Costa Calida 221– 27 March 2024 Issue 2020

Costa Calida

Mother’s Day fundraiser

THE Ruf Mari Restaurant played host to a heartwarming event on Mother’s Day as 100 tickets for the annual lunch sold out within a week. Attendees were treated to delightful tunes by PLAN B, Graham, and Ian, making the afternoon even more memorable.

The event wasn’t just about good food and music; it was also a fundraiser for animal shelters in the region. Organised by dedicated volunteers and supported by the community, the goal was to raise €1,000 for PAPS, LOS INFIERNOS, and MALCOLMS CATS. However, the generosity of attendees exceeded expectations, with €1,500 collected on the day, providing much-needed support for the shelters.

Lesley Eburne, the event

Community comes together to support animal shelters.

organiser, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support and emphasised the ongoing need for assistance. With veterinary bills soaring and the number of abandoned animals

rising, continuous help is vital. Eburne urged individuals to consider various ways to contribute, from donations to organising fundraising events.

As Eburne steps down

for health reasons, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion and dedication, ensuring that even in her absence, the cause she cares deeply about continues to thrive.

Dine and donate

JOIN the fight against cancer and support MABS Cancer Support Foundation at their upcoming event on March 28 at Spanglish on Calle Herrador in Balsicas.

For just €16.95, guests can enjoy a delicious two-course meal while supporting a crucial cause. The event will feature a live performance by the talented Andy Winewood, promising an evening of great food and entertainment. To secure your spot and contribute to this noble cause, call 618 882 962 to book a table. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference and show your support for those affected by cancer.

HOTELS and tourist apartments in Cartagena are gearing up for a near full house during the upcoming Easter week. City accommodations are expected to remain fully booked throughout both weekends, with high occupancy rates anticipated from Monday to Thursday of Holy Week.

Coastal accommodations are also experiencing high demand mirroring that of the city. Prospects for this year are deemed promising, with many hoping for one of the best Holy Week tourism turnouts in recent memory.

This year’s festivities coincide with the Spanish Futsal Cup, hosted at the Palacio de los Deportes, further boosting accommodation demand. The tournament, spanning from Thursday, March 21, to Sunday, March 24, will attract sports enthusiasts, contributing to the scarcity of available rooms from Palm Sunday to Good Friday.

National visitors traditionally make up over a third of Easter visitors, followed by regional and international tourists at 32 per cent each. Weekday forecasts suggest more availability, with hotels and tourist apartments currently reporting around 60 per cent to 70 per cent occupancy. However, occupancy is expected to soar above 90 per cent during the main procession days, from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Coastal hotels anticipate a similar increase from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday.

FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ

LIVRE

ILMAINEN

G F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G

Image: Shutterstock/ Andrey Bayda

A meal that makes a difference.

Full house expected for Easter.

Image: Shutterstock/ EB Adventure Photography

Crafty growth

THE Ministry of Business in Murcia has announced two aid programmes aimed at craftspeople, companies, and artisan associations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support and invigorate the region’s artisanal industry.

The funding, totalling €270,000, targets innovation, competitiveness, and internationalisation within the artisan sector. Specifically, €220,000 will be allocated to individual artisans and artisanal businesses, while €50,000 will support artisan associations.

Managed by the Directorate General for Trade Promotion, Business Innovation, and Artisanal Industries, these grants highlights the government’s commitment to the dyna-

THE President of the Region of Murcia Fernando López Miras inaugurated the ‘The Mistery Man’ exhibition in the former Jesuit church of Caravaca de la Cruz. The exhibition, open until July 31, features a hyper-realistic recreation of Christ’s body, bearing the marks of the Passion, based on scientific data from the Shroud of Turin.

This internationally recognised exhibit takes visitors on a journey through six rooms,

mic and creative artisan community, which contributes significantly to employment, wealth, and community.

Individual artisans and businesses can receive up to €3,000, covering 50 per cent of investments in workshops, machinery, technology, web development, security, or participation in fairs. Association grants aim to facilitate internationalisation, regional exhibitions, and the development of artisan centres and training.

Applications for artisan grants are now open for 60 business days, while association grants have a one-month application window. Additionally, the Ministry announced the Regional Crafts Awards, with €12,000 allocated for prizes across eight categories.

Divine display

delving into the investigation and history of this Christian relic, believed to have wrapped the body of Jesus after his crucifixion.

López Miras emphasised the significance of bringing this exhibition to Caravaca de la Cruz during the Jubilee Year, stating, ‘Utilising the most innovative technologies, it presents Christ with

all the harshness of the torture he endured.’

Presented by the Camino de la Cruz Foundation, the exhibition also features replicas of Roman artifacts and a reproduction of the medieval crypt where the Shroud was discovered. The exhibition is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm, Sundays 10am to 12pm and 1.30pm to 7pm.

Mar Menor beaches

Catherine McGeer

IN Estrella de Mar, a pioneering initiative to eliminate sludge from the beaches began recently, in collaboration with the Cartagena City Council. The Regional Government is injecting €730,627 of its own funds into environmental recovery efforts for bathing areas along the Mar Menor coastline.

Over the next six weeks, a novel approach will be trialled as part of a broader strategy to restore beaches and clean the ecosystem.

Juan María Vázquez, councillor for Environment, Universities, Research, and Mar Menor, along with Cartagena’s mayor, Noelia Arroyo, announced the launch at Estrella de Mar beach, where testing is underway.

Vázquez emphasised, “The regional government’s foremost objec -

tive is to enhance water quality and bathing areas.” He added, “This endeavour to remove sludge complements other ongoing initiatives, such as pre-emptive biomass removal to prevent decomposition and sediment mixing.”

Highlighting the importance of the project, Vázquez noted, “Sludge accumulation poses risks not only to bathing safety but also to water quality, flora, and

fauna.” He underlined the regional government’s commitment to improving bathing conditions, particularly in Cartagena, where sludge accumulation is pronounced.

A variety of methods will be trialled during this initial phase, including sand covering and the extraction and washing of sludge, with measures in place to minimise disturbance to local marine life.

Mar Menor beach clean up.

Image:

Craft show

THE mayor of Los Alcázares, Mario Pérez Cervera, and the Elderly Association president Rosario Pardo attended the opening of Agustín Olmos Zapata’s woodcraft exhibition. The exhibit will run for a month at the Adolfo López Senior Centre.

Secret spies

SECRET Missions and WWII Spies Land in Cartagena, at the Civil War Shelter Museum. Explore maps, badges, visas, nautical charts, listening systems, and original costumes. Cartagena.es

Elderly care

THE president of Murcia Fernando Lopez Miras recently announced plans to invest over €12 million in San Pedro del Pinatar constructing a new Elderly Care Residence. The facility will be accessible for 120 residents.

Color Fest

LOS ALCAZARES see the return of ‘Color Fest’: A Free Music Festival Organised by the Youth Council. On April 13, from 8pm to midnight, DJs and surprise artists will ignite the atmosphere with vibrant tunes. Don’t miss out!

Free exhibit

POLISH painter Waldemar Kondratowski showcases his artwork at Domus Hall, Pórtico de Cartagena. Free entry until April 27.

Easter camp

MAZARRON Town Hall has announced the details of their summer school. It will take place on March 25, 26, 27, 28 and April 1, from 9am until 2 pm. For more information and registration information see mazarron.es.

THE extension of the 2023 State Budgets for the current year by the Spanish government threatens to cause further delays in pending infrastructure and investment projects in the Region of Murcia. This extension a ects planned actions such as the Murcia North Arch and the third lanes of the A-7 and MU30 highways, between Santomera and Alhama de Murcia, and Alcantarilla-El Palmar, respectively. Additionally, the regeneration of Portmán Bay will have to wait another year.

These are not the only a ected projects, as investments in various areas from di erent ministries will also be impacted. This includes the construction of new courthouses in Cartagena and Lorca, with the former awaiting land transfer from the city council. Furthermore, commitments to excavations and heritage restorations in Murcia, Cartagena, and Lorca may face setbacks.

Budget delay

MasterChef

IN a first-time move, MasterChef, the renowned culinary talent show, has chosen Cartagena as the backdrop for one of its outdoor challenges in the upcoming 12th season. Produced by RTVE in collaboration with Shine Iberia, the show brings its sizzling kitchen action to the port city, filming at iconic locations such as the Roman Theatre and Espacio Cuarentaytres the new restaurant by the Licor 43 brand.

At the Roman Theatre, contestants faced off in teams for the popular outdoor challenge, while Espacio Cuarentaytres, a venue situated on Cartagena’s port, played host to the cooking sessions. Diners from various sectors including politics, culture, sports, and business were treated to the contestants’ specially prepared menu at Espacio Cuarentaytres.

The episode, featuring judges Pepe Rodríguez, Jordi Cruz, and Samantha Vallejo-Nágera, promises to showcase Cartagena’s culinary delights and scenic beauty when it airs.

ATTENTION all vendors and bargain hunters! An exciting opportunity awaits at the upcoming Table Top Sale where clutter turns into cash and treasures await discovery!

Scheduled for Saturday, April 13 from 11am to 2pm, the event will take place at the Age Concern Social Centre in Camposol C Sector.

Vendors can secure their spot for just €10, and it includes tea and

Music Festival

FORTALEZA SOUND, the brand-new festival set to take place on June 28, 29, and 30, in Lorca, has finalised its line-up for its first ever show with a fresh wave of confirmations.

Joining the festival roster are Serial Killerz, Mr Kilombo, Labouns, Gran Angular, D’Baldomeros, The Sand, Las Wonder, and Carmen 113. These latest additions complement the previously announced acts, including Vetusta Morla, Lori Meyers, Elyella, León Benavente, Rayden, and many more.

For festival-goers seeking accommodation, glamping options are available at IFELOR, adjacent to the festival grounds.

These climate-controlled tents come fully equipped with mattresses, bedding, and all essentials for a comfortable stay throughout the event.

Tickets are currently on sale at www.fortalezasound. com, priced at €68 for general admission and €110 for VIP passes.

Special discounts are available for individuals with reduced mobility and minors.

Table top sale

coffee, to showcase an array of items ranging from vintage finds to handmade crafts, toys, books, clothes, and more.

It’s the perfect chance to declutter and earn some extra cash!

For shoppers, the sale promises a wide selection of goods at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re seeking unique

gifts, second-hand bargains, or simply indulging in guilt-free shopping, this event caters to all.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable shopping experience!

Spread the word mark your calendars and secure your spot, call or WhatsApp 634 344 589 as spaces are limited.

THE Ministry of Education in Murcia is overhauling its bilingual teaching programme after 15 years. While the programme has improved English proficiency among students in the region, concerns from families and educators have prompted significant revisions. Now termed ‘language improvement and deepening programmes,’ the project emphasises higher English proficiency and improved teaching methods for teachers.

Teachers have until 2026-2027 to meet the new requirements, with additional training opportunities to be provided. Changes also include increased immersion in English across primary and secondary levels, with primary students receiving more English lessons and secondary schools dedicating substantial curriculum time to the language.

Ministries have a set budget to spend each year, but they can sometimes move money around for ongoing pro-

jects. However, the budget extension does not allow for the inclusion of new projects.

Budget extensions limit new projects.

Spring Fling

Consumer trends

CLOUD NINE DRAMA invites you to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience of music, laughter, and theatrical brilliance at their upcoming event, ‘Spring Fling.’ Prepare to be dazzled by a delightful array of sketches, music, and a touch of Ooo La La!

Mark your calendars for the performances on Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, at 7pm, or Sunday, May 26, at 3pm. Tickets are priced at €7 and can be reserved via email at c9drama@gmail. com for collection. Join them at the La Molata Social Centre near Cañadas de Alhama and Camposol, off the RM23, and follow signs for La Molata, for an evening of entertainment that promises to leave you enchanted. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

Catherine McGeer

CONSUMER prices continue to rise but at a slower pace. The year-on-year variation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Region of Murcia stood at 2.8 per cent in February this year, eight-10ths lower than in January. This decline can be attributed to the drop in electricity prices, housing, fuel, clothing, and footwear.

Data provided by the INE recently revealed that the region’s CPI for last month aligned with the national average, unlike January, when it was above it. February’s figure marks the lowest recorded in the community since July 2023. Monthly, inflation rose by 0.3 per cent, totalling a 0.7 per cent increase since the beginning of the year.

The housing category saw the largest price drop on a year-on-year basis, with a decrease of -1.6 per cent. Heating, lighting, and water saw a 7.3 per cent decline compared to February 2023, and fuel de-

ERICA, a young girl, dove into action for a cause close to her heart. With determination, she undertook a sponsored swim to support Hugo’s Home Farm in Murcia. This animal rescue ser -

creased by 1.8 per cent.

The highest price increase in the Region of Murcia compared to February of the previous year was in the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, rising by 4.9 per cent compared to February. The other two groups with the highest rate compared to the previous year are restaurants and hotels, marking a 4.9 per cent increase, and alcoholic beverages and tobacco, which recorded a 4.1 per cent increase.

Young champion

vice and petting zoo and sanctuary serve as a haven for neglected equines in the Alicante/Murcia region.

Hugo’s Home Farm stands as an example of hope, rescuing and rehabilitating abused and abandoned animals. Erica’s fundraising efforts raised €615, contributing significantly to the centre’s noble mission. Her altruistic gesture not only highlights the compassion of youth but also highlights the importance of community support for animal welfare initiatives.

Balancing Act: Murcia’s price trends.

Image: Shutterstock/ bleakstar

Erica’s swim for animal rescue.

Image: Hugos Home Farm

ADRIAN & Dawn Leyland

Bridge are writers and historians from the UK and have recently finished their eighth history book.

The Euro Weekly News recently caught up with this writing duo to find out about their life in Spain.

“We’ve been living in Spain, permanently, since

A writer’s life in Mazarron

July 8, 2020, with our chocolate-coloured labrador dog Ralph. We’ve been living in Puerto de Mazarron during all our time here,” they explained. “As a married couple,

we’ve been regular visitors to Spain. Before this, Adrian regularly visited Spain (as a child). His first visit to Murcia and La Manga took place nearly 50 years ago. He worked in Andorra and northern Spain as a teenager, and his great-great-grandfa ther was actually a Spa niard, born in 1812. This ancestor moved from Spain to England and spent the rest of his life working in the cotton mills of Manchester. So, to some degree, by moving to live in Spain permanent ly, we feel we are completing a long fa mily circle!

“Obviously, we both love the climate. The standard of living here is (for us) much better than in the UK, and - at least in our experience - the lo cal Spanish people have been warm, welcoming, and friendly. We are also

engrossed by the architecture and long history of the Costa Calida, Murcia, and Spain as a whole, and we’ve enjoyed writing a number of articles on the

history of the area.

“Finally, we’re very partial to tapas, and have just completed the 2024 Ayuntamiento de Mazarron’s Ruta de la Tapas,” they added when discussing what they love about Spain.

We asked Adrian and Dawn if there was anything about living in Spain that they don’t likethey said “Very few things really! Here in the port, the high kerbs, undulating pavements, and broken pavement tiles can cause problems, - Dawn shattered her left ankle in a fall from one such high kerb in

2022, which necessitated a long stay in St Lucia Hospital. A minority of Spanish dog owners/walkers can also be difficult. Dogs are regularly let out of the house, off the lead, even in the centre of town, in a way that hasn’t really been seen in the UK for decades.”

And when asked what they miss the most about living in the UK, Adrian told us he misses an English bookshop and Dawn misses Staffordshire oatcakes.

Looking to the future

Adrian and Dawn have much excitement on the horizon “For both of us - travelling more widely within Spain itself, along with trips further afield to India and the Middle East. We’ve just signed a contract for our ninth book with our UK publishers, which is a ‘true crimes’ book, but it would be nice to get to 10 (with a bestselling hardback)!!”

Adrian and Dawn, writers & historians.

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.

Alex Ellis will become ambassador to Spain in September 2024.

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 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.

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.”

Prague’s Pirate Party councillor, Zdenek Hrib.

“I’ll buy myself a Vespa”

Photo: Shutterstock / Emilia Kohn Montero

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 unmis-

takable 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 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.

Woman had no licence or insurance.

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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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

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.

Enjoying a sunny afternoon in Setenil de las Bodegas.

Credit: Andrei Dimofte Creative Commons

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.

Photo credit: Flickr/Shinya

Photo credit: self-build.co.uk

RAFAEL

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.

Photo credit: Flickr/number10.gov.uk

DOWNING STREET: Erroneous Horizon convictions quashed.

Is it any wonder

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.

LEAPY

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

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ding on various external influences).

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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 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 quantity 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, (depen-

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Almeria Solidarity Race

WITH great success in participation and organisation, the ‘Junt@s somos más fuertes’ (Together we are stronger) solidarity race was held in Mojacar, promoted by the local council in collaboration with the Red Cross and the ‘Los Bandidos’ group of Mojacar athletes.

Red Cross volunteers created a space for the little ones with board games, a gymkhana park, children’s bingo and Twister.

The route started from the Red Cross facilities, going as far as the Hotel Indalo and returning. A total of five kilometres, in which the pace, slower or faster, could be chosen by the participants, among whom were adults, teenagers and the occasional pet.

More than 200 people took part in this sporting event with a five-kilometre route along the seafront promenade.

All the proceeds have benefited the Red Cross.

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.

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Gone to pot

Kevin

Fraser Park

DOG owners beware, the initial reaction on discovering that your pet has ingested marihuana might be amusement, but it’s actually very serious as Purdey the labrador’s owners, Andrew and Helen found out.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not experience the same effects as humans. They do not get high from marihuana but instead the active ingredient, THC, triggers ataxia, which is a form of clumsiness and loss of movement control.

Andrew and Helen were walking Purdey through a park in Marbella on the Costa del Sol when she started sniffing around under a bench. They thought nothing of it to start with until they

noticed the labrador seemed to have a little trouble walking.

They carried on and then decided to stop for a coffee. On getting up again from the table they realised that Purdey couldn’t stand and was completely uncoordinated. “My first thought was that she had suffered a stroke,” said Andrew.

Luckily they knew a vets nearby, where the dog was examined and immediately they realised she had ingested drugs of some sort. Their quick diagnosis meant Purdey received immediate treatment and a few hours later she was ready to go home. The vet confirmed from blood tests that she had ingested marihuana, most likely from eating the discarded stub of a spliff.

Meet Milo who loves keeping his cat-sitter company

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Pet maintenance ruling

IN January 2022, two years following the enactment of the Law on the Legal Regime of Animals, which recognises pets as sentient beings rather than mere objects, the Court of First Instance number 15 in Vigo, Galicia decreed a

unique monthly pension for a pet caught in the middle of a divorce.

This decision placed the animal in the custody of the woman and required her ex-husband to contribute €40 monthly towards the pet’s expenses, with

any extraordinary and veterinary costs split between the two.

Under the new legal framework, pets are awarded considerations similar to other family members, including children.

This approach mandates the continued assurance of their well-being and protection, even amidst family breakdowns.

Courts across Spain have since been adjudicating on matters of custody and visitation rights for pets, but the Vigo ruling pushes the envelope further by establishing a financial support system for the pet, similar to child support arrangements.

The animal ‘will remain in the care’ of the woman ‘and the extraordinary and veterinary expenses will be paid in half.’

This ruling, integrates pets into the family unit’s post-divorce financial arrangements, as beings with rights and needs.

Milo loves company and cat-sitters love him back!

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Bees stop play

THE score stood at 1-1 on court one at Indian Wells, California, when the umpire yelled at Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev to leave the court.

The ATP tournament was in the grip of a ‘bee invasion’.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz gamely tried to dodge the critters while swatting them away and was

ding. According to APT Tour.com, he then transferred them to a cage, which was transported away from the stadium to be deposited in one of the beekeeper’s own hives.

There were still bees on the court, so the beekeeper came back on court with a spray bottle, to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd. Some people began to shake his hand and others took selfies

Mr Davies vacuumed more bees off the spider camera and shooed them off the scoreboard with his spray bottle. The delay lasted an hour and 48 minutes, considerably longer than the match it-

Carlos Alcaraz went on to win the match 6-3, 6-1 to enter the semifinal against Jannik

Formula 1 boys toy

John Smith

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 wo-

man) 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.

Something special for the mancave.

Credit: Memento Exclusives

Victor Carlos Alcaraz.

Credit BNP Paribas X