Costa de Almeria 16 – 22 May 2024 Issue 2028

Road Classics

ALREADY known as a town that is closely connected with motorbikes, Mojacar welcomed those taking part in the fourth Classics On Road event.

It took place over the weekend of May 11 and 12 as owners and lovers of classic motorbikes from the 70s to the end of the 90s. arrived in the town to ‘show off’ their vehicles and generally enjoy two days of motorbike mania.

They were met in the Plaza Nueva by the Sports councillor, Jesús Montoya, and the Tourism councillor, María Gracia and with more than 40 top quality historic motorbikes quite a crowd of spectators appeared.

The visitors enjoyed a short musical event before taking to the roads to discover more about the town and this fourth meeting turned out to be a complete success whilst those taking part said of Mojacar that it was “full of charm.”

HISTORIC MOTORBIKES: The arrival at Plaza Nueva.

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2028 • 16 - 22 May 2024

Credit: Mojacar Council

Next big watch

ALTHOUGH Net ix is an American company, as it has expanded across the world, so has the number of ‘foreign’ lms and series it has produced.

One of the most successful was Squid Games from South Korea, but Spain has also done very well and Money Heist gained traction all over the world, with other versions being made in di erent countries.

The next big Spanish language production being tipped for international success is the thriller Two Tombs and already lming has taken place in both Barcelona and Frigiliana in the Axarquia.

Although no date has yet been revealed, it is anticipated that the cast (including Kiti Mánver, Hovik Keu-

THE Municipal Art Hall ‘La Fuente’ in Mojacar is currently hosting an exhibition by Frank Notteboom, running until May 26.

This is the future Art in Mojacar

chkerian and Álvaro Morte) and crew will be lming in Almeria Province in the not too distant future.

John Smith YOUNG entrepreneurs are being groomed in 17 educational centres across Almeria as they could well become future

the viewer to juxtapose reality with their imagination.

captains of industry.

Currently, just under 19,000 young people are benefiting from training which is aimed to promote innovation and transformation of their environment through entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial culture.

continual growth in entrepreneurship as it constantly strives to create a socially committed economy and not only is this important for Spain, but Europe needs to benefit from the success of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Born in Ghent, Belgium, and a resident of Albox since 2019, Notteboom has transitioned from a career in architecture to focus solely on his passion for painting and photography.

painted between 2020 and 2023.

Entitled ‘No Hay Moros en la Costa’ (‘The Coast is Clear’), the exhibit showcases 27 oil paintings, all

Notteboom’s artwork serves as a portal to a world that blends realism with abstract and fantastical elements, challenging

Visitors can explore this display free of charge and the venue is open daily from 10am to 2pm. The artist will be available on weekends during these hours to discuss his works and artistic journey.

It’s a massive programme that sees the involvement of 996 teachers putting into practice the CIMA Programme for Innovation and Improvement of Learning.

Spain is devoted to the

As these students set up their own businesses, they will in turn not only employ staff but many will encourage their work force to develop their own skills and economic growth will continue.

Almeria is creating a generation of young entrepreneurs.

Álvaro Morte.

English movie

ON Saturday May 18 at 6.30pm, the cinema at Sala Federico Garcia L de Albox will be screening an English language version of the new movie the Specialist starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, with entry for those over 12 costing €6.

Left luggage

FORTY-TWO Post Offices in Almería Province offer a left luggage facility for those who want a secure short term (up to 15 days) storage option for suitcases or items of a similar size with cost, depending on weight.

Sad accident

A 43-YEAR-OLD man died on Saturday May 11 after falling off the historic El Cable Ingles which is situated in the Port of Almeria. Emergency services arrived quickly but were unable to resuscitate him.

Living chess

DUE to the fact that insufficient young people have applied to take part, the Vera Moors and Christians Association has announced it has had to cancel the planned Living Chess event.

Vera combines old & new

John Smith LEGEND has it that after an earthquake destroyed Vera, Queen Isabella I climbed the hill and red an arrow, ordering the rebuilding of Vera where it landed.

This means that the main town dates back to the late 15th century and its centre at the Plaza Mayor is dominated by the 15th century Iglesia de la Encarnación, a forti ed church with four towers built to fend o invaders.

The town hall dates back to the 16th century and like other parts of Spain, there is a much newer part, Vera Playa, which as the name suggests incorporates a number of ne beaches.

The combination of the old and the new, makes

Vera an attractive municipality which has a great deal to o er for both those born in Spain and settlers from other countries.

Tourism plays an important role in the economy of the municipality, as it desperately needed a boost as for years it languished following the loss

of mining which was so important at the end of the 19th and start of the 20th centuries.

Vera Playa is now a magnet for naturists and in fact in 2013, a group which still exists, the Friends of Vera

Upgraded sports hall

AFTER a great deal of work, the Municipal Sports Courts Juan Martínez Modesto Nino in Vera now has new floors and roof covers.

Situated as it is, adjacent to the Ángel de Haro school, it made obvious sense for the students to be involved in ‘christening’ the reopened centre. It has cost €418,055 to undertake the work and the children were delighted to show off their expertise in indoor football, basketball, tennis

and padel.

During the event, the mayor of Vera, Alfonso García, accompanied by several councillors and the gymnast Ana Lucía Expósito unveiled a commemorative plaque.

As well as being completely updated, one of the major benefits is that with the new roof covering, the courts have become much more versatile and can used when it is raining or the sun is very strong.

Bullfight Vera

THE Vera Council has announced that on Sunday June 9, there will be a bull ght featuring three matadors in six contests with bulls.

This is part of the celebration in honour of the town’s patron saint Our Lady the Blessed Virgin of the Anguish and from comments that appear on the council’s Facebook page, the decision is certainly causing anguish with a number of local residents who

don’t approve.

The bulls have all been bred at the Julio de la Puerta ranch in Sevilla and two of the matadors are well-respected veterans whilst the third is an up and coming young man, Jorge Martínez.

Tickets for the event range from € 55 for the most expensive seats to as little as €5 for the most a ordable and they are available online through the website www.giglon.com.

It is possible that there will be some form of protest on the day especially as the Almeria branch of anti-bullghting organisation, No Es Mi Cultura (It’s not my culture) is active in the province.

Playa, organised a Guinness World Record challenge and thrashed the previous record holders by attracting 729 people to go skinny dipping.

Generally speaking, foreign residents tend to gravitate towards the newer buildings that run along the coast line of Vera Playa, whilst the medieval town attracts Spanish residents whose families have traditionally grown up embraced withing the town’s walls.

There is an attractive blend of the old and the new which makes Vera an ideal place for tourists who can enjoy the best of both worlds as well as new settlers, especially those from northern climes who enjoy the sun and the sea.

RESIDENTS of Vera are gearing up for the great annual fiestas, that of the Moors and Christians which is due to ‘kick off’ in early June.

In the meantime, during the weekend of May 11 and 12, the local mayor joined a number of members of the Vera Moors and Christians Association in the Plaza Mayor to help produce and sample a giant paella.

All proceeds from the sale of the plates of paella will go towards supporting the parade.

Subsequent to that, there will be a Gala Event at the Cine Regio at 8pm on Saturday May 18 to officially confirm the events that are planned for the festival as well as revealing this year’s winning poster.

The medieval charm of Plaza Mayor, Vera.

Raising money with a giant paella.

Exchange your Green Certificate for a TIE

GET the TIE now is the message from the British Embassy in Madrid, ahead of the EU’s Entry Exit System coming into force.

The British Embassy is therefore urging all British people who live in Spain and are still in possession of a Green Certificate to apply for the TIE, or Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero, if they haven’t done so already.

The biometric TIE, which came into force in 2021, proves that the holder is a Withdrawal Agreement beneficiary with the right to reside and work in Spain.

Most British people living in Spain already have the TIE, having abandoned the formerly issued paper Green Certificate following Brexit.

The British Embassy is asking those still using a

the Spanish government and the EU to prepare for the implementation of this new scheme and we have requested that more TIE appointments are made available.

“Please keep checking our Living In Guide and social media pages for more information.”

rrent passport stamping at the border. These details will be held on file for three years, meaning Britons making repeat visits to Spain within a three-year period will not have to go through the same registration process each time.

Border Guard Handbook. Therefore, it is expected that Green Certificate holders may lose out on the chance to be exempt from registering.

Green Certificate to follow suit and get a TIE as soon as possible, ahead of the introduction of the EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES), expected in autumn this year.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott said: “It’s really important that any British person who lives in Spain gets the TIE - not only because it is the most durable and dependable way to prove your rights in Spain, but also to avoid disruption at the border when the EU’s Entry Exit Scheme comes into force.

“We are working with

The EES will require all non-EU short stay travellers to register via an automated system at the border. They will need to provide their name, passport details, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images) and the date and place of entry and exit upon entering Spain.

This will replace the cu-

Useful Links

To be exempt from registering with the EES, British residents in the EU will need to show a valid uniform-format biometric card, which in Spain is the TIE.

The non-biometric Green Certificate, though a valid residency document in Spain, was issued prior to EU Exit and does not feature in the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement or in Annex 22 of the Schengen

As a result, they may encounter difficulties and delays at the border, especially when entering other EU countries where the Green Certificate may not be recognised.

The process for securing a TIE appointment and the card itself is run by the Spanish government.

More information on how to apply, including links to Spanish government websites where the applications are made, can be found on the ‘Living in Spain’ guide on gov.uk.

LiG: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain#visas-and-residency EU Guidance: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en

Spanish residency guidance: https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/brexit_en/residence/ in-spain-on-12-31-2020

Spanish TIE application: https://www.interior.gob.es/opencms/es/servicios-al-ciu dadano/tramites-y-gestiones/extranjeria/oficinas-para-tramites-de-extranjeria/

HE Hugh Elliott in the grey suit.

Credit: Hugh Elliott X

Triathlon extravaganza

ROQUETAS DE MAR is set to become the vibrant hub for triathlon enthu siasts as it hosts the exhilarating Iberdrola and National Triathlon Club Leagues 2024.

On May 25 and 26, the town will witness a flurry of action with the Spanish Su perSprint Triathlon Championships for Clubs, SuperSprint for Clubs 2x2, and Couples Relay. Saturday, May 25, will feature the national SuperSprint Triathlon Club competitions alongside the Pairs Relay Triathlon championships. The excitement continues on Sunday, May 26, with the 2x2 SuperSprint Relay tests.

with huge participation from clubs across Spain.

Mayor Gabriel Amat expressed his delight, highlighting the town’s strong ties with triathlon, explaining that Roquetas de Mar has forged a relationship with the Triathlon that is reflected in ‘the importance of hosting a sporting event of this nature’.

He emphasised the collaborative effort between the town council and the Spanish Triathlon Federation, affirming Roquetas de Mar’s suitability as a host town.

The circuits, in the centre of Roquetas, will once again bring the triathlon spectacle closer to the entire population, generating a considerable impact

This event not only promotes sporting excellence but also showcases Roquetas de Mar’s diverse tourist offerings, from its pristine beaches to its rich cultural and gastronomic experiences.

Roquetas de Mar triathlon.

Credit: roquetasdemar.es

Motorbikes and Mojacar

FOR seven months, the Motor AT Centre Andalucia company created a pop up event Mojacar in order to promote its business in Almeria.

With headquarters in Germany, the company is committed to a combination of sports tourism and general marketing of the motorbike industry.

In the period from October to the beginning of May more than 1,500

visited the display of 108 motorbikes from such impressive manufacturers as BMW, Aprilia, Yamaha and TVS, all of which were available to test drive.

The temporary base for the bikes was the Hotel Marina Playa which saw many of those visiting taking advantage of its facilities to stay over and there was even a repair and charging workshop for electric bikes.

Mojacar attracts visitors from 45 different countries, with the largest groups arriving from Germany although it is a magnet for visitors from most European countries.

The giant Motor AT Centre company chose Mojacar for its Andalucian headquarters several years ago which is why it decided to run this special winter event there.

The end of the season for the motorbike event.

Credit: Mojacar Council

Great local support received at their inaugural party

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Celebrating their new premises.

ON Friday May 10, Cocinas Maxana and First Choice Almeria officially opened their doors to their bespoke new premises on Mojacar Playa.

A wonderful time was had by all at their inaugural party, which saw local busineses, as well as important national suppliers and clients past and present, joined together to celebrate the new opening.

First Choice Almeria was established in 2001 by Peter Darville, who then 12 years later set up Cocinas Maxana, supplying and fitting quality bespoke kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms and much more.

Peter, along with his wife Steph and their team of very professional tradesmen have gone from strength to strength providing services and products from small jobs to complete refurbishments.

Whether you want a kitchen, bathroom, wardrobes, doors and windows supplied and fitted, or simply just supplied, we have a solution for all budgets They will provide you with a complete service from start to finish. Also, trade enquiries are very welcome.

They moved from the Parque Comercial in Mojacar Playa into a lovely spacious premises located on the Paseo de Mediterreaneo 30, 5B, showcasing all they have to offer.

Cocinas Maxana are official suppliers of Cosentino products such as Dekton, Silestone and

Sensa, which are of the highest quality, yet they will cater for the needs of every budget.

First Choice Almeria provides services for buying and selling fully legal houses as well as rental properties, they guide you through the whole buying and selling process from start to finish, and with their association with GC Partners, who are a currency exchange company, will make sure a successful transition for buying or selling a property will be achieved.

The opening of the new showroom received great support, with a wonderful paella and drinks all provided for by MAUI BEACH Bar of Mojacar Playa, showing just how important local business support and provide for each other.

For more information on any of their services please call them on 950 615 561 or email info@cocinasmaxana.com or info@firstchoicealmeria.com.

Steph and Isabel.

THE organisers of the Arboleas Walk for Life event which took place on May 4 have advised Euro Weekly News of latest developments.

This was a highly successful event which saw more than 500 people, many dressed in pink turn up to help raise even more money for this important cancer charity.

Almost €1,100 was raised from the raffle alone and whilst donations tend to take some time to be collected and then passed to the charity, it is expected that the final figure will at least match, if not exceed the 2023 total of just over €20,000.

Red Cross events Walk for Life

It seems a lot, but last year Walk for Life spent €32,097 to assist clients in the Arboleas area to cope with the cost of cancer care and this year, the amount spent in the first four months is €12,956, so every euro collected does count. Find out more about the work of the charity Walkforlife Arboleas Facebook or visit their website walk4lifearboleas.com.

John Smith

MENTION the name Michelin and one automatically thinks of quality food, wine and accommodation and the company’s latest production reinforces that thought.

Mojacar applauds Michelin map

Now, in combination with the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain Association, it has created a new road map dedicated exclusively to the villages which make up this select national tourism product association. So forget satnav for a while and return to the glorious days of leisurely road trips as you na-

IT has been a busy week for the Red Cross in Almeria which celebrated Red Cross Day on Wednesday May 8 and saw a number of towns light up civic o ces.

This year sees the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Red Cross by Swiss humanitarian Henri Dunant who was horried by the e ects of war in the 19th century.

Since that time, the charity has grown and with it’s ‘sister’ organisation Red Crescent literally covers the world and becomes involved when peo-

vigate yourself through and visit some of the 116 towns and villages highlighted in the map.

If you are travelling to or through Almeria Province then one of those destinations which stands out is Mojacar, which is delighted and proud to be associated with two such prestigious organisations.

ALTHOUGH it may seem a long way away, the Almanzora Group of Friends are taking bookings for a five-night six-day trip to Porto, Portugal running from September 15 to 20.

The price per person sharing a double/twin room is €560 (with a single supplement of €217) based on 40 participants but if

ple are in need.

In memory of Henri Dunant youth members of the Almeria Red Cross took part in a historic Escape Room adventure which certainly tested their knowledge of the founder.

At the same time, the group needs to recruit 32

new employees in di erent parts of the province ranging from Almeria Capital to Roquetas and Pulpi, with many of the roles connected with the work of lifeguards, although there is also need for psychologists and mediators.

Portuguese trip

the coach is full this could drop by €60.

Payment (and a non-refundable deposit of €50 is required when booking) travel, covers hotel accommodation (in three and four star hotels), guided tours, wine tasting and a boat trip as well as a

tour manager although on most occasions the cost of lunch of dinner will be extra.

If you are interested or what like to become a member of the group which has its headquarters in Albox then visit https:// www.almanzoragof.org/.

THIS summer, Almeria’s coastlines are set to sparkle with 35 prestigious Blue Flags, a notable increase from last year’s 33.

The Blue Flag mark of excellence, issued by the Environmental and Consumer Education Association (ADEAC), recognises the outstanding quality and services provided by the beaches, including lifeguard and first aid facilities, accessibility, and communication.

Sustainable tourism Every drop counts Blue Flag triumph

The total distribution

of Blue Flags across Almeria for 2024 is as follows.

Roquetas de Mar (6)

Adra (4)

El Ejido (4)

Mojacar (4)

Pulpi (4)

Almeria (3)

Carboneras (3)

Nijar (2)

Balanegra (1)

Vera (1)

The accolades extend beyond beaches to marinas, with new additions this year including the Marinas of San Jose (Nijar), Adra and Roquetas de Mar, bringing the total of Blue flags to 35.

Paul Edwards

WORKING with the Spanish Tourist O ce in Rome, the Almeria Provincial Council has hosted a familiarisation trip for a number of Italian travel agents.

They spent a week in Almeria and were taken to Sierra Alhamilla, the western town of MiniHollywood, the Tabernas Solar Platform, the Tabernas desert on a 4×4 rally, the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Níjar and the mines of Rodalquilar as well as a visit to Bayárcal.

Part of the visit was to show the agents the quali-

ty of hotels and Almerian gastronomy so that they would be able to return to Italy and give a rst-hand explanation of all the province has to o er to their clients.

This was a demonstration of eco-tourism and

THE Albox Council continues to remind residents of the need to preserve water in a time of ongoing drought. It says on social media “Every drop of water counts, we count on you: Campaign against the Drought.”

This environmental awareness campaign encourages residents and visitors to consume responsibly by

how guests can be part of an active tourism experience rather than one that is centred on sun, sea and beaches and all of those taking part are well-known for catering for visitors who enjoy this type of getaway.

turning o the tap while brushing teeth and making sure they take prompt action to repair water leaks at home.

Looking forward, residents should plant drought-resistant trees and bushes to maintain an ecological balance and everyone should share information and tips on how to save water with friends and family.

MiniHollywood was one of the agents’ destinations.

Top destination

FRANCE remains a top destination for European tourists, attracting 100 million visitors in 2023.

This shows a 7.5 per cent increase from the previous year and 10 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.

While it leads in the number of travellers, it falls behind Spain’s tourist income.

The French government, gearing up for the Paris Olympic Games next summer, highlights a 12 per cent rise in income from international tourists in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching €63.5 billion.

According to central bank data, France ranks second in income, trailing Spain’s €84.9 billion, surpassing Italy and Germany.

Tourist income in France surpassed pre-pandemic levels every month of 2023, with peak earnings in August (€6.9 billion) and July (€5.4 billion).

The surge in income re ects both inationary e ects on tourist prices and increased visits from neighbouring countries like Belgium (+37 per cent), the Netherlands (+28 per cent), Switzerland (+23 per cent), and the UK (+20 per cent).

American visitors notably returned in large numbers, up 52 per cent compared to 2019.

However, Asian visitor numbers, while increasing from 2022, still lag behind pre-pandemic levels, with Japan up by 70 per cent and China by 30 per cent.

Despite these uctuations, France achieved a positive balance of payments from international tourism, reaching a new high of €18.1 billion in 2023.

Sir David’s record

SIR David Attenborough, at the age of 98, has recently concluded his latest series, ‘Mammals’, setting new records for the longest career as a TV presenter and TV naturalist. His career spans an impressive 70 years and 246 days.

His television journey began on September 2, 1953, when he debuted as a presenter on the BBC Children’s Television show ‘Animal Disguises’, which was a spin-o of his earlier production and direction work on ‘Animal Patterns’ earlier that year.

Throughout eight decades of television work, Sir David stands as the sole recipient of BAFTA awards for series across black and white, colour, HD, and 3D formats.

Adapting to the modern era, Sir David made headlines in 2020 by breaking the record for the fastest time to reach one million followers on Instagram, achieving this feat in just four hours and 44 minutes, surpassing

Jennifer Aniston’s previous record by 32 minutes.

In his inaugural Instagram post, he expressed concern for the world’s troubles, albeit he stopped using the platform after six weeks, leaving followers with the message, “What happens next is up to us.”

Beyond his television le-

gacy, Sir David’s extensive body of work, blending entertainment and education, along with his prominent environmental advocacy, has earned him over 30 honourary degrees and two knighthoods. In 2022, he was honoured with entry into the Guinness World Records Hall of Fame.

Sir David’s career has earned him two knighthoods.

France attracted 100 million visitors a year in 2023.

Image: Paris je t’aime / Facebook.

Norway May 17

MAY 17 is a day of significance for Norwegians worldwide. This cherished celebration marks the signing of Norway’s constitution in 1814.

One of the most iconic traditions is the wearing of the bunad, a Norwegian folk costume worn by men and women. Each garment features intricate details that reflect the wearer’s regional heritage. It is often teamed with silver accessories and buckled shoes. The costumes are often passed from generation to generation and become cherished family heirlooms.

Another prevalent tradition is the May 17 breakfast, which includes Champagne or sparkling wine with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.

Peter Qvam, a school headmaster, is thought to have come up with the idea of holding a children’s parade as part of the celebrations in 1869. Qvam was a close friend of the author Bjornstjerne Bjornson.

Norway’s Constitution Day not only symbolises unity, but also resilience, in remembrance of the nation’s journey towards sovereignty.

Whilst the celebrations have evolved over the years, they remain a key part of the country’s cultural identity.

In 1906, King Haakon and Queen Maud introduced the custom of appearing on the Palace balcony to greet the children’s parade. This custom has been maintained ever since, except for 1910, when the Royal Family attended the funeral of King Edward VII, and during the Second World War years.

Today, the Royal Family gathers to greet the children’s parade from the palace balcony each year. Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra is the fifth generation to uphold this cherished tradition.

Lively celebrations in Norway.

German donerflation Preference for hybrid working

IN the 1960s as the West German economy started to boom, the government introduced the ‘Gastarbeiter’ rule which saw some 650,000 Turks arrive.

They brought with them spouses and families and today, Turks are not only the largest minority in Germany but they imported a number of specialist dishes including the now incredibly popular Doner Kebab.

It is estimated that there are least 16,000 kebab shops in Germany and like currywurst the kebab is one of the most popular fast foods in the country.

Germany, like every

other member of the European Union, has seen prices explode and now a new catch word is being bandied about by lovers of the kebab and even political parties which is ‘Doneration’.

So worried is one left

wing political party about the way that the price of kebabs keeps going up that it is demanding, apparently in all seriousness, that the price in the shops should be subsidised by the German government and Chancellor Olaf Scholz has even admitted that he is regularly asked what he is going to do about it!

The proposition is that with Doner Kebabs currently costing in the region of €7.90 and likely to reach the dizzy heights of €10 in the not too distant future, a cap of €4.90 for adults and €2.50 for younger people should be introduced.

THE third MARCO Global Consumer Report 2024, has revealed intriguing insights into the evolving landscape of work preferences worldwide. The report, based on a comprehensive survey spanning 11 diverse countries, sheds light on the shifting attitudes towards workplace exibility and personal balance.

A standout revelation from

mote work.

Portugal has emerged as a frontrunner in embracing hybrid work culture, with 53 per cent of its workforce desiring this model. The Portuguese are not fans of a fully in-o ce set-up, with only 3 per cent of participants preferring this option.

In contrast, 54 per cent of Americans lean towards a traditional in-o ce working environment, moving

These ndings re ect a global

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

Germans have adopted Doner Kebabs as a national dish. Credit:

Pandamonium in Chinese zoo

A PAIR of Chow Chows have been causing ‘pandamonium’ after being exhibited as panda dogs in the small Taizhou Zoo in China.

They appear quite oblivious to the fact that they have been dyed black and white with splodges of colour in order to make them appear as panda like as possible.

Whilst some visitors took it in good stead, others have reportedly complained that they have been deceived into believing that the zoo somehow discovered a completely new breed which was related in some way to the Giant Panda.

According to a report in Global Times, the English Language media arm of the Chinese Communist Party, the Xiong Mao Quan (Panda Dogs) were unveiled for the May Day holidays with tickets priced at 20 yuan (€2.60) per adult and 10 yuan per child for entry.

A worker employed by the zoo told the Global Times that the zoo does not consider their scheme to be a case of fraud. “This is just a new display we o er to visitors. We are not charging extra. The wording featuring Chow Chow dogs is correct and exactly describes what they are, so we are not cheating our visitors.”

Recently, a café in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, o ered to dye your pet dog’s fur with the classic black and white marking of a panda for only 1,500 yuan (€196).

The zoo claims that the dye is harmless but admits that this promotion has attracted more visitors than usual.

Italians say “I do” in the nude

SOME people get married on a boat, some in a field, some on a mountain, but there are also those who would like to do it naked by the sea, perhaps on a beautiful beach in Sardinia. Just a bouquet of flowers for the bride and a bow tie for the groom, then nature will do the rest.

After receiving a request from a German couple, to be able to get married in the nude on the beach on the border of Is Arenas, the mayor of San Vero Milis, in the Oristano area, has decided to make this wish come true. Luigi Tedeschi is obtaining the necessary authorisations so that the naturist beach of Is Benas can become a place where civil ceremonies can be officially celebrated without clothes, so that those who wish can fully experien-

ce the culture of nudity.

There are many couples wishing to marry by the sea, especially from Europe where there are about 20 million naturism practitioners. In Italy, on the other hand, there are about 500,000.

For Tedeschi, this could be an important opportunity for the development of active and eco-sustainable tourism.

The initiative is supported and promoted by the Nudiverso association, which has always been committed to spreading and promoting nudist culture.

“We are working to break down fences, in a peaceful coexistence between those who decide to wear a costume and those who choose not to wear one,” said spokesperson Pamela Deiana.

In Memoriam

THREE Spanish government Ministers, Pablo Bustinduy, Fernando Martínez and Ángel Víctor Torres travelled to the former Nazi concentration camp of Mauthausen, in Austria. Their purpose on May 5 and 6 was to pay tribute to the 9,300 Spaniards who were consigned to various camps, although the largest number, almost 7,000 ended up in Mauthausen which was liberated in May 1945.

Pablo Bustinduy said “I come to pay tribute to those murdered here and those who su ered the atrocity of these camps. Many of them were Spanish republicans who ended up in French camps after going into exile.

“They fought against Franco and Hitler, and were forgotten by our country and by the European democracies when they did not come to rescue Spain from Franco’s dictatorship.”

He also took the time to remember the Jewish and Gypsy victims who were exterminated in the camp and said that it should never happen again whilst also taking the opportunity to publicly criticise certain policies being promulgated by Spanish Parliamentary opposition Partido Popular and Vox.

NUDIST BEACH: There are many couples who wish to marry by the sea.

THE debts of 1,000 low-income Dutch households are being paid off by one of the country’s wealthiest families.

The Van der Vorm family, which according to Quote is worth €9 billion, works with charitable organisations to contribute more than €8 million to

Paying off debts

paying off the debts of families in need.

The charities aid Dutch families with at least one child whose financial situation has been partly caused by life-changing events including death

or illness, which includes approximately 15,000 families in Rotterdam.

“We feel a responsibility to think together with society about debt problems and solutions,” said Bas Woudstra, director of Nieuw Vaarwater, who works with the Van der Vorms. “We can talk forever about why people are in debt, but the fact is that the children are suffering,” Bas Woudstra told the press.

However, some Dutch authorities doubt the effectiveness of this scheme and believe that the central government should make changes instead.

Godfried Engbersen, professor of sociology at Erasmus University, commented to the press: “For some, this is a lottery ticket, while others are left sitting on their debts. We have to be careful that we do not become increasingly dependent on private initiatives.”

Telegram review

Paul Edwards

THOSE who aren’t impressed by the European Com mission may suggest that the decision to ask Belgium to keep an oversight on the Telegram App is flawed. Telegram was banned and then not banned in Spain in late March and the communications App which was founded by two Russian brothers in 2013 has been under review in many countries throughout Europe and as a far afield as Brazil. It is argued that there is a great deal of either illegal or inflammatory content on Telegram and it may fall foul of the European Digital Services Act (DSA) which is why

The Telegram App does have many followers in Europe.

the Commission has decided that it needs oversight and a body which can accept complaints from anyone within the European Union.

The only problem is that in order for the Belgian Institute of Post and Telecommunications (BIPT) to accept the challenge, it has to have the decision ratified by Belgium’s Federal, Flemish (Dutch speaking), Walloon (French speaking) and German speaking Parliaments which could take some time. There are an estimated 40 million Telegram-users in Europe which is not a great number when according to Backlink there are 32.2 million WhatsApp users in Spain alone which comes in at number nine in the top 10 country users of WhatsApp in the world.

Credit: Microsiervo flickr

INTERVIEW

Speaking European –Jonas Olsson

JONAS OLSSON became familiar with the Torrevieja area through frequent visits with his golf-loving parents, soaking in the Spanish sun.

After years of such visits and the addition of two children with his partner, they seized the opportunity to relo cate to the pleasant climate.

Jonas and his partner Caroline, who worked in the Swedish Health Service system for a long time as chiropractors, decided to pursue their dreams and open a clinic in the vicinity of Torrevieja. Despite the hurdles posed by Covid-19, they cou rageously pursued their vision and succeeded in establishing a thriving business, Swedish chiropractor in Los Dolses .

While missing family and friends back home is natural, Jonas draws strength from his prior experiences living abroad, which have equipped him to navigate new cultures and unfamiliar territories. Now,

with his focus squarely on his children’s well-being, Jonas finds profound contentment in their happiness.

The change has brought Jonas immense satisfaction, not only for the weather but also for the quality of Spanish education, evident in his children’s multilingualism and seamless integration into Spanish culture.

“They have friends from various nationalities with whom they can enjoy spending plenty of time outdoors, which is incredibly enriching” Jonas said. Whilst life in Spain is clearly very different from Sweden, these are challenges that people are happy to encounter to discover another life philosophy.

Dublin and NY link

WHEN they hear the word portal, most people immediately think of Science Fiction and movies such as Star Trek or The Final Countdown.

On Wednesday May 8 portals appeared in Dublin and New York City but happily these weren’t the opening steps of an alien invasion, but a planned link between the two cities, by artist, Benediktas Gylys.

The idea, which was endorsed by the authorities in Dublin and New York, consists of 24-hour online video connections which allow real time communication and interaction across the Atlantic.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste who was present at the launch said: “One of my key aims as Lord Mayor is to make the city more inclusive.

“The Portals project embodies this, bringing together technology, engineering and art to bring communities from across the world closer together and to allow people to meet and connect outside of their social circles and cultures.

“We are delighted to connect Dublin with New York which we share a deep historical and cultural bond with.”

Later this year, Dublin will also share portal links with cities in Brazil, Lithuania and Poland and the launch ceremony for this first portal saw dancers and music with the idea that special pre-announced performances will take place in the future.

The New York portal is located near the city’s Flatiron building while the Dublin portal faces O’Connell Street.

Jonas Olsson has built a new life in Spain.

PLANNED LINK: The opening day in New York.

QUIRKY TOWN

Phylloxera Festival in Catalonia

John Smith

YET another unique and very enjoyable event in Spain is the Phylloxera Festival which takes place in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia (Penedes Catalonia) on September 7 and 8 each year.

It is held to mark the fact that at the end of the 19th century, the Catalan wine-growing regions su ered a major economic crisis due to the phylloxera, a tiny but enormously proli c insect that saw entire vineyards wiped out.

It was only in 1982, that a band of locals decided to host what was then known as the Phylloxera Show and since then it has grown spectacularly.

Now in its 43rd year, the festival sees 230 adults all dressed in bright yellow follow a giant moving insect which they eventually destroy with the application

of more than 4,500 reworks.

BA disabled review

Due to the volume of potentially dangerous reworks, the children have their own somewhat less hazardous parade and 240 of them take part, also dressed in yellow. It’s all about destroying the giant insect.

There is a parade of the so called Seven Wise Men of Greece, a group of vineyard owners who decided to restock the land with vines imported from North America and it is thanks to their e orts that the new grapes were mainly suited to light wines which is why so much cava is bottled in Catalonia. As with many Spanish festivals, wine (at least 200 bottles), music (at least 100 musicians) and dancing form a major part of the fun and it is even possible for visitors to pre-order and enjoy an inexpensive lunch box containing food and a small bottle of cava.

IT is difficult enough to deal with transit through most airports if you are healthy and fit but for those with disabilities, flying can be a nightmare.

British Airways (BA) has not always been at the forefront of disabled passenger care but hopefully this is about to chan-

ge as British Airways has created its new Customer Access Advisory Panel, aimed at engaging with members of the community to improve the endto-end experience for its customers with accessibility requirements.

The independent panel, comprised of individuals with both visible and non-visible disabilities, will come together every few months to provide invaluable feedback and discuss and review new initiatives, to ensure that British Airways’ products and services are designed and built with accessibility and inclusion in mind.

The panel is chaired by Mary Doyle, a proud wheelchair user and accessible aviation consultant who is dedicated to providing organisations with practical support around inclusivity. Other panellists include someone who is deaf, another who is blind, a frequent traveller who suffers from autism and another wheelchair user together with the editor of the Disability Power100. As IAG, the parent of BA also owns Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling, it is to be assumed that similar regard for disabled passengers will exist in those companies as well.

The new Customer Access Advisory Panel.

Behind the scenes with Josh and Nish

Catherine McGeer

ON a sunny September morning in Albir on the Costa Blanca, the Euro Weekly News office is bustling with activity. The last scenes are being shot for the episode of Sky Max’s hit TV series Hold the Front Page featuring the dynamic duo of Josh Widdicombe and Nish Kumar are in the making.

Josh and Nish spent some time working as local reporters for the Euro Weekly News and their time on the coast of Spain is coming to an end. The crew meticulously arranges shots while animatedly chatting about the highlights of their time here.

Josh and Nish dressed in their cream linen suits and Panama-style hats patiently perfected their scenes entering and arriving at the office time and again. As the director gives a nod of approval, I seize the opportunity to sit down with the two British comedians. I am eager to find out more about their insights on the world of local reporting in Benidorm and the surrounding areas.

Tell me about your experience and what you enjoyed about it.

Josh: I’ve loved it I’ve had a really nice time. Slightly too hot at times, I’m not good with the heat I struggle with the heat but beyond that, I loved my time. As I said to Michel and Steven (the owners of the Euro Weekly News) the paper is central to the community and so multicultural.

Nish: It’s been interesting to see a side to Benidorm that’s actually people

We really enjoyed going up to Polop, it was nice to go up to the hills and see towns where people actually live, that was really lovely. It’s completely different. I guess there are two Benidorm’s, the one that people visit and the one that people live in. Benidorm is its own little place.

Is there anything you didn’t like?

Josh: I wouldn’t say the centre of the Benidorm strip on an evening is the best place to be when you have recently quit drinking! Let’s put it that way.

Nish: Yeah, it’s a boozy place but again that’s one of the two Benidorm’s, the tourist side is definitely a particular flavour.

Yes, Benidorm is unique to the rest of Spain but it is a really fun place.

Josh: I loved the TV show Eldorado back in the day so it was good to live it.

Nish: I have never heard of this TV programme!

Josh: Benidorm is like Eldorado but with less drama…

Nish: I was disappointed not to run into Ray Winston in orange underpants. Sexy Beast is really my version of English people living in Spain. I guess in retrospect it’s probably a good idea we didn’t run into any of them.

What surprised you the most?

Nish: Well I guess you have no sense of what people who actually live here are

keep my pink sunglasses.

Josh: I lost mine on day one.

So have you lost your sunny outlook on life then?

Josh: Well that’s what I’m blaming. I found the Euro Weekly News had a unique approach to the news in that it is good to be somewhere where there is positive news. It’s a good lesson to take into life but I’ll probably forget by the time I’ve landed in the UK.

like. So that was really nice and surprising and pleasant.

Josh: Yeah I thought meeting Colin (they are referring to one of the articles they wrote Dragtastic which appeared in the Costa Blanca North edition on October 4) was just incredible. You see a man who has come out here and created a totally unique life as a drag artist. Doing six shows a week, you are probably going to struggle to do that in the UK.

Nish: Yes, I don’t think the combination of horse sanctuary and drag artist is one that is very typical. It is quite specific and quite difficult to pull off and also just the fact that you can have that amount of farmland where those animals can safely live and then he can drive an hour and a half down the road and do a drag show is a very specific thing to be able to do.

Josh: I was also impressed at people drinking lager at breakfast!

Nish: Breakfast lager €1 a pint!

What was your favourite story that you covered?

Nish: Definitely Colin.

Josh: Colin as well, but I’ll say something else. Psychic dating was certainly a unique experience

So will you guys be keeping the pink sunglasses for life?

Nish: Yes I am definitely going to

The Euro Weekly News episode of Hold the Front Page aired on Sky Max on May 8 and for those who missed it, it should be available to see on catch up.

What was the difference between covering the local news in the UK and here in Spain?

Nish: It’s so hyper-specific. It isn’t just about an area, it’s about a specific community within an area. We always knew this was going to be an episode unlike any we’ve done across two series of the show.

Josh: Also, and I can’t emphasise this enough, Michel is the best-dressed editor we’ve worked with.

Were you scared of the nails?

Josh: They did initially but I’d say she’s not as scary as she tries to make out.

Nish: Yeah, she’s lovely.

Catherine: Yes, she is quite inspiring to work for.

Nish:Yeah great, I bet she is.

Josh: You’ll have to grow those nails out!

Catherine: I’m working on it!

Josh and Nish with Michel and Steven and Lynn from the EWN team.

Josh and Nish with Steven and Ben. Credit:

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Iran alibi

SANTANDER UK informed the US government it had blocked all new accounts belonging to clients with links to Iran. After an “exhaustive investigation” Santander “categorically” claimed that it had complied with all regulations, despite Financial Times reports that Teheran had used a Santander subsidiary.

Cost-cutting

SIEMENS ENERGY, which announced at the end of 2023 plans to return Gamesa, its Spanish wind turbine subsidiary, to profit, announced “staff adjustments” on May 8. The Germany company added that it hoped to maintain “more or less” the same number of employees and that changes would focus on relocations.

Going wild

ANIMAL welfare charities as well as chefs and food experts all opposed the decision to allow ‘Scottish farmed salmon’ to be packaged as ‘Scottish salmon’, which they said was misleading. Producers argued it made no difference as the public was well aware that wild salmon was no longer available in supermarkets.

Rival bids

IBERDROLA and Repsol, which accuse each other of ‘greenwashing’, are competing for a contract to build a windfarm in the Gulf of Maine, US. Both submitted bids for the €30bn project to supply sustainable electricity to five million homes in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Sad story

BOOHOO GROUP’S revenue slid 17 per cent to £1.46bn (€1,69bn) in the year ending February 29, 2024, with statutory pre-tax losses of £159.9m (€185.96m) compared to £90.7m (€105.48m) the previous financial year. This was attributed to “difficult market conditions.”

STAT OF WEEK

paid out in dividends on May 7 by airports management company Aena, in which the Spanish government holds a majority stake.

Pick-me-up for pubs

HEINEKEN, which owns 2,400 pubs and bars in the UK, will spend £39 million (€45.32 million) on reopening 62 UK pubs and renovating 612 others.

Ninety-four suburban pubs will have renovations costing around £200,000 (€232,382) to convert them into ‘premium locals’ as the world’s largest brewer makes the most of the tendency to work from home.

The initiative will also target people who want to economise on travel costs and drink nearer to where they live.

These plans will create approximately 1,075 new jobs while providing more business for each pub as

the cost-of-living crisis eases and inflation begins to remit, Heineken said.

Statistics from the British Beer and Pub Association nevertheless show that pubs had begun to close in the UK even before the Covid pandemic

temporarily shut them all down, as numbers shrank from 60,800 in 2000 to 47,200 in 2019.

Nor is Heineken alone in deciding to invest in its pubs.

JD Wetherspoon announced that pre-tax

profits for the six months ending in March 2024 had risen to £36 million (€41.81 million), compared with £4.6 million (€5.34 million) for the same period in 2023.

The chain’s founder and chairman, Tim Martin, revealed that he has listed 130 towns and cities where he wants to open more venues in addition to the existing 814 Wetherspoon pubs, down from 955 at the end of 2015.

Meanwhile the British pub and brewing company Greene King announced that it was investing £40 million (€46.46 million) in a new brewery in Bury St Edmunds (Suffolk).

Land Rover leads Jaguar

JAGUAR LAND ROVER ESPAÑA finished its April 2022-April 2023 fi nancial year with a €2.28 million net profit.

This was 45 per cent more than the previous year, revealed results deposited with the Registro Mercantil, equivalent to the UK’s Companies House.

The Spanish subsidiary which, like its parent company, is owned by the Tata Consortium, had a €317.1 million turnover, up 26 per cent on the 2021-2022 financial year. Vehicle sales accounted for €243.8m

We’re staying

MURRAY AUCHINCLOSS, chief executive of BP, was adamant that the oil giant had no plans to leave London’s stock market.

‘It’s not on our agenda,’ he declared as BP reported a 45 per cent first-quarter dip in profits to £2.2 billion (€2.05 billion) amid falling energy prices.

The pledge coincided with increased pressure on Auchincloss to narrow the gap with competitors like Shell and the US’s Exxon Mobil and Chevron.

of the total, while the remaining €73.3m came from the sale of spare parts.

The company sold 3,437 of its different Defender, Discovery and Land Rover models between April 2022 and April 2023, a 4 per cent increase on the previous year.

This was well ahead of the Jaguar, with sales of 701 units which were 63.7 per cent down, owing to WLTP emission regulations and a shortage of semiconductors for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Going it alone

BANCO SABADELL arranged a meeting in London with its principal shareholders from the big international investment funds to justify its rejection of the BBVA bank’s takeover bid.

The Catalonia-based bank headed by Josep Oliu explained that Sabadell was worth more than the BBVA’s €11.2 billion offer which would have exchanged one BBVA share for every 4.83 Sabadell share, a 30 per cent premium on Sabadell’s April 29 closing price.

Oliu also pointed out that following a record 2023 with a net profit of €1.02 billion, Sabadell made a profit of €308 million between January and the end of March, 50 per cent more than during the first quarter of 2023.

Fair shares

SPAIN’S Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (Sepi) currently owns 6.169 per cent of Telefonica.

The state-owned industrial holding company, now entitled to a seat on the board, has nominated Carlos Ocaña, substituting Carmen Garcia de Andres who has resigned for personal reasons.

Sepi is finally a majority Telefonica shareholder ahead of the Saudi Telecom Company (STC) which is backed by the Saudi government and acquired 4.9 per cent of Telefonica shares and 5 per cent of Telefonica financial instruments in September 2023.

The central government intends eventually to obtain 10 per cent of Telefonica, which was privatised in 1997.

THE Financial Reporting Council (FRC) fined two Big Four auditors for blunders during the £237 million (€275.65 million) London Capital & Finance (LCF) debacle in 2019.

LCF was a savings and investment company which sold unregulated mini-bonds, promising returns of up to 11 per cent.

PwC must pay £4.9 million (€5.69 million) and EY £4.4 million (€5.12 million)reduced from an original £7 million (€8.14 million) - for neglecting to understand LCF’s actions and internal controls and “not applying sufficient scrutiny,” the FRC said.

ADDRESSING a parliamentary committee on May 7, Bank of Spain governor Pablo Hernandez de Cos foresaw 1.9 per cent growth for 2024, up from 1.6 per cent. The country’s gross domestic product increased by 0.7 per cent during the first quarter of 2024, outstripping other large European Union economies, the governor said. Based on these figures “and second-quarter information,” the Bank of Spain expected to revise its growth projections in its next update, due in mid-June, De Cos announced on presenting the Bank’s annual report.

Smashed plates

THE taxman is chasing Thomas Goode, which supplies fine china and silverware to the royal family, for an outstanding bill.

HMRC has issued a winding-up petition, which can lead to compulsory liquidation but can also be withdrawn once the company has managed to settle the debt. The latest available accounts for Thomas Goode showed that creditors were owed around £5 million (€5.81 million) by the end of March 2022 in amounts that were due to be paid within 12 months.

HEINEKEN: Reopening 62 closed UK pubs.

DEFENDER: Boosted Jaguar Land Rover sales in Spain.

Photo credit: Cc/Brodie319

Group 2.752,0 +4,0 +0,15% 39,41K

American 2.788,0 +52,0 +1,90% 315,71K

2.278,00 +48,00 +2,15% 126,91K

British Foods 2.700,4 +14,4 +0,54% 42,04K

12.354,0 +22,0 +0,18% 76,19K

213,07 -0,18 -0,08% 3,59M

Developments 495,00 +3,80 +0,77% 392,48K Beazley 666,00 -0,50 -0,07% 49,79K

5.240,0 +75,0 +1,45% 9,60K BP 508,90 +4,80 +0,95% 2,10M

American Tobacco

+19,0 +0,79% 362,89K

Group 106,60 +0,60 +0,57% 3,36M

3.186,0 +12,0 +0,38% 22,20K

Group 1.178,5 +17,5 +1,51% 129,80K

137,75 +1,70 +1,25% 1,51M

Cola HBC AG 2.730,0 0,0 0,00% 15,63K

2.290,56 +8,56 +0,38% 81,43K

Group 262,00 +0,20 +0,08% 146,12K

Intl 4.894,0 +17,0 +0,35% 13,76K DCC 5.805,0 +20,0 +0,35% 5,05K

2.834,8 -2,5 -0,09% 220,16K

3.850,00 +2,00 +0,05% 6,42K DS Smith 360,80 +0,80 +0,22% 97,15K

Mining 1.743,00 +37,00 +2,17% 17,85K

785,60 +3,60 +0,46% 77,14K

3.408,0 +10,0 +0,29% 30,79K F&C Invest 1.035,28 +3,28 +0,32% 28,63K Flutter Entertainment 16.280,0 +235,0 +1,47% 32,53K Frasers

326,80 -1,20 -0,37% 523,02K

2.313,0 +9,0 +0,39% 27,51K

Full throttle

TRAIN manufacturer

Talgo finished its 20232024 financial year with a €10.4 million net profit, quadrupling the previous year’s €2.4 million. The company expects a decision regarding a €619 million takeover bid from Hungarian consortium GanzMavag, a deal the Spanish government views with suspicion.

Off the list

OXFORDCANNABINOID TECHNOLOGIES, backed by rapper Snoop Dogg, is delisting in London, owing to the “continuous, irrational and regressive pressure” on its shares. It would have greater access to far more capital once it was private, the company said.

Lower profits

Shot in the arm

Majority undermined

LEAPY LEE SAYS

IT

OTHERS THINK IT

DELIGHTED to begin this week’s blurb by thanking the lady who wrote apologising for considering me a racist. The lady informed me that although she had perused the column for many years and often found the subject matter interesting, she had always judged a number of my comments to incorporate racial and biased cultural views, of which she totally disagreed; well not any more.

Watching the UK disintegrate into a society which she and many of her British friends no longer feel a part of, the lady had no hesitation in telling me that many of the forewarnings and premonitions I wrote about have indeed come true and therefore apologises unreservedly for often condemning many of my early subject matter and opinions.

Oddly this week I received a second letter from a gentleman who had also enjoyed the column for many years and actually congratulated me on my observations telling me it was a shame

they weren’t published in a few of the nationals in the UK.

He also wrote that he and many of his friends were actually frightened to express their own views in public, because these days you could actually be arrested for a vast number of personal opinions which don’t concur with the ‘woke authorities’ = the faceless individuals who seem to be somehow running the country irrespective of which government happens to be in power.

Wow, I don’t quite know how to react to letters of this ilk. I do of course thank the writers for their views, but feel utterly saddened that the British majority are being undermined and slowly but surely sucked into some form of non-British culturist state which is basically unworkable in the country their ancestors fought and died for.

Those of my (thankfully few) readers who still exist in some sort of cuckoo land and seem to endorse the changes that are being virtually forced on British residents, should perhaps write to me and explain their opinions on some 40 or more local town and city officials who were recently elected into office purely because they supported Gaza; and another, who at the announ-

cement of his victory, screamed Allah Akbar to chanting mobs of his supporters who voted him in.

I thought that officials who were voted in to British local council positions were put there to support local operations, ie make sure the buses ran on time, potholes were repaired or the local populace was suitably cared for; not elected because they supported a war taking place in an alien country thousands of miles away! Well, to this ol boy it is blatantly obvious that the idiot woke power mad brigade has finally and totally overstepped the mark.

The idea of creating a new voting mainstream in the UK by supporting and combining all the minorities, irrespective of their opinions or actions, is a ridiculous conspiracy that will utterly wreck the pride and ambitions of the true British public and is actually turning residents against the diversified cultures being forced on them; actions that could almost certainly lead to the violence and destruction I prophesied some 30 years ago.

Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

Most popular baby names in Germany

IN a recent report from the Society for German Language, Sophia emerged as the most popular name for girls, with Emilia coming in at a close second. Noah is continuing its reign as the most popular name for boys.

The list of names favoured by German parents remains steady, with names like Emma, Mia, Hannah, Leon, Paul, and Emil retaining their popularity.

Two new names have appeared in the Top Ten: Lia for girls and Liam for boys. Experts have observed a trend towards shorter names.

Regional variations painted a diverse picture of trends across the nation. In northern regions, Ida and Frieda are popular names for girls and Theo is a favourite for boys. In the south, Marie, Anna, and Leonie are on trend, while in the east, Mathilda and Charlotte are top picks. In the west, Felix and Jakob are names frequently chosen for boys.

The Association for German Language, with headquarters in Wiesbaden, has been carefully documenting and disseminating these trends since 1977.

Popular baby names vary from region to region.

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Hippy Hippy Shake

Jessica Sweeting

IT’S time to dust off your bells, beads and flares as there is just time to get ready to attend the Hippy Peace and Love party with funds flowing to Vera Lions.

The fun starts at 6pm on Saturday May 18 at the Chiringuito Yemaya in Mojacar and the evening promises to be a real return to a swinging past with different bands hitting the stage from 7.30pm.

There are some great competitions including a hobby horse race, Hippy King and Queen award, 60s and 70s fancy dress and of course all manner of music. So channel your inner Marc Bolan or Janis Jo -

plin, but don’t forget that although that may have been the time of free love and the sweet smell of Mary Jane, that this is 2024 and there are still certain rules in place. You can still have fun at this Glam Slam with entry by ticket only costing just €6 per person from the Lions Shop, Turre or Yemaya, Mojacar.

This promises to be a great fundraiser and supporters of the great work that the Vera and District Lions Club will be delighted to know that their last Party in the Park raised an impressive €5,200 which will be used to help those in need in the local community.

A NEW Hogwarts-inspired bar has opened in Almeria, much to the delight of Harry Potter fans one of whom, María del Mar Vázquez, mayor of Almeria City was the very first customer.

Magicians only

Tucked away on Calle Padre Santaella, a new cafe bar, called No es lugay para no magos (Literally: No Place for Non-Magicians), has started to cast its spell in Almeria.

This magical eatery is the brainchild of Jose Miguel Galindo Capel, an Almeria native who has previously introduced 11 escape rooms to the city.

The bar aims to immerse visitors in the world of Hogwarts, complete with its themed interior representing the four magical houses of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw, alongside some iconic items such as the Nimbus broom, the sorting hat and each character’s distinctive wands.

The cafe features a diverse menu catering to all ages, including 32 unique cocktails - eight per house menu - with options for non-alcoholic drinks. Children can enjoy the famed butter beer and an assortment of ‘magical’ smoothies made from natural fruits. The menu also boasts hot chocolates, pastries, burgers, and other snacks, ensuring a varied selection for family dinners or late-night treats. No Place for Non-Magicians promises an affordable, enchanting experience, serving customers until midnight during weekdays and up to four in the morning on weekends.

What’s more, they are more than happy to cater externally if you want to put on your own Harry Potter themed event.

Credit: Mia2you Shutterstock

Credit: Carol Highsmith, Library of Congress Collection

A restaurant to keep to yourself

RESTAURANTS can be like peeling an onion. The first layers are locales we give stars to because Google provokes us, next layers are spots where we recommend, we feel confident in our suggestion to tell others “oh you must try this place.” Finally at the heart are hideaways we want only for ourselves. Maybe sharing only with our closest of friends.

Something unusual happens when you enter the Tikar. From the outside you think it is another typical hotel restaurant in the area. However, once you cross the threshold you are swept into a different sort of place. The warmth and colours are immediately comforting. As you are swept through to the secret garden, memories remerge: Key West, Cancun, Thailand…

Sitting in the hidden tropical garden with palms, hibiscus, bananas (in bloom!) and a waterfall

flowing into the intimate pool. This is a restaurant you will want to keep for yourself. This treasure is serenity unspoiled, quiet and peaceful.

While settling in you order something to drink while looking over the menus. At lunch an unbelievably good valued ‘menu del día’ includes Tikar’s famous seafood chowder, fresh spinach salad, basmati rice with shrimp and sauteed vegetables are just some of the starters. Mains include baked hake with lemon sauce, slow cooked pork cheeks, chicken breast with creamy orange vermouth sauce to mention a couple. Complete your menu with one of the desserts, maybe carrot cake, lemon tart, tiramisu or something else …. All home-made and delicious.

Dinner is a more formal setting although just as relaxing and tranquil. The dinner menu is more generous featuring San Francisco Shrimp Scampi, Goats Cheese Salad, Mussels steamed in wine and saffron, Duck Confit, Almond Crusted Salmon, Roquefort Stuffed Chicken or Braised Lamb Shank. Finishing with more home-made desserts maybe cheesecake or a molten chocolate cake. Attached to the restaurant is a small vinoteca where you can peruse the shelves and choose a nice wine for your

ADVERTISING FEATURE

table or just ask Sean and he will help you select something special.

¡Tikar Tapas! are served every Saturday afternoon. These tasty bites are fresh, delicious and handcrafted. They are not to be missed. Take advantage of the bottle of wine and five tapas offers and turn it into an enjoyable weekend outing.

Hotel Tikar’s Restaurante Azul offers their ‘menu del día’ Tuesday-Friday 1.30-3.30.

Dinner Wednesday - Saturday from 7.30-10.00. ¡Tikar Tapas! Saturdays 1.30-3.30

Ctra Garrucha a Vera,17 04630 Garrucha, Costa de Almería 950 617 131 www.hoteltikar.com Reservations are highly recommended.

Glowing glamour

IN summer 2024, the allure of glossy skin and high-shine make-up finishes will continue to captivate beauty enthusiasts worldwide. This trend, which gained momentum in recent years, shows no signs of fading as individuals embrace a radiant and luminous complexion.

From dewy foundations to glossy lip glosses, the emphasis remains on achieving a youthful and healthy glow. High-shine finishes add dimension and depth to make-up looks, creating a mesmerising effect that catches the light and enhances natural features.

Whether opting for subtle shimmer or bold gloss, individuals are drawn to the effortless elegance and modern sophistication of glossy skin and high-shine make-up. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of beauty trends, one thing remains certain, that the timeless allure of luminous skin and radiant finishes is here to stay.

Sweet solutions

REDUCING sugar intake is a vital step towards a healthier lifestyle, and making simple swaps can make a significant difference. Instead of sugary sodas, opt for sparkling water infused with fruit for a refreshing and hydrating alternative. When craving a sweet treat, choose fresh fruit or unsweetened yoghurt with berries instead of reaching for sugary snacks. Replace sugary breakfast cereals with whole grain options topped with nuts and seeds for added nutrition and sustained energy.

Additionally, swap sugary sauces like ketchup and barbecue sauce for homemade versions with less sugar or opt for herbs and spices to add flavour to meals.

By incorporating these easy swaps into your diet, you can reduce your sugar intake and improve your overall health and well-being.

Digital nutrition

ORDERING personalised vitamins online has revolutionised how we approach supplemen tation, offering convenience and customisa tion at our fingertips.

The process typically begins with an onli ne assessment, where users provide infor mation about their health goals, lifestyle, and dietary preferences. Based on this data, al gorithms generate personalised vitamin re commendations tailored to individual needs. This streamlined process eliminates the guesswork and ensures users receive vitamins that address their specific deficiencies and optimise their well-being.

Moreover, online platforms often offer subscription services, delivering vitamins directly to your doorstep on a regular basis, saving time and hassle.

However, potential drawbacks include the reliance on self-reported information, which may not always accurately reflect individual health needs, and the lack of in-person guidance from healthcare professionals. Despite these limitations, the ease and accessibility of

ordering personalised vitamins online make it a convenient option for those seeking tailored wellness solutions.

Crown comfort

IN the realm of personal care, the scalp often takes a back seat to other parts of the body. However, neglecting scalp health can have significant consequences for both men and women.

A well-nourished scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth, as it promotes stronger, shinier locks and prevents issues like dandruff and scalp irritation. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy scalp can contribute to overall well-being, reducing the risk of discomfort and boosting confidence.

Simple practices such as regular cleansing, moisturising, and protecting the scalp from environmental stressors like the sun can go a long way in preserving its health. By prioritising scalp care, individuals can enjoy not just luscious locks, but also a happier, more comfortable lifestyle.

Costa del Sol Loose change adds up • News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

ALAN BOARDMAN has raised €1,377.54 through donations of loose change with his Copper up for Cudeca promotion.

Bars in the Mijas and Fuengirola area all had collection tins on prominent display for anyone to contribute those small coins we all hate. We accumulate them in change but can rarely spend them, however it all soon adds up as Alan found out - over €1,300!

Ricardo Urdiales, President Cudeca Cancer Care Hospice, said, “our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of €1,377,54 thanks to your campaign ‘Copper up for Cudeca’, to support the professional palliative care which is provided to patients and family, without cost, by Cudeca Hospice. The help we receive from understanding supporters like yourself enables our special care to be available to those in need, mostly people suffering from cancer and other advanced illnesses.

Axarquia Motril airshow

THE International Air Festival of Motril will take place on June 9, 2024, and is a highlight in the airshow calendar. Featuring a diverse lineup of aircraft and demonstrations including combat planes, aerobatics, helicopters, and parachutists, it attracts everyone from aviation enthusiasts to families.

Notable participants include the Pilatus PC9M, SOLOTÜRK, HA-28 TIGRE, MUSTANG X-RAY, the Acrobatic Patrol of Morocco, and PIPER J-3 CUB. Besides aerial displays, the festival offers ground activities providing insights into aviation and opportunities to interact with pilots and teams. As one of Spain’s foremost air events, it significantly boosts tourism and the local economy, drawing thousands of visitors.

The International Air Festival of Motril promises a day filled with thrilling aviation spectacles against the backdrop of the beautiful coastal scenery, making it a must-attend event for everyone.

Mallorca Ironman 2024

ON Saturday May 11, Alcudia played host to one of the largest IRONMAN 70.3 events in the world. The town saw enthusiastic spectators lining the streets and beach to offer their encouragement to competitors, creating an electric atmosphere.

The race began within the tranquil waters of the Bay of Alcudia, offering a picturesque setting for the 1.9km swim sector. Athletes started and finished at Playa d’Alcudia. As competitors emerged from the swim, they were greeted by a cheering crowd lining the 100-metre stretch of IRONMAN red carpet.

Following the swim, athletes embarked on a challenging 90km bike ride, navigating through mountainous landscapes. The subsequent three-loop, 21.1km run unfolded along the scenic Alcudia Bay, culminating in a triumphant finish on the beachfront.

Costa Blanca South Seriously soaring

ALICANTE-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport achieved its best April on record, welcoming 1,590,828 passengers.

This marks the fourth consecutive month of record-breaking numbers, surpassing April 2023 figures by 10.8 per cent.

International travellers remain predominant, contributing 1,365,202 passengers, marking a 10.1 per cent increase. National traffic also saw a notable rise, with 223,594 passengers, up by 15.8 per cent compared to the previous year.

Breaking down international visitors by nationality, the United Kingdom topped the list with 552,320 travellers, followed by the Netherlands (102,913), Belgium (81,690), Germany (81,538), and Norway (71,056). For the first four months of the year, the airport handled a total of 4,819,105 passengers, marking an 18.5 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2023.

Costa Blanca North A marine legacy

COSTA BLANCA became a pioneer of the Blue Flag; the Valencian Community now has the most Blue Flags in the world.

With a total of 159 beaches awarded the Blue Flag, the Valencian Community is at the forefront of the global marine environment as Spain continues to lead the way in Blue Flags with 730 destinations, followed by Greece, Turkey and Italy.

Nowhere else but on the Costa Blanca can you find the highest number of Blue Flag beaches. With the beaches of Cala de la Granadella and La Grava in Javea being recognised by the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education, the iconic Blue Flags throughout the region continue to represent the outstanding nature of the region.

Other locations on the Costa Blanca North include Cap Blanc, La Roda and L’Espigo in Altea, Llevant and Mal Pas in Benidorm.

Costa Calida Blue Flag beaches

AGUILAS proudly reclaims its title as the area in the Murcia Region with the highest number of prestigious Blue Flag awards, securing nine for its beaches and two for its sports ports. This year, the Murcia Region has garnered a total of 33 Blue Flags, just one fewer than last year. Of these, 27 are for beaches, while six will fly over sports ports.

In Aguilas, the Blue Flags will be on the shores of Calarreona, La Carolina, La Casica Verde, La Colonia, La Higuerica, Las Delicias, Levante, Matalentisco, and Poniente.

Lorca maintains its blue flag for Calnegre Cove. San Pedro del Pinatar maintains its three blue flags along with San Javier and Cartagena.

Unfortunately, the beaches along the Mar Menor will not bear the Blue Flag due to the ongoing environmental problems affecting the quality of the water.

Carles Puigdemont

VOX Pop

IN light of Carles Puigdemont’s recent announcement regarding his intention to return to Spain against the backdrop of the Catalonia independence saga, opinions across the spectrum are as diverse as ever. We took to the streets to talk to the Euro Weekly News readers to see what they thought about his return. We also asked if his return would cause more unrest in the region.

Bernadette from Dublin, a resident in San Pedro del Pinatar said “Yes I think it will cause upheaval. Why is he returning now, has he another agenda?”

Joaquin a Spanish resident from San Javier said “The situation for Spain is embarrassing. He should return but to face justice. Without it, we cannot say we have a democracy in this country if he can continue to a ect the government from his position. We need closure on this topic as soon as possible.”

Joe from Ireland resident in Lo Pagan said “I was wondering why it had gone nice and quiet in Barcelona over the last few years, he’s been in Brussels serving as an MEP. I think he should stay where he is, his return will only bring more upheaval to the area.”

Alex Baader who lives in Palma observed “Puigdemont’s return may deepen divisions. There are those who support his cause and are willing to rally behind him, but there are also Catalans who oppose independence or who are weary of the ongoing political turmoil.”

There was some understanding from Bob McNabb who lives in Vera who commented “As a Scotsman, I understand the theoretical wish for Independence, but like Brexit it causes division and neither Catalonia nor Scotland can stand alone economically.”

Nataliya Kulakova from Russia who lives in Calpe was quite decisive with her opinion “I believe that once Puigdemont gets close to victory, nothing will stop him. And it is clear to me that over the years he has prepared carefully for his return. It is not in Spain’s interests to allow him to come back and I hope that upon arrival he will be arrested.”

JOE

CARLES PUIGDEMONT.

Fighting fleas

WHEN battling fleas in your home, opting for environmentally friendly methods ensures effective pest control without harming the planet.

Start by regularly vacuuming carpets, floors, and upholstery to remove flea eggs and larvae. Wash pet bedding and linens in hot water to kill fleas and their eggs.

Natural remedies like diatomaceous earth, a fine powder that dehydrates and kills fleas, can be sprinkled on carpets and pet bedding.

Why join a house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch

LEAVING pets anywhere when you travel on holiday can be stressful. And many believe it is always best to keep them at home in their own surroundings if at all possible, ideally with a caring pet lover who’ll watch over them.

By joining a house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch we can help you meet checked house and pet-sitters who will travel to your home and care for your pets for free!

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 servicesfree accommodation for free pet care!

A house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch can help you

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence. Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed

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

peace of mind for you and your pets. If you’re travelling in 2024 join now and get organised today:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

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

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

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 /

5 Excellent

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

Janet Bryant, pet ow ner

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 expensive dog or cat collars

may seem extravagant, but it comes with pros and cons. On the one hand, luxurious collars can be a fashion statement, showcasing your pet’s style and status. They may also boast high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring durability and comfort for your furry friend. However, the hefty price tag can be a deterrent, especially considering that pets may outgrow or lose collars. Additionally, overly extravagant

Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can also repel fleas when diluted and sprayed around the house.

Additionally, consider using flea traps with light and sticky pads to capture adult fleas. By incorporating these eco-friendly practices, you can rid your home of fleas while preserving the environment.

Couture collars

collars may pose safety risks if they are too heavy or adorned with sharp embellishments. The most expensive dog collar in the world, valued at over £2.5 million, features 1,600 diamonds and is made by a British jeweller. While stunning, such opulence underscores the divide between pet pampering and practicality.

Pet of the week Sophie

find free checked pet-sitters.

CLASSIFIEDS

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

MISCELLANEOUS

PAINTER/DECORATOR

PLUMBERS

BUILDERS

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

BUY & SELL

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

CHURCHES

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

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

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

DRAINAGE

ELECTRICAL

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

ESTATE AGENT

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

INSURANCE

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

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

LANGUAGE CLASSES

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

MOTORING FOR SALE

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

OTHERS

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

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €7.75, medium dogs €8.50, big dogs €9.25, cats from €7.00 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotel turre@gmail.com fivebonehotel.com (304298)

KNOWLES PLUMBING No

1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (305077)

REMOVALS

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

PETS

SITUATION VACANT

Discover the Škoda Kamiq: A renewed SUV

THE first thing that will catch your attention about the new Kamiq is its more robust and attractive appearance. The redesigned front and rear bumpers, along with a larger and more vertical grille, give the vehicle a more imposing presence on the road. The new Full LED headlights (now standard in all versions) and optional Full LED Matrix headlights, as well as the LED fog lights on the bumper, complete the Kamiq’s new look and make it a benchmark in its segment.

A completely renewed interior

The changes are not limited to the exterior. The interior of the new Kamiq has also been

completely renewed to offer greater comfort and functionality. The seats feature new upholstery, a new Climatronic panel with buttons has been added, a storage box for rear passengers has been included, and new decorations on the dashboard and doors, made of fabric, suede, and carbon leather, have been incorporated. More technology and connectivity

The new Kamiq is packed with the latest technologies to ensure a safer and more connected driving experience. The eight-inch Virtual Cockpit and 8.25-inch infotainment screen come as standard in all models.

New finishes and engines

The finishes of the Kamiq have been updated and are now Essence, Selection, and De sign, with the Monte Carlo finish as the highest in the ran ge. From the basic Essence finish, we find the 8” Virtual Cockpit and the 8.25” infotainment screen.

previous equivalent 110 HP engine.

Dynamic test at Škoda Cadena Automocion Vera

As for the engines, the new Kamiq offers a range of gasoline engines with 95 HP, 115 HP, and 150 HP, depending on the version. The 115 HP 1.0 TSI engine is one of the highlights, as it offers better performance and efficiency than the

We invite you to visit Škoda Cadena Automocion in Vera to take a dynamic test of the new Kamiq and discover for yourself all that it has to offer.

Special May offer: from €90 per month*

This month, the Škoda

Name: Škoda Cadena Automoción: Address: Carretera de Murcia, 30, 04620, Vera (Almería) Phone: 950 393 190 • Email: ventas@cadenaautomocion.skoda.es Website: www.skodagrupoveraimport.skoda.es Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cadenaautomocion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skodacadenaautomocion/

Kamiq is available with a unique offer from €90 per month. Check conditions at the dealership.

Don’t wait any longer and come discover the new Škoda Kamiq.

Mercedes Benz C-Class premium motoring

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

MERCEDES BENZ has long been at the forefront of pre mium motoring and its latest range is no exception. My con centration here is the C-Class saloon range that offers plugin hybrid petrol and diesel power units. Prices start from £45,180 for the AMG Line which comes with standard features such as LED lights with adaptive high beam assist, keyless start, navigation with smartphone inte gration, cruise control, automatic wipers, climate control and heated front seats.

My test model was at the higher end of the range, the AMG Line Premium Plus with diesel power under the bonnet and priced at £52,590. While it may carry the AMG name the AMG Line versions have all the styling cues, but the mechanical side of things remains unmolested in terms of power. The 1.9-litre diesel in the test car produces 265 hp and being die-

you would be hard pressed to tell it’s a diesel providing the not inconsiderable accelerative capacity. Also the mid 50s fuel economy is impressive for a car of this class.

Inside it makes a pleasant change to find a car, especially a German model, that isn’t graced with a surfeit of sombre tones, most often black or grey. Lightening up my test car’s interior, and adding a dash of additional class, were

tobacco coloured centre seat panels and matching door cards. With the rest of the interior in darker colours matched to the external grey paintwork it made for a nice contrast.

On the road the C-Class is a refined and smooth drive with plenty of power in reserve should you require it. A sleek style, despite being a saloon, makes for a striking look and doesn’t really com-

promise headroom access to the rear as is the case with many rakish saloons. The suspension draws a nice line between being compliant enough to soak up the bumps but with enough control to deal with twisty tarmac. Add driving modes of Comfort, ECO, Sport, Sport+ and Individual and you can see why it makes for an exemplary sports saloon. Mercedes has had a reputation of being slightly more sedate than some rival German competitors but has more than levelled the field with the C-Class AMG Line models. It’s also a somewhat more individual choice with less aggressive styling, an altogether more-subtle approach.

Olympic Exclusives

THE top sports fans are spending up to €463,870 on limited edition Olympic packages to gain access to exclusive events with their idols.

These packages are part-owned by the associates of Rafael Nadal and LeBron James. They offer personal meetings with top athletes, a visit to the Athletes’ Village and ‘the chance to attend the Opening Ceremony’.

The managing director of GR8 Experience, Barnabas Carrega, told the Press that he is “very selective” in choosing the athletes he works with: “Some athletes with a huge name but (might) not have the charisma needed for the clients.”

Yet, the International Olympic Committee spokesperson stated that customers who purchase hospitality packages outside of the official channels run “the risk of not having their tickets or packages delivered or being denied access by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee.”

A GR8 spokesperson claimed that the company “does not sell Olympic tickets,” but only “experiences around Olympic events.”

Barnabas Carrega hinted there is still a limit to access the exclusive experiences: “Obviously at this price you have to be a very qualified person to want to spend that money.”

Djokovic knocked out in Rome

NOVAK DJOKOVIC suffered an unexpected defeat in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, failing to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in his career. The Serbian tennis star faced Chilean player Alejandro Tabilo, showcasing a performance far below his usual standard. This defeat comes on the heels of a recent incident where Djokovic was accidentally struck on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs after a match. The impact left him feeling dizzy and nauseous, contributing to his performance issues in the subsequent match. Djokovic was able to find the funny side and turned up the following day wearing a helmet.

All-electric race

ALTHOUGH he has kept a fairly low profile following his contretemps with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, Will Smith has not been idle. He has now launched a new team in the UIM E1 World Championship - the world’s first all-electric race boat Championship with Westbrook Racing, named after Smith’s global entertainment company.

The team joined the fleet for the second race of E1’s debut season at the E1 Venice GP over the weekend of May 11 and 12 as the series arrived in the ‘City of Water’. This new championship

event sees nine teams go head-to-head in high-octane racing at iconic global cities including Jeddah, Monaco and Hong Kong in a bid to be crowned Champions of the Water.

It seems that this is an up and coming series of events and other celebrities who are participating in E1 include Spain’s ten nis legend Rafael Nadal, international DJ Steve Aoki, footballing supers tar Didier Drogba, F1 hero Sergio Perez and Gram my award-winning musi cian Marc Anthony who will be touring Spain this summer.

With more than 265 million followers across social media, Smith will use his global platform to help elevate the world of electric sports and mobility together with the shared goal of creating a more sustaina

ble future.

Commenting on his latest investment, Smith said: “As a fan of racing, the opportunity to be part of the E1 fleet and play a role in realising its broader vision got me very inspired. The entire Westbrook team is truly excited to bring Westbrook Racing to the water

Addressing reporters in the press room shortly after his departure from the ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome, Djokovic expressed his concern about his performance. The world No. 1 said he felt disconnected when talking about his straight-sets loss, 6-2, 6-3.

At 36 years old, the six-time champion in Rome had previously defeated Corentin Moutet in his first match of the ATP Masters 1000. However, he encountered a setback when the metal water bottle fell on his head while leaving the court.

When asked if the incident had influenced his performance against Tabilo, Djokovic mentio-

ned a different training session feeling off-balance, and lacking coordination during the match.

Despite the loss, Djokovic praised his opponent, acknowledging Tabilo’s skills and congratulating him on their first encounter on the ATP tour.

Looking ahead, Djokovic admitted the need for improvement in all aspects of his game if he aims to secure his 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. With a current season record of 12-5, Djokovic recognises the challenges ahead as he strives for success in upcoming tournaments.

Expanded squads

EURO 2024 is poised to maintain the larger squad sizes introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, a welcome adjustment for many teams.

Originally expan ded from 23 to 26 players, this change was also seen in the 2022 World Cup, and UEFA seems inclined to conti nue this trend.

Initially, EURO 2024 was slated to revert to the 23-player format, but national team coaches lobbied UEFA to retain the expanded 26-player squads.

While the official confirmation is pending, it is widely anticipated that UEFA will greenlight 26-player squads for the tournament in June.

This decision brings relief to numerous nations whose star players have grappled with a congested schedule in recent months.

England manager Gareth Southgate had previously emphasised how reducing squad sizes would limit player options.

“We can take far fewer gambles than we were able to take for the last two tournaments where it was 26,” Southgate remarked when squad sizes were expected to be capped at 23.

“The size of the squad makes it a different sort of thought process because you’ve had that leeway in the last couple of tournaments to take players that weren’t going to be fit for the first couple of games.”

Teams competing in EURO 2024 must submit their squads seven days before the tournament commences in Germany on June 14.

Many nations are likely to unveil their squads well in advance, ensuring all selected players are available and in optimal condition after fulfilling club commitments.

Marseille’s ready for the Olympics.

Djokovic’s Rome stumble.

Credit: Olympics, X

Will Smith takes to the water.

Credit: Westbrook Racing