Costa Blanca North 30 May – 5 June 2024 Issue 2030

A helping hand

Alicante Provincial Council are in the process of launching a new campaign with a budget of €20 million to help families and groups in need and every town in the province can join in!

Benidorm has been awarded the handsome sum of €645,174.

This campaign aims to assist vulnerable families and groups through city councils and associations.

Launching of the new campaign.

Benidorm mayor Toni Pérez confirmed: “Once again, we put our savings at the service of society, promoting aid

Costa Blanca North • Issue No. 2030

ILMAINEN

Sporting success Giving a boost

Front page

THE second weekend of the ‘Beach Games Costa Blanca’ saw overflowing stands and a packed Muchavista promenade, creating a brilliant sports atmosphere.

The event attracted numerous participants and spectators over the two days, filling every seat and drawing crowds to the promenade.

Competitions in various sports took place on the beach, culminating in trophy presentations with Sports councillor Marcos Martínez, representatives of sports federations, and event organisers in attendance.

The third session of the Beach Games was scheduled from Wednesday, May 29, to Sunday, June 2.

Attendees can look forward to high-level competitions in handball, tennis, rugby, rowing, and volleyball, featuring some of the best players in Spain.

The event is expected to have a direct economic impact of approximately €5 million, not including additional induced and return costs.

It will attract around 40,000 spectators and involve 1,800 athletes, making it a significant sporting occasion for the region.

that will contribute to reducing the cost of the shopping basket and reactivating the economy in our municipalities.

“The focus remains on supporting families and vulnerable groups, providing essential assistance for basic needs such as food purchases and electricity payments.”

Benidorm was one of the pioneers in implementing consumer bonuses back in December 2021, aimed at boosting economic activity and supporting families.

The effectiveness of this approach has led to its adoption in many other places since then, albeit with some variations.

Beach Games.

Beach control

THE Granadella, Portitxol and Tallada coves and La Barraca and Pic Tort parking of Javea will have controlled access from June 1 at the weekends and daily from June 21 until September 15.

Sport for all

THE Join the Movement sporting event on May 25 was a huge success in Denia, hosting at least 200 participants of all ages and nationalities. The free programme united both sports enthusiasts and professional athletes in an idyllic environment on the coast.

Using drones

First Dates arrives NIBS EXTRA

THE Raco de l’Albir beach will have drone surveillance during the summer to ensure the safety of visitors and the efficiency of the rescue service. The lifeguard service will be in place from June 1 until September 30.

Smoke-free

MORE smoke-free spaces are now established in Benidorm, at the request of the Spanish Association Against Cancer. The locations now include the children’s playground at El Moralet, Levante Beach, Elche Park and Mont Benidorm Avenue.

Teulada-Moraira

INHABITED since prehistory, taken over by Moors, then Christians, a former farming village in the 18th century and a tourist centre since the 1980s, Teulada-Moraira is one of the most diverse destinations in Costa Blanca. Moraira is located within the municipality of Teulada; the two are usually linked together and referred to as Teulada-Moraira, yet their di erence is stark. While Moraira is a coastal paradise, especially loved by British pensioners, Teulada is rather urban and Spanish-based. The entire municipality, however, has 55 per cent of the residency made up by foreigners; the international appeal of the town was

sparked in the 1970s.

roots dating back to prehistory, evidence of which can be found in the historic Cova de la Cendra archaeological site on

ONE of Spain’s most-watched television programmes, First Dates, is now being lmed in Teulada-Moraira.

First Dates is a reality TV programme produced by Warner Brothers ITVP Spain that is very popular in Spain and has spin-o s in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The programme has been broadcast regularly in Spanish households since 2016, featuring 10 strangers who meet in pairs on blind dates. The dates usually take place in restaurants, however this summer,

the show is reformatted to First Dates Hotels; set in Teulada-Moraira.

Although the exact location has not yet been o cially announced, First Dates has posted photos on social media showing a set that looks very similar to the new Ritual de Terra & Spa, which will be welcoming visitors from June.

With stunning views of the Mediterranean sea and the bohemian decor, the setting is expected to play an integral role as the backdrop to the anticipated and often amboyant couples.

Must see for visitors

WITH a rich and diverse history, Teulada-Moraira o ers authentic experiences of the Mediterranean lifestyle and heritage; these are the destinations every visitor must see.

Moraira Castle

The historic landmark of Moraira, the Castle dates back to 1742. Built initially as a lookout tower for defence, the castle functioned until the mid-19th century and was restored in the early 1980s.

Today, visitors can discover the castle at Calle Castillo and experience the inte-

rior audio-visual museum, free of charge.

Torre del Cap d’Or

The Cap d’Or Watchtower stands 165 metres high, peering from the edge of Punta de Moraira. The tower, built in the 16th century, protected residents from pirate attacks. Today, visitors from all over the world take the route for almost three hours to experience the breathtaking view of the sea.

El Portet de Moraira

An idyllic beach, El Portet de Moraira holds a blue ag for its exceptional environment and preserved marine nature, despite its semi-urban location. The beach not only o ers stunning views but also has outstanding restaurants.

Life Awards

THE Vida Teulada-Moraira rst-ever gala was a huge success for the municipality, celebrating the town’s most dedicated residents.

Held on May 23 at the Auditori Teulada-Moraira, the gala started at 7.15pm with a live DJ set, lmed by the La 8 Mediterraneo channel.

and was later taken over by Moors, whose in uence can still be seen today in the vibrant local architecture.

Transformed from a small farming village to a centre of international tourism, in the 1970s, the town’s economy started to boom, and continues to be in high demand.

Today, the town hosts more than 11,000 residents, increasing at least three-fold during the summer. With approximately 300 sunny days per year and 1,000 hectares of vineyards, Teulada-Moraira remains to be the favourite spot of British, German, Dutch and French tourists and residents.

The gala awarded Vicente Oller Torres in the ‘dedication’ category for his 37 years of work as a janitor at the Sant Ferrer school. The priest and missionary, Vicente Berenguer Llopis, was awarded in ‘education’, for his humanitarian work in Mozambique.

Antonio Ivars ‘Mixeta’ was awarded ‘festivals and traditions’ for his commitment to the town’s traditions. The ‘sports’ award was granted to Alfonso Buigues Torres, a 1992 Olympic torch bearer and the ‘exemplary woman’ award was given to Leonor Valles Garcia, who at 78 years old, manages a restaurant and assists people in need. The Award showed ‘special’ honour to Isabel Julia Esquerdo who dedicated her life to education and was the rst woman to become a councillor of Teulada.

Cap d’Or. Human habitation is traced back to the Upper Palaeolithic era,

Moraira Castle.

Teulada-Moraira sea views.

Community support

HELP of Marina Alta stands as an example of support in the community. This volunteer group extends a helping hand to the lonely, infirm, elderly, and those in need of care. Their lending service provides essential equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, and walkers, ensuring comfort and mobility for those requiring assistance. They also have a help desk in Hospital Marina

Coexistence Day

Salud, offering interpreting services and vital information.

Recently, they collaborated with the inspiring initiative, Proyecto socio-artístico Mon Bloc ‘Batucada’ inclusive in Denia, an incredible group of people with disabilities led by Víctor Rodríguez. Candy Wright, HELP’s President, joyfully delivered new drums and instruments, igniting smiles and gratitude. Their message resounds a heartfelt thank you to all donors and supporters for making such impactful contributions possible.

FOR more than 20 years, the Doble Amor Occupational Centre in Benidorm has held an annual Coexistence Day and this year it took place on Saturday May 25.

It’s a fun occasion which draws together friends and families connected with the centre which exist to promote the rights of those clients who have intellectual disabilities.

Supported as it is by the Benidorm Council, the

centre was pleased to welcome, amongst the many hundreds who attended, the Benidorm councillor for Social Welfare, Ángela Zaragozí and a number of her colleagues.

Unlike last year when the weather wasn’t very nice, this celebration enjoyed a sunny day with plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Naturally, with so many people present who needed to be fed, the obvious

solution was a giant paella and after enjoying the meal, guests were invited to see the setting fire to a traditional (although quite correctly not as large as most) Falla which had been created by the centre’s students and instructors.

Once again, those attending reinforced their commitment to the support of those who are entitled to be assisted to live a happy and inclusive life.

2,000 kg of donations

SOME 2,000 kg of food donations were collected in La Nucia, to be distributed amongst the “families who need it the most,” by FESBAL (The Spanish Federation of Food Banks).

In just three days, from May 24 until May 26, residents of La Nucia united forces to make significant contributions to those in need. The non-dispensable food was collected throughout the town in the Dialprix, Mas y Mas, Spar and Economy Cash supermarkets, as well as several donations made at the Mercadona and Dia checkouts.

The town council thanked the generous residents of La Nucia, the supermarkets participating and the 40 social workers who will now distribute 2,000 kg of donations.

Helping hands, uplifting hearts.

The giant paella cooked over wood.

Image: Facebook/ HELP of Marina Alta

Credit: Benidorm Council

THE high-speed train, known as the AVE, that links Madrid and Alicante is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

It’s been a decade since it first started running, cutting down the travel time between Madrid and Alicante to just two hours and 20 minutes.

This saved travellers 50 minutes compared to before.

The AVE’s arrival in Alicante completed a railway connection that had already begun with cities like Cuenca, Albacete, and Villena.

When the high-speed service launched in June 2013, it quickly became popular.

Decade of speed

In its first year alone, the number of people travelling between Madrid and Alicante in -

creased by 52 per cent.

Initially, there were 18 daily services, nine in each direction, and some

Celebrating centenarians

George Cunningham

THE term ‘blue zone’ refers to regions around the world where people live significantly longer, often exceeding 100 years of age.

Factors contributing to this longevity include lifestyle, diet, healthcare quality, cli mate, and pollution levels.

In 2023, the Valencian Community had 1,065 centenarians, with 207 men and 858 women.

In the Alicante Province, there were 336 centenarians, comprising 82 men and 254 women.

In the Marina Alta region, data from

the Marina Alta Observatory indicated there were 30 people over 99 years old.

Of these, 11 were men and 19 women.

Most of them are found in the central part of the region (13 people), while 12 live along the coast and five in the inland areas.

The centenarians in the Marina Alta region reside in several towns known as local ‘blue zones’.

These towns include Beniarbeig, Benimeli, Benissa, El Poble Nou de Benitachell, Calpe, Denia, Gata de Gorgos, Jalon, Javea, Llíber, Parcent, Pedreguer, Pego, Teulada Moraira, La Vall de Laguar, and Els Poblets.

days saw over 7,000 travellers.

Now, after 10 years, there are 30 daily services, including 21 AVE trains, four Alvia trains, and four Avlo trains.

In March 2023, Renfe introduced Avlo trains, which are affordable high-speed trains. These trains run be -

tween Madrid and Alicante with two trains in each direction every day, offering a total of 1,436 seats per day.

This not only increased the number of high-speed options but also made tickets more affordable, starting at just €7 each way.

AVE: Celebrating 10th anniversary linking Madrid.

Image: AVE / Facebook

People living longer.

Image: Darren Baker / Shutterstock.com

Tourists welcome

Natural beauty

HARPER’S BAZAAR published its latest June issue with a cover showcasing the natural beauty of a Spanish pop singer on Javea’s beach.

ALICANTE extends a warm welcome to cruise ships and tourists, setting itself apart from neighbouring Valencia’s tightening tourism measures. Mayor Luis Barcala champions the city’s robust tourism potential, expressing no intention to curb tourism licences or restrict mega-cruises, contrary to Valencia’s recent initiatives by Mayor María José Catalá.

Barcala highlights Alicante’s ample room for tourism growth, citing data indicating a ‘very, very high’ potential for expansion. He emphasises the critical role of tourism in driving economic prosperity and job creation within the city.

Unlike Valencia, where restrictions loom over tourist apartment licences and mega-cruise arrivals, Alicante relishes its current position. Barcala’s stance reflects the city’s commitment to promoting a thriving tourism industry, essential for Alicante’s economic vitality and the broader prosperity of the province.

The mayor’s sentiment echoes Alicante’s invitation to cruise ships unable to dock elsewhere, underlining the city’s dedication to sustaining its tourism ecosystem. With millions of euros and numerous jobs at stake, Alicante remains steadfast in its embrace of cruise tourism, positioning itself as an attractive destination for all travellers.

Spain’s Harper’s Bazaar shared a photoshoot and interview with Spanish pop singer, Aitana, placing her on the co ver.

Wearing shades of white and blue, complementing the environment, the singer displayed her natural beauty, posing on Javea’s Cala Blanca beach.

The magazine shared in an Instagram post: “The singer emerges from the sea as the Venus of Harper’s Bazaar,” in “a unique report that took us to the Mediterranean of Javea to create images to remember.”

The Universal Music singer also shared the exclusive photoshoot, revealing the Mediterranean wonders of Javea to millions of devoted followers.

Alicante’s open tourism stance.

Image: Shutterstock/ RomanFedorov

Aitana on Harper’s Bazaar’s front page.

Credit: Xavi Gordo, Harper´s Bazaar

KICK off your environmental activities by exploring the Colada de la Costa trail route in Villajoyosa, organised by the council to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5.

This trail is part of an environmental and cultural route, beginning at the Roman funerary tower of Sant Josep and continuing to Torres Beach.

The path runs along the entire Colada de la Costa, which is recognised as a Blue Path and ends at the 16th-century defence tower of l’Aguiló.

The route, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, includes visits to these two historical monuments.

Vilamuseu technicians will accompany the walk, providing detailed information about each tower’s history

Costa trail

and significance.

For more information or to participate, visit villajoyosa.com or call the town hall on (+34) 966 851 001.

Javea snapshots

ANTONIO CATALÁ SOLER, better known as Toni Pomera, has generously donated nearly 8,000 photographs to the town of Javea. These images capture the essence of the town’s festivities and daily life from 1986 to 2000.

Toni’s photographic collection features countless residents and

visitors, documenting their involvement in various festivities. Thanks to the meticulous digitisation efforts of Vicent Ferrer, these valuable snapshots are now accessible to the public at the Municipal Archive of Javea (Xàbia).

Image: Ayuntamiento de Villajoyosa

Explore the Colada de la Costa.

Capturing town life.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Javea

Boxing in Altea Civil donations

THE Civil Protection of Benitachell received two generous donations for emergencies, ensuring safety of the town’s residents.

The Teulada-Moraira Lions Club donated two emergency screens to Benitachell’s Protection services, worth nearly €2,500, to be used in the case of accidents on public roads.

These developments will aid the Civil Protection group in the case of emergencies, preserving the privacy of victims and enhancing protection services.

Another donation was granted by the International Neighbourhood Association of Benitachell, €650 worth. The Association donated a motor pump to improve the municipal fire fighting service, which is especially demanded during the summer.

The pumps will assist the Civil Protection in hydrating fire engines and protecting homes by using water from wells and swimming pools across town.

The councillor for Citizen Security, Maria Jose Ivars, expressed her gratitude to the generous community, without whose efforts, highlighting that the volunteers “do impeccable work in our municipality in a selfless manner.”

THIS June, top athletes from the Valencian Community will compete in the Boxing, Kickboxing and K1 event in Altea.

Organised by the Department of Sports, the Gimeno Team and the Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Human Rights Federation, the evening on June 16 from 5pm, will host the mastery of the young Altean and Valencian boxers.

“The idea is to give visibility to our sport and for our boys and girls to demonstrate in front of their people what they are capable of doing,” shared the organisers.

The participants will be between 30 and 35 years old and are scheduled to have 15 or 16 fights of different categories, as well as athletes from 16 years old and older in Kickboxing, Muay Thai and K1 modalities, for men and women.

“We are very happy to host this event in Altea at the Palau dels Esports because we do not usually have this type of events and from the Department of Sports we also want to promote contact sports,” said the councillor of the area,

Kickboxing match.

Sara Soler.

During the announcement of the event, Sara Soler thanked the Gimeno Team and the Kickboxing Federation for organising the evening and encouraged local sports fans to attend the spectacular match.

Singing for charity

THE Denia Rock Choir delivered an electrifying performance at the Casa de Cultura in Denia on May 16, captivating an audience of 160 music enthusiasts. The concert featured an eclectic mix of songs, including the classic ‘Paint it Black’ and the contemporary hit ‘Flowers’, showcasing the choir’s versatile talent and passion for music.

The event was not only a musical success but also raised €920 for the local charity Extiende Tu Mano. Denia Rock Choir’s commitment to community and philanthropy was evident, and the generous contributions from the audience will make a welcome impact to the work of this worthwhile cause.

For more information about the Denia Rock Choir and future events go to the website https://deniarockchoir23. wixsite.com/deniarockchoir Or find us on Facebook.

Credit: Raoul Heremans, Flickr

Javea stops overcrowding Recognising excellence

JAVEA Town Council’s Department of Beaches has an access control plan for the popular coves of La Granadella, La Cova Tallada and El Portitxol for the summer season.

The plan will be implemented in phases starting on Saturday June 1 with weekend limits and will be fully operational as of June 21 when the controls will be daily.

The plan includes a team of guards and assistants who will supervise access and parking will be regulated in Calles La Barraca (Portitxol) and Pic Tort (Granadella). In addition, during August and September, a guard will control the access to the Cova Tallada

from Calle Vía Láctea in Denia.

This surveillance, in collaboration with Denia Town Hall and the Montgó Natural Park, aims to regulate the flow of visitors to this protected area. To visit the Cova Tallada, it is compulsory to book a slot through the official website of the Montgó Natural Park. The parking regulation will also be activated on June 1 and, at Ambolo Cove (closed to the public due to the risk of landslides) there will be a security guard to guarantee safety. The town hall is also in the final stages of studying alternative transport to access La Granadella in order to avoid traffic jams.

THE Blue Flag is a prestigious badge awarded annually to the best beaches in Europe, recognising their excellent water quality, high level of services, and safety for bathers.

This summer, 638 Spanish beaches will proudly fly the Blue Flag, maintaining Spain’s position as a world leader in this regard.

The Environmental and Consumer Education Association (Adeac) awarded 159 Blue Flags to beaches, marinas, and environmental entities in the Valencian Community.

The province of Alicante stands out, boasting the highest number of Blue Flags in the country.

El Campello is particularly notable, as it is one of the seven Spanish municipalities that have maintained this distinction continuously for 38 years since the programme began.

This year, the beaches of Carrer la Mar, Muchavista, the El Campello Nautical Club, and the Coastal Ecology Institute (a Blue Centre) have once again received the Blue Flag.

Only seven Spanish municipalities and their respective beaches have maintained the Blue Flag continuously since the programme’s inception in 1987 for 38 consecuti-

Alcalà de Xivert (El Carregador beach), Alicante (Sant Joan beach), Calpe (La Fossa beach), Campello (Carrer la Mar beach), Cullera (Sant Antoni beach), Gandía (Nord beach), and Oleiros (Bastiagueiro beach).

Proudly flying the flag.

GRANADELLA: The popular cove has an access control plan for the summer.

Photo: Cala de la Granadella / Wikimedia CC

Image: El Campello Ajuntament / Facebook

THE impact of climate change in Alicante is making headlines, with projections indicating a potentially significant rise in temperatures in the coming years. Recent findings suggest that the Mediterranean Sea has already warmed by over a degree, signalling the urgent need for action. The first-ever climate impact report on Alicante highlights the importance of both governmental and public intervention in

Alicante heating up

addressing this pressing issue. Using data and projections, the report highlights alarming trends. Temperatures are expected to soar, with potential increases of up to 5°C in maximum temperatures in a worst-case scenario. Moreover, significant temperature spikes, particularly in summer and au-

tumn, could see rises approaching 6°C. This shift would mean transitioning from tropical to equatorial summers, where nighttime temperatures may not dip below 25°C.

Alicante is already experiencing warmer nights, with nearly 100 evenings surpassing 20°C. Furthermore, the report forecasts

a notable uptick in warm days leading to longer heatwaves.

Commissioned by the Water Chair of the University of Alicante, the projections provide valua ble insights, they serve as indicators rather than precise predictions for the future.

€10 million for sports

A NEW sports pavilion in Denia will have a 2,500 seat capacity, built for €10 million.

The UTE Argenia Ingenieria y Arquitectura SL presented the project to Denia’s Council, outlining the plan for the future pavilion.

The court is stated to have a 2,006 square metre area established to

host official volleyball, indoor soccer, basketball, handball and gymnastics competitions. The total construction area will be 11, 156 square metres with four floors, to be built on the plot of Calle Llanxa.

Parking, changing rooms, warehouses, gym, press rooms, classrooms and meeting

rooms are just amongst the facilities to be created in the future sports centre.

The local councillor of Sports, Valen Alcala, highlighted that the pavilion “will finally allow us to host competitions of all types,” and that it is a development which “a town like Denia needs and deserves.”

Developing a sports pavilion.

Credit: Denia Council

Alicante’s warming future.

Jalon Valley Help’s May Fayre Tax haven

HOW can a town with just 578 residents have 21,386 registered vehicles?

This staggering gure, equating to 37 vehicles per person, is indeed perplexing.

While some families might own multiple cars or motorbikes, this ratio seems highly improbable.

This is precisely the scenario in Las Rozas de Puerto Real (Madrid), based on 2023 data.

However, the residents of this town are not vehicle collectors.

The underlying reason for this anomaly lies in tax-related advantages.

In Spain, there are 10 small towns with an unusually high number of annual vehicle registrations.

Remarkably, ve of these towns are in the Va-

lencian Community: one in the province of Castello, two in Valencia, and two in Alicante.

Among these, one town in the Marina Alta region is a notable ‘automobile tax haven’.

Benidoleig, with only 1,245 residents according to the National Institute of Statistics as of January 1, 2023, had 4,004 registered vehicles.

This results in an average of 3.2 cars per resident.

The reason drivers choose to register their cars in small towns is due to the signi cant variation in road tax prices across Spain.

The price di erences between municipalities can be as high as 900 per cent, with provincial capital disparities exceeding 150 per cent.

Efforts for nature

THE Department of Environment, Water, Infrastructure and Territory removed 500 kilograms of nets and remains of ropes in the Serra Gelada Natural Park in Alfas del Pi. The initiative focused on restoring the marine ecosystems of the region by removing lost or abandoned shing equipment, including nets, ropes, shing lines, sinkers, anchors and chains.

During the removal process, a seahorse of the Hippocampus guttulatus (Long-snouted seahorse) species was found trapped among the remains.

The species were transferred to the Sea Animal Recovery and Conservation Area of the Oceanographic Foundation, where they were evaluated and monitored before their release back into their natural habitat.

EARLY on a sunny Sunday May 19 there was great activity at the Jalon Rastro site, with Jalon Valley Help volunteers setting up the stalls and displaying the sales items in readiness for the opening at 10am. As the shoppers arrived they were greeted by the sounds of Jude & Paul serenading them through well-known songs from the past to the present date. Later, Paul, who had been volunteered as compere for the event, introduced the Jukes, who entertained them with songs accompanied on the ukulele.

There were lots of stalls, selling a range of gifts, clothes, books, crafts, including jewellery, and home-made jams.

It was perfect weather for wandering through the stalls or listening to the music, which carried over to the

adjacent cafes, where many people took a well-earned break before returning to browse.

JVH are very grateful to everyone who rented a pitch, for their own stall, and to everyone who attended and

helped to raise funds to enable the charity to do what it does best - helping those in need in the community. If you would like to nd out more about Jalon Valley Help, check their website www.jalonvalleyhelp.com.

MANY STALLS: Selling a range of gifts.

IN today’s globalised world, it is becoming increasingly common for people of different nationalities (British, German, French, Spanish, Italian, etc) to move permanently to Spain, and choose to get married in our country. In this week’s article we discuss the civil marriage in Spain between foreigners. Documentation, requirements, and everything you need to know about the subject.

Authority to officiate a civil wedding in Spain.

In Spain there are different authorities before which you and your partner can get married. At the Town Hall, through a Notary Public, in Court/Civil Registry, etc. The procedure in all these cases is very similar and the documentation necessary is practically the same. However, there are some diffe-

rences that should be highlighted, which we will analyse below.

The ‘matrimonial file’. Legal requirements.

In order to carry out a civil marriage in Spain, in any of the cases described above (Notary’s office, Court, Town Hall, etc.), the process begins with the so-called ‘expediente matrimonial’ (marriage file). This is an administrative procedure whose purpose is to check that the individuals who want to get married have the capacity to do so. In other words, it is a matter of checking that there is no legal impediment to the celebration of the marriage. (age, previous marriage, etc)

What documents do I need to get married in Spain?

The documents that you and

your partner must obtain, in order to start the civil marriage procedure in Spain are:

- Your identity documents or passport of your nationality.

- Certificate of census registration.

- Birth certificate.

- Certificate of single status / Certificate of no impediment / Certificate of matrimonial capacity. This document, generally issued by the consulate or embassy of your country in Spain, is essential. In addition to confirming your marital status, the purpose of this certificate is to establish precisely what requirements may exist in your country of origin for getting married. Consequently, its content, will depend largely on your nationality and your personal circumstances: whether you are divorced, single, widowed, etc.

All foreign documentation (birth certificates, certificate of matrimonial capacity, etc) must be duly translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. And it must also have the Hague apostille or be legalised. Except in some specific cases, if the documents are issued by countries of the European Union.

Can I start the process at any Notary’s Office or at any Civil Registry Office?

No, civil marriage procedures must always begin at the Town Hall, Notary’s Office, or Court of the municipality where you or your partner are census registered.

If you wish to carry out the procedure before a Notary Public (the process is usually quicker), you must address the Notary Association of your Au-

tonomous Community. There, a Notary Public will be assigned to your ‘matrimonial file’. Once it is confirmed that all the documentation is correct, you can choose the Notary that you prefer to officiate the marriage.

Conclusions.

Civil marriage in Spain requires a series of documentation, bureaucratic procedures, etc, which are even more complex when one of the parties is a foreign national. At White-Baos Lawyers we are ready to help. Do not hesitate to contact us for expert legal advice.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.

ABOGADOS / SOLICITORS

All under scrutiny

THE Vatican has issued revised guidelines on miracles, which it cagily referred to as “supernatural phenomena.”

These can range from apparitions, bleeding crucifixes and weeping statues to slices of toast with an discernible image of Christ which immediately go viral.

The new norms that came into force on May 19, coinciding with Pentecost (Whit Sunday) were issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, whose beginnings can be traced back to the Inquisition.

The document recommended that it was important to carefully assess “incidents of phenomena” and ensure that they were neither fraudulent nor an attempt to make money, while avoiding errors liable to cause scandals and undermine the credibility of the Church.

Prompted by advances in communication, social media, the rise of fake news and artificial intelligence, the document’s stricter ru-

les replace earlier guidance issued in 1978.

“The document originates from the long experience of the last century,” the Vatican News reported on May 17, citing cases where a local bishop would rapidly declare a phenomenon’s supernatural nature, only for the Holy Office to express a different decision later.

Bishops and Church officials may no longer act independently by declaring whether phenomena are supernatural or not but must consult the Vatican instead.

Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, who heads the Doctrine Office, said that this kind of recognition would be “very exceptional.”

The document nevertheless stressed that newly-introduced norms regarding “alleged supernatural phenomena” were not intended to control “or even less stifle” the spirit.

Speaking to the media on May 17, Cardinal Fernandez explained that the Church gives the faithful “the freedom to pay attention or not.”

I am not a robot

IN our increasingly AI-driven world, the necessity to prove our human identity is more pervasive than ever. It’s a challenge we encounter almost every time we sign up for a new website or service.

One way to do this is via a CAPTCHA device, which is itself automated.

CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart. As its name suggests, this test is designed to determine if the user is a genuine human and not a bot. To do this, the user is presented with a series of jumbled-up letters

study at the University of California, AI bots are actually more efficient at solving CAPTCHA’s than humans.

An alternative provided by Google is the reCAPTCHA. The reCAPTCHA’s functionality is more advanced than the CAPTCHA and does not rely on distorted images and numbers. It seems that a human status can be determined simply by clicking a box to confirm ‘I am not a robot’.

However, this simple task does far more than you might perhaps be aware. When you click, Google is permitted to analyse your online behaviour. This can include mouse movements, browsing history and even time taken to complete an online form. This, and not the boxbability of your human

FATIMA 1917: Public flocked to site of alleged apparitions.

Is the user a human?

ITALIAN businessman

Heir who never was Summer opening

Marco Di Nunzio, who claims to be one of Silvio Berlusconi’s heirs, was arrested in Cartagena de las Indias (Colombia) on May 22.

Originally from Turin but currently living in Colombia, Di Nunzio was wanted by the Milan Public Prosecution department since October 2023 after he published a will which Berlusconi had supposedly signed in 2022.

Di Nunzio insisted that the will had been veri ed by a Colombian notary, although legal experts quoted in the Latin American press have since described the document as “apocryphal.”

appeared to

leave Di Nunzio €26 million, a yacht, properties in Antigua and a 2 per cent stake in Fininvest. This is the family holding company created by the Italian billionaire, who was three times a Prime Minister and founded the Forza Italia party.

The ctional heir now faces charges of forgery and the attempted extortion of Berlusconi’s genuine heirs, Marina, Pier Silvio, Barbara, Eleonora and Luigi.

Berlusconi’s death at the

age of 86 in June 2023 was attributed to complications caused by a severe form of leukaemia and his will was made public the following July.

Although there was a legacy of €100 million to Berlusconi’s partner Marta Fascina, the bulk of his fortune - he was worth €6.9 billion at the time of his death - was left to his children.

As well-known for his colourful love life as his political and business achievements, Berlusconi’s resources included the AC Monza football club, real estate, artworks and yachts. His principal asset was Mediaset, the largest commercial broadcaster in Italy, which as Mediaset España also controls Tele-

Summer

SUMMER will quickly be upon us, meaning an important change in the locations designated as Areas of High Tourist In ux. These are the municipalities or parts thereof where the weighted average population is expected to be signi cantly higher than the number of residents. As a result, shops and supermarkets in these areas will be permitted to change their summer opening times and days to include Sundays and public holidays.

The dates that are considered the ‘summer period’ vary by region as follows:

Valencian Community - Saturday June 15 until Sunday September 15

Costa del Sol, Costa de Almeria, Axar-

quia - Saturday June 1 until Monday September 30

Murcia - Thursday June 20 until Friday September 20

Balearics – Friday March 15 until Wednesday October 30

Furthermore, Cartagena has been declared an Area of Great Tourist In ux by Order of January 14, 2013, of the Ministries of Universities, Business, and Research. It has been split into two zones, with Zone 1 free to open throughout the year and Zone 2 the same between Friday, March 22 and Monday September 30. Zone 2 covers the Commercial area of the Cabezo Beaza Industrial Estate and is limited to the area of Parque y Espacio Mediterraneo.

Photo credit: CC/Nicolo Caranti

Photo credit: CC/Nicolo Caranti

SILVIO BERLUSCONI: Italian billionaire and politician died in 2023.

is here.

Universal charger

Anna Akopyan

NO more hassle; starting from 2025, all electronic devices will have the same charger.

The Spanish Council of Ministers approved the change in the sale of electronic gadgets. The Spanish market is now transforming with the introduction of the universal charger; adapted to every device.

The Spanish government will apply the EU directive to provide a universal USB Type C charger in 2025. Spain’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Jose Luis Escriva, revealed that from next year, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in Spain will have the same USB type C charging port.

The change will have to be followed by all manufacturers, including the production of video game consoles,

speakers, navigating systems and laptops; for the latter, the enforcement will begin in April 2026.

With this ground-breaking development, there will be no need to carry a set of chargers or worry about not being able to find a charger that matches your phone; the universal USB type

C port will allow us to always stay connected.

The European Commission shared that the new obligation will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers “save up to €250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases,” marking a breakthrough in the world of technology.

Turning down the volume

Linda Hall

WITH a new Netherlands’ government expected in June, its predecessor announced measures aimed at reducing noise pollution in areas near Schiphol airport.

These had to be introduced following a July 2023 court ruling that gave the government, which owns the airport, 12 months to comply with regulations directed at solving problems caused by aircraft noise.

Infrastructure minister Mark Harbers’ proposals would permit between 460,000 and 470,000 ights each year, an increase of 7,500 which he admitted might not be popular with the local community.

That was still below the permitted limit of an annual 500,000 ights and would include noise-reducing measures Harbers said.

From November 2024, national airline KLM will use quieter aircraft at night and the two runways which are responsible for most noise pollution will not operate between 1pm and 3pm.

In addition, Schiphol is to increase landing fees for noisy aircraft, with the biggest culprits like the Boeing 747-400 barred from landing or taking o between 11pm and 7am. Night ights will also be cut from 32,000 to 27,000, Harbers revealed.

In all, the new regulations together with those introduced earlier, should reduce daytime noise and annoyance to nearby residents by 20 per cent during the day and 15 per cent at night, the minister said.

The government was also considering a partial ban on night ights, beginning in 2026, although Harbers explained that this was still under discussion.

Different phones, different chargers.

Credit: Stanley NG, Pexels

Not-so-level crossing Baguette bonanza

FRANCE has reclaimed the record for the longest baguette by baking an impressive bread measuring 140.53 metres (461.05 feet).

To help you picture the size, the baguette is longer than an American football field, which measures 109.7 metres (360 feet).

The record-breaking event was organised by the Municipality of Suresnes, the Confédération National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Française, and Nutella.

This new record beats the previous one of 132.62 metres (435 feet 1 inch) set by Croce Rossa Italiana - Comitato della Provincia di Como in Como, Italy, on June 16, 2019.

Determined to break the record, 18 bakers from Suresnes and across Fran ce started baking the baguette at 3.00am.

Thanks to the construc tion of a custom-built mo ving oven, the baguette was shaped and baked continuously for over 11 hours.

According to Guinness World Records’ guidelines, the baguette could only be made using flour, water, salt,

and yeast.

The most challenging part of baking the baguette was ensuring it didn’t break and held together in one piece, as any cracks or breakage would have disqualified the attempt.

Throughout the day, spectators were entertained by local performances and a bread-making workshop for children.

Final inspections of the baguette were undertaken by Official Adjudicator Joanne Brent at 4.15pm, who confirmed the attempt was successful.

After the event, parts of the baguette were donated to the Celije Association for distribution to people in need, and the rest was spread with Nutella and shared with the public.

THE Oslo gover nment’s stricter controls over its border with Rus sia has generally been welcomed by Norway’s po pulation.

In contrast, Russia maintai ned that tighte ning up the bor der crossing for all those lacking “a necessary or important” motive for entering Norway was “discrimina tory.”

Although the stringent rules are not directed specifically at them, they will have most impact on Russian tourists who enter Norway via the border east of Kirkenes, from where they usually travel to other European destinations.

been infiltrating Norway’s businesses, universities and civic organisations “for

Berg, who admitted acting as a courier for Norway’s military intelligence, was arrested when visiting Moscow in 2017 and released after spending 23 months in prison. He has now returned to

He fully supported closing Norway’s borders to Russian tourists, Berg said: “It’s about time the Norwegian government tightened border controls.”

NORWEGIAN BORDER: Russia isn’t so far away.

In fact the authorities wish to prevent potential spies from entering and collecting information about Norwegian infrastructure.

Frode Berg, a former border official who was imprisoned in Russia for spying, told the Aftenposten newspaper that he believed Russian agents have

In the past residents on both sides of the border could move freely between both countries, but friction with Russia has increased since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Meanwhile, entry will still be allowed for those with residence permits on both sides of the border as well as Russian citizens who study or work in Norway or Schengen countries which allow free movement over borders.

The longest baguette.

Image: Guinness Book of Records.

Photo credit: CC/JIP

THERE could be as many as 56 packs of wolves in the Netherlands in the near future, say local authorities.

Nine wolf packs current ly inhabit the country and can increase by 23-56 per cent in the future, accor ding to the WUR (Wage ningen University and Re search).

Wolf packs

The research evaluated the types of landscapes which the wolves tend to choose, focusing on po pulation density and cli mate. It is estimated that if significantly selective, the animals are likely to over take the Veluwe region and southeastern Flevoland.

The ecologist at the WUR, Dennis Lammerts-

ma, explained that their choice “depends on all kinds of factors,” including the amount of children born. In their nature, the animals adapt easily, hence the difficulty to predict their future habitats.

Today, there are seven packs in the Veluwe, one in

central Drenthe, and one in the border area of Friesland, Drenthe and Overjissel.

While in 2020, the majority of Dutch residents were stated to welcome the packs, 42 per cent of the citizens are now concerned about their rapid

expansion.

The European Commission is currently investigating whether the wolf’s protected status should be reconsidered, as the Ministry of Agriculture communicates with the local government about the associated risks.

Longer charity hours

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN are extending the operational hours of their service on a three-month trial basis. From Saturday June 1, callers will be able to contact them via their FREEPHONE number 900 525 100 up to midnight every day. During this time they will assess the number of calls taken with a view to making a permanent change.

President, Donna Williams said: “We have an ultimate goal to extend our ser-

vable thanks to the number of volunteers that have stepped forward to be available to take calls late at night.”

Samaritans in Spain’s objective is to enable people of any age who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, to receive confidential emotional support. Their service is available to all English speakers, irrespective of nationality who reside in mainland Spain and the Islands.

A lone wolf.

Cool Jobs: get paid €1,000 a day

TWO web portals, InfoJobs and Fotocasa, have joined forces to select the best luxury home tester in Spain and o er him or her €1,000 for one day’s work.

We often go in search of an oasis of well-being and tranquillity in order to get away from everyday life and routine. But what if you could get paid for it? InfoJobs, the leading employment platform in Spain, and the real estate portal Fotocasa have launched a new ‘Cool Jobs’ o er: become a luxury home tester for a day, with a remuneration of €1,000 for a dream working day.

The press release from Fotocasa states that you get paid €1,000 a day to test drive luxury homes at the INFINITUM resort, located on the Costa Dorada. The resort has been awarded ‘Best Residential Golf Resort in Europe’ and ‘Best Golf Resort in Europe’ by the World Golf Awards, as well as ‘Best Beach Club in Europe’ for three consecutive years by the World Travel Awards.

To participate in the selection process, managed by InfoJobs, it is necessary to rst register with InfoJobs. “The position of luxury home tester wi-

Testing luxury homes.

luxury experience where the selected person will be able to immerse themselves in the world of a high standing resort, contributing to the improvement of the resort’s servi-

ce standards. A dream job o er that may seem like ction, but is actually a reality,” explained Nilton Navarro, Brand Manager at InfoJobs.

Bárbara Puyol, Brand Manager of Fotocasa, said, “it is a magni cent opportunity to discover rst-hand one of the best premium residential resorts available on our portal through this job o er.”

thin a high-end resort o ers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the exclusive lifestyle of INFINITUM, a private high-end residential resort with three golf courses and Beach Club located in the heart of the Costa Dorada, and experience rst-hand all the rst class services that this dream destination has to o er” said the press release.

immerse yourself golf courses and Beach

The role of the successful candidate will be to test di erent homes within the resort, as well as the amenities and services o ered to the resident. To do this, you will be able to experience what it is like to stay in the di erent luxury homes, as well as bene ting from the exclusive facilities of the resort: the Beach Club with 10

its three golf courses and a variety of high-level restaurants, among other surprises. You will also have the opportunity to choose from the various activities and experiences o ered.

The job o er includes accommodation for one night, transfer to and from the selected candidate’s location to the resort, as well as transfers within the resort and a premium Cool Jobs Kit.

“After the success of the previous ‘Cool Jobs’, this time we wanted to go one step further, with a

Extreme measures

WHERE money is involved people can be very inventive. In the past, Ryanair passengers have worn multiple layers of clothes to avoid check-in fees and now a traveller from Malaga broke off the wheels of his suitcase to avoid paying the €70 that the airline wanted for checking in his luggage as it was slightly oversize.

Other passengers on the Palma to Malaga flight recorded what happened and videos appeared immediately on social media showing the young man pulling hard on the wheels, until he finally manages to pull off all four, to the cheers and applause of the rest of the people in the boarding area.

After this display of strength and ingenuity, the Malaga-born man checks that his suitcase, now minus

those extra centimetres, is within the measurements required by the airline to avoid having to check it in. Amused Ryanair staff confirm it now complies with the regulations and he heads off to board his flight without having to pay the check-in fee for his case.

Catalonia votes to stay with Spain

PARTIES opposing Catalonia’s independence from Spain have garnered the support of a majority of voters in the region.

tist parties across the political spectrum, making a signi cant shift in Catalonia’s political landscape.

Recent elections saw approximately 54 per cent of the electorate elect candidates from non-separa-

This vote may have drawn a line under a tumultuous decade marked by a push for independence. The 2017 call for

independence included an uno cial referendum, a unilateral declaration of independence, mass protests and arguably the country’s most severe constitutional crisis since the transition to democracy in 1975. Separatism had been waning before this vote, but this is the rst time the shift in public opinion will be distinctly re ected in the Catalan parliament.

Recent polling data gathered in February showed that around 51 per cent of Catalonia’s population opposed independence, with 41 per cent in favour and the remaining 8 per cent either undecided or unresponsive. These statistics align closely with the election outcomes.

Catalonia, an autonomous region created after the end of Franco’s reign, has considerable powers in healthcare, security, and education. Despite this autonomy, support for Catalan independence began to grow in recent years.

Photo: Screenshot / Twitter X

Traveller pulled the wheels off his suitcase.

The Courier reaches No.1 on Netflix Top 10

HITTING 11,200,000 views on Netflix between May 13 - May 19, ‘The Courier’ provides an intense look into Spain’s financial turbulence from 1992 to 2011.

Based on true events, real news footage is weaved into the narrative, underscoring the authenticity of its wild crime saga. For fans of Spanish cinema and TV, the film is a trove of familiar faces. Aron Piper, known for his roles in ‘Muted’, ‘Elite’ and ‘The Mess You Leave Behind’ leads the cast.

Although a Spanish production, ‘The Courier’ unfolds across several European cities including Brussels, Geneva, Madrid, and Marbella.

The narrative begins in 1992, a pivotal year for Spain with the Olympics and the Expo in Barcelona. Ivan (Piper) experiences first-hand the stark impact of financial collapse on his family, moving from prosperity to hardship within a short space of time. The story then leaps to 2002, capturing Spain’s entry into the Euro.

Opportunities abound in this era of economic upheaval, particularly for those unscrupulous enough to exploit the vulnerable. As a

Non-English films are becoming increasingly popular on Netflix.

young man disillusioned by his country’s government, Ivan is determined to transcend his humble beginnings.

Working as a valet at a luxurious golf club in Madrid, he seizes the chance to infiltrate the world of powerful elites, becoming a Belgian courier for an international money laundering organisation, transporting suitcases to Brussels and Geneva.

Ivan is not content to remain a mere courier. He sets his sights on the Costa del Sol, a region teeming with dirty money, aiming to capitalise on the corrupt dealings of property developers, politicians, bankers, and athle-

tes. Ivan’s ambition knows no bounds; he is willing to harm anyone in his quest for wealth.

At its core, ‘The Courier’ is a tale of crime and its eventual consequences. It portrays the allure of a lavish lifestyle and the inevitable downfall that follows. Overall, the film is a riveting crime thriller that provides a stark reminder of the destructive power of greed.

The success of ‘The Courier’ demonstrates the enthusiasm for non-English stories, which now generate 30 per cent of all Netflix viewing, according to a recent report by the streaming channel.

IRELAND

In a fix

A UNITED AIRLINES Zurich-Chicago flight was diverted to Shannon after a passenger’s laptop became wedged in their seat when the aircraft was over the Atlantic. Engineers freed the laptop within minutes of landing but passengers had to spend the night in Ireland as the crew had by then flown maximum hours.

Dance off

THE Irish Dancing Commission (CLRG) confirmed in Dublin on May 22 that it would not be taking further disciplinary action against 44 teachers and judges accused of rigging the results of Irish Dancing competitions for several years. According to the BBC, there had been “an issue” with finding a suitable witness for the process.

Royal visit

THE two-day visit to Norway by the UK’s Princess Anne included a visit to the Resistance Museum accompanied by her godson, Crown Prince Haakon. Located in Oslo’s Akershus Fortress, the museum features equipment, photos and documents from the 1940-1945 Nazi occupation during the Second World War.

Pass mark

JUST over 91 per cent of 5,333 immigrants eligible for Norwegian citizenship passed tests last year that were introduced in 2017 to measure their knowledge of Norwegian life and society. “We can only congratulate them,” said a satisfied Tonje Brenna, the minister responsible for Labour and Social Inclusion

EURO PRESS

Big cats

SWEDEN

Less hassle

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

THE World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said that Belgium and areas in adjoining countries could provide a viable habitat for around 75 lynxes in the wild. The last wild lynx was seen in Belgium a century ago, but wildlife cameras have intermittently spotted one animal in the Semois Valley since August 2020.

FRANCE

Tuna time

BLUEFIN tuna fishing began off Tavira Island in the Algarve with a catch of 100 fish, the largest of which weighed in at 330 kilos. Fishermen used the Mediterranean’s traditional and sustainable “almadraba” method where boats set up a huge structure of nets between them, instead of trawling, which damages the seabed.

Playing safe

PRIME MINISTER Luis Montenegro declared that despite the presence of “certain crimes,” Portugal was one of the safest countries in Europe, although the Annual Security Report (RASI) registered an overall rise in the crime rate. It also revealed that violent crime had increased throughout mainland Portugal.

Me too

APPLICANTS for a Swedish work or student’s permit will now be able to verify their passports by using an online app instead of having to visit a Swedish embassy. The scheme will benefit 19,000 workers and 5,000 students living in one of 23 countries which include the UK, the US, Australia and Canada.

Not listed

AHN-ZA HAGSTROM, head of the Terrorist Threat Assessment Centre (NCT), said Sweden was no longer a priority for terror propagandists. The threat level was raised in August 2023 following the Koran burnings, but Isis and Al Qaeda were now focusing on this summer’s big sporting events, Hagstrom said.

FINLAND NORWAY

AS women in France’s armed forces reveal more details of the abuse and violence they experience, the military authorities are increasingly inundated with complaints, Le Monde newspaper said. An investigation also found that women were routinely penalised for reporting abuse, while attackers remained in their posts.

Trump card

FILM director Ali Abbasi made light of threatened legal action following the premiere of his Donald Trump biopic, The Apprentice, at the Cannes Film Festival. Abbasi said he was not bothered by the Trump camp’s reaction but admitted that the film was unlikely to be released before the US elections on November 5.

ITALY

Past events

MARIO MOTI, an 85-year-old former Carabinieri brigadier-general acquitted of state-Mafia negotiation in 2023, is under investigation again. The Florence Public Prosecutor will now question Mori under caution about the Mafia bombings that killed 10 people and injured 40 in Rome, Florence and Milan in 1993.

Orange alert

LAST GENERATION activists sprayed the entrance to the Health ministry in Rome with orange paint in protest at the “deaths and conditions” caused by global warming. The same group targeted Florence’s Uffizi Museum last February by pasting photographs of flooding on the glass over Botticelli’s Venus.

DENMARK

Varied VAT

THE government could adopt Europe’s practice of varying VAT rates for different products instead of Denmark’s present 25 per cent on all items. “There is potential for differentiating VAT on goods we would like people to buy, like fruit and vegetables,” Taxation minister Jeppe Bruus told a newspaper interviewer.

Mammoth find

WHEN an Aarhus gravel pit worker found part of a tusk in an excavator scoop, he guessed it was linked to the mammoth’s cheekbone discovered at the site some years before. Aarhus Natural History Museum experts will restore the tusk, which has a fresh crack probably caused during excavation, before putting it on show.

Good faith

FINLAND’S latest Youth Barometer survey found that most young people were not interested in religion. Approximately 20 per cent of the 15-29 age group described themselves as believers, while 60 per cent said they were “not at all religious” although 6 per cent explained they were non-religious “but spiritual”.

Helping hand

SOCIAL SECURITY institution Kela’s annual report and financial statement for 2023 showed that it paid a total of €16.6 billion in benefits and emphasised how challenges like inflation and the energy crisis had impacted its operations. “Exceptional times highlight Kela’s vital role,” director general Outi Antila said.

Electric storm

A LIGHTNING strike during a storm on the evening of May 20 injured a group of 10 people in Dresden, seriously harming four of them, the dpa news agency said. Two men aged 27 and 30 who suffered cardiac arrest were successfully resuscitated and later admitted to hospital after receiving emergency treatment.

Booker Prize

JENNY ERPENBECK and translator Michael Hofmann won the International Booker Prize for her novel, Kairos, set in East Berlin where the author was born and raised. The book was selected from 149 submissions for the UK award, and Erpenbeck and Hofmann will now share the prize money of £50,000 (€59,000).

Other habits

POLICE detected and dismantled 1,230 clandestine marihuana plantations in 2023, considerably down on their 2022 haul of 1,604. In contrast, they raided and destroyed 151 laboratories specialising in synthetic drugs as well as heroin and cocaine in 2023, a 50 per cent increase on the 100 they detected in 2022.

On foot

PEOPLE are visiting shopping streets more often this year, with levels that are equal to those prior to the pandemic, according to retail research service Locatus. This recovery was more noticeable in big cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Maastricht than in smaller cities, where Locatus noticed fewer crowds.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Family activities

FROM 11 July to 25 August, La Villa invites families to a varied programme of activities for all ages and interests. In collaboration with the Department of Youth and Children and music promoter, The Music Republic, La Villa is supported by Javea Town Council and invites residents and visitors to enjoy a relaxing summer experience.

La Villa will be open daily 7pm12am and on the Arenal beach, with a marvellous view of the sea.

Belen Balada, one of the organisers

of La Villa, said “The Villa Experience is not just an event, but a space where education, sustainability and fun are promoted in a safe and welcoming environment for everyone since there will be activities for all ages, from 0 years old to young people.” The 45-day programme will offer both educational and recreational activities, including music, theatre, robotics, storytelling and recycling workshops.

The mayor of Youth, Fatima Jarjor, noted that La Villa will have a nutrition corner with food tastings to encourage conscious consumption and promote local products. Jarjor also highlighted that La Villa will have a “solidarity corner” in which local associations will participate to foster kindness and acceptance, creating a space in which families of all backgrounds can make fond memories of their summer on the coast.

U3A Ladies at Lunch Group

THE U3A Vall del Pop Ladies at Lunch group had been looking forward to sitting outside under the canopy of the pine trees at La Piscina, Parcent on Tuesday, May 21, however, the weather Gods were against them.

As they drove over the clouds blackened and thickened, followed by claps of thunder and the rain. Sad news for them, as everything was hurried indoors, but brilliant news for the reservoirs and plants.

It didn’t dampen the Ladies’ enjoyment though, they were all soon served with drinks, and thus, the chatter soon filled the restaurant.

La Piscina staff took round an array of starters, aioli and bread, salads, coquettes and mini patties. The main courses were pre-selected from salmon, lamb, chicken or vegetarian options. Completed with a sweet or coffee. A delicious, great value meal served by friendly staff. Their next lunch will

Summer Fiesta

CANCER CARE Javea, a local NGO established in 1998, has made significant strides in supporting cancer research and patient care, raising over €600,000 to date. The charity is gearing up for another fundraiser: the Summer Fiesta, set to take place on June 6 at La Plaza Javea, starting at 11am. The event promises a variety of attractions, including a fashion show, a charity cake sale, live music by Pixiestix, a raffle, and much more.

Local business owners will be present, adding to the festive atmosphere of the commercial centre. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy coffee or book a table at nearby restaurants to secure a prime view of the runway. Reservations can be made by contacting Buddha Palace on 0034 965 792 894, La Plaza No.6 on 0034 966 462 314, or Pizza House on 0034 966 461 260 Cancer Care Javea is also seeking cake donations for the event, with all proceeds from the cake stand supporting the charity. Additionally, they are looking for volunteers to help in their charity shop. This event highlights the ongoing efforts of Cancer Care Javea to aid those affected by cancer.

be on Tuesday, June 18. Information will be out soon as to where they’re heading. They will then take a break for July and August and resume in September.

If you are a Vall del Pop U3A member and would like to join in the fun please go to the website and the Ladies at Lunch group, fill in the information and get on their mailing list.

If you would like to become a member all the details are on their website.

Anna Akopyan

Credit: Marianne, Pexels

Credit: Cancer Care Javea, Facebook

Music and meal

Bridgette Hudson

JOIN the Olive Tree Restaurant in celebrating its 10th anniversary with an evening of Spanish delicacies in a five-course meal, live music and an all-you-can-drink bar.

Moraira’s The Olive Tree invites guests on Friday June 7 for an evening course and live performance by the locally established musician, Matt Mason, starting at 7.30pm.

Jamon iberico of exceptional quality will be distributed among all

guests and a bar with house wine, cava and draught beer will be available without limit.

The starters (without choice), include a fresh Cordovan gazpacho, smoked salmon tartar with avocado and wakame seaweed and creamy iberian ham croquette. The meal is followed by a sorbet, introducing the main course options.

These include a cod confit cooked at low temperature and finished in the oven with pistachio alioli and ba-

sed potatoes, grilled iberian loin with sweet potato parmentier and chicken breast stuffed with mozzarella and dried tomato wrapped in serrano ham and white wine sauce.

The dessert choices include a home-made white chocolate cheesecake with berries, a chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and a lemon and passion fruit posset.

The cost is €60 per person. Bookings by WhatsApp 611 265 612.

Living history

THE spectacular festivity that has remained an integral local tradition for centuries, the Moors and Christians will be held in Moraira once again this June.

Every year, local families and enchanted visitors attend the event reflecting on the Christian conquest of Moros (Arabs) in Spain.

This summer’s programme is still subject to change.

June 7

The opening of the Andalucian Medieval Market at the Castle of Moraira, at 7.30pm. With stalls of crafts, cuisine, and entertainment, the town will go back to its medieval past.

June 8

Fanfare Bataclan de Jalon on the streets of Moraira’s centre, with the friar meal preparation at 12pm.

June 10 and June 12

Open-air concert at the Castle of Moraira from 8pm.

June 13

A parade in costumes by local families starting in Poble Nou de Benitachell at 7.30pm, followed by a flag presentation at the Castle at 8pm.

June 14

Flower offering at the Castle at 7.15pm and a parade followed by the reenactment of the Christian conquest through La Ampolla beach from 10.30pm.

June 15

Gunpowder shooting at Moraira Castle alongside a brass band march through the streets at 8pm.

June 16

The grand fire show at the Castle of Moraira from 8pm.

Credit: The Olive Tree, Facebook

Credit: Teulada Moraira Turisme, Facebook

The craft fair in the port of Javea extends its opening times

AS of Saturday June 1 the Art and Crafts Fair, which is held every Sunday morning in the Port of Javea, extends its opening times to Saturday afternoons. As the days will be warmer and longer, they will open their stalls at 6pm and stay until 10pm or later. On Sunday mornings opening times stay the same: from 11am till 2pm.

Since 2013, craft association Amata, at the invitation of the port’s shopkeepers’ association, has held a summer fair on the seaside boulevard, with the guarantee that the participants only sell their own work. In October 2015, a weekend fair was added, as a parallel activity to La Mar de Tapas, and since 2018 the artisans of Amata also come every Sunday morning to set up their stalls on the seashore. And now, in the month of June, they will also open on Saturday afternoons, as a precursor to this year’s summer fair, which will be held from June 28 till September 1. There is a wide choice in this small but select fair, since the organisers rigorously select the participants. This way there is always something for everyone’s tastes: paintings and watercolours, pa-

pier-mâché and ceramic figures, leather bags, pyrography, amigurumis, clocks and bowls turned from wood with resin, and several stands with jewellery in different materials and styles.

Many artisans come almost every week, while others only come from time to time, but all are happy to accept special orders for collection the following week. The fair is indicated on Google maps (https://goo.gl/maps/ pHb3PsmSDjm) and has its own Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ feriaartesaniajavea).

Third anniversary

WITH countless memories of festive days, evenings of sports matches and entire nights of dancing, it is jarring to find that The Irish Tavern is only three years old.

Costa Blanca’s centre of Irish culture, the Tavern will celebrate its third anniversary with a party on Saturday, June 8, marking its impact on the local communities.

For regular customers, it feels like the Tavern has always been there. For newcomers, it is a secret gem.

Home-made and traditionally Irish, the Tavern’s menu sparks the appetite of all families and friends who come by

and its beer offerings are guaranteed to quench anybody’s thirst.

The Tavern never misses out on partying and has been hosting local musicians at Nicky’s Jam Sessions every Sunday night, creating connections across the coast.

Join the celebration on June 8, from 4pm, with special drink promotions, delicious BBQ, live music and the best Guinness in town. At Cami Vell de Altea 20, Albir. Open Thursday-Sunday, 12pm-3am and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 3pm-3am.

Bookings at https://www.facebook. com/theirishtavernalbir/.

Pet Festival

Bridgette Hudson

THE 13th Pet Festival in Denia invites pet owners to spend a day with an entertaining programme of activities and take part in fundraising for animal charities.

On June 8, starting at 5pm, the venue will fill with information stands from animal shelters and associations. With a €5 registration, all visitors and their pets will get the chance to win prizes in fun competitions; one of which is a prize of two kayak trips. All of the donations will be forwarded to 10 ani-

mal protection centres across the Marina Alta.

“The goal is to spend a fun day with the family and their pets. But also to spread awareness and help the protectors so that they know each other,” said Dayana Santacreu, the Director of the Festival.

Alongside the competitions, there will be ac-

tivities for children, dog trainers, a swimming pool and a charity concert by Astrolabio, starting at 8.30pm. The Pet Festival is sponsored by Marina Denia, the Denia City Council, Mark Petrie, Naturextra and Cyber Arena. At Puerto Deportivo, Denia. Find out more at www. mascotetes.com/blog

Benidorm branch

ACCLAIMED in Albir, Moraira, Javea, Denia and Valencia, the Kathmandu Restaurant has just opened up a branch in Benidorm, inviting guests to delight in Nepalese and Indian cuisine.

The locally loved restaurant welcomes guests to its sixth branch in Benidorm, opposite Hotel Belroy at Avenida del Mediterraneo 15.

Kathmandu celebrated its expansion on May 20 with a large number of devoted customers and fabulous live music by Matt Mason. The community expressed its support, visiting the new venue and showing their gratitude for Kathmandu’s quality service on social media.

Giving back to the customers, Kathmandu is now offering a 10 per cent discount in Benidorm until June 18, taking guests on a journey of international and richly flavoured gastronomy.

Book your table by calling 965 573 668.

Open from Monday till Sunday at 1pm-4pm and 6pm-1am.

Credit: Marina Denia, Facebook

Credit: The Irish Tavern, Facebook

Credit: Kathmandu Benidorm, Facebook

Sex Sells Tickets

JAVEA PLAYERS’ popular summer show is Last Tango in Little Grimley. Their amateur dramatic

society has dwindled to four people and they’re about to be evicted from their premises. Gordon the Chairman declares: “Sex is the answer!” But how will the locals react to the promise of a sizzling sex comedy? What will be their solution, will they succeed?

The playwright is David Tristam, who has about 30 plays and co-

U3A at Los Arcos

A LOVELY afternoon was spent by the U3A at the Los Arcos restaurant, Pedruguer. The close-knit community met on May 24 to enjoy a delicious hog roast by the Costa Blanca Hogs and Catering cooks, Peter and Julie. Toasts were cheered to the live

medy novels under his belt, Last Tango being one of the most successful short comedies ever produced for the amateur stage.

The show - July 1 - 6 in the Casa de Cultura starts at 9pm, preceded by a seven-course tapas meal at Bar Imperial at 7pm. Tickets cost €25. For more details see: www.javeaplayers.com.

music by The View’s musicians, Andy and Debbie, who prompted much dancing by the attendees in the lovely Los Arcos garden.

Late in the evening, the Red Cross visited the restaurant and recei-

ved donations, selling a great number of lottery tickets within only 30 minutes. The U3A gave many thanks to all the participants, Peter and Julie and The View for such a lovely afternoon of relaxation.

Riuraus route

Anna Akopyan DISCOVER the heritage of Marina Alta on a summer route of wine tasting and architectural exploration of Riuraus.

The Muscat of Alexandria raisin conquered Spain in the 19th century; today it remains a unique and highly valued product of ancient origins. Till this day, Costa Blanca holds the Roman tradition of wine-making through the process of scalding grapes at the raisin cathedral, riuraus.

These ancient buildings are perfectly constructed to provide a space free of humidity, suited to the scalding process. One of the most authentic wine-making processes of the Valencian Region, the riuraus buildings are open for visitation on which one can discover the architectural and gastronomical heritage.

This summer, a guided route with tastings invi-

tes visitors to discover the rich heritage of the Marina Alta with a tour in Teulada-Moraira on Saturday June 8 and in Jalon on June 22.

Taste the authenticity of regional wine with the Riuraus Routes by booking your place through luis@grupo melic.es or +34 667 697 448.

Credit: Costa Blanca Tourism, X

Credit: Richard Millington, Facebook

Alastair Wallace who plays Gordon

National Service

IF Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives are re-elected, teenagers will be at the forefront of policy decisions as they won’t be allowed to smoke, but could fight for King and Country.

The plan is to offer 18-year-olds two options, firstly to become a member of the Armed Forces for a year and be paid or become an unpaid volunteer with community services such as the police of fire brigade one weekend a month.

Clearly, this is aimed to appeal to the Tory heartlands as so often, whenever youth misbehaves, the voices of many are raised saying “they wouldn’t behave like that if they had seen National Service!”

In fact National Service in the UK was scrapped in 1960, so any male who was born prior to 1942 would have experien-

ced it but today would be over 80, so the majority of those calling for it to come back would never have experienced it!

The Prime Minister explained on Saturday May 25 “I will bring in a new model of national service to create a shared sense of purpose among our young people and a renewed sense of pride in our country.”

He added the move would help young people learn “real world skills, do new things and contribute to their community and our country.”

Although supposedly a mandatory requirement, talking to Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, the next day, Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “There’s going to be no criminal sanctions, nobody’s going to jail over this” if they refuse to take part.

Coffee lovers

WHILE finding a decent cup of tea outside the UK may be challenging, the same cannot be said for coffee.

As the world coffee consumption rises by 2-2.5 per cent each year, this is good news for cafes everywhere. Here in Spain, drinking coffee is seen as a way of life. According to the Spanish Coffee Association (AECafe), 65.5 million cups of coffee are drunk every day!

Not all coffees are created equal and neither are they priced that way. For example, buying a cup of coffee in the UK typically costs £3.70 (€4.30). Likewise, you can expect to pay a similar sum in Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Finland and Sweden. Thankfully, here in Spain, the cost is a more reasonable average price of €1.50.

While there is a whole variety of coffees to choose from, there are typically two types of coffee drinker.

The first places value not

There are a whole variety of coffees to choose from.

on the coffee itself but the entire ‘coffee experience’. They will select places based on the setting and ambience. This could be somewhere to enjoy reading a book, socialising with friends or finding some much-needed solitude.

The other is more interested in the barista types, where the attraction is the

variety of beans on offer and the preparation techniques. Most likely, they are looking for their ‘fix’ on the go or to consume at a desk. One thing’s for sure, with so many cafés to choose from in Spain, you are sure to find the perfect place to satisfy your coffee desires to your heart’s content.

Rishi Sunak wants to see the return of National Service. Credit

Yes or no to electric VOX Pop

THE Spanish electric vehicle (EV) market is less advanced than some of its European neighbours. We asked our readers their thoughts on purchasing one:

Paulo Silva from Portugal, now living in Polop would never consider buying an electric car because of the cost and lack of convenience. He went on to explain, “I like to drive to Portugal to visit my family, and this typically takes 12 hours. When one of my friends did the same thing in an electric car, it took them more than a day because of all the stopping… why would I do that?”

Gabriela Marian , who moved to Spain from Romania, had this to say, “I would not buy an electric car because I would be worried about running out of charge if I went on a long journey. I also do not think electric cars are better than what we have now because there is more risk of accidents, such as fires. The world wants to evolve, but I see that it is getting worse.”

Raquel Mulet Hernandez , a Cuban living in Spain for more than a decade, was very vocal in her enthusiasm for owning an electric car. She told us, “I would spend less money on maintenance, they make less noise and are much easier to park because it is free, there are zero restrictions on entering big cities, and the cost of recharging is much cheaper than gasoline.” She continued “Above all, the great environmental impact because they pollute zero, so you get to help the planet by driving one.”

Linda Bohn da Silva originally from Norway, responded with a definite ‘no’ as she does not see that they are any good for longer journeys. She explained, “The biggest issue is the lack of electric points. I would be very nervous that the car would stop and I would be stuck.”

Andrew Clarke from England, living in Cambrils said “From looking at it here in Spain, it seems that it’s not worth it. The costs are higher and the positive impact on the environment is questionable since these cars require a lot to produce. I love my old car from 1993 and want to pass it onto my grandchildren; why spend more money and energy?”

GABRIELA MARIAN RAQUEL MULET HERNANDEZ

PAULO SILVA

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Citi flaws

THE UK’S Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority have between them fined Citigroup £61.7 million (€72.5 million) for flaws in the company’s trading systems and controls. These failures led to a trader incorrectly selling around $1.4 billion (€1.3 billion) of equities.

Iberdrola plan

IBERDROLA hopes to thrash out an agreement enabling it to pay $35.75 (€32.91) per share for the remainder of its Connecticut-based US subsidiary Avangrid, in which it currently holds an 81.6 per cent stake. The total operation, if it goes ahead, will cost the energy company $2.551 billion (€2.348 billion).

No dice

FINANCIAL services company

Hargreaves Lansdown has twice rejected a £4.6 billion (€5.4 billion) takeover from a consortium headed by CVC Capital and Abu Dhabi’s wealth fund. The group said it was considering making a third approach for the Bristolbased company and had until June 19 to make a firm bid.

Gas licences

NATURGY hopes to renew its natural gas distribution licences in Argentina for 20 years, although the present diplomatic standoff between President Milei and the Spanish government could complicate renewal. At present Naturgy provides gas in parts of Buenos Aires province and four other provinces.

Looking ahead

ASTRAZENECA, Britain’s largest pharmaceutical company, announced revenues of $45.8 billion (€42.4 billion) in 2023, with an $80 billion (approximately €74 billion) target for 2030. The company said this could be achieved with rising demand for its biopharmaceuticals, oncology, and diabetes treatments.

STAT OF WEEK

€76.121 billion

is the current market value of Santander Bank, which has put it ahead of all other European banks after overtaking BNP Paribas’ capitalisation of €76.013 billion.

Plain sailing for M&S

MARKS & SPENCER is in its best financial shape since 1997, the company announced.

Total revenues for the financial year ending March 30 rose by more than £1 billion (€1.17 billion) to £13.04 billion (€15.3 billion).

Food sales rose by 13 per cent over the retailer’s last financial year, while clothing and homeware revenue increased by 5.3 per cent, with a 10 per cent market share, compared with 9.6 per cent in 2022.

“Both have now delivered 12 consecutive quarters of sales growth, and this gives us wind in our sails and confidence that our plan is working,” M&S chief executive Stuart Ma-

chin said.

Profits before tax and adjusting items reached £716.4 million (€840.97 million), 58 per cent above the predicted £684 million (€802.98 million) and shares at £30.02 (€35.24) reached their highest level

AMAZON’S cloud computing unit Amazon Web Services (AWS) is spending €15.7 billion on its data centres in the Aragon region.

Three AWS installations that already exist in Huesca, El Burgo de Ebro and Villanueva de Gallego will be expanded, eventually making the region one of the most important technology hubs in Europe.

These began operations in 2022 following AWS’s three-year, €2.5 billion investment, which foresaw the creation of 1,300 full-time work contracts over the following 10 years. This has now grown to 17,500 jobs, of which 6,800 will re-

Last-ditch

CANARY WHARF MANAGEMENT received a winding up petition after a retailer who closed last year left behind an unpaid energy bill.

The Npower bill ran into thousands, according to reports in the UK media, and after pursuing the debt for some time without success, the company filed the petition on May 17 “as a last resort.”

A Canary Wharf spokesman said on May 20 that the bill had been settled.

since 2017.

Nevertheless, there was “disappointment” with Ocado, which sells M&S food online and was responsible for a £37.3 million (€43.79 million) loss in 2024 compared with £29.5 million (€34.63 million) in

2022.

Sales at M&S’s international stores also dipped by 1 per cent to £719 million (€844.36 million) and Machin revealed that the company now “resetting priorities” abroad.

Without taking lease liabilities into account, the company had net funds of £45.7 million (€53.65 million) by late March, compared with a net debt of £355.6 million (€414.46 million) 12 months previously.

Meanwhile, the company will open nine new food stores over the coming year, plus four clothing and home stores despite closing 12 outdated or badly-sited stores in 2023.

Silver-lined cloud

BHP’s third try

MULTINATIONAL mining company

Anglo American turned down another approach from Australian rival, Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP).

The London-based group rejected an all-share £29.34 (€34.45) offer following earlier £27.53 (€32.32) and £25.08 (€29.46) bids.

This latest attempt would value Anglo American at £38.6 billion (€45.33 billion), but acceptance would involve splitting off its Amplats and Kumba platinum and iron ore subsidiaries in South Africa.

Anglo said the 18-month deadline for selling the units prior to the BHP takeover was “too risky and complex” but requested a one-week extension to negotiate a simpler deal.

If no agreement is reached, BHP will have to walk away for six months under City rules.

VIRGIN MONEY shareholders voted in favour of Nationwide Building Society’s proposed £2.9 billion (€3.4 billion) takeover.

The deal, which required backing from 75 per cent of shareholders, was approved by 89 per cent at a General Meeting on May 22, thanks mainly to Virgin Money’s biggest investor, Sir Richard Branson.

From the outset, Branson’s Virgin Group has supported the takeover which will earn the billionaire businessman £724 million (€850.7 million) although the transaction still needs approval from the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority.

main inside Aragon.

Amazon’s investment would have an impact of €21.6 billion on Spain’s gross domestic product (GDP), with a “colossal” €12.9 billion of that sum swelling Aragon’s own GDP, regional president Jorge Azcon said.

This was the equivalent of more than 30 per cent of Aragon’s GDP which in late 2022 - the last year with available figures - stood at €41.76 billion.

Flying

AIR EUROPA posted revenues of

€2.756 billion and a €165 million net profit for 2023.

This soared above 2022’s €470,000 profit and outstripped the €28.6 million corresponding to 2019 before the pandemic plunged the aviation industry into crisis.

These figures will also help Air Europa finish repaying a €141 million loan which was guaranteed by Spain’s Official Credit Institute (ICO) in 2020 and is due in August.

“These excellent results further reinforce the viability of Air Europa,” said chief executive Juan José Hidalgo, as the company, which belongs to the Globalia group, prepares for a €500 million takeover by IAG.

THE Madrid High Court cancelled three fines totalling €118 million imposed by Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) on railway infrastructure companies.

Former ACS company Cobra, which now belongs to French company Vinci, and Sacyr were accused of belonging to a cartel in which 15 companies shared out 200 railway infrastructure projects worth €1.055bn over 14 years.

Cobra’s two fines totalling €27.2 million were lifted, as was Sacyr’s €762,363 although the court rejected an appeal from Siemens, which must still pay €16.8 million.

BBVA employees will soon be using artificial intelligence, the bank announced after signing an agreement with ChatGPT’s creator, OpenAI. It would explore “in a safe and responsible manner” the use of generative AI to accelerate procedures, improve productivity and increase innovation when creating texts and images or processing information, the bank said. It has now begun distributing 3,000 ChatGPT licences to its employees, and will be the first European bank to form this type of alliance.

STUART MACHIN: M&S ‘confident’ chief executive said.

Photo credit: M&S/Stuart Machin

JORGE AZCON: Aragon president announces Amazon investment.

LONDON - FTSE 100

3I Group 2.919,00 2.919,00 2.895,00 48,32K Admiral Group 2.684,0 2.689,0 2.671,0 7,73K

Airtel Africa 119,20 119,65 117,00 172,58K

Anglo American 2.627,5 2.649,5 2.617,0 131,19K

Antofagasta 2.236,00 2.249,00 2.231,00 55,04K

Ashtead Group 5.684,0 5.706,0 5.662,0 21,30K

Associated British Foods 2.708,0 2.708,0 2.690,0 26,77K AstraZeneca 12.306,0 12.362,0 12.288,0 65,95K

Auto Trader Group Plc 742,80 744,80 740,40 54,62K

Aviva 478,55 479,80 475,40 715,84K

B&M European Value Retail SA 550,12 551,60 546,80 78,28K

BAE Systems 1.388,00 1.396,50 1.382,00 166,31K Barclays 211,95 212,55 210,75 3,14M

Barratt Developments 503,14 504,40 495,90 60,97K

Beazley 662,50 662,50 656,00 54,46K

Berkeley 5.190,0 5.200,0 5.140,0 6,13K

BP 478,85 479,90 477,30 1,89M

British American Tobacco 2.399,0 2.414,0 2.391,0 275,88K

BT Group 127,95 128,30 126,05 2,33M Bunzl 2.996,0 3.014,0 2.986,0 18,51K Burberry Group 1.041,0 1.044,5 1.038,0 117,40K

141,99 143,05 141,40 838,92K Coca Cola HBC AG 2.758,0 2.762,0 2.744,0 25,90K

BUSINESS

Media deal

SQUIRREL MEDIA has acquired IKI Group, one of Spain’s leading advertising agencies, which will now be integratedintothemedia, advertising, audiovisual and technological services company.

The amount involved was not revealed “to avoid influencing” other operations currently in the pipeline, Squirrel said.

Charge-free

DIPLOMATS based in the capital owe Transport for London (TFL) around £143 million (€167.84 million) in unpaid congestion charges.

The US Embassy’s accumulation has reached £14 million (€16.43 million), followed by Japan’s with more than £10.1 million (€11.85 million).

Nearly there

INFLATION fell to 2.3 per cent in April, down from 3.2 per cent in March and the UK’s lowest since July 2021.

“It is a major moment for the economy with inflation back to normal,” PM Rishi Sunak declared on May 22 although the April figure was above the City’s predicted 2.1 per cent.

Gas and electricity prices, respectively 38 per cent and 21 per cent lower in April, were mainly responsible for the dip in inflation, owing to

Telefonica manoeuvres

CRITERIACAIXA hopes to double its 5.007 per cent Telefonica holding.

This would put Criteria, Caixabank’s largest shareholder with a 30 per cent stake, on level pegging with the Spanish government which now owns 10 per cent of Telefonica.

Criteria declined to comment on the report based on unnamed sources quoted by the El Confidencial website on

May 21, although there was less reticence on the part of the state holding company SEPI.

The publicly owned company announced on May 20 that it had now acquired a 10 per cent Telefonica stake worth €2.28 billion in a move that was initiated to offset Saudi Arabian STC’s 10 per cent holding in the Spanish telecommunications company.

the lower price cap fixing the maximum price charged for each unit.

Falling fertiliser prices and competition between supermarkets on ownbrand items, meant milk, butter, poultry and fish were cheaper in April 2024 than they were a year earlier and helped to chip away at inflation.

In contrast, mobile phone bills and rents continued to rise and April’s figure has topped the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target.

Meanwhile, some City sources were “pessimistic” about a cut, but others did not rule out a reduction in August.

The Bank’s governor Andrew Bailey pointed out that the inflation crisis was at an end while the deputy governor Ben Broadbent, has also hinted at “possible” bank rate cut later this summer.

Madrid plans

ATLETICO DE MADRID has applied to Madrid City Hall for planning permission for its €350 million future sports centre which will cover five plots of land surrounding the club’s existing football stadium. The complex, which will cost more than €350 million instead of the €200 million originally announced, is expected to be completed and in use by late 2026.

Playing safe

ROLLS-ROYCE will supply the engines for the latest version of the US military aircraft called the Doomsday planes due to their capacity for surviving a nuclear blast as well as electromagnetic pulses. The British manufacturer will join other aerospace companies working on the aircraft that can accommodate 111 people and include work, conference and briefing rooms.

Photo credit: 10 Downing Street/Simon Walker

RISHI SUNAK: Hailed lower inflation as a ‘major moment’.

Democracy is dead

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK

IT

HOMOPHOBIA is now rife. Racism is approaching rampant and with the comments and mail I’ve been receiving public frustration growing by the day. Why? Because these labels have been designed to discourage the frank discussion of either subject.

The conception is subversive but quite brilliant.

One of the most frequent observations I receive from readers is that they peruse this blurb because I discuss opinions they are not allowed to! Not allowed to? How offensive is that? The woke and PC brigade can now do just about anything they choose - and the public are afraid to even talk about it.

Lives and culture are being changed forever by leftie induced minorities that wield such power, it appears they can not only ruin reputations, but also devastate law abiding citizen’s livelihoods with impunity.

It only takes one woke to be at the head of a department or company and

with the threat of dismissal or worse, they can basically control the politics, opinions and even thinking of their subordinates.

All they need to do is report any adverse ‘findings’ to a fellow woker high up in law or politics and the target of their vitriol can suddenly find themselves at best on benefits and at worst in the dock. People are petrified to voice their true opinions in case they lose everything.

I just wish the UK had a Trump among the baby kissing codswallop brigade they have to put up with for another five weeks or so. After listening to his ‘Bronx speech’ a few days ago, I got the impression he’d been perusing my column online.

His references to immigration and the conception that they were all young men, so awash with mobile phones, designer clothes and tents that they were probably ‘raising a secret army’, sounded as though his words stepped right off the ol boy’s column.

Unfortunately for the UK I think it is already too late. The media conspiracy is worse than ever.

I recently read of a decision to re-

think the advertising of certain shampoos because it could be offensive to bald people!

If it wasn’t all so dangerous it would be comical.

Well unfortunately it’s not funny at all. The clear thinking majority are now being manipulated in ways that would have brought a smile to the lips of MaoTse Tung himself.

Any organisation that disagrees with these cancel culturists, or tries to bring their wholly unacceptable advertising practices into the public domain, is immediately vilified and pilloried in concerted attacks from all sides.

This of course means that the public are not even given the opportunity to cast a vote in their direction.

Democracy is dead. Gagging or destroying any opposition is now the order of the day. Nazi Germany, Russia, China and a number of Muslim countries come to mind! Thanks for all your mail. I do peruse every one. Keep ‘em coming.

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.

Killer bear to relocate

A FEMALE bear, known as JJ4, that killed a jogger in the Italian Alps last year, will be relocated to a sanctuary in Germany, authorities from the northern Italian province of Trento announced on Tuesday May 21. The relocation comes after a protracted legal battle over the bear’s fate.

JJ4 fatally attacked a 26-year-old man in April 2023, leading Trento administrators to order its capture and execution. However, legal challenges from environmentalists blocked the death sentence.

“JJ4 will be transferred by the autumn,” Trento’s tourism and hunting councillor Roberto Failoni told a local daily newspaper. The bear will find a new home at the Worbis Alternative Bear Park in Germany.

The region around Trento, repopulated with bears from 1999 under an EU-funded programme, has seen several bear attacks in recent years. This has raised questions about how to achieve successful cohabitation with the animals while ensuring public safety.

Areas of Italy repopulated with wild bears.

Which way is best?

DECIDING between

a 30-minute run and 10,000 steps for weight loss depends on various factors, including fitness level, intensi ty, and perso nal preference. Both activities offer significant benefits, but their effectiveness can differ based on individual

A 30-minute run, rous intensity, can burn more calories

in a shorter time compared to walking 10,000 steps. Running elevates the heart rate and boosts metabolism, making it a highly efficient form of cardiovascular exercise.

For those seeking to maximise calorie burn and improve cardiovascular fitness quickly, running is often the better option.

On the other hand, walking 10,000 steps, which is roughly equivalent to five miles, is a more accessible and sustainable activity for many people. It promotes consistent movement throughout the day, which can contribute to overall calorie expenditure and is less strenuous on the joints. Walking is also easier to incorporate into daily routines, making it a viable long-term strategy for weight management. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences, physical condition, and long-term adherence. Combining both activities can provide a balanced approach to weight loss, ensuring variety and sustained engagement in physical activity.

Sun damage to the skin

SUN damage to the skin, caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can lead to premature ageing, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots. Additionally, it can cause DNA damage in skin cells, potentially leading to ma lignant melanoma and other skin can cers.

To avoid sun damage, it’s essential to take protective measures. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses, further shields the skin from harmful rays. Seeking shade during peak sun

By Clinica Britannia

hours, typically from 10am to 4pm, can significantly reduce exposure. It’s also important to avoid tanning beds, which emit harmful UV radiation. Regular skin checks for new or changing moles and spots can aid in early detection of skin cancer.

By adopting these protective measures, individuals can enjoy the sun safely while minimising the risk of sun damage and maintaining healthier skin.

For a brighter cleaner smile

MANY of us try to hide or are embarrassed of our smile due to having dark or discoloured teeth. This can be due to ‘lifestyle’ habits such as drinking coffee, red wine, smoking or medication we need to take. Now available is an amazing FLASH PEARL CLEANING system which may be the answer you are looking for, to rid your teeth of those nasty stains.

FLASH pearl cleaning is a safe, gentle, and effective way of removing stubborn lifestyle stains from your teeth helping to make them appear whiter, brighter and feel cleaner than they ever have before.

Our Dental specialist will use this system to gently remove these stains, restoring your natural smile. The spherical shape of FLASH pearl cleaning powder is designed to roll smoothly over the tooth surface, penetrating all corners for a perfect cleaning.

The advantages of the FLASH pearl treatment are:

• Cleans down to the enamel shine, leaving teeth whiter and smoother.

• Erases residue and stains on teeth.

• Reduces the acidity of saliva.

• Inhibits bacteria development.

• Sodium-free.

Contact our Dental team now at Clinica Britannia for a check-up to see if this amazing cleaning treatment is suitable for you, you will be smiling with confidence within no time at all.

World Tobacco Day 2024

WORLD TOBACCO

DAY 2024, observed on May 31, continues to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce consumption. This

year’s theme, ‘Tobacco and Lung Health’, highlights the severe impact of tobacco on respiratory health, linking smoking to diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),

By Karan Sud Dental

lung cancer, and tuberculosis.

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, responsible for more than eight million deaths annually. On World Tobacco Day, health organisations and governments globally emphasise the importance of quitting smoking and adopting healthier lifestyles. Various events, educational campaigns, and public health initiatives aim to inform people about the risks associated with tobacco and provide resources for those seeking to quit.

Efforts include promoting smoke-free environments, increasing tobacco taxes, and restricting advertising and sales to minors. Additionally, support for cessation programs and access to alternative therapies are crucial in helping smokers quit.

Dental Insurance plan

DENTISTRY in the UK has become almost non existent, impossible to get an appointment. We have so many patients travel here to get treatment.

They all have a similar fear that they may lose their registration, as our database of patients is phenomenal.

So we have decided to introduce a monthly insurance plan for peace of mind, similar to those in the UK such as Denplan.

Our scheme will be a monthly payment of €14 per person.

This will entitle the holder of the policy to have priority treatment including two exams, two scale and polishes and routine X-rays a year. When we all worked in the UK, we found these plans work very well as it encourages patients to maintain their check-ups and cleans due to the fact they are paying monthly, and it’s such a low cost amount you don’t even notice it.

We will develop more comprehensive plans in the future which will include discounts on fillings, crowns and bridges.

For more information or if you wish to sign up, please contact our reception and we can arrange a time for a chat. www.ksuddental.com.

Bright eyes

TREATING dark circles under your eyes can significantly improve your appearance and boost your confidence. Begin by ensuring you get adequate sleep, as fatigue often exacerbates dark circles. Incorporate a balanced diet rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin K and C, which help in reducing discoloration and strengthening blood vessels.

Topical treatments with ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine can effectively diminish dark circles by promoting collagen production and reducing puffiness. Cold compresses or chilled cucumber slices can temporarily reduce swelling and lighten dark circles by constricting blood vessels. Additionally, staying hydrated and using a

daily sunscreen can prevent further darkening caused by sun exposure.

For persistent dark circles, consider consulting a dermatologist for advanced treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or fillers.

Consistent care and lifestyle adjustments can lead to noticeable improvements over time.

By Clinica Britannia

Quit smoking permanently in 25 days

TOBACCO is a killer. People who smoke or use other forms of tobacco are more likely to develop disease and die earlier than those who do not.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions people can take to improve their health. This is true regardless of their age or how long they have been smoking.

Quitting smoking:

• improves health status and enhances quality of life.

• reduces the risk of premature death and can add as much as 10 years to life expectancy.

• reduces the risk for many adverse health effects, including poor reproductive health outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer.

• benefits people already diagnosed with coronary heart disease or COPD.

• reduces the financial burden that smoking places on people who smoke, healthcare systems, and society.

While quitting earlier in life yields grea-

ter health benefits, quitting smoking is beneficial to health at any age. Even people who have smoked for many years or have smoked heavily will benefit from stopping.

Now available is a new medication to enable you to quit smoking permanently in 25 days. This revolutionary treatment works by relieving the anxiety caused through the quitting process, by gradually reducing nicotine levels, relieving withdrawal symptoms and the dependence upon smoking.

AS the number of holiday rentals increases, so does the demand for outdoor areas. Gerard Xalabarde, CEO of Cocopool, an online platform created in Barcelona with which you can rent more than 250 pools spoke to the press and said, “Space rental has become the business of the summer. In fact, the private pool rental market is now an option that is growing all over Spain and it is a trend that is attracting more and more attention from owners and bathers.”

The platform works mainly with offers from Madrid and Barcelona, but in recent months they have

SUMMER BUSINESS: Pool rental is growing in Spain.

Rent out your pool Popstar economy

noticed that business is growing in Andalucia and Valencia, from where they are receiving more and more offers to advertise on their website. “There are many potential hosts, we are receiving more and

Photo: pxhere CC

more offers,” said Xalabarde, who added that the average booking is around €480 for about six hours.

In general, the company states that the average profitability of the platform’s owners is around €4,000

for renting out their pool in the summer season. Some can even go as high as €10,000. The listings on the website say that they are, “perfect for events including birthdays, family meals and other celebrations.”

One of the advantages of this is that the owner does not need a tourist licence as there is no overnight stay. According to the autonomous regulation of the Valencian Community, this type of rental would not fall under the category of housing for tourist use, since the law states that the dwelling must be rented as a whole for tourist, holiday or leisure purposes.

TAYLOR SWIFT’S tour could fuel inflation, say the experts at Sweden’s Danske Bank.

The bank authorities issued a warning that similarly to Beyonce’s past European tour, the consequences of inflation are likely to repeat with Taylor Swift’s arrival.

“Everyone knows that we had Eurovision in Malmö, and now Taylor Swift is visiting Stockholm,” stated the Bank’s eco nomist, Miael Gran. “There is a risk that rising prices for hotels, restaurants and tickets will push up inflation more than during Beyonce’s visit last year.”

Yet, many economists argue that with the Swedish krona having less currency than the euro, foreign visitors could lea-

ve a positive mark on the local economy.

“In total we will see approximately 150,000 people attending the concerts in Stockholm. Of them, 120,000 will be travelling to Stockholm,” stated the chief economist of Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, Carl Bergkvist to the Press. “They will be spending approximately half a billion Swedish kronor (€42 million) during their stay here in Stockholm.”

Sweden’s latest research on inflation in April was lower than expected but the data for May has not yet been published. Alongside the Eurovision Contest, however, the economists have issued rising concerns.

TAYLOR SWIFT’S tour could fuel inflation.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers

Costa del Sol Cat collection

ON

Saturday May 25, volunteers for charity AGYA raised €187.50 and a massive 400 kilos (with a value of approximately €1,200) of animal food at the collection point at Carrefour in Estepona.

The explosion in the birthrate of cats is being contained by the Animal Rescue Charity AGYA in Manilva, Casares and Estepona. This voluntary organisation is using the CER/TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) method, assisting the town halls to solve the problem without killing the animals. AGYA has been carrying out this task since 2013, and up to now the organisation has been self funding.

They maintain 95 feeding stations and support the general care and health of over 4,000 cats in these areas for the local communties. They urgently need more volunteers, donations and sponsorships to continue their work so if you can help please get in touch via the website: https://www.gatosyami gos.com.

Axarquia Tourist tax

ANDALUCIA will not be implementing a tourist tax at this time, as officials consider it ‘premature.’ The decision came after a meeting in Malaga between the Junta, representatives of Andalucian municipalities, and business leaders. Instead, they agreed to establish an ‘observatory for local tourism sustainability under the Andalucian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FAMP).’

Tourism has both positive and negative impacts on Andalucian society. While it generates significant economic benefits, such as 415,000 jobs and infrastructure improvements, it also brings challenges like gentrification, increased tourist housing, and disruptive behaviours like ‘drunk tourism’. The new research group aims to gather data and insights to ensure tourism growth is socially sustainable. The goal is to balance the industry’s development with the well-being of local residents, ensuring that the benefits of tourism do not come at the expense of community harmony.

Mallorca

Mallorca meets Cannes

THE Mallorcan film industry gathered at the Cannes Film Festival to celebrate its contribution to the international film scene. The event showcased the upcoming Atlantida Mallorca Film Fest (July 20-28) and the Evolution Film Festival (October 30 - November 5). Organised by Screen International in collaboration with the Mallorca Film Commission (MFC), the event highlighted Mallorca’s growing influence in filmmaking and its vibrant festival culture.

During the event, the MFC reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable filmmaking with the introduction of the Green Film Forum. The forum is set to take place on the island in autumn and aims to position Mallorca as a leader in eco-friendly production, reflecting the commission’s dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation.

Tickets are now available for the Atlantida Mallorca Film Fest. Culture lovers will be treated to a feast of film, music, and workshops.

Costa Blanca South Orihuela Pride

GET ready for a one-of-a-kind experience at the inaugural Orihuela Pride Festival, set to paint the town in vibrant hues on Saturday June 1.

Those supporting this event will be treated to a full parade, live performances, and a disco with DJ Angelia Ukraines spinning the tunes.

The Parade will commence at 11am and leave via the Emerald Isle car park. It will then go around the block on Calle Marte before heading down Calle Mercurio, crossing the junction, and continuing down Calle Escorpio, past the Abbey to the bottom of the road. From here, it will come back up Calle Escorpio, past Ariana’s bar and Valdimars, and then continue up Calle Osa Menor.

Then the entertainment really begins with DJ Soraya and a fantastic line-up of live entertainers. The whole extravaganza is being brought to a close with fireworks and a disco.

Almeria

Mojacar keeps winning

NOT only was Mojacar chosen to be the host for the presentation of this year’s SICTED seals of approval, but it was also the recipient for four for its beaches.

The SICTED seal is a project to improve the quality of tourist destinations promoted by the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism and is valid for two years attesting to the quality of the tourism product offered by a number of municipalities in Almeria.

It’s not just about beaches but the entire range of tourist support which includes accommodation, tourist guides, museums, boat tours, golf courses, hotels, restaurants and much more.

In the case of Mojacar, the four quality seals for the beaches of El Cantal, Lance Nuevo, Marina de la Torre, Venta del Bancal and Ventanicas complements the Blue Flags granted earlier this year.

Costa Calida Local impact

PHASE TWO is a close-knit group with a shared passion for making a difference and supporting local charities. This dynamic team, driven by a shared commitment to social good aims to raise funds for various causes close to their hearts.

Through their dedicated efforts, Phase Two has already achieved significant milestones, including a remarkable fundraising feat for Samaritans Spain. Despite limited promotion time, their relentless drive saw them raise an impressive sum within just one week, underscoring the power of collective action and compassion. They raised €1,600 for Samaritans in Spain. Samaritans in Spain support anyone who is struggling to cope no matter what is worrying them. They offer support to people who may be having suicidal thoughts. Their hotline available from 10am to 10pm every day invites English speakers to reach out.

Bumps in the air

FATALITIES and serious injuries from turbulence are fortunately very rare.

Flight crews often predict bad weather and rough air in advance and are trained to handle the effects.

“Turbulence fatalities on commercial flights are fortunately very rare,” Dr Paul Williams, Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading, told Euronews Travel.

He explained that turbulence can be caused by storms, mountains, and strong air currents called jet streams.

Clear-air turbulence, however, is particularly challenging because it doesn’t appear on the flight deck’s weather radar and is caused by small-scale eddies too localised for most weather models to predict accurately.

According to the International Air Transport

TURBULENCE: Flight crews trained to handle effects.

Association (IATA), turbulence is the leading cause of non-fatal injuries to passengers and crew.

However, severe injuries and deaths on large aircraft are uncommon.

Between 2009 and 2021, 146 passengers and crew were seriously injured in turbulence incidents, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

John Strickland, a ge -

neral aviation expert, told the BBC, “It is not for nothing that airlines recommend keeping seat belts loosely fastened throughout a flight, be it long or short.”

Flight attendants, who spend more time on their feet than passengers, are particularly vulnerable to turbulence-related injuries.

They are 24 times more likely to be seriously injured than passengers.

QUIRKY TOWN

Human towers in Tarragona

John Smith

ONE of the better known quirks of Catalonian human nature is that of the building of human towers across the region.

Probably the most famous is that which takes place in Tarragona which claims to be the biggest and best.

The phrase “room for a little one” really rings true as four local teams as well as visiting groups known as Colles compete to see how high and sturdy their tower can be and a lot is down to weight and size.

Every two years Tarragona hosts what it refers to as the world’s biggest human tower (Castellar) building competition which can surpass 15 metres in height.

The towers are made of people standing on each other’s shoulders and usually, a small child climbs last to reach

the tip of the sometimes shaking tower and the tradition in Catalonia goes back to the 18th century.

Covid stopped the 2020 event but it did take place in 2022 and now it returns to Tarragona with practices starting on June 24 around the streets of the city and the grand finale being held in the Tarraco Arena (the old bullfighting ring) on October 6.

Huge numbers of spectators fill the bullring as they watch the different teams compete with the heaviest and strongest forming the base and others who are lighter climbing on top but there are no safety nets and it’s not without danger.

Even the children who wear safety helmets could fall and sometimes it is the dismounting that can be more dangerous than building the tower.

Building a successful tower in the final.

INTERVIEW

Speaking European –Jan Törstedt

The first thought Jan had after he had finished his national duty in the Swedish military, was “I’ve got to go to Spain.” He was in his 20s and was the first Swedish ERASMUS student to come to Spain, moving to study at the University of Barcelona in 1995.

ALMOST 30 years later, he resides in Barcelona with his Spani sh family and shares his love of Spain and “its way of living.”

Even back in 1995, when there were much fewer expatriates than today, Jan remembers how welcomed he felt: “Spain is the most welcoming country in the world because they are so used to visi tors.”

Jan believes in a strong expatriate community: “Foreigners in Spain have the most in common with each other, no

matter where they come from. Out of the entire planet, they choose to come here and that shows the kind of values that they have and the lifestyle they desire.”

One of Jan’s favourite things about Spain is its diversity and uniqueness from region to region. He also loves the climate but with the country’s rich culture, unmatchable scenery and welcoming people, he has learnt that “Spain is so much more than just the sun.”

Eurostar expansion

EUROSTAR’S chief executive has outlined ambitious plans for the future, including the redesign of St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord.

Work is planned on the stations over the next five years in a bid to accommodate more passengers.

The rail service is considering expanding its routes from London and is in talks to purchase 50 new trains to facilitate this growth.

Gwendoline Cazenave, Eurostar’s CEO, emphasised the strong demand for their services and the company’s aspirations for further expansion across Europe.

The potential introduction of new routes will coincide with the acquisition of a new fleet of trains, which will replace older models and increase the size of Eurostar’s fleet from 51 to 67 trains.

Manufacturers are being evaluated based on their ability to deliver the

EUROSTAR: Ambitious plans for the future.

trains quickly, with expectations of having them in service by the early 2030s.

Eurostar’s expansion plans come on the heels of its record-breaking annual revenue exceeding €2 billion and a significant rise in passenger numbers, reaching nearly 19 million.

With sustainability driving demand for travel, Eurostar anticipates serving approximately 30

million passengers annually by 2030.

To accommodate this anticipated increase, plans are underway to redesign major terminals like St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord to create more space for passengers.

Similarly, expansion projects are ongoing at Eurostar’s terminal in Amsterdam to accommodate more travellers.

Passport and TIE needed

ONE of our readers has just experienced a potential problem when travelling to the UK and has suggested that we share the following advice.

Audrey Pavron explained “I am a British passport holder living in Spain and recently renewed my passport.

“Making my first trip back to England from Malaga Airport, I presented the brand new passport to immigration and was questioned as to why there was no stamp showing my arrival in Spain.

“Naturally as a resident, I didn’t need a stamp but it hadn’t occurred to me that I should have travelled with my residency card (TIE) to prove the fact, but I had left it safely at home!

“Even though I had a copy of the card on my mobile phone, it was very touch and go as to whether I would be allowed to travel but happily they did relent and let me go to the boarding gate.”

Whilst some seasoned travellers would automatically know to take their passport and TIE card with them, others who don’t travel as much may not be aware of this and if you don’t have a TIE card but just the Green Certificate, be advised that the British Embassy in Madrid has recommended that this be swapped as soon as possible.

Also leave plenty of time before the flight is due to take off as there is often a long queue at immigration.

Jan Törstedt in Spain

Fast and slow track for passport control Malaga Airport.

Fireball lights up skies

A SPECTACULAR meteor fireball recently illuminated the skies over Portugal and Spain, according to the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalucia.

The celestial event began at an altitude of approximately 122 km above the Don Benito in Badajoz, Spain, and ended at about 54km above the Atlantic Ocean, after travelling northwest and crossing over Portugal.

Initial reports prompted speculation about meteor fragments reaching the ground, leading to night searches by Civil Protection. However, data from the SMART project, operated by the Southwestern Europe Meteor Network, clarified the situation.

Observation stations confirmed that no fragments made it to the Earth’s surface.

Astrophysicist Jose Maria Madiedo, head of the SMART project, analysed the event. The analysis revealed that the meteoroid

A flash was seen in several districts, from north to south of Portugal and in Spain.

entered the Earth’s atmosphere at a staggering speed of around 16,000 km per hour. It travelled with an almost level trajectory, inclined only about 10 degrees to the horizontal.

“When it hit the air at this speed, the surface of the rock heated up and became incandescent. It was this incandescence that manifested itself in the form of a fireball,” Madiedo explained.

The fireball’s journey through the atmosphere in-

cluded several explosions, causing sudden luminosity increases due to abrupt ruptures in the rock. The total distance covered by the fireball before extinguishing was roughly 500 km.

This event provided valuable data for researchers and a stunning visual for those fortunate enough to witness it. The insights from the SMART project continue to enhance our understanding of meteoroid behaviour as they enter Earth’s atmosphere.

Spain’s rich cultural heritage

WITH origins shrouded in mystery and a history stretching back to medieval times, the festivities of La Maya offer a unique spectacle heralding spring’s arrival. In early May around Madrid, families gather to select the girls aged between seven and 11 who will become this year’s ‘Mayas’.

Abundant in symbolism, this tradition is all about themes of fertility, prosperity and blessing the upcoming agricultural season. Families meticulously craft elaborate altars adorned with flowers and herbs from the surrounding countryside, fashioning a wreath the girl wears like a crown.

A lush carpet of freshly picked plants adorns the altars, flanked by vases overflowing with flowers. With no written guidelines, everything is passed down orally for generations.

On festival day, wearing petticoats, white shirts and Manila shawls, the Mayas perch on the altars, accompanied by attendants who offer to brush your clothes in exchange for donations to cover the

Food from thin air

IN a 1973 film, the world could not feed itself and relied on a processed food company which introduced Soylent Green, now from Finland comes Solein ice cream.

Partially funded by the European Union as part of the European Commission’s Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI), Solar Foods has just opened a state of the art factory outside of Helsinki.

With animal agriculture being blamed for the excess of greenhouse gas that is currently claimed to be a major reason for climate change, Solar Foods believe they can help the planet.

Rather than genetically modify any type of food, they create a protein powder out of cells using air and electricity combined with several different elements taken from the air.

This protein is, according to Solar Foods, an ideal milk and egg substitute and could be the start of reducing our reliance on cows and chickens.

So far, Singapore has approved the use of the protein in food manufacture and first trials are taking place with the production of a chocolate flavoured ice cream.

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

family’s outgoings! After two hours of absolute stillness, they proceed to the church for a service, a tradition now firmly embraced by churches despite its pagan origins.

The festival’s name originates in Greco-Roman myth, where Maia, a companion of Artemis, symbolised the fertility of spring, ultimately giving the month of May its name as it marks - curtain up, drum roll - the height of spring!

And once again, many thanks for all your welcome emails to my website!

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Couple across the Street’ (www.no ra-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

The next step for this company is to obtain recognition that this is an acceptable product in the European Union and the USA and once received will allow the company to expand its production even further.

Enjoying Solein ice cream.

High speed boost

SPAIN has a very strong rolling stock and railway technology industry and the government is promoting it around the world.

On May 21, the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Óscar Puente was in Prague for discussions with Czech railway company Leo Express which is 50 per cent owned by Spain’s Renfe.

He made it clear that the Spanish government supported Spanish companies interested in participating in new Czech high-speed railway projects explaining they had significant capacity as well as expertise in this area.

“I hope today marks a milestone in the collaboration between the Czech Republic and Spain in the railway field. I want to congratulate the political strategy of this country, which has placed railway transport as one of its priorities. A priority that

is also shared by the government of which I am a part,” said the minister during the inauguration of the Czech Republic-Spain Business Forum.

Prior to this, he attended a working breakfast with representatives of Spanish companies in the Czech Republic, in which he told them that one of the fundamental lines of the government’s action is to give them support and encourage their internationalisation.

According to him, Spanish companies are world leaders in railway matters as they have know-how that is in high demand in many places.

This is based on the confidence that Spanish technology provides for the planning and construction of the largest high-speed projects in the world, 35 per cent of the metro networks in South America and more than 25 per cent of those in Europe.

Risk for reindeers

STOCKHOLM UNIVERSITY,

Luleå University of Technology and several villages in Sapmi are investigating the impact of climate change on reindeer husbandry and have found reasons for concern.

“The climate scenario gives a very dark picture of the future.

“Climate change is very big and fast,” said Erik Kjellström, professor at SMHI (Swedish Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology).

He emphasised the negative effects of increased rainfalls which have lowered grazing opportunities, as well as heatwaves during the summer, which causes stress to the animals.

“If we don’t address the emissions and we have a rampant climate change that happens quickly, there will be very serious consequences and problems in the future,” Kjellström highlighted.

Gunhild Ninis Rosqvist, a Stockholm University professor, investigated the land exploitation within Sapmi.

“Cumulative effects of mineral extraction, energy production and fores -

try have fragmented and reduced the availability of grazing land for a long time,” she said.

To have a better plan of action, as Kjellström stated, more knowledge needs to be gathered “to gain a better understanding of how the reindeer industry must meet and adapt.”

The project will continue for the next four years, focusing on ensuring the wellbeing of reindeers.

Don’t do it - it’s rude!

I USE WhatsApp as my main messaging tool on my phone mainly because it’s free to use with other folks that have it. One of the little things which most people have is the two blue ticks to say the message has been sent, received and read - unless you are one of those people that don’t want you to know when they were last online.

Anyway, for absolutely no reason whatsoever, they have changed the tick to the right of the message to green. Why? What difference does it make to my messaging experience? It just pees me off to think that some techy department has sat down, had several meetings and votes and spent thousands of dollars no doubt, to come up with this startling bit of - what’s the word I’m searching for? I know, bullcrap.

I mean what was wrong with blue? And whilst on the subject of this app, the message about encryption isn’t strictly true is it? I think law enforcement can demand access to monitor it. To be honest that doesn’t concern me as much as the people that send

me a message asking me something specific and me answering immediately, seeing it’s been delivered and read, and then they don’t answer for two hours. That’s the equivalent of talking to someone face to face, them getting up, walking away and coming back and wanting to carry on the conversation where we left off. Don’t do it - it’s rude!

Whilst on the subject of phone apps I also use X or Twitter or whatever it’s called now. I only follow 100 people maximum and like to keep up with their nonsense but sometimes, especially overnight, I don’t check it so in the morning I might have 15 or 16 hours of catching up to do, which is pretty simple, all you do is scroll up.

But in the bottom left hand corner of the screen is a little house shaped button and if you accidently touch it the app scrolls all the way to the most current post and I have now missed all the posts I wanted to see, which is very annoying. I have a very simple fix for that Mr Musk as I know you read my column every week - just make it that you have to tap it twice to make it go there.

Easy fix and will keep this grumpy old man happy for at least another week.

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

Credit: La Moncloa flickr

Minister Óscar Puente in the centre

Reindeers in the snow.

Credit: Igor Shalabin, Pexels

ADVERTISING FEATURE

FOR more than 40 years Aguila Rent a Villa has been a champion in the vacation industry, whether it be summer or winter, Aguila Rent has something for everyone.

Based in Javea, the holiday rental company started in 1983 and has been providing a wide array of luxurious and comfortable holiday rentals since.

Aguila Rent offers a versatile selection of popular destinations such as Javea, Moraira and Denia and surrounding areas, so whether you are travelling for a romantic getaway or a Brady Bunch family vacation, you can be sure to find accommodation that suits your needs.

After 40 years the company has grown to the perfect size where they can be a well-established name but still small enough to focus on you, ma-

king them your ideal choice when browsing for your next holiday. Tailor make your holiday to exactly how you want it, do you want a quiet suburban break or a lively resort? Thanks to the website’s user-friendly search engine you can filter all the specifications and require-

ments you need and want, and out pops your perfect holiday home, and even if technology and websites aren’t your friend, not a problem! The team at Aguila Rent believe that it’s imperative that their guests can communicate with them, so they speak a variety of lan-

guages like English, Spanish, German, French and Dutch.

A benefit of being successful in the industry for such a substantial amount of time, Aguila Rent has built up a long and lasting relationship with municipalities, contractors and installation engineering com-

panies which means they can act quickly and with precision on the off chance something needs fixing or maintained. All around the management style that is offered and provided is what is the pinnacle point of why this company is such a versatile and long-standing establishment.

Aguila Rent a Villa prides itself on going the extra mile by offering its services to assist you with anything you need; whether it be information on local events and tourist attractions so you’ll always have something to do, or arranging you a babysitter or a private chef if needed.

This type of dedication is what most holidaymakers could only dream of, and it is what makes the difference in turning your vacation into an unforgettable experience.

Watson European Ltd

THE thought of moving, especially to another country, albeit exciting is also daunting when the time comes. That’s why you should leave it to the professionals, and when it comes to professionalism, that’s where Watson European steps in.

Watson European is a family-run relocation and storage firm with over 30 years of experience, specialising in European removals, relocation services and transport that covers the entirety of the UK, France and Spain. They offer a wide range of services, including wrapping, packing, transportation, storage and customs clearance, to ensure you have the smoothest transition from one house to another. Watson European prides itself on providing an efficient, reliable and high-quality service at competitive prices, so not only will you relax

knowing that your removals and storage are being handled by professionals, but you can also be at peace that you’re getting the best value for your money.

One of the unique services that they offer at Watson European is the 60-day free storage service for their clients. Safely storing your belongings is often an essential part of your relocation journey. Whether it be for a few days, a few months, or a few years, Watson European have got you covered with secure, modern storage solutions at competitive rates.

For all of the clients moving between the UK & EU, they offer up to 60 days complimentary storage as part of a relocation package. This sought-after storage solution is designed to relieve some of the time-sensitive pressures of moving internationally. This allows you to

travel at your own leisure, take some time to find the perfect new home, finalise completion dates with solicitors or you may simply want to do some renovations to your new home prior to the arrival of your belongings, all safe in the knowledge that your possessions are being safely and securely looked after at their main operating base in Lincoln, UK.

Watson European have storage solutions to suit the needs of everything from the contents of a 10-bedroom Château in the Dordogne to a beachside apartment on the Costa Blanca as well as cars, caravans, motorcycles and more.

These state-of-the-art storage facilities are equipped with the latest security measures to ensure that your belongings are safe and secure at all times. Whether you need to store furniture, documents, or other valuable items, they can accommodate your needs. In addition to their storage services, they offer a range of removal services to meet the diverse needs of their clients. The team of experienced movers is highly trained and equipped to handle all kinds of moves, no matter the size or complexity. Watson European is committed to providing its clients with exceptional service. Their offer for 60 days of

is just one way that they demonstrate this commitment as they are confident that their services will meet and exceed your expectations.

It’ll cost you

A TRIP to the top of the Eifel Tower by lift is going to cost more after June 17.

The present €29.40 for an adult will go up to €35.30, with the increase going towards paying for essential renovations, Paris City Hall announced.

Councillors also voted in favour of reducing the annual charge paid to city hall by the Ei el Tower Operating Company (SETE), the publicly-owned company which maintains and runs the instantly-recognisable landmark.

Covid restrictions during the pandemic put SETE €130 million in the red as takings plummeted in 2020 and 2021, although the number of visitors has now recovered, rising to almost six million in 2023.

In February unions representing 200 of the tower’s permanent sta of 360 called a strike which lasted six days, following a one-day walkout in December 2023 over contracts. This time employees were protesting about the ‘untenable business model’, insu cient investment and the high fees paid to Paris City Hall. These rose from €8 million in 2021 to €16

million, the unions pointed out.

The tower designed by Gustave Eiel was built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the 1889 Exposition Universelle world fair. Ideally, the structure should be repainted every seven years to control the inevitable rust, Ei el said at the time.

The iron tower, which is 300 metres high, or 330 when taking into account the radio antenna at its top, is in good condition beneath its 60 tons of paint, experts said. It has been repainted on 19 occasions since 1889, the last time in 2010.

OLDER readers may remember the days of tortoises as pets, they were relatively easy to care for, didn’t run away and hibernated over the winter.

Not quite so cute are terrapins or as they are known in the USA and Canada, freshwater turtles as they can be quite aggressive.

One such species is the Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) which is native to North America but although hardly a plague, there are signi cant numbers living in the wild in Europe, especially for some reason Italy.

The only way they could have been introduced is by pet owners discovering how potentially aggressive and di cult to care for they are once they have become adults.

A rather large and somewhat belligerent example was spotted by a walker in a public area of open land near Bruges in Belgium.

Recognising that this was no ordinary reptile, he contacted SOS Reptiel - Reptile

Turtle neck

Rescue Centre Belgium and they immediately recognised it as a potentially dangerous creature and captured it.

Although having a powerful bite which could certainly cause damage to ngers or dog paws, becau-

se they are top predators in the local pond, the Snapping turtle tends not to attack humans.

This specimen has joined 15 more, some of which are much larger and will now be found a safe home in a zoo or rescue park.

Photo credit: CC/Xiquinhosilva

One large Snapping turtle captured.

Changes to Meta

CHARITY fundraising in Spain will no longer include features provided by Meta, effective Monday July 1.

It has been announced that, from this date, all fundraising features accessible via Facebook and Instagram will be withdrawn in the European Economic Area (EEC). The full list of affected countries includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

Any charity that uses the ‘Donate’ button at the top of its Facebook page is advised to redirect it to its website. Meta has confirmed that all affected organisations will be emailed explaining what changes they must make. Once received, they advise that action be

Credit: Shutterstock: pixelliebe

taken as quickly as possible to avoid any loss of funds. They have also confirmed that if you donate to a charity via Meta, the last donation accepted will be June 30. This means the end of being able to select a charity to support in honour of a celebration such as a birthday. This offered a very easy way for charities to gain additional funding from third parties passively. This was also an excellent

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Online donate key on keyboard.

opportunity for many to unite friends and family behind a cause they felt passionate about. There are several alternative crowdfunding platforms that charities might consider using. The challenge is finding one that does not charge too much in administration or commission fees. Perhaps this change will force the crowdfunding industry to re-engineer and improve its current products.

How quickly can a hacker crack your passwords?

TECH company Hive Systems has just updated its password table for 2024. So how easy is it for hackers to crack your passwords? Unfortunately, this won’t make for easy reading!

When did you last update the passwords you use to access websites? Your email? Banking apps? Hive Systems first published its table in 2020 showing how long it would take a hacker to crack passwords from a simple four-character number code to a 16-character password made up of letters, numbers and symbols. They used hardware and software freely available to buy on the internet.

Here are the findings and hopefully nobody reading this uses a password made up of six numbers because any half-competent hacker can bypass that instantly. That’s not 10 seconds or two minutes but ‘instantly’.

Mix it up a little and put together a combination of eight lower-case and capital letters and it takes a little longer: one minute! Add in numbers to the mix and it takes all of five minutes and if you chuck in a symbol or two then we’re up to 12 minutes. Still not very secure and now AI is making the hackers job even easier as ChatGPT has many tools hackers can exploit.

The Hive Systems research focuses on the idea that the hacker is working in isolation

Giving4Giving

ESTABLISHED in 2012, Giving4Giving has been unsurprisingly, the most popular chain of charity shops in the Costa Blanca North. Founded by Gary Burr, with a mission to help as many people as possible, the Giving4Giving charity has repaid generosity with more generosity, and with the amount of people donating and helping out, there wasn’t enough space to store it all! So as time has gone by, Gary has had no choice but to reward this amazing influx of kindness by opening more and more stores to help as many people as possible.

On Monday, June 10, ‘The Home Store’, the newest addition to the Giving4Giving branch will be opening it’s doors. Gary and his dedicated group of volunteers have been working tirelessly around the clock to get this new shop up and running, so make sure you pop down and meet the team. People in the local community are talking about the grand opening, and can’t wait to go and show their support. Since opening 12 years ago, Giving4Giving has made a significant impact, Gary and his hard-working team have donated well

over €300,000 to local cancer charities as well as other worthy causes, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight! Most recently, donations of €1,000 have each been given to the Samaritans in Spain, Busy Bees and Project4All. Unsurprisingly, just recently, Gary Burr and Giving4Giving were presented an award from Finestrat Town Hall.

The first charity shop opened in La Nucia, and this was just the beginning for the humble owner. With an enormous amount of donations coming in, Gary, driven by his charitable spirit, con -

and is having to start from scratch to crack your password to show the maximum time required. However, if your password was part of another breach or uses dictionary words then your password will be found instantly.

The good news is a 16-character password made up of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols would take 119 years to crack. So next time you’re prompted to strengthen your password it might be worth taking notice.

Is it time to change your password?

ning shops.

As of today, Gary owns seven shops and one warehouse, with the new shop opening in early June, dubbed ‘The Home Store’, where customers can find all manner of household items, furniture, electrical goods and more.

Backed by a stellar team of volunteers that have loyally supported Gary and his

mission, some since the beginning, the whole team have become the definition of generosity.

Giving4Giving has been a staple in the community for a substantial amount of time, and Gary has almost become a household name in the Costa Blanca North, not only for his generosity but also for his kindness and devotion.

PETS

Find animal loving pet-sitters for your pets

LEAVING pets anywhere when you travel on holiday can be stressful. And many believe it is always best to keep them at home in their own surroundings, if at all possible, ideally with a caring pet lover who’ll watch over them. By joining a house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch we can help you meet checked house and pet-sitters who will travel to your home and care for your pets for free!

Plus HouseSitMatch Saves

Money because the Pet-sitting is Free!

If you use HouseSitMatch.com you find free checked pet-sitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring for your pets in your absence. It’s an arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet- sitting works as an exchange of services - free accommodation for free pet care!

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked All members are checked for

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

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-

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.

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.

PetRadar in Spain

Trelawney Bresic PETRADAR, a new platform dedicated to reuniting missing pets with their owners, has launched in Spain. Since its inception in Amsterdam in 2021, PetRadar’s innovative approach has achieved remarkable success. The platform has already assisted 70 Spanish pet owners in their

search, successfully locating 54 of the missing pets.

PetRadar works by leveraging the power of social media to spread the word about missing pets. Based on information provided by the owners, the platform uses targeted advertisements on Facebook and Instagram to alert over 4,000 neighbours within a 1km radius of where the pet was last seen.

David Olthaar, the founder of PetRadar, expressed his enthusiasm for the platform’s achievements and its new expansion into Spain - “We can’t believe we’ve already found more than 12,000 missing pets. For a team of animal lovers, it’s truly heart-warming. Branching out is a new and exciting challenge, and we’re thrilled to be able to help the pet parents of Spain!”

Looking ahead, PetRadar aims to foster a strong community of pet owners in Spain. By collaborating with local veterinarians and shelters, such as Protectora de Animales, the platform hopes to create a safer environment for pets across the country. With its innovative use of digital tools and a passionate team, Pet Radar is set to make a significant impact on the lives of pets and their owners in Spain.

AIR CONDITIONING

PLUMBING

AIR CONDITIONING

SPECIALIST TAPS

POOL SERVICES

SHOWERS

CLASSIFIEDS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

WASHING MACHINE BROKEN? Call Bluesky Repairs for ALL your domestic appliance repairs. 626 430 671 (WhatsApp) (305215)

ARCHITECTS

BUGGY TOURS

& SELL

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

I BUY RECORDS 50s to the 90s. Best prices for good records. Tel: 622 750 117 / 962 851 809 (304600)

OPP

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

PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. Also, Dementia care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (305685)

EL CAMPELLO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY – Life and Family Sunday Service at 11 a.m.

Bilingual (English and Spanish) at San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello.For more information visit www.elcam

pellochristiancommunity.org, email campellocc@gmail.com or call Juan Zúñiga –686203183 (Spanish) or Jim Eaton - 680594134 (English). (233602)

THE SALVATION ARMY English Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am followed by a time of Fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are! For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698 609 658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652 319 810 Email dieterzimmerer@ hotmail.com, www.centrosaron. com (10008)

www.helpbenidorm.org and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have a car (although this is not essential). Tel President 607 387 040.

We are an English-speaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all nationalities in times of crisis. We meet every Thursday at 11am in Jose Llorca Social Centre C. Goya s/n. Benidorm. We loan out mobility and medical equipment including oxygen concentrators on a short-term basis. (288658)

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION

COSTA BLANCA This association, formed in 1988, exists to foster comradeship amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, have qualified to operate military aircraft and are serving or have served, as military aircrew in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or those nations which are allies of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS POPULAR ASSOCIATION, CALL the Secretary on 966 495 228. (295990)

THE ALFAZ SPIRITUAL FRIENDS CENTRE OFFER A WARM WELCOME AT ‘THE COMM’ - (EX THE FORUM/MARE NOSTRUM) CAMINO DEL PINCHO 2, L’ALFAZ DEL PI, 03580 ALICANTE. VISITING MEDIUM EVERY WEEK - SERVICE STARTS

6.30PM EVERY THURSDAY. CONTACT DOT 634 320 013. EMAIL  dorothydorothy608@ gmail.com (295995)

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING Therapy with care. Amanda 679 780 039.

amandavpyott@gmail.com. ACCPH Accredited. (305433)

ELECTRICIAN

MB ELECTRICS. Approved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork. Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www.mbelectrics.es (305117)

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

ALL METAL WORK AND MOBILE WELDING. +44 7787 585 714 (302963) GOLD WANTED

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

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY WIGS

WWW.WIGS-R-US.ES Iindoor market, Rincon De Loix Benidorm. Monday to Friday 10 -4pm Sat 10 – 3pm scrunchies, ponytails, toppers, fascinators, headwear etc. Private appts after 3 pm 681 049 502 (304723)

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TOO) OR VISIT www.sosinsur anceinspain.com or email tracey@sosinsuranceinspain. com (305650)

Y TANTRA MASSAGE with Teya in a beautiful studio in Dénia center. 34 692450679. Whatsapp.  Yllera2017@gmail. com (304390)

RELAX CENTRE in BENIDORM - Excellent atmosphere. Expert Masseuses. 24/7 Outcalls - Tel: 603 324 564 (305206)

NATURIST male gives relaxing massage €50. For men and women. Private and discreet at my home in Jávea, WhatsApp Rob on 613 831 380 (300302)

ENCHANTING Tantra Massage in serene location in City Centre Denia. Whatsapp +4915255415183. www. tantramassagedenia.com (305843)

TANTRIC MASSAGE in Benidorm/ Alicante by Alluring French Masseuse. Outcalls Hotel +33 605 880 268 (305901)

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

ZWAAN MOTORBIKES, A+ Occasions Showroom, Triumph Rocket III, 2300 cc, yr. 2008, 35.000 kms, E 8.400,= CostaB lancaMotorbikes.com (305907)

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)

NURSING

COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (305678)

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

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

DECORATORS W.D. GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator. Established 35 years in Moraira. ESTIMATES FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 490 602 (305078)

PETS

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (1296233)

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

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

PROPERTY WANTED

RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixaprefer two beds. Needed urgently - call Janice on 0044 7736 251 800 (279523)

COSTA BLANCA CASASVilla rentals. Do you still want to rent your property this summer?  It’s not too late ! Give us a call 0034 666 327 729 (300282)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (304544)

MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/ Whatsapp 636 100 873 (300290)

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy.com (303757)

SITUATIONS VACANT

BLUE SQUARE REAL ESTATE is currently searching for Sales Executives to work in the Denia / Oliva area. A training package is provided and excellent incentives. Multilingual candidates, Spanish, French, Dutch and German are sought after. Please email hr@ blue-square.com your CV (304549)

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS

MARKPADDON BSc Hons.

MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurveyors. com (294923)

WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 716 693 (288662)

BROKEN or unwanted gold jewellery, watches or coins. IMMEDIATE Cash Payment. Call Peter 617 550 016 (304960)

SITUATIONS VACANT

Toyota GR86 - the ultimate experience

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Toyota GR86

• Engine: 2.4-litre, 16-valve, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder petrol developing 234PS/231 bhp

• Gears: 6-speed manual

• Price: €38,170/£32,500

• Performance: 0 – 100kph/62mph 6.3 seconds Max’ speed 225kph/140mph

• Economy: Combined 8.8 l/per 100km/32 mpg

• Emissions: 200g/km

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Grupo Beni Autos

THE one-stop shop when looking for the highest quality of cars in Spain.

For more than 10 years, Grupo BeniAutos has been a staple in the world of motoring, and with a rich history spanning a substantial amount of time, they’ve solidified their reputation as a reliable player in the buying and selling of new and used cars. Led by an expert team, who have put their hearts into the well-respected sector of cars, their knowledge is valued by many and trusted by more. This dedication has granted them valuable insight into the marketing dynamics, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve for their client’s needs.

In the ever-evolving mar -

ket, adaptability is imperative. Not only do they constantly maintain a revolving inventory of incredible vehicles, but they also offer personalised vehicle imports. If you have a specific model in mind, consider it done!

Quality is non-negotiable, using renowned brands, ensuring authenticity and reliability in every tran saction, and all at a fantastic price to suit your budget.

Size does matter, and with an impres sive stock of more than 200 cars to choose from, ran ging from renowned brands such as Audi, Mercedes Benz, Land Rover and Volkswagen.

The thought of this many choices might be overwhelming, however, the process

couldn’t be simpler and it’s all thanks to the expertly trained team, as sisting you in any way they can so you can drive away in the car of your dreams and still have some change left over in your pocket. Vehicles ranging from a nice sedan for city driving, or an SUV, spacious enough to fulfil all the family adventures desired, their diverse catalogue caters to all kinds of drivers.

Whether the car you want is second-hand or brand spanking new, BeniAutos has a top-tier selection for you to browse through in the unsuspecting buzzing

town of L’Albir, so you can hunt for your perfect motor whilst breathing in the scenic and cultural heart of the Costa Blanca air. But that’s not all, their commitment extends beyond the borders of L’Albir, providing nationwide vehicle delivery for a list of clients all over the country.

Purchasing a car with BeniAutos, it’s sure to bring back that enriching and unique experience that fills your heart with excitement for driving and love for being behind the wheel.

Free parking campaign

FROM June 7 until July 12, three car parks in Benidorm will provide free parking for buyers of local businesses.

The city council introduced a campaign as an enhancement to the discounts already offered by the l’Aigüera municipal car park, where

every purchase worth €20 grants one hour of free parking.

The three car parks to join the initiative will offer at least 650 free spaces from June 7 until July 12 through the distribution of 6,000 discount tickets within the Telpark. These tickets will be

granted to people who buy from local shops, as well as customers of restaurants, cafes and bars in the areas surrounding the Mercat Municipal, Tomas Ortuño and Ametlla del Mar parking lots.

Some 2,000 tickets will be distributed within

PEUGEOT EXTENDS PROGRAMME

TO provide total peace of mind for its customers and encourage them to commit to 100 per cent electric mobility, Peugeot is now offering its Allure Care programme across all electric cars. Peugeot is the first European manufacturer to offer such coverage.

As of May 15, the programme is being rolled out in the following European markets: Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland and Luxembourg.

Peugeot is moving forward with determination and enthusiasm towards its goal of becoming the leader of the European electric market.

To convince all its customers to join this evolution, Peugeot is not

only offering a new generation of 100 per cent electric vehicles that set the benchmark in their category but also total peace of mind with the Allure Care programme.

each park, allowing the drivers to obtain half an hour of free parking in the area. With the beginning of summer and an increase in visitors, this campaign not only aims to improve the experience of drivers but also benefits local businesses, strengthening the city.

First introduced on the new E-3008, the Peugeot Allure Care programme is now extended to the entire Peugeot 100 per cent electric passenger car range, the most comprehensive of all European generalist manufacturers, including: E-208, E-2008, E-308, E-308 SW, E-3008.

The range has recently expanded with the arrival of the new E-5008 and will continue to grow in 2024 with the launch of the new E-408, also set to benefit from the Peugeot Allure Care programme.

Peugeot Allure Care covers the electric motor, charger, transmission, and main electrical and mechanical components for up to eight years or 160,000 kilometres.

Peugeot Allure Care complements the specific Peugeot warranty, already applied to the high-voltage battery for a duration of eight years/160,000 km to offer complete vehicle coverage.

The Peugeot Allure Care coverage activates automatically after each service is performed (two years or 25,000 kilometres) within the Peugeot network.

Credit: Juan Carlos, Flickr

Roads in Benidorm.

Game changing

THE recent extension of tennis tournaments in Madrid and Rome from eight days to nearly two weeks has been a lucrative move for organisers.

More competition days mean increased ticket sales, extended TV coverage, and greater financial gains.

However, while these chan-

recent Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, express concerns about the physical and mental toll of back-toback extended tournaments, likening it to a superhero feat.

One key issue for top players is the perception that these extended Masters-level events are attempting

emphasise the importance of balancing the desire for more dramatic tournaments with the need to consider the well-being of players.

The issue of injuries, particularly to top young players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, has brought further attention to the debate su-

Japanese vigour

FROM the streets to the world´s most prestigious sports event; Japanese street skateboarding champions aim to lead in the 2024 Olympics.

and Toa Sasaki in the men’s team and Momiji Nishiya, Oda Yumeka, Liz Akama, Funa Nakayama, Coco Yoshizawa and Miyu Ito in the women’s league.

Debuted in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, skateboarding has never been more popular, especially in Japan; now expecting more than 20 exceptional Japanese skaters to compete in Paris.

yers, like Daniil Medvedev, believe the two-week format

kely to cause injuries, others,

dge the complex relationship between player welfare and

“The level of Japanese skateboarders is high and the real battle begins here,” said the skating world champion, Sora Shirai.

This summer, Japan can potentially earn up the three men’s and three women’s berths in Paris.

The current list of Japan’s top 10 skateboarders is dominated by Shirai, Kairi Netsuke, Ginwoo Onodera, Yuto Horigome

“I only see myself winning the title,” said the 15-year-old Oda Yumeka, one of the young Japanese skaters to claim the 2024 Olympic triumph.

Rafael Nadal.

Image: Rafa Nadal / Facebook