Costa de Almeria 23 – 29 May 2024 Issue 2029

Costa de Almeria - Issue No. 2029

EURO WEEKL Y YOUR PAPER IS INSIDE

23 - 29 May 2024

Golden Leaves International Understanding Direct Cremation

Why Should I Get a Direct Cremation Plan?

An unattended Direct cremation is for people not wanting to have the fuss and expense of a traditional funeral. It is a low-cost simple option that enables your family to celebrate your life away from the more traditional locations of church and crematorium.

The direct cremation plan allows you to lock in the cost at today’s prices rather than run the risk paying increased fees in the future.

These are the benefits of a direct cremation and a solution to relieve financial and emotional burden from your loved ones;

• Buying a direct cremation will protect your family against rising funeral costs.

• A Golden Leaves direct cremation funeral plan fixes the price at the time of the plan starting. You will never have to pay more.

• Our Plan is fully portable. So if you move anywhere in Spain (including Balearics and Canaries) or back to the UK for that matter, your plan comes with you.

• We also offer flexible payment options to suit most budgets.

• Significant amount of pressure and stress is removed from your families’ shoulders, as everything has been organised already. To activate the plan its just one phone call and they can concentrate on the more important thing… remembering you.

• Your money is held in a trust fund, it’s called the Golden Leaves Trust Fund so you have the peace of mind knowing its protected and your funeral is carried out.

• The company is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority

What is a Direct ‘Unattended’ Cremation?

Direct cremation can be a much more affordable option than a traditional funeral. Golden Leaves direct cremation plan is from €2,489.

The Golden Leaves fully guaranteed direct cremation plan includes the following:

• Fully guaranteed funeral director costs

• Fully guaranteed Crematorium costs

• 24 hours mortuary expenses in Spain

• You’re covered 24 hours 365 days a year in Spain (from your initial call)

• Ashes returned to family or friends in Spain or scattered at crematorium

• From as little as €37.42 per month*

What is not included?

>Burial of the deceased

>Funeral Service

>Mortuary expenses for more than 24 hours.

>Contribution to repatriation of ashes.

Whether paid in a single payment or over 12 months instalments*, the total cost for the plan is just €2,489. You can pay in instalments over 12 to 96 months. If you pay an €100 deposit, the monthly payments are €37.42 per month over 96 months, with a total of €3,632.17 to pay. *Instalment options are not available if you have been advised by a doctor of a condition or illness that will cause death within 12 months of applying for a plan. Cover for accidental death only in the first 12 months of your plan.

Of course, Direct Cremation doesn’t suit everyone. Some of us would rather have a larger and fully attended traditional style of funeral, which is why Golden Leaves range of plans has been built to offer alternative options. Whatever you wish for your final farewell, Golden Leaves will be able to help you.

Since pre-paid funeral planning was introduced to the UK in 1984, Golden Leaves Ltd has been at the forefront of providers. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and as such, your purchases are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. We’d like you to be assured that with Golden Leaves, your arrangements are secure. Every funeral director appointed to provide services for a Golden Leaves Plan are carefully selected for their standards of professionalism, including a demonstration of outstanding service records in their local community.

Golden Leaves’ current leadership too, Steve Rowland Chair and Barry Floyd CEO both have extensive histories and impeccable reputations within the funeral planning sector. Both have served terms on the board of the United Kingdom’s established funeral plan national associations, including the original national self regulatory body, the Funeral Planning Authority. More recently they have both served as directors on the executive of the newly formed National Association of Funeral Plan Providers.

In addition, our founder, Tony Rowland, was honoured with an MBE for his dedication to the funeral industry spanning over 60 years.

We have many years of experience in helping families at one of the worst times of their life. If you would like to get some advice on how you can protect your family from the emotional and financial stress of a funeral, or if you would just like to talk more broadly about the funeral system here in Spain, please contact us on the details below.

Barry Floyd CEO

Multicultural harmony

John Smith

POSSIBLY because of its historic links with Central and South America as well as proximity to Africa and membership of the EU, Spain is a multicultural society.

This has been recognised by councils throughout the country and they regularly celebrate the cultural, social and gastronomic differences between different national groups and endeavour to ensure that each gets to know the other.

On Sunday May 19, it was turn of the people of Pulpi to get together and celebrate the town’s third Multicultural event to coincide with the World Day of Cultural Diversity which fell on Tuesday May 21.

Groups and associations from more than a dozen different nations were involved and each offered visitors not only

a selection of their favourite national dish, but no event of this sort could possibly take place without a giant paella representing Spain.

The day started with a number of craft workshops for children plus some fun bouncy castles and carried on with music

from the Pulpi Municipal Band.

Mayor Juan Pedro Garcia Perez made a tour of each stand, enjoying a taste of the food on offer and he was able to enjoy snacks from South America, North and West Africa and the United Kingdom.

Following speeches

from representatives of each nation represented, there was a festival of music and dance from many wearing colourful national dress.

All declared the day a huge success which did much to reinforce the multicultural harmony of the town.

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2029 • 23 - 29 May 2024

FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS

GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE

ILMAINEN G F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G

Credit: Pulpi Council

The mayor of Pulpi with some of those taking part.

Michael Cano

THE Junta de Andalucia organises a special award ceremony to recognise and honour those people, entities and companies that work for the promotion of families.

The Awards Ceremony took place in Sevilla on May 19 and there were two special awards for individuals and companies from Almeria.

In the Families and Research category, the award was given to María del Carmen Pérez Fuentes, whose work is focused on issues related to school violence, family, adolescence, emotional intelligence, emotions and emotional management.

In the Families and Collaborating

Land offer Classic vehicles Family Awards

IF you own a classic vehicle, be it a car, motorbike, a performance car or even a bus then you will be very welcome to bring it to the Paseo in Mojacar Playa from 10am on Sunday May 26.

It’s the latest 950 Classic and Performance Car Show which is being held

Entity category, Cosentino Global SAU has been recognised for its promotion of conciliation and equality which is a cornerstone of its corporate and human resources policy.

FOLLOWING the 2008 nancial crisis huge volumes of properties and building sites were taken

at the Scotty’s El Tropical so all are welcome whether showing o their vehicle or simply hungry to see some great classic cars and bikes. If you want to show your

vehicle but would like a bit more information call 950 391 412 otherwise just turn up and park opposite the bar with the others taking part.

Naturally, both visitors and exhibitors will be encouraged to have a drink and a bite to eat at the El Tropical which is hosting this monthly event.

over by banks and are managed by a group known as Sareb.

Widely nicknamed the Bad Bank it is e ectively a cooperative managed by a number of Spain’s biggest banks and the Spanish government but all parties want it to close.

This may well be to the bene t of a number of municipalities throughout Almeria as well as their residents because Sareb has decided that one way of disposing of some its assets is to give them away.

Whilst it would be very bene cial to handover buildings for use as social housing, they haven’t decided to go that far but plan to o er plots of land under apparently attractive conditions.

The only proviso is that the land must be used for social purposes such as playgrounds, green areas, car parks or even health centres.

Some 16 municipalities have so far been o ered a range of di erent parcels of land.

The awards ceremony in Sevilla.

Sareb’s Advisory Board for Sustainability and Social Impact.

Adopted son

THE late teacher Francisco Maldonado Sánchez has been granted the Cuevas del Almanzora municipality’s highest honour for someone who was not born in the town and he is now recorded as an Adopted Son.

Street market

IF you enjoy a visit to a street market then there’s good news for those who gravitate towards the Sunday market in Vicar as the council is undertaking work to refurbish the area to give stall holders and visitors a better experience.

Stop thief

OFFICERS from Adra Local Police managed to stop an attempted theft after stopping an individual who was spotted walking with a motorbike which it transpired he had stolen from a nearby garage.

Multimedia

IN a bid to promote tourism , the Huercal-Overa Council will be investing in the creation of a range of digital tools ideal to use as multimedia content to improve visitor experiences.

Cuevas del Almanzora

THE town of Cuevas del Almanzora is, as might be recognised by its name, a municipality of caves which traces its origins back to prehistoric times.

It’s a delightful old town with buildings dating back to the 16th century and even though the more northern parts sit by the desert, it boasts 17 kilometres of beach front with a number of reasonably priced good quality hotels.

Resident population is just under 15,000 and more than a quarter of those living in the municipality are foreign which gives it a cosmopolitan feeling.

For those who enjoy archaeology and prehistoric sites, Cuevas is an ideal place to visit with its caves and Bronze Age remains but there is also a good choice of well-preserved buildings from the 16th century onwards.

This former mining town o ers a great deal for all visitors and nearby is the spectacular Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club which was inspired by its namesake in Arizona and o ers one of the best golf courses in Spain surrounded by gardens and lu-

xury urbanisations.

In 1966, two US aircraft collided over the beach and sea o of Palomares, a suburb of Cuevas dropping four atom bombs, all which were recovered, al-

THE charity ONCE visited Cuevas del Almanzora on Friday May 17 to meet with councillors and students from local schools to give a demonstration of how it feels to be blind.

The children were blindfolded and given sticks and were then invited to walk in the same shoes as a blind person.

Enjoying one of the historic sites.

though some radioactivity was recorded over a relatively small area and even now discussions continue to take place over removal of contaminated land.

Blind date

They were taken through a specially created obstacle course which was created in the town but were accompanied at all times in order to ensure that there were no accidents.

Even the mayor took part in playing the role of a blind person and afterwards spoke about the daily reality of those who are blind or visually impaired and the absolute determination of the council to help build a more inclusive society.

Cancer survivors

ON Tuesday May 13 a delegation from the Cuevas del Almanzora Council was invited to attend a very special fashion show at the Almeria School of Arts.

This was the fourth annual Mucho por vivir (much to live for) fashion parade organised by the Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC). Six proud women who have undergone breast cancer surgery showed newly designed swimwear and lingerie fashion for the summer.

Cuevas councillor for Citizen Participation, Maria del Mar Rico, accompanied the attendees and thanked Magdalena Cantero, President of the Association for inviting Cuevas del Almanzora to the event. She then went on to praise the organisation and to con rm that the council was committed to supporting all of the endeavours of the AECC.

WITH tourism such an important part of the economy, it is important to be able to o er accommodation of all types to visitors.

Work is being undertaken at the TAIGA Almeria Playa in Palomares to update the facilities in order to o er 137 places which will include new accommodation as well as static glamping and will also o er spaces for motorhomes as well as campers.

With the close proximity of the beach there will be other facilities for the family which will include horseback riding.

The mayor of Cuevas del Almanzora, Antonio Fernández and fellow councillors visited the site to see progress and were advised that it is expected to be ready to open in July.

The council welcomed the decision to invest in this site which will, once open, attract many more visitors to the area who will in turn help boost the economy as they spend money with di erent local businesses.

Credit: Cuevas del Almanzora Council

Smiles on the faces of all those who took part.

50th Anniversary Getting back to work

John Smith

TO mark its 50th anniversary, MiniHollywood Oasys, the Western Theme Park has launched a new website and renamed some of its attractions.

The biggest advantage of the new MiniHollywood Oasys website is that tickets are cheaper to purchase than at the box office and there are no booking fees.

There are a range of different options which can include a meal and there is a two day ticket available as well for the first time.

The aquatic area, The Oasys, will continue to be

the best way to cool off during their visit and guests will be able to enjoy the themed swimming pools with water slides as well as a VIP area and a beach bar

with drinks

The village, now called the Western Territory features two new museums, a photo opportunity and the newly opened walk of fame.

For those who fancy a real Wild West event it is possible to hold days and even a themed wedding

UNEMPLOYMENT has been a scourge across the world for decades and Almeria Provincial Council is doing a little bit to try to get people back to meaningful work.

It may be small but 15 unemployed women have undergone a series of training to allow them to join telecentres across the province which exist to give advice to those and assistance to those

in social institutions.

The 15 students, who already have the professional certificate, are not only able to enjoy the sense of earning and working again but also have the knowledge that they are helping other members of the community to enjoy a better way of life.

Recycling day

The zoological reserve, is now the Wild Territory, and offers guided tours with different routes to get to know all about the life of the animals and there are special arrangements for school parties.

TO highlight the importance of recycling the Antas Council arranged to present a number of special paper and plastic containers to the local college.

Councillors Maria Jesús Aznar and Felix Rodriguez, chose that particular date because it coincided with International

Recycling Day. They hoped that by making this a public statement, they would help to foster environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices among young people.

Recycling company Ecoembes, has made these containers available so that students and teachers can properly separate paper and plastic waste, making it easier for recycling.

Credit: MiniHollywood Oasys

THEME PARK: New website, new names.

Some of the trainees.

Tackling Bedar hills Cash crusade

THE town of Lijar in Almeria, known historically for declaring war on France in 1883, is now making headlines for its battle against financial exclusion.

Despite having a mere 380 residents, this town witnessed over 6,000 ATM transactions last year, amounting to a staggering €1.2 million.

This surprising statistic was confirmed by Javier Aureliano Garcia, the president of the Provincial Council, who has emerged as a champion against financial exclusion. Garcia shared these figures at the Denaria Platform Conference, emphasising Almeria’s proactive approach in providing ATMs to the 33 towns across the province that lacked them.

His contribution to the debate on Spain’s cash situation underscored the importance

of accessible financial services, particularly in rural areas.

Garcia explained that Almeria’s strategy involved a public tender divided into two lots, securing services with Unicaja and Euromatic Cash to operate 33 ATMs, thus overcoming financial exclusion effectively.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Garcia stood out at a conference for his dedication to ensuring that even the smallest communities, such as Lijar, remain financially included. As an aside, many will be glad to know that Lijar declared peace with France back in 1983.

A HARDY 19 Los Bandidos runners took on the fourth race in the Circuito de Carreras Populares in Bedar on Saturday May 18.

This year’s race started under an extremely hot sun and only cooled slightly as the evening wore on. One Bandido described it as “hot, hilly and painful”!

The 9.6 kilometre route went up through the village, out and up into the campo, then climbed, steeply, back into Bedar and reportedly the downhills were steep.

Seven Bandidos won trophies in their age groups and as a team finished fifth, with the four fastest run -

ners; Nigel Smith, Steve Slack, Mark Ratcliffe and Delphine Morin making up the mixed team.

Los Bandidos was set up in June 2018 with a small group running the 5k Mojacar Paseo, and now has road cycling, sea swimming and triathlon groups.

All ages, nationalities and speeds are welcome, whether permanent residents or holiday makers.

Los Bandidos are keen to integrate and support the local community. We are currently collecting non-perishable food and toiletries for the Red Cross Food Bank.

LOS BANDIDOS: The runners did well on the day.

LIJAR: Making headlines.

Credit: Los Bandidos

Credit: Los Bandidos

Releasing into the wild Free beach yoga

DURING the month of May there are free yoga classes by the sea in Mojacar.

The classes are an initiative from the local town hall and are run by experienced teacher, Simona Quatela, who herself has been practising yoga for over 10 years.

Everyone is welcome to come along and join in, with no pre-booking necessary.

The level is low to medium so it is ideal for beginners who want to give it a try. Simona highlighted the very positive feedback: “We had a great response. It depends on the Sunday but we have had up to 30 people, usually around 15 to 20.”

The event takes place every Sunday throughout May at the Playa del Lance Nuevo,

opposite the Hotel Pueblo Indalo which begins at 11.00am and extends until 12.30pm.

For any interested in attending, the sessions are free, the only thing you’ll need to take is a mat.

There is also a special event on Saturday, May 25, entitled ‘108 greetings to the sun’ which has something for all the family.

ONCE again, the Scientific Collections Research Centre of the University of Almeria (UAL) joins forces with GREFA and has raised six more Tyto alba owlets.

This is a long term project aimed at helping the University to repopulate parts of the province with healthy male and female Barn Owls bringing the total raised so far to 42.

The concept is that when injured birds arrive at the GREFA hospital facility, if they cannot be returned to the wild then they are encouraged to mate

and the eggs are placed in incubators until hatched so that at the age of two months they can go into a special facility prior to release.

This is one of the most successful techniques for releasing birds into the wild, as it consists of keeping the chicks in semi-freedom, in an artificial habitat prepared for this purpose, where they are fed, avoiding further human contact.

They remain there until they feel confident enough to become independent and fly off to live their lives in the wild.

FREE CLASSES: Everyone is welcome to come along and join in.

Credit: Shutterstock.com

Three of the six owlets due to move on.

Credit: UAL

Hospital praised

THE Torrecárdenas University Hospital in Almeria City is the rst hospital in Spain to be formally recognised for its research into Hepatitis C.

A special Certi cate of Excellence was presented to Manuel Vida Managing Director of the Hospital on Saturday May 19 by the President of the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEHH), Dr Manuel Romero, thanks

to the hospital’s work being undertaken to try to eliminate Hepatitis C.

The document explaining the procedure for dealing with this viral infection is also endorsed by the Spanish Society of Digestive Pathology (SEPD), the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) and the Viral Hepatitis Study Group (GEHEP).

Inflation up

One of the most successful hepatitis C screening projects carried out by the Torrecárdenas University Hospital is screening in the Accident and Emergency Department, a project that began in 2021, which has allowed more than 18,000 patients to be screened and to diagnose more than 70 with having the infection enabling their treatment and cure.

LATEST results from the National Institute of Statistics con rms what many already know and that is, in ation continues to push prices.

You can see by what goes into your shopping basket that you need to earn more in order to stay no worse o !

The only snippet of good news is that Almeria is not as badly a ected as much of the rest of Andalucia but price rises in the cost of energy as well as food stu s means that the overall rise is 3.3 per cent for April across Andalucia.

It sits slightly lower in Almeria Province at 3.1 per cent but apart from Cadiz it still costs more to exist in other Andalucian provinces with the increase for Cordoba seeing one of the highest increases, jumping by 3.6 per cent.

Celebrating women

MAY 28 has been designated International Day for Women’s Health and in advance of this more than 450 walkers appeared in Roquetas de Mar. This was for the annual March for Women’s Health which was organised by the council and took place on Saturday May 18.

The walk which covers seven kilometres started at the Roquetas de Mar Lighthouse and attracted young and old, men and women, residents and visitors who all wanted to show their commitment to supporting women’s health as they strolled along the Paseo.

More than 450 people took part.

The councillor for Women, Ángeles Alcoba, and councillor for Sports, José Juan Rubí, welcomed all the participants and thanked them for their participation in this initiative that “allows them to enjoy a day of leisure and coexistence and the good weather in our municipality.”

It’s not just about health physical health matters as the walk celebrates the rights of women in all areas including mental health and freedom from gender violence.

Credit:

Torrecárdenas University Hospital

Presentation of Certificate of Excellence.

Credit: Roquetas de Mar council

Income tax return time in Spain

It’s that time of the year in Spain, when we have to compile and submit our personal income tax returns for 2023. If you are tax resident in Spain, this will cover your worldwide income and gains. The system opened on 3 April, with a final deadline of 1 July.

You can file your form online or in person at the tax office. Couples choose whether to submit individual or joint returns (the latter usually only beneficial where one income falls below the personal allowance). There are penalties for late returns, so don’t leave it too late. It can be complicated if you earn income from various sources, particularly from overseas.

Do you need to submit a return?

Most foreign nationals living in Spain need to complete a tax return. Generally, only those on low incomes and taxed at source in Spain are exempt.

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

If you believe you are not tax resident in Spain, ensure you have this right. If the tax office questions this, it will be up to you to prove otherwise.

Income tax rates and deductions

General and savings income are taxed differently in Spain, but you declare both on your income tax return.

The progressive 2023 rates for general income in Andalucía start at 19% for income up to €12,450 and rise over six in-

come bands to 47% for income over €300,000.

Spain provides a type of personal allowance for individuals and families, given as a tax credit against the total tax payable. The basic allowance is €5,790 if you are under 65, increasing to €6,900 up to age 75 and then to €8,450. You may be able to claim additional amounts if you have dependent descendants or ascendants living with you or if one of you is disabled.

The progressive rates for savings income range from 19% for income up to €6,000 to 28% for income over €300,000.

What you need to declare

Tax residents are liable to Spanish income tax on worldwide income and gains. The Spain-UK double taxation treaty establishes where you pay tax on UK income.

UK pension income is taxable only in Spain when received by a Spanish resident. The exception is government service pen-

sions which remain taxable in the UK. Although not taxed in Spain, you still need to include it in your income tax calculation.

UK rental income and capital gains on the sale of UK property are taxable in both countries, but the UK tax paid is offset against your Spanish liability. Capital gains on the sale of movable assets are exclusively taxed in your country of residence.

Wealth tax returns

Wealth and solidarity tax returns are also due by 1 July, where you declare your worldwide assets as at 31 December 2023. Residents of Andalucía receive a 100% credit for the main wealth tax, so no tax is due, but if your total assets is more than €2 million you still need to complete a wealth tax return.

Tax planning

If you are concerned about

how much tax you’ve paid in 2023, take specialist tax and wealth management advice to see if you can improve your tax position. This article summarises the basic elements of income tax in Spain. For questions about completing your tax return, speak to a tax accountant. For advice on effective tax planning in Spain, speak to a cross-border tax and wealth management specialist.

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

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

Golf haven

IN the same way that the annual FITUR event is the meeting place for tourism professionals in Madrid, golf has its own European Convention.

This year it took place in Malaga City between May 13 and 15 and as well as hosting a major golf competition the 2024 IAGTO European Convention was a magnet for those involved in golf tourism.

It was open to suppliers, golf destinations and service providers from across Europe, Africa and the Gulf States and attracted around 750 delegates.

Buyer delegates attend from outbound golf travel markets worldwide, and all sell European golf destinations with those taking part having the chance to book 20 minute pre-scheduled meetings over the two days.

A delegation from Almeria attended and the Costa del Almeria was nominated as the best destination to practice golf 365 days a year.

Search and Rescue European election

SINCE the Maritime Rescue air base located at Almeria Airport, has been operational, the helicopter and crew have rescued almost 2,000 people in Almeria waters.

The subdelegate of the Spanish government, José María Martín, accompanied by the maritime captain of Almeria, José Aranda and by the head of the Maritime Rescue Control Centre, José Manuel Allegue, visited the search and rescue (SAR) air base to get a better understanding of the work it undertakes.

The SAR team has the crew and equipment necessary to perform all missions which may include rescues by winch or landing on sea shore, extinguishing res or undertaking surveillance at the request of other organisations.

Whilst saving of lives is the most important job of those at the base, they also con-

THE next election to choose Spain’s Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) takes place on Sunday June 9.

What many foreigners now resident sin Spain don’t always realise is that the make-up of those responsible for running the polling stations is not just from employees of local government.

centrate on removing potentially dangerous pieces of oating otsam and jetsam.

There are ve teams each with four crew members operating in rotation and the service is contracted out to the Avincis company.

In fact, in accordance with national law, a lottery takes place and residents of the municipality hosting the election are chosen at random to act as o cials. There are certain exclusions including those over 70, those who are deemed to be illiterate and in addition those who are standing for election are not allowed to become o cials.

Visit to the base.

More jellyfish this summer?

AS the summer approaches, experts have hinted that there could be an increase in jellyfish populations along Spain’s beaches.

According to Josep-Maria Gili, a professor at the CSIC Sea’s Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, “It is a bit early to predict the presence of jellyfish in 2024 on the Spanish coasts this summer, although we are on an increasing trend.”

year but potentially two generations in a single summer.

The life cycle of jellyfish typically kicks into gear in late spring and extends throughout the summer. Rising sea temperatures - a direct effect of climate change - encourage these marine creatures to begin earlier, thus extending their reproduction cycle.

“If the water temperature rises more and that water temperature is more persistent, the polyps will give rise to

The dwindling number of predators, due to overfishing and a decline in biodiversity, leaves fewer natural controls on the jellyfish population.

Geographical factors also play a role. Jellyfish swarms are often pushed towards the coast by sea winds and surface currents, increasing their presence on the beaches.

Despite the increasing

presence of jellyfish, it’s unlikely that any Spanish beach will experience more than 20 days of jellyfish disturbance over the summer, with occurrences not lasting more than three consecutive days at any given beach.

As the Mediterranean coasts brace for a typical jellyfish season in July, August, and September, tourists and locals alike are advised to stay informed but not alarmed.

Long and short of it

SPAIN holds the honour of having the longest place name in the EU and the fifth longest in the world with its 39 letters.

Of course, the European champion is from Wales and one that no doubt all Britons can easily pronounce: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

However, the EU champion is in the picturesque Baztan Valley of Navarra in the Basque Country. Here you will find the small village of Azpilicuetagaraycosaroyarenberecolarrea.

This Iberian word wonder, often abbreviated to Azpilkueta for practical reasons, translates from Basque as ‘low field of the high corral,’ reflecting the area’s landscape.

With just about 190 residents and a modest count of 20 houses, this village isn’t just a linguistic curiosity; it is steeped in mythological lore with tales of lamias.

Legend has it that lamias are seductive yet dangerous

female creatures from Greek mythology, that purportedly eat children and seduce the menfolk, they can also influence the local weather, bringing storms.

Azpilicuetagaraycosaroyarenberecolarrea’s exceptional length and cultural depth contrast sharply with the brief and quirky names found in Galicia.

This region, known for its linguistic diversity and cultural richness, doesn’t waste its breath or ink with rambling place names.

In the province of A Coruña, there are towns with names that are as short as three

letters, such as Cee, Zas, and Teo. These towns are not just easy to remember but also reflect Galicia’s unique cultural heritage.

Further south in Galicia, travellers will come across other minimal names places. In the province of Lugo there are the towns of Foz and Pol. Still further afield in the Galician province of Pontevedra visitors will find Tui, Mos and Oia.

Incredibly, to find Spain’s shortest place name we have to go back to the Basque Country. On the northern coast, in the province of Biscay lies the little town of Ea.

The town of Ea, Basque Country.

AYUNTAMIENTO DE

MOJACAR

MOJACAR wants residents and those living in other municipalities to know that there is a great selection of products from a whole range of businesses in the town.

Under the banner ‘Mojacar has it, buy it’ a special programme has been developed with the support of the Regional Ministry of Employment, Business and Self-Employment.

Mojacar Council prides itself on the exceptional quality of its social media reach and believes that it can really promote the concept of shopping within the municipality.

There is a new poster as well as a series of short videos which have been created by a team visiting more than 80 local shops and highlighting the products and services they offer.

Those participating have been themed into se-

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1 - 04638 Mojácar (Almería)

Telef. 950.615.009 Fax: 950.475.200

info@mojacar.es

ayuntamiento.mojacar.es

Mojacar has it campaign Food aid

Shady business

ven different types and a classified list will be available showing a wide range of goods and services such as accessories, jewellery, food, pets, home, computing and much more.

The launch of a municipality-owned digital portal provides potential

Handball finals

THE Andalucian Handball Championship will take place in Almeria from May 24 to 26 with Mojacar hosting the nal.

There will be some 850 competitors plus coaches, o cials and family making an expected total of 2,000 attendees all of whom have to be housed.

Although preliminary and knock out matches will take place in Cuevas del Almanzora, Mojacar, Garrucha, Huercal-Overa, Vera and Los Gallardos, the very nature of Mojacar as a tourist centre means that it has sucient hotel beds to be able to house those attending.

There will be 24 matches held each day, with teams of men, women and youngsters from each of the eight Andalucian provinces competing.

Francisco García, mayor of Mojacar said “Our objective is to continue counting on sport to increase the seasonal element of tourism and as a showcase of everything Mojacar o ers.”

local and regional buyers with an opportunity for convenient access and an option to contact the businesses remotely.

Complementing the digital line, the council has installed two large street signs: one in front of the Parque Comercial and another in the area of the

old town lift, which show the location of the municipality’s shopping areas and a QR that directs to the trade portal that will be constantly updated and renewed.

The campaign will continue throughout the year and will be updated as changes occur.

Hospitality rules

IT is no secret that the economies of towns like Mojacar bene t considerably from tourism, but to keep at the forefront, quality and service must be impeccable.

Obtaining well trained and committed sta has been a problem over the years but Mojacar is implementing a new, dual vocational training scheme ensuring that those who qualify from the training are shown to be expert in culinary and restaurant service skills.

An open day was held at the Rey Alabez secondary school to explain the programme which not only sees learning in the classroom, but also sees the students undertaking regular ‘work experience’ from the start and

over the duration of the two-year course.

The mayors of Mojacar, Los Gallardos and Turre attended the open day accompanied by councillors from various municipalities as well as representatives of the Levante hospitality sector’s most important businesses.

Among the main aims of this dual training are analysing and identifying the needs of the area to orientate students regarding the needs of the area, ensuring ideal training which it is expected will lead to employment.

Following this explanatory day, the Hospitality School students o ered a cocktail to the open-day guests, made by them in the centre’s kitchens.

WITH the summer coming and the possibility of ever increasing temperatures, children are at risk of sunburn or sunstroke if they are out playing.

Aware of this, Mojacar Council is looking to spend almost €135,000 in obtaining ‘sails’ which can be constructed above the playgrounds in Cuerva del Lobo, Marina de la Torre and El Palmeral in order to provide shade.

This is the next step in making sure that children in the municipality are able to play safely and enjoy good facilities as these three playgrounds were completely remodelled last year.

The need to cover children’s playgrounds with shading structures represents a priority for Ana García, councillor for Playgrounds, as well as for Mojacar Council and once the tender is issued, it is hoped that the build will be fast and efficient.

The councillor observed that “playgrounds are important spaces for children’s development and recreation. These places not only provide fun and entertainment, they also promote physical activity, outdoor play and social interaction among young people.”

ALTHOUGH many people have found that they are able to cope with inflation and find work there are still many vulnerable families in Spain.

Recognising this, the Mojacar Council introduced a programme known as ‘shopping basket vouchers’ whereby those who met certain conditions could receive vouchers to allow them to purchase basic foodstuffs and hygiene products.

The closing date was May 15, but it has been reported that this has now been extended until Tuesday May 28.

Announcing the campaign.

Mojacar Council

The council is committed to safe play areas.

Get men talking

IT has long been said that men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

Nothing could be truer than when it comes to discussing worries and concerns. While women will happily talk about their issues, men still see it as a weakness, and are more likely to just ‘man up’ and get on with it.

Samaritans in Spain believe that it is time for society to recognise that far from being a weakness, talking is incredibly empowering.

It is well documented that talking provides the opportunity for emotional release and relief. They have been running a campaign to actively encourage the English-speaking male community to ‘lay those feelings bare’. They have done this with the help of five male residents of Spain, who willingly stripped off to convey the charity’s message saying ‘Walk tall bare all’.

While an unconventional and slightly risqué approach to a serious

subject, the number of calls made by men to their FREEPHONE number has increased. The male/female call ratio has gone from 25:75 to a more encouraging 40:60 split.

This is very welcome news as according to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the global suicide rate is over twice as high among men than women.

Samaritans in Spain offers a confidential listening service, currently operating between 10am and 10pm every day.

Walk tall, bare all.

They are available to ALL English speakers irrespective of Nationality who reside in mainland Spain or the Islands. They can be contacted via their FREEPHONE number

A RECENT TikTok trend sparked a viral debate by asking women a rather peculiar question: if they were stuck in a forest, would they prefer to be accompanied by a man or a bear?

Surprisingly, many women leaned towards the bear.

This sentiment was echoed in responses on the platform, with some expressing that “men are scary.”

A recent YouGov survey in the UK further explored this question, revealing that a significant portion of women indeed feel more uneasy about being alone with a man in the woods than with a bear.

Overall, 54 per cent of Britons would choose to be stuck with a man they didn’t know, compared to 24 per cent who would opt for a bear. However, among women, 31 per cent preferred the bear (com-

Man v Bear

pared to 42 per cent who still chose the man), while for men, only 15 per cent favoured the bear.

Interestingly, younger women, particularly those aged 18-29, were more inclined to take their chances with the bear. Among this age group, 53 per cent would choose the bear, while 31 per cent would opt for the man. Women in their 30s showed more divided opinions, with 44 per cent choosing the man and 37 per cent the bear. When the scenario was altered to a choice between a woman and a bear, gender differences diminished. Only 9 per cent of women preferred the bear under these circumstances, similar to the 8 per cent of men who made the same choice.

Whales sink yacht

A GROUP of killer whales have sunk a sailing boat that was in Moroccan waters in the Strait of Gibraltar, and its two crew members had to be rescued by the authorities.

The events occurred on Sunday May 12 at around 9am, when the two occupants of the sailing boat were attacked by a group of killer whales or orcas, 14 miles from Cape Espartel, in Morocco, as reported by Maritime Rescue. An urgent call requested evacuation as they had felt

and heard the blows from the orcas to the hull of the boat resulting in damage to the rudder. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Tarifa recommended that they put on their life jackets, turn on the Automatic Identification System and have their radio beacons ready to locate them if necessary.

The oil tanker MT Lascaux, which was sailing close to the scene of the incident, was asked to come to provide assistance, the two crew members of the

sailboat were rescued and taken to Gibraltar. The yacht however, was left drifting and subsequently sank due to the damage.

This is the first known interaction with killer whales in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar this year, coinciding with the arrival of good weather. According to experts, the interactions between the killer whales and the boats “are not aggressive,” but are more related to “play or socialisation behaviour than aggression.”

Photo: Flickr CC / Chase Dekker

Nameless streets

FROM June 1 onwards, France bids farewell to nameless streets as a new law takes effect, ensuring that every street in the country receives an official name.

This monumen-

tal change will impact approximately 1.8 million residents who previously lived on unnamed streets.

Until now, France has been known for its streets with no names, however, a law passed in

2022 mandates that municipalities assign names to all streets to streamline public services like postal deliveries and emergency responses.

According to the law, municipalities with over 2,000 inhabitants were required to name their streets by January 1, 2024, while smaller municipalities must comply by June 1.

The absence of street names has caused numerous challenges over the years, leading to confusion for postal workers and emergency responders.

This change aims to address these issues, potentially making a crucial difference in medical emergencies.

While municipalities have the autonomy to choose street names, the government offers guidelines to ensure coherence and diversity.

Greener gardens

THE city of Antwerp is offering its resi dents a unique opportunity to make their surroundings greener by giving away 2,000 trees for planting in gardens.

This initiative, running until September 30, aims to engage citizens in greening efforts and improving the city’s en vironment.

Having a tree in one’s garden not only contributes to better air quality but also provides shade during sum mer and creates additional breeding space for birds.

With 20 different tree species available, residents have the chance to select the most suitable option for their property.

To assist in decision-making, the city provides a helpful guide with questions guiding residents to the appropriate tree recommendation based on their preferen ces and property characteristics.

All tree species offered are carefully selected to thrive in the local climate and ecosystem.

Moreover, the city website offers practical advice on planting and caring for the trees to ensure they meet municipal standards.

For instance, trees exceeding two metres in height should be planted at least two me tres away from the property boundary, un less agreed otherwise.

Mass tourism impact

VOX Pop

MOVEMENTS across Spain are calling for the negative impact of mass tourism and over-crowding to be addressed. We asked our readers if this reaction has come too late:

Judy Abingdon who is British but lives in Palma, Mallorca said “Mallorca is a seductive location with a long history and a rich culture that naturally attracts a lot of attention. Having lived on a lot of islands I think it su ers from the same thing that usually happens. Investors see dollar signs and rush into projects without much planning. So yes, I think it will be very hard to correct this problem now, but I don’t put blame on the tourists. I put it on the planners who should have done better and considered its citizens and visitors beforehand.”

cally with fewer tourists, the people shouldn’t vote for governments that make it so di cult to start and run small businesses. The self-employed and entrepreneurs should be praised and held up as examples.”

Ian Raistrick from England who now lives in Calpe has a somewhat similar view saying “It makes sense that there is a movement against mass tourism, especially in places like Mallorca or Ibiza. There’s only so much space on one island. The lives of people who work at restaurants and hotels become a ected; they’re in a strange situation because in the summer there’s a ood of income, but during other seasons they struggle to nancially support themselves; there’s no stability or balance.”

Norwegian-born Cecilie Gamst Berg had quite strong views on the subject “If Spain wants to survive economi-

May Al-Ali also living in Palma commented “As a Londoner who relocated to Spain, I feel that tourism is great for the country, it helps the economy grow. I’m sure the government appreciates that, and I’m sure that the increase in the value of locals’ houses is welcome too. The government just needs to put measures in place to support the infrastructure of the islands to reap the bene ts of the economic boost.”

Eamon Brown from Ireland who is holidaying in Mojacar said “It all depends on the tourists, I can understand that some places just don’t want noisy crowds of youngsters on hen nights or stag dos but they are only a small percentage of those who visit and genera-

CECILIE GAMST BERG

JUDY ABINGDON

Foreigners get vote

A TOTAL of 43,292 foreign residents in Andalucia will be able to exercise their right to vote in the European elections on Sunday June 9, mostly Romanians.

According to data from the Electoral Census O ce, a total of 302,991 people from other European Union countries will be able to vote nationally in these elections, well below the 365,000 foreigners in 2019, the last time the British took part.

The most numerous group in Spain as a whole are Romanian nationals, with 85,281, representing nearly 30 per cent of the total of this group of foreign voters, followed by Italians, with 61,802, or 20 per cent. Third place goes to 34,735 people from Germany (11 per cent), while there are also 30,713 French voters (10 per cent).

The countries with the fewest foreign voters in Spain are Cyprus, with 64 people; Malta, 43; Luxembourg, 168; Slovenia, 314 and Croatia, with 359.

After Andalucia, the community with the most foreign residents with the right to vote is the Canary Islands, with 38,411 registered voters, headed by Italians.

Guinness goes green

DIAGEO, owners of the world famous Guinness brand, has announced plans to invest over €100 million to decarbonise its historic St James’s Gate site in Dublin, where Guinness has been brewed for 264 years.

The investment will enable St James’s Gate to entirely phase out the use of fossil fuels in its direct brewing operations and reduce emissions generated by the site by more than 90 per cent

thin a new water recovery facility. This facility will also improve water use e ciency and enable a reduction in the water used to brew Guinness by 30 per cent.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “Guinness has been made in Dublin for over a quarter of a millennium, and today so many tourists visit the location while they are here. It’s not just a green transformation for St James’s Gate

cutive O cer, Debra Crew, said, “St James’s Gate is a historic location for an iconic brand. We’re 260 years into our 9,000-year lease at St James’s Gate and this investment will ensure that Guinness has an exciting and long-term sustainable future.”

This plan is the latest move by Guinness towards futureproo ng its business, with the company long-since known for its pioneering employment o ering of free health care, pension, paid holidays, and free meals to employees for over 200

Photo: Facebook Guinness

Hot weather warning to all pet owners

AS temperatures rise, it is crucial to remember the severe dangers of leaving pets in cars during hot weather. Even on a seemingly mild day, the temperature inside a vehicle can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes. Studies show that temperatures can become dangerous for pets in 10 minutes or less.

Pets, especially dogs, are highly susceptible to heatstroke. Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat effectively and rely on panting to cool down, which is insufficient in sweltering conditions. Symptoms of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and even collapse.

Without immediate intervention, heatstroke can cause organ failure and death.

Leaving windows open does not provide adequate ventilation or cooling. The best way to ensure your pet’s safety is to leave them at home in a cool, shaded environment, with plenty of water.

If you must take your pet with you, ensure they are not left alone in the car, even for a few minutes.

Remember, taking preventative measures can save your pet’s life. Always prioritise their well-being by avoiding unnecessary risks during hot weather. Spread awareness about this critical issue and help protect animals from the dangers of overheated vehicles.

Leave your pet at home in hot weather.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Titanic worry

BELFAST based shipyard

Harland & Wolff’s warned that the company might not survive if a £200 million (€233.09 million) loan guarantee from the government failed to materialise owing to state aid rules. This could put at risk a £1.6 billion (€1.86 billion) contract to build Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships.

Late homework

BRUSSELS asked the Spanish government for proof that it had introduced effective systems to prevent China’s Huawei accessing the 5G network. This was one of the reforms and conditions that Madrid had to comply with by 2022 in order to receive a fourth payment of European Union funds worth €10 billion.

Raspberry float

CAMBRIDGE-BASED

Raspberry Pi, whose lowcost computers help children to learn about IT, has sold 60 million units worldwide since 2012 and now intends to list on the London stock market. The business could be valued at £500 million (€582.72 million) the Sunday Times said on initially reporting the float.

Looking ahead

CONSTRUCTION and infrastructure group ACS posted a first-quarter net profit of €177 million, an 8.4 per cent increase on 2023. The firm headed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had a turnover of €8.70 billion during this period, prompting a “minimum” net profit forecast of €600 million for the entire year.

Booting up

BOOTS US owner Walgreens Boots Alliance is increasing efforts to find a buyer for the British pharmacy chain and working with experts to establish discussions with likely firms, according to Bloomberg reports. Insiders said that Walgreens would want £7 billion (€8.16 billion) for the 174-year-old company.

LONDON-LISTED mining

company Anglo American, which rejected a second takeover approach from Australia’s BHP on May 13, is selling De Beers.

After rejecting a £34 billion (€39.62 billion) offer from BHP, following an initial £31.1 billion (€36.25 billion), Anglo intends to sell the world’s leading diamonds company.

Anglo controls 85 per cent of the firm, while the Botswana government owns the remaining 15 per cent.

De Beers, which represents 6 per cent of Anglo’s business, is expected to fetch around $7 billion (€6.46 billion), according to JP Morgan.

STAT OF WEEK

has been spent by Spain’s state-owned Industrial Holding Company (SEPI) in acquiring an 8.53 per cent holding in telecommunications company, Telefonica.

The thinking behind the sale was “to simplify” the mining group and give it “a new level of strategic flexibility,” while making more cash available to shareholders, Anglo’s chief executive Duncan Wanblad said on May 14.

Al Cook, De Beers’s chief executive, who is known to back the sale, was quoted in the Telegraph as saying that new ownership would “open up new possibilities.” Cook is now tipped to play a significant role in the future

sale.

Other Anglo plans include selling its coal mining interests as well as its stake in the Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), which is listed in South Africa. There will also be less spending on the Woodsmith fertiliser mine in Whitby (Yorkshire).

Wanblad revealed that Anglo was contemplating “a range of options” for De Beers, which could include a full or partial sale.

French luxury giants LVMH, Richemont and Kering have all been suggested as possible bidders for the iconic brand, although Wanblad did not reveal how many were involved.

THE Playmobil factory in Onil (Alicante) is closing after 48 years.

Sales fell 25 per cent overall between 2022 and 2023, with Spanish sales dropping by 33 per cent.

German parent company Horst Brandstatter slowed production in September 2023 and when the Playmobil Iberica plant closed on May 13, 26 employees joined the 13 made redundant in April.

De Beers selloff Game over Oil find

REUTERS revealed that oil company Repsol is negotiating the sale of a holding in its renewables division.

Repsol Renewables is currently worth €5.9 billion including debt, ac cording to a UBS report in April 2024.

The company headed by Josu Jon Imaz has received an unsolici ted approach from an investor and appointed Santander to advise on the sale, people close to the talks told Reuters. The move would help the Spanish multinational to fund its strategic plan through to 2027, four separate sources confirmed.

What is known so far is

Price is right

ROYAL MAIL owner, International Distributions Services (IDS), said it would back a £3.5 billion (€4.08 billion) offer for the UK postal service from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

An earlier £3.1 billion (€3.61 billion) share offer of 320p (€3.73) was rejected as undervaluing Royal Mail, but IDS said on May 15 that it would recommend accepting 370p (€4.31) per share if a formal offer were made.

Kretinsky, part-owner of West Ham United, already has a 27.6 per cent holding in Royal Mail via his EP Group.

Repsol

Sareb sale

SPAIN’S Bad Bank, Sareb, is selling two debt portfolios for €2.3 billion.

Sareb, set up by the Spanish government in 2012, was created to take on more than 200,000 unpaid loans and properties from savings banks affected by the housing bubble.

This, Sareb hopes, will help to shrink its €8.79 billion of toxic assets which in recent years it has tended to reduce by selling off assets.

One of the portfolios, Genova, which is now on the market, consists of €1.5 billion in unsecured loans. The other, called Guiza, is still being prepared and contains loans secured by a mortgage, Sareb sources said, making it more valuable than the Genova portfolio.

in talks

that Repsol would retain more than 50 per cent of the renewables unit once the unnamed investor injected new capital, the insiders continued.

Talks were at a preliminary stage, they said, emphasising that there was no certainty that the deal would go through.

Reuters could not determine the investor’s identity and neither Repsol nor Santander wished to comment on the sale.

Yes and no

GRIFOLS, leading manufacturer of plasma-derived medicines, announced a €21 million first-quarter net profit. This was €129 million up on the same period last year, a recovery that analysts welcomed, although with occasional reservations.

Grifols results for the first three months of 2024 were positive and continued improvements seen during previous quarters, Investment bank Renta 4 said, despite a “particularly negative cash flow.” Nevertheless, Grifols was once again under attack from short-seller Gotham which accused the Barcelona-based company of diverting a €266 million dividend to Scranton Enterprises, a holding company which is owned by the Grifols family and former Grifols executives.

Another 20 continue to work in areas that remain operational, as the company is maintaining Onil as its distribution, sales and marketing centre for Spain and Portugal. RUSSIA has located huge oil and gas reserves in the Antarctic, much of it in areas claimed by Britain.

Members of the Commons Environment Audit Committee (EAC) heard that Russian research ships believed that the area contained 511 billion barrels of oil, roughly 10 times the North Sea’s entire 50year output.

Junior minister David Rutley said that his department had decided to trust Russian assurances that it was just conducting scientific research, although experts warned that trusting Russia “was naïve.”

earners

TESCO chief executive Ken Murphy’s pay doubled to £9.93 million (€11.57 million) as the retailer’s profits soared in 2023.

Most of Murphy’s pay deal came from £8.3 million (€9.67 million) in bonuses, although he also received a basic salary of £1.64 million (€1.91 million).

There was a corresponding increase for Imran Nawaz, Tesco’s chief financial officer, whose own pay rose from £2.27 million (€2.64 million) to £4.95 million (€5.76 million).

DE BEERS: One of its showrooms in London’s Bond Street.

Photo credit: CC/Gryffindor

REPSOL: Chief executive Josu Jon Imaz not confirming renewables rumours.

3I Group 2.973,00 +15,00 +0,51% 25,64K

Group 2.674,0 +5,0 +0,19% 7,02K Airtel Africa 119,90 +0,70 +0,59% 177,54K

American 2.699,5 +22,0 +0,82% 191,82K Antofagasta 2.395,00 +30,00 +1,27% 63,66K Ashtead Group 5.864,2 +100,2 +1,74% 21,19K

British Foods 2.736,0 +6,0 +0,22% 16,35K

12.072,0 -38,0 -0,31% 59,56K

Trader Group Plc 728,80 -1,20 -0,16% 40,44K

497,10 +3,40 +0,69% 413,03K B&M European Value Retail SA 544,80 +1,20 +0,22% 58,20K BAE Systems 1.372,25 +10,75 +0,79% 131,75K

217,30 +0,50 +0,23% 1,62M

Developments 525,00 +0,60 +0,11% 119,29K Beazley 674,50 -1,50 -0,22% 46,51K

5.340,0 +30,0 +0,56% 2,06K BP 495,75 +4,45 +0,91% 1,67M British American Tobacco 2.475,0 0,0 0,00% 146,97K BT Group 134,25 0,00 0,00% 1,83M

3.038,5 -5,5 -0,18% 19,29K Burberry Group 1.090,8 -9,2 -0,84% 117,72K

146,40 +1,85 +1,28% 579,76K

Cola HBC AG 2.804,0 +20,0 +0,72% 44,77K

2.250,14 -5,86 -0,26% 37,67K

Group 254,20 -0,40 -0,16% 43,34K

Intl 4.739,0 +31,0 +0,66% 3,97K DCC 5.920,0 -5,0 -0,08% 2,43K

2.808,5 +8,0 +0,29% 981,74K

4.180,00 -12,00 -0,29% 3,05K DS Smith 374,40 +0,20 +0,05% 58,15K

487,62 -3,18 -0,65% 530,74K

731,80 +9,80 +1,36% 56,82K

3.701,0 +10,0 +0,27% 44,35K

Invest 1.050,00 +2,00 +0,19% 36,84K

Entertainment 16.235,0 +20,0 +0,12% 9,90K

827,83 -0,17 -0,02% 5,73K

2.338,0 +5,0 +0,21% 12,46K

Going out

FORMER UK Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who announced he would not run as a Tory MP in the next election, was named chairman of Very Group, owned by the Barclay family. Expected to take over on June 1, he will be replacing. Aidan Barclay.

Going up

BRUSSELS increased its 2024 growth prediction for Spain to 2.1 per cent thanks to domestic demand and a strong labour market, Economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said. Implementing the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) would underpin investment growth, he added.

Asda’s two-for-one

ASDA will take advantage of its property assets and reduce its debt by selling land covered by one of its largest London supermarkets.

Co-owners billionaire Zuber and Mohsin Issa and London-based TDR Capital intend to sell the freehold of the 10-acre (four-hectare) Park Royal superstore in Ealing to Britain’s biggest housebuilder, Barratt.

Subject to planning permission, Barratt will redevelop the site, construc-

Digi the poacher

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

company

Digi reported a €178 million turnover in Spain between January 1 and March 31.

This was 24 per cent more than 2023’s first quarter, bringing a gross profit topping €40 million, 46 per cent up on last year.

Digi, which now has more than seven million customers, continues to

poach those of Spain’s other operators thanks to its tariffs for fibre internet connections and mobile lines. The low cost Romania-based operator added another 546,000 clients during the first three months of this year, 32 per cent more than the same period in 2023.

In contrast, Telefonica’s first-quarter earnings increased by 1 per cent, and its gross profit by just 0.2 per cent.

ting a 60,000-square foot (5,570-square metre) Asda store and 1,500 homes.

Barratt will meet the cost of the new £30 million (€34.94 million) store and also pay for the land. No mention was made of the sums involved, although Barratt West London’s managing director Craig Carson was prepared to say they were “significant.”

By the end of 2023, Asda was £3.8 billion (€4.42 billion) in debt, paying £441 million (€513.7 million) interest on loans dating from 2021. Asda refinanced £3.2 billion (€3.73 billion) of its debt earlier in May in order to “strengthen our balance sheet” according to chief financial officer Michael Gleeson.

Ian Lawrence, who heads Asda’s Mixed Use Development department, revealed that the company plans to sell six other sites in London for redevelopment, enough to build 10,000 homes over the next five or six years.

Shop theft

ARCHIE NORMAN, Marks & Spencer chairman, maintained that police had little interest in dealing with shoplifters and many store thefts were never solved. Retailers had to spend “a lot of money” on tackling the problem and although shoplifting in M&S stores had been reduced, this was mainly due to measures the retailer had introduced, Norman told LBC Radio.

Day jobs

A RECENT survey by economic think-tank Fedea found that 83.7 per cent of employees working in Spain’s hospitality industry were overqualified for their jobs, compared with 68 per cent in other European countries. Fedea also found that 76.6 per cent of Spain’s agricultural workers and 73.1 per cent employed in logistics were also overqualified.

PARK ROYAL: Impression of the future development in Ealing.

Photo credit: asda.com

Still a true patriot

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

IF the UK doesn’t toughen up against the threat of potential terrorism they really can put their heads between their legs and kiss the proverbial’s goodbye. How frantically the authorities and the leftie media rush to inform the public that some recent atrocity or another is ‘not terrorist related’.

Couldn’t do it this week though could they? An elderly British citizen, out for a morning walk, cut to pieces by an Islamic asylum seeker. The perpetrator later told the police that had he possessed a machine gun he would have killed more people! Almost unbelievably in court he denied the charges and although he acknowledged stabbing the man, said he had ‘no intent to kill or cause serious harm’.

You really couldn’t make it up. Naturally, the perp (once again no doubt filling the coffers of his ‘defence’) was eventually found guilty, sent away for 45 years and will no doubt receive all the undivided attention and special ‘needs’ those who follow the religion of

terrorism seem to experience during their incarcerations. The first thing the UK government (whichever lot preen at the top) has to come to terms with and more importantly publicly admit, is that they are still in a war; or do we have to wait for another horrendous attack which can’t be denied as being terrorism related? Political correctness and the fear of being labelled a racist deterring us from admitting who our enemies are, is utterly ridiculous.

The 25,000 (it’s probably double that) terrorist suspects presently at large in the UK have to be monitored more closely, including phone hacking and the eavesdropping of conversations. No individual connected of terrorism should have access to public funds for leave to appeal and, wherever possible, immediate deportation should be in effect. Suspect’s homes must be raided far more frequently. Mosques and schools, suspected of preaching radicalism, must be investigated more thoroughly and offending leaders arrested.

Police have to be given much wider powers and not be in fear of recrimination for offending some religious ritual or another. The UK is quite simply too dammed soft. The days of Geneva con-

ventions and fair play are over. This enemy merely looks on any sign of decency as a weakness.

You can’t possibly fight a war against them shackled by political correctness, or the fear that you may ‘offend’ somebody. This war is also being fought on many fronts, including a growing number in high office, banner bearers who parade the streets and bleaters in the public media. The enemy is everywhere.

Strange is it not, that when I warned of all this over 20 years ago, I was accused of being a ranting idiot and indeed often observed as a laughing stock? Well, no one’s laughing now are they? Once again, I reiterate my reasons for discussing the UK in my columns, it is not only that I’m still a true patriot, but basically because those of us who choose to live elsewhere, seem to observe far more intimidation and foreboding than those who still reside in the land of ‘woke,’ where the suppression and clampdown of appropriate public opinion seems to be growing by the day.

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.

Risk of drought

THE effects of climate change continue to show across Europe; in the Netherlands they are resulting in increasing drought, especially during the summer.

Floods and rises in sea levels are expected throughout the summer in the Netherlands, as reported by the government’s Environmental Assessment Agency, PBL. “We know extreme events will happen but not exactly when and where. So we need to be prepared,” said Van Gaalen of the PBL, referring to the economic consequences of climate change.

According to the Agency, at least eight million people in the Netherlands live in areas with high risks of floods. Considering an increase in temperatures and its effects on health, agriculture and nature, the consequences are estimated to reach more than €1 billion.

The drought, however, is the biggest threat to the country. “Dry periods are becoming more frequent and last longer and at the same time the demand for water is growing. That means that more areas will be faced with a lack of water for irrigation or even drinking water. Choices will have to be made,” said Van Gaalen.

The effects of drought is a big threat.

Credit: Alabama Extension, Flickr

John Smith

IT was more than 20 years ago, that Californian Sean met Beatriz a Spaniard from Palencia in the north and they spent a couple of years living in San Francisco.

Loving to travel, they decided to spend five years in Spain as it was a much better starting place for weekends in Europe then the west coast of America. That was about 26 years ago and they are still here, just loving their existence, having decided that running a boutique hotel and restaurant was their calling.

At first they stayed in northern Spain, with Beatriz, who is bilingual, undertaking translations and Sean helping people understand the newly introduced internet and whenever they had enough money they would travel somewhere. Then along came their first child as Sean explained “he ended our Bohemian lifestyle and we had to look to the future.”

Sunday sounds

ALMERIA

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sean McMahon of Hotel Tikar

They opened their first restaurant in the north, but realised that with a short tourist season there wasn’t sufficient local trade to justify staying, so they headed south and opened the very stylish Hotel Tikar in Garrucha.

They only have six bedrooms which are all junior suites with a living room and the hotel itself is decorated with art from local artists, has a very pretty garden and a pool which you can dine by in the summer. The great thing about the location of Hotel Tikar is that it is next to the beach and has a restaurant which offers a great range of dishes at very reasonable prices which is why it is popular with locals all year round.

At one time, a small room inside the hotel was used as an art gallery but with the 2008 financial crisis, that business tailed off but “this allowed me to turn the room into a Vinoteca stocking mainly Spanish wines as well a few from other countries.”

Guests can view the wines and then choose what they would like to drink with their meal and being part of the community, Hotel Tikar organises wine tastings and trips to nearby wineries. Sean

THE Clasijazz cooperative in Almeria City has a special spring launch as it raises funds to turn the Molino in Terque into a permanent site for artists.

They have been raising funds to allow for both the exterior and

and Beatriz decide on the dishes to appear on the menu “but we leave the kitchen staff to cook to perfection as they are very consistent” and it speaks volumes for the couple that in all of the years they have been open they have only ever had three head chefs. Every so often, diners can enjoy live music (which never drowns out conversation) and the atmosphere is always pleasant.

Sean is proud that “as far as I know, there is no other hotel in the world with the name Tikar and this name was chosen deliberately.”

Many people ask Sean whether why he prefers Spain to the USA and he says “it’s to do with the lifestyle and the people, of course I do miss some things but when you live abroad you have to compromise and that’s what we have done.”

That compromise has even embraced bureaucracy “it’s there and you have to learn to live with it.”

Ctra Garrucha a Vera,17 04630 Garrucha, Costa de Almería 950 617 131 hoteltikar.com

interior to be transformed into an artists retreat, welcoming artists of all disciplines such as musicians, painters, writers and dancers.

In addition, Clasijazz is creating a programme of outdoor concerts in an area simply surrounded by

nature.O n Saturday May 25 from noon, Almerian band The Celts Folk & Rock will appear in an open session playing a number of popular numbers, influenced by Van Morrison, The Waterboys and Bruce Springsteen.

Dawn of the Dead

RENOWNED director of horror movies, the late George Romero was quoted as saying “When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.”

Be warned those living in or near the town of Pulpi that this is what is due to occur on the night of May 25 when the VIRAL ZOMBIE® REAL GAME takes over for that one night. This increasingly popular night event sees a mixture of local people and actors taking part in a series of

adventures throughout the town. They will have to role-play with various characters that they encounter on their way, as well as a group of soldiers and carry out the different missions that they will ask of them.

Tickets cost from €10 to €35 depending upon the role that you wish to play and there are a number of rules to ensure that everyone who takes part is kept safe.

The organisers stress that this is not a competition, but an event, an

apocalyptic night with a Scape Room that uses the entire municipality and it is meant to appeal to the whole family with special group prices.

There are also rules concerning those under 18 so that if aged 15 to 17, they must carry a letter from a parent or guardian confirming that they may take part and any aged between 10 and 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

The quarter master will clothe the army.

Wine tasting

IF you enjoy your wine and will be in Mojacar on May 28 then a rather special event is taking place from 8pm at Bar Pública, Plaza Nueva Multi Centro. They have teamed up with the prestigious Bodega PRADOREY in the Ribera del Duero region to offer a wine tasting evening which will be accompanied by a selection of cheeses and exclusive Galician meats.

The tasting starts at 8pm and you have to reserve your place in advance which will cost €35 per person by calling 648 009 515.

The winery is housed in a 16th century building purchased by Queen Isabella and if guests enjoy the wine tasting, they could consider visiting the Bodega and staying at the Royal Inn in the heart of the 3,000 hectare estate.

Credit: Viral Zombie Facebook

Tootsie treat

Aloe Aloe

to pamper your feet. To make an effective foot scrub, you will need a few basic ingredients: coarse sugar or sea salt, a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, and an optional essential oil for fragrance. Start by mixing half a cup of coarse sugar or sea salt with a quarter cup of your chosen carrier oil in a bowl. For added benefits and a pleasant scent, add a few drops of essential oil, such as peppermint or

ture until it reaches a

To use, apply the scrub to your feet in circular motions, focusing on rough areas like heels and calluses. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Regular use of home-made foot scrubs will leave your feet feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.

ALOE VERA grows in many gar dens and terraces and harvesting home-grown aloe vera is a straight forward process that brings numerous benefits. Begin by selecting mature lea ves from the outer sections of the plant, ensuring they are thick and healthy. Gently cut the leaves close to the base using a sharp knife. After collecting the leaves, wash them thoroughly. To extract the gel, slice the leaf lengthwi se and scoop out the inner pulp with a spoon.

Aloe vera gel is re nowned for its soothing properties. It’s an ex cellent remedy for sun burn, minor cuts, and skin irritations. Additionally, it can be used as a moisturiser, promoting hydration and skin health. Some people also consume aloe vera juice for its digestive be

nefits. Growing and utilising your own

Tech timeout

A DIGITAL detox, a deliberate break from electronic devices, can have both positive and negative impacts on health.

On the bright side, disconnecting from screens reduces eye strain and promotes better sleep patterns, improving overall mental and physical well-being. It encourages face-to-face interactions, fostering stronger relationships and reducing feelings of isolation. Moreover, a break from constant notifications can allevia te stress and anxiety, allowing for greater focus and producti vity.

However, excessive screen time has be come deeply in grained in daily life, and sud den discon nection

can lead to withdrawal symptoms like restlessness and irritability. Furthermore, for those whose work relies heavily on digital communication, a complete detox may disrupt professional responsibilities. Thus, while moderation is key, a balanced approach to digital consumption is essential for maintaining optimal health in today’s interconnected world.

Popular peel

PEEL-OFF lip stain is a revolutionary cosmetic product, which is gaining immense popularity in the beauty industry.

Unlike traditional lipsticks, this innovative formula applies as a liquid but dries to a peelable film, leaving a long-lasting tint on the lips.

It’s not just about the vibrant hues it offers, peel-off lip stains boast smudge proof and transfer resistant properties, making them ideal for all-day wear.

This trend is skyrocketing as more beauty enthusiasts appreciate its convenience and natural finish.

With its ability to provide a pop of colour without the need for frequent touch-ups, peel-off lip stain is transforming makeup routines worldwide, catering to those seeking both style and practicality.

Its rise also reflects a broader shift towards minimalistic beauty solutions, aligning with the growing demand for effortless yet impactful make-up looks.

QUIRKY TOWN

Castellfollit de la Roca

John Smith

A BASALT cliff in Catalonia rises 50 metres above ground and perched on top of this narrow cliff is the medieval town of Castellfollit de la Roca.

Buildings including a fine church and belltower run along the thin strip of cliff for around one kilometre and the town currently has almost 1,000 inhabitants.

It can trace its history back for nearly 1,000 years and although in a relatively easily defended position it has been destroyed by earthquake or invasion by the French and even suffered during the Spanish Civil War.

For a small yet fascinating town, there is plenty going on and arguably it ‘punches above its weight’ with regular fiestas and even boasts the Rockerol Festival and food truck event.

For centuries the apparent ‘floating town’ has been a magnet to artists and nowadays is geared up to cope with tourists who want to walk the narrow medieval streets and enjoy the view from the massive courtyard at the edge of the town which has two rivers the Fluvià and Toronell flowing on either side of the cliff.

One of the recommended times to be in the area is at sunset, when the rays of the setting sun illuminate the cliff. If however you get bored with all of the surrounding natural beauty, then you might want to visit the Museu de l’Embotit (Sausage Museum) which was founded in 1993 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the local Sala family producing sausages - admission is free and you might even get to sample some of the wares.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Victoria Car Hire UK Self Drive

WE are based in Horley town centre, just five minutes’ drive from Gatwick airport and a short walk to Horley mainline railway station.

On offer is a range of cars starting with small everyday cars and up to family-sized vehicles to include manual and automatic transmission. We also have a variety of both petrol and diesel fuelled engines. All cars are well maintained and presented in a clean condition.

We have full 24-hour AA breakdown cover. The most popular brands used include: Ford, Vauxhall, Nissan, Citroen and Renault.

We meet our customers just outside the arrival terminal at Gatwick Airport at the authorised collection points at both the North and South terminals. We will then drive to the car rental office in Horley town centre, where the paperwork and payment are processed followed by a demonstration of the car controls and directions to the motorway if required.

The collection procedure is very efficient, taking a small amount of time

A range of cars are on offer.

and allowing the customer to swiftly proceed with their onward journey.

At the end of the hire the customer returns the car to the rental office and will be driven to the departure terminal at Gatwick Airport.

Office hours are 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday, weekends by arrangement. An out of hours service is available for late arrivals and early morning departures. Subject to conditions.

Prices are from £110.00 per week, which is fully inclusive with no hidden extras, the fuel in the vehicles are taken on a like for like basis - if the tank is half full, it must be returned as so.

Debit and Credit card payment accepted. No hidden extras - Fully Inclusive Delivery & Collection - Gatwick Airport only Reservations: Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm Telephone: 0044 1293 432155 / jpselfdrive@hotmail.co.uk

The stunningly beautiful Castellfollit de la Roca.

Revolution Technology, where there is always a solution

IT seems that every week sees a new innovation in the world of home entertainment and you really need to take advice from experts about what will suit your individual needs, so Revolution Technology is ideally placed to assist.

The options just get bigger and bigger all the time and this shop, staffed by people who know what they are talking about offers a really wide range of options.

One section deals with Televisions, TV streaming boxes and Firesticks along with sound bars for that added audio experience but this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Vinyl is making a big comeback nowadays so you can obtain your new record player and accessories from the same source and if your music is online and mobile then browse

through the selection of earbuds and headphones.

It’s not just pure entertainment but if you need a laptop for school or work plus of course a printer, then they can advise you on the various options available and can supply them quickly at very competitive prices.

You need a new mobile phone or smart watch, then look no further than Revolution Technology and they are agents for

Lobster Mobile, so all of your phone needs are catered for.

No home nowadays should be without internet connection and they can assist with all networking requirements and can supply routers as well as WiFi extenders and cables as well as offering advice on the best configuration for your needs.

Home security is something that most of us take very seriously and again Revolution

Technology is there to help offering a range of security cameras of different types both for internal and external use.

Wander into a chain store and if you can find someone to serve you, there is no guarantee that

Revolution Technology, Calle Sol 2 La Alfoquia, 04661, Almeria. Phone - +34 850 991 489 or +34 694 440 184

ADVERTISING FEATURE

they even know what they are talking about which is why the specialists at Revolution Technology have decades of experience in technology so can offer that knowledge to their customers to provide an outstanding customer experience.

Although all of their products (including some special offers) are online at the company website https://revolutiontech. services/ there is often satisfaction in meeting face to face and the shop in La Alfoquia is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm which gives them time to visit customers for installation in the afternoon.

This exceptional service is offered to customers in Almeria and Murcia, so do feel free to visit the website, the shop or contact Revolution Technology via email or phone.

Email - revolutionsales@protonmail.com · Website – www.revolutiontech.services · Facebook - Revolution Technology

Time to call it a day

AS I get older I wonder why I can recall things like the Littlewoods catalogue, the bloke that came round to collect your football coupons, the milkman, the corona lemonade man, Smiths crisps with the salt in a little blue twisty thing, a mangle, chocolate wagon wheels that were so big you couldn’t hold them in one hand and if you lived in the East End of London, and maybe other poorer parts of the country, the Tally man, who was actually just a debt collector, that used to come for the payments for stuff you had bought on tick (credit), but I can’t remember why I’ve wandered into the kitchen or where I put my sunglasses or car keys, or why I thought this would be a good way to start this week’s grumps!

OK on to a more serious thing - Eurovision Song Contest. It’s time to call it a day. I was never a great lover of it, too long, too many crap songs and the voting was always a bit suspicious with a lot of them being political neighbouring countries voting for each other. But the last couple have been chaos. The politics now are beyond belief

and the songs are terrible. The costumes they wear and the make-up are ridiculous. One country refused to mention another country by name, another blanked out the name and the little gob shites that perform are all of a sudden political experts. If they do continue with this tired worn out show performers should be told, go on stage, sing your song and f*** off to the green room and wait to see what happens.

Anyone else like liquorice? For gawd’s sake don’t read what happens if you eat too much of it. Apart from the thing we all know it does, there are some pretty horrific side effects. I bet you didn’t know it can give you high blood pressure, fluid retention, hepatitis, headache, swelling (doesn’t say where), dental plaque, muscle cramps and, of course, everybody’s favourite - erectile dysfunction!!! Plus the sweetener they use is 30-50 times sweeter than sugar.

Lastly, stop messing about with popular TV shows. Mock the Week - gone. A Question of Sport - cancelled because the BBC cocked it up, plus many more and I fear Dr Who will not be far behind with the new black gay Dr. I have no problem with being black or gay of course, it’s just that Dr Who isn’t either and that’s just a fact.

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

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

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

ADVERTISING FEATURE VOSS HOMES

Villa Sueños

near Huercal-Overa

NEW & EXCLUSIVE TO VOSS HOMES - A beautifully presented, larger than average, three bed, two bath Villa with solar and mains electricity, central heating & H&C aircon throughout, 8m x 4m swimming pool and large, private terrace, covered in a Florida style meshed enclosure and a workshop on a low maintenance garden of 501m2 with country and hillside views. Located in the sought after area of El Saltador just four mins drive into Huercal-Overa town and four mins drive to the popular village of San Francisco with shop, three bar / restaurants, doctors and chemist.

It is only a 25 minute drive to the sandy beaches of San Juan de Los Terreros and 35 minutes drive to Vera, Mojacar and Garrucha.

Villa Sueños is a stunning property with so many extras. Access into the

plot is via a sliding metal gate on to the gravelled drive way with parking for two cars plus a wooden car port. To the right of the driveway is a garden with attractive artificial grass plus a mature orange and lemon tree.

After the driveway a glazed door leads into a large conservatory / living / dining area with recently fitted quality sliding glass doors which look

out to and open up into the impressive Florida style meshed enclosure which covers the whole rear garden including the pool, seating areas and workshop. Around the pool there is plenty of room for sunbathing, playing and entertaining.

Within the conservatory, wooden double doors lead to the spacious open plan living and dining room with

OUR REF : VH2365 NEW & EXCLUSIVE PRICE: €229,950

H&C air con, ceiling fan and super efficient pellet burning fire. To one side is the dining area and then the kitchen with the two rooms separated by a breakfast bar with removable trellis work. There is lots of worktop and storage cupboards. A rear door leads out to the side of the villa with further storage cupboards for the central heating boiler and diesel tank.

From the living / dining room is a corridor to the three large double bedrooms (all with fitted wardrobes, H&C air con and ceiling fans). The master bedroom with ensuite shower room. There are two more guest double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The hallway and bedrooms have fitted carpets which can be taken up if wanted to reveal the original floor tiles. Some of the furniture may also be for sale.

For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact Voss Homes on 0034 950 616 827 or email us at enquiries@vosshomesspain.com

INTERVIEW

Speaking European –Rainer Schauberger

For the past seven years, Rainer has been split between Spain and Germany, spending half a year in each country. He admits he feels more at home during the “Spanish seasons.”

Anna Akopyan RAINER confessed that his fascination with Spain began when he was a teenager: “It was love at first sight or even before the sight... I dreamt of Spain before I ever visited and when I fina lly did I felt like I was dreaming still: it was marvellous.”

Rainer Schauberger.

Rainer’s first journey was with his wife when they came to Moraira in 1987. A year later, they bought a home there. Now, Rainer lives in Calpe and spends his days doing fitness, going on local excursions,

and holding mass in the Church of Albir.

Rainer has been learning Spanish for years and continues attending lessons to expand his knowledge. His everyday life is filled with Spanish and he often speaks Spanish even with his English-speaking friends. “The reason why I love Spain so much is that people here always look at the positive side first and only then consider the negative. The climate, the culture, and the people make Spain a place where one can be truly happy.”

Credit: Anna Akopyan

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol A symphony of goodwill

A

HEARTFELT thank you to Fiesta Live! “We are beyond thrilled and deeply grateful to announce that Fiesta Live! has chosen Collective Calling as the benefiting charity for the legendary Pete Tong event at their upcoming five-day music extravaganza at Marbella Arena” said the organisation on social media.

Collective Calling’s mission is to combat homelessness and its associated challenges by providing comprehensive support and long-term solutions to individuals and communities in need.

Everyone’s support means the world to Collective Calling and to those whose lives will be positively impacted by the generosity of Fiesta Live!

As Pete Tong takes to the stage, each beat will not only set the rhythm for an unforgettable night but also echo the heartbeat of change and hope that Collective Calling strives to bring to those in need.

Axarquia Tourism boost

THE Tourism Department of the Rincon de la Victoria Town Hall continues its efforts to enhance its positioning as a tourist and cultural destination. Their latest campaign, which will run until the end of this year, focuses on promoting Villa Antiopa and Cueva de la Victoria. This involves the placement of printed panels in various locations across the Axarquia region and the city of Malaga.

A total of 42 locations, including hotels, campgrounds, tourist offices, and travel agencies, will feature informative panels highlighting both Cueva de la Victoria and Villa Antiopa.

Continuous promotion remains a key strategy for the Tourism Department to maintain Rincon de la Victoria as a leading destination.

Rincon de la Victoria remains committed to showcasing its unique cultural heritage to travellers.

Mallorca

Responsible tourism

BRITAIN’S Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, has called on UK holidaymakers to exhibit responsible behaviour amidst Mallorca’s intensified efforts to control alcohol-fuelled tourism. Speaking during a visit to Calvia on May 14, Elliott emphasised the need for British tourists to remember they are guests and act responsibly.

Recent adjustments to a 2020 regional government decree regulating alcohol consumption are part of a broader initiative to promote tourism in areas including Magaluf’s Punta Ballena strip. These measures aim to address issues arising from overcrowding and surges in tourist numbers across Spain’s islands. Residents in the Balearics and Canary Islands are demanding change in growing numbers.

Elliott stated, “This is about understanding what responsibility is about, responsibility as guests because us foreigners are guests here in Spain.”

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).

In terms of flights, the airport managed 10,100 movements in April, up by 9.2 per cent from the previous year.

Costa Blanca North Class and honour

THE Santa Faz Lodge hosted a superb annual Ladies’ Night on April 27 at the Bonalba Spa and Golf Hotel in Muchamiel. The function was well attended with 44 Members, Ladies and guests dressed to their finest. With care and class, following the Cava reception, the guests captured their fond memories in photographs which will be cherished. After great speeches and toasts, the Gents Choir stunningly serenaded the Ladies, who sang to the highest standard in response, accompanied by the Old Clementine tune.

The Freemasonry met for the annual event in honour of the ladies of the Santa Faz Lodge, especially expressing gratitude to Pat Beckett, the wife of the Worshipful Master, Ivan Beckett, whom both have been making generous contributions to the community throughout the year.

With great participation, the evening raised €775 for the Lodge Charity MABS Cancer Relief.

Costa Calida AVE backlash

THE introduction of the AVE Malaga-Murcia hasn’t quite hit the mark with the folks in Murcia.

Despite initial excitement, reality swiftly set in when they learned about the journey’s daunting duration - six to seven hours. Social media quickly became a hub for disbelief and frustration.

Departing from Murcia at 3.32pm, stopping in Alicante at 4.35pm, then heading to Madrid, and finally arriving in Malaga at 10.36pm, the journey’s length left residents shaking their heads. One quipped, “I might as well walk and save €300 on this ‘tourist AVE’.”

Another lamented, “It’s practically a tour of half of Spain. Are we fools to entertain this?”

One resident expressed, “It’s a mockery of the Region of Murcia. Not only do we endure railway neglect, but we’re also being laughed at. They’ve turned us into a railway island.”

Sardinian sand

SARDINIA, with its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, shines as a tourist location in the Mediterranean.

However, beneath this paradise lies a troubling issue: the illegal plundering of its natural treasures by tourists.

While the appeal of Sardinia’s sandy shores is undeniable, authorities are issuing a strong warning: leave the sand and pebbles where they belong.

The problem of sand theft has reached a critical point, prompting authorities to take action by imposing nes of up to €3,000 for those caught stealing from the coastline.

Despite these penalties, incidents of tourists attempting to smuggle sand, stones, and even archaeological artefacts have been increasing.

Several individuals have already been caught trying to take Sardi-

nia’s natural riches this year.

The potential legal consequences highlight the seriousness of the issue.

In addition to nes, tourists risk imprisonment if convicted of theft, especially if the stolen items are considered public assets, a category that includes Sardinia’s coastal resources.

Sardinia’s charm lies not only in its stunning landscapes but also in its rich ecological diversity.

Lifetime adventure

FROM June 8 to 15, 36 ‘pilgrim/sailors’ will sail from the UK to A Coruña on a tall ship and then carry on to Santiago de Compostela.

John Raffety, Chairman of Age in Spain told Euro Weekly News that these pilgrims will sail from Fowey in Cornwall, England to A Coruña and then walk to Santiago de Compostela to visit the tomb of Saint James in the Cathedral making the journey just as it would have been in the middle-ages.

Medieval traveller, William Wey noted that the pilgrimage way to Compostela enjoyed widespread fame throughout medieval Europe. Land and sea alike were furrowed with routes rich in spirituality leading to Santiago de Compostela.

Three pilgrims from England - Simon Jenkins, Ned Spencer and Peter Hore developed the idea and found a company https://www.fairferry.co.uk/ which had ships willing to carry pilgrims to Galicia.

Many of the participants will walk The Saints Way which is a 27-mile route which crosses Cornwall from Padstow in the north to Fowey on the south coast.

It follows the probable route of early Christian pilgrims making their way from Ireland and Wales to Brittany or

On board the Morgenster.

Santiago de Compostela. On arrival in Fowey they will board the tall ship the Morgenster, sail out of the Fowey Estuary, cross the English Channel and Bay of Biscay and onwards to A Coruña where they will disembark to walk to Santiago.

Participants will be taught sailing skills and will take their turn at the watches - four hour periods to keep the ship safe 24 hours a day.

GRUPO PLATINUM ESTATES presents you this beautiful detached house on a 500 m2 plot in the village of La Perulera, just a 10 min drive from the town of Huércal Overa. A bustling town with the main hospital for the area providing an excellent service. If you are looking for a well cared for modern home with peace and quiet but still like to be close to all necessary amenities such as supermarkets, shops, bars, medical centre and excellent hospital, and yet not too far to drive to the beach, then this house is an excellent opportunity! Call us now to organise a viewing 950 466 112.

The fully fenced plot has a carport. Entering the garden, a large private swimming pool, fully protected from flying insects by a fly screen. The spacious terrace leads to the veranda. This can be fully opened in summer and closed in winter by sliding glass panels, allowing you to enjoy this space all year round. From the veranda, you enter the house, into a very spacious living room, equipped with a wood burning stove to enjoy on chilly winter evenings. Next to the living room, a fully equipped kitchen with plenty of work and storage space, the

latest kitchen appliances, a spacious utility room leads off.

A hallway from the living room, leads to three spacious bedrooms with built in wardrobes. Two full bathrooms, one with shower and the other with

bathtub and shower above.

The entire property is fenced, with beautifully landscaped garden providing an oasis of peace and privacy. A garden house, currently used to store garden tools. The stairs at the back of the house give you access to a large roof terrace giving beautiful views of the surrounding area and the mountains.

La Perulera is a small village belonging to the large town of Huércal Overa.

Only 40 minutes from the beautiful beaches of San Juan de los Terreros and Mojacar. Huércal Overa, a large town with many amenities and the local hospital with many shops, bars, and restaurants, all just a short drive from this Spanish retreat.

Call Grupo Platinum Estates now on 950 466 112 to organise a viewing in person or live video link.

Image: Sardegna Turismo

SANDY SHORES: Tourists have been caught smuggling sand and stones.

PETS

HouseSitMatch sitters are pet lovers Screen serenity

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!

Our pet sitters are pet lovers and will take time to get to know your pets.

ner 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.

LEAVING a TV on can indeed make a difference to your cat or dog, influencing their behaviour and wellbeing in various ways.

For some pets, the background noise and flickering images may provide comfort and alleviate feelings of loneliness, especially when left alone for extended periods.The ambient sound can mimic human presence, reducing separation anxiety and boredom.

Additionally, certain programmes designed specifically for pets, with calming music or nature scenes, can have a soothing effect, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. However, excessive exposure to loud or startling sounds from the TV may have the opposite effect, causing anxiety or overstimulation in sensitive pets.

Therefore, it’s essential to monitor your pet’s reactions and adjust TV settings accordingly to ensure a positive and enriching environment for them.

Plus HouseSit Match Saves Money because the Pet-sitting is Free! If you use Hou seSitMatch.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 petsitting works as an exchange of services - free accommodation for free pet care!

HouseSit Match 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 homeSafe and Undisturbed All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose House sitmatch.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 homeow-

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

Sherel and John looked after Harry… Sherel and John looked after Harry early April. They sent photos and mails to inform us how he was getting on. My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks. Sherel and John are very nice people, and we highly recommend them as excellent sitters.

Tom Curry, pet owner, Spain

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.

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

WE have to go back to the 19th century, 1884 to be precise, that was the year in which the world’s first electric vehicle (EV) went into production.

The man responsible for the world’s first EV was Thomas Parker, the British inventor who was also behind the electrification of the London Underground. He created the first EV in an early attempt to reduce the smog and pollution which plagued London at the time. So nothing much has changed with London’s congestion charge and the UK goverment pushing everyone towards EVs still making the headlines today.

Going back to the beginning and in 1889, Flocken Elektrowagen, built by the inventor Flocken, hit the streets of Germany and was the first known electric car to be driven on public roads.

In 1898, Ferdinand Porsche, today a name associated with high

end sports cars, designed the Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton. The vehicle was powered by an

could reach a top speed of 37 kilometres an hour, at the Expo in Paris. The reason the company

EV was because, “the air was ruthlessly spoiled by the large number of petrol engines in use”.

called the Mercedes Mixte. The

took part in races during

By the early 1900s, as many as one third of all vehicles on the road in the USA were electric. But that was about to

dern motor cars, Henry Ford. The

Electric cars are much older than you think Van surge

duction of petrol driven cars, and in particular, the Model T, meant that by the 1920s, EVs had all but disappeared with car owners preferring the new accessible models.

Even back then, the public cited the same reasons as now for switching to petrol: despite improvements in battery technology, EVs still had limited range and the charging infrastructure made anything but very short journeys impractical.

ACCORDING to the latest vehicle licensing statistics released by the UK government, there has been a notable increase in the number of cars on the road.

The number has now reached a record high of nearly 33.6 million.

However, the growth rate of cars over recent years hasn’t kept pace with that of new light goods vehicles (LGVs), including vans, which have seen a significant surge due to the boom in home deliveries.

Since the end of 2014, the number of LGVs has increased by 32 per cent, rising from 3.6 million to 4.7 million, whereas cars have only seen a 10 per cent increase over the same period.

In the last five years, the number of LGVs has risen by 14 per cent,

whereas car numbers have gone up by just 3 per cent.

In contrast, the number of buses and coaches on UK roads has declined by 16 per cent since the end of 2014, dropping from nearly 169,000 to 141,300 by the end of last year.

This decline is concerning, especially given the significant investments being made to improve bus travel infrastructure, such as the construction of more bus lanes. The decrease in bus availability may contribute to the continued reliance on cars for transportation. On a positive note, the number of diesel vehicles on the roads is at its lowest level since 2015, which is encouraging news for air quality improvement efforts.

Photo: Wikimedia CC and Porsche Newsroom Image: National Highways / Facebook.

New MG3 supermini tuned for the UK

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

THE MG3 was the first small MG to be launched post Rover and has proved highly popular thanks to keen pricing and good levels of equipment. Now the Chinese owned brand has re vealed all-new MG3 Hybrid+ su permini and it promises to be equally popular, if not more gi ven the information released so far. Now available to order, the range starts with the Hybrid+ SE from €21,593/£18,495 OTR, with the even more generously equipped Trophy model available from €23,928/£20,495 OTR. MG also offers a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty.

Both MG3 Hybrid+ models come with dual screen technology, 16” alloy whe els, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, MG Pilot and a reversing camera. MG Pilot Safety includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.

and steering wheel, keyless entry, pri vacy glass, rain sensing wipers and LED projector headlights.

The Trophy MG3 Hybrid+ delivers more standard equipment including a

At the heart of the new MG3 is its Hybrid+ powertrain which has a larger than average battery (1.83kWh) and high-performance electric motor (100kW) enabling the MG3 to go fully electric for city driving, which sets it apart from many other hybrid superminis. For longer journeys, the-

re is the reassurance of a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Advanced, smart features of Hybrid+ include a drive and charge system that allows the petrol engine to drive the wheels whilst also charging the battery through the generator. The MG3 Hybrid+ returns economy in the order of 4.41l per 100km/64mpg and 100g/km of CO2.

Drivers can tailor the MG3’s responsiveness with the choice of three driving modes: Eco, Standard and Sport. Combined power is 143kW giving the MG3 a sprightly 0-100kph/062mph time of 8.0 seconds.

Mid-range acceleration covers the 80-112kph/5070mph benchmark in 5.0 seconds. The MG3 Hybrid+ chassis and suspension has also been specifically tuned for UK roads - similar to the agile MG4 - by the company’s Longbridge-based enginee-

David Allison, Head of Product and Planning for MG Motor UK, commented: “There is still a very strong demand for the affordable, practical and fun-todrive supermini and we believe the MG3 Hybrid+ will appeal to many customers. Like all MG models we’re confident that if you simply wish to drive this MG for something other than daily commuting, it will offer a fun and involving experience.”

Man City’s historic win

Champions League

A PITCH invasion by fans rather dampened what should have been a really exciting end of the Premier League season with Manchester City beating West Ham.

It really did come down to the last match of the season with City beating West Ham 3 -1 whilst Arsenal had to be content with second place winning 2-1 against Everton which left them two points adrift.

Two Premier League managers, David Moyes of West Ham and Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool were in charge for the last time and whilst Klopp is taking a year off, Moyes will probably find another role in the not too distant future.

At the other end of the table although it was already confirmed that Sheffield United and Burnley would be relegated, it was down to the last match of the season with Nottingham Forest beating Burnley 2-1 to keep the Premier League status whilst Luton Town who lost 2-4 to Fulham drop back to the Championship.

The FA Cup Final sees Manchester City take on Manchester Utd, May 25.

THE 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League season will end with a tight match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund on June 1, in Wembley Stadium in London.

This will be the 69th season for Europe’s top players, held for the eighth time in the grand London venue. Renowned for being the ‘Home of Football’, Wembley has hosted seven European Cup finals.

This year on June 1, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will

compete for the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Fourteen-time champions, Real Madrid, are still celebrating their latest 4-3 triumph over Bayern Munich and will compete against Borussia Dortmund, who were the first to confirm their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Football fans across the globe are now placing their bets, with a large betting on Real Madrid, who have won as recently as 2022.

“Real Madrid should win the match with its overwhelming attacking talent,” said football expert Joe Tansey.

The sports critic, Kyle Bonn, also stated “Borussia Dortmund are extremely well-coached, but they concede far too many chances.”

Despite Borussia Dortmund not having previous League experience, with their latest exultant triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, some are betting on a successful debut.

No more scrums

HE played rugby for Wales at an international level, scoring 14 tries in 32 caps, now Louis Rees-Zammit has joined American Football’s Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

It is rare for rugby players to make the transition from one sport to another. Most UK born American Football players are those who were brought up playing college

football in the USA. But Louis Rees-Zammit has proved that making the leap is possible. Not only that, he has been signed on a threeyear contract by what is arguably the greatest team currently playing in the NFL: four time Super Bowl winners, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Louis joined the International Player Pathway (IPP) in January 2024, an initiative set up in 2017 by the NFL to increase the number of players from outside the United States and Canada, expanding the pool of talent and growing the popularity of the sport around the world.

Leaving cricket

ENGLAND’s leading fast-bowler, Jimmy Anderson is retiring from test cricket, preparing to play his last match against the West Indies on July 10.

The decision was made alongside Anderson’s managing director, Key, coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. “This is the right decision and this is the right time. Hopefully, he gets a fantastic end at Lord’s,” said Key to the Press.

Key shared their meeting in April: “We had a conversation for about an hour and a half. I don’t think Jimmy was expecting it, but I don’t think it was completely unexpected.”

Over his professional career, Anderson has accumulated 700 wickets, breaking a record amongst pace bowlers in Test cricket; he is positioned third on the all-time list of wicket-takers.

After 20 years of playing, Anderson is taking a stand back from cricket.

The player stated on his social media: “I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is

He was one of 15 members of the IPP’s Class of 2024 to participate in a trial at the University of South Florida on March 20, where he reportedly impressed all the NFL scouts by running a 40-yard dash in just 4.43 seconds; fast enough to have several teams look at him more closely.

In the end though, Rees-Zammit chose the Chiefs, who are odds-on favourites to reach Super Bowl again so everyone back in Wales will be waiting to see if he will take to the fi eld on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans to compete for one of sport’s biggest prizes.

Jimmy Anderson.

Real Madrid Champions.

Credit: Real Madrid C.F., Facebook

City mascot Moonchester over the moon with the latest victory.

Credit: Manchester City FC X

Photo: Screenshot / YouTube