Costa Blanca South 25 April – 1 May 2024 Issue 2025

An ocean of success

Nora Shephard

IN 2024 and 2025, Alicante Port Authority has ambitious plans to surpass the historical passenger records achieved last year.

With 95 scheduled stopovers and an estimated 215,000 passengers for this year, and 107 scheduled stopovers with over 250,000 estimated passengers for next year, the port is poised to reach unprecedented figures.

This year alone represents a 30 per cent growth compared to 2023, with an economic impact of close to €60 mllion throughout the province.

According to a recent study by the Alicante Costa Blanca Association, it is estimated that during stopovers, approximately 88 per cent of passengers disembark from the cruise either to take scheduled excursions or to visit the city, with an average expenditure of €74 per cruise passenger.

With an average sto-

pover of two days, nearly 9,000 people will have embarked on visits and excursions from

the port, contributing approximately more than €600,000 to local businesses or services.

Ambitious plans.

Film Festival

THE 21st Alicante International Film Festival, happening from May 18 to 25, will showcase seven films competing for the prestigious Golden Tesela award.

The councillor for Tourism, Ana Poquet, praised the festival’s long-standing success in its 21 editions, noting its role in promoting tourism through film.

She also mentioned Alicante City & Beach Tourist Board’s strategic use of film as a promotional tool, recognising its economic impact and

Anna Ellis

AS from Tuesday, April 23, for approximately two weeks, Calle del Mar in Santa Pola is to be restricted to uphill traffic only.

Vehicles approaching from the northern ring road will be directed to detour down Calle Sevilla. In Santa Pola, phase 3 of

promotional value.

Vicente Seva, the festival’s director, echoed Poquet’s sentiments, seeing the festival as both a cultural event and a tourist draw.

He was hopeful about the reopening of Ciudad de la Luz and Alicante Film Office’s efforts in attracting film productions.

“Alicante is known for cinema, the sea, and light, and the festival is a vibrant hub for industry professionals,” Seva said.

“This year, we’ve selected seven high-quality films out of 67

submissions, covering comedy, thriller, and social cinema, with great casts and stories.”

Seva stressed the festival’s importance as a platform for films before their commercial release, offering audiences a first look.

He highlighted the presence of film teams at screenings, creating a direct link with viewers.

Tickets are now available on the official website, giving attendees a chance to experience cinematic excellence firsthand.

Traffic detour

the road accessibility improvement works for the institutes in the northern zone commenced on April 23.

This phase will involve the adaptation of the pavement in front of the ins-

titute entrances, as well as the completion of the new roundabout and central boulevard.

This phase of the construction is expected to last approximately two weeks.

Tabarca sets sail

THE government of Valencia is starting the process to find a company to run regular boat trips to Tabarca Island.

This service has never been available before and is aimed at helping the island’s residents

The plan is to have a ferry service that runs all year between Tabarca’s port and Santa Pola, which is where most residents go for their daily needs.

Officials say this service is different from the tourist boats that have been available in the past.

This new ferry service is specifically for the island’s residents, even when there aren’t many tourists around.

Carmen Martí, who heads the Tabarca neighbourhood association ‘Isla Plana’, hopes this new ferry service will finally meet the island’s need for public transport.

Previous attempts to set up a ferry service didn’t work out, but residents are pushing for at least three trips a day, all year round, with more trips if needed.

Martí says having public transport is crucial for daily life in Tabarca, especially for older residents.

Despite its small size, Tabarca is known for its clear waters and is home to Spain’s oldest marine reserve.

Tabarca is known for its clear waters and is home to Spain’s oldest marine reserve. Image: Jesús Sánchez Moreno / Facebook.

Beach boost

SEVENTEEN new vehicles, seven of them electric, are now in operation so that the sandy beaches of Santa Pola are impeccable. In the coming weeks, the newly acquired vehicles will be incorporated to improve street cleaning and selective waste collection.

Linguistic shifts

SOME secondary schools in Vega Baja have taken advantage of the possibility offered by the Department of Education to modify their linguistic projects to eliminate core subjects taught in Valencian. The percentage of infant and primary schools that have also modified these plans is substantially lower.

Growing diversity

ACCORDING to the data from the Valencian Institute of Statistics (IVE), the number of births to foreign mothers has increased considerably. In Torrevieja, 325 children were born to foreign families and 233 were born to Spanish nationality, which represents 56.23 per cent.

Santa Pola

THE sea has profoundly inuenced the history of Santa Pola.

Dating back to the 4th century BC, the Iberians constructed a walled enclosure to engage in trade with the Greeks of Phocaea.

Later, the Romans developed Portus Illicitanus, a crucial Mediterranean port complete with a sh salting factory, warehouses, the Roman House of the Palm Grove, a market, and a necropolis.

From the 16th century onwards, the Castle-Fortress and Watchtowers were erected to defend against Berber pirates.

After their expulsion in the 18th century, the settlement, eventually named Santa Pola, was rmly established. Pola, situated on the Mediterranean coast, serves as an ideal starting point to explore the treasures hidden within the province of Alicante. Its beaches, such as Playa Lisa, Tamarit, Pinet, Gola,

Festival fun

THE Zona Quintana Merchants Association in Alicante is getting ready for the highly anticipated Great Cultural Festival on Saturday, April 27, on Calle Poeta Quintana.

With the success of past festivals, this one promises to be lively, featuring 100 businesses showcasing their o erings.

From 10.00am until 5.00pm, the festival will o er a mix of activities including shopping, food, culture, music, theatre, and workshops for everyone.

Visitors can enjoy the work of arti-

sans, illustrators, writers, storytellers, gra ti artists, and photographers, making the Quintana area a bustling urban centre.

Exciting attractions include concerts, micro-theatre performances, workshops, and shows, providing a diverse cultural experience.

The area will also turn into an outdoor shopping centre, letting people explore speciality shops.

To make room for the festivities, tra c will be redirected from General Marvá to Capitán Segarra.

Mural magic

ORIHUELA is gearing up to celebrate the San Isidro Murals, a tribute to the esteemed playwright and poet Miguel Hernández, from May 17 to 19.

The selected dates, from May 17 to 19, coincide with the festivities of the San Isidro neighbourhood, which take place on May 15.

The timing of the event coincides with International Museum Day, observed

on May 18.

The aim is to raise awareness of these murals locally and internationally, enhancing the city’s reputation as a cultural centre.

This strategic approach is expected to bene t the tourism sector by attracting visitors not only from Orihuela and its surroundings but also from farther a eld.

In the upcoming days, the full programme for the 2024 San Isidro Murals will be announced, featuring a diverse range of activities and events with something for everyone to enjoy!

tic activities and beautiful golden sands.

Near Ermita Beach lies one of the municipality’s signicant attractions, the Cueva de la Araña (Spider Cave).

The Santa Pola Salt Flats, a protected Natural Park of breathtaking beauty, provide opportunities for birdwatching and capturing unforgettable images.

Visitors can explore the Salt Museum to learn about the area’s history and observe amingos and stilts.

The Santa Pola Castle, housing the Museums of the Sea and Fishing, o ers further historical insights. The lighthouse, pier, and promenade are perfect for walks, especially during the pretty light displays at dawn and dusk.

ORIHUELA’S councillor for Emergencies, Victor Valverde, recently attended a conference about earthquake risks.

The conference brought together researchers, re ghters, and various emergency response agencies. Norwegian experts also participated.

The focus was on a research project to predict earthquakes early, give fast warnings, and assess damage to buildings, especially historical ones.

They started by putting seismic sensors in several buildings, including the Vega Baja Hospital, the town hall, and Santo Domingo.

They plan to add more sensors in schools across Orihuela.

Councillor Valverde stressed the main goal is to be ready for earthquakes by predicting them early and checking for potential damage.

They are setting up a network of sensors to give real-time data on ground movements in Orihuela.

This helps authorities see if buildings are at risk and take action to keep people safe during earthquakes.

Image: Santa Pola Turismo / Facebook

San Isidro Murals.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela / Facebook

Spanish Language Day

TUESDAY April 23 was designated Spanish Language Day by the United Nations and with some 21 countries in the world having Spanish as their rst language, uency is important.

The actual date was chosen to coincide with the day that one of Spain’s great classical writers, Miguel de Cervantes, creator of Don Quixote, died.

There is a signi cant number (which continues to rise) of foreign residents living in Alicante Province and in many cases these incomers are anxious to ensure that they can enjoy a full life experience in their new home by learning Spanish.

The Limonar International School of Villamartín, located in the town of San Miguel de Salinas, has observed that registrations to take the Diploma of Spanish for Foreigners (DELE) exam has

increased by 15 per cent and that looks likely to keep growing.

“There is undoubtedly a growing interest among foreign students in taking the DELE and more and more external candidates demand it for professional reasons” explained Juan Manuel Marco from the school.

Jazz Day

THIS year marks the 13th celebration of International Jazz Day in the city of Alicante.

Jazz Day, celebrated annually on April 30 and observed in nearly 200 countries worldwide, has the support of UNESCO.

proceeds going towards mental health initiatives.

Additionally, Casa Mediterráneo and Fundación Mediterráneo will support this year’s events by hosting some of the concerts.

On April 28 at the Teatro Principal in Alicante, the Jazz Day award will be presented.

Until April 30, a series of concerts will take place in various locations across Alicante, including squares, cafes, theatres, halls, and iconic venues.

These concerts will feature performances by local, national, and international musicians, with

The Award, honouring internationally acclaimed jazz musicians, will be bestowed upon Jorge Pardo, who will also perform at the Teatro Principal on April 28. Additionally, a noteworthy collective exhibition of jazz-themed paintings, Jazz Art, will be on display in Plaza Quijano until April 30.

Algorfa Fair

THE Algorfa April Fair 2024 is set to take place on the last weekend of April, from the 26th to the 28th, at the Ermita Campus.

This year marks the seventh year of the fair, known for its diverse array of activities including Rocío choir performances, Sevillanas workshops, wine tastings, and equestrian shows.

For this year’s fair, an equestrian show by Joaquín Soler and Javier García has been con rmed.

Headlining the performances is La Húngara, a renowned Spanish amenco singer with a career spanning over two decades.

Her concert is scheduled for Friday, April 26, at 10.30pm. Throughout the weekend, visitors can also enjoy concerts, dance performances and live music.

Importantly, all performances at the Algorfa April Fair are free of charge, ensuring accessibility for everyone to enjoy the entertainment.

Two foreign students at the school who are learning Spanish.

A series of concerts will take place.

Credit: ELIS Villamartín

Embassy visit

George Cunningham

INTERNATIONAL Resident councillor, Gitte Lund Thomsen, accompanied by Consul Bernadette Gallagher, recently visited the British Embassy in Madrid to gain insight into their operations firsthand.

The visit aimed to understand the embassy’s services and procedures better and discuss various topics relevant to British residents in Torrevieja.

Councillor Thomsen highlighted the significant presence of British nationals in Torrevieja, with

BRITISH EMBASSY: Exchanging information on new procedures and services.

nearly 5,000 registered residents.

She emphasised the importance of ensuring that both visitors and residents receive efficient and effective assistance with bureaucratic and healthcare procedures.

ELCHE has announced the approval of a hotel investment project exceeding €16 million for the AR-1 hotel plot in Arenales del Sol.

This development involves unlocking the land, previously designated for caravan and motorhome parking, for the construction of a hotel complex.

The current project, presented by

The meeting aimed to exchange information on new procedures and services offered by the embassy to British nationals, facilitating smoother processes for individuals living in Torrevieja. By sharing insights

and discussing relevant topics, the visit aimed to enhance collaboration between the embassy and the local community, ultimately ensuring the best possible support and services for British residents in Torrevieja.

Hotel Oasis

Miraclot SL, the land’s owner, envisions a hotel complex featuring an apartment hotel, underground parking, six swimming pools, green spaces, recreational areas, dining options, and a large spa.

Spanning a constructed area of 16,116 square metres across basements and ground levels, the initiative aims to boost tourism in the region and enhance the municipality’s appeal to visitors.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja / Facebook

Jazzy photo competition

George Cunningham

TO coincide with the celebrations of International Jazz Day which will take place on April 30, El Corte Inglés will launch its rstever Jazz Day Alicante Photography Contest.

The aim is to promote a passion for jazz music and the art of photography.

Participants are encouraged to capture moments from any of the jazz concerts organised throughout April in celebration of the Day.

There are two ways to enter the photography contest.

You can email the photographs to comer cialjazzda yalicante@informa cion.es.

Please note that this method only accepts photographs

SANTA P ola offers a free collection service for household rubbish.

Residents can simply call or send a WhatsApp message to (+34) 686 801 323, to arrange for the collection of items they wish to dispose of.

between 2 MB and 3 MB, and each image must include the author’s name and the photo’s title.

Alternatively, participants can compete on Instagram by uploading

the photo, tagging @informacion.es and @elcorteingles, and using the hashtag #ConcursoJazzdayalicante.

The contest is open to everyone, with no age restrictions, and each participant may submit up to three photographs in each category (email and Instagram).

In the case of photographs sent by email, the dates for sending works is from May 1 to 5, while in the variant for the Instagram social network, the dates are May 1 to 8.

Collection service

Have your say

SANTA POLA has announced that the electoral roll for the upcoming European elections on June 9 will be available for public viewing until April 29.

Residents are encouraged to verify their voting rights and ensure the accuracy of their information by consulting the electoral roll and lodging complaints at the Statistics o ce between 9.00am and 2.00pm.

It’s important for residents to review their details on the electoral roll before voting, as any errors not corrected within the o cial deadline may prevent them from voting.

Complaints must be made using o cial forms, available at the Statistics o ce, and must include the claimant’s signature and National Identity Document number to be considered valid.

Complaints may lead to registration, cancellation, or correction of errors if they make voting impossible.

All voters are strongly advised to check their registration on the provisional lists during the viewing period to ensure the accuracy of their information.

Failure to correct errors during this time may result in being unable to vote on election day, as corrections can only be made by the Provincial Delegation of the Electoral Census O ce based on complaints submitted during the viewing period.

Encarni Ramírez, the councillor for Cleaning in Santa Pola acknowledges the importance of both awareness and enforcement in combating the issue of waste dumping.

This service not only helps keep the streets clean but also minimises the inconvenience caused to neighbours by dumped waste.

While efforts are made to educate residents about responsible waste disposal, the Local Police also take action to penalise offenders who violate cleanliness regulations, with fines of up to €1,500 for dumping rubbish on public roads.

European elections.

GET SNAPPING: Capture moments from any concert.

Image: hangingpixels / Shutterstock.com

Earth Day

WHEN tourists explore the Clot de Galvany, they often wonder how such a natural haven survives amid urban development.

They’re amazed by the oasis tucked away in Elche, despite nearby buildings threatening the plants and animals.

To show how human actions affect nature, a guided tour was arranged along the coastline on April 21 for Earth Day.

Named ‘Beaches, uses, and abuses’, following the UN’s theme, the tour

aimed to expose harmful practices harming natural places.

It was one of 16 special days planned yearly.

About 30 people from the city and nearby towns joined, walking about a kilometre along the dunes.

They wanted to learn about global environmental issues and how pollution and urban growth harm protected areas like this.

Mariano Lucas, one of the guides, talked about how humans directly

and indirectly affect the ecosystem.

They harm dune plants, small creatures that need specific homes, and a variety of species.

Lucas also mentioned the problem of overcrowding, which stops some animals, like the plover, from settling.

Recent reports from Friends of the Southern Alicante Wetlands (AHSA) found that cleaning Altet Beach, part of the reserve, has badly affected the plovers’ coastal homes.

CLOT DE GALVANY: A natural haven tucked away in Elche.

Image: El Clot de Galvany / Facebook

TORREVIEJA is gearing up to celebrate the International Day of Dance with an extensive programme of activities.

Antonio Quesada, councillor of Culture, and Maria Dolores Morales, Director of the Municipal Dance School, have

Blood Marathon Day of Dance

Anna Ellis

THE Blood Marathon in Pinoso has become a beloved tradition in the town.

On April 19, 76 people donated blood, with 69 successful donations, including seven first-time donors.

The Pinoso Blood Marathon collected half of the required units for the whole Alicante Province in one day.

Mayor Maria José Moya thanked the community during a draw on Radio Pinoso, where she received a letter of appreciation from the Transfusion Centre.

She thanked everyone for their solidarity, not just during the Marathon but all year round.

She also thanked local businesses - Maruja Bakery, Rico y Espinosa Butcher Shop, and La Torre Restaurant for their contributions to the raffle at the Blood Marathon.

The draw was live-streamed on Facebook for transparency, and Xavier, Mª Angelina, and Luisa were the lucky winners.

Looking forward, the next blood donation event in Pinoso is set for May 31.

unveiled the schedule for April 27 and 28.

The festivities will include flamenco workshops led by local dancer Sandra Esteve, contemporary dance masterclasses taught by Chilean dancer Eduardo Züñiga, and a Bollywood dance workshop led by Mistri, a British-trained dancer in Indian classical dance.

To culminate this celebration of dance, on Sunday, April 28, starting at 5.00pm, a Street Dancing Marathon will take place on the Vista Alegre Promenade.

The marathon will feature performances by various dance companies, including the Municipal School of Academic Dance, the Municipal School of Oriental Dance, and ten other dance schools from Torrevieja.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Celebrating dance.

Developing your investment strategy

Why do we invest? For most people it is to ensure we have sufficient retirement savings to enjoy the benefits of working hard throughout our lives. Our savings therefore need to keep pace with inflation to maintain our spending power as prices rise over time. And to beat inflation, we need to invest appropriately.

After more than a decade of rock-bottom interest rates, cash may appear a more attractive option. But what happens when you compare bank interest rates to inflation? And with inflation under control, bank rates are likely to reduce. Plus, what will bank and inflation rates be in 10 and 20 years’ time?

Successful investing isn’t easy, but following proven principles can reduce risk and avoid common pitfalls.

Trying to time the markets

Staying invested over the long term usually gives the best returns, rather than trying to

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

time the markets. Buying and selling to chase short-term gains rarely helps meet your longer-term goals. Attempting to enjoy all the upsides and avoid the downside is impossible and fraught with risk. You have to speculate on future market movements and world events and get it right over and over.

Be careful of letting emotions sway investment decisions. If you get caught up in euphoria, you may buy when investments are most expensive. If you panic when markets fall you may sell at their lowest and lock in

your losses. If you do sell before shares finish falling, you need to judge when to get back in –rebounds are often sudden and you may miss the opportunity to recover your losses.

Waiting to invest

We often come across people who intend to invest for the long-term but are holding onto available capital. They’re waiting for external events to unfold to feel more positive that they won’t suffer losses.

Sitting and waiting for the perfect time is effectively trying to time the market. You may not be rewarded for your due diligence and end up with lower overall returns. If you are particularly cautious, consider the ‘pound cost averaging’ approach where you spread the timing of your investments.

Spreading risk

To earn returns that keep pace with inflation we have to accept some risk, but can take steps to reduce it.

Your strategy must be suitable for your situation, time horizon, risk appetite and goals. Then you need layers of diversification. A managed, diversified portfolio covering a range of asset classes, regions and sectors will likely generate better returns with less volatility. Choosing an adviser who uses a dynamic ‘multi-manager’ approach can help increase diversification.

Your investment plan and maintenance

If you don’t have a strategic investment plan in place, start by looking at your situation and objectives. What stage of life are you at? What are your circumstances and future plans? What assets do you own? How much risk are you comfortable with? What are you trying to achieve?

This will influence what your asset allocation should be. Work with an adviser who can objectively assess your attitude to risk to create your suita-

ble, long-term investment plan. Build a relationship with your adviser to ensure that you are patient and stick to the plan. Your adviser should review your portfolio annually to keep it on track.

Holding your investment portfolio within an arrangement that is tax efficient in Spain will help protect your capital from unnecessary taxation as well as inflation.

These views are put forward for consideration purposes only as the suitability of any investment is dependent on the investment objectives, time horizon, and attitude to risk of the investor. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, as can the income arising from them. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.

Lights, camera, action

THE

Bárbara Cast-

Alicante will serve as the backdrop for the upcoming lm by renowned director Alejandro Amenábar.

The fortress will be closed to the public from May 8 to 16 for the lming of ‘El Cautivo’, which recounts Miguel de Cervantes’ time in captivity in Algiers.

The Alicante Film Office, under the Alicante City & Beach Tourist Board, is collaborating with the film’s production company to facilitate filming in the city. This collaboration is

expected to have a positive impact on the city’s image and economy, as the majority of ‘El Cautivo’ will be shot in the province.

The director has chosen Alicante following filming at Santa Pola Castle and plans to shoot at Ciudad de la Luz and other locations in the province and Valencia.

The film crew is already preparing the sets at Santa Bárbara Castle to suit the needs of ‘El Cautivo’, where they will work for eight days.

On Friday, May 17, San-

ta Bárbara Castle will reopen to the public with its usual mid-season hours, from 10.00am until 8.00pm.

This temporary closure for lming recalls the last shutdown in February and March last year for the international production ‘Camino a Belén’, starring Antonio Banderas.

The Castle has served as a backdrop for various films over the years, including ‘Tell Me Who I Am’, ‘The Silly Lady’, ‘Asterix and Obelix’, and even ‘Dracula vs. Frankenstein’ in the 70s.

Santa

le in

Filming of ‘Tell me who I am’ in the Castle.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante

Novelda’s Gaudi Superchef Senior

Anna Ellis ELCHE has announced the sixth ‘Superchef Senior’ Gastronomy Contest for over 60s.

The cooking showdown is set to take place from May 28 to 30 at the Elche Hospitality School.

Registration is currently open until May 10 and can be done either at OMAC or through sede.el che.es.

To participate, individuals must be 60 years old or older, residents of a town in Baix Vinalopo (Elche, Alicante, Santa Pola, Crevillente), and possess

The contest will feature several prizes.

several prizes for the top three dishes.

The winner will receive a meal for two at El Granaino Restaurant, a gift box from Confitería Castell, and high-quality products from Dialprix.

The second-place contestant will be awarded a meal for two at Restaurante Cachito and high-quality products from Dialprix.

IF you are at a loose end and looking for a place to visit, why not head to Novelda?

Novelda boasts the stunning Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, a star attraction on the European Route of Modernism.

Entry is free, and you can visit every day from 10.00am to 2.00pm and 5.00pm to 8.00pm.

Sitting high on La Mola hill near the Almohad castle, just three kilometres from town, this sanctuary is a modernist marvel.

Built between 1918 and 1946 by local engineer José Sala Sala, it replaced an old hermitage.

Novelda’s economic boom, thanks to stone production and spice trading, funded this project.

a keen interest in cooking. Importantly, participants should not have a professional background in the culinary field or be currently active professionals.

THE cultural programming for 2024 in Torrevieja is off to a fantastic start.

With a lineup of great artists and performances scheduled at both the Municipal Theatre and the International Auditorium, there is something to suit all tastes.

Over 50 shows are planned until September 1, offering a wide range of entertainment.

Acclaimed musicals such as ‘To-

The contest will feature

Finally, the third-place winner will enjoy a traditional menu for two at the Martino Restaurant along with high-quality products from Dialprix.

Musicals and magic

tally Tina’ and the ‘Musical of the 80s & 90s’ will grace the stages of Torrevieja, promising top-quality entertainment.

Magician Jorge Blass will mesmerise audiences with his show ‘Ilusionarte’, and the Film Symphony Orchestra will present their new tour ‘HENKO!’, inspired by the best

soundtracks of all time.

June continues the cultural excitement with the 22nd International Music Band Festival of ‘Los Salerosos’, among other events.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the fun, tickets are now available on the website www.culturatorrevie ja.com.

The design, similar to Gaudí’s work on the famous Sagrada Família in Barcelona, reflects the town’s prosperous spirit.

The sanctuary’s standout features include two tall towers, decorated with stone crosses, and a facade blending medieval, baroque, and natural elements like river pebbles and colourful tiles.

Inside, you’ll find a central nave depicting scenes from Saint Mary Magdalene’s life. A painting by Gastón Castelló sits behind the altar, dedicated to Novelda’s co-patroness.

The sanctuary also boasts the first public organ made entirely of stone, a masterpiece by Iván Larrea Bellod.

For more information, email novelda@tourist info.net or call (+34) 965 609 228.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

THE Independent Trade Union Centre and Civil Servants (CSIF) has brought to light “the serious situation” facing the Orihuela Post Office delivery unit.

Beach Festival Delayed delivery

In a press release, the CSIF confirmed “only half of the staff are operational,” leading to “an obvious deterioration in the service provided daily to residents.”

Currently, there are over 3,000 pending notifications and approximately 1,000 accumulated letters, according to the union.

Despite the dedication and professionalism of the

employees, the public postal service is suffering due to the overwhelming workload at the centre.

This situation leaves workers feeling overwhelmed, and unable to deliver quality service to their neighbours.

Moreover, the union emphasises that this excessive workload is taking a toll on the health of the employees, increasing the risk of injuries and work-related stress.

Consequently, sick leave rates are on the rise, exacerbating the workload and deteriorating conditions further.

Additionally, the existing vacancies resulting from retirements and reassignments add to the strain on the remaining staff.

THE sixth Reggaeton Beach Festival has announced its line up of 12 venues across Spain, including a return to Torrevieja.

Following the success of its debut in this tourist hotspot last year, known for its beautiful beaches and charm on the Costa Blanca, the festival will take place on August 3 and 4 at ParqueAntonio Soria.

The venue will be transformed into the epicentre of the event, aiming to surpass last year’s record of over 18,000 daily attendees.

The festival promises live concerts, entertainment zones, activities, and a diverse culinary offering to cater to every taste.

New features have been introduced to enhance the attendee experience, including measures to combat the heat such as pressurised water cannons in the stage area, to keep the audience refreshed!

With a substantial economic impact in each city visited, including thousands of

ASPE is enhancing surveillance measures in the urbanisation areas of San Isidro, Balcones de Alcaná, and Virgen de las Nieves with the installation of new surveillance cameras.

A total of six licence plate reading cameras and three context cameras will be strategically positioned on access roads and certain areas where illegal dumping has been identified.

overnight stays and travel arrangements, the Reggaeton Beach Festival contributed over €70m in 2023, creating more than 15,000 jobs, and collaborating with local businesses and suppliers at each location.

It solidifies its status as the musical event with the highest return, distinguished for its economic and social impact in all the communities it visits.

antenna, eliminating the need for recurring expenses from public funds.”

Jose Vicente Perez, the councillor for Police and Security, emphasised the Government Team’s commitment to maintaining neighbourhood tranquillity by addressing the repeated requests from the urbanisations.

He stated, “The images will be transmitted through the town council’s own

These nine new cameras complement the existing network, which includes over 60 cameras in urban streets and municipal buildings, as well as 30 cameras in polygons I and II.

All recorded images adhere to legal retention periods and are accessible to law enforcement agencies upon request.

Image: Reggaeton Beach Festival

Global dining transformed

COULD our future meals originate from electricity and air? This intriguing concept has become a reality thanks to a Finnish startup.

Recently, Solar Foods in Vantaa, near Helsinki, inaugurated its rst facility dedicated to producing food from air and solar energy.

The site is set to produce 160 tonnes of food annually, a development that could signi cantly reduce the environmental footprint of traditional farming.

The innovative product at the heart of this venture is solein, a protein-rich powder made from single-cell organisms. These are cultivated using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which then feed the microbes.

Carbon dioxide is also sourced from the company’s o ce ventilation system, making the process highly sustainable. Solein is expected to diversify culinary applications, from meat alternatives to dairy products.

In terms of the global food in-

dustry, the factory’s output may be small, but one of the company’s main aims right now is to prove that the technology works, which would be a huge leap in transforming food production methods.

as land previously used for farming could be rewilded, which in turn would trap carbon.

‘Mutant’ cockroaches

SO far in 2024, Spain has reported a significant rise in cockroach infestations, with incidents increasing by 33 per cent compared to the previous year.

Experts, including Jorge Galvan, director of the National Association of Environmental Health Companies (Anecpla), attribute this surge to the record temperatures that are accelerating the metabolic cycles of these pests, notably the Germanic cockroach, commonly found in homes and food-related businesses.

This increase in temperature has not only extended the breeding season of cockroaches but also enhanced their genetic resistance to conventional insecticides.

“Their metabolic cycle is accelerated” by the heat, and they are becoming immune to insecticides, explained Galvan to the local press. This genetic shift is making it exceedingly difficult to control their populations effectively.

The escalation in cockroach activity has been linked to a broader public health issue, with more frequent sightings in residential and commercial establishments.

Carlos Pradera, technical manager at Anticimex, a pest control company, commented on the evolving challenge and explained that “the more we combat them, the greater their resistance grows.”

The small footprint of Solar Foods’ facility contrasts sharply with conventional agriculture’s space requirements.

The environmental bene ts of this technology are profound.

Traditional agricultural practices, responsible for about a quarter of all global carbon emissions, could see a signi cant reduction

Despite resistance from some politicians in Italy and the US, who assert that lab-grown food is a threat to traditional agriculture, Vainikka advocates the coexistence of new and old.

He assures sceptics that both meat and plant farming can continue to exist with the focus on quality over quantity.

Spain’s gradual shift from a subtropical to a tropical climate due to global warming has also played a crucial role in these developments.

The warmer conditions favour longer active periods for pests, increasing the likelihood of genetic mutations.

This shift has allowed the Germanic cockroach to expand its territory from the Canary Islands to regions including Andalucia, the Balearic Islands, and the Mediterranean coast.

As these unsettling changes evolve, the focus turns towards innovative and environmentally friendly pest control solutions to tackle what has become not just a nuisance, but a pressing public health issue.

Image of a solein chocolate gelato.

Credit: solarfoods.com

Passport gender

Trevor Colt

THE legislation approving passport sex change is unlikely to go through in the Netherlands, as discouraged by the NSC party leader, Pieter Omtzigt.

The New Social Party lea-

der argues that the majority of the MPs are against the notion and with the changes in the MPs, the discussion can only be held once there is a new government..

Right-wing parties have been opposing the legisla-

tion since it was drawn up in 2022 by the D66 (Liberal Democratic Party); granting transgender people the right to change their sex in official documents without the doctor’s approval.

The NSC MP, Nicolien van Vroonhoven asked the cabinet to withdraw the legislation, although stating to the Press: “We are absolutely not against changing sex. But it should not be too easy either. In England, men have been given access to women’s prisons and that is not something we should want.”

The D66 member, Joost Sneller, expressed his concerns: “Apparently the rights of all Dutch people are no longer guaranteed.”

The NSC politician, Feemke Zeedijk, admitted that the Party holds no prejudice towards transgender people, however, is too “busy”: “We are certainly not against transgender people, but a rigorous step is not necessary now.”

Czech Republic may welcome more Brits

Jessica Sweeting

ALTHOUGH hardly likely to open a floodgate of Brits, a draft law, if approved could make it easy for skilled workers to move to the Czech Republic to take up jobs.

There is a skill shortage in a number of areas in that country and the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has revealed that it wants to attract workers from seven non-EU countries.

Apart from the UK, the countries targeted are Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the USA.

Taking a pragmatic view, the ministry considers that as well as potentially being highly trained, citizens of those seven countries which have strong economies, are unlikely to want to arrive and claim asylum.

Perhaps surprisingly, the draft bill doesn’t call for any reciprocity as far as allowing these workers to come to Czechia without the need for a work permit or employment documents and it is not yet clear whether they will even require an offer of employment.

The obvious intention is to try to at-

tract well-educated, highly skilled professionals as well as making it easier for Czech business to go out and fill vacancies without having to be bothered by the usual levels of bureaucracy.

If this draft is approved by the Czech Parliament, then the new rules (or rather lack of them) could be in place by July of this year.

Currently there are approximately 9,000 professionals from those seven countries working in the Czech Republic, of which almost half are Britons.

British Ambassador Matt Field and Czech Vice President of the European Parliament Dita Charanzová.

Credit: Matt Field X

Ireland’s last leprechaun whisperer

IRISH folklore has many mythical characters such as the banshees or Tir na nOg, but according to one man Leprechauns are 100 per cent real.

Kevin Woods, recognised as Ireland’s one and only leprechaun whisperer, re cently shared astonishing claims on Ireland AM.

During the broadcast, Woods, who comes from Carlingford, County Louth and affectionately known as McCoillte, shared some of the secrets involving leprechauns and their long history which has become intertwined with human spirits.

According to Woods’ official website: “He talks to the 236 leprechauns that still exist there. They are affectionately known in Carlingford as ‘Carlichauns’.”

“There are 236 left, there were millions of them,” McCoillte revealed during the interview with Alan Hughes and Muireann O’Connell.

He went on to explain how leprechaun spirits began to bond with human souls centuries ago, a time when Vikings first invaded Ireland. This attachment, he clai-

med, was a kindly act to help the Irish people during the brutal Viking occupation.

As the spokesperson for these mystical beings, McCoillte has taken it upon himself to ensure the survival of this species, dwindling in numbers as belief in their existence wanes.

The decline in leprechaun numbers is not just a matter of supernatural concern but reflects a broader cultural shift as Irish emigration surged post-famine, reducing the believers who fuelled their existence.

Despite his family’s disinterest in inheriting his unique role, McCoillte remains committed. He encourages psychic visitors to the leprechaun’s cavern beneath Slieve Foye mountain, where the remaining Irish elves reside, to embrace this mystical gift.

FINLAND’S Helsinki-Vantaa Airport has recently won a prestigious accolade from Skytrax, the London-based organisation that monitors the quality and public perception of the aviation industry.

On Wednesday, April 17, Helsinki Airport was declared the best in Northern Europe for its passenger ex-

Helsinki airport is the best

perience, an award presented to Finavia, the airport’s management company, at a ceremony in Frankfurt.

Ulla Serlenius, the Executive Director of Helsinki Airport, commented: “It is wonderful that air passengers have once again chosen

Helsinki-Vantaa as the best airport in Northern Europe!”

Helsinki’s success is underpinned by its consistent recognition at various industry awards. Serlenius added: “Already this year, we have been able to cele-

brate the selection of Helsinki-Vantaa as the best airport in Europe in its size category. It is clear that our airport has a strong position among the best airports in the world.”

The accolade is based on a Skytrax survey, which as-

sessed the services at over 550 airports globally from August 2023 to March 2024.

The survey focused on passenger feedback across several aspects including check-in, security, and the availability of shopping and dining options.

This in-depth analysis has showcased Helsinki Airport’s dedication to enhancing passenger services, following signi cant upgrades to its facilities.

2024 has indeed been an eventful year for Helsinki Airport. This latest honour marks the seventh occasion Helsinki Airport has topped the list in Northern Europe.

UK leads interest

Amy Watts

DATA sourced from property portal idealista reveals the largest proportion of searches for luxury homes in Portugal come from the United Kingdom, amounting to 11.9 per cent of total international demand at the outset of 2024.

Following closely are the USA (11.2 per cent), Germany (10.2 per cent), Spain (9.2 per cent), and France (8.6 per cent).

the USA was one of the top nationalities taking advantage of Golden Visas from 2012 until September 2023, as reported by the now-defunct Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF).

The other main customers for Golden Visas were predominantly investors from China, South Africa, Brazil and Turkey, which now represent less than one per cent of investment in the luxury sector.

This is a slight uptick from the UK compared to the previous year (up 0.8 per cent), while interest from the USA has waned (4 per cent down). This was to be expected, given that

Research indicates a substantial Brazilian interest in luxury homes in Portugal in recent years, accounting for 6.2 per cent of the total demand in the rst quarter of 2024.

Luxury properties.

Credit: Pickpik

Under control

APPROXIMATELY 11.3 million people will visit Paris and the Paris region between July 26 and August 11 for the Olympic Games.

A further 3.9 million will attend the Paralympic Games held from August 28 until September 8 and France’s health authorities are keeping a watchful eye - and taking steps to prevent - any type of epidemic.

France’s Committee for Health Risk Monitoring and Anticipation (COVARS) has not yet referred to the Games although its president Brigitte Autran told a local newspaper that the authorities were well aware of potential risks.

Meanwhile, the General Health Directorate (DGS) has identified 40 hazards

present during all massively-attended events. These range from bad weather to infectious diseases including the viruses transmitted by the tiger mosquito which has been present in France since 2004 and whose bite can carry dengue, Zika and chikungunya.

Dengue is currently the DGS’s main concern, as more than 2,000 known cases were brought into France by visitors and travellers in 2023, with another 45 cases occurring amongst residents.

Food poisoning could be another hazard while catering for an influx of millions, especially at the height of the summer when there could be failings in cold chain processes.

PARIS GAMES: Some 11.3 million visitors expected for the 2024 Olympics.

Photo credit: dnovac

Get paid to sleep! Screeching like a gull

THE German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cologne is seeking volunteers.

Participants are needed to join in a groundbreaking bed rest study scheduled to commence in September 2024, spanning two months.

In exchange for their commitment, participants will receive compensation of €18,000 for their time and contribution.

However, there’s a twist to this study: participants will be required to spend 60 days lying in bed at an inclined angle of six degrees, with their feet positioned higher than their heads.

This setup is designed to simulate the effects of space on the human body, replicating the conditions experienced by astronauts.

According to Edwin Mulder, the head of the study at the DLR Institute of Ae-

rospace Medicine, this inclined position induces similar shifts in body fluids as observed in space.

The study is conducted in collaboration with NASA, aiming to understand and mitigate the physiological effects of microgravity on space travellers.

In total, participants will spend 88 days at the DLR centre, including preparation and follow-up periods.

The DLR has a long history of conducting bed rest studies since the 1980s, contributing significantly to space medicine research.

Applications are open to individuals aged 24 to 55, with a height ranging from 1.53 to 1.90 metres and a BMI between 18 and 30.

Prospective participants must be in good health, non-smokers, and proficient in German.

AS foreigners living in Spain, many of us can still be surprised at some of the bizarre traditions that occur, but most of Europe can match Spain.

The town of De Panne in Belgium, hosted the European Seagull Screeching Championships on Sunday April 21 and there was de nitely a Pan-European turn out.

The championship is very much a Belgian organised a air with categories for adults, children and groups (known as colonies which is the collective name for seagulls) but the winner in the adult section came from Portugal and the winner in the children’s section came from the UK and it was only in the colony section that Belgium took the top three places.

According to the organisers, “gulls are the sound of the sea, the acrobats in the air, giving you the time of your life and a sea gull screeching brings back good memories,” that is of course if you have never had your ice cream stolen on the promenade, been buzzed by Stuka-like dive bombers with razor sharp beaks or been the recipient of one of their special air born deposits.

Supposedly, those taking part at the event, take the competition very seriously, studying the sounds that the gulls make and trying to imitate then precisely, although the fact that the competition took place in a packed out bar where the beer was owing and a comedian was booked to follow the event, might indicate a certain tongue in cheek attitude when they describe the event.

Study designed to simulate the effects of space on the human body.

Image: German Aerospace Center (DLR) / Facebook

Competitors dress for the event.

Credit: Screenshot YouTube

Insights on drought VOX Pop

AS parts of Spain are struggling with drought, we took to the streets to ask residents and visitors on the Costa Blanca their thoughts.

How has the lack of rain affected you whether you are a resident or a visitor and do you think the government could be doing more to tackle drought?

JOANNE , a retired regular visitor to the Alicante region from the UK said: “We certainly can’t control the amount of rain that’s in the lap of the gods!

“They could introduce a national grid so water could be moved from places where they have more rain. It would be similar to what they do with electricity, it would be costly but they would only have to set it up once.

ANGELA

Twenty-six-year-old Alicante resident, Àngela, said “It feels like summer, I have even been in the sea already this year!

“Due to the lack of rain, I have been able to make more outside plans such as riding my horse and going to the beach.

cerning.

“We are being extra careful with our water use at home. There are floods in some parts of the country yet drought in other parts. There must be a way to distribute the water around the country.”

DANIEL

Nineteen-year-old Alicante native, Daniel, added: “I think we are luckier than other parts of the country where the drought is limiting people’s water usage.

“As we are surrounded by water, it would make sense to have more desalination plants to help combat future droughts.”

“I don’t think we are struggling with the drought as much as areas such as Catalonia but I think the government should invest in more ways of collecting rainwater.”

We also bumped into 53-year-old Paul. Originally from the UK, Paul has been living in Alicante for over

JOANNE YEOMANS

ÀNGELA PAVÍA BELLVER

DANIEL AGUILAR

GARCIA

Patios of Cordoba

ANDALUCIAN patios are true jewels of Spanish architecture and culture, especially during the spring, when temperatures become warmer and plants begin to bloom. These courtyards become true oases of colour and fragrance which is why Cordoba organises a competition every year to choose the most beautiful one in the town.

A total of 52 patios will open their doors for the Competition of Patios of Cordoba 2024, which include 23 patios of historic architecture, 20 modern ones and nine unique ones. The opening and closing times of the courtyards is from 11am until 2pm and from 6pm to 10pm during each day of the festival.

Admission is free and you will only have to wait in line to gain access. It is recommended to be there early in the morning to avoid crowds and the high temperatures that usually occur on these days.

Due to the dry and hot climate of Cordoba, the inhabitants of the city, first the Romans and later the Muslims, adapted the typology of their houses centred around a courtyard, which normally had a fountain in the centre and on many occasions a well to collect rainwater. The Muslims readapted this scheme by making the entrance to the house from the street through a hallway and adding abundant plants to increase the sensation of freshness.

Since 1921, during the first fortnight of May, Cordoba Council has organised a competition, in which the owners of the patios decorate their homes with a multitude of flowers planted in flowerbeds and pots, which are hung on the walls or placed on the typical Cordoban paving.

More information is available at the website - https://patios.cordoba.es

BEAUTIFUL COURTYARDS: A competition is organised every year.

Photo: Cordoba Town Hall

Barceló invests No joint smoking in stations

Annie Christmas

THE Barceló Hotel Group is set to inject €50 million into acquiring and revamping two hotels in Madeira.

The Mallorcan group plans to construct a new

four-star hotel in Funchal’s historic centre, adjacent to Mercado dos Lavradores, with an anticipated debut in 2025, marketed under the Occidental brand.

In a separate project,

the Quinta das Vistas Palace Gardens Hotel will be refurbished. It is soon to be rebranded as the Quinta Funchal Palace Garden Hotel under the Royal Hideaway banner, slated for a grand opening in 2026.

These developments mark a significant expansion for the group in Madeira, bringing its portfolio to four hotels spanning Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resort, and Allegro Hotels.

The Barceló Group was founded in 1931 in Palma de Mallorca. It is a leading hotel business both in Spain and on the global market, with four brands and more than 105 fourand five-star hotels. The group is currently run by the third generation of the Barceló family.

CANNABIS: No smoking to be allowed in railway stations.

DESPITE the general legalisation of cannabis, the German national railway company aims to restrict its consumption at stations.

The Deutsche Bahn house rules are being adapted accordingly, and violations will be prosecuted from June 1.

Public cannabis consumption is already banned during the day in pedestrian zones or in the vicinity of schools and playgrounds.

The Deutsche Bahn restrictions are designed to protect travellers at stations, especially children and young people. Thus, a general ban on the consumption of cannabis in train stations will be introduced.

INTERVIEW

The restrictions will not apply to medical use of cannabis, which is already permitted and will continue to be so.

In about four weeks’ time, the new house rules should be ready and legally valid. Until then, railway employees will approach passengers with the polite request to refrain from consuming cannabis.

A general ban on smoking in railway stations has been in place since 2007, with smoking only allowed in specially designated areas.

According to the railway, of a total of 400 out of 5,400 stations presently have smoking areas.

People are friendly

In 2020, Caroline Rindeström and her family made the bold decision to relocate to Spain.

HAVING spent countless vacations in the picturesque Torrevieja region, basking in the warmth of the sun and indulging in various sporting activities, the family found themselves enchanted by the idea of permanently settling in this vibrant country. Fuelled by their belief in the potential to introduce their unique chiropractic methodology from Sweden and establish a holistic haven for wellness, they set out to turn their dream into reality.

invaluable quality time she gets to spend with her loved ones. The abundance of daylight hours coupled with the Spanish schedule allows her and her partner to enjoy the cherished ritual of having breakfasts with their children

Caroline Rindeström.

Although Caroline states that the first year was challenging, there was an undeniable sense of excitement in immersing themselves in the exploration of a foreign culture and landscape. She misses her loved ones and sometimes the green forest.

One aspect that Caroline particularly treasures about their life in Spain is the

Without a doubt, Caroline finds immense joy in her Spanish experience, revelling in the abundant sunshine, learning the language and savouring the delectable cuisine, particularly her favourite - seafood. She candidly admits that she cannot envision returning to Sweden.

“The people here,” she remarks, “are remarkably open-minded, friendly, and approachable. It’s heartwarming how you can exchange a simple ‘hola’ with everyone you meet at the supermarket. There’s a genuine warmth and familiarity that permeates daily interactions.”

Chips outrage

A 30-SECOND ad vert for Italian crisp brand ‘Amica Chips’ which was filmed in a church has been dee med blasphemous.

The association of Catholic television viewers asked Aiart (the Italian Television Broadcasters Associa tion) to block it. Accor ding to the association, the video, “offends the religious sensibility of millions of practising Catholics.” In a press release published on its official website, Aiart then lodged a protest against the commer cial made by Amica Chips.

novice nuns, (with Schubert’s Ave Maria playing in the background), making their way to the altar of a convent church to receive communion. Instead of the host, however, one of the nuns has replaced them with crisps, which the priest distributes to the novices. Meanwhile, the same nun who swapped the host for chips eats them straight from the bag. The commercial is then accompanied by the slogan ‘Amica Chips the daily divine’.

What caused the con troversy was not the version of the commer cial that aired on TV, but rather the one on social media, posted on the company’s YouTube and Instagram channel.

The disputed adverti sement shows a group of

Shortly after the Aiart protest the ad was censored on social media and the company resorted to the television version where the comparison between the crisp and the host is not so blatant. Since then however, Amica Chips has decided to remove it completely, although not before getting even more publicity than they could have imagined.

Photo: Screenshot, YouTube

Trains no longer run on time

THE cliché that the trains always run on time in Germany is no longer true.

The latest network status report for the state-owned Deutsche Bahn revealed crumbling infrastructure, with almost half the signal

boxes in poor condition, leading to one-third of its trains running late.

New developments in train design, digitalisation and the stations of the future were presented on April 17 at the Kraftwerk events

venue in a repurposed power plant in Berlin.

The use of AI technology is expected to streamline engineering works, particularly highlighted by the planned overhaul of the 78km stretch between Frankfurt and Mannheim scheduled for after the Euro 2024.

Enhancements are also focused on improving passenger comfort. A new two-seater compartment with sliding privacy doors and adjustable tint controls could be installed in long-distance trains in the future to allow greater privacy.

Another new feature is scent buttons located in doorways and lifts at stations to improve passenger mood and real-time occupancy displays on long-distance trains. Travellers can bag their seat with a ‘digital towel’ during their entire journey, even without a seat reservation, by setting the display to ‘Occupied from <station> until’.

Immigrants refuse aid

YOU literally couldn’t make up a story about illegal immigrants in an overcrowded boat telling Belgian coastguards that they don’t want to be rescued until they get to the UK.

This was reported by Belgian TV station VRT News on the morning of Monday April 15 as no less than 57 men and women were spotted on a large dinghy in the North Sea.

As reported by VRT, Belgian Coastguard press officer Peter Van Camp explained that following reports to police of sightings of the boat, “The emergency services immediately set sail from the ports of Nieuwpoort and Ostend in an attempt to convince

the people on the boat to turn back because the situation was too dangerous, but they had no intention of stopping.

“We talked to them, but we cannot force them to turn back. The boat is overcrowded, there are people sitting on the edge. If you intervene, the boat could capsize. Safety is the most important thing.”

For these reasons and the obvious determination of those on board, the authorities decided to escort the dinghy to British waters and to then hand over the rescue duties to the UK coastguard who they had previously alerted.

Belgian coastguard service escorted the immigrants.

State Visit

THE King and Queen of Spain made a State Visit to the Netherlands on April 1618 to foster the bond of the royal houses and extend bilateral relations.

Don Felipe and Doña Letizia arrived at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on April 16.

“We arrived eager to fulfil an extensive programme carefully prepared by both parties that will allow us to put emphasis on the intense ties that unite us to both nations,” stated Don Felipe upon his arrival.

During the visit, Don Felipe and King Willem-Alexander toured the Ajax Betendorp Sports Complex, established to assist children with disabilities.

The Kings travelled to the Port of Am-

sterdam, focusing on the development of the hydrogen corridor between the ports of Bilbao and Amsterdam.

On the evening of April 17, a gala dinner was held at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Catharine Amalia of Orange, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret and Mr Pieter Van Vollenhoven.

Don Felipe stated: “We thank you for your contribution to the ‘Spain Brand’, to spread a human, social and cultural imprint of our country of which we are very proud, for the image of professionalism, efficiency and modernity that you project in the Netherlands.”

Their Majesties of the Netherlands and Spain.

Credit: Casa de S.M. el Rey, X

Lost rings

POLICE appealed to the public for help in contacting the owner - or owners - of two wedding rings found in a supermarket car park on the Dublin Road in Fermoy (Cork). The Gardai said each ring bore a “unique” engraving that made it easy to ensure that they could only be reclaimed by their rightful owner or owners.

Mine reopens

THE Tara zinc mine in County Meath, which closed in June 2023 putting 650 out of work, will reopen following talks between the unions and the management. The agreement involves 160 redundancies, all on a voluntary basis, but although core pay remains unchanged, there will be changes in work practices.

FRANCE IRELAND

EURO PRESS

Castle-hunt

ACTOR Johnny Depp, who now spends most of his time in Europe, is said to be considering the purchase of a €3.7 million mediaeval castle in Montalto Dora near Turin. In the meantime, local mayor Ren zo Galletto told the New York Post that he was not sure that Depp’s presence “would be right” for the small town.

Bear facts

NORWAY SWEDEN

Damped down

BONFIRES, campfires and barbecues in or near forests and other isolated areas have been banned between September 15 and 17 as the authorities take steps to prevent wildfires. Norway’s Fire Service also stressed that fires could still be lit out-of-doors if there was no danger of a blaze spreading to adjoining land or woodland.

Full stop

RAIL passengers faced delays throughout the country on April 15 after trains on all lines ground to a halt in eastern, southern and northern Norway owing to what was first announced as a signal error. Officials later maintained that the incident was caused a major power failure “linked to the signalling system.”

BEARS are now emerging from their six months of hibernation in Sweden, although Benny Gafvert from the World Wildlife Fund explained that they are not aggressive “unless they are provoked.” He added that except when out hunting with dogs in forest areas, it was not usual for people to encounter bears.

Cash needed

THE Migration Agency told the Swedish government, that it would be unable to meet its target of providing accommodation in deportation centres for an extra one thousand people without more funding. With the current level of funding, the Agency will only be able to accommodate another 750 people, it warned.

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

Lucky number

A BRAGA man bought a €5 ticket and won a house raffled by the local fire brigade who received the century-old property as a bequest from Veneranda Martins, who wanted it to be used as a museum. As the firefighters could not afford the renovations and since locals opposed a sale, they instead decided to organise the draw.

Stepping up

PORTUGAL is now Europe’s second most important footwear manufacturer, producing 85 million pairs in 2022, two million more than their neighbours in Spain. Output in Portugal has increased by 14.4 per cent over the last 10 years, the APICCAPS sector association said, compared with Spain’s 14 per cent reduction.

DENMARK GERMANY

Assued name

THE Jagger burger chain in Copenhagen is resisting Mick Jagger’s attempts to prevent them from using his name for their 18 outlets. The Danish media revealed that the chain is now appealing against the EU’s Patents and Trademarks office ruling in favour of Musidor, which manages the rock band’s trademarks and names.

Deep down

AFTER almost three years, excavating the 18-kilometre Fehmarnbelt tunnel beneath the Baltic linking Denmark and Germany has been completed. “It was difficult,” Pedro da Silva Jorgensen, the project’s Technical Deputy Director said, as the subsoil between both countries was a “complex mix” that included 70ton granite blocks.

NETHERLANDS ITALY

Dr is out

FROM May 1 onwards, the title of doctor may not be used on a German identity card or passport. A government spokesperson said the change would simplify foreign travel as the authorities in other countries frequently confused the Dr prefix with the first two letters of a surname, “which can lead to delays in immigration queues.”

No thanks

A RECENT survey by the Korber Foundation found that 40 per cent of mayors in small towns said that they, or those who were close to them, had been insulted, threatened or physically attacked owing to their position. As a result, more than 25 per cent of the mayors admitted that they had considered withdrawing from local politics.

Stay away

VLADIMIR PUTIN will not be invited to next June’s ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the organisers announced. “Russia will, however, be invited to honour the importance of the commitment and sacrifices of the Soviet peoples, and the country’s contribution to the 1945 victory,” they said.

Worth it

AMELIE OUDEA-CASTERA, Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games minister, told a Le Monde interviewer that the €2.5 billion of public money that was included in the Games’ €8.8 billion budget was “a useful and sustainable” investment. The outlay would bring “far more” to the nation, the minister declared.

FINLAND

Different rules

FINLAND’S Eurovision entry, No Rules, must keep European Broadcasting Union rules by discarding the Windows95 Man’s t-shirt with the famous logo and not choosing flesh-coloured underpants when he strips down. “These may be contrary to other participating broadcasters’ regulations,” said Finland’s state broadcaster Yle.

Sitting pretty

TWO chairs worth almost €10,000 euros each disappeared from the lobby at Aalto University’s Espoo campus. CCTV camera footage immediately revealed the identity of the thief who took Artek’s Karuselli model which was designed by Yrjo Kukkapuro, a professor at Aalto’s forerunner, the Institute of Industrial Arts.

No bribes

BELGIUM announced that it would prosecute any MEP suspected of belonging to a Russian network that pays them to promote Kremlin propaganda. With the approaching elections to the European Parliament, PM Alexander De Croo said it was the country’s responsibility to safeguard EU institutions and democratic processes.

Day’s work

A PARLIAMENTARY select committee has given the go-ahead to the second reading of a bill which, once it becomes law, will make it possible for sex workers to receive employment contracts now that prostitution is not illegal. The bill will be put to the vote at a plenary session of parliament in early May.

Cash limit

THE outgoing government hopes to find a way of pushing through a ban on cash purchases of more than €3,000 that was included in a divisive anti-money laundering bill. Not implementing the ban would mean losing €600 million from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Plan mitigating the impact of the Covid pandemic.

Bad draw

AN Almelo court ordered two unlicensed online gambling companies to reimburse two people for financial losses of around €200,000 each. Both firms admitted that they lacked a Netherlands’ operating licence for online gaming but argued that there was no reason for this to invalidate their dealings with the two players.

JOHNNY DEPP: Said to be interested in buying a castle near Turin.

Photo credit: CC/Harald Crichel

Another SMS scam Flight plans

Paul Edwards

SPAIN’S Internet User Security Office (OSI) has warned of an extension of a scam whereby certain people have received false emails claiming they are owed a refund on 2023

The latest version is being sent to individual’s mobile phones by SMS with the promise that those receiving the message are entitled to a refund of €411.

By clicking on any of the

links contained in these messages, the user is redirected to a website where they are asked to enter their full name, credit or debit card number, expiration date, CVV and PIN. If you receive such a simply block the sender and delete that message from your phone.

If however you have already responded to the message and given the information that was requested, then there is still some hope and you should contact the Cybersecurity Help Line (visit https://espanadigital.gob. es/en/lines-action/ciberse curity-helplinet) to receive advice.

In addition, it is important that you preserve as much evidence as possible and report the scam to the police.

If you have any doubts, simply search the internet to ask for details of latest scams as plenty of sites exist to warn individuals of potential problems.

ENERGY company Vattenfall is testing an infrared camera system to monitor bird collisions with offshore wind turbines at its Hollandse Kust Zuid installation.

“We are still looking for the right technology to understand the dangers,” Jesper Kyed Larsen, a bioscience expert at Vattenfall, said. “We need to understand the real risk that wind farms pose to birds.”

Collecting evidence of collisions was trickier at sea than on land where you could see what has fallen to the ground, Larsen continued.

“But when a bird hits a wind turbine at sea, it falls into the water and floats away,” he said.

By placing 16 thermal imaging cameras on one of the turbines, we can monitor the conditions under which a collision might occur.”

The cameras will run 24 hours a day below the rotor to see if anything falls, with the videos later analysed using artificial intelligence.

The bioscience expert revealed that when a large number of birds is expected to pass over the windfarm, Vattenfall shuts down the turbines for a few hours when no power can be generated.

“We want to avoid that, as far as possible as other assets have to compensate for the shortfall,” he said.

A “start-stop” procedure is announced two days in advance but it is hard to predict so far ahead the exact route the birds will take and how fast they will cross the windfarm, Larsen explained.

The 12-month trial starts in August in collaboration with Wageningen University.

“This test is just the start,” Larsen said. “Once we have more data, we can share our findings with authorities and experts, who can use it to improve their start-stop models.”

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Racing & fashion

THE AAN charity (Asociacion de Ayuda al Necesitado de San Fulgencio) is excited to announce its upcoming Race Night.

As a registered charity, AAN is dedicated to providing assistance to families and individuals in need in San Fulgencio, under the guidance of Social Services.

Join the fun on Monday, April 29, for an exhilarating evening star -

ting with the first race at 6.30pm.

You can purchase horses directly from the AAN Charity Shop for just €2 each.

Head over to The Chippy, where you can enjoy the excitement of the races while indulging in the special €5 menu offerings, featuring options like burgers and chips, jumbo sausage and chips, or veggie burgers and

chips.

A full menu is also available to reserve a table call (+34) 966 795 659.

The Chippy loca ted at C. Francisco de Quevedo, 1, 03177 San Fulgencio is just up from the Post Office.

The fun doesn’t end there! On Thursday, May 9, at 4.00pm, the charity is hosting its highly anticipated Fashion Show.

grace the stage, showcasing a stunning array of clothes available for purchase at unbeatable prices. The fashion show will

take place in the square adjacent to the charity shop, located at 42 Calle Sierra Castilla, Urbanisation

Admission is free, but if you wish to have a table at one of the cafes in the square, visit Ahmeds, Dos Mas, or Mi Cafe to make a reservation.

Soulfully Yours

booking in advance.

Choose from two admission options: Entry Only for €12 or the Dinner and Show Package for €17.50.

The Dinner and Show Package includes a main course of Roast Pork with Apple Sauce, Breaded Chicken with Pepper Sauce, or Veggie Spaghetti Bolognese. Each dish is served with seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, and

roast potatoes.

And if none of these options tickle your taste buds, our full menu has something for everyone.

To book your table or for more information, visit the website at emeraldis lespain.com, reach out via WhatsApp on (+34) 615 504 066 or by phone on (+34) 965 327 138.

The Emerald Isle, located at Calle Marte 2, La Florida, 03189, Orihuela Costa.

Image: PhotoStock10 / Shutterstock.com

Totally Tina

ATTENTION all rock ‘n roll enthusiasts in Torrevieja!

Are you ready to experience the energy of Tina Turner’s legendary performances live on stage?

On May 5 at 5.00pm you can be transported back to the era of rock and soul, as you groove to timeless hits like ‘Simply The Best’, ‘Private Dancer’, and ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’.

TOTALLY TINA, hailed by the UK Association of Agents as the ultimate tribute to Tina Turner, is coming to Torrevieja to deliver an unforgettable show.

Led by Justine Riddoch, whose voice captures the essence of Tina Turner’s unmistakable sound, this performance promises to be a true spectacle.

Since its formation in

Quiz with a twist

LA MARINA Street Cats is excited to announce its upcoming quiz with a twist!

Join the fun at the Twilight Bar located at Calle Luis de Gongoral, 2, Local 4, 03177 on Thursday April 25.

The quiz will kick off at 4.00pm, so be sure to arrive by 3.30pm to get settled.

Gather your friends and put your knowledge to the test for a chance to win fantastic prizes!

The winning team will be awarded a special prize.

Tickets are only €3 per person, and every penny of the ticket price will go directly to supporting La Marina Street Cats and their mission.

2008, TOTALLY TINA has garnered acclaim from audiences and critics alike, earning multiple awards and accolades.

With meticulously recreated choreographies by a team of professional dancers and stunning costumes reminiscent of Tina Turner’s iconic stage attire, this show promises an authentic experience for fans of all ages.

For more information or to secure your tickets, call (+34) 673 931 057, visit the website at cultu ratorrevieja.com, or email hola@culturatorrevieja. com.

The Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja, located at Plaza Miguel Hernández, 3, 03181 Torrevieja.

The box office is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am to 1.00pm and from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

The Pajama Game

Company is delighted to announce the release of tickets for ‘The Pajama Game’ at the Teatro Cardenal Belluga in San Fulgencio.

The performances are on May 2, 3, and 4. Starting at 7.30pm, doors will open at 6.45pm.

Tickets are available for purchase online at studiothirtytwo.org or by calling (+34) 679 062 272.

Alternatively, you can reserve your seats via email at tickets@studiothirtytwo. org.

‘The Pajama Game’ received the prestigious Tony Award for Best Musical in

1955 and, more than half a century later, clinched the award for Best Revival of a Musical. This enduring acclaim speaks to the timeless appeal of the story.

Prepare to enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with music and dancing, including classics like ‘Steam Heat’ and ‘Hernando’s Hideaway’.

In addition to enjoying the performance, know that your ticket purchase will contribute to a worthy cause.

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to La Asociacion de Alzheimer de San Fulgencio, supporting their invaluable work in the community.

Cheers!

SIXTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD David Clarkson, originally from the UK but living in Australia for over 40 years, set a new record by visiting 120 pubs in just 24 hours.

David beat the previous record of 99 pubs, held by Australians Harry Kooros and Jake Loiterton.

He did this pub tour in Sydney, Australia.

David, a retired accountant from Lancashire, says his life revolves around “travel, drinking, and spreadsheets.”

He used his accounting skills to carefully plan his route using licensing data, tables, and Google Maps.

Driven by his love for exploring and the many interesting pubs in Sydney, David felt con dent in taking on this challenge, citing his experience.

His journey started on Thursday, April 11, at midday, with a drink at the Captain Cook Hotel.

He walked to all 120 pubs on his list.

At each pub, David had to buy a drink and drink at least 125 ml of liquid.

He drank a total of 20 litres, mostly soft drinks and juices.

David had friends as witnesses at

each pub, and sta signed his logbook.

Pete Fairbairn from Guinness World Records joined him at the start and end to verify his attempt.

David’s cheerful attitude caught the attention of other pub-goers, and he particularly enjoyed the speakeasy bars on Clarence Street.

He nished his journey the next day at the Sussex Garden Bar, less than a kilometre from where he started.

Pete reviewed the evidence and ocially declared David the record holder, marking the end of his impressive achievement.

From flush to fly!

WIZZ AIR has teamed up with a British company to look into using human waste to make fuel for planes.

They want to change the way we fly.

The Hungarian airline is working with Firefly Green Fuels, a UK biofuel company, to figure out how to turn sewage waste into a type of fuel called sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Firefly Green Fuels has come up with a way to change waste from sewers into fuel that planes can use.

They plan to start supplying this fuel by

2028.

Wizz Air’s UK division will get up to 525,000 tonnes of this fuel over 15 years.

This new method uses waste to make SAF, which has a much smaller carbon footprint than regular jet fuel, about 70 per cent less.

While it won’t fully replace normal fuel, planes can mix it with regular fuel without needing to change their engines, up to a maximum of 50 per cent.

Although making SAF from human waste is better for the environment, it’s currently

more expensive than regular jet fuel.

James Hygate, the CEO of Firefly, knows using waste is unusual, but he sees it as a valuable resource.

Firefly is getting approval to use their system to fuel planes, and they’re confident it will work.

They plan to help supply a lot of SAF in the UK and hope this idea will catch on worldwide.

Wizz Air wants to use SAF for at least 10 per cent of its flights by 2030, in line with a rule from the UK government.

David Clarkson set a new record.

Image: Guinness World Records Changing the way we fly.

Image: Wizz Air / Facebook.

La Tamborrada

ON January 20 each year, its Patron Saint’s Day, the people of San Sebastian (also known in the Basque language as Donostia) celebrate La Tambo rrada where up to 15,000 locals ga ther together and beat drums all day and night.

Local clubs vie with each other to offer the most spectacu lar event as they march through the city dressed in traditional Basque costumes, chefs outfits or 19th century military uniforms.

Like most events of this type, the origin is forgotten but one of the most plausible reasons is that La Tamborrada was introduced at the start of the 19th century during the Pe-

ninsula War when Napoleon’s troops entered the city and women banged buckets.

The drumming and parades start at midnight in the Plaza de la Constitución with the city flag being raised and the first group of drummers play the Marcha de San Sebastián as a signal to the other groups that they can start and that’s it for the next 24 hours.

At noon on January 20, children from various schools, also dressed to impress and with their own special ‘tamborrada infantil’ set off en route for the City Hall where they converge and add to the cacophony of sound. Then at midnight the march is played again, the flag is lowered and that’s the end.

La Tamborrada in San Sebastian..+

The youngsters start at noon.

Credit: MerZab CC

Credit: Estitxu Carton

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Going bananas

THE ‘banana bag’ which proved a hit with Gen Z and millennials was responsible for UK and European sales that reached £1.1 billion (€1.3 billion) for Japanese retailer Uniqlo over the year that ended on August 31, 2023. Founded by Tadashi Yanai in 1984, Uniqlo now has more than 2,400 stores worldwide.

Rainy day

THE Bank of Spain called on the country’s principal banks to focus more on setting aside funds from their profits to cover potential losses than rewarding shareholders with hefty dividends. Banks had not taken sufficient advantage of the current cycle of record profits to plan for future crises it warned.

US deal

INCHCAPE, the car distribution, sales and services company, is selling its UK retail operations to the US car dealership giant Group 1 Automotive via a cash agreement of around £346 million (€403.8 million). The transaction would enable it to concentrate on becoming a distribution-focused business, Inchcape said.

Ford waits

ON April 15, Ford ceased producingtheTransitConnect van which accounted for 30 per cent of vehicles made at the Almussafes (Valencia) plant, with 63,239 leaving the assembly line in 2023. Employees now wait to learn more details of the new multienergy model they were promised at the end of March.

Fewer bubbles

FRENCH company LVMH, synonymous with luxury items, reported a 16 per cent dip in wine and spirit sales which slid to €1.4 billion in 2024’s first quarter. The owner of Dom Perignon, Moet & Chandon, Krug and Veuve Clicquot said this was an inevitable result of the “normalisation” of post-Covid demand when sales soared.

STAT OF WEEK

€2 BILLION

will be paid out in dividends by ACS Group, the Spanish civil engineering and construction group, between 2024 and 2026, chief executive Juan Santamaria announced.

Data replaces batteries Steel deal

THE site of what was to be Britain’s first gigafactory in Blyth (Northumberland) has been sold to US private equity investors.

Northumberland County Council announced that it had sold the land to Blackstone, which will build a data centre there.

The land in Cambois near Blyth was earmarked for a £3.8 billion (€4.45 billion) Britishvolt factory making batteries for electric vehicles before the company collapsed into administration in January 2023 with the loss of 200 jobs.

At the time, Britishvolt, backed by Swiss mining

multinational Glencore, was due to receive £100 million (€117.18 million) in the UK government fun ding.

Australian company, Recharge Industries ba sed in Geelong (Austra lia), agreed to take on Britishvolt after finalising a deal with the company’s administrators, renewing hopes of building the Blyth gigafactory.

Instead, Recharge received a winding-up petition in March 2024 as former senior executives reclaimed unpaid wages.

A month earlier, auditors EY said Recharge defaulted on the agreement and had yet to pay the £8.75 million (€10.25 million) that was owed on the deal. Since then nothing appeared to have moved at the 235acre Blyth site. Northumberland

SPAIN’S National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) suspended trading in Naturgy shares for two hours on the morning of April 17.

It was reported that the halt was ordered while awaiting “disclosure of relevant information.” This followed rumours of a possible takeover by Abu Dhabi’s TAQA, which was in discussions with Criteria, one of Naturgy’s majority shareholders.

Trading resumed after the government-controlled energy holding company contacted the CNMV, referring to “recent speculations in the Press regarding Naturgy.”

TAQA confirmed it was talking to

County Council did not disclose financial details of the Blackstone transaction, although receivers Begbies Traynor Group which oversaw the sale, said it was “complex.”

Council leader Glen Sanderson said the Blackstone data centre would bring an investment of up to £10 billion (€11.7 billion) and provide around 4,300 jobs.

“This really unique opportunity for Northumberland offers a huge boost to the regeneration and renaissance of the local area,” Sanderson said.

Cut unlikely Reboot needed Naturgy takeover

DR MARTENS shares plunged 29.4 per cent as the bootmaker issued its fifth profit warning since 2021.

The company expects a tough time with rising overheads and falling US sales as shares slump to 62 pence (approximately €0.72), compared with £3.70 (€4.32) when Dr Martens was floated three years ago.

The outlook was “challenging,” a spokesperson admitted.

Chief executive, Kenny Wilson, in place for six years, will leave at the end of the financial year to be replaced by Ije Nwokorie, currently chief brand officer.

UK inflation fell in March but not enough to underpin hopes of a lower bank rate in the near future.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced that the consumer prices index (CPI) fell from February’s 3.4 per cent to 3.2 per cent, a two-and-a half-year low but less than analysts’ 3.1 per cent prediction.

Services’ inflation, which the Bank of England (BoE) watches with an eagle eye, fell from 6.1 per cent to 6 per cent in March, disappointing City expectations of 5.8 per cent.

Tomasz Wieladek, chief European economist with the asset manager T Row Price, told the Guardian that the BoE would be “worried” that the inflation battle was not yet won.

Services’ inflation would concern the BoE and make it cautious about cutting rates this summer, Wieladek said.

SPANISH steelmaker Acerinox is buying US nickel and cobalt alloy specialist Haynes in a €740 million deal.

The operation carried out by Acerinox’s US subsidiary North American Stainless (NA), has approval from US anti-trust regulators and was ratified at the Haynes’ shareholder meeting in April, Acerinox said. A routine revision of Haynes books by external auditors is all that remains pending.

The purchase will be fully-funded with existing cash on Acerinox’s balance sheet, it revealed when the deal was announced in February, and the takeover is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2024, the Spanish company said.

Caixabank’s holding company regarding a possible cooperation pact related to Naturgy, while admitting there had also been “conversations” with two other major shareholders, CVC Capital Partners and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) who between them own 41 per cent of Naturgy.

“No agreement has been reached with Criteria, CVC or GIP,” TAQA stressed, although even before the CNMV suspension, Nuturgy shares were up 1.3 per cent at €21.8.

Win some

LA LIGA, the 42 professional football teams which belong to Spain’s First and Second Division, are in the black for the first time in two seasons.

Fully recovered from the pandemic, the teams reported an accumulated net profit of €200 million between them for their financial year ending June 2023.

Nevertheless, Barcelona, whose corporative operations amounted to €808 million and ended the season with a €300 million profit, generated much of these gains, La Liga revealed.

La Liga also predicted that the present season would almost certainly return to negative figures in 2023-2024, with losses of approximately €300 million.

CATALONIA-BASED Miura intends to sell off Citri&Co, the largest citrus fruit company in Spain.

After several months of sounding out the markets, the private equity firm has commissioned investment bank Lazard to organise the €1 billion sale of a group created in 2016 from the long-established Castellon company Martinavarro plus the later addition of Rio Tinto and other, smaller operators.

Citri&Co, which is present in 70 countries, has a workforce of 12,000 and 22,000 hectares of land under production, with Spain accounting for 30 per cent of its earnings.

Troubled water

THAMES WATER, which has a £15.6 billion (€18.2 billion) debt pile, must prepare and negotiate a business plan with Ofwat before May 23. This is when the water services regulator holds its last board meeting prior to announcing how much companies will be able to charge customers.

Before then, the beleaguered water company intends to publish a five-year spending plan which, once it has been approved by the Thames Water Board will talk to lenders as its looks for ways of funding its rescue proposals.

Photo credit: Naturgy

Photo credit: BritishVolt

BRITISHVOLT: Old Blyth site will become a data centre.

NATURGY: Possible takeover by Abu Dhabi’s TAQA.

Going North

VINCI, Gatwick’s French owner, is buying a 50.1 per cent stake in Edinburgh Airport for a reported £1.27 billion (€1.48 billion) from its owners, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). GIP will retain the remaining 49.99 per cent stake and Edinburgh Airport’s chairman Sir John Elvidge and chief executive Gordon Dewar will remain in their roles.

Solid growth

BANKINTER announced a net profit of €200.8 million in the first quarter of 2024, a record increase of 8.7 per cent on the same period in 2023. As the bank had anticipated, growth was slower than in 2023, although its net interest income has continued growing at double-digit rates, chief executive Gloria Ortiz said.

Royal Mail offer

ROYAL MAIL’s owner International Distributions Services (IDS) has received a takeover offer for the beleaguered postal service from Czech billionaire, Daniel Kretinsky.

His EP Group, with holdings in Sainsbury’s and West Ham United football club, issued a statement on April 17 which, without mentioning the sums involved, revealed Kretinsky had approached IDS on April 9.

“While EP Group’s pro-

Burger King losses

RESTAURANT BRANDS IBERIA (RBI), which owns Spain’s Burger King outlets, lost €12.2 million in 2023.

This was double 2022’s losses despite a record turnover of €1.88 billion, according to RBI’s annual accounts submitted to Spain’s Registro Mercantil, equivalent to Companies House.

The negative figures were the result of the company’s €90.8 million finance

costs, which were 127 per cent more

than in 2022. Of this, €68.5 million corresponded to interest paid on a €310 million loan from RBI’s sole shareholder, the private equity firm Cinven, whose parent company is based in London.

“The net results reflect an increase in our loan payments and debt incurred though our strategy of openings and acquisitions,” RBI said.

posal was rejected by the Board of IDS, it looks forward to continuing to engage constructively with the board as EP Group considers all its options,” the communique said.

This went on to say that EP Group viewed the UK as “an attractive and dynamic market for investment” and was proud to support the businesses in which it invested. These include Royal Mail through EP Group-owned VESA Equity, which has a 27.6 per cent stake in IDS.

“EP Group recognises that Royal Mail is in a challenging situation,” the statement said, pointing out that increasing competition from multinational companies in the UK postal market, private investment in Royal Mail becomes crucial.

As news of Kretinsky’s proposal broke, IDS shares rose by 20 per cent to 257p (€3) valuing the company at £2.47 billion (€2.89 billion).

Student digs

BROOKFIELD, the Canadian investment management company, is preparing the €1 billion sale of Livensa, its Spanish company specialising in student accommodation that was launched in 2018. The process is expected to begin over the next few months but will not be completed until 2025.

Growth

THE private health insurance market grew by £385 million (€450 million) in the UK as the NHS’s problems drive people to seek private medical and dental treatment, according to health data provider LaingBuisson. In all, the private health and dental sector grew 6.1 per cent to £6.7 billion (€7.8 billion) in 2022, the last year with available figures.

ROYAL MAIL: Takeover offer from Czech billionaire.

Photo credit: Flickr/Bazzadarambler

Wonder why that is

THE problem with most of the woke brigade is that they are generally so far up their self-righteous soap boxes they categorically refuse to entertain the opinions of others. When arguments or discussions tend to veer away from their points of view, they are always the first to accuse their dissenters of right wing ideals or racism.

They then sit smugly back; fully aware that the discussion is now over and the onus is now on those that disagreed with their rhetoric to explain why they themselves are not racially motivated! It’s a clever ploy, designed to crush the freedom of speech and encouraged by many a political despot over the course of history. Well I don’t buy it, and categorically refuse to yet again waste this short narrative explaining my very strong views on the subject.

I believe in live and let live. As long as it causes no harm to others and doesn’t weaponise my points of view, frankly I really couldn’t care less how anyone

handles their current manifestation. I also have no problem with how people wish to be addressed. Tom, Dick Harry, Fem, Those, Them or Wottsit. It’s truly is all the same to me.

What I do care about however is reserving the right to also refer to myself as I choose. Being pressured to adapt to another individual’s views and opinions is what sticks in my craw. Unfortunately this is often the problem with disgruntled minorities.

Many of them suffer from insecurity or inferiority complexes. Consequently the more of us they can inveigle into embracing their philosophies, the more secure they feel (The mentality of cult!)

To achieve this they need to convince others to either join them or amend their own beliefs. Sooner or later however the majority begin to resent their often lam brained intrusions and demos and their actions begin to achieve the reverse effect. One of the real casualties in this whole diatribe of politically correct ‘uman rights is of course true common sense. I recall The University of Salford issuing a ‘subject matter’ warning for Dickens’

Oliver Twist; in case it causes ‘distress or anxiety’ among literature students.

Some time ago, the University of Northampton also issued ‘alert warnings’ to their students about Orwell’s 1984, Dickens Great Expectations and, of all things - Bronte’s Jane Eyre! The University stated that, it has the responsibility to ‘prepare students for potentially sensitive topics of child abuse domestic violence or racial prejudice’. They probably don’t allow winners or losers either!

This is of course not all quite as ridiculous as it sounds. The more they relieve the young of responsibility, the easier they are to manipulate toward their nanny state ideals. Left wing political control is always hovering behind all this undemocratic PC rhetoric. And incidentally, shoving floral bouquets down the barrels of Chinese and Russia’s silos won’t work either! Just to conclude, it was recently announced that 400,000 people a year are leaving the UK.

Well now, I wonder why that is?

Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com.

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

Will NASA find Nessy

THE Loch Ness Cen tre has reached out to NASA for assistance in a new quest to search for the Loch Ness monster.

Following last year’s extensive search of Loch Ness in the Highlands, which included the cap ture of loud underwater noises and several potential sightings, the centre is eager to enlist NASA’s expertise in their pursuit.

Scheduled to coincide with the 90th anniversary of Sir Edward Mountain’s expedition, the latest search will take place from May 30 to June 2.

Since the inaugural expedition in 1934 by the Watchers of the Monster, over 1,156 sightings have been documented on the official Loch Ness monster register.

Aimee Todd from the Loch Ness Centre ex-

pressed hope that the global community of Nessie hunters would aid in reaching out to NASA via social media.

The centre seeks NASA’s expert guidance to enhance its ongoing quest for answers.

For those unable to participate in the search in person, live cameras on the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website offer an opportunity to be part of the hunt remotely.

Leapy

The Loch Ness Monster has been sought for years.

Image: The Loch Ness Centre / Facebook.

Celebrating King’s Day

MORE than 100 years of celebrating the changing faces of the Dutch monarchy, King’s Day approaches once again on April 27.

The Netherlands are charging up for one of the largest festivities in the country, celebrating the birthday of the reigning King, Willem-Alexander.

King’s Day is an unusually changing tradition, which was first celebrated on August 31, 1885, in honour of Princess Wilhelmina’s birthday, and was moved to April 30 after her daughter Juliana ascended to the throne.

Today, it celebrates the birthday of the current King of the Netherlands but the festivities last much longer than one day.

The pre-party; King’s Night, lights up the streets with live music and dancing, as well as some free festivals, including The Life I Live in The Hague or the Royal Dutch in Eindhoven.

On the King’s birthday, cities which have canals fill up with boats, where people dressed in orange; the Dutch national colour, party on usually the only functioning public transport throughout the festivity.

Flea markets and concerts are on just about every street corner across the country, and the royal family can often be spotted in public; strengthening the relationship between the royalty and the public through celebration.

Horsing around

COMMUTERS at a train station in Australia were taken by surprise when an escaped racehorse joined them on the platform, awaiting a passenger service.

The unexpected visitor, a rogue animal, appeared at Warwick Farm station in New South Wales, trotting down the platform and even pausing behind the yellow line as the train approached.

Footage shared by Transport for NSW captured the moment, showing startled commuters stepping back as the horse made its way past just before midnight on April 5.

Transport for NSW took a lighthearted approach to the incident, sharing an update on Facebook referring to the horse as a “missing individual” who was “reported to be

wearing only a rug and demonstrating a bit of horseplay.”

The post humorously described how the horse seemed to follow someone along the platform before attempting, unsuccessfully, to board a train.

Eventually, the horse was taken in by its owner from the car park area and safely retur-

ned home. The update concluded with a playful note: “No one involved in the incident intends to take any further action as the individual was only horsing around!”

While local media suggested that Warwick Farm station is situated near a racecourse, it has not been confirmed whether this is where the horse escaped from.

King’s Day in Amsterdam.

Credit: Carmelrmd, Wikicommons

Image: Transport for NSW / Facebook.

Patiently waiting.

Tarragona’s early saints and spectacles

EVERYONE knows about the attractions of Barcelona, but maybe not those of nearby Tarragona...

In striking contrast to Barcelona’s thrusting hipness, Tarragona’s main appeal stems from the Roman era, when the town, then called Tarraco, was the bustling melting pot of the western Mediterranean and Saint Paul was packing them in with his punchy sermons.

Compared to those hedonistic pagans up the coast, Tarragona has always been a devout kind of town and the sarcophagi and inscribed tablets at the necropolis suggest it got on the Christian bandwagon pretty early. Some of those who hopped aboard a bit too early for their own safety may have ended up in the circus, pitting their faith against the sharp claws of some lions.

And just like the Roman Forum, the amphitheatre is still a spectacular attraction overlooking the sea, with a seating pitch only marginally less steep than in Barcelona’s modern

equivalent, the Camp Nou football stadium. Round off a step back into antiquity with a visit to one of the many cafés where only the exemplary coffee makes any concession to the 21st century.

Speaking of ancient times, did you know that the rabbit was brought to Britain by the Romans, who discovered it in Spain? And that the name ‘España’ derives from the Phoenician expression for ‘land of rabbits’? What a hare-raising thought...

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Couple across the Street’ (www.nora-johnson. net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

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

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

Sponsored by

Body art changes A gentle thread technique

DOES the thought of how a tattoo will age deter you from getting one?

Tattoos, like skin, undergo changes over time due to ageing and sun exposure. As we age, skin loses elasticity and firmness, causing tattoos to stretch and potentially distort. Additionally, colours may fade or blur over the years.

These natural changes can be a concern for some considering tattoos. However, with proper care and thoughtful design choices, tattoos can age gracefully. Opt for bold, simple designs that are less likely to blur over time. Regularly

moisturise and protect tattoos from sun exposure to maintain vibrancy. Ultimately, the decision to get a tattoo should consider long-term commitment and personal preference. While ageing affects tattoos, many embrace these changes as part of their life story. Looking after your tattoo will help it age as gra- cefully as you do.

FACIAL threading is a hair removal technique that originated in Eastern cultures and has gained popularity worldwide. It involves using a twisted cotton thread to swiftly remove unwanted facial hair, including fine hairs and peach fuzz, by lifting them from the follicle. This method is preferred by many for its precision and ability to create defined eyebrow shapes and clean facial contours. Unlike waxing or tweezing, threading

kely to cause irritation or allergic reactions as it does not involve chemicals or harsh ingredients.

Facial threading is relatively quick and can be done on various areas of the face, such as the eyebrows,

upper lip, chin, and cheeks. It’s important to seek out a skilled and experienced threader to ensure a comfortable and effective hair removal experience with minimal discomfort and long-lasting results.

Shutterstock/ dean bertoncelj

Fitness knows no age

STARTING a gym routine later in life offers numerous benefits for physical health and overall well-being. Regular exercise can improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of age-related ailments like heart disease and osteoporosis.

Gym workouts also boost mood and mental clarity, enhancing cognitive function and reducing stress. It’s never too late to reap these rewards, regardless of age or fitness level.

When beginning a gym routine as an older adult, start gradually and consult with a fitness professional to tailor a programme to your needs and limitations. Focus on low-impact activities like swimming, yoga, or walking to build endurance and confidence.

With dedication and perseverance, anyone can enjoy the transformative benefits of fitness, proving that age is just a number on the journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Versatile healthy oil

EVENING primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and is known for its potential health benefits. Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid, evening primrose oil is believed to support various aspects of health.

One of its primary benefits is its ability to promote skin health. GLA helps maintain skin hydration

and elasticity, potentially reducing symptoms of conditions like eczema and acne.

This oil is also used to alleviate symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and menopause, such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and hot flashes, due to its hormonal balancing pro-

perties.

Additionally, some studies suggest that evening primrose oil may support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow.

As with any supplement, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting EPO to determine appropriate dosage and ensure it is safe for individual health needs.

Shutterstock/ Madeleine Steinbach

Chiropractors improve your health

SINCE its establishment in 2020, Swedish Chiropractor has swiftly become an integral component of healthcare in Los Dolses, providing a diverse range of manual treatments. Founded by Jonas Olsson

distinguished alumni of the prestigious Scandinavian Academy of Chiropractic in Sweden, the clinic’s genesis was inspired by their shared vision of establishing a haven where individuals could access holistic care to nurture their overall well-being. Following years of dedicated service within the Swedish public health system, their relocation to Spain marked the genesis of this transformative venture.

At the heart of Swedish Chiropractor lies an unwavering commitment to tailored care, meticulously addressing the unique needs of every patient who walks through their doors. Their diverse team, comprising skilled chiropractors, physiotherapists, naprapaths, and personal trainers, embodies a holistic approach to wellness. Within their expansive repertoire of services, patients encounter a spectrum of offerings, ranging from full-body massages to specialised sports massages engineered to facilitate athletic injury recovery, and the innovative shock wave therapy. What distinguishes them is their holistic ethos,

seamlessly weaving disciplines like yoga, pilates, and strength training into personalised treatment plans, steering individuals towards a trajectory of optimal health and vitality.

Through their collective expertise and unwavering dedication, Swedish Chiropractor has cultivated an environment characterised by unwavering support and empowerment. Recognising the transformative potential of education, they remain steadfastly committed to arming individuals with the knowledge and tools requisite for informed decisions concerning their health and well-being. Their philosophy revolves around the conviction that by empowering patients with information and resources, they can effectively seize control of their health journey, culminating in enhanced outcomes and a profound sense of agency over their holistic well-being.

nication, unwavering honesty, and genuine empathy. They maintain that fostering transparent dialogues, upholding integrity in all interactions, and forging empathetic connections with each individual under their care are indispensable tenets for realising optimal health outcomes and nurturing enduring patient-provider relationships.

For Jonas and Caroline, the journey with Swedish Chiropractor is a testament to their unwavering passion for growth and evolution while remaining steadfast to their core values of integrity, compassion, and excellence in patient care.

Central to the ethos of Swedish Chiropractor is an unshakable belief in the foundational principles of open commu-

If you want to start making your health a priority, don’t hesitate to put yourself in the best hands and visit the clinic.

They are open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 6.00pm and Fridays from 8.30am to 5pm.

Los Dolses Centro Comercial, local 132, 03189 Orihuela Costa, Alicante • contact@swedishchiropractor.com • +34 657 231 477

Quick fix saviour?

DRY shampoo offers convenience and freshness without water, making it ideal for quick touch-ups between regular washes. It absorbs excess

oil, adds volume, and extends the time between washes, saving time and water. Additionally, dry shampoo can provide texture and grip for styling.

However, overuse of dry shampoo can lead to product buildup, potentially clogging hair follicles and causing scalp irritation or dryness.

It may also leave a visible residue, especially on darker hair colours. Additionally, dry shampoo does not cleanse the scalp as effectively as traditional shampoo, and regular use without proper cleansing can impact scalp health. Use dry shampoo in moderation and pair with regular washing for optimal hair care.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Air conditioning with ClimaZone ELX SL

CLIMAZONE ELX SL is a trusted name in climate control solutions, situated in Crevillente and serving around Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. With a steadfast commitment to offering the best in air conditioning technology, ClimaZone ELX SL sources leading brands such as Gree, Hisense, Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, LG, Fujitsu, Panasonic, and Toshiba. When you request a free quote, you not only receive an estimate encompassing the selected model’s cost but also inclusive of IVA and installation charges.

ClimaZone ELX is a family-run business and distinguishes itself with over four decades of unparalleled expertise in the air con ditioning industry, showcasing their exceptional pro fessionalism.

With this wealth of knowledge and expertise, they provide tailored advice on selecting sui-

table units for your property and also provide a re-gassing service.

Moreover, their dedication to ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operation extends beyond mere installation.

Regular servicing, conducted by their team of engineers is emphasised to maintain peak performance and safeguard manufacturer warranties.

From private residences to commercial establishments, ClimaZone ELX SL has left an indelible mark with its meticulous approach to installations. Specialising in split, multi-split, and ducted systems, their portfolio boasts thousands of successful installations.

To underscore their commitment to customer satisfaction, ClimaZone ELX SL maintain accessibility as a core value. Open 9am to 5pm, their mobile line remains active roundthe-clock.

Simply dial the office on 965 468 068 or reach out directly to Steve on 607 337 104, or email info@climazone.net.

Getting on my nerves

I’VE always fancied going to Australia until I started watching a daytime TV show called Nothing to Declare. Wow what a mad performance it is to get in. I’ve seen people get fined for having a banana in their carry on. There are so many rules and regulations it’s scary. I’m sure that it’s all carefully worked out and mostly necessary. I’ve even seen people have their shoes confiscated until they are treated because they had mud on them. Mind you, some of the stuff punters don’t declare is nuts too (actually you can’t take nuts in either!) Mostly travellers from Asia seem to think that there are no supermarkets or restaurants there. The amount of food they try and smuggle in is incredible. Anyway, it’s too far and at my age I can’t afford to lose a day travelling.

Interesting phone call from my daughter the other day who is in Ibiza at present. ‘Dad I’ve just gone to the cash machine and it’s not working and I’ve got no money. Can you send €10 to so and so by Bizum?’ I did it but only because I live in Spain and Bizum

only works in Spain and it was the only way she could get paid apart from cash. I don’t understand how so many people will not listen to me and heed my warning. Do not depend on plastic. Always carry some cash with you. It doesn’t have to be fortunes - €20 minimum. Just do it! I think I’ve seen that phrase used somewhere before. Just watched a remake of a movie called Roadhouse. The original starred the late, great Patrick Swayze and was fantastic. The remake, on the other hand, was a pile of dog doo, terrible and whoever thought Connor McGregor was the right man for the villain should be fired immediately. Stop doing remakes of good movies, it’s a cop out. There must be some great scripts out but it seems someone thinks it’s better to take the lazy way out and ruin a good old action movie.

A message to Ben Affleck’s kid - your grandfather’s funeral reading is not the best time to let everyone know you have decided to change gender. I don’t care what you identify as, that’s your business, and I hope it all works out great for you. But that wasn’t the time or place. This whole entitlement crap is getting on my nerves. Just have a little thought for others.

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

Costa del Sol Chocolate for children • News Across The Regions

JOHANNA GREY lives in Mijas and started raising money in 2021 to help the children in Malaga Orphanage ( Ciudad de los Ninos).

The first fundraiser was a huge success and they have now been rasing funds and collecting chocolate and presents every year. Iceland and Tesco got involved and have helped with donations of chocolate.

For Christmas 2023 they raised over €4,000 and the Mayan Monkey chocolate factory in Mijas made personalised adventure books for all the children which they loved.

And just last week, on April 18, another chocolate delivery was made to the Orphanage as, over Easter 2024, Johanna and Eva had help from Food Co. employee Denise who had collected hundreds of chocolate cream eggs with the support, once again, of Iceland and Tesco, to put a smile on the faces of the children.

Axarquia

Award-winning B&B

ALMIJARA Residence, a distinguished boutique Pueblo Blanco B&B nestled in Competa celebrates a significant achievement in the world of hospitality. Five years after its initial recognition by the Travel and Hospitality Awards, the esteemed establishment has clinched the prestigious Europe Award for Excellence in Service for Andalucia in 2024.

The Travel & Hospitality Awards serves as a global platform honouring remarkable businesses in the travel industry, including hotels, tour operators, spa & wellness facilities, and more. Award recipients are meticulously selected based on a thorough review of customer feedback and proprietary entry data. The nominees undergo rigorous evaluation and comparison on a regional scale by a panel of expert judges. Almijara Residence’s latest accolade highlights its unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled service and guest satisfaction.

Mallorca

King opens conference

KING FELIPE VI of Spain presided over the opening of the Conference of Presidents of Parliaments of the Council of the European Union in Palma on Monday April 22.

President of the Congress, Francina Armengol, had hosted a summit with a round table on women’s leadership the day before.

Attending the conference were presidents of the legislative chambers of the different countries of the European Union, the president of the European Parliament, and many leaders from European countries.

This was the last act of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union, which began on July 1 last year.

Security was very high with 800 National pPolice officers deployed, many from mainland Spain. The sewers below Palma were inspected and sniffer dogs swept the area for explosives.

Costa Blanca North Languages open doors

DOZENS of people united in Denia to protest against the cancellation of language centres, expressing their desire for international education.

On April 18, students and teachers united in front of the IES Sorts de la Mar in Denia to protest against the Ministry’s cuts in the EOI (The Official Language School) of Denia and Javea.

The protest came as a response to the announcement stating that Denia would eliminate 12 English, French and Spanish lessons and Javea’s language school would shut down altogether.

The Minister of Education in Generalitat Valenciana, Jose Antonio Rovira linked this “reorganisation” to the lack of students.

Yet the demonstration proved the high demand of the EOI. Javea’s centre has been facilitating more than 100 students for the past 20 years.

Almeria Tour of Almeria

THE Vuelta Ciclista a Almeria is set to captivate cycling enthusiasts with its eighth edition on April 27 and 28.

Organised by Total Sport Mediterranean in conjunction with the A Todo Marcha Sports Club, this prestigious two-day amateur cycling event will showcase approximately 200 cyclists from across the province.

This year’s tour promises an exhilarating adventure through Almeria’s rugged landscapes, including Levante Almeriense, Valle del Almanzora, and Filabres-Tabernas.

The first stage on Saturday, April 27 will cover a challenging 98 km loop starting and ending in Los Gallardos. The event will conclude on Sunday, April 28.

Hyundai Almerialva steps up as the official vehicle sponsor, ensuring a smooth execution of the event. The competition underscores the region’s growing prominence in Spain’s amateur cycling scene.

Costa Calida Must-see Murcia

MURCIA has been dubbed the most underrated destination by National Geographic. Despite being located on the trendy Mediterranean Sea, and boasting one of Europe’s warmest climates, Murcia has long remained off the beaten path for international travellers.

In 2023, Murcia welcomed over 1.7 million visitors, marking a significant milestone in its tourism growth. Murcia’s rise in appeal lies in its cultural heritage.

The ancient city of Cartagena, founded over two millennia ago, stands as a testament to its rich history, filled with ancient ruins and architectural marvel.

Murcia’s beaches are another draw, stretching 155 miles along the Costa Calida, or ‘Warm Coast,’ aptly named for its warm waters. Despite its beauty, Murcia remains affordable compared to other tourist hubs.

Calming scared cats

HELPING a cat cope with sudden noises involves creating a safe and secure environment and using calming techniques. First, provide a designated safe space where your cat can retreat when scared.

This could be a quiet room or a cosy hideaway with soft bedding and perhaps a favourite toy.

Second, consider using soundproofing or white noise machines to dampen the impact of loud noises.

Gradually exposing your cat to recorded sounds at low volumes, followed by treats and positive reinforcement, can also desensitise

them over time.

Additionally, synthetic pheromone diffusers or sprays can help soothe anxiety.

These mimic the pheromones cats produce naturally when they feel secure, promoting a sense of calmness.

Always approach your frightened cat gently and speak in a calm, soothing voice.

Avoid forcing interactions, as this could increase their stress. Patience and consistent positive reinforcement are key to helping your cat manage their fear of sudden noises.

Does

your dog like human company? Daisy does

DO you have an only pet? Then you’ll know that they need company and stimulation and caring for them in their own home can be the very best solution. That’s the case with Daisy who finds live in dog-sitters when her owners post an advert on HouseSitMatch.

Plus HouseSit Match saves money because the pet-sitting is free!

If you use HouseSitMatch.com you find free checked pet-sitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring for your pets in your absence. It’s an arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet-sitting works as an exchange of services - free accommodation for free pet care!

HouseSitMatch is safe - all members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Your pets stay at home - safe and undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch. com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets.

If you’re travelling in 2024 join

now and get organised today:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Premium account (£89 pa) to ensure you get help online

3. Create a profile with photos of your pets and home

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

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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 from the applicants.

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Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation! Reader exclusive offer - 20% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter or homeowner. Get a 20% discount - Use coupon code PERFECT20.

Colour perception

IT’S a common misconception that dogs are completely colour blind and only see in shades of gray. In reality, dogs do see colours, but their perception is different from humans. Dogs have dichromatic vision, meaning they have two types of colour receptors (cones) in their eyes, compared to the three that humans have.

Dogs can see shades of blue and yellow, but they struggle to distinguish between red and green, which appear more brownish-gray to them. This colour vision is similar to what a human with red-green colour blindness experiences.

Understanding how dogs perceive the world helps us better design toys and training tools that are visually appealing to them. It also explains why certain colours are more engaging to dogs in activities and toy choices, enhancing their playtime and training sessions.

Daisy is an only dog, and really loves human company, which means her owners find live in dog-sitters to keep her company.

Shutterstock/sophiecat

GRILLS

GLASS CURTAINS LOCKSMITHS

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

WINDOWS

POOLS

ARCHITECT

BUILDING SERVICES

J & J PAINTERS. Insideoutside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (304595)

BUY & SELL

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 716 693 (288662)

OVER 400 DVD’s for sale. As new.

€300 ONO. 0044 7971 459588 (WhatsApp) (305596)

BUSINESS OPP

LOOKING for silent partner in private care home, near Alicante.50k buy in, 50 %. 20 k net per year return. Call 747 4382 25. (305759)

CARE HOME

PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. Also, Dementia care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (305685)

CHARITY

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

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

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS)

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

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com.(10006)

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

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@ helpvegabaja.com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)

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

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

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

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

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

Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593)

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

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran

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

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461)

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

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

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

MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm – 3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb.org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@ movers and shakers www.amscb. org.es (295976)

ELECTRICIAN

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

FOR SALE/WANTED

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

GOLD WANTED

25 April - 1 May 2024

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT

LOSS, TONING, RESULTS

GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225 (301319)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuran ceinspain.com or email tracey@ sosinsuranceinspain.com (305189)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE

SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@beneficial insuranceinspain.com or visit www. beneficialinsuranceinspain.com for online quote. (303245)

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

MASSAGE

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302439)

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

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

CLASSIC MATURE SPANISH

50€. Ana 657 603 495 (303989)

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

SLIM captivating lady, 46, offering a pleasant massage. Mil Palmeras. OUTCALLS ONLY. Contact leilapuss@ yahoo.co.uk (303976)

LA ZENIA – Sarah 46 elegant Brazilian sensual & fantasy Masseus, scultural body. House 75 in La Zenia from 9am to 11pm. Tel: 666 645 551 www.sensualspain.net (305963)

MISUKY Asien Qualified Masseusse. Deep Strong Sports and Relax Massage. Campoamor (Close to CEPSA). Los Angeles Building. Tel. 663 088 170 www.sensualspain. net (303964)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

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) 60

LADY, Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from

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

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La

CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com

MOTORHOMES

MOTORHOME / Campervan

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

MUSIC

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

MUSIC TUITION

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

OTHERS

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

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

PERGOLAS

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

PET CHARITY

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES.

If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@ easyhorsecare.net www. easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

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

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

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

PLUMBERS

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

POOL MAINTENANCE

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 865 758 056 / 676 945 360 www. pooltechspain.com (294924)

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

PRIVATE Investigator, Debts Collected, Bad Tenants, Solicitor Services. 747 438 225 (305759) PROPERTY FOR RENT

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

Earn money from bad parking ADVERTISING FEATURE

The LEGAL way to scrap your vehicle

WITH over 13 years in the automotive trade along Costa Blanca, Bradley Breakers have accumulated a wealth of stories, many of them cautionary tales that shed light on the intricacies of vehicle ownership and scrapping in Spain.

Picture this: you’ve bid farewell to your trusty old banger, convinced that it’s been consigned to the scrapyard, only to be blindsided by a hefty fine months later. It’s a scenario that has played out more times than one might imagine, as long as your name remains tethered to the document of ow-

nership, you bear legal responsibility for that vehicle.

Unlike processes encountered in other countries, the Spanish system of scrapping a vehicle is full of regulations and requirements, made even more complex by the recent Environmental Badges.

Bradley Breakers are experts in navigating this bureaucratic minefield. With their expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, they offer a seamless solution to this daunting task. They’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that it’s as simple as you could wish for.

They will ensure that you receive the official DGT Certificate (Baja), knowing that your car has been properly disposed of.

When it comes to selling or scrapping your car, peace of mind is paramount. That’s why it’s crucial to trust a reputable company like Bradley Breakers.

Contact Bradley Breakers 607 848 332 bradleybreakerscatral1@outlook.com

Poligono I8, Calle Novelda 2b, Crevillente 03330.

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A SWEDISH company launched an app which allows users to earn money by reporting wrongly parked cars.

The residents of Sweden, Uppsala, can now receive 100 kroner (€8.50) for reporting each unlawfully parked car. After uploading a photo of the wrongly parked car, the Scout Park app notifies the user that a parking attendant is on their way; each car correctly reported will be issued a fine as a consequence, with the reporting receiving a benefit.

The developer, Erik Englund, said the application: “Scout Park is a so-called gig economy app that allows anyone over the age of 16 with a Swedish social security number to earn money by helping parking attendants find people who do not follow the parking rules in the community.”

Scout Park is in an agreement with the private parking company Parkias, hence only the cars in their areas can be reported.

By Mark Slack ROAD TEST

THE latest Morgan Plus Four combines the historic Malvern company’s blend of craftsmanship and engineering to create the latest incarnation of their longest running nameplate, The latest Plus Four features a series of design, dynamic and technologi cal enhancements.

The design has simplified the look of the car with the introduction of new lighting, wings, front splitter, rear diffuser, and floating front and rear number plate plinths.

Many of the new parts have been designed in-hou se and manufactured exclusively for Morgan. Whilst the changes are subtle, the attention-to-detail and rigorous testing process of the new parts represents the level of detail upon which the company is now operating.

Latest Morgan Plus Four launched by iconic Malvern car maker

body, which is made using age-old techniques handed down through generations, is married to an ultra-modern aluminium platform with the latest braking, suspension, and electronic systems.

At Morgan, there is no ‘bespoke’ department. Every Plus Four that enters production is bespoke as standard.

The Plus Four is available in manual and automatic transmission variants and is powered by the latest BMW 2.0 litre engine. Morgan is one of the very few non-BMW owned companies that are allowed to use the German manufacturer’s power units.

There is a change to the standard suspension consisting of new spring rates and re-valved dampers. In addition, an optional Dynamic Handling Pack - extensively developed alongside suspension experts, Nitron, -will be available from launch.

First introduced in 1950 at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in London, the Plus 4 has proven to be one of the company’s most popular models. Named Plus 4 due to its increa-

sed power over the 4-4 - the first four-wheeled Morgan - which was introduced in 1936.

Like every four-wheeled Morgan produced today, the Plus Four combines a blend of traditional craftsmanship and appropriate modern technology, a philosophy which the company refers to as ‘21st Century Coachbuilding’.

Each aluminium body is hand-formed over an ash wood frame. This

Beyond the almost endless combination of colourways and options available to configure, prospective owners can go beyond this and request additional materials and features for their new Plus Four. This approach ensures that every Plus Four built is genuinely a ‘oneoff’.

The new Morgan Plus Four is available to order now, with the first models going into production this month. Prices start from €88,366/£76,141 whether you opt for the manual or automatic transmission version.

MORGAN PLUS FOUR: Every single one built is a genuine ‘one-off’.

Criticised over Saudi deal Hey Jude a Classico

IN a nail-biting El Clasico showdown, Jude Bellingham etched his name in Real Madrid’s history books with a dramatic late goal, securing a crucial victory over arch-rivals Barcelona. The match played at the iconic Bernabeu stadium, saw Real Madrid tenlead commanding 11 points at the top of La Liga.

to claw their way back into contention with a Vinicius Jr penalty just before half-time. Fermin Lopez then put Barcelona ahead again, but Lucas Vazquez ensured parity with another equaliser for Real Madrid.

the roof of the net. This throughout.

lidifies Real Madrid’s grip on the La Liga title race but also extends their unbeaten streak across all competitions to an impressive 28 matches. Bellingham’s impact has been nothing short of remarkable since his arrival, with his performance in El Clasico further highlighting his importanCarlo Ancelotti’s side. With just six games remaining in the season, Real Madrid stands on the cusp of reclaiming the La Liga crown, thanks in no small part to the heroics of Jude Bellingham and their resilient squad. As the celebrations reverberate through the streets of Madrid, one thing is certain - Bellingham’s late winner has etched its place in El Clasico folklore, ensuring his legacy at the Bernabeu will endure for years to

EARLIER this year, Saudi Arabia held its debut snooker event with O’Sullivan clinching victory at the World Masters of Snooker. This newly formed agreement, announced on April 16, integrates the Riyadh Season as an official collaborator of the World Championships.

Bellingham’s heroics came in stoppage time, as he smashed the ball into the roof of the net. This crucial strike marked his second goal in another El Clasico clash, cementing his status as a big-game player for the Spanish giants. The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both sides trading blows throughout. Barcelona took an early lead through Andres Christensen, only for Real Madrid

Carlo stands part squad. As the the

Saudi Arabia’s Chairman of the General Entertainment authority, Turki Alalshikh announced on Twitter/X: ‘An official partnership between Riyadh Season and the World Snooker Tour aimed at promoting the sport of snooker in the Kingdom, with the world’s number one ranked player, Ronnie O’Sullivan, serving as the ambassador of the game in Saudi Arabia.’

With the Crucible Theatre’s contract due to expire in 2027, this new partnership opens up discussions about the future venue for the World Snooker Championships.

O’Sullivan has pledged to participate in both the World Masters of Snooker and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters throughout the contract’s duration.

Speaking of the tournament in Riyadh last month the 48-year-old snooker legend expressed his thanks: “What a night!! Thank you to the organisers [at] RiyadhSeason, to Turki Alalshikh, and also

support and love I’ve received out here from all the fans,” O’Sullivan stated on his Twitter/X platform.

However, according to GB News, the snooker star’s involvement has not been well-received by some supporters in the UK. On social media, one user expressed disappointment, calling him ‘sell out O’Sullivan.’

Others voiced their disapproval with comments like ‘Everyone involved should be ashamed’ and ‘You are going to destroy this beautiful sport.’ The discontent underscores a broader unease about the sport’s direction.

Second seed O’Sullivan, chasing a record eighth win, begins his 2024 World Snooker Championship campaign on Wednesday, April 24 at 2.30pm against Jackson Page. The event kicked off in Sheffield on April 20 and will conclude on May 6.