Costa Blanca South 2 – 8 May 2024 Issue 2026

Cultural winners

ALMORADI in the heart of Vega Baja has now been awarded ‘Cultural Town of the Year’.

Culture is a big part of Almoradi’s identity and it goes way back to a theatre built in 1908 by a local named Don Mariano Cortés.

This laid the foundation for a long tradition of cultural involvement.

But it’s not just the arts that shine in Almoradi,

the town’s food scene is also famous.

Thanks to its gardens, Almoradi has a rich culinary tradition focused on its prized artichokes.

Since the 1960s, these tasty treats have been celebrated, leading to the creation of the ‘Alcachofa Vega Baja del Segura’ Quality Mark and the Restaurant Association.

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Costa Blanca South • Issue No. 2026 •2 - 8 May 2024 FREE

Almoradi’s Tourism councillor José Antonio Latorre with mayor, María Gómez García.

Cultural interest

Big event Racing returns

Every year, Almoradi hosts the prestigious ‘National Artichoke Congress’, a big food event that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the Valencian Community.

The weekly market, with over 300 stalls spread across more than a kilometre, has been a central part of Almoradi’s community since 1583.

Recognised for its historical and modern importance, the market was declared of Provincial Tourist Interest in 2011.

Alongside this tradition is the Animated Market, offering a fun mix of concerts, workshops, and entertainment every Saturday.

Besides its cultural and culinary attractions, Almoradi also has beautiful natural landscapes.

The council has created green routes like the Water Route, encouraging visitors to explore the area’s heritage and water-related infrastructure.

This 18 km circular route starts and ends at the Almoradi Ecomuseum, providing insights into the region’s history and close ties to nature.

THE Valencian Government has given the green light to initiate the process of classifying the Santa Faz Pilgrimage in Alicante as an Intangible Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).

This decision comes after the Consell, led by Carlos Mazón, expressed its intention to have Santa Faz officially recognised as a BIC by early 2025.

The pilgrimage, which has been a tradition in Alicante for over 500 years, holds immense cultural, historical, and social significance for both the city and neighbouring municipalities.

Preparations are already underway to draft a comprehensive report highlighting the pilgrimage’s importance. This report will underscore its cultural and

heritage value, as well as its profound impact on the community.

In 2024, the pilgrimage once again saw record attendance, with over 330,000 people coming together to participate.

The history of the Santa Faz pilgrimage dates back 535 years to the ‘Miracle of the Tear’.

Legend has it that during a prayer procession in 1489, amid a severe drought, the people of Alicante brought out the canvas of the Holy Face to pray for rain.

Their prayers were answered, and water miraculously appeared, ending the drought.

This miraculous event marked the beginning of the annual Santa Faz pilgrimage.

ALMORADI’S Department of Sports, in collaboration with the Trikilometro Athletics Club, is proud to announce the upcoming edition of two much-awaited running events in town: the 12th 10km and the ninth 5km ‘Villa de Almoradi’.

Both races are scheduled for Saturday, May 4, starting at 7.00pm and will kick off and finish at the Sadrián Stadium.

Registration for these events is €12, and this year, all registrations will be handled online through the ‘Asuspuestos’ platform.

Participants must be at least 16 years old, with parental permission if under 18.

To register, simply visit the Trikilometros website (trikilometros.org) and click on the ‘Registrations’ link, which will redirect you to the Asuspuestos page (asuspuestos.com).

Race bib collection will take place on the same Saturday from 4.30pm until 6.30pm at the Sadrián Stadium athletics track.

GREEN LIGHT: To classify the pilgrimage as an intangible asset of cultural interest.

From front page

Two much-awaited running events.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Almoradi

Nordic Champ

JOSÉ MIGUEL LÓPEZ

DÍEZ from Aspe met with Mayor Antonio Puerto in recognition of his victory in the Spanish Nordic Walking Championship in Cabo de Gata. José completed the 12km race in 1h 20’ 22”, with a time of six minutes and 43 seconds per kilometre.

Earth moving

AN earthquake on April 26 shocked the Vega Baja. The National Institute of Geography recorded an earthquake magnitude of 3 at a depth of 7 kilometres and intensity IV.

Europe Day

IN honour of Europe Day on May 9, Elche is gearing up for a celebration! On May 4, the Plaza de Baix is holding a special concert featuring 80 singers and 40 musicians.

Rojales Panto

THIS year’s Pantomime preparations are well underway with a full cast who are raring to go. While the group have many members happy to work behind the scenes, they still require more people help out. If you can help, contact Alison at dw2024rojalespanto@ gmail.com for further details.

Treasures of Torrevieja

TORREVIEJA owes its existence to the sea, two saltwater lagoons, and the towers that gave it its name.

These elements were crucial for its economy and defence over many centuries.

Its history is both short and rich.

The rst signs of settlement date back to the Middle Ages, with a small shing village near Cornuda Cove.

However, it wasn’t until 1770 that Torrevieja began to grow into a village around the Torre Vieja, old tower. Its growth was fuelled by the sea, salt mining, shing, and maritime trade.

tion was particularly signi cant, although local farms also played a vital role in producing grains, grapes, almonds, gs, and other fruits.

May Fair

TORREVIEJA is gearing up for a spectacular tribute to the May Fair in the Parque de la Estación, taking place from May 9 to 12.

Expect a weekend of dancing and music.

The event which is free to enter will close its doors once the maximum capacity is reached.

The venue will feature a specially prepared stage for all the local dance schools to showcase their talents.

Opening on Thursday, May 9, at 7.00pm, the tribute to the May Fair promises a weekend filled with festivities and entertainment for all.

Doors will close on Sunday, May 12, in the afternoon.

Please note that the Local Police have scheduled traffic cuts around the Station Park on Avenida de la Estación (between Avda. Diego Ramírez and C/Greco) and Calle Greco (between Avda. Estación and C/ Portalicos) during the event days.

Submerged secrets

DOCKED in the Port of Torrevieja awaits a remarkable sight: the Floating Submarine Museum Delfín S-61.

This isn’t just any museum; it’s a real submarine that once served in the Spanish Navy.

Donated to the city, it stands as a symbol of Torrevieja’s deep connection to the sea.

The Delfín S-61, constructed in 1973, transitioned into a museum in 2004.

Stepping inside, you’ll be

transported to a world few have experienced, the inner workings of a submarine!

But that’s not all. Torrevieja’s oating museums boast two other vessels.

The Albatros III Customs Surveillance Patrol Boat, which joined the eet in 2006, and the Pascual Flores Pailebote, a reconstruction of the historic boat once used by Torrevieja’s salt traders.

If you’re keen to explore these maritime wonders, head to the Port Dock in Torrevieja, where trips are available Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 1.30pm.

For more information, send an email to imc@torreviejacultural.com or call (+34) 661 374 257.

Natural Park

THE Torrevieja Natural Park is situated in the Vega Baja region of Alicante and spans across the municipalities of Torrevieja, Guardamar del Segura, Los Montesinos, and Rojales.

True to its name, this natural park consists of two primary lagoons separated by an anticline known as El Chaparral.

Connecting these lakes is a canal, while two other canals link the lakes to the sea, forming a unit for salt exploitation.

1308, is a testament to this agricultural heritage.

Located in La Vega Baja de Alicante, Torrevieja is a charming town packed with things to see and do.

Its stunning beaches and the unique landscape of the salt lagoons and Torrevieja Natural Park are major highlights.

But that’s not all... Don’t miss the oating sea museum when you visit. Make sure to explore the watchtowers of Torrevieja, especially the Torre Cervera or del Moro and the Torre La Mata.

These historic landmarks make for stunning photo opportunities against the backdrop of the sea.

The park serves as both a salt mine and an essential nesting and wintering area for over 100 bird species, including amingos, ducks, the black-necked grebe, stilts, and shelducks, among others.

Within the park, you’ll discover designated picnic areas equipped with tables, perfect for enjoying a meal and spending the day surrounded by nature.

For birdwatching enthusiasts, there are several viewpoints o ering prime spots to observe the diverse fauna in the area.

Be sure not to miss the marked trails that lead you through various vegetation zones.

The ancient La Ceñuela

Treasures of Torrevieja.

Sailing into 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.

Street food fun

Each year at the RNATB AGM, Shipmates nominate and vote for

ganiser Locum, Maureen Jenkins, who was taking the photos.

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

The AFA Torrevieja Asociación Alzheimer de Familiares y Amigos de Torrevieja, as a charity, relies on grants and donations to provide their valuable services across the Costa Blanca.

ELCHE has announced that the eagerly awaited ‘Elx Street Food Market’, is set to take place on the Paseo de la Estación during the weekend of May 3 to 5.

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.

Also present were Gema, one of the staff at AFA Torrevieja, the RNATB Treasurer, Carl Louden, and RNATB Or-

These services include the implementation of many programmes that allow people with neurodegenerative diseases to improve their physical, mental, and emotional condition while increasing their interests, creativity, and social skills and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

They can be contacted by phone on (+34) 966 702 500 , by email at tec nicas@afatorrevieja.es, or through their website at afatorrevieja.es/en.

Caridad Martínez, the councillor for Festivities, has extended a warm invitation to locals and visitors to join in the festivities, which promise a yummy gastronomic experience accompanied by an array of concerts.

This year, the market boasts 15 food trucks offering a diverse selection of national and international cuisine, alongside approximately 20 stalls featuring crafts and jewellery. Throughout the weekend, attendees can also enjoy six concerts featuring acts such as King, a Queen tribute group, and ‘Beetle’s Kids’, among others. In addition to the culinary delights and live music, there will be activities for children such as comedy shows and face painting.

Event organiser, Amadou Sow, expressed his optimism for this year’s event, aiming to surpass 25,000 attendees and highlighting the format’s popularity and ongoing evolution to introduce new features.

The market will be open on Friday, May 3, from 6.30pm until midnight, Saturday, May 4, from midday to midnight, and Sunday, May 5, from midday until 10.00pm.

Admission is free.

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION: Were presented with a plaque from the Alzheimer’s association.

International ranking

ALI, the virtual assistant of the Alicante City Council, has garnered international recognition for its innovative approach to public service.

ALI made its debut on the Alicante City Council’s municipal website in early 2024, marking the municipality as the first to incorporate artificial intelligence in this manner.

ALI aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance citizen-government interaction by providing assistance with online inquiries.

Already, ALI handles an impressive 210 queries daily, streamlining administrative processes and improving accessibility for residents.

ALMORADI is rolling out an exciting tourist programme for May, coinciding with its well-deserved recognition as the cultural municipality of the year.

Things kick off on Saturday, May 11 with a tour delving into the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Explore iconic landmarks such as the Casino, Cortés Theatre, Girona Chapel, and the

Antonio Peral, councillor for Development, expressed his satisfaction noting that this recog-

nition underscores the Alicante City Council’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the public sector.

The councillor highlighted the rarity of Spanish projects selected by the OECD, underscoring the significance of Alicante’s achievement.

He sees this recognition as an opportunity to showcase Alicante’s innovation efforts on a global scale, paving the way for ALI to be implemented in other public administrations.

May in Almoradi

Church of San Andrés, where you’ll even have the chance to ascend its bell tower.

Afterwards, you can extend your visit by exploring the Weekly Market, hailed as a Provincial Tourist Interest attraction.

To join the guided tours and

for more information on schedules and meeting points, stay tuned to the social media channels of Turismo Almoradí.

Registration in advance is essential via email at turismo@al moradi.es , as spots are limited and fill up quickly.

ALI: Virtual assistant of Alicante City Council.

Festive Pack

ROSA VIDAL, Elda’s councillor for Tourism, has announced the return of the festive pack designed to enhance visitors’ experiences during the Moors and Christians festivities in Elda.

Vidal emphasised, “This tourist offering is tailored for visitors, providing them with everything they need to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Elda during these special days.”

Priced at €50, the pack includes a guided tour of the city on either Saturday, June 15 or Sunday, June 16.

Participants will have access to key landmarks such as the Castelar Theatre, the Widow of Rosas’ house, and the Church of Santa Ana, guided by knowledgeable staff from the Elda Tourism Office.

Pack is designed to enhance visitors’ experiences during the

The pack also offers a meal at a restaurant in the city centre, complete with beverages, and a reserved seat to witness either the Christian Entrance or the Moorish Entrance procession.

Optionally, guests can arrange accommodation through the

pack’s managing agency.

For further details and reservations call (+34) 965 500 669 or visit the website www.cos tablancainterior.es .

Reflecting on last year’s success, Rosa Vidal shared, “Visitors from France, Germany, the UK, Madrid, Va-

lencia, and Barcelona, among other places, enjoyed this offering.

“They were treated to a guided city tour, leisure time to attend the Alardo and Embassy (on Saturday) or the offering (on Sunday), a satisfying meal, and prime viewing spots for the parade.”

Behind the badge

EURO WEEKLY NEWS recently interviewed a Local Police o cer about his daily work.

Even though he wanted to stay anonymous, he shared some valuable insights.

“I’ve been a police o cer for three years now, starting in 2021. I’ve worked in three di erent places on the Costa Blanca during this time,” he said.

The o cer talked about nding ful lment in helping others, not just catching criminals.

“It’s not only about catching bad guys but also knowing that many people depend on you for help and, most importantly, that you can save lives,” he said.

He currently works in a coastal town south of Alicante.

“In the area I cover, we deal with a lot of problems, especially thefts, ghts, and cases of gender violence,” he explained.

One big challenge is the diverse community he serves, with nearly half being foreigners.

“Almost half of the residents are from other countries, which causes many of the problems we deal with,” he said.

“This diversity sometimes leads to con icts, especially with tourists who see the area mainly as a holiday and not a residential spot.”

The o cer stressed the importance of respect and following basic rules to reduce con icts.

Local Police officer.

“There’s no speci c law foreigners need to know, just like locals, but if everyone respected each other and understood that personal freedom has limits, most incidents wouldn’t occur,” he added.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elda

Moors & Christians.

Europe Day

2024, Torrevieja has prepared a special gala at the International Auditorium featuring a performance by David Civera.

The singer is known for his Eurovision participation in 2001 with the song ‘Tell her I love her’, which achieved a commendable sixth position.

The gala, scheduled for May 9 at 7.30pm, promises to thrill the audience with various performances by

Civera takes the stage.

Tickets are free with an invitation and can be reserved and downloaded from the wesbite culturatorrevie ja.com from Friday, May 3.

Torrevieja City Council will provide a free bus service from Calle Faleria Street to the International Auditorium, with the first departure at 6.00pm and the last at 6.30pm.

On Saturday May 11, the

pe Day’ tournament will be held from 9.45am until 4.00pm at the courts of the Rocajuna urbanisation.

Several European teams, comprised of players based in Torrevieja representing countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Belgium, and the Rest of Europe, will participate.

Spain, the winner of the Tournament last year, will strive to defend their title.

Gastronomic Days

IN the week leading up to May 3, the IES Cap de l’Aljub in Santa Pola will host its 25th Gastronomic Days.

This event is a must-attend not only for culinary students, and people who enjoy cooking but also for top professionals from across the Valencian Community.

Ángel Lillo, the school’s director, described these days as “highly anticipated events within the hospitality community.”

The director confir -

TORREVIEJA has unveiled its 2024 international literary contest titled ‘A Picture in a Thousand Words’.

Since its inception, this contest has attracted renowned authors from across Latin America, as well as Spanish-speaking authors residing in any country.

To participate, submit your

Picture in words

stories, exactly 1,000 words in length excluding the title, inspired by two images captured by accredited local photographer Tomás Ortiz Mendiluces.

med: “This year, our focus is on artificial intelligence, which is rapidly revolutionising the restaurant industry and promising significant improvements.”

All the sessions are open to the public until capacity is reached, and interested individuals can reserve spots via a form on the website: iescapdelaljub.com

The sessions will also be streamed live for those unable to attend in person.

Winners will receive prizes of €500.

Entries for this international contest should be submitted via the Internet to the email address provided by Ars Creatio: arscrea tio.com/concursos/

The deadline for submissions is July 31, and the winners will be announced in October.

Santa Pola

MUST-ATTEND: A great event for culinary students.

Global ranking

THE University of Alicante (UA) continues to shine on the global stage with yet another positive ranking.

According to Study Abroad Aide (SAA), one of the leading databases for universities and higher education centres worldwide, UA has secured a spot in the World Best Value Universities Rankings 2024.

This places UA in the top 17 per cent of universities globally, an impressive feat considering the vast number of institutions evaluated.

In a classification that assessed 8,060 public and private universities from 69 countries, UA stands tall at position 1,360.

This recognition is a testament to UA’s commitment to providing high-quality education at an affordable cost.

The study, which considers parameters like academic reputation and affordability, aims to promote the mobility of international students by offering them accessible options without compromising educational

Furthermore, UA’s performance in the Academic Classification of World Universities, also known as the Shanghai Ranking, saw a significant improvement in 2023.

Advancing 100 positions, UA secured a place among the top 600 universities globally.

This ranking considers various criteria such as research output, faculty performance, and notable alumni.

WhatsApp wonders

ORIHUELA has launched a WhatsApp channel to offer locals easy access to tourist information.

Residents and visitors can now get updates directly on their phones about events, news, updates and tourist programmes.

The idea behind this initiative is to provide a convenient platform for people who don’t use social media.

Gonzalo Montoya, the councillor for Tourism, explains, “We want everyone in Orihuela to know about our tourist activities.

“By introducing the WhatsApp channel, we’re making this info more accessible to those not on social media or websites.

“This channel allows us to reach a broader audience and guarantee that no one misses any important events or news.”

This new channel adds to the council’s existing communication channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where they regularly share tourism news.

To join the Orihuela Tourism Department’s WhatsApp channel, head to whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWZJ tTEQIaoovjA2o33

Orihuela’s mayor, Pep Vegara, expressed, “Our aim is to make tourist info in Orihuela easy to access so everyone can enjoy what our city offers.”

quality.

Positive news.

Image: Universidad de Alicante / Facebook

Gonzalo Montoya, Orihuela’s councillor for Tourism.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela / Facebook.

Nora Shephard

ON Sunday, May 5, Elche celebrates not only Mother’s Day but also a day of charity.

The Plaça de Baix will come alive with a charity sports event starting at 10.00am.

Hundreds of bicycles will fill the space for the Outdoor Cycle Solidarity Masterclass, organised by the Venerable and Sacramental Mayordomía del Santísimo Corpus Christi of Elche.

Tickets are priced at €20, and if you’re interested, you’ll need to act fast as groups are already filling up.

This energetic sporting event serves a noble purpose, aiming to raise funds for the activities of the Mayordomía del Corpus and support its social fund.

The Masterclass will feature top-notch instructors leading four sessions split into two groups.

Splashing around Sporting fun

THE Splash Park at Río Safari

Elche is currently undergoing expansion renovations, with exciting new attractions being added to increase the size of the water park by about one-third of its previous size.

This expansion which will be complete in time for summer will provide visitors with more recreational space, additional dining options, and a new building for changing rooms and toilets.

The Splash Park at Río Safari Elche began in 2017 as a small area featuring water jets, geysers, and a 500-litre bucket that dumps water, creating above-ground water games without a pool.

In 2018, a new section was added, including a water castle with seven slides, followed by the addition of four more slides to a 16-metre tower in 2019.

Group A will be led by trainers Jose Gil (Tiro de Pichón) and Fermín Zurdo (FZfitness), along with Jose, Rafa, and Jose from Seville.

as well as Simón from Montesinos, alongside Paco Rubio (Toledo).

Meanwhile, Group B will include local talents Palmira, Vero, and Manu,

Expect a lively sports festival catering to both athletes and spectators.

Enjoy music, food and drink stalls, and various surprises throughout the day.

Now, the Río Safari Splash Park is expanding further with attractions for both adults and children.

Access to the aquatic area requires purchasing admission to the zoo rst.

For more information or to register for the masterclass head to: el che.es.

Elche Safari have con rmed that “the Splash Park serves as a complement to the zoo experience rather than detracting from it.”

ELCHE: Will come alive with a charity sports event on Sunday May 5.

Water park.

Image: Rio Safari Elche

Exporting excellence

IN the first two months of this year, exports from the Valencian Community dropped by 5.3 per cent compared to last year, totalling €6,370.5 million.

Despite this, there was still a surplus of €873.4m in trade, meaning exports exceeded imports by 115.9 per cent.

The Valencian Community’s exports make up about 10.3 per cent of Spain’s total exports.

Nuria Montes, Alicante’s councillor for Commerce, praised Valencian companies for their commitment to international trade despite challenges.

Breaking down exports by province, Valencia saw a 7.1 per cent decline in exports, Castellon saw a slight increase of 1.4 per cent, and Alicante experienced an 8.1 per cent decrease.

The food and beverage industry and capital goods sectors saw growth in exports, contributing positively to overall export performance.

Most of the Valencian Community’s exports (about 60 per cent) went to European Union countries, with France, Germany, and Italy being the top destinations.

Exports to America and Asia decreased, while exports to Africa increased compared to last year.

Sporting solidarity

THE Real Club Nautico Torrevieja (RCNT) has renewed its commitment to supporting adapted sports through a recently signed agreement.

Established in 2016, this agreement aims to foster adapted nautical sports and support teams participating in adapted competitions.

For the past eight years, RCNT has worked to raise awareness about adapted sports and promote the values they embody.

RCNT President Carlos Carmona emphasised that this agreement provides significant support to the club, not only in terms of sports but also socially and in terms of participation, promoting inclusivity.

He stated, “Through these agreements, we can give back to Torre -

vieja what we receive from it, as the city and the club are deeply interconnected.”

Trudy Páez, councillor for Attention to Diversity, highlighted the importance of respect,

solidarity, and non-discrimination through sports, specifically in nautical sports.

Debtfree

ALMORADI Town Hall has just announced with pride that it is on the verge of achieving a remarkable feat: becoming debt-free. This achievement is a significant contrast to the situation of many other local authorities in Alicante Province and across the country.

Despite the challenging financial landscape, the council has diligently managed to pay off all loans taken out with financial institutions.

Remarkably, even after clearing its debts, the town hall will still have funds available for substantial projects benefiting the town.

NAUTICAL SPORTS: Providing significant support to the local club.

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

CALCIO STORICO, which originated in Florence in the 16th century, is a combination of football, rugby and wrestling, played in historical costumes. The four teams from the four historic quarters of Florence compete against each other, playing the two semi-finals and the final to determine the winner.

Piazza Santa Croce, located in front of the Santa Croce church, has always been the place where this game has been played. The square is set up as it was in the days when the game began, a dirty and dusty square, overlooked by the stands for spectators to enjoy the spectacle.

The first rules of Calcio were published in 1580 by Giovanni de’ Bardi, a Florentine count. Invented by the rich and wealthy classes of Florence at the time, the game was initially the exclusive preserve of the aristocrats and was played every night before Epiphany and Lent.

Teams consist of 27 players and both hands and feet can be used. Points are scored by shooting the ball at a designated place within the perimeter of the court, with another point scored by run-

ning along the short sides of the court. Each game lasts 50 minutes and the winning team will be the one with the most points scored.

For 2024 the dates for the semi-finals are Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2 with the final on Saturday June 15. The day of celebrations and events ends on the banks of the Arno to watch the fireworks display.

The most brutal sport in the world Losses for PostNord

LIKE Royal Mail in the UK, Denmark’s PostNord has noticed a drop in the number of letters that people and businesses write and send.

The service, which is jointly owned by the Danish and Swedish states, delivered 28 per cent fewer letters during the first quarter of 2024 compared with the first three months of 2023.

This brought an operating loss of 63 million Swedish kronor (€5.4 million) now that the service operates in a free market after the government revoked PostNord’s obligation

to deliver post to all addresses, however remote, in June 2023.

This requirement entailed continual losses for the service despite annual government subsidies that ran into hundreds of millions of kroner which came to an end following the changes agreed in June 2023.

Although backed by most of the country’s political parties, not all were happy with the changes. “It’s crucial that all Danes in all of the country will still be able to send and receive letters,” Thomas Monberg, the Social Democrats Transport spokesman said.

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.”

Pedro Sánchez will remain as Spain’s President.

The prize for the winning team? A prize Chianina cow!

Photo: Facebook / Calcio Storico Fiorentino

Just passing through

THE Welkom Wolf hotline received calls from four people who reported seeing a wolf in Mol (Antwerp Province) on April 25.

Its first appearance was around noon near a crossroads adjoining woodland and it was seen around an hour later crossing the Mol ring road, moving towards the Mol Nete valley where a motorist took its photograph.

As night fell, still on April 25, the wolf was spotted in Mol-Ezaart on the far side of the Mol Nete valley.

A spokesperson for Welkom Wolf explained that when a wolf is on the move, it can travel up to 80 kilometres in one night. The non-profit organisation emphasised that wolves were harmless to humans and even preferred to avoid them.

“Wolves with an established territory mainly live off game, but roaming wolves tend to migrate through areas they don’t know at all,” the spokesperson continued. “Game is therefore more difficult to find, and they are likely to eat unprotected small animals that cross their path.”

The wolf, which Welkom Wolf said was a young adult, possibly came from Limburg’s pack of 13 animals although its experts also said it could have travelled even further as it looked for a permanent hunting ground.

It was unlikely to remain for long in the Mol area, they said, as young wolves travel “hundreds or even thousands of kilometres” before they can claim a territory and find a mate.

Another chilly King’s Day

Linda Hall

THE weather is rarely good on King’s Day, a national holiday that coincides with monarch Willem-Alexander’s birthday on April 27.

In contrast, people remember that Queen’s Day, which honoured Willem-Alexander’s mother Beatrix on April 30 until she abdicated in his favour in 2013, was invariably warmer and sunnier. Roosmarijn Knol, weather forecaster for the national broadcaster NOS, recently studied records to verify whether this was an urban myth.

To her surprise, she found that the three-day difference did, in fact, make a difference.

“I have come to the surprising conclusion there is some truth in that feeling,” Knol said. “If you look at the statistics, there is a difference of one degree Celsius between

the two dates. On April 27 it’s 15 degrees on average and on the 30th it’s 16. And it also rains more on the 26.”

The warmest Queen’s Day reached 27 degrees, seven degrees more the

20 degree, King’s Day record set in 2020.

It was difficult to explain, Knol continued. It could be that April 27 was slightly closer to winter and it was also important to take climate

change into account, she suggested.

“But there is no single cause,” the presenter said, as she correctly predicted highs of 15 degrees for King’s Day 2024.

KING’S DAY: A day for celebrating in the Netherlands.

Photo credit: Flickr/Paula Abrahao

MOTOR FAIR: Offering a wide variety of new and used vehicles as well as motorcycles.

Firauto motor show

IFA-FIRA ALACANT is gearing up to host, from May 10 to 12, a prominent edition of the province’s most important motor show, o ering a wide variety of new and used vehicles, as well as motorcycle accessories. The fair, comprising the 51st edition of FIRAUTO, the 37th of EXPOCAR, and the 19th of SOBRE2RUEDAS, will turn the two pavilions of IFA-Fira Alacant into a large dealership for three days.

With over 130 brands and 1,500 vehicles on display, the motorcycle o er will be reinforced compared to previous editions, covering a total area of 29,400 square meters. During the event, visitors will be able to enjoy exclusive discounts on hundreds of mid-range and high-end models.

The car brands present will include Peugeot, Hyundai, Renault, Dacia, Opel, Nissan,

Citroën, Kia, Mazda, Jaguar, Seat, Honda, BMW, Mini, Audi, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Volvo, Fiat, Jeep, Ssangyong, Alfa Romeo, MG, Volkswagen, Cupra, Subaru, DFSK, Lexus, Toyota, Suzuki, Land Rover, and Ford, among others.

Meanwhile, SOBRE2RUEDAS will bring together over 50 motorcycle brands such as Suzuki, Ducati, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Harley Davidson, BMW, Piaggio, Aprilia, KTM, Vespa, Triumph, among others.

The event will run from 10am to 9pm, with tickets available for €4 in advance or €7 at the actual ticket o ce. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult will be free. Visitors can also download a discount voucher from the fair’s website, valid for up to four people and not cumulative with other promotions. www. ralacant.com

Was Sánchez right? VOX Pop

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

“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 will try to limit the damage by resigning. Sadly, I now feel that all politicians have many dirty tricks

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.

LAIONI AMBER

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

“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.”

TOM

VIKTORIA DEUTGEN

LAIONI AMBER

LOUISE COOK

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

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-

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.

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.

Low Emission Zones intended to cut noise and physical pollution.

This is what the labels look like.

Flying Cars VOX Pop

THE news about music legend Jean-Michel Jarre taking a ride in the KleinVision flying car has stirred up curiosity and opinions.

To hop into one of these futuristic vehicles, you not only need a driver’s licence but also a pilot’s licence, along with undergoing a specialised two-to-three month flying course to master operating the AirCar.

We hit the streets of the Costa Blanca to gauge the pulse of visitors and residents on this innovative concept.

Will it soar high or remain a plaything for the wealthy?

EMMA , a 17-year-old holidaymaker from the UK, remarked, “Flying cars seem like a luxury for the rich. Who else has the time and money for all that training and the vehicle itself?

“Maybe in the distant future, they’ll be more accessible, but by then, cars may be a thing of the past.”

PABLO, in his 50s and a local resident, shared, “Looks like a lot of fun! But a luxury for the wealthy.”

STEVEN, an expatriate now settled in Costa Blanca, echoed similar sentiments, “Clearly, it’s just a fun toy for the rich.”

, a 23-year-old Swedish student currently studying at Alicante University, expressed concerns, “There are enough dangerous drivers on the roads, I dread to think what will happen if we fill the sky with cars.”

EMMA WOOLLEY

STEVEN PHILLIPS

Princess Army

Anna Akopyan

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

Special Officer Training is a program me aimed at people who hold an aca demic degree and can spend be tween 20 to 25 months in training.

The Armed Forces emphasised the programme is to offer “a deeper understanding of tac tics, military science and mi litary strategy.” According to the Defence, this training will play an integral part in Princess Victoria’s development to be come the head of state.

The Crown Prin cess already holds military experien ce, having under gone basic mili tary training at Swedint in 2003,

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

Sweden’s recent unification with NATO had a significant 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 field 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

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 offshoot 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 Jeff Koons.

Crown Princess Victoria.

Credit: Kungahuset, Facebook

Katrin Westman alongside her special BMW.

Pink boxes

ITALY is transfor ming photo booths into a refuge for wo men where they can call for help. They will be sca ttered throughout the cities, in the most difficult 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 ‘Differenza Donna’, and Dedem, a company specialising in the manufacture 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

INTERVIEW

booths themselves as first contact points with the violence and stalking help line, simply by pressing a button. By the end of June the first 50 Pink Boxes will be set up, from Agrigento to Milan, via Naples, Rome, Turin, Verona and Bari, to name but a few cities. By the end of the year there will be 300 points, thanks to the technological support of DMP Electronics for the production of the device.

“Access to 1522 is a fundamental protection for women experiencing violence,” explained the president of ‘Differenza Donna’, Elisa Ercoli. “It means having the availability, in anonymity and confidentiality, to deal with experts who listen to the reality she is experiencing, getting her out of a defensive and dangerous situation”.

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.

Whilst her parents would have been happy to cover the costs of attending university, Victoria decided she wanted to strike out and be independent, so her first challenge was to learn Spanish which she found relatively easy and supported herself by working in Real Estate.

Soon fluent in Dutch, 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.

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.”

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

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

HELP LINE: Instant connection to 1522 call centre.

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

Tesla one of the earliest forces in electric vehicles.

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

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.

Credit: urswidmer61 Creative Commons

Queens for film

THE Queens of Spain and the Netherlands attended the 10th Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival, established to promote the a liation between the two nations.

The annual Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival invited innovative Spanish lmmakers, cinematography students and public gures 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 lms 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.

Charlie gets his flight

A VISITOR to Dublin Airport had to wait a month and a half before his departure.

A starling had been trapped inside Dublin Airport’s Terminal 1 for six weeks. The incident had captivated social media users and travellers alike, turning the bird into a minor celebrity.

The bird’s fame even prompted the airport to run a poll for people to give it a name. Some of the choices included: Flyin O’Driscoll, and Clarice, but with 89 per cent of the votes, Charlie (Bird) won hands down.

For as long as six weeks, the small starling was seen fluttering about inside the terminal, leading to worries about its well-being.

soon.’

In an effort to reassure Charlie’s fans, they added: In the meantime, the public can be fully assured that the bird is getting plenty to eat and drink and is healthy.

Finally, on Tuesday, April 23, officials from Dublin Airport revealed that after numerous weeks of concern from the public and viral videos on TikTok, the feathered traveller was finally set free.

Dublin airport announced: ‘A happy update from Dublin Airport: ‘Charlie’ the starling has been rescued from Terminal 1 and is now on his way back to his friends in the wild…’

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

Earlier, Dublin Airport took to social media: ‘We note the concern about the bird currently living in Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport.

‘Helping a small (and very speedy!) bird to get out of such a vast and busy building is no easy task. But the airport team is on the case and - in consultation with wildlife and bird experts - a process is underway which will get the bird safely on its way very

They later added: ‘Today is hunky dory for our T1 bird, Charlie, as his T1 adventures have come to an end. The best take off of the day.’ The massage was accompanied with a brief video of an airport staff member escorting Charlie out.

The freeing of Charlie the starling not only relieved animal lovers but also provided a moment of light-heartedness and community interaction for all involved.

Credit: S.M. La Reina Letizia, Facebook

Queens attending a Film Festival 2024.

Divine illumination

ARCHBISHOP Marek Jedraszewski of Kraków has now consecrated what is being hailed as the world’s largest stained glass window, installed at the Church of Lord Jesus the Good Shepherd in the north of the city.

This magnificent artwork comprises 27 vertical sections, each depicting different biblical scenes, collectively spanning a surface area of 426 square metres, slightly larger than a basketball court.

Maciej Szwagierczak, an artist from the studio responsible for the project, noted the absence of a larger single stained glass window in his research.

Named ‘Through the Cross to Salvation’, the ensemble centres on Christ as the gateway to salvation, surrounded not

by sheep but by saints and apostles, symbolising their redemption through faith in him.

Prof Wincenty Kucma, the concept artist, is renowned in Poland for his sculptural and illustrative work, as well as for his teaching at the Krakow Academy of Fine Arts.

His portfolio includes notable monuments such as the Warsaw Uprising monument and the Defenders of the Polish Post Office monument in Gdansk.

This impressive addition further solidifies Kraków’s status as a destination for stained glass enthusiasts, complementing the city’s Stained Glass Museum and its historic stained glass factory, established in 1907 and now home to the museum.

No phone = free wine

George Cunningham

AL CONDOMINIO , a recently opened restaurant in the northern Italian city of Verona, has introduced a unique offer for diners happy to disconnect from their mobile phones.

The restaurant is offering a ‘digital detox’ special, where patrons can enjoy a free bottle of wine in exchange for temporarily relinquishing their electronic devices.

Under this offer, couples are invited to hand over their phones to the restaurant staff, who will lock them away in a drawer while the diners enjoy their meal.

In return, each couple will receive a complimentary bottle of wine. For groups, the offer changes slightly, with one free bottle of wine provided for every four

people participating.

Angelo Lella, co-founder of Al Condominio, explained the inspiration behind the initiative: “The restaurant offer in Verona is already very broad and valuable, [so] we had to propose an alternative.”

Angelo emphasised the concept of Digital Detox as a way to provi -

de a new and intriguing experience for those seeking novel gastronomic and social experiences.

The co-founder highlighted the luxury of freeing oneself from technology, valuing spending time with the company of friends and family while enjoying a nice glass of wine.

STAINED GLASS: The window is deemed to be the world’s largest.

Image: Archidiecezja Krakowska / You Tube

NO PHONES: Locked away while you enjoy your meal.

Image: Al Condominio Ristorante

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

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

The McCartney Songbook: A timeless tribute

GET ready to sing along to the world’s most cherished songbook, showcased in a powerful new production. Let loose your inner Beatlemania and prepare to be transported to a musical era like no other with ‘The McCartney Songbook’, an eagerly anticipated tribute to the iconic Sir Paul McCartney.

Arriving in Benidorm on May 12, this extraordinary production promises to recreate the voice and musical mastery of the legendary musician, allowing audiences to embark on a thrilling journey through his illustrious career. From his groundbreaking work with The Beatles to his solo ventures, including ‘Wings’, Sir Paul’s contributions have earned him over 60 gold discs and global sales exceeding 100 million albums and singles.

Expect to be transported to the heyday of rock ‘n’ roll as over 30 timeless classics come alive on stage,

from the infectious energy of ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ to the anthemic ‘Hey Jude’ and the heartfelt balladry of ‘Let It Be’. Led by the incomparable Peter Jackson, acclaimed for his captivating portrayal of Sir Paul in West End hits, this production promises a memorable showcase full of energy, romance, and exceptional musical talent.

With authentic costume and instrumentation complete, Peter Jackson and his band breathe new life into the legendary McCartney Songbook, drawing inspiration from rock ‘n’ roll icons like Eddie Cochran and Johnny Cash. Their mesmerising vocals and exceptional musical talent have earned them acclaim in tribute shows across the UK and Europe.

Hosted at the grandeur of the Benidorm Palace, one of Europe’s largest party venues, ‘The McCartney Songbook’ offers an evening to cherish. As talented musicians and performers

take the stage, audiences can bask in the glow of McCartney’s timeless compositions, evoking a sense of nostalgia and euphoria. Tickets, priced between €30 and €38, are now available for purchase on the Benidorm Palace website. The concert begins at 8.30pm and runs for approximately two hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.

With glowing reviews from esteemed publications and industry insiders, ‘The McCartney Songbook’ has received widespread acclaim. Hailed as “perfect” by the Evening Standard and awarded a stellar “Five Stars” by the London Standard, this production offers an authentic tribute to the musical genius of Sir Paul McCartney. Geoff Emerick, the original Beatles engineer, describes it as “the closest thing to Paul I’ve ever heard.”

Don’t miss your chance to secure your place at this unforgettable

ADVERTISING FEATURE

event. Visit Benidorm Palace’s website at https://www.mccartneythe songbook.com/ for ticket bookings and to discover more about this spectacular production. Be sure to check out the thrilling trailer, and get ready to embark on a musical journey unlike any other.

Cheers to Beer

CALLING all craft beer enthusiasts!

Do you fancy a fun craft beer-tasting session at the Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante? Every Saturday and Sunday, you can join in for a tasting that lasts around 45 minutes to an hour.

You’ll be guided through a flavourful journey by an expert, trying out four different types of beer specially selected for two people.

To make it more enjoyable, there will be tasty snacks like olives and nuts to complement your sipping adventure. These tastings happen in the mornings at the Torre de Santa Catalina and in the afternoons at the Baluarte de la Contramina, both spots offering a one-of-a-kind vibe within the castle walls.

Do you have questions or want to book your spot? Drop an email to reserva@castillodesantabar bara.com.

Photo: Shutterstock

IN the realm of culinary delights, time seems to have sprinted with astonishing speed, heralding nearly a decade of savoury sensations at Punjabi Palace I in La Marquesa, nestled snugly at the base of the golf course. Meanwhile, Punjabi Palace II in Cabo Roig is now celebrating its fifth year on May 16 with a special night you will not want to miss. Both establishments are veritable beacons of gas-

Punjabi Palace II celebrating it’s 5th year

tronomic excellence, renowned for their delectable North Indian cuisine.

Punjabi Palace is not just a restaurant; it’s an odyssey through the rich tapestry of Indian flavours. With a sprawling menu offering an array of options, from succulent meat dishes to flavourful vegetarian dishes, every palate finds its paradise here. Whether you adhere to a vegan, halal, or gluten-free diet, your preferences will be catered to with meticulous care, ensuring a deeply satisfying dining experience.

Despite modest increases in prices, Punjabi Palace remains determined in its commitment to delivering generous portions of high-quality food at reasonable rates. The hallmark of their success lies in their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. This personalised service, coupled with a genuine concern for customers, has earned them a devoted following, with enthusiasts travelling from distant areas to partake in the Punjabi Palace experience week

after week.

Step inside, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere, where people of diverse nationalities converge to revel in culinary bliss. The La Marquesa branch boasts a spacious interior delicately adorned and complemented by a sun-kissed terrace with beautiful plants, exuding warmth and tranquillity - an idyllic setting for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or convivial evenings with friends.

Their culinary expertise has not gone unnoticed, having clinched the TripAdvisor Excellence Award thrice, along with culinary accolades and recognition as the finest Indian restaurant in the region, cementing their status as culinary connoisseurs.

Both establishments welcome diners seven days a week, offering a fabulous lunchtime special from noon to 3pm for a mere €12.95 per person, followed by evening service from 6pm until late, with the exception of Tuesdays when afternoon clo-

sures are observed.

For those yet to embark on a gastronomic voyage at Punjabi Palace, there’s no better time than during their upcoming fifth anniversary celebration. Mark your calendars for May 16, Punjabi Palace II in Cabo Roig, as they commemorate a decade of culinary excellence. Priced at €59.95 per couple, the anniversary soirée promises an evening of indulgence, accompanied by live music courtesy of Paula - a fitting tribute to a decade of delectable delights. Treat yourself and your partner to the pinnacle of Indian cuisine amidst an ambiance steeped in celebration and sophistication.

You can call the restaurants on the following numbers and also make reservations via Facebook:Booking is highly recommended.

Punjabi Palace I – La Marquesa Golf, Quesada – Tel: 966 714 963

Punjabi Palace II – CC Lomas de Cabo Roig – Tel: 865 754 972

Brexit Boosts Food Sales:

Grandma Kate’s Kitchen delivers affordable and delicious meals in Costa Blanca

IN the heart of Costa Blanca, a rapidly growing British-owned company is shaking up the food scene like never before. Meet DinDins SL, fondly referred to by its loyal customers as Grandma Kate’s Kitchen. This culinary gem has seized the challenges presented by Brexit and turned them into opportunities to revolutionise how we eat.

As Brexit makes British food imports pricier and harder to come by due to customs red tape and product shrinkage, Demi Hobbs, Senior Partner of DinDins SL, saw a chance to make a difference. “British food has become increasingly costly for consumers, especially for pensioners on fixed incomes,” Demi explains. In response, they’ve crafted a unique approach - small-batch, nutritious meals bursting with flavour, sourced from local produce, and devoid of those hefty overseas transport costs. Plus, they’ve got a nifty solution for veggie scraps: feeding them to Demi’s

dad’s chickens. Waste not, want not! But that’s just the tip of the culinary iceberg. DinDins SL has seen remarkable progress since the pandemic, especially with their Prep2u range - a hit among health-conscious foodies. These meals are meticulously designed with high-quality ingredients, portion control, and calorie counting, perfect for busy individuals striving to eat well.

And it doesn’t stop there. Grandma Kate’s Kitchen isn’t just about satisfying individual cravings; they’re also lending a hand to small bars and restaurants. With a shortage of skilled kitchen workers and high staff turnover, DinDins SL provides a lifeline by offering top-notch food supplies, ensuring consistently good food and slashing costs on both food waste and staff overheads.

Expanding their reach even further, DinDins SL has partnered with local retailers, making their fresh and frozen produce even more ac-

TRIBUTE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

cessible and reducing last-mile delivery costs. Looking ahead, they’re on the lookout for local agents, distributors, and caregivers to join forces in delivering better-tasting, high-quality meals to elderly and housebound customers - an alternative to mass-produced, flavourless ready meals.

So, dear readers of the Euro Weekly News, it’s time to treat your taste buds. Head over to www. prep2u.es and take your pick from the mouthwatering Prep2u menu or Grandma Kate’s Kitchen delights. And don’t forget to use the coupon code ‘Euroweekly20’ to snag a hefty 20 per cent off your first order.

With Grandma Kate’s Kitchen & Prep2u eating well and living well are no longer distant dreamsthey’re delicious realities, tailored to fit your lifestyle.

prep2uspain@gmail.com Contact us: +34 711 037 421

ON Friday May 17, the Emerald Isle will host a special tribute to ‘Fleetwood Mac’ in celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day.

From 2pm to 3pm, the Wild Card Tribute Band will take the stage at Emerald Isle, located in Urbanizacion La Florida, Alicante. Known for their electrifying performances, the Wild Card Tribute Band will pay homage to Fleetwood Mac’s timeless classics, captivating the audience with their authentic renditions.

Formed in 1967 in London, Fleetwood Mac has traversed the musical landscape, transitioning from a blues-driven sound to becoming an icon of pop rock. Despite lineup changes, their artistic integrity remained steadfast, propelling them to unparalleled success with over 100 million records sold worldwide.

Their influence extends far beyond their genre, inspiring countless musicians across different musical styles. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and honoured with numerous awards, Fleetwood Mac’s legacy continues to thrive, cementing their status as one of the most influential bands in music history.

This tribute concert promises to be a nostalgic journey through Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits, transporting attendees back to the golden era of rock music. It’s a chance for fans to relive the magic of Fleetwood Mac and honour Norwegian Constitution Day in style at Emerald Isle.

Admission to the event will be free of charge.

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

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 in-

dex 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

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 Lee’s

Queen Maxima at A Beautiful Mess.

Koninklijk

X

Power to the people

Brewing AI brilliance

A HELSINKI-BASED artisan coffee roastery recently unveiled a groundbreaking coffee blend, made with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

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

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

Finland, with its high coffee 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 flavour profiles and appeal to coffee lovers.

Hampf, a representative from Kaffa Roastery, explained the process: “We provided the AI with detailed descriptions of our coffee types and flavours, 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 different types of coffee beans, rather than the usual two or three.

Despite initial scepticism, blind testing confirmed the blend’s excellence, with Kaffa’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

FORMER Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham has named Spain’s Queen Letizia as her ‘Definite muse.’

Queen Letizia - Posh’s fashion icon

In a recent interview published by Vogue Spain on Tuesday, April 23, British designer Victoria Beckham revealed that Queen Letizia of Spain has become her ultimate fashion muse. This revelation comes after the Queen was spotted in a striking green dress from Beckham’s collection during the reception before King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023.

Victoria mentioned how excited she was to see the Spanish Queen in her ‘Bella in green’ dress, highli-

ghting the impact of Queen Letizia choosing the design for such a prestigious event.

Although not personally acquainted with the Queen, Beckham admires her from afar. “I don’t know her in person, but I find her very beautiful and elegant. She is never wrong in terms of fashion,” she commented.

Victoria Beckham also touched on her personal experiences while residing in Spain. Between 2003 and 2007, she lived there with her husband, David Beckham, who was then a part of the Real Madrid football team. Despite her fondness for Spain, she felt greatly misunderstood by the media during that time.

She went on to explain how she had never voiced complaints about it, but how it was comforting to see that people are finally recognising the truth, reflecting on how public perception had shifted.

In addition to her personal reflections, Beckham has collaborated with Spanish brand Mango to launch a new capsule collection, further cementing her ties with the country.

Beckham disclosed how she had often felt misunderstood over the years. She felt this most keenly during her time in Spain. “And this misunderstanding did not come from me, it came from the media and the images that the media published at the time.”

Didn’t organise drinks in a brewery

Michael Cano

A BELGIAN man who worked at a brewery couldn’t understand why he kept being stopped by the police, breathalysed and then charged for being

over the limit.

He was quite adamant that he had not been drinking alcohol but this has been an ongoing problem and in 2019 he lost his driving licence for a period of time and then once he got it back the situation continued.

Finally his smart lawyer discovered that (ironically considering his place of work) there was a recognised and very rare condition known as auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), which is also known as gut fermenta-

tion syndrome.

In a very small number of people, a fermentation of ingested carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract of the body caused by bacteria or fungi cau-

ses the creation of ethanol which would then course an increase in blood alcohol which would be detected by the breathalyser.

Finally, producing evidence from three doctors who examined him independently, the anonymous 40-year-old man’s lawyer convinced the court in Bruges that he suffered from ABS and he was acquitted.

Although ABS is not catching and it is unusual to be born with it, research has indicated that it can be triggered by another disease such as diabetes or Crohn’s.

In many cases those who suffer from ABS display no signs of drunkenness and can (as shown by this victim) act quite normally although others can display symptoms of being slightly the worse for wear or even suffer hangovers without having enjoyed a drink.

Fashion icon, Queen Letizia.

Unfortunate job for man with autobrewery syndrome.

From fresco fumbles to statue slip-ups

REMEMBER my recent column about the Tenerife priest who ordered 300-year-old frescoes to be painted over? He claimed he didn’t know the frescoes were protected and that “we’re now in hands of God” while experts assess if they can be salvaged.

In fact, local and national papers were quick to note at the time the similarities with the so-called Monkey Christ restoration of 2012. On that occasion a parishioner’s unfinished attempt to restore a fresco of the scourged Christ in the north-eastern Spanish town of Borja went viral, prompting endless memes and attracting tens of thousands of tourists.

Other high-profile, botched Spanish restorations have followed, including (in a chapel in Navarre) an overly restored statue of Saint George who was left with a rosy pink face and a strikingly bold suit of armour that reminded some of Tintin and others of a Playmobil figure.

Then came the makeover of three statues in Asturias, reminiscent of a

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

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

make-up session gone wrong. An amateur restorer thought they needed a facelift - garish robes, turquoise green hair and a touch of make-up - leaving them looking more like they’re in fancy dress than religious icons.

Seems like Spain’s restoration adventures are the gift that keeps on giving. With each blunder we are reminded that, sometimes, less is more - especially when it comes to preserving history!

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

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

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.

Consistency is key Skincare in AC

REDUCING cellulite requires a comprehensive approach that combines healthy habits and targeted treatments. Start by incorporating regular exercise into your routine, focusing on strength training and cardiovascular activities to tone muscles and improve circulation. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help reduce fat accumulation and promote skin health.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of

water to flush out toxins and maintain skin elasticity. Consider dry brushing or massage to stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve blood flow. Topical treatments like caffeine-infused creams or retinol-based products may also help tighten skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Consistency is key when addressing cellulite, so commit to a healthy lifestyle and incorporate these strategies into your daily routine for best results.

AIR conditioning can have both positive and negative effects on our skin. While it helps regulate indoor temperatures and humidity, prolonged exposure to air conditioning can lead to dryness and dehydration of the skin. The dry air from air conditioning systems can strip away natural oils, leaving the skin fee ling tight and flaky. Additionally, air condi tioning can contribute to skin irritation and exacer bate conditions like ecze ma and psoriasis due to reduced moisture levels in the air. To combat the se effects, it’s essential to moisturise regularly, use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air, and avoid setting the air conditioner too low. Proper skincare routines that

Shutterstock / elenavolf

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Optica Llamusi: Unlock better vision and hearing

IN Orihuela Costa, Optica Llamusi stands for those seeking comprehensive eye and ear care. Under the seasoned leadership of Geronimo Salmeron Martinez, boasting over 30 years of expertise, Optica Llamusi seamlessly blends optical and audiological services, offering a diverse range of meticulously crafted solutions to cater to the distinct needs of every patron. As you step into Optica Llamusi,

you embark on a journey towards improved vision. Their extensive services encompass thorough eye examinations, personalised prescriptions, and a curated selection of eyewear, ensuring meticulous attention to every aspect of vision correction and refinement.

Dedicated to delivering superior hearing solutions, Optica Llamusi excels in audiology. Utilising advanced audiometric testing and personalised adjustments, they guarantee precise and comfortable fittings for each hearing aid, empowering you to navigate the world with enhanced clarity and confidence. From discreet, nearly invisible options to powerful devices packed with features, they cater to every hearing need with unmatched precision and excellence. Encounter issues with your hearing aids? Optica Llamusi

provides prompt and reliable repair services to ensure flawless functionality. Whether it’s a minor adjustment or a major overhaul, their skilled techni cians are dedicated to providing you with peace of mind and optimal hearing experiences.

Beyond optics and audiology, Optica Llamusi offers a range of additional services, including watch repairs, battery replacements, and a curated collection of jewellery and watches. Their expertise in low vision aids further emphasises their commitment to comprehensive care for individuals with unique visual needs.

Take advantage of Optica Llamusi’s exclusive spring promo -

tions, including monofocal glasses starting from just €55 and progressive lenses from €140. Plus, enjoy complimentary services such as free hearing aid trials, personalised fittings, and flexible financing options to suit any budget.

Mention Euro Weekly News to receive a 10 per cent discount on selected services.

Conveniently located at Calle Flores, Local 11, Commercial Centre Zenia Golf, Orihuela Costa, 03189, Optica Llamusi serves residents across Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, San Pedro, Pilar de la Horadada, San Javier and Orihuela.

For expert eye and ear care, contact Optica Llamusi today on +34 966 730 604, via WhatsApp on +34 630 046 649, or email them at llamusiz@gmail. com. Stay updated with the latest news and information by visiting their Facebook page, ‘Optica Llamusi Orihuela Costa’. Don’t let vision or hearing concerns hold you back. Trust Optica Llamusi to provide you with comprehensive care and tailored solutions. Visit them today and embark on your journey to clearer vision and sharper hearing.

Ethical beauty

THE beauty industry is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability, with more brands embracing eco-friendly practices in ingredient sourcing and packaging. This shift is driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for products

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

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 with their va-

‘Easy Wheels Rent-A-Car’: Confidence in every drive

IN the quest for car rental services that offer transparency and ease, Easy Wheels Rent-A-Car emerges as a standout choice. Located in the scenic region of Los Alcazares in Murcia, this company’s name is synonymous with hassle-free rentals.

Founded by Maurice McCarthy, an Irish entrepreneur with extensive experience in Spain, Easy Wheels Rent-ACar is on a mission to transform your

travel experience. With its top-notch services and no-nonsense approach, it aims to revolutionise the way you explore.

Their impressive fleet of vehicles caters to every traveller’s needs. From compact cars like ‘Dacia Logans’ and ‘Opel Corsas’ to spacious options including ‘Ford Mondeos’ and even luxurious Jaguars, they have it all. Need a larger vehicle for some extra space?

They’ve got you covered with seven and nine-seater options as well. What truly sets Easy Wheels Rent-ACar apart is its commitment to transparent pricing. Their goal is simple: to provide

world-class rental services with all-inclusive and transparent pricing. No hidden fees or surprises - just straightforward, all-inclusive pricing guaranteeing peace of mind.

Renting with Easy Wheels Rent-ACar is a breeze. Simply make a reser vation online, via email, or WhatsApp, providing your details, including name, address, and driver’s licence number. When booking your car, please ensure you meet their criteria: you must be at least 25 years old and hold a valid driver’s licence. With a minimum rental period of three days and a flexible cancellation policy of 48 hours in advance, planning your trip has never been easier.

Upon renting, you’ll receive a vehicle with a full tank of fuel, and they kindly

request it be returned in the same condition. Additionally, renters are responsible for any toll violations or parking tickets incurred during the rental period. As if that weren’t enough, mention Euro Weekly News when booking to enjoy a fantastic 10 per cent discount on your rental, on selected cars. Easy Wheels Rent-A-Car combines affordability with excellence, making them an unbeatable choice.

Conveniently located at Avenida Rio Nalon 8, Los Alcazares, Region of Murcia, Easy Wheels Rent-A-Car is your go-to destination for stress-free car rentals in the Mar Menor Region. Reach out via phone on +34 711 075 474 or email at easywheelsrentacar@gmail.com to reserve your vehicle today. For more information and updates, don’t forget to check out their Facebook page. Your Spanish adventure starts here with Easy Wheels Rent-ACar – where every journey is a joyride!

Their opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 5.00pm, ensuring convenient access for all your rental needs.

Where do I begin?

WELL where do I start this week? I think it has to be airlines. My daughter has decided to spend some time in Ibiza. She works remotely most of the time so it does not really matter where she is and we decided it would be nice for me to go and visit her. I get online, find a flight and start the booking process. It shouldn’t take long as there is only one airline that flies direct from Malaga to Ibiza.

Well, it turned into a nightmare. I got the times and dates, clicked continue and that’s when the fun begins. I have to have assistance as I use a wheelchair. Next, seat allocation.

They put disabled in the back three or four rows, which is ridiculous because they usually board from the front and it means I have to struggle to get to the back of the plane, but hey ho. I press continue - bags? Yup, just a small carry on, I press continue again. Insurance? No, I’ve got it already. I press continue - do I want to order food? Nope - press continue - car? Nope! Hotel? NO! Cab to and

from airport? NO, NO, NO! Valet parking for your car? NOOOOOOO. Are you sure you don’t want insurance? Yes, I’m sure. I press continue and the next message warns me that I only booked a small carry on and if they don’t think my bag is small enough they could charge me up to €70.

I finally get to the payment page, fill that in and choose to pay by credit card which covers all my insurances etc when travelling. But it doesn’t like it because I didn’t put the digital signature in quick enough and the bank declines my €34 return flight and sends me all the way back to the beginning.

This poxy process has now taken me longer than the actual flight! I finally get it done only to realise that I have missed the L off the end of Michael and as I have checked in I can’t change it!

Had to go for diabetes check-up the other day and was attended by a very nice nurse that appeared to me to be about 12 years old (she wasn’t of course). In fact, I thought I should give her a lollipop and a badge for being so good and brave during my visit.

Email : mikesenker @gmail.com

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.”

Almeria 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 April 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.

The highlight for many was when the children, aged seven and eight who showcased their English reading skills.

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

Sleeping dogs

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.

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: 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.

At home pet care keeps pets safe and happy

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

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 ac-

count (£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.

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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.

Shedding solution tips

Photo: Ivanova N

Photo: Shutterstock

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

BLINDS

GRILLS

GLASS CURTAINS

LOCKSMITHS PAINTERS/DECORATORS

WINDOWS

POOLS

WINDOW TINTING

WATER LEAK DETECTION

CLASSIFIEDS

ARCHITECT

BUILDING SERVICES

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

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

OVER 400 DVD’s for sale. As new. €300 ONO. 0044 7971 459588 (WhatsApp) (305596)

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

PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. Also, Dementia care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa.

€1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (305685)

CHARITY

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

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071

278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_ campello@hotmail.com (95475)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461)

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

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

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

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

ELECTRICIAN

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

FOR SALE/WANTED

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225 (301319)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

INSURANCE

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

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

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

MASSAGE

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (303965)

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

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

CLASSIC MATURE SPANISH

LADY, Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 50€. Ana 657 603 495 (303989) TORREVIEJA centre 5 Spanish and

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

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

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

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

MISCELLANEOUS

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

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

MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for

right

van. Tlf 650 722 905

MUSIC

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

MUSIC TUITION

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

OTHERS

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

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

PERGOLAS

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

PET CHARITY

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE

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

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption,

fully vaccinated, de-wormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

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

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

PET TRANSPORT

PETS BACK HOME Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.petsbackhome.co.uk

Removals also arranged in other vehicles Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

PLUMBERS

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

POOL MAINTENANCE

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

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

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

PROPERTY

FOR RENT

REMOVALS

COSTA LESS EXPRESS, small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK budget prices. Urgent jobs undertaken www.costalessexpress.co.uk Pet transport also arranged in our air-conditioned pet/people carriers. Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

SITUATIONS VACANT WANTED

A world’s first

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 STARMUS 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

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.

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.