Mallorca 25 April – 1 May 2024 Issue 2025

King opens conference

Amy Watts

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.

Felipe VI received the presidents at the Royal Palace of the Almudaina on Monday April 22, and also greeted delegates from the Balearic Government, including leader Marga Prohens, members of the Bureaus of the Chambers and deputies, senators and MEPs for the Balearic Islands.

In the afternoon a session was held on the new challenges for liberal democracies.

Subjects for discussion were social

media, AI and their impact on foreign policy and defence, the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the conflict in the Middle East.

On Tuesday April 23 discussion focused on the new fiscal rules of the European Union and the strengthening of the Economic and Monetary Union in the context of future expansion, social rights, environmental and climate change challenges.

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

German cyclist saved by bystanders

A GERMAN couple in their mid-50s were cycling on Tuesday April 16 when they crossed paths with a police patrol car from Inca near the roundabout where the Ma-3433 intersects with Ca’n Picafort. They greeted the officers, who waved back.

Moments later, the woman shouted for help. The patrol returned to find her husband having a heart attack. They began CPR.

A German doctor holidaying in the area took over resuscitation until the man’s pulse was restored.

A Samu 061 life support ambulance which happened to be passing attended until another advanced life support ambulance arrived. The patient was intubated and transferred to Son Espases hospital.

European Summit

THE Summit of Women Parliamentary Presidents took place on Sunday April 21 at the Royal Palace of La Almudaina in Palma.

The presidents of the European parliaments published a joint declaration in defence of gender equality.

The crucial role of women’s leadership in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts was stressed.

Women are still under-represented in all EU countries in decision-making processes and within political parties, so gender parliaments need Equality Plans.

A European priority is to combat ‘extreme political polarisation in democratic societies’.

Attacks against women and girls in armed conflicts were condemned, as were terrorist attacks and those on the civilian populations of Ukraine and Gaza.

Future initiatives were endorsed: the ‘Joint Declaration for Gender-Responsive Parliaments’ at the 71st Plenary Session of COSAC in Brussels, and the Summit in Paris on March 6 and 7 and Presidents of Lower Houses on March 8.

King Felipe VI in Palma.

100 volunteers in coastal cleanup

MORE than 100 volunteers organised by Marineland Mallorca and the Federation of Underwater Activities cleaned the coast at Costa d’en Blanes in Calvia.

Divers, fishermen and women, boat owners and other volunteers dedicated their time and resources to the cleanup efforts on Saturday April 20. They counted with the collaboration of the Department of the Environ-

ment, Rural Affairs and Sports of the Consell de Mallorca.

A spokesperson for the Consell said that this and similar meet-ups not only immediately improve the local environment but also importantly raise awareness about the need for conservation of the coastal heritage and to combat plastic pollution in the natural marine environment.

The island’s direc-

Climate changeair conditioning in schools

Amy Watts

HEATWAVES are becoming increasingly common in the Balearic Islands, particularly affecting the first and last two months of the school year (May, June, September and October).

tor of Waste, Margalida Roig, stressed “the need to spread the message of care and preservation of our marine environment and warn of the dire effects of plastic waste at sea. They also enable society to visualise a problem that concerns us all and that must be combatted.”

The volunteers collected large amounts of rubbish from the seabed and the beach.

While a study launched in March by the UIB university stresses the importance of thermal insulation and other measures, the Education Ministry is contemplating investing more in air conditioning devices.

The aim is to start actions at schools based on the results of the study and to prioritise those that take in younger children.

It goes hand in hand with a climate adaptation plan being prepared for schools to improve insulation and comfort long-term.

“From the Ministry we are perfectly aware of the problems of air conditioning and that the forecasts are not favourable,” admits the regional secretary of Educational Development, Mateo Suñer.

For the moment, 800 or 900 air conditioners are to be distributed among schools. “We know it’s not the solution, but in the short term we have to mitigate the situation as much as we can,” he adds.

VOLUNTEER DIVERS: Cleaned the coast at Costa d’en Blanes.

SCHOOL PLAN: The aim is to improve insulation for younger children. Flikr, CC BY-NC-ND

Credit: Consell de Mallorca

NIBS EXTRA

Snow for St George

IB3 weatherman Alberto Darder, responsible for weather reports from Puig Major, posted a video of the light snow covering on the highest mountain in Mallorca on April 23 (St George’s Day). After a cold night, the forecast for April 24 was possible light showers with hail or snow above 1,000 m, followed by sunshine and temperatures of 18°C to 20°C in the days to come.

Lottery wins

A LUCKY person in Manacor won second prize in the state Primitiva lottery on Monday April 22, winning €51,014. This follows last week’s success for a resident of Palmanova in Calvia, who won second prize in the Bonoloto lottery with winnings of €140,701.56

Fire extinguished

A FIRE started in the sauna in the spa area of the S’Olivera hotel, in Peguera, Calvià at around 12.30pm on Friday April 19. A large plume of smoke was seen but fortunately it did not spread to the rest of the hotel and no-one was hurt.

Legends of Lluc

AS of the 2023 census, Lluc had a very modest population of 194 inhabitants, but its grandeur is revered throughout Mallorca and beyond. It is the spiritual heart of the island, a place of pilgrimages both religious and secular, with spectacular winding approaches from both Caimari and Pollença.

The 312 cycling event always passes through Lluc, and all visiting cyclists would like to complete the gruelling climb from Sa Calobra, with its ‘tie-knot pass’.

The surrounding municipality of Escorca is almost 140 square kilometres consisting of mountains, holm-oak and pine forests, coastal cliffs and the highest peaks (Puig Major, 1445m, Puig de Massanella, 1364m, Puig de Tomir, 1102m and Puig de Galileu, 1181m), the deepest valleys (Torrent de Pareis), and the island’s reservoirs (Cúber, Gorg Blau). Plus, the breathtaking beaches of Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent.

Lluc is a place of pilgrimage, peace and prayer but also popular with locals in summer to escape the heat, and in winter to cook paellas in the public grilling area, go camping in one of the

few campsites, or enjoy the many walks.

It is a stop on the GR 221 dry stone route between Tossals Verds and Cúber reservoir. The walk from Cala Tuent to Soller on the Sa Costera route passes through completely unspoilt terrain high above the sea. And the path from Caimari to Lluc takes about two-and-a-half hours one way (bus services available).

Tourists and pilgrims flock to the Sanctuary to offer thanks and ask favours of the Virgen de Lluc, a black Madonna. According to legend, after the Christian reconquest of Mallorca by Jaume 1 in 1229, a shepherd ‘found’ the dark little statue one night in a cleft of the mountains. He brought it down to the church in the valley. However, the next day it inexplicably reappeared in the mountains. A chapel was thus built to hou-

14th century flour mill

se the figure, and in the 17th century this was amplified to become the imposing basilica of today.

Attached to the basilica is a 500-year-old choir school. The site was very remote before modern roads were built and the choir children, known as Blauets for their blue tunics, used to live there all year round, only seeing their parents a few days of the year.

The blauets still sing salve to the Virgen de Lluc every day and at mass on Sundays.

Many towns in Mallorca have their traditional pilgrimage to Lluc on foot, perhaps the most famous being the 40+ km march in early August from where the bar Güell used to stand in Palma. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Güell-Lluc walk, which starts at 11pm from Palma and around 5am from Inca.

THE Molí de Lluc mill is located in the Josafat valley, just o the footpath from the Sanctuary of Lluc to the Son Amer estate and refuge. Antoni Fuster, who presides over the Serra de Tramuntana Consortium, has allocated a subsidy to the Sanctuary of Lluc to restore the water channel of the mill.

He and other stakeholders were received by Island director of the Serra de Tramuntana, Antoni Solivellas, who is also the mayor of Escorca. The work will consist in cleaning the course of the ditch and rehabilitating the walls that form the gutter. The stone walling of the sides will then be restored to their original shape.

The aim is to reform the structure to its working state as a ourand sawmill. This will then be a testimony to the important role it played in the past and an added attraction for visitors to the area.

On the day of the visit, all those present visited the basilica to hear the Blauets from the Escolania de Lluc sing their customary daily salve to the iconic Moreneta.

ESCORCA in Mallorca was one of the coldest places in Spain at 8am on Saturday April 20the seventh coldest, to be precise.

According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the temperature was a frosty -1.0 degrees at the Son Torrella measuring station 842 metres above sea level near Puig Major.

Later on, at 3pm, temperatures at the Son Torrella measuring station had risen to more than 16 degrees.

Almost a week earlier on April 14, temperatures were considerably higher, at 23 degrees in Son Torrella (and more than 28 degrees in Pollença on the same day).

February is usually a cold month but was unusually mild this year.

The coldest ever temperature recorded at Son Torella was -9.4°C, on February 13, 2012.

There is another measuring station at Lluc in the large, mountainous municipality of Escorca, and temperatures are generally a little higher there, although still several degrees lower than on the plains of Mallorca.

Cows in Campos

THERE used to be many more cows in Mallorca, as every town had its own dairy production.

Campos in the south of the island was by far the biggest milk producer on the island, accounting for 45 per cent of the total production.

Cows formed the socio-cultural identity of the town, and thanks to the development of windmills, the farmers were able to take advantage of the water from the natural park to irrigate their vegetable gardens, forage and alfalfa to feed their herds.

Dairy farmers used to be allowed to remove a certain amount of Mediterranean sea grass (Posidonia Oceanica) from the beach each year to supplement bedding and forage supplies, but due to environmental protection of the fragile dune system this is no longer allowed in the natural park.

The number of cows on the island has reduced by around 40 per cent in the past 15 years.

A DECREE of Administrative Simplification prepared by the Balearic Government will allow local councils to outsource vehicle inspections.

Rock portraits

PALMA-based artist Lewis DePalma (Luis García) creates lifelike portraits of rockstars who he chooses to reproduce in coloured pencils on paper.

He realised that he wanted to be an artist at the age of five with art and music being his refuge and although he tried to be a musician as he got older he found that art featuring musicians was his forte.

Although this isn’t a business as such, he explained that he chooses his favourite rock artists and then draws them and said “ some are interested in buying their own portraits, and I’m so grateful they want to frame and hang my artwork on the wall. They are my

heroes.”

Lewis added “Most of my clients commission a drawing to gift a family member or a partner. I used a lot of techniques in the past, but now I mostly work in a mix of coloured pencils on paper.”

One of his most recent images was of Danny Vaugh American lead singer of Tyketo who currently lives in Estepona on the Costa del Sol.

He loves living in Mallorca and observed “I am very privileged to live on a beautiful island.”

To see some of the incredibly accurate work that he has undertaken visit his Facebook page (Lewis DePalma).

Green light for ITV privatisation

Opinions on the proposed measure differ. Toni Gili, spokesperson for VOX, says the move is in response to the excessive waiting lists. He believes liberalising the sector would increase the number of ITV stations, generate jobs and reduce distances.

“This… is a widely accepted and recognised model in regions throughout Spain that is giving excellent results in communities such as Madrid (governed by the PP),” he said.

On Monday April 22 Jaume Alzamora, spokesperson for MÉS per Mallorca, disagreed. He said that “costs will increase” and there will be a loss of quality, the consequences of which, he remarked, “will end up being paid by the citizens.”

He cited the example the ITVs in Madrid and the Valencian Community, saying “they are the most expensive in the entire state territory,” while Mallorca currently has “the cheapest rate” and asked the president of the Consell, Llorenç Galmés, not to outsource or to increase the current rates.

Latest twist in the Gesa building saga

IN 2001, Catalan architect Joan Busquest’s ambitious project to transform the Palma maritime façade did not include the Gesa office building, which was scheduled for demolition.

In 2004, electricity company Endesa, formerly Gesa, sold the site and the adjoining plot to developer Nuñez y Navarro for €74 million euros to build 200 luxury flats.

ding for €25 million.

Then, in 2007, the Consell catalogued the building as a site of cultural interest.

Mayor Aina Calvo modified the urban planning in 2008 and the Gesa building became public property.

Now Palma City Council, through the Department of Urban Planning and Housing, is leading a pilot test study, installing state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels on a section of the façade of the building.

Endesa took legal action in 2016 and a year later the town hall had to return the keys.

In January 2024, Palma City Council negotiated to buy the buil -

This initiative, supported with European funds, is part of the ARV project, coordinated by the Norwegian University of Technology (NTNU), involving 35 partners from eight different European countries.

Danny Vaughn.

Gesa building, Palma.

Credit: Lewis DePalma

Credit: Chixoy, creative commons

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, recently shared astonishing claims on Ireland AM.

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

According to Woods’ o cial website: “He talks to the 236 leprechauns that still exist there. They are a ectionately 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 rst

invaded Ireland. This attachment, he claimed, 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 re ects 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.

Another SMS scam

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

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 message on your phone, 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 con-

tact the Cybersecurity Help Line (visit https://espanadi gital.gob.es/en/lines-action/ cibersecurity-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.

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.

King’s Day in Amsterdam.

Credit: Carmelrmd, Wikicommons

Insights on drought VOX Pop

AS Spain suffers through one of the most difficult drought periods in its history we took to the streets to find out how the lack of rainfall has affected you. We also asked do you think the government could be doing more to tackle the 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.”

JOSE , a Colombian resident in Asturias and a visitor in the Costa Blanca North area due to family ties. “As a visitor in Alicante, it has been disheartening to see tourist sites like Fonts de l’Algar (one of the best tourist attractions in the area, in my opinion) closed due to the lack of rain. Being just a visitor, unfortunately, I am not aware of all the measures being taken to address the drought in Alicante.”

ELIJAH , an American tourist considering residency in Spain, shared his perspective, noting, “While I haven’t been affected much by the recent lack of rain, I do appreciate the effort that the government and the people put into rationing the water and eliminating waste. I think it builds a strong sense of community, and I have been learning how to be less wasteful myself while I’ve been here. Was a bit of a culture shock at first, but I think it’s the responsible thing to do, and it makes one appreciate their resources more.”

GARY from Manchester said “It hasn’t affected us much. Although we do try to use water responsibly. Some people still hose out their front yards every day. We could never do that!”

LISA a resident of Mazarron said “Well, to be honest, it hasn’t affected us. We have friends that live on the Costa del Sol and they have water cuts at night and limits on their water. They don’t know if they will be able to fill their pools this summer. While it hasn’t rained a lot we haven’t noticed any direct issues because of the lack of water. I guess the gover-

nment is doing something right.”

PAUL

We also bumped into 53-year-old Paul. Originally from the UK, Paul has been living in Alicante for over 20 years. He confirmed: “It is concer-

“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.”

JOSE ROJAS

ELIJAH ECK

JOANNE YEOMANS

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

Credit: Estitxu Carton

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis in Mallorca

Amy Watts

THE Durham family plays an explosive mix of rockabilly, swing, blues, country and rock and have opened for Coldplay.

Kitty, Daisy and Lewis Durham from Kentish Town in London are musicians and songwriters with roots in traditional family gatherings, when they used to pick up whatever came their way and play it. Their vibrant live show offers an explosive mix of rockabilly, swing, blues, country and rock & roll. They always play to packed houses and have opened for mega bands such as Coldplay.

Kitty, Daisy and Lewis swap instruments on stage, just like when they were kids. Their

father, Graeme Durham, a renowned London sound engineer and analogue recording nerd, plays rhythm guitar.

Their mother, Ingrid Weiss, used to be a drummer in a punk band and often accompanies them on double bass, too.

When they released their home-recorded album in 2008, both in CD format and as a 78 rpm 12-inch vinyl. Amy Winehouse was a big fan, as is filmmaker David Lynch.

The Durham family is playing at the Teatre Principal on Friday April 26 at 8pm.

Circus festival in Alcudia, May 3 - 5

THE ninth edition of the Circaire festival is coming to town and promises to be a more exciting jamboree than ever.

A packed programme over three days from May 3 - 5 showcases top names on the (human) circus circuit.

There will be free performances all over town and some on the Passeig Marítim in the port of Alcudia, the circus tent in Alcudia and at the auditorium.

One of the main attractions is US juggler Wes Peden from New York, currently a resident of Sweden. Renowned as the best juggler in the world, he has performed in more than 25 countries. His energetic, complex and playful juggling style has garnered him multiple international awards and he apparently derives his inspiration from sumo wrestling, fast food packaging and 1950s playgrounds.

Ca S’Amitger restaurant, Lluc

Wes Peden YouTube channel is on https:// www.youtube.com/ user/wespeden

Tickets start at €3 for the open-air performances at 34, Passeig Maritim Port of Alcudia, €5 for the tent €10 for the auditorium. Full programming and venues are available on the Circaire website.

Annie Christmas

MALLORCANS are canny eaters and know good traditional Mallorcan food at a decent price when they see it.

Known as “the round bar” since the 1960s, Ca S’Amitger is a favourite place for groups of locals to meet up, sit indoors at long tables and enjoy a slap-up meal.

There is also a lovely outdoor terrace for smaller groups.

The location is fantastic, opposite a little information centre which explains a bit about vultures, karstic erosion and other natural phenomena from the surrounding countryside. It is also right by the main carpark of Lluc but away from the bustle of the Sanctuary tourism.

This is the logical place for cyclists to stop off – or horse riders, for that matter! As a family-run restaurant, the atmosphere is very friendly and inviting. It can get busy at peak times but service is always good.

However, it is advisable to book, as space is quite limited. Some of the specialities of the house are delicious frit de mé (lamb and potato stir-fry), frit de marisc (seafood stir-fry), snails, and baby squid (chipirones) as starters. Main courses include tender and succulent slow-roasted goat, which coincidentally are plentiful in the area and feature as imposing trophies on the walls. Another treat is the emblematic sopes Mallorquines, a traditional cabbage dish on a bed of soggy bread which tastes far more delicious than it sounds. Then there are very creditable paellas. Gluten-free

dessert, with Crema Catalana, chocolate cake, and more. A meal consisting of a starter, main course and dessert costs around €16 per person, on average.

Customers are clearly satisfied. Ana Maria S. says: “We thought it would be an average-quality, normal restaurant but we were actually pleasantly surprised. The mixed paella and arroz brut (sepia-stained black rice) were exquisite.”

And Maria Antonia F. says, “After a good walk Ca S’Amitger never disappoints with its Mallorcan food, fruit, snails or shoulder of lamb”.

Images: Ca S’Amitger, frit de mé, paella

tinues into

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 Cathal Rochford, 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.

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

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

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.

Leapy 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.

The Loch Ness Monster has been sought for years.

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-

INTERVIEW

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.

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.

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

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

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.”

Image: The Loch Ness Centre / Facebook.

Caroline Rindeström.

Quality, choice, proximity – Hiper Centro

POPULAR with the English- and German-speaking community, the Hiper Centro is a family business with 14 stores in Mallorca and more on the way.

The chain was founded in 1985 by a group of families in Manacor, with a shared vision of focusing on local Mallorcan products, and has since opened stores in Ibiza, Menorca and the Canary Islands.

Expansion continues, with a new shop opened in Montuiri in November and another launching in Santanyí on July 1.

The eco-friendly zero-kilometre policy ensures the quality and freshness of products.

This commitment is reflected in the rigorous selection of pork and chicken, and fresh fish from the Palma fish market.

The two biggest stores are in Manacor and Inca, where practically anything can be found. Operations

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

Manager Valentí Calvo adds that different sized presentations of the same product are even available. The Inca location has seven double aisles of wine and a dedicated pet product room.

The stores are in urban centres, making them among the most convenient shops on the island. They carry everything to be found in a department store but closer to home.

As customer Paco Mari says, “It’s incredible, from food to washing machines, fridges and above all tools or anything…Maybe you need screws or a fridge, you can find it there.”

The reputation of the Inca store run by Martina Pieras Seguí and Tomeu Campaner Perelló dates back 34 years to when the premises were a shoe factory known as Loric, and the name still lingers as a reference point among locals. The shoe industry was of course an important part of local culture at the time.

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.

Martina typifies the enormous commitment of the Hiper Centro staff. She has been at the store since its inception, and speedwalks so many thousands of steps inside it every day that her colleagues suggest she use a scooter.

“I’m passionate about my work,” she says. “And it’s a big advantage to love what you do.”

Martina points out that the Hiper Centro carries both high-end brands and white-label goods, with everything in between.

Above all, she stresses the importance of the fresh produce: the butcher, baker, fishmonger, and delicatessen counters offer superlative quality and freshness.

savoury pastries, home-made at the Manacor bakery wor-

“The in-store bakery carries a wide range of fresh bread, including wholemeal, spelt, a variety of sweet and kshop. We also have a section of our own home-cooked food to take away.”

Customers share in Martina’s enthusiasm. Shopper Antonia says she comes for the high-quality fish and meat and likes to catch up with friends at the in-store café, adding: “You can’t beat the quality of the fresh fruit and veg.”

www.hipercentro.com

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 su-

pplying 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.

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.

Costa Blanca South An ocean of success

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 million throughout the province.

It is estimated that during stopovers, approximately 88 per cent of passengers disembark from the cruise, with an average expenditure of €74 per cruise passenger.

With an average stopover 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.

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.

Sponsored by

Body art changes

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 de-

cision 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 gracefully as you do.

A gentle thread technique

FACIAL threa-

ding 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 is less likely to cause

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

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

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

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.

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!

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

Criticised over Saudi deal

throughout.

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

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.

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

THE boss of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stressed their commitment to using artificial intelligence (AI) wisely. Like others around the world, Olympic planners revealed their plan to use AI more in sports.

The IOC shared how they’ll use AI, like spotting talented athletes, creating personalised training, and making judging fairer. “We’re making changes to keep the Olympics special and important. To do this, we need to lead the way in change,” said IOC President Thomas Bach at a meeting in the old London Olympic Park, where the 2012 Summer Games took place.

Bach stressed the need to use AI carefully, saying, “We’re committed to using AI’s many abilities wisely.”

This focus on AI comes as the Paris Olympics draw near, starting in less than 100 days.

The IOC’s AI plans include using it to fight online bullying against athletes and improve TV broadcasts for viewers at home, a big income source from TV rights.

But there’s debate about using AI for security at the Paris games as local organisers want to use AI cameras to spot possible threats like abandoned items or crowd trouble.

ARSENAL played a strong first half but lacked brilliance in the second, ceding spot in the semi-final to six-time winners Bayern.

A crucial opportunity was squandered by Gabriel Martinelli shortly after the half-hour mark when a cross by Martin Odegaard had him perfectly positioned to shoot. Inexplicably, he used his left foot, despite being a right-footed player, and the ball went straight to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Despite early attempts from Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala, genuine threats were sparse throughout the match.

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.

AI at the Olympics Hey Jude a Classico Arsenal ousted from Champions, 1-0 to Bayern

The team ended the first half with a little more posses-

Bayern Munich faced challenges, with three key players missing: Davies was serving a one-match ban, while Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman were sidelined due to muscle injuries.

The second half saw intensified Bayern pressure, with Leon Goretzka’s header hitting the crossbar and Joshua Kimmich firing a bullet header straight into the net, giving Bayern and aggregate win of 3-2.

They will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals on April 30, who after a 1-1 draw beat favourites Manchester City 4-3 on penalties.

Credit: Turki_alalshikh/X