Costa de Almeria 2 – 8 May 2024 Issue 2026

Albox book magic

THE week-long book fair in Albox captivated local schoolchildren with an enchanting series of readings and interactive storytelling.

From Tuesday, April 23 until 26, over 100 children from nearby primary schools attended each day, eager to dive into the world of books offered in both English and Spanish.

On Tuesday, coinciding with St George’s Day, Martin Evans from the Almanzora Group of Friends delighted the youngsters with ‘George and the Dragon’.

His dynamic storytelling involved the children in an adventurous ‘bear hunt’, complete with lively gestures and sound effects, which even the teachers participated in. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter and noises that would scare off any lurking bears.

Andrea Evans continued the momentum with two engaging stories, promp-

ting the children to add their own sound effects.

The sessions were designed to be short, maintaining the children’s attention and enthusiasm.

The highlight for many was when the children, aged seven and eight who

showcased their English reading skills.

Both children and teachers expressed immense gratitude for this enriching experience, a testament to the community’s dedication to fostering a love of reading.

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2026 •2 - 8 May 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE

ILMAINEN G F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G

World Book Day in Albox.

Credit: Almanzora Group Of Friends.

Sailing spectacle Promenade expansion open

THE expansion of the Garrucha Promenade which will connect to Mojacar is nearing completion and is set to open early this summer.

The project, under the oversight of the Government subdelegate in Almeria, Jose Maria Martin, is 85 per cent complete with a budget of €1.7 million. This initiative is fully funded by the Spanish Government’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, utilising Next Generation EU funds.

Spanning from the Jesus Nazareno castle to the municipal boundary with Garrucha, the new section will extend the current promenade towards the town of Mojacar.

The development includes an expanded recreational area with a pedestrian zone, play areas, and a park, along with parking facilities.

“The works are progressing at a good pace and will involve the continuation of the current Paseo Maritimo to the municipality

of Mojacar,” Martin commented, also noting that this project addresses a long-standing local demand for improvements at the promenade’s nal stretch.

The layout introduces a signicant open space, 430 metres in length and 50 metres wide, featuring access stairs to the beach, a pedestrian ramp, and a roundabout on the existing AL-5105 road for improved beach access. Landscaped areas and a water jet fountain near a children’s play zone further enhance the site.

ALMERIA hosted the prestigious Spanish Optimist Cup from April 28 to May 1.

This key event in the sailing calendar was organised by Club de Mar Almeria, in collaboration with the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, the Andalucian Sailing Federation, and the Spanish Association of the International Optimist Class.

The event, backed by the city’s council, drew over 400 participants and supporters, generating signi cant local engagement with more than 1,500 overnight stays.

Antonio Jesús Casimiro, the city’s councillor for Active City, Urban Mobility and Sports, was present at the event’s announcement. He praised the Club de Mar, currently celebrating its 75th year, for leveraging Almeria’s

‘natural resource with in nite possibilities, the sea, with 250 kilometres of coastline that allow us to be a power in nautical sports’.

Gimenez de Cisneros, from the Club de Mar board, remarked on the importance of the event, noting, “It is a sporting competition highly in demand by clubs at the national level, and obtaining recognition as a venue for this. . . lls us with satisfaction and encourages us to continue working with dedication and passion for sport and for

Garrucha promenade nearing completion.

Presentation of the Spanish Optimist Cup 2024.

Children’s charity

SIMON’S Cafe Pub in Los Gallardos hosted a fundraiser by the All Aloud Community Choir, in which 26 ‘Monty the Mouse’ puppets were sold in just two hours. All proceeds, together with a €155 top-up, will go to La Immaculada Hospital’s children’s ward in Huercal-Overa.

Noise petition

RESIDENTS in Almeria, who make up the ‘No to Dreambeach in El Toyo’ association, have asked for protection against noise. El Toyo’s closeness to the airport and the summer tourist influx contrast sharply with its hospital, schools, and Cabo de Gata Natural Park. They’ve petitioned the council to review noise pollution ordinances.

Elderly fraud

A 74-YEAR-OLD man was arrested in Roquetas de Mar for simulating a break-in at his home, falsely reporting a home robbery and defrauding his insurer of €12,000 in jewellery claims. Police suspicions were raised when he produced receipts for the ‘stolen’ items that were identical to ones from a previous claim one year ago.

The allure of Mojacar

MOJACAR captivates from afar, with its splendid display of white houses gracefully wrapping around the Sierra de Cabrera’s foothills.

To the traveller, this sight is a commanding presence.

Further exploration reveals its intimate charm of narrow streets lined with vividly coloured owers stark against white walls and the vivid blue sky. Every corner reveals a discovery, echoing its Arabic past, no wonder it is often celebrated as ‘One of the most beautiful villages in Spain’.

Mojacar has been a magnet for diverse cultures over the ages, sought after for its strategic position. The village’s elevated location, mild climate, and high standard of living make it highly sought after. Here, winter is barely noti-

ceable, passing as if it were spring, with sea temperatures often exceeding those on land. The unique climate makes Mojacar’s winters mild compared to southern Spain. Summer evenings are perfect for

moonlit strolls along the beach or through village streets.

Explore sierras and hills on various tracks offers unforgettable views. The countryside is scented with rosemary and thyme, amid broom and esparto grass.

Mojacar film fest

THE third Short Film Competition in Mojacar has concluded, attracting around 700 attendees to the Multi-Uses Centre from April 12 to 20.

The event, a hub for Almeria lmmakers, featured screenings at 9.00pm and 11.00pm to accommodate working attendees which lled the venue to capacity.

The presence of actor Juan Riba, renowned for roles in Centro Medico, Caronte, and La que se avecina, marked a highlight.

Riba, familiar with Mojacar from his

childhood, engaged with the community and was honoured at the closing gala, and was presented with a marble indalo. Francisco Garcia, Mojacar’s mayor, praised the event, highlighting the ‘creation, innovation and passion’ achieved through short but powerful stories. He commended local students for their contributions, stating they ‘demonstrate the talent of the young people of Mojacar.’

The festival also served as a platform to showcase diverse cinematic voices, described by Garcia as an ‘excellent showcase of the world of cinema’.

Beach improvements

THE Almeria City Council has recently con rmed the awarding of key contracts under the 2024 Beach Plan, ensuring improved facilities for seniors.

A total of £71,141.77 will fund the set up of shaded areas and facilities for adapted bathing, while £91,855.98 will cover beach marking services. Both contracts have been secured by ‘Recreativos Acuaticos Horadada, SL’, with conrmation coming from

Sacramento Sanchez, spokesperson for the Government Team and head of Public Works, Maintenance, Accessibility, and Blue Economy Area.

This initiative will equip Almeria’s beaches with essential amenities for leisure and sports, ensuring safety for all beachgoers, including those with mobility issues and the elderly. The project includes marking swimming lanes and accessible bathing zones.

Additionally, ve shaded areas - pergolas on platforms - will be installed across El Palmeral, Costacabana, Retamar, El Toyo, and Cabo de Gata beaches. An adapted bathing area will also be set up at El Palmeral’s urban beach.

Mojacar’s 17-kilometre coastline, from Marina de la Torre to Carboneras, features both secluded and bustling beaches alike, with Blue Flags signifying their quality.

Marina de la Torre, bustling with family-friendly activities, fronts the old Marina Palace and a luxurious 18-hole golf course. El Cantal, the most frequented beach, o ers a wealth of services and easy access, marked by an intriguing stone outcrop. Experience the enchanting allure of Mojacar. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity or vibrant cultural festivities, this picturesque village promises unforgettable moments and warm welcomes.

A FESTIVAL in Mojacar that has been running for over three decades nally looks set to get the recognition it deserves.

On April 23, Mojacar Council and the Al-Mosaquer General Association of Moors and Christians launched procedures with the Junta de Andalucia to declare the local Moors and Christians festivity a ‘Festival of Andalucian Tourist Interest’. Mojacar’s mayor, Francisco Garcia, Festivities councillor, Jesus Montoya, and Emilio Gea, president of Al-Mosaquer, led the initiative. They gathered support from all Mojacar associations and the entire village, marking an essential step toward regional recognition.

During the formal signing ceremony, the council expressed their gratitude for the community’s support, emphasising the three-day festival’s growth over 36 years. During that time its status has grown attracting global tourists making it an unmissable event.

Mayor Garcia thanked the community for its e orts towards achieving the nomination and expressed his con dence in the rst step towards new opportunities.

The sun setting over Mojacar.

Genoveses beach, Cabo de Gata.

THE waters o Almeria have played host to an ‘exceptional’ sighting, as reported by Equinac, a local network that usually attends to sea creatures that have become stranded.

A southern right whale, a species typically found in the southern hemisphere’s oceans, has been spotted, an occurrence which has been described as highly unusual for the Mediterranean.

This cetacean, native to the South Paci c, South Atlantic, and South Indian oceans, is more commonly

Whale encounter

Only about 8,000 of these whales left in the world.

seen near the coasts of Argentina, Australia, Chile, and Uruguay.

Measuring up to 20 metres in length for females

and weighing around 20 tons, their presence in Almeria is almost unprecedented.

The sighting was cap-

tured on video and given to Equinac by the Mojacar Diving Centre, taken by an eyewitness named Tammy. This remarkable event highlights a species that has faced severe threats, with populations declining by up to 90 per cent since the 19th century due to overhunting. Currently, only about 8,000 of these whales are left in the world’s oceans, making this encounter in Almeria as particularly special.

Iberian boost for Almeria

THE Almeria City Council and the Provincial Council are joining forces with Iberia to boost the ‘Costa de Almeria’ as a prime destination for Spanish tourists.

can expect to see engaging videos about the region during flights, read articles in the in-flight magazine, and see posts on the airline’s social networks.

This collaboration kicks off an ambitious campaign aimed at increasing the number of Spanish tourists through various promotional activities both in-flight and online.

Passengers flying with Iberia

These efforts highlight the endless sunshine, pristine beaches, rich gastronomy, and the cultural gems like the ancient Alcazaba and the Museo del Contemporary Spanish Realism (MUREC).

Councillor Joaquin Perez de la

Blanca emphasised the importance of these joint efforts: “Almeria has a lot to offer and campaigns like this bring us closer to potential customers through a great company like Iberia, with millions of passengers around the world.”

The campaign represents a significant investment and is part of a broader strategy to cement Almeria as a top choice for national tourists.

Dog-friendly

AFTER years of deliberation, the Cuevas del Almanzora Town Council has successfully secured permission to establish a dog-friendly beach along its coastline.

On Friday, April 26, the Ministry of the Environment gave the green light for the adaptation of a stretch at Cala de la Invincible.

This location, beneath the Sierra Almagrera and next to the former Blanquizares barracks, is now set to become the first canine beach in the Levante region of Almeria, making it the third across the province.

The designated area stretches just over 230 metres of fine sand and crystal-clear water. Already, preparations are underway to adapt the beach with the necessary signage and facilities

that comply with animal welfare and coastal regulations. These measures will ensure a safe, enjoyable environment where visitors can freely bring their pets.

Local councillor for Animal Welfare, Maria del Mar Rico, explained that the city council works daily, not only to comply with the most recent regulations on animal welfare but also to improve the lives of pets and their owners by giving them more and better spaces for their recreation, as well as supporting initiatives that aim to care for and protect animals.

This development marks a significant advancement in public spaces dedicated to pet-friendly activities within Cuevas del Almanzora, following the opening of the first dog park in 2021.

Food bank generosity

THE people of Almeria have risen to the challenge with their charitable food donations.

In a remarkable show of generosity, Almeria, in collaboration with 80 major retailers across the province and the tireless efforts of 1,870 volunteers, has contributed significantly to the 2023 Great Food Bank Collection.

Recently revealed figures show that the community donated a substantial 23,000 kilos of non-perishable food and raised €77,171.

Across Andalucia, the initiative saw the involvement of 1,644 supermarkets and 17,574 volunteers, collecting a total of €1,328,951 and 417,578 kilos of food, all designated for families

in dire need.

The National Association of Solidarity Foods (ANDAS) highlighted recent legislative developments, noting the VAT exemption on donated food approved on January 9.

They have called on parliament to allow food banks to utilise the equivalent amount of VAT paid on purchases for

buying additional food. This plea aims to maximise support for the underprivileged until the new law comes into effect in January 2025. ANDAS stressed, the amendment ‘whose sole ideology and reason for being is to help those most in need,’ and urged continued support from parliamentary groups to help the cause.

GREEN LIGHT: Given to the adaptation of a stretch of beach for dogs.

ANDAS meeting with parliamentary groups in Congress.

Birthday wishes

CONGRATULATIONS

to Voss Homes Estate Agents, based in Huercal-Overa, who are delighted to celebrate their 12th anniversary.

On Monday, April 29, the proud team announced the milestone on Facebook with a special thank you to the Huercal-Overa community: “Thank you so much to all our past, present and future clients and our massive appreciation to all the local people who have supported our team throughout the years.”

Voss Homes also praised the dedicated sta: “Thank you also so much to our wonderful, hard-working, reliable team for making so many people’s dreams come true.”

Customers were quick to post their best wishes online: Sara wrote: ‘Congratulations a great achievement and a great team,’ while Dana added: ‘Con-

gratulations! You are the best!’

Linda posted: ‘Congratulations for staying on course. Wishing you even more business anniversary celebrations. Your success is well deserved. Long may it continue,’ and Jo added her glowing recommendation: ‘Fantastic.

An agent who goes above and beyond. Huge congratulations.’

Euro Weekly News wish them all the very best for the next 12 years, here’s to their continuing record of excellence!

Voss Homes celebrate 12 years.

Beach extension

FOR the next three years, the beach season in Roquetas de Mar will stretch until November 1.

The announcement was made on Friday, April 26 by the town council’s Tourism and Beaches Department, in which the Beaches Plan for 2024 through 2026 includes numerous improvements.

Amalia Lopez, the councillor overseeing this sector, remarked, “Our beaches are one of our main tourist attractions and a key tool for the deseasonalisation of tourism as our climate allows us to enjoy them practically all year round.”

She added, “From the town hall we work to guarantee their maintenance and upkeep so that they are in the best conditions of accessibility, cleanliness and maintenance, as well as providing them with the best services.”

Key changes include the beach season now commencing on Good Friday and

extending to November 1, previously the season ended on October 15.

Lopez explained, “With this extension, we are able to respond to the needs of the beach service providers and hotels.

“It will allow us to have our beaches open and conditioned during the whole of Easter Week and to take advantage of the long weekend, a period in which our town still has a high percentage of occupancy,” she added.

New amenities at La Ventilla Beach feature a wide walkway and shaded area, enhancing both its comfort and accessibility.

The council has also approved additional beach services, including icecream kiosks, massage booths, and rental of sun loungers and parasols to make the beaches of the municipality more dynamic and more attractive for visitors and local residents.

Volunteers needed

THE good people of Mojacar are calling on all animal lovers to volunteer their services for a humane cause.

An alert has been posted on the Mojacar Society’s Facebook platform asking for all cat lovers in the vicinity to please get in touch.

Calling animal lovers.

In an effort to improve the lives of residents and the town’s feral cat population, a new initiative has been launched by the local council. The programme is to trap and release stray cats in an effort

to limit their breeding and at the same time promote their well-being.

So if you live in an area where there are lots of strays or indeed you yourself are a feline fan and know how to care for colonies of street cats, they need your help.

Anyone wishing to help should go to the Mojacar Society’s Facebook page to register their interest.

Teams of volunteers will be given training and equipment, with the minimum infringements on volunteers’ time. Your help could make a huge difference to the streets of Mojacar.

LONGER SEASON: View of Ventilla Beach.

Credit: Google Maps.com

Credit: JEphotos

Los Bandidos club

ON Sunday, April 27, the Los Bandidos running club faced the formidable hills of Enix in the latest round of the Almeria Popular Race Circuit 2024.

Covering an 8km course, the race began at the town hall with a series of undulating loops through the village before the steeper ascents began, challenging many to walk between the 4km and 6km marks.

The descent that followed provided a much-needed respite, allowing

a strong finish downhill.

The Los Bandidos fielded 18 runners and one junior. Out of the total of 190 competitors crossing the finish line, Los Bandidos secured seven trophies, with a clean sweep in the women’s veteran category, taking all three podium positions.

Participants were rewarded with a souvenir cap or towel, and refreshments awaited them at the end.

Established in June 2018, Los Bandidos has expanded from a modest

running group to include road cycling, sea swimming, and triathlon teams.

Embracing all levels and nationalities, they actively support the local community, including a current drive for the Red Cross Food Bank.

For updates on their activities and social gatherings after sessions, they invite locals and visitors alike to join their Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/490933409244200.

Duck rescue

IN a touching display of conservation on World Mother Earth Day, volunteers successfully rescued a trapped white-headed duck in Salar de los Canos de Vera.

On Monday, April 24, the male duck, identified as an endangered species, was found caught in a lamination work designed to prevent flooding. The alarm was raised by a local amateur photographer on the previous day.

David Mahiques Rodriguez, a member of the Asociacion Salvemos el Salar de los Canos, explained to Diario de Almeria, that white-headed ducks are ‘diving ducks with their legs slightly dis placed bac kwards to facilitate their movements’, meaning they need plen ty of room

to be able to take off.

Despite initial hopes for the bird’s natural escape, it remained trapped, prompting a rescue operation.

Along with help from a colleague, Rodriguez descended approximately five metres to reach the duck, which ‘let itself be caught very easily, as if it knew we were going to help it because it stood in a corner and let itself be rescued quickly without making a fuss’.

Following the rescue, the bird was released into a safer part of the same territory, ensuring its continued survival in the wild.

Los Bandidos team.

Credit: Karen Ayers/LosBandidos

THE Cuevas del Almanzora Town Council is spearheading a dynamic campaign to promote responsible pet ownership.

Feline focus

Launched by the Animal Welfare Department, this initiative aims to educate the public on the responsibilities of pet care, including the necessity to identify pets, clean up after them, and adhere to local pet ownership laws.

A significant component of this campaign is the implementation of the CER Method, initiated in December 2023, to manage local feline colonies.

Over 100 cats have been sterilised, and around 20 colonies have been catalogued and are undergoing control measures.

Moreover, the establishment of a Feline Shelter in the Nursery area marks a crucial development, providing essential care and a temporary home for cats awaiting adoption.

The council is collaborating with the Official College of Veterinarians of Almeria to maintain a Municipal Registry of Pet Animals, which now includes cats, and to offer training to volunteers who play a vital role.

Maria del Mar Rico, the councillor for Animal Welfare, stressed the importance of community involvement:

“This comprehensive effort seeks not only to improve coexistence between residents and pets, but also to create collective awareness about the importance of animal care as a shared responsibility of Cuevas del Almanzora.”

Sánchez remains

THE Spanish President Pedro Sánchez announced on April 29 that he has decided not to resign after stepping back from his duties to consider his future.

He confirmed his decision in a TV broadcast from his official residence at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid.

This temporary hiatus was brought about because of a the news that a corruption complaint had been registered against his wife Begoña Gomez in a Madrid Court by the Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) Union which has a reputation of sitting on the far right of politics.

In an upbeat performance he made it clear that not only was he staying

ght such “unfounded” attacks which he blamed on his political opposition.

Regarding the fight, he explained “This is not an ideological question. It’s a question of dignity and defines us as a society.”

There was a sigh of relief in Gibraltar whose government still hopes to negotiate a successful border deal and their Chief Minister Fabian Picardo commented favourably on the news saying “I am very pleased Pedro Sánchez has decided to stay on as President of Spain. This is obviously good for Gibraltar.”

Influential women

A RECENT award ceremony celebrated the wealth of female talent in Almeria.

On the evening of Thursday, April 18, the Maestro Padilla Auditorium shone brightly as it welcomed the second edition of the MIA Awards, celebrating female talent in Almeria. Over 500 attendees from various backgrounds came together for this prestigious event.

The gala, hosted by Amalia Moreno and Joaquin Segura, highlighted the influence and diversity of women in various sectors.

Maria Montagut, the founder of MIA, opened the event by expressing her appreciation for the community’s support, which has helped foster a movement celebrating local women’s achievements.

The night featured captivating and emotional singing performances from nominees, ANAMAR, Luz Negrillo and Pilar

Onare, each with their own unique interpretations.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of six women as ‘Influential Women of Almeria’

• Maria Teresa Lao Arenas: Agricultural engineer, STEM leader.

• Anabel Veloso: Dancer, cultural figure, businesswoman in arts and sports.

• Maribel Sanchez Torregrosa: Popular Party representative, influential in politics.

• Maria del Mar Pelaez Mateu: Business director at Caixabank, board influencer.

• Maia Jose Flores: General Director at Vera Import, entrepreneurial leader.

• Amalia Salvador: Business Women’s Association President, activist.

The MIA Awards not only acknowledges these remarkable women but also aims to inspire future generations.

Pedro Sánchez will remain as Spain’s President.

John Smith

EVEN though a new law creating Low Emissions Zones (ZBE) was supposed to be put in place in any Spanish municipality with more than 50,000 residents, there is still confusion.

The concept is that certain areas should only be accessed by vehicles which display one of a number of different labels and effectively the older the vehicle the less likely it is to have access because it is assumed to be more polluting than newer vehicles.

The actual labels are as follow;

0/Zero (blue) – electric cars, extended range electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids (PHEV) with a range of more than 40 km, and fuel cell vehicles (battery-powered BEV and REEV class vehicles).

Eco (blue and green) – plug-in and non-plugin (HEV) hybrid cars, eight-seater and goods delivery vans with maximum range of 40km, and natural gas vehicles (CNG, LNG and LPG class vehicles).

C (green) – petrol cars re-

Low Emission Zone maze

gistered since 2006, diesel cars and light vans registered since 2014, and petrol or diesel eight-seaters and goods delivery vans registered since September 2015.

B (yellow) – petrol cars which meet Euro 3 standards and diesel cars which meet Euro 4 and 5 standards. Petrol cars and light vans registered from

January 2001 up to and including 2005; diesel cars and light vans registered from 2006 to August 2015; and petrol and diesel eight-seaters and goods delivery vans registered since 2005.

No Label / Label A: Vehicles that are not able to obtain any label (also known as Label A) are petrol pass-

enger cars and vans registered before 2000, and diesel passenger cars and vans registered before 2006. It is easy to obtain the label either from your local post office or by visiting the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) website https:// www.pegatinas-dgt.com/ and you need to provide an image of your driving licence or

cipality has different rules over which vehicles could be exempt from the regulations and in some areas if your car is registered in that municipality then you can come and go as you please.

Some labels preclude entry into the ZBE during daylight hours depending on what the local town hall decides and in some areas you can drive into the ZBE despite the fact that you aren’t supposed to, if you have a disabled badge or are going to park in a public car park or to stay in a hotel.

ID card plus the vehicle log book.

Once a vehicle has driven 200,000 kilometres, then regardless of its age it will not be allowed to enter the ZBE areas and this will be recorded when your car undertakes its annual ITV check.

That all sounds simple but it seems that each muni-

Logic suggests that everyone obtains their label and ideally places it on the lower right-hand side of the front windscreen (although that isn’t mandatory) and then discover what rules have been decided for wherever you are going.

If you own a foreign registered car that doesn’t have a low emission label from the country of origin that you can’t obtain one in Spain. Visit https://www.miteco. gob.es to find a map of low emission zones across Spain or view this article online.

THE Queens of Spain and the Netherlands attended the 10th Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival, established to promote the affiliation between the two nations. The annual Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival invited innovative Spanish filmmakers, cinematography students and public figures on April 18 for an immersive intercultural exchange.

Her Majesty Queen Letizia of Spain and Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Netherlands attended the Festival, visiting the Celebratory Colloquium and engaging with 500 students from the ASFF Educational Programme.

Film directors, actors and educational representatives united at the Tuschinski Theatre to discover the present of the Spanish cinema and its role in the future of cinematography worldwide. During the Festival, modern Spanish films were presented, including Close Your Eyes by Victor Erise, Els Encantants by Elena Trape and Campeonex by Javier Fesser, who held a discussion with the students after his screening.

Queen Letizia, renowned as an ambassador of Spanish culture and arts, emphasised the efforts of the Royal Family to collaborate with Dutch artists and cultural establishments; building a future of creativity and diversity.

Low Emission Zones intended to cut noise and physical pollution.

This is what the labels look like.

Credit: S.M. La Reina Letizia, Facebook

Queens attending a Film Festival 2024.

New Year’s Eve in August

THE small town of Berchules in Granada rolls Christmas, New Year and the Three Kings into one celebration that takes place on the first Sunday of August.

It’s 30 years since the small town with a population of around 1,000 experienced a total blackout when all electricity was cut off on the evening of December 31, 1994 and the residents had to listen to a transistor radio to hear the bells chime and eat their traditional 12 grapes by candlelight.

Needless to say, they weren’t happy with the local electricity company and all of the bars and restaurants that expected rich pickings from the night lost all of the income that they were looking forward to.

Meeting to discuss the situation and to sympathise with each other, a local businessman jokingly suggested that if they held it in August, the chances of a blackout would be reduced considerably.

History says that a local journalist said that they wouldn’t be capable of doing this and like the proverbial red rag to a bull, New Year’s Eve was moved to August and with it went the local Nativity competition, The Three King’s Parade and everything that makes New Year’s Eve so much fun.

In 2020 it was declared a Festival of Tourist Interest by the Government of Andalucia and the bars and restaurants are happy as each year the event attracts upwards of 10,000 visitors.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Fake snow on ‘New Year’s Eve’ in Berchules.

Credit: Nochevieja en agosto

Berchules

“Abnea” La Alpujarra

Princess Army

Anna Akopyan

SWEDEN’s Crown Princess Victoria has enrolled into the Defence Academy and the Armed Forces for Special O cer Training, beginning in autumn 2024.

Special O cer Training is a programme aimed at people who hold an academic degree and can spend between 20 to 25 months in training.

The Armed Forces emphasised the programme is to o er “a deeper understanding of tactics, military science and military strategy.” According to the Defence, this training will play an integral part in PrincessVictoria’s development to become the head of state.

The Crown Princess already holds military experience, having undergone basic military training at Swedint in 2003,

and went on to further studies including con ict resolution at the Norwegian Defence Academy and obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in peace and con ict studies

Sweden’s recent uni cation with NATO had a signi cant impact on the relationship between the Royal House and the Defence and although “the main representative of the Armed Forces,” as declared by the Royal Palace, is currently King Carl XVI Gustaf, the Crown Princess continues to expand her knowledge and experience in the military eld to prepare for her nation’s future.

One-off BMW created by Swedish artist

FOR the second year running an electric BMW car dressed in artwork created by a Swedish artist will be seen in Stockholm.

This iconic artwork has been created by Katrin Westman and the car will be used to transport guests to and from the Market Art Fair which runs from May 17 to 19.

This year’s winning entry Wetland is from the mind of the artist known for her sensual and abstract artwork inspired by the Baroque and revolving around a dramatic and rich colour palette.

“Combining art and mobility has always been a passion for BMW. The collaboration with Market Art Fair gives us a unique

ITALY is transforming photo booths into a refuge for women where they can call for help.

They will be scattered throughout the cities, in the most dicult areas, and it will be enough to push the button on the Pink Box to open a connection with the 1522 call centre, the violence and stalking help line that received 54,000 calls in the last quarter of 2023 alone. A free, multilingual, 24-hour public service.

Thanks to a project between the association ‘Di erenza Donna’, and Dedem, a company specialising in the manu-

opportunity to support young Nordic artists while emphasising our commitment to art and culture,” explained Johanna Kriisa, CEO of BMW Sweden.

Last year’s winner was Swedish-ethnic artist Siiri and the idea for this Nordic electric o shoot comes from the global BMW Art Car project, where famous artists have been applying their artworks on cars since 1975. This year will see the 50th anniversary of the initial project which has seen BMWs created by such diverse and famous talents as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Cao Fei, Esther Mahlangu and Je Koons.

Pink boxes

facture of photo booths, 50 booths located throughout Italy, from north to south, will be equipped with a device that will enable women threatened by any form of violence, physical and psychological, to use the booths themselves as rst contact points with the violence and stalking help line, simply by pressing a button.

By the end of June the rst 50 Pink Boxes will be set up, via Naples, Rome, Turin, Verona and Bari, to name a few cities.

Crown Princess Victoria.

Credit: Kungahuset, Facebook

Katrin Westman alongside her special BMW.

WE asked readers about Pedro Sánchez and his announcement that he would suspend himself from normal duties prior to his final deci -

Was Sánchez right?

sion to stay as PM as confirmed on April 29. He announced a period of introspection he initiated on Wednesday April 24, prompted by a

complaint filed by ‘Manos Limpias’ against his wife, Begoña Gomez,

LOUISE COOK who lives in Palma Mallor -

ca said “The Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) should never have formed a government after last year’s election. Spain is being led by minority parties who all have their own agendas which in turn dilutes the policies and legislation.

ning. Sadly, I now feel that all politicians have many dirty tricks up their sleeves.”

LAIONI AMBER

“As a result, the PSOE is not delivering on their electoral promises. For this reason, I do feel Sánchez should resign, regardless of the scandal involving his wife.”

VIKTORIA DEUTGEN

had a broadly similar view “Originally, I was in favour of his policies. If his wife has exploited her position, perhaps he

There was an overall feeling against politicians generally from Laioni Amber who was of the opinion that “I don’t think Sán chez will resign, despite the public outcry about his wife’s possible abuse of power. I think politicians are corrupt, worldwide.”

TOM BENNETT also living in Mallorca believes “If Sánchez resigns due to right wing pressure, I do not agree with his actions. However, he constantly changes his views to remain in power which is not a sign of a good leader. Also, the high tax and social security costs he has placed on middle earners is an economy shrinking policy. “

IRIS , a French student soaking up the sun in Costa Blanca

offered a nuanced perspective, emphasising the importance of balancing personal and political responsibilities: “People in high political positions also have working hours. Outside of these hours, they must take care of their physical and mental health.

“In any case, the system is such that no one is irreplaceable. When a president goes on a diplomatic trip, for example, the country is not left unattended for days. When they fall ill, neither is it. That is why they also have a team behind them, and a vice president can be appointed.”

VIKTORIA DEUTGEN

LOUISE COOK

Ice-cream wars Rising nostalgia

IT will be forbidden to buy an ice-cream or a take-away bottle of water after midnight in Milan starting from May 17. The proposed new law is intended to counter excessive noise, disruption and abusive behaviour in Milan’s top nightlife areas.

The ban will be in force from May 17 to November 4 and is aimed at, ‘all types of public establishments, neighbourhood businesses, artisan take-away businesses, commercial activities and vending machines and prohibits the sale and take-away of food and beverages of any kind, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, between midnight and 6am’.

The secretary general of union Confcommercio Milano, Marco Barbieri, said that, “a ban on the sale and take-away of food and beverages of any kind means that from after midnight it will no longer be possible to sell an ice cream cone or even a take-away bottle of water. Does the council realise what it is doing?”

The solution, he says, is to organise local police monitoring. “In Milan the tax for occupying public land has increased by an average of 40 per cent and the owners of

premises with tables and chairs have to pay this. Subtracting two hours of evening work from them seems to me a somewhat excessive sacrifice.”

Local nighbourhood associations, citizens groups, shop owners and unions are preparing for a fight with the local council in what is likely

IN the last ve years, there’s been a noticeable rise in nostalgia for past decades.

With global challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and rising living costs, many people are looking back fondly on earlier times.

Recent data from YouGov shows that Britons tend to view several recent decades as better than the present.

The 1990s and 2000s are particularly favoured, with 57% and 60% respectively expressing this sentiment.

The 2010s also received positive views from 51% of respondents, while 45% feel the same about the 1980s, although 29% disagree.

Opinions vary about the quality of life in the 1960s and 1970s, with about a third of people having di erent views for each decade.

However, the majority (53%) believe life was worse in the 1950s, and earlier periods are seen even more negatively.

Age plays a signi cant role in attitudes towards the past, with generational di erences appearing from the 1980s onwards. These di erences persist through subsequent decades, with all age groups agreeing that the 1950s were worse than today.

Interestingly, perceptions of the 1990s and 2000s have improved since 2019, with a 25 percentage point increase in favourability towards the 2000s and a 16-point increase for the 1990s. This trend is observed across all age groups.

Gender also in uences views, with men more likely than women to see the present favourably compared to the past.

When asked to choose the best decade, respondents were split between the 2000s and 1990s, with the 1980s and 2010s following closely behind. Only a minority (9%) consider the current time to be the best.

Forbidden to buy ice cream after midnight.

Photo: Flickr CC / KFP

Power to the people

Brewing AI brilliance

A HELSINKI-BASED artisan coee roastery recently unveiled a groundbreaking co ee blend, made with the help of arti cial intelligence (AI).

This innovative step aims to explore how technology can enhance processes in an industry known for its manual work.

Ka a Roastery, a well-known name in Finland’s co ee scene, introduced the new blend called ‘AI-conic’.

Finland, with its high co ee consumption of 12 kilogrammes per person annually, is an ideal market for this AI-inspired creation.

Developed in collaboration with a local AI consultancy, the blend features carefully chosen beans, primarily from Brazil’s Fazenda Pinhal, along with varieties from Colombia, Ethiopia, and Guatemala.

Using advanced AI algorithms, the project aimed to break away from traditional avour pro les and appeal to co ee lovers.

Hampf, a representative from Ka a Roastery, explained the process: “We provided the AI with detailed descriptions of our co ee types and avours, asking it to create a new blend.”

This partnership resulted in ‘AI-conic’, known for its balanced mix of sweetness and ripe fruit notes.

What’s interesting is that the AI chose a blend of four di erent types of co ee beans, rather than the usual two or three.

Despite initial scepticism, blind testing con rmed the blend’s excellence, with Ka a’s experts agreeing that no human adjustments were necessary.

IN France, a major supermarket chain decided to stop accepting cash, sparking a response from a group of 50 individuals who came up with a plan.

They organised a big shopping event, lling their shopping trolleys to the brim and choosing human-operated checkouts instead of automated ones.

When it was time to pay, each person used cash instead of cards. The impact was immediate.

Supermarket sta were overwhelmed, and management was thrown o balance.

Despite the chaos, the group stayed calm and insisted politely on paying with cash, not giving in to other options.

Faced with such strong resistance, the supermarket quickly changed course and started accepting cash again.

Similar acts of group de ance have been seen in other places too.

At petrol stations, customers have lled up their tanks but paid with cash inside.

In restaurants, groups of friends have left their phones and cards behind, choosing to pay with cash.

ARTISAN COFFEE: Made with the help of AI.

Image: Kaffa Roastery / Facebook

CASH ONLY: The impact was immediate.

Image: Robert Kneschke / Shutterstock.com

Electric vehicle v gas guzzler

John Smith

THERE is little doubt that the electric car is here to stay so let us consider the pros and cons or whether you might be better off with a hybrid.

The good news is that if you care about your immediate environment then an electric car does reduce emissions as well as carbon footprint and you will almost certainly save money on the cost of driving on a long term basis.

Crude oil costs have surged in the past few years, although we mustn’t overlook the fact that the cost of electricity has as well and when you purchase a fossil fuel vehicle, you don’t have to install an external power point (or solar panel) to keep your car charged.

At the moment it would be almost impossible to purchase an electric vehicle which would allow you to cover the 600 plus kilometres from Malaga City to Valencia City on a single charge which you could do on a single tank in many diesel or petrol cars.

Battery life is increasing year by year as is the speed in which

a battery can be recharged but as things stand today the average range is around 300 kilometres, so you would be stretching things to think that you could undertake that journey with just one recharging stop. Certainly, if you do run out of battery, you can’t hitch a lift to the nearest petrol station and return with fuel to get your vehi-

cle moving again.

By contrast diesel and petrol vehicles have far more parts than the electric option, so you are likely to save money in repairs over the years and should be able to expect to manage a minimum of 100,000 kilometres before the battery expires. Electric vehicles are quieter than their opposite

numbers but many drivers like some sound which is why when indicating in a ‘gas’ driven car, manufacturers ensure that there is a clicking noise because research found that drivers like it.

Acceleration is often smoother and more effective with the electric car but generally you need to pay a higher price to purchase

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

one but expect to recoup that additional amount through lower running costs.

As mentioned earlier, there is a reduction in pollution when driving an electric car but the batteries need cobalt and lithium dug from the ground in Africa and South America which then has to be transported to the manufacturing bases around the world, so what is saved in the so-called ‘developed world’ could well be countered in the ‘third world’.

Many of the same benefits of all-electric cars also apply to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. (PHEVs) which combine a smaller, often rechargeable electric motor combined with a diesel or petrol engine and this might be a sensible option until battery life extends, for anyone undertaking lots of long trips.

One thing to keep in mind is that although governments have been setting dates for the phasing out of diesel and petrol vehicles, those dates are already starting to slip, so ‘gas guzzlers’ may be around for some time.

Tesla one of the earliest forces in electric vehicles.

IRELAND

Few takers

A STEPSTONE GROUP survey, which interviewed 150,000 people from 188 countries, revealed that Ireland was ranked 36th amongst professionals who were thinking of relocating. The main drawback was the lack of affordable housing, which accounted for Ireland losing four places since the last Stepstone report in 2020.

High and low

BEST quality farmland in County Waterford costs €20,000 per acre, making it the most expensive in the country, figures from the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI) and the Teagasc agricultural authority showed. The cheapest corresponded to Mayo where an acre of poor quality land would cost €2,733.

NORWAY

Taking it easy

THE royal household announced that 88-year-old King Harald was scaling back on his official duties “out of consideration for his age.” The King, who came to the throne in 1991 and has overcome serious health problems in recent years, has needed a pacemaker since being taken ill while holidaying in Malaysia in February.

Scooter risk

AROUND 60 per cent of the people who use a guide dog told a Norwegian Association of the Blind survey that electric scooters and bicycles were a “big problem” for them, especially in cities. Half said they had to avoid some areas, while a third told the survey that they preferred not to go out at certain times of the day.

ITALY

Amazon fine

THE Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) announced a €10 million fine for Amazon for unfair trade practices on April 24. The online retailer limited choice on its Italian website by pre-setting the “recurring purchase” option on many products, the AGCM said, instead of the less persuasive one-time-purchase setting.

Hotel fire

GUESTS were evacuated from the fourstar Hotel Barberini in the centre of Rome on April 23 after they and staff were exposed to toxic fumes. Five people were briefly admitted to hospital after inhaling chlorine, which the Italian media later said was traced back to a leak in a storeroom that was used by the hotel’s spa.

EURO PRESS

DENMARK

Driving force

THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded by Denmark in Ukraine, has launched a training programme for women wanting to qualify as agricultural tractor operators.

The course is a response to demand from local employers, now that so many agricultural workers have been conscripted, UNDP said.

SWEDEN

Running dry

AN official from Systembolage, Sweden’s state-run alcohol monopoly, warned that there could be a temporary shortage following a North Korean hacker group’s ransomware attack on delivery firm Skanlog. “We do have other suppliers, but I cannot predict the effect on stores,” press officer Sofia Sjoman Waas admitted.

All alone

STATISTICS SWEDEN (SCB) found that between 610,000 and 720,000 over-16s - between 7 and 8 per cent of the population - did not have close friends. The SCB found this was even more common in those born outside Sweden, with 15 per cent of males and 11 per cent of women saying they lacked close friendships.

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

Tourist tax

LISBON City Hall councillors voted in favour of increasing the tourist tax on overnight stays from €2 to €4 per night, while increasing the tax for arrivals by sea from €1 to the €2 already paid by cruise passengers. A proposal to apply the tax to campsites was finally not included in the new measures.

Close to home

THE economic relationship between Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa (PALOP) was of lesser importance owing to European influence, argued economist Alexandra Ferreira-Lopes. Practically all of Portugal’s trade was now focused on the EU, she pointed out to the Lusa newspaper.

GERMANY

Working away

MARKET study Decoding Global Talent named Germany as the world’s best non-English-speaking country in which to work, ranking it fifth amongst all preferred destinations. The top spots on the list went to English-speaking countries headed by Australia and followed by the US, Canada and the UK.

Pension gap

GERMANY’S Federal Statistics Office (Destatis) found that 20 per cent of women who were over 65 faced poverty compared with 15.9 per cent of men owing to the 27 per cent difference in their pensions. The unpaid work of looking after family members often left women financially worse off than men, Destatis said.

FRANCE

All in the Games

THE Louvre is organising yoga and sports activities inside the museum in a pre-Olympics programme to promote interest in the Games which start on July 26. Visitors to Musee d’Orsay with its Impressionist collection will also be able to participate in yoga, workouts and dance sessions surrounded by priceless art works.

Bargain proviso

THE Saint-Amand-Montrond (population 9,000) authorities are selling a two-storey, two-bedroomed house which needs a complete renovation for €1 in hopes of revitalising the town centre. Applicants must remain for a minimum of 10 years, with a veto on plans to later rent out the house or use it as a second resident.

FINLAND

Harsh weather

WITH high temperatures to the south, many migratory birds began returning to Finland early this year but met freezing conditions and even snow in late April. There has been a high mortality rate among birds like robins that live on insects and grubs and have not found enough food to survive, Birdlife Finland reported.

Nato quibble

RUSSIA’S Foreign Ministry criticised the Nato exercises which began on April 26 in Finland near the border between both countries. They were “provocative in nature” according to Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who warned that they “exerted military pressure” and “increased the risks of possible incidents.”

Bike ruse

AN Antwerp court convicted two companies and a manager of evading €3.1 million in customs duties by importing e-bike components from China for assembly in France. The manager received a suspended 12-month prison term while, along with paying the evaded tax, each defendant received a suspended €15.5 million fine.

A woman’s job

THE company in charge of security at Brussels airport, G4S plans to engage another 75 employees and said it hoped many women would apply despite the apparent obstacles to females becoming security guards. “We need them when women are searched or their hand luggage needs checking,” G4S’s Barbara Werniers said.

NETHERLANDS

Wordplay

SOEST pensioners had to stop playing bingo at their community centre after a local by-law banned gambling in places where alcohol was served. They now hope to get round the ban by shouting “Geraniums!” instead of “Bingo!” in a sly reference to a saying that relegates bored, elderly people to sitting behind their windowboxes.

Google it

GOOGLE is building a €600million data centre in Groningen that will eventually create new jobs for 125 people, while giving priority to sustainability and a “positive” local impact. Google, which is owned by Alphabet, has invested more than €3.8 billion in data centres and other digital infrastructure in the Netherlands since 2014.

TRACTOR DRIVING: Denmark funds course for Ukraine women.

Photo credit: Dmytro Sazonov / UNDP in Ukraine

Flying cars VOX Pop

LEGENDARY French musician Jean Michel Jarre recently took a trip in a ying car, Euro Weekly News conducted a survey to see what the public thought.

EWN asked the question: Now that musician Jean Michel Jarre has become the rst passenger in a ying car, do you think this concept will take o as you need both a driver’s and a pilot’s licence and three months of instruction or will it be just another rich person’s toy?

SARAH

Originally from Australia, Sarah who has lived in Spain for six years, shared some positive comments: “I think that ying cars will take o in a big way amongst the middle and upper middle classes that have the time and money to invest in licensing and hardware.

“I bet that people will make a good living from driving a ying car for passengers who can a ord it. With Jean Michael Jarre and Brian May involved, the whole thing is a bit theatrical! I think it is a good thing!”

NINA

Nina who settled in Spain three years ago said: “Eventually we will all have this option. It’s progress, you either embrace it or you get left behind. I think it will be fun. I wonder if it will be age-restricted if you have to be 17 to pass the test?”

CARLOS

Car mechanic, Carlos was a little more sceptical and felt that the idea of a ying car was, “A rich person’s toy. It sounds a bit impractical to me, it’ll mean more runways to take o and land. The average person couldn’t a ord to invest in something like that. Then there is the safety aspect, which is the biggest factor.”

MARTIN

Martin shared his thoughts with a sprinkling of humour: “With Jean-Michel Jarre involved, I wonder if they’ll need Oxygene up there?”

Martin also questioned the safety aspects: “As more and more of these take to the sky, who will decide on the ‘tra c rules’, and who will enforce them? Where will the speed cameras be placed? Will the AA or RAC have to stock and deliver parts to broken-down vehicles, or will it just be a case of shovelling the crashed vehicles into a ditch along with the occupants?

“I’m sure it will take-o at some point, but for some time to come, it will be rich boys’ toys. No doubt the sceptics will all be proven wrong eventually,” he concluded.

DIANA

Seasoned traveller Diana has lived in Spain for 20 years: “Not sure about ying cars! Seems a bit ‘James Bondish’ and certainly not for me. A crazy notion dreamt up for very rich people whose wealth ensures that their feet need not remain grounded … unlike most of the population!”

NINA

DIANA

SARAH

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Stamped out

ROYAL MAIL’S parent company International Distributions Services (IDS) wants regulator Ofcom to accelerate a review enabling it to cut services and save cash. At the same time, IDS has rejected Daniel Kretinsky’s £3.2bn (€3.7 bn) takeover bid, saying it was ‘opportunistic’ and undervalued the postal service.

Bad idea

THE Bank of Spain warned against altering unfair dismissal regulations as proposed by the EU’s Social Rights Committee. Increasing compensation to make this an unattractive option for employers would create legal conflict while increasing uncertainty and costs “with potentially negative effects on employment,” the Bank said.

Hard work

IF Nationwide’s £2.9 billion (€3.37 billion) takeover of Virgin Money goes ahead, financial advisers stand to earn £80m in fees and expenses. Documents made public on April 23 revealed the deal would cost Nationwide £41 million (€47.7 million), with Virgin Money looking at £38 million (€44.2 million).

On course

ENAGAS, Spain’s gas grid operator, announced first quarter profits of €65.3 million, an increase of 19.5 per cent on the same period in 2023. Although demand for gas has dipped over the past two years, the company said it was on course to meet its profit target of between €260 million and €270 million for the year.

Fast fashion

ASSOCIATED BRITISH FOODS, which owns clothing chain Primark, posted operating profits of £951 million (€1.1 billion) for the 24 weeks up to March 2. Shares shot up when the results were announced on April 23 and the company predicted “significant growth” for 2024 thanks to the increased first-half earnings.

Pill dampens hopes

BRITAIN’S FTSE 100 index reached a record high of 8,076 points early on Tuesday April 23 as hopes grew of cuts in the interest rate.

This overtook the previous day’s 8,023 and outstripped February 20023’s record 8,047 points.

The City was counting on two interest rate reductions this year, with the first announced in August after Sir Dave Ramsden, deputy governor of the Bank of England (BoE), foresaw that UK inflation would fall lower than had been anticipated over the next three

years. It was on course to remain close to the BoE’s target of 2 per cent with headline – or total –inflation currently standing at 3.2 per cent, Sir Dave said.

So far, so good until Huw Pill, the BE’s Chief Economist and executive director for Monetary Analysis and Research, announced soon after mid-day on April 23 that interest cuts were still “some way off” but added that a reduction was nevertheless “somewhat closer” than it had been in March.

billion

is the present amount of current Gulf countries’ investment in Spain, without taking into account the pending Abu Dhabi’s pending Naturgy takeover.

tely lost its earlier gains, levelling off with the same 8,023 points that it closed with on April 22 but nevertheless ending the day at 8,044.

The FTSE 100 immedia-

From Zara to Nestle

NESTLE shareholders recently approved Spanish businessman Pablo Isla as the company’s new vice-chairman. The appointment makes Isla the second most-important member of the Nestle board after chairman Paul Buicke.

Isla, Inditex chairman until 2022 and financial adviser to the Cinven private equity fund, was elected to the board of Nestle, the world’s largest food company, in 2022 on the strength of his “extensive experience” in the retail sector.

Hot stuff!

INNOVATIVE BITES will not have to pay HM Revenue & Customs £472,928 (€550,17) in sales tax on its Mega Marshmallows.

Judges decided that the marshmallows were sold and purchased “specifically for roasting”, unlike confectionery which is “normally eaten with the fingers” and is subject to 20 per cent VAT.

HMRC argued that this could also apply to Mega Marshmallows, insisting that the tribunal was mistaken in not having given “sufficient weight” to the means of eating, as normal-sized marshmallows paid VAT at 20 per cent.

PABLO ISLA: Appointed Nestle vice-chairman

Pill argued that conditions had not changed much in recent weeks and although it looked as though inflation would fall to 2

INTEREST RATE: No cut yet, Bank of England says

per cent or lower, it was also possible that the inflation rate could rise once more.

“In my view there are greater risks associated with easing too earl, should inflation persist, rather than easing too late should inflation abate,” Pill said.

Little by little

LEGAL teams representing the parties involved in the Naturgy takeover by Abu Dhabi’s Taqa are considering two options.

The first centres on a direct offer from the government-controlled holding company for 100 per cent of the Spanish energy company which reported a €2 billion net profit in 2023.

The second involves buying the individual stakes of just over 20 per cent owned by CVC Capital Partners and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), with whom Taqa has been negotiating for weeks, before acquiring the remainder.

Sources close to the deal believe the latter is most likely as it is the least complicated.

He takes over from Henri de Castries who occupied the vice-chairman post for the last 12 years but did not seek re-election owing to the company’s regulations.

Nestle’s 2023 results presented in late February revealed a 21 per cent increase in net profits of 11.2 billion Swiss francs (€11.75 billion). Although Nestle’s prices increased by 7.5 per cent in 2023, revenues dipped by 1.5 per cent to 93 billion Swiss francs (€97.5 billion) as sales failed to pick up after the pandemic.

Thames turmoil

DESPITE fears that Thames Water could collapse, the company intends to pay out dividends of around £2 billion (€2.3 billion) over the next 11 years.

The company has now submitted a revised business plan to water regulator Ofwat but spread sheets that were seen by the Telegraph revealed that it still intended to pay shareholders up to £290 million (€337.4 million) annually.

Senior industry figures were “stunned”, the Telegraph said, to learn that Thames Water planned to continue investor payouts “during a time of turmoil.”

THE UK’s HM Revenue & Customs has received £7.5 billion (€8.7bn) in inheritance tax (IHT) over the 12 months ending in March 2024. This was £400 million (€465.3 million) more than the during the previous year, prompting official forecasts that government income from death duties could reach £9.5 billion (€11.05 billion) by the end of this decade.

Earnings from IHT have risen in recent years after the threshold was frozen at £325,000 (€378,065) until 2028 to prevent the tax from rising along with inflation and requiring families to pay out more on legacies.

TELEFONICA now owns 96.85 per cent of its German subsidiary, Telefonica Deutschland. The company announced on April 23 that it had acquired 74.33 million shares - approximately 2.5 per cent of Telefonica Deutschland’s share capital and voting rights - for €175 million, paid entirely in cash.

The Spanish multinational had initially hoped to secure the 5.65 per cent which it did not already own for €395 million, but eventually settled for 2.5 per cent.

This was Telefonica’s second Telefonica Deutschland takeover offer.

MADRID-BASED Energia y Celulosa Company (Ence) recorded a €9.5m profit in the first quarter of 2024 thanks to increased pulp prices.

There was also a significant reduction in costs over the last financial year, enabling the company to continue the upward trend that began in the last quarter of 2023, Ence said on April 22. Strong demand helped to push up prices, which reached $1,380 (€1,289) in Europe by the end of the first quarter of 2024, Ence explained, returning to the levels reached at the end of 2022.

Photo credit: Flickr/Geoff Henson

3I Group 2.867,00 2.869,00 2.850,00 42,28K

Admiral Group 2.691,0 2.715,0 2.690,0 10,98K

Airtel Africa 109,10 109,70 108,70 254,24K

Anglo American 2.541,5 2.569,3 2.528,5 815,30K

Antofagasta 2.241,00 2.258,00 2.220,00 56,67K

Ashtead Group 5.922,0 5.926,0 5.808,0 52,59K

Associated British Foods 2.688,0 2.700,0 2.682,0 44,69K

AstraZeneca 11.998,0 12.144,0 11.990,0 175,50K

Auto Trader Group Plc 694,60 697,00 693,20 75,54K

Aviva 462,20 464,30 462,10 720,22K

B&M European Value Retail SA 520,60 523,80 518,20 96,20K

BAE Systems 1.310,65 1.330,00 1.308,50 614,51K

Barclays 200,55 202,90 199,08 8,72M

Barratt Developments 455,90 456,40 450,20 94,99K

Beazley 664,42 667,00 662,50 68,17K

Berkeley 4.704,0 4.714,0 4.678,0 14,53K

BP 529,41 530,70 528,30 1,72M

American Tobacco 2.347,0 2.355,0 2.336,0 250,81K

Group 104,90 105,95 104,83 1,13M

3.054,0 3.068,0 3.046,0 18,99K

Group 1.165,6 1.170,5 1.156,5 57,77K

134,05 134,60 131,60 550,04K Coca Cola HBC AG 2.562,0 2.568,0 2.554,0 36,24K Compass

5.465,0 5.490,0 5.455,0 3,87K

3.564,00 3.596,00 3.560,00 9,12K

3.282,0 3.245,0 66,18K

981,38 987,00 975,00 39,43K

Entertainment 14.800,0 14.995,0 14.785,0 22,36K

Euro

EUR/GBP: Up from £0.85 to £0.86

EUR/USD: Down from $1.08 to $1.06

The euro faced an uphill battle over the past month as the focus increasingly turned to policy divergence between the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Federal Reserve.

Dovish signals from ECB policymakers appears to have all but confirmed the bank will begin cutting interest rates from June, a move that will put it at odds with more hawkish expectations for the Fed.

On the other hand, some positive Eurozone data releases helped to ensure the euro remained supported against most currencies apart from the US dollar.

Going into May, a key focus for EUR investors will be Germany’s latest GDP figures, with the euro poised to plunge if

CURRENCY OUTLOOK: POUND PRESSURED BY DOVISH BOE, US DOLLAR SOARS AMID REDUCED FED RATE CUT

they show the Eurozone’s largest economy slipped into a recession at the start of the year.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Down from €1.16 to €1.15

GBP/USD: Down from $1.27 to $1.24

The pound initially held its ground in April, with Sterling sentiment being underpinned by risk-on flows and hawkish comments from a Bank of England (BoE) policymaker.

However, GBP exchange rates struggled to hold its ground in the weeks that followed. With a shift in market risk appetite amid an escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and a weaker-than-expected UK services PMI initially driving these losses.

The Sterling selloff then rapidly gather pace in the second half of April as BoE officials suggested that UK inflation

would return to target at the start of the second quarter.

GBP/EUR and GBP/USD were subsequently sent tumbling to multi-month lows as GBP investors began to price in a 50bps rate cut in August.

The BoE will deliver its latest interest rate decision at the start of May, and GBP investors will be watching closely for any further hints that the bank may bring forward the start of its

cutting cycle.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Up from $0.78 to $0.81

USD/EUR: Up from €0.91 to €0.94

The US dollar raced higher through April, with the currency striking new multi-month highs amid a repricing of Federal Reserve interest rate expectations.

USD investors are now in-

creasingly betting that the Fed will only deliver a solitary interest rate cut this year.

This comes amid signs the US economy is still running hot, with both inflation and payrolls surprising to the upside in recent weeks.

Looking ahead, the immediate focus will be the Fed’s interest rate decision at the start of May. No policy changes are expected next month, but the US dollar could extend its bullish run if the Fed takes the opportunity to reverse some of the dovish comments it made in the wake of its March meeting.

Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

EUROZONE: Some positive data helped to support the euro.

A pathetic scam

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

SO now they want to drop Shakespeare from the curriculum of UK schools?

Yet another assault on British heritage and culture, which is slowly but surely being eroded by an ill-intentioned bunch who, assisted by the PC and snowflake brigade, are hell bent in destroying the very fabric of everything our ancestors fought and died for. ‘It’s too difficult for our students’ they bleat. Aw, well it would be wouldn’t it?

Particularly to youngsters who are too lazy to put their tongues between their teeth, and subsequently pronounce, think as ‘fink,’ nothing as ‘nuffink and something as ‘summink’!

‘We should make it easier and more up to date’, they wail. Oh yes that’s a good idea - let’s see. How shall we rephrase this beautiful quote from Romeo and Juliet? ‘When he shall die. Take him and cut him out in little stars. And he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with the night and pay no worship to

the garish sun.’ What about ‘When he kicks off, blade him up a bit; and when it gets dark the dude will be lookin’ so good you won’t wanna see the sun come up.’ Mmm, doesn’t somehow have the same ring does it? Give us a break. These so-called teachers are not interested in British culture. They want to destroy the Monarchy, introduce their left wing ideals and drag the whole country down to their utterly incompetent diversity levels. As far as curriculums are concerned, rather than attacking UK heritage perhaps it would be more constructive to make sure some truthful and unbiased British history is taught to their vulnerable and propagandised students.

Often interesting to peruse the knowledge gained through certain stages of the ageing process in this topsy turvy exsistence of ours. Particularly if you can cast your memory back far enough. I would just like to remind young British voters of railway nationisation that the Labour government last introduced in the UK some 40 years ago, when many of you were not even a twinkle. Subsequent trains were filthy and broken, as were the

tracks they clattered on and the stations they hobbled through. Nothing ran on time and under Labour the unions were calling last minute wildcat strikes with such monotonous regularity that it was a miracle for many to actually attend their places of work or destinations at all.

Even under the Conservatives things failed to really improve until they were privatised in 1993. And Labour want to renationalise? Ha, for the lot who hope to win the next UK election, promising to streamline the whole caboodle is nothing more than a vote grabbing pathetic sham. Also interesting to hear their replies when they are asked if they will be able to bring down the price of fares for the long suffering public? Pure unuduterated non commital twaddle. Of course they can’t. Be ready to witness the unions rubbing their hands, when a Labour government agrees to pay their workers through the nose merely to keep the whole chaotic industry on some sort of efficient track.

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.

Royals for refugees

QUEEN MAXIMA of the Netherlands opened a new branch of

A Beautiful Mess; an innovative initiative supporting refugees.

On April 25, the restaurant launched in Amsterdam, joining the establishments in Utrecht and Arnhem.

A Beautiful Mess was founded by the Refugee Company Foundation, assisted by the Dutch Queen, creating job opportunities for refugees and facilitating their integration into the Netherlands.

The Queen attended the opening ceremony and a panel discussion about the project’s benefits. She brightened the venue in red attire, touring the kitchen and helping the restaurant’s chef.

Queen Maxima’s participation marked the value which the Royal Family places on immigration; the Queen herself came from Buenos Aires in Argentina and had met King Willem-Alexander in Spain.

The founder of the Refugee Company, Fleur Bakker, also expressed the importance of A Beautiful Mess during the opening: “What we are doing isn’t just about being humane - it is important for the Netherlands because we need so much labour at the moment.”

She emphasised: “The intention is to train 425 people in five years in this 800m2 restaurant as well as offering Amsterdammers authentic flavours of the world.”

Leapy

Queen Maxima at A Beautiful Mess.

Credit: Koninklijk

Huis, X

ALMERIA

ALMERIA, famous for its tapas, is now making a name for itself in the world of Italian cookery, courtesy of a local pizzeria that has earned itself a top spot among Spain’s elite.

Pizza perfect

Sweet success

A RENOWNED patisserie from the heart of Almeria is set to delight the residents of Aguadulce with its new branch.

This will be the fifth location for the esteemed family business, La Dulce Alianza, which has been serving the local community since the business was founded in 1888.

Currently, La Dulce Alianza operates four shops in Almeria, situated on Paseo, Avenida del Cabo de Gata, La Rambla, and within the Torrecardenas Shopping Centre.

The latest addition will be strategically placed on Carlos III Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares in Aguadulce, where signs already herald the ‘next

ded by the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Guide, an Italian website that lists the best pizzerias around the world.

The Cosa Nostra restaurant, on Avenida Brighton, nestled in the Costacabana neighbourhood, has been named one of the country’s top 40 pizzerias. The accolade has been awar-

opening’.

Credit: ladulcealianza/Facebook.com

Scheduled to open in July, just in time to sweeten the summer, the new establishment will reportedly span around 300 square metres.

This latest expansion will enhance the culinary landscape of the municipality, promising a sweet treat for every visitor.

The judges have exacting standards that take into account the service, the environment, waiting times and the drinks that accompany the all-important pizza.

Since opening its doors on July 20, 2022, Cosa Nostra, under the guidance of founders Marcos Perez Silva and master pizzaioli Jose Francisco Perez Martinez and Ana Carina Silva Ponce, has excelled in the culinary art of pizza making. ‘Exceptional culinary artisans who have perfected the art of creating the most delicious and authentic pizzas,’ according to the restaurant’s website.

Their repertoire includes traditional favourites like Margherita and Caprichosa, alongside unique offerings such as the Costacabana pizza, layered with tomato, mozzarella, sobrasada, caramelised onion, goat cheese, and arugula.

The menu also features inventive creations like the Cosa Nostra pizza, a blend of walnut cream, Parmesan, fresh mozzarella, ham, caramelized onion, arugula, cherry tomato, and balsamic vinegar.

Tapa route winner

THE Garrucha Tapas Route has crowned its winner.

‘La Bellotera’, a dish from Meson del Pescador, scooped the top prize at this year’s event, marking a record turnout with participation from 48 eateries including restaurants and ice cream parlours. This victory marks the fourth for the establishment, which has won more than half of the editions since its beginning.

This year, the winning dish was an inventive creation featuring Iberian pork sirloin slow-cooked and infused with thyme and rosemary, elegantly presented on handcrafted holm oak wood. The sweet category was dominated by La Jijonenca ice cream parlour, with its crunchy bonbon cruffin accompanied by nougat granita, a sure-fire winner for many who attended the seventh Garrucha Tapa Route.

Pablo Fernandez Galindo, the Councillor for Trade and Tourism, expressed his pleasure on Facebook: With great satisfaction, we congratulate the winners of the Route de la Tapa 2024. This year, the level has been very high, with exquisite savoury tapas and delicious sweet tapas that delighted our taste buds.

This reflects the interest and confidence in Garrucha’s gastronomic offerings and in the town as a tourist destination.

Photo: A Cosa nostra pizza straight from the oven.

The Meson del Pescador

Flattering eye looks Creaseless clips

ACHIEVING stunning eye make-up for hooded eyes requires specific techniques to accentuate your natural features. Start by using a good eye primer to prevent creasing. Apply a transition shade slightly above the crease to create depth. Opt for matte eyeshadows to avoid emphasising hooded areas.

Focus on defining your upper lash line with eyeliner, staying close to the lashes to enhance eye shape. Use waterproof mascara to hold curls and open up the eyes. Highlight the inner corners and

brow bone to add bright ness.

experiment with winged eyeliner, aiming for a lif ted appearance. Lastly, avoid heavy shimmer on the lid, as it can accentua te hoodedness. Practise and adapt techniques to suit your unique eye sha pe, creating beautiful eye makeup that enhances your natural beauty.

THE latest trend in hair accessories is the introduction of no-crease hair clips, designed to hold hair without leaving any unwanted marks or creases. These innovative clips come in various styles and materials, such as silicone or flexible plastics, which gently secure hair without causing damage.

No-crease hair clips are especially popular for creating effortless hairstyles like half-up styles, buns, or ponytails, where you want to avoid the tell-tale signs of traditional hair clips or ties. They offer a comfortable and secure hold while being easy to use and remove without tugging or pulling on hair.

Whether you’re styling for work, a workout, or a casual day out, no-crease hair clips provide a versatile and gentle option for managing your hair. Embrace this trend to achieve chic hairstyles without worrying about damaging your hair.

Shutterstock/Velista production

Premier yoga retreats Ethical beauty

increasing consumer awareness and demand for products that minimise

Many companies are opting for sustainable ingredients like plant-based extracts, organic oils, and biodegradable materials. They are also adopting recyclable or refillable packaging to reduce waste. While these changes benefit the planet, they can sometimes come at a higher cost to consu-

Sustainable sourcing and production often require additional investments in technology and supply chain management, which can translate to higher product prices. Ultimately, even during the cost of living crisis, many consumers are willing to pay a premium for ethical and eco-conscious products that align

SPAIN offers a host of options, establishing itself as a premier destination for quality yoga retreats.

A yoga retreat is the perfect opportunity for beginners to immerse themselves in yoga. These retreats are accessible for all skill levels and typically take place in rural homes, hotels and even ancient monasteries.

Participants can engage in meditation, attend insightful workshops, and partake in outdoor activities that embrace the scenic surroundings.

Yogarosa stands out as a tranquil haven in Ibiza, an island that became a focal point of the hippie movement in the 1960s.

Nestled in a lush pine forest with a gentle Mediterranean breeze, this retreat offers a holistic approach that combines yoga and meditation.

Masqi, set in a 19th-century farmhouse within the Sierra de Mariola in Alicante, combines the tranquility of nature with a robust schedule of yoga, meditation, nature walks, workshops, massages, and even concerts.

Not far from Masqi, Vivood Landscape Hotel promises an experience designed to awaken the senses and cultivate complete well-being. For those pressed for time, Hotel La Bionda in Begur, on the Costa Brava, provides flexible yoga opportunities.

Yoga retreats in Spain not only offer a path to personal transformation, but also provide an enriching cultural experience in some of the country’s most breathtaking areas.

INTERVIEW

Speaking European –Victoria Herrero

BORN in The Netherlands, but with a Spanish father, Victoria Herrero always thought that she was destined to end up in Spain and at the age of 20 she did.

English and Spanish she trained as a nurse and found a role at a nursing home which catered for Dutch people, but because of her command of languages, she quickly found herself in the office.

Then things moved up a gear and as Victoria explained “My best friend Ana Belen Lara and I were invited to become involved in the creation of a private

home for elderly international clients and thus CK La Quinta in San Pedro Alcantara was created.”

Whilst still being very fond of the country in which she was born, she loves Spain and now has no qualms in calling it home and she observed that “here in Spain, if you work hard you can achieve anything you wish.”

The lifestyle on the Costa del Sol suits Victoria and with the children as well as Spanish, Dutch, English and other friends she enjoys her life under the sun, her relationship with all of the guests at CK La Quinta and snatching a bit of peace and quiet whenever she can.

Victoria Herrero enjoys her life in Spain

Costa del Sol Darkness into Light • News from Our 6 Newspapers •

TORREMOLINOS will be the starting point for AFESOL’s suicide prevention walk, ‘Darkness into light’, which is celebrating its ninth edition on the Costa del Sol and consists of a charity walk of 5km at dawn to symbolise the path from darkness to light.

It will take place on Saturday May 11, starting at Plaza del Remo in Torremolinos at 6am, and will take you to El Bil Bil Castle in Benalmadena Costa and back to the starting point, where it will end.

You can now register online to take part in this walk, through the website http://www.darkness intolight.com or at the AFESOL Mental Health centres in Benalmadena and Estepona. Registration costs €26 for adults and €5 for children between six and 17 years old, and there are also options for families of two adults and up to five children for €62.

Axarquia Non-potable pools

AS summer approaches, the Axarquia region, located in a drought-prone region, is proposing a novel solution to alleviate water scarcity: filling private and community pools with non-potable water from wells.

President of the region Jorge Martín highlights that pools undergo chlorination and purification treatments, ensuring safety despite getting the water from a non-potable source. The proposal aims to ease the burden on water resources while allowing residents to fill their pools.

Martín emphasises the importance of consensus among the towns, urging collaborative decision-making. Recent rains have increased the water supply, enabling the possibility of pool refills. However, he stresses the need for careful management to ensure sustainability.

Moreover, Martín advocates for long-term solutions, such as expediting the construction of a local desalination plant. He urges swift action, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Mallorca International Boat Show

A RECORD 295 exhibitors took part in the 40th edition of the Palma International Boat Show, with 600 boats exhibited, 260 of them on the water. It was held at the Moll Vell until April 28 and is organised by the Ministry of Business, Employment and Energy, through the Institute of Business Innovation of the Balearic Islands (IDI), and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA)

At the inauguration, the president of the Balearic Islands, Margalida Prohens, stressed that “The nautical sector is a tradition for us and is a strategic sector for our economy, which generates seasonal tourism and quality skills.”

The organisation has begun a certification programme for sustainable development to minimise carbon footprints, promote inclusion and equality, increase awareness of the importance of responsible practices.” The Marcial Sánchez Barcaiztegui Award was given to Comercial Morey, which has participated in all editions of the fair.

Costa Blanca North Saving My Life

BENIDORM welcomed the 11th edition of Save My Life, uniting more visitors than ever to raise funds for vulnerable animals.

Dona Sandland, one of the devoted organisers, shared a video of Benidorm Palace on social media. From table to table, people waved with joy; the vast amount of bookings revealed once again the kindness of the local community.

Dona was delighted: “A big thank you to every single person who bought a ticket.” She affirmed the 11th edition of Save My Life was “one of the busiest yet,” welcoming approximately 1,000 people. Hosted by Paul Thacker and Mark Ellis aka Ruby Rox, the best acts of Benidorm were presented.

Save My Life charity expressed their gratitude to the local community on social media, elated about the concert´s success: “So much kindness and so much generosity.”

Costa Blanca South Sailing in charity waters

AS part of the ongoing annual support of local charities, the Shipmates (Members) of the Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) were pleased to make a donation this year to the Torrevieja Alzheimer’s Asociación.

Each year at the RNATB AGM, Shipmates nominate and vote for preferred charities to receive donations from funds collected during the year.

RNATB Welfare Officer, Kath Marks, nominated Alzheimer’s as one of the charities for this year’s selection, but unfortunately was unable to attend the presentation of the donation from the RNATB Chairman, Tony Jenkins, to Señor Mario Cespedes, one of the AFA Torrevieja Committee.

The AFA Torrevieja then presented the RNATB with an appreciation plaque.

Costa Calida Men’s Support Group

EVERY Friday, from 1.30pm to 3pm, a group of men gathers upstairs at Trevi’s Bar in Camposol Sector B. This isn’t just any get-together - it’s a Men’s Bereavement Support Group, offering a safe and welcoming space for men to share their experiences of loss.

Led by Ian, this group provides an opportunity for men to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of grieving. Whether they choose to actively participate or simply listen, everyone is encouraged to engage at their own pace.

The significance of such groups lies in their ability to combat feelings of isolation often associated with grief. By coming together, these men find comfort and solidarity in knowing they are not alone in their struggles.

If you’re in Camposol and could benefit from the support of this group, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ian on 0034 711 004 488

PETS Sleeping

HELPING dogs with snoring starts with understanding the underlying causes and taking appropriate steps to address them. Common causes of snoring in dogs include obesity, allergies, respiratory issues, or anatomical abnormalities like elongated soft palates or nasal congestion.

To help reduce snoring, consider the following: Maintain a healthy weight: If your dog is overweight, consult with your vet to develop a weight management plan.

Manage Allergies:

dogs

At home pet care keeps pets safe and happy

Keep your home clean, use hypoallergenic bedding, and discuss allergy management with your vet.

Address Respiratory Issues: Treat respiratory infections promptly and consider using a humidifier to alleviate congestion.

Use Elevated Beds: Elevating your dog’s head while sleeping can improve airflow. Consult Your Vet: If snoring persists or worsens, consult your vet for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment options tailored to your dog’s needs

Shedding

DEALING with your dog’s shedding can be managed with a few key practices. Regular grooming is essential; brushing your dog several times a week helps remove loose fur and reduces the amount accumulating on your floors and furniture. Choose a brush suited for your dog’s coat type, whether it’s a slicker brush for fine hair or a rake for thicker, double coats.

AT home pet care is the ideal for most pets, who’s owners prefer for them to have attention in their own living space. Pet care at home also ensures that your pets can stay in their own home and familiar environment. It means you can minimise their stress levels when you go away.

Plus HouseSitMatch 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

Mimi is a chirpy and characterful pet. Her owners prefer her to be cared for at home.

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.

How does it work?

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.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

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

Janet Bryant, Pet owner

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

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.

Investing in a good vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair can also make a big difference in keeping your home clean. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are particularly effective at capturing pet dander and fur.

Additionally, consider incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your dog’s diet. These supplements can promote healthier skin and a shinier coat, potentially reducing shedding. Always consult your vet before introducing any new supplements to ensure they’re appropriate for your pet’s specific health needs.

solution tips

Photo: Shutterstock

CLASSIFIEDS

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

BULDERS

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

BUY & SELL

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

CHURCHES

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

TURRE EVANGELICAL

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

- Why not make this year the year you volunteer? Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@ gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishlegion. org.uk/counties/spain-north ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email  zurgenarblchairman@ gmail.com - (253989)

DRAINAGE

ELECTRICAL

ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (305398)

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

INSURANCE

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save

as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

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

LANGUAGE CLASSES

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

OTHERS

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

PAINTER/DECORATOR

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

FOR SALE

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €7.75, medium dogs €8.50, big dogs €9.25, cats from €7.00 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotelturre@gmail.com fivebonehotel.com (304298)

PLUMBERS

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

SOLAR ENERGY

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (305375)

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

SITUATION VACANT

A world’s first Licence changes

John Smith

THE world of science fiction has for generations dreamt of cars that fly and now this has become a reality with the KleinVision AirCar.

Although it received its Certificate of Airworthiness in January 2022 the last two years have been spent testing and with 520 take offs and 130 flight hours, the next step occurred on April 23.

French electronic music pioneer Jean Michel Jarre became the world’s first AirCar passenger and enjoyed two flights before commenting “It is like being in a Jules Verne book, but for real! One second you speak to the driver, and next, you are up there in the air - an amazing experience!”

This is all in preparation for the 2024 STAR -

MUS event which is the brainchild of Garik Israelian PhD, astrophysicist at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) and Sir Brian May PhD, astrophysicist, and the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen.

STARMUS takes place in Slovakia between May 12 and 17 and is a festival of science, art and music at which both Brian May and Jean Michel Jarre are

playing alongside the Offspring and there will be a speech by the celebrated naturalist Jane Goodall.

Also taking part in the event will be Professor Klein’s ground breaking AirCar, but to operate one of these you need both a driving and pilot’s licence and complete a training course before you can take off on your own.

FROM 2024, the DGT will implement several key changes to the driving licence regulations. These modifications aim to enhance safety on roads across Spain.

The European Commission has recently approved these changes, with implementation scheduled for the end of summer 2024.

For passenger car licences, the renewal period will be extended from 10 to 15 years. Conversely, licences for larger vehicles such as lorries and vans will now require renewal every five years, a reduction from the previous period. This change is designed to ensure that drivers of larger vehicles maintain high levels of skill and health.

One significant update is the removal of age-based renewal restrictions for drivers over 65. This adjustment addresses concerns

Changes summarised

about age discrimination and supports older drivers’ mobility and social participation.

The DGT explained, ‘What is intended in this way is to increase the frequency of medical and fitness checks so that continuing to drive is safe for everyone.’

The reform also introduces the requirement for a digital driving licence accessible at any time, reflecting the shift towards digital documentation.

In addition, the age at which one can drive accompanied has been lowered to 17, in a move to provide earlier driving experience under safe conditions.

These changes come as part of a broader European directive, seeking to adapt to the evolving demands of road safety and driver competence.

• Passenger car driving licences renewal extended from 10 to 15 years.

• Renewal period for large lorry and van licences reduced to five years.

• Validity restrictions removed for drivers over 65 to prevent discrimination and ensure their mobility and participation in society.

These regulations mark significant progress in how driving licences are managed and regulated in Spain.

Ford Mustang Mach-E a spark of EV interest

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

IF you ask most people about the Ford Mustang it will inevitably evoke memories of the iconic Ford featured in the film Bullitt. A very American muscle car. However, there’s been a new kind of Mustang prowling the roads in the shape of the all-electric Mach-E. With prices starting from €50,403/£43,330 it’s a very affordable, by EV standards, way of driving an interesting EV in a world where the term automotive white goods seems increasingly apt.

Three Mach-E models are available in standard or extended range; rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive dual motor and a performance GT version. In Premium, Rear-wheel-drive form, which was my test model, there’s 294PS on tap and the 0 - 100kph/62 mph benchmark passes in just seven seconds. There are three drive modes available including a full fat untamed mode.

A genuine all-rounder that can cover longer journeys or urban com mutes it’s remarkably practical. As ever the big question with an EV is range. The Mach-E Pre mium (€69,074/£59,380) model will cover 598km/372 miles in combined driving, depending on conditions, but as ever needs to be viewed sensibly. Urban driving invariably means more braking so regenerative energy helps battery charging and hence range. On faster roads such as a dual carriageway or motorway the range doesn’t hold up quite so well. As with MPG figures it’s unlikely you’ll achieve it, but the Mach-E certainly provides more range confidence than many EVs I have driven.

The Mach-E comes very well equipped even at entry level and my Premium version came with performance seats, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise, auto lights and wipers, high beam assist, heated front seats and

Facts at a Glance

Model: Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium RWD

Engine: 91 kwh extended range all-electric developing 294PS

Gears: 1-speed automatic

Price: €69,074/£59,380/as tested

€73,787/£63,430

Performance: 0-100 kmh (62 mph) 7.0 seconds/

Maximum Speed 199 kmh (111 mph)

Range: 471km/293 miles WLTP

Emissions: 0 g/km WLTP

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

steering wheel, power adjustable front seats, rear privacy glass, rear view and 360 degree camera, full panoramic glass roof, hands-free tailgate and Bang & Olufsen sound system. Phew!

A large central screen offers most control functions and being Ford it is quite intuitive, if you have to go digital then Ford generally make life easier. With the number of EVs growing the Mach-E certainly falls into the interesting category, not always a given in this sector. It’s comfortable and a superb drive whether in normal or untamed mode. My only problem, despite almost universal positives, is that the build quality doesn’t quite live up to that high price tag. It just doesn’t have that certain something that makes a car feel premium. Look at the entry level Mach-E though and it makes a hugely more appealing proposition.

Don’t miss out

CLIMBING MADRID, the largest climbing event in Spain, will be held in Arro yomolinos in the Commu nity of Madrid from June 10 to 16.

The Spanish Climbing and Paraclimbing Championships will be taking place, plus the Spanish Cup and the Madrid Championship

It will take place from Monday, June 10 to Sunday, June 16, with competitions taking place from June 13 to 16.

Registration takes pla ce at www.climbingma drid.es website, and will close on Sunday June 2. pionship will be held at Climbing Madrid.

For the first time, the Spanish Cup and the Madrid Championship will also be held, so three competitions will be grouped into one, adding to the excitement.

The criterion being tested is Difficulty and there are several categories,

or minors, which will be divided into three levels according to age groups: U-14, U-16 and U-18.

For the first time in Spain, the Spanish Difficulty Championship will take place on an exterior wall. It is the same as the one used at the 2022 World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria.