises averaging 9.1 per cent from April 1 as it joins other retailers in responding to the increase in the minimum wage. This will increase hourly rates in England, Scotland and Wales to £12 (€14.02) and £12.56 (€14.68) for employees working in London.

Huge numbers

A SURVEY by management consultants Alvarez & Marsal found that following the Bankia merger CaixaBank now holds €587 billion deposited by clients in current accounts, savings accounts, investment funds and pension plans. This corresponds to 29.8 cent of the domestic market, overtaking both Santander and BBVA.

Big boss

AS Britain’s Chancellor Jeremy Hunt prepares to provide another £6bn (€7.01bn) for the NHS, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the health service currently accounts for one in three of the UK’s public sector jobs. The NHS payroll has now risen above two million for the first time.

Madrid choice

GOLDMAN SACHS chose Madrid as headquarters for its Newdock centre as it expands its European logistics project.

Newdock, headed by Fatima Saez del Cano, focuses on developing and managing ultramodern logistics spaces in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy for Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s clients and entities.

Stored up

ANN SUMMERS, known for its ‘adult toys and accessories’, posted £105 million (€122.7 million) in sales, with profits of £62 million (€72.5 million) for the year ending July 2023. Despite an increased online presence, its 86 stores were still the most profitable part of its business.

THE UK is on course to emerge from recession as the economy returned to growth with a 0.2 per cent increase in January.

Britain’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell 0.3 per cent between October and December 2023, preceded by a 0.1 per cent dip during 2023’s third quarter, figures that put the country into recession.

Retail spending increased by 3.4 per cent in January and construction rose by 1.1 per cent, although production, which included manufacturing, shrank by 0.2 per cent, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed.

January’s growth will not have surprised Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, who stated in February that the down-

€79.85 billion STAT OF WEEK

or 13.9 per cent of the cash generated by Spain’s 40 biggest companies including Inditex, Iberdrola and Telefonica, went to the government in 2022.

Growing again

turn would be one of the “shallowest and shortest in 70 years.”

The January figures came as a boost for Britain’s PM Rishi Sunak, who has pledged to grow the economy, and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt who

announced when introducing the Budget on March 6 that the UK “had turned the corner.”

Referring to the January GDP figures on March 13, Hunt admitted that recent years “had been tough.”

Suren Thiru, economics

Another ace for Nadal

RAFAEL NADAL won two Grand Slams in 2022, the same year that Nadal family’s holding company Aspemir made a €19.9 million profit.

This was 75 per cent up on 2021 and 255 per cent on 2020, thanks to the 22 companies in the Aspemir portfolio.

Accounts submitted to the Registro Mercantil, Spain’s equivalent to Companies House, showed that the sports facilities were the most profitable, with Centre Sportiu Manacor contributing €3.7 million and the Rafa

Nadal International School academy bringing in €1.17 million.

Aspemir’s real estate investments made respective profits of €6.7 million and €2.4 million for Naiad 2012 and the Mabel Villa de Paris luxury development in Madrid.

Via Mabel Capital, in which it has a 33.3 per cent stake, Aspemir has holdings in hotels, restaurants - including the successful Tatel chain - plus the Komodo production company behind the Mad Cool music festival and the Netflix series, I am Georgina.

director at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), nevertheless warned that the monthly figures could decline again in February when heavy rainfall deterred shoppers.

Quoted in the Telegraph, James Smith from the Resolution Foundation, pointed out that notwithstanding the 0.2 per cent rise, growth remained sluggish.

“Britain is far from ending its period of prolonged stagnation, with the economy yet to return to its pre-pandemic size on a per-person basis,” he said.

Hard to get Another record Rather better

THE Bank of Spain’s quarterly update increased its 2024 growth prediction from December’s 1.6 per cent to 1.9 per cent.

The regulator now expects a more moderate slowdown following a better-than-expected increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) in the last quarter of 2023, bringing its forecast nearer to the Spanish government’s 2 per cent estimate.

Projections for 2025 and 2026 remained unchanged at 1.9 per cent and 1.7 per cent, the Bank said, but despite the recent restraint in Spain’s growth rate, this would still be more than the European Central Bank’s 0.6 per cent prediction for the eurozone.

INDITEX shares climbed by 7.7 per cent after the Spanish fashion chain announced its full-year 2023 results on March 13. Last year’s net profits soared to €5.4 billion, 30.3 per cent more than in 2022, with sales rising 10 per cent to the company’s highest-ever turnover of €35.9 billion.

The Zara company increased its lead over Swedish rival H&M thanks to being able to deliver trends faster from its nearby suppliers and sell more clothes at higher prices, Inditex’s chief executive Oscar Garcia Maceiras said. He also revealed that the company had a strong start to 2024 with sales up 11 per cent between February and March, compared with the same period last year.

Meanwhile, Inditex founder and former chairman Amancio Ortega will receive dividends of €2.846 billion in 2024.

VIRGIN MONEY high-rankers would share in a £6 million (€7.01 million) handout if the Nationwide Building Society takeover goes ahead.

After years of accumulating stock at Virgin Money, the 13 executives, board members and senior staff could expect to receive a windfall from the proposed £3 billion (€3.5 billion) deal.

David Duffy, chief executive of Virgin Money co-founded in 1995 by Sir Richard Branson, stands to gain most as he would be in line to receive £3.5 million (€4.09 million) for his 1.6 million shares.

US hedge fund Elliott discarded plans to take over UK electricals firm Currys after two bids were turned down.

Elliott initially offered £700 million (€818.3 million,) followed by another of £756 million (€883.7 million) for Currys.

Following the double rejection, the American company then said it was not in a position to make an improved offer “on the basis of the public information available to it.” City analysts maintained that the Currys board was “unlikely” to consider any bid below an offer valuing the company at £900 million (€1.05 billion).

BRITAIN’S government intends to introduce legislation that would prevent foreign powers from owning UK newspapers and news magazines.

The far-reaching move would halt the proposed £600 million (€701.2 million) purchase of the Telegraph by RedBird IMI, a fund that is backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice-president of the United Arab Emirates, and a private US investment company.

Media minister Lord Stephen Parkinson announced that the government would be putting forward an amendment that would result in blocking the deal, in a move that goes further than an early campaign by Baroness Tina Stowell to prevent the sale.

SPAIN’S Cabinet Meeting on March 12 has given the Orange-MasMovil merger the goahead. The government authorised the operation from the point of view of foreign investment in a Spanish company, while bearing in mind the concessions that both companies have made to the fast-growing mobile operator, low-cost Digi.

Consent follows on from recent authorisation from the European Commission, which has subjected the €18.6 billion merger that was first announced two years ago to close scrutiny, owing to the competition and monopoly implications of the deal.

26 euroweeklynews.com • 21 - 27 March 2024
Photo credit: Flickr/Shinya Photo credit: self-build.co.uk
Virgin windfall Telegraph ploy No
objections
UK CONSTRUCTION: Grew by 1.1 per cent in January 2024.
€19.9
RAFAEL
NADAL:
million profit for his Aspemir company.
3I Group 2.552,62 +17,62 +0,70% 686,65K Admiral Group 2.731,0 +48,0 +1,79% 441,55K Airtel Africa 94,45 +1,10 +1,18% 981,31K Anglo American 1.827,4 -6,2 -0,34% 2,86M Antofagasta 1.931,00 +21,00 +1,10% 496,33K Ashtead Group 5.140,0 -18,0 -0,35% 291,43K Associated British Foods 2.337,0 +36,0 +1,56% 316,29K AstraZeneca 10.452,5 +50,5 +0,49% 851,11K Auto Trader Group Plc 758,00 +5,00 +0,66% 2,09M Aviva 481,70 +1,10 +0,23% 3,09M B&M European Value Retail SA 546,20 -0,80 -0,15% 1,24M BAE Systems 1.287,00 -7,50 -0,58% 4,42M Barclays 176,50 +2,10 +1,20% 12,27M Barratt Developments 476,60 -0,50 -0,11% 1,25M Beazley 662,64 -1,36 -0,20% 819,69K Berkeley 4.703,0 +26,0 +0,56% 102,14K BP 492,08 +2,08 +0,42% 16,38M British American Tobacco 2.370,0 -10,5 -0,44% 1,75M BT Group 108,99 +0,54 +0,50% 9,67M Bunzl 3.001,0 -23,0 -0,76% 404,10K Burberry Group 1.261,0 +1,0 +0,08% 315,94K Centrica 132,90 +3,15 +2,43% 5,30M Coca Cola HBC AG 2.478,0 +11,0 +0,45% 195,35K Compass 2.212,00 +5,00 +0,23% 1,28M ConvaTec Group 285,95 -1,65 -0,57% 4,03M Croda Intl 4.728,0 +70,0 +1,50% 170,15K DCC 5.715,9 -2,1 -0,04% 69,46K
2.894,4 -16,1 -0,55% 1,84M Diploma 3.392,00 +2,00 +0,06% 81,36K DS Smith 342,00 +5,90 +1,76% 1,81M Endeavour Mining 1.450,00 +5,00 +0,35% 96,92K Entain 769,20 -0,40 -0,05% 703,61K Experian 3.330,0 -21,0 -0,63% 1,00M F&C Invest 974,00 +3,00 +0,31% 304,79K Flutter Entertainment 17.195,0 -265,0 -1,52% 195,36K Frasers 806,20 +3,70 +0,46% 110,29K Fresnillo 471,80 +7,40 +1,59% 544,17K Glencore 427,60 +10,35 +2,48% 19,17M GSK plc 1.666,00 -21,80 -1,29% 2,72M HALEON 321,05 -3,85 -1,19% 5,36M Halma 2.226,2 -18,8 -0,84% 848,28K Hikma Pharma 1.856,57 -8,43 -0,45% 118,71K Howden Joinery 871,40 +1,60 +0,18% 827,77K HSBC 595,15 +8,75 +1,49% 11,16M IAG 157,84 +8,89 +5,97% 15,98M IMI PLC 1.776,00 +4,00 +0,23% 244,69K Imperial Brands 1.740,00 0,00 0,00% 859,60K Informa 820,40 -5,00 -0,61% 1,08M InterContinental 8.170,0 +16,0 +0,20% 169,46K Intermediate Capital 1.990,25 -5,75 -0,29% 266,75K Intertek 4.887,0 -59,0 -1,19% 218,43K J Sainsbury 250,60 +0,90 +0,36% 1,28M JD Sports Fashion 112,00 +0,15 +0,13% 11,02M Kingfisher 227,80 +1,90 +0,84% 2,52M Land Securities 619,20 0,00 0,00% 783,42K Legal & General 245,80 +0,10 +0,04% 5,26M Lloyds Banking 49,72 +0,39 +0,79% 55,02M London Stock Exchange 9.378,0 -22,0 -0,23% 787,10K M&G 230,50 -1,60 -0,69% 2,33M Marks & Spencer 248,15 +3,55 +1,45% 2,19M Melrose Industries 609,80 -5,40 -0,88% 2,08M Mondi 1.332,00 +20,50 +1,56% 799,11K National Grid 1.049,00 +6,00 +0,57% 3,08M NatWest Group 241,60 +1,60 +0,67% 8,44M Next 8.534,0 +46,0 +0,54% 238,29K Ocado 465,80 +3,60 +0,78% 831,27K Pearson 1.020,50 -7,00 -0,68% 839,06K Pershing Square 50,60 +0,20 +0,40% 21,44K Persimmon 1.283,0 -3,0 -0,23% 1,66M Phoenix 507,04 +1,44 +0,28% 810,80K Prudential 802,20 +3,40 +0,43% 2,61M Reckitt Benckiser 4.801,0 -454,0 -8,64% 1,86M Relx 3.397,00 +6,00 +0,18% 1,57M Rentokil 474,50 -4,20 -0,88% 2,88M Rightmove 568,80 +9,00 +1,61% 1,48M Rio Tinto PLC 4.836,0 -6,0 -0,12% 1,24M Rolls-Royce Holdings 390,20 +0,90 +0,23% 12,08M RS PLC 715,80 -2,00 -0,28% 398,09K Sage 1.227,50 -1,50 -0,12% 953,49K Schroders 389,4 +1,9 +0,49% 990,75K Scottish Mortgage 811,66 +30,66 +3,93% 2,14M Segro 852,38 +1,58 +0,19% 1,15M Severn Trent 2.599,0 +22,0 +0,85% 212,19K Shell 2.550,6 +12,6 +0,50% 4,25M Smith & Nephew 1.073,00 -10,50 -0,97% 827,48K Smiths Group 1.618,50 +2,00 +0,12% 269,94K Smurfit Kappa 3.559,4 +67,4 +1,93% 327,31K Spirax-Sarco Engineering 10.460,0 -120,0 -1,13% 60,21K SSE 1.596,50 +12,50 +0,79% 923,39K St. James’s Place 433,90 +5,50 +1,28% 2,87M Standard Chartered 654,28 +8,28 +1,28% 3,43M Taylor Wimpey 139,65 -0,85 -0,60% 6,95M Tesco 287,40 +1,30 +0,45% 8,60M Unilever 3.859,5 -25,5 -0,66% 1,80M Unite 953,00 +8,00 +0,85% 389,20K United Utilities 1.065,00 +10,00 +0,95% 1,58M Vodafone Group PLC 69,020 +2,930 +4,43% 62,79M Weir Group 1.992,50 +6,50 +0,33% 525,41K Whitbread 3.234,0 +18,0 +0,56% 279,53K WPP 709,00 +4,80 +0,68% 927,78K 3M 103,16 -0,91 -0,87% 5,88M Amazon.com 178,75 +2,19 +1,24% 40,24M American Express 220,47 -2,34 -1,05% 1,55M Amgen 271,54 -4,45 -1,61% 2,11M Apple 173,00 +1,87 +1,09% 70,31M Boeing 181,29 -1,06 -0,58% 9,77M Caterpillar 341,98 +0,46 +0,13% 1,63M Chevron 155,71 +1,82 +1,18% 6,57M Cisco 49,79 -0,32 -0,64% 15,78M Coca-Cola 60,53 -0,11 -0,17% 10,11M Dow 57,34 -0,63 -1,09% 6,70M Goldman Sachs 388,84 -3,47 -0,88% 2,15M Home Depot 375,28 -3,71 -0,98% 3,66M Honeywell 196,35 -3,38 -1,69% 3,49M IBM 193,52 -3,18 -1,62% 3,89M Intel 42,75 -0,48 -1,11% 35,71M J&J 159,28 -1,82 -1,13% 5,12M JPMorgan 188,05 -3,33 -1,74% 9,68M McDonald’s 281,99 -0,87 -0,31% 3,95M Merck&Co 120,54 -0,85 -0,70% 9,55M Microsoft 425,22 +10,12 +2,44% 32,72M Nike 100,28 -1,08 -1,07% 6,94M Procter&Gamble 161,56 -0,74 -0,46% 3,90M Salesforce Inc 303,43 -1,25 -0,41% 4,45M The Travelers 221,34 -2,15 -0,96% 1,04M UnitedHealth 489,08 +1,08 +0,22% 2,32M Verizon 39,79 -0,47 -1,17% 13,14M Visa A 286,41 +1,27 +0,45% 4,15M Walmart 61,04 -0,03 -0,05% 11,58M M - Million Dollars Yue Yuen Industrial (Holdings) Limited +24.27% 42,516 DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. +15.47% 6.551M Impinj, Inc. +9.79% 977,988 Embraer S.A. +9.51% 5.673M Palomar Holdings, Inc. +8.91% 504,752 Vistry Group PLC +7.65% 21,851 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. +6.39% 152,317 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited +5.47% 25,171 Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. +5.31% 25,966 Robinhood Markets, Inc. +5.19% 48.352M SentinelOne, Inc. -16.64% 27.57M Affirm Holdings, Inc. -13.84% 13.529M Futu Holdings Limited -13.76% 7.041M Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. -10.77% 1.307M Under Armour, Inc. -10.74% 32.191M Under Armour, Inc. -10.15% 16.241M Bloom Energy Corporation -9.97% 9.719M Viking Therapeutics, Inc. -9.60% 6.532M HUTCHMED (China) Limited -9.59% 245,492 Grifols, S.A. -9.15% 3.906M Rumble Inc. -8.84% 5.924M Company Change net / % Volume MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.85403 1.17073 US dollar (USD) 1.0893 Japan yen (JPY) 161.93 Switzerland franc (CHF)...................... 0.9607 Denmark kroner (DKK) 7.4546 Norway kroner (NOK) 11.528 Units per € THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER DOW JONES Closing Prices 18 March NASDAQ Closing Prices 18 March LONDON - FTSE 100 Closing Prices 18 March Company priCe(p) Change(p) % Chg net Company priCe(p) Change(p) % Chg net M - Million Dollars M - Million Dollars Most Declined Most Advanced Company priCe(p) Change(p) % Chg. net EWN 21 -27 March 2024 euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE 28 currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914
Diageo

Neutral stance

RAUL BLANCO, chairman of Renfe, said that Spain’s state-owned railway company was “absolutely neutral” regarding the possible €619 million takeover of rolling stock manufacturer Talgo by Ganz-Mavag Europe.

Renfe had received “no details” of the operation, Blanco said, although the government is known to fear Russian capital could be involved in the deal.

Power play

BRITISH gigafactories and plants refining battery metals will receive cheaper power from April as the government tries to stem dependency on outside sources. China currently controls 70 per cent of the world’s cobalt, 70 per cent of its nickel. 60 per cent of battery-grade lithium and 90 per cent of some rare earths.

Delayed justice

LEGISLATION introduced on March 13 will quash the wrongful convictions of hundreds of UK sub-postmasters.

This would clear the names of those whose lives were ruined through the Horizon computer programme scandal, the Prime Minister announced on March 13.

Affected sub-postmasters will receive an interim payment with the option of an immediate, fixed and final offer of

£600,000 (€702,024) enabling them to finally start

Paradores doing well

PUBLICLY-OWNED Paradores de España ended 2023 with a €328 million turnover.

This was the highest in the hotel chain’s 96 years of existence and 6 per cent more than in 2022, Paradores’ chairwoman, Raquel Sanchez, said.

With net profits of approximately €25 million, 124 per cent up on 2022, the chain was also in the black for the third conse-

cutive year following the pandemic.

Occupancy averaged 71 per cent, compared with 65 per cent in 2019 and 67 per cent in 2022.

The outlook for 2024 was equally encouraging, Sanchez said, taking into account that occupancy for traditionally low-season January and February had averaged 58 per cent, six percentage points more than in 2022.

rebuilding their lives.

For those not choosing this option, claims will be assessed through the usual process, with no limit to compensation.

There will also be £75,000 (€87,764) redress payments for postmasters who were not convicted but suffered because of the scandal.

Those who have already settled will have their compensation adjusted, bringing them in line with the successful approach taken for members of the Group Litigation Order group of postmasters.

“I want to pay tribute to all the postmasters who have shown such courage and perseverance in their fierce campaign for justice,” Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, said.

“Today’s legislation marks an important step forward in finally clearing their names.”

Profits rise

FRENCH sporting goods retailer Decathlon intended to change its image and transform its 175 stores in Spain - the company’s second most-important market after France - and was planning to open more, chief executive Barbara Martin Coppola revealed. In 2022, according to Decathlon’s last available figures, turnover in Spain rose to €2.1 billion with profits of more than €100 million.

Turn around

THE John Lewis Partnership made a pre-tax profit of £56 million (€65.6 million) in the 12 months ending January 27 2024, compared with a loss of £234 million (€274 million) during the previous year.

The retailer, which also owns Waitrose, nevertheless announced that for the third time in four years, staff would not be receiving an annual bonus.

EWN 21 - 27 March 2024 FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com 29
BUSINESS
EXTRA
Photo credit: Flickr/number10.gov.uk DOWNING STREET: Erroneous Horizon convictions quashed.

Is it any wonder

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

TWICE, in my oft turbulent life existence I have experienced immigrant status. At present it has of course been here in Spain, happily ensconced for the last 43 years on the delightful and stunningly beautiful island of Mallorca. However before landing here I did reside as a somewhat temporary immigrant of eight years in the early developing days of Saudi Arabia.

Back then of course, apart from the palaces and homes of the mega rich, it had almost nothing to offer except money. Electricity and phone systems were being installed across the land. Football stadiums, sky scrapers, magnificent cities and water supplies were under construction and it was altogether an exciting and often somewhat harrowing time to exist while endeavouring to coin in some of the riches they were lavishly handing out.

Initially I went in under a visa issued by a somewhat questionable Saudi sponsor as one of his lorry drivers. My

main purpose was however to attempt the introduction of entertainment to the fun starved British workers and ultimately the local populace. You’ll have to order my books from Amazon to read the almost unbelievable results of all that. What was important and totally alien was of course the fact that I was residing among a 99 per cent Muslim populace. With Jeddah being in the close proximity of Mecca and the annual Hajj, to show respect for the Saudis (and stay out of jail!) I decided to comply with the local rules and regulations as best I could. There were no churches or places of worship for any alternative beliefs (and still aren’t!) which also meant, with the country now importing thousands of British workers and families, the Christian followers simply had nowhere to gather.

Subsequently a small group of around a dozen or so decided to use one of the small classrooms of the local school, (which catered exclusively for immigrants’ offspring), as a place to hold a Sunday morning prayer meeting. They lasted three weeks. The whole country was riddled with Saudi spies and one harrowing Sunday morning

the dozen or so, perfectly law abiding, Christian worshipers were subsequently raided by the religious police, arrested and thrown into jail. There followed complete uproar among the authorities and bosses of the foreign contracted companies, which finally resulted in at least three perfectly innocent parishioners being deported and the remainder restricted to their own ‘compounds’ on a Sunday.

Is it any wonder therefore, when this ol boy sees vast numbers of mosques being constructed in the UK, many funded by the Saudis, with the Muslim mayor of London allowed to happily pepper the centre of Britain’s capital city with lights celebrating the Islamic religious month of Ramadan, it doesn’t get me utterly miffed? Believe me, if the Muslim immigrant population tries to turn the UK into the same countries many of them ran from (Over 50 where actually being Christian evokes persecution or the death penalty) then parts of the UK will begin to resemble the Beirut I prophesised some 30 years ago. Keep the faith Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com

Flying squirrels

EU laws mandate the protection of the Siberian flying squirrel, a unique species mainly found in Finland and Estonia, by preventing any unnecessary disturbance to its habitat.

In Finland, projects like the one in Pori need to follow regulations to avoid harming flying squirrel habitats.

Recently, when flying squirrel droppings were found at a proposed construction site in Pori, the project was put on hold.

The city then hired an environmental consultancy to survey the area thoroughly, identifying suitable breeding sites and trees where droppings were found.

The Yyterinniemi peninsula near Pori, known for its port and industrial development, is being carefully planned to balance economic growth with protecting

the environment.

The survey aims to locate and safeguard habitats preferred by the flying squirrel, preventing the destruction of vital ecosystems.

This isn’t the first time the Siberian flying squirrel has affected development in Finland.

The construction of the Helsinki-Espoo inter-city tram line was stopped four years ago for similar reasons.

Ongoing research, such as tracking flying squirrels with radio collars, helps understand their movements and habitat needs, guiding urban planning decisions.

30 euroweeklynews.com • Feature/News • 21 - 27 March 2024
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors. A unique species.
/ Shutterstock.com
Image: Marinecat268

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EWN 21 -27 March 2024 euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY 32
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Aggresive allergies

Brian Bamford

THE early arrival of allergies has caught sufferers unawares. Although they are typical of spring, high temperatures and the lack of rain throughout the winter have meant that some allergies, mainly to different types of pollens, such as olive, have been brought forward in 2024.

“Generally, the more it rains in a year, the more pollens there are and the worse it gets for patients. But with olive pollen in particular, when there is a drought, olive trees are stressed and the pollens they release

into the atmosphere are more aggressive for allergy sufferers, which makes them more ill,” Dr José María Vega Chicote, specialist in Allergology at the Regional University Hospital of Malaga explained.

This January has been described as warmest in history and, added to the high temperatures in February, has brought forward the pollination of trees and plants, causing the allergies typical of spring to appear ahead of time. The symptoms are sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, watery eyes, runny mucus and nasal congestion.

EWN 21 - 27 March 2024 HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com 33
POLLEN: Can bring on sneezing, watery eyes and nasal congestion. Photo: Pickpik
CC

Bob Marquess

A RECENT market study conducted by eDreams ODIGEO, a leading travel subscription company, has unveiled some intriguing insights into consumer travel preferences despite the current economic climate.

The research, which surveyed 10,000 global consumers, including 2,000 from

Shifting priorities

the UK, found that a signicant majority (84 per cent globally and 81 per cent in the UK) prioritise travel within their personal budgets.

Only a small percentage (4 per cent in the UK and 3 per cent globally) stated that they didn’t consider budgeting for travel important.

Additionally, the study forecasts changes in travellers’ priorities over the next 25 years, re ecting generational shifts and technological advancements.

Younger generations are more likely to prioritise digital connectivity and social inclusivity in their travel decisions compared to older age groups.

Cost-e ectiveness remains a top priority for travellers across all age groups, with 64 per cent in the UK and 55 per cent globally emphasising it.

However, younger generations are less focused on cost, with other factors taking precedence. Social inclusivity and digital connectivity are becoming more important considerations for travellers, particularly among younger demographics.

The study indicates that 27 per cent of respondents aged 18-24 prioritise socially inclusive experiences, while 20 per cent prioritise digital connectivity during travel.

Health and safety considerations have also gained signi cance in travel planning.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Pie & Mash

TUCKED away behind a facade of colourful plants on the Paseo del Mediterraneo is a very unexpected find amongst cafes in Mojacar. PJ’s Café - the Pie Shop. Yes, you heard me right, a pie shop.

The owner Nicola has been serving up some amazing home-made pies and quiches for nearly three years in her homely café.

Her freshly made pies, Cornish pasties and sausage rolls are not the only things on offer, as her menu covers traditional Full English breakfasts and Sunday lunches and there is also a great selection of desserts and ice creams, including vegan ice cream.

Eating inside or outside on the terrace, you will be greeted with the same warm welcome from the staff and will be made to feel part of the family.

And if the food and service is not enough to entice you to drop in for a bite, they also offer regular music events, so you can tuck into your

Sunday roast or sa-

vour a traditional London style pie, mash and liqour, whilst listening to some live music.

Even if you just need a quick snack you can always just pop in for a takeaway pork pie.

Also hosting birthdays and celebrations, special events for kids, PJ’s is more than just a café and although it may not have the same views as some of the other places on the seafront, the fresh home-made food certainly makes up for that.

Check out PJ’s Facebook page to see when the café is hosting its next event.

34 euroweeklynews.com • Feature/News • 21 - 27 March 2024
634 368 446 Paseo del Mediterráneo, 227, Mojacar
Tel:

Great food & location

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SO, what does it take to run a successful long-standing restaurant in Mojacar.

For starters a great location. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, Scotty’s certainly has the first criteria well and truly nailed. With its amazing 180-degree views of the dazzling blue Mediterranean, it is a delightful place to be.

You will be greeted by the warm smile of the owner Peter, or one of his friendly staff. Within moments you will be cheerfully sipping your drink of choice and perusing the extensive menu which although has a British flavour, attracts the taste buds of an international clientele.

Your order will be whisked away to Peter’s wife Raimonda, who has crea-

ted some truly delectable and unique freshly prepared dishes.

The décor is clean and simple, as Scotty’s is all about the food, there is nowhere else you can get such a choice of breakfasts including their most popular dish, ‘The Healthy Start’ with smoked salmon, avocado, mushrooms and poached or scrambled eggs. Or choose a full English or American breakfast or the even more unique ‘Scotty’s’.

For six years, their diverse menu of breakfasts, snacks and Lunch menus, including Fish & Chips and Sunday Roasts, make Scotty’s a popular place with local and tourists alike.

Open 9.30am to 6.00pm Tuesday to Sunday, with last orders at 4.15pm.

Tel: 687 382 540 - Paseo del Mediterráneo

373, Mojacar Playa, 04638

Lord of the Rings

PRAGUE residents are pushing to rename streets after characters from ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

The news comes as the city plans to develop a new residential district on Rohan Island, located north of the historic centre along the Vltava River.

While the city initially proposed naming the streets after renowned philosophers like Kant and Derrida, some Czech residents are advocating for Tolkien’s fantasy characters instead.

The petition insists that the Rohan Embankment should bear names from the realm of Rohan, as depicted in Tolkien’s epic.

Although Rohan Island shares its name with a Middle Earth kingdom, it was originally named after a local poet, Josef Rohan, rather than the

fantasy novel.

Despite this, the petitioners, who have garnered over 10,000 signatures in support, are unwavering in their desire to honour the fictional heroes of Tolkien’s work.

They humorously question the role of philosophers like Immanuel Kant in battles against the likes of Saruman, the evil wizard from the novels.

Additionally, the petitioners criticise the lack

of female representation among the proposed street names and suggest honouring characters like the shieldmaiden Eowyn to address this concern.

Sharing the petition on his Facebook page, Prague councillor from the Pirate Party and the city’s former mayor Zdenek Hrib hailed the initiative as “a praiseworthy step.”

The councillor said: “I see it (the petition) as a very meritorious act.”

36 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • Feature/News •
Facebook
Image:
Zdeněk Hřib/
Prague’s Pirate Party councillor, Zdenek Hrib.

Good Neighbours

John Smith

WE continue with details of those commended for the Good Neighbour Awards 2024 as announced by Age in Spain.

Steve Laidlow was nominated and won commendation for his Dream Centre. Arriving in 2019 for retirement in Hondon de los Frailes, Alicante, Steve with his wife Ann quickly forgot about retirement and with their own savings initially converted a warehouse and collected clothing and food to distribute to the poor.

After this came the Dream Centre, a purpose-built facility which houses a café and a thrift shop, as well as providing a venue for social gatherings and activities such as line dancing, poetry readings, a men’s group ‘Men with Purpose’ and a woman’s group, ‘Women of Destiny’. The Dream Centre is also a

venue for church services.

Steve and Ann are missionaries with many years’ experience internationally. They are members of the Acorn International Church. They see their work with people in Hondon de los Frailes as part of the mission of the Church, and

helping people as their ministry.

Both are experienced councillors and pastoral workers. Says Steve, encouraging people to come and join in their activities : “The church that’s alive is worth the drive to help people discover an extraordinary life.”

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In a recent survey of our customers after using Línea Directa’s Roadside Assistance and breakdown services, over 90 per cent said they would happily recommend our insurance services to a friend or colleague. Línea Directa would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to answer the questions in our survey as it has given us valuable feedback on our services and enabled us to integrate positive changes and continue to provide expert solutions for overseas residents in Spain.

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All Línea Directa insurance policies offer additional features specifically designed for expatriates living in Spain. Their home insurance includes Pet Assistance, IT Assistance, and Home Maintenance. All motorbike policies come with Replacement Motorbike, Technical Equipment cover and even Young

Change to Línea Directa and they will lower the price of your insurance. Línea Directa has been providing comprehensive car, motorbike and home insurance to British expatriates and residents in Spain for over 25 years. With over three million customers nationwide, Línea Directa makes sure you get the best

37 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • Feature/News •
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Age in Spain
Credit:
THE DREAM CENTRE: A purpose-built facility.

The town of caves

THE word troglodyte has one or two somewhat unfavourable meanings but it was originally used to simply describe someone who lived in a cave.

It is believed that the Spanish town in Cadiz Province, now known as Setenil de las Bodegas was first settled some 12,000 years ago in the Stone Age and the inhabitants found that the many caves there made very acceptable homes. Like so many other areas of southern Spain, the area was taken over by the Moors about 1,300 years ago and they built a fortified town with a castle (and its restored tower still exists) and used the caves for storage.

As the Christians regained the whole of the area, so a new generation of ‘Spaniards’ moved into the area and for some centuries the caves were used by the poor as homes but times change and now they have been taken

INTERVIEW

Enjoying a sunny afternoon in Setenil de las Bodegas.

over by businesses.

It is a tourist attraction and visitors (generally those who don’t suffer from claustrophobia) flock to the area and enjoy walking along the two main streets, Calle de Sol (Sun) and Calle de Sombra (Shade) stopping for a drink or bite to eat at one of the many bars and restaurants which are basically built into the caves.

On a warm day, with the Rio Guadalporcún running through the town, it

is easy to close your eyes and imaging life in Medieval times, provided you can phase out the sound of vehicles, other people chattering and music. There is plenty more to see in Setenil de las Bodegas but in reality, it’s the concept of walking along a street that is covered by a huge millennia old slab of rock which encourages visitors and helps employ a good percentage of the 3,000 residents of the town.

A different culture

GABY CONSIDERE moved from Paris to Valencia with her husband and a four-year-old daughter and has defined it as a “growing experience”.

GABY was living in a small apartment in Paris with her family and dreamt about moving to a bigger place. She and her husband already had friends in Valencia, and with their advi ce, felt ready for the move.

Gaby is a physiotherapist, as well as a yoga and pilates teacher. She was not unaccustomed to moving: “I lived in London and Dublin for seven years, and then Paris for 10.”

She mentioned that she misses her family and friends back in Paris, and her work as a physiotherapist, but is happy to meet new people and continue practising sports every day.

She has friends from all over the world, even now, when living in Valencia and says she “gets by”, for speaking only basic Spanish.

“I like it here. It’ s quite a different culture. I love the weather of course, and being close to the sea,” shared Gaby.

She spoke about the changes she had faced when moving: “Moving here has taught me a lot about myself. It has been extremely challenging; trying to get a job, making friends, and feeling lonely. But it has been a growing experience.”

She confessed that moving countries is not as fast and easy once you have children: “It was easier when I was younger and a student, but when there are children involved, things get more serious and moving can seem quite definite.”

38 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • Feature/News •
Credit: Andrei Dimofte Creative Commons

OVER many years Neater Heaters have become the first choice of many expats living in Spain.

Behind our stylish Scandinavian designs are a modern state-of-the-art convector heater that can match any on the market for economy and efficiency and beats all the serious competition hands down on price.

The real secret of these heaters is the computer-age technology in the form of extruded aluminium in the construction of the heating element. This material and the design creates a huge surface area for heat transfer, which means more air can be heated for less cost.

Neater Heaters use convection principles and are designed so that the electricity you put into the heater is converted to heat as cheaply as possible. When you turn on the heater the element warms up rapidly and heats

Neater Heaters - efficient, effective and economical

the air around it, this air rises and draws more cold air into the heater.

Because the element is extremely efficient and is designed to have a huge surface area, a large quan tity of air is heated very quickly. If your room has the correct sized heater, it will take about 20 minutes to warm up from cold, after which the heater eases off and works at about two thirds capacity, (depending on various external in-

fluences).

Our heaters are not only efficient, effective, and economical, but as you would expect from a Scandinavian product, they are

extremely stylish and practical. There is a model that will suit anyone, from the BEHA, (Bluetooth option or Wi-Fi option) and the NEO Wi-Fi, so that you can control your heaters easily via a Wi-Fi APP but

still being able to control them manually if preferred, or the trendy original style Neo with digital controls and a choice of colours and if you are limited for wall space then available for purchase are factory designed feet to enable the heater to be freestanding.

However, a few years ago we added the NEO Wi-Fi Compact model. This heater shares the design technology and ethos of the current NEO heaters, but it has two differences: It is much smaller in length, thus able to fit into tighter wall spaces, plus this model has the added bonus of a 2.5 kw version as well.

For the month of March and April, Neater Heater are offering a 10% discount off any product in stock on our website. (offer not available at our outlets or on any currently discounted item). Please add discount code, March 24 to the coupon code box when checking out.

NEATER HEATER DISTRIBUTORS: ALMERIA

ANTAS: Lifestyle Enclosures. Tel. 950 459 060

Heaters also available for purchase at our online shop with free home delivery

WWW.NEATERHEATER.ES or Tel. 634 312 171 (WhatsApp available)

I need a lie down now

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

I HAVE been prescribed another pill which, at my age, is to be expected. I was reading the instructions and it said it had to be taken with 4 fl.oz of water. No problem except I don’t have a clue what 4 fl.oz looks like, which got me thinking about how confusing all that stuff is.

For instance, what’s the difference between a fluid ounce and an ordinary ounce? Did you know that an American gallon and a UK gallon have a difference of about 20 per cent? UK is bigger, but why? Everything is just so confusing. When buying a car I want to know how many mpg it does. I have an old Jeep and didn’t know, until sometime after I bought it, that the units were US measurement ie gallons or I can change it to litres. Have I lost you yet? Then you get litres to 100km. I don’t even know how to compare it. Stick to mpg.

Then you have shoe size. Im a nine. No sir, in USA you’re a 10. No, I’m a nine unless in Europe then I’m a 43!! Waist size 34. Oh no 44 here. Men’s trouser size in

US - hold on they’re the same in US - result! A 42 jacket in UK is 106 – 111 in Europe??????? But then women’s size 12 in UK is an eight in the US and a 40 in Europe!

Ready for more? Have you sold any gold to free up a bit of cash? Well if you ever decide to here’s a warning for you. Do not weigh it on your kitchen scales and then go to the jewellers and be a clever so and so and tell them how much you think it’s worth. Let them weigh it on their scales because a kitchen oz is 10 per cent less than a jewellers oz, or troy oz, as it’s officially called. Confusing isn’t it and totally unneccesary.

How about diamond weight in carats?

The French word carat came from the Italian carato but almost certainly derives from the Arabic qirat which came from the Greek kerátion meaning Carob seed. In Greek and Roman times it was used as a unit of weight. It was probably not used to measure gold at that time They had to find something else for that.

So the most precious thing - a diamond - is valued by a seed off a tree because someone realised that all these seeds weighed the same!

I’m going to go have a lay down now.

Email mikesenker@gmail.com

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

39 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • Feature •
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• News Across The Regions •

Costa del Sol

Linking up

MARBELLA City Council is continuing with its objective of linking the whole of the Paseo Marítimo by means of a pedestrian path with the start of work on a new section in the Los Monteros area, 250 metres in length.

The new link will run from the area of the Palm Beach beach bar to the Morera and will have, as in the other sections, lighting, benches and will be four metres wide.

The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, visited the works which will be completed in three months with an investment of €350,000 and said, “We are continuing with our roadmap to connect the promenade so our citizens can enjoy this marvellous infrastructure.”

In addition, the whole area will be renovated and protected environmentally.

Axarquia

Charity Craft Fayre

THE recent Caritas Craft Fayre held in Competa proved to be a resounding success, raising a commendable €900 in support of the Caritas charity’s initiatives. Caritas is a globally recognised charitable organisation affiliated with the Catholic Church.

The funds generated from the event will exclusively benefit people and families within the town of Competa, providing essential assistance without discrimination. Caritas’s mission includes various forms of aid, including the provision of basic food supplies, assistance with medication and vaccinations, support for educational needs such as school books, and access to clothing through their charity shop.

Moreover, Caritas extends its support beyond material aid, offering companionship and care to the sick and elderly in their homes, as well as visits to residential care homes and hospitals.

Mallorca €1,000 for spending

A CAMPAIGN to raffle off €1,000 to spend in shops in central Palma is underway.

The employers’ association of small and medium-sized businesses in Mallorca (Pimeco) and the Nou Centre commercial association to revitalise the centre of Palma are promoting the campaign ‘1,000 reasons to make you happy’.

Until April 30, all customers making purchases in one of the participating local shops will receive a coupon to take part in the prize draw. The winner will be announced on the social media accounts of Pimeco and the Associació Nou Centre.

They will have an hour to spend €1,000 in the shops in the area.

The campaign, which has the support of the Consell de Mallorca, aims to boost sales in shops around Les Avenguidas, Calle Aragón and the Parc de les Estacions.

Costa Blanca North Your power to change

JONNY ELRAIZ, the co-founder of Benidorm’s Project4All, reached the €3,509 fundraising target within five days, aiding his contribution to homeless people.

Jonny Elraiz is a rock musician and a friend to all who need support: he has been taking care of approximately 35-40 homeless people around Costa Blanca, delivering meals and hope to those in need.

“Every living person has a power. And I don’t think that people realise the power that they have to change the things around them,” said Jonny in a video filmed by the popular English YouTuber, Mr Wendall.

Jonny said he was struggling to meet the costs of renewing his van: essential to his delivery work. Together, Mr Wendall and Jonny started raising funds and reached their target within five days.

Jonny has expressed his gratitude to all who contributed.

Costa Blanca South Shamrocks & Support

WHAT a wonderful turnout for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Cabo Roig on March 17!

The sun was shining, the music was playing, and everyone had a fantastic Sunday afternoon enjoying watching the dancers and floats go by.

The Samaritans volunteers, wearing their branded t-shirts and carrying collecting buckets, were there as the official charity of the event. The crowd was amazing, and their support was truly generous. In just two hours, the charity managed to collect a very impressive €1,582!

The charity would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who took part, to the St Patrick’s Day Committee for choosing the Samaritans, and to every person who donated. It is because of this continued support that the Samaritans can provide their freephone service on 900 525 100.

Costa Calida Smashed it again!

THE annual Mother’s Day lunch at the beautiful Ruf Mari Restaurant in Los Urrutias took place on Mother’s Day, and 100 allocated tickets were sold within a week. They had PLAN B, Graham, and Ian providing great music, and after a delicious meal, most of the ladies were dancing.

Volunteers from the Shelters helped with the organisation and, they targeted themselves to make €1,000 for PAPS, LOS INFIERNOS AND MALCOLMS CATS... raising €1,500 on the day, €500 for each shelter.

Veterinary bills are running high, food is more expensive, and the amount of abandoned, stray, and dumped puppies has almost doubled in a year. Please, they need more ongoing help, donations, walkers, admin, fundraisers and volunteers.

Thank you for everyone’s support, it will always make a difference.

42 euroweeklynews.com • Feature • 21 - 27 March 2024

PETS

Luxury dog and cat hotel with five stars, I mean bones

THE Five Bone Hotel, which is owned and run by Mark and Anita Naylor is now in its 25th year of successful trading. The couple attribute this to the fact that they love their work, and this shines through in all that they do, as well as their combined 58 years of professional animal care experience.

Anita has been a dog groomer for 28 years and was a UK trained veterinary nurse while Mark has now run the kennels for 25 years.

They regard their business a way of life, and this is reflected in their dedication. Their complete commitment means it is not necessary to book an appointment to view the premises, come along during opening hours Mon to Sat 09.30 to 12.30 and 18.00 to 19.00 and Sundays 09.30 to

10.30.

Within extensive secure gardens, clean individual spaces for the pets where they can have their own home comforts home. In this welcoming environment, pets find ample stimulation, fresh air, freedom, and companionship.

There is a huge, fully fenced field for dogs to run around in and the cattery has a completely wired in garden to allow each cat to explore safely under supervision.

The Five Bone is one of the few government registered and licensed animal boarding establishments in Almeria and meets all legal requirements.

Dog and cat grooming and pain free, sonic teeth cleaning for dogs at very competitive prices.

For the best professional care for your pets call Mark or Anita or visit their website.

Tel: 630 234 556 or 662 344 734

www.fivebonehotel.com

Meet Milo who loves keeping his cat-sitter company Do you need a cat-sitter to keep your feline company in your absence?

DO you have a cat like Milo? He only has to hear the kettle boil or the keys in the door and he is suddenly there at your feet, ready for a catch up on the day. He really misses his owner when she goes away on holiday. That’s why she finds house-sitters to keep him company and look after him when she goes away.

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

If you’re travelling in 2024 join our network now to find sitters, sooner rather than later. Get organised today! All pets benefit from staying

at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Hou sesitmatch. com for affordable travel, home and pet care. Next steps:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

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

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

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

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond, and you choose the sitter of your choice.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

I have used HouseSitMatch for the last three years and would highly recommend it. Very easy to communicate with and very helpful by phone if needed.

Janet Bryant, Pet owner. How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch. com.

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

Reader exclusive offer - 25% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter or homeowner. Get a 25% discount - Use coupon code PERFECT20.

43
BY euroweeklynews.com • 21 - 27 March 2024
CREDIT: 5
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BONES HOTEL
Milo loves company and cat-sitters love him back!

AIR CONDITIONING

BUILDERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.com (253556)

BUY & SELL

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

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at  www.almeria-anglican.com Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

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

If you or your partner served

or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishlegion. org.uk/counties/spain-north

ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email  zurgenarblchair man@gmail.com - (253989)

DRAINAGE

properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

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

LANGUAGES CLASSES

Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PETS

ELECTRICAL

ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (304222)

ESTATE AGENT

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING 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)

OTHERS

EDS? We have the solution, Ka magra pills & jells, Cialis, Side nafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €7.75, medium dogs €8.50, big dogs €9.25, cats from €7.00 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotel turre@gmail.com fivebonehotel.com (304298)

PLUMBERS

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (305077)

SITUATION VACANT

SLEEPCENTRE have an exciting opportunity for a new member of their sales team based in Albox. Candidates must be enthusiastic and well-presented team players with excellent people and organisational skills. This full-time position offers a full contract and good job security with a long-established company. Email details to Ruth at sleepcentrespain@hotmail. com www.sleepcentre spain.com (295996)

SOLAR ENERGY

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (303112)

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

BEDS

CARS FOR SALE

44 CLASSIFIEDS 21 - 27 March 2024
EWN 21 - 27 March 2024 CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com 45 INSURANCE REMOVALS
you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161
If

Focus on passengers

THE General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) is cracking down on distractions caused by passengers, with penalties reaching up to €500 and a potential loss of six points from the driver’s licence.

Article 18.1 of the General Traffic Regulations highlights the driver’s duty to maintain constant vigilance on the road.

This includes ensuring that passengers and any transported items do not interfere with the driver’s field of vision or freedom of movement. Distractions, no matter how minor they may seem, can lead to significant penalties.

Seemingly harmless actions such as kissing the driver or perhaps engaging in a heated argument can lead to distractions, resulting in fines ranging from €100

to €500.

The severity of the penalty depends on the situation. When a traffic officer deems these actions to constitute reckless driving, the maximum penalty will be imposed, and six points will be deducted from the driver’s licence.

The DGT emphasises the crucial need to keep attention focused on the road to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

With distracted driving

being a leading cause of accidents, the DGT has identified common behaviours leading to fines of €200 and the loss of four licence points.

Notably, running out of fuel, driving without proper footwear, or poorly secured luggage can all attract fines.

Traffic authorities assure that the primary aim of these penalties is not to generate revenue, but rather the safety and wellbeing of the public.

46 euroweeklynews.com • Motoring • 21 - 27 March 2024
DGT looks at passenger behaviour. Credit: Snapic_PhotoProduction/Shutterstock.com

Formula 1 boys toy

THERE is little doubt that Formula 1 which has now returned for the 2024 season is loved by ‘petrol heads’, many of whom can afford to pay big for their enjoyment.

Now if they need something special for their ‘mancave’, the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team has teamed up with Memento Exclusives to offer stateof-the-art AMR24 Show Car Simulators.

The simulators are made using the team’s CAD drawings used to design and manufacture the actual car.

Made to order and

painted in iconic British racing green, this is a rare opportunity for fans and gamers and is the closest thing to driving the real car claim the manufacturers as they look to persuade potential customers to part with €143,266.95 provided that they are prepared to wait a minimum of 12 weeks for construction.

For the man (or woman) who has everything however, there will be

a one off special edition signed by two-time World Champion, Fernando Alonso and Canadian F1 driver, Lance Stroll, which will be auctioned online and the price could surprise everyone.

As the simulator is made in and shipped from the UK, any potential buyer in the EU should be prepared for an interesting discussion with customs once it arrives at the border.

48 euroweeklynews.com 21 - 27 March 2024 • Sport •
Something special for the mancave. Credit: Memento Exclusives

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