Costa de Almeria 20 – 26 June 2024 Issue 2033

Queen’s visit

John Smith

KNOWN for her support of organisations dedicated to fighting illness and disease, Her Majesty Queen Sofia will be in Almeria on June 20 and 21.

She will chair the first International Manolo Barrós Congress on ALS, a neurodegenerative disease which cannot be cured and in May took the life of her friend Major General Manolo Barrós.

It is estimated that some 5,000 people in Spain alone suffer from this disease and the average life span of anyone who shows symptoms is around five years.

Through her Reina Sofia Foundation and the collaboration of specialists throughout the country, Her Majesty hopes that a cure can be found and that this Congress which is due to attract more than 200 attendees will allow for an exchange of what knowledge there is and a step

forward in helping those who suffer.

Major General Barrós was linked to the Royal Family for 30 years, 14 of them as head of the Security Service and it was his and the Queen’s wish that this important congress should carry his name.

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2033 • 20 - 26 June 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

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Credit: CIEN Cancer Foundation

Queen Sofia at the CIEN Cancer Foundation.

First time visit Paris by coach

John Smith

WITH all of the problems of rail travel out of Almeria, one new solution would have been helpful if it wasn’t for some restrictions on points of drop off.

The latest offer from FlixBus, the low cost coach service which is expanding throughout Europe see them introducing a new route from Almeria City to Paris on June 27, with tickets costing from €43.99 one way.

Although it does offer a service to some major Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, due to certain

26 hours) to leave the coach in Spain. Only tickets with origin and destination in different countries can be purchased.

Pablo Pastega, general director of the company for Spain and Portugal explained “We do not understand why the long-distance bus, a very sustainable and affordable mode of transport, continues to be subject to restrictions that harm citizens and that also fail to comply with European legislation.”

Passengers can enjoy state-of-theart, comfortable buses on all their journeys, with free Wi-Fi, chargers for mobile phones and laptops, ex-

ON Tuesday June 11, residents from the Asprodalba centre in Vera which cares for adults with learning difficulties visited the Paws Patas animal shelter.

This was their first visit to the shelter which is situated in Turre and they arrived with a lot of donated food as well as bedding and toys for both the dogs and the cats which they had made themselves.

The visitors were shown the cattery and met some of the puppies

as they were given a tour of the shelter by volunteers and after spending a most enjoyable time, they were given Paws Patas goodie bags containing a pen, pad and a cap.

Before they left (and there are plans for them to return) they were photographed with a 15-yearold podenco now called Amigo who was rescued in Los Gallardos by a British lady Rachel who had previously rescued four

sick or homeless dogs in the past.

Amigo was abandoned, starving and with scarring around his neck where wire had cut through but he was lucky enough to be rescued and the following day (June 12) he set off on his latest adventure going to the UK so that he can live a loving and peaceful life in his remaining years. For further information about the shelter visit ht tps://paws-patas.org/.

Flixbus, a cheap and viable option.

Amigo with his new amigos.

Credit: Flixbus

Albox fire

AT around 1am on the morning of June 14, neighbours spotted a fire burning in a palm plantation in Pago Aljara, Albox. As there was no wind, local firefighters who arrived quickly were able to bring it under control.

Classijazz

CELEBRATE World Music Day from 9pm on Friday June 21 at the Classijazz Swing Room in Almeria City where the main band for this party will be The Celts Folk & Rock joined by many surprise musical guests.

Wine tasting

ON July 5, there is a special evening at Huercal Overa Castle where for €45, guests will be able to enjoy a range of wines and food prepared by Restaurante Perejil starting at 9pm. The price includes a coach from Supermercado Consum , to book call 697 781 727.

HPV injection

YOUNGSTERS aged between 13 and 18 are invited to attend Vera Health Centre on Tuesdays Thursdays and Fridays between noon and 2pm to receive a vaccination against Papilomavirus (HPV).

THE town of Antas which is in the central part of the Levante Almeria region claims that it was the birthplace of the Argar civilisation.

The Argarics, were an Early Bronze Age culture which flourished between 2200 BC and 1550 BC which briefly allowed them to find dominance over neighbours who were only at the copper stage of evolution.

As is so often the case however, they were eventually to be overtaken by the Romans and then the Moors.

It is a small community of around 3,000 inhabitants, a good per-

centage being foreigners who decided that the relatively peaceful rural setting of the town which does surprisingly have a relatively high number of agricultural and industrial businesses when

Antas revealed Basketball gala

DESPITE the historic fact that Spanish people have generally tended to be relatively short, ever since 1984, basketball has become increasingly popular in the country.

It was at the Los Angeles Olympic Games, that the Spanish men’s team took a historic silver medal even though they were beaten in the final by the much more experienced and somewhat taller American team.

It has become very popular in

Antas

BE prepared for a very long night on June 29 as you could end up going home with the milkman as Antas enjoys its Fiesta El Real de Antas. The evening starts at 9.30pm with a performance by local dance troupe Nova Dance and following this at 10.30pm the mayor and other dignitaries will formally welcome everyone to the Fiesta.

compared to similar towns was for them.

As can be expected, it does have areas of important archaeologi-

Antas and the Union of Pueblos del Levante Almeriense Basketball Club has some 350 members both male and female and continues to grow.

On Sunday June 16, the Antas councillor for Sports Francisco Galera, together with councillors from neighbouring towns Los Gallardos and Vera were in attendance at an end of season gala held at the Ciudad de Vera Auditorium.

Living in the past

IN order to celebrate European Archaeology Day which took place on Sunday, June 16, residents and visitors to Antas were invited to a special event.

Due to the importance of the area with regards to the Argar Culture and with the support of the local council and the Culture Department of the Junta de Andalucia people recreated an Agaric village.

This type of special event encourages people to discover more about the ancient

history of the area and with a number of people dressed in the what is believed to be attire worn some 4,000 years ago there was a real sense of history.

Children were fascinated by the painstaking re-enactment of life in an Argar village and this is one of a series of events held in Almeria aimed at disseminating and highlighting the archaeological heritage of the province.

These theatrical tours allow participants to experience life in the Bronze Age in an immersive way, making the visit more accessible and engaging.

also has the modern amenities that you would expect from a town sitting at the beginning of the 21st century.

It occupies an area of almost 100 km2 and areas within the town include Aljariz, El Cavecico, La Fuente Abad, La Huerta, Jauro, Los Llanos del Mayor, El Real and El Salmeron.

Neighbouring municipalities are Vera, Los Gallardos, Bedar, Lubrín, Zurgena, Huercal-Overa and Cuevas de Almanzora, so there easy access to almost any facility that a resident might require even though it is situated about 95km from the Almeria capital.

11pm sees everyone (except perhaps cats, dogs, elderly people and those of a nervous disposition) enjoy a firework display which is due to last about 15 minutes.

Next is the traditional Verbena (dance party) featuring the Orquesta Prometida which runs from 11.15pm to 1.15am and that’s followed by DJ Ginés Rico until 2am. Then the Orquesta Prometida returns to play for a further two hours before they make way for DJ Ginés Rico to see the Fiesta out by keeping the noise levels up until 6am when it’s time to have breakfast and get ready for church!

Visitors were fascinated by the village. Credit:

The pleasant town of Antas.

Unusual event

THE people of Huercal-Overa turned out in force for a very unusual but worthy cause on Friday June 14 which was held in the Plaza de Constitución.

Although society is becoming more secular, especially in large towns and cities, many smaller communities still consider the Catholic church to be an important part of the community.

This event was held to get the community together and to help raise funds to ensure that the door of the Church of Our

Lady of the Ascension can be repaired. There was bingo, plenty to eat and drink and music from DJ Augustín Gómez and the whole event was organised by the four local church sisterhoods with the support of the local council.

It wasn’t just a fundraiser but an example of when there is a need, local people are more than happy to help out whilst at the same having a bit of fun.

It is not known however whether the DJ played Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.

THE Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality (ICTE) has handed over the Q Quality and S Flags of Sustainability recognising Vera beaches, in an event held in Jerez de la Frontera.

Vera recognised

Spanish Tourism Quality, Miguel Mirones.

Councillor, Carolina Perez Gallardo attended the event to receive these certificates the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sanchez Grau and the president of the Institute for

These recognitions attesting to the quality and sustainability of the beaches in Vera have been developed during the course of the seventh edition of the International Congress of Tourism Quality and Sustainability of the ICTE,

which has brought together the main representatives of national and international tourism.

Later, in a private meeting between the councillor and the president of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, he confirmed who his support and commitment to the municipality.

World Tapas Day

TO coincide with World Tapas Day which took place on Sunday June 16, the Almeria City Council and Sabores Almeria have launched a new Tapas Route. It will run until June 23 with some 40 establish-

ments taking part and those who take advantage of the offers stand the chance of winning a prize.

On Sunday however various representatives of the Almerian Provincial Council and other interes-

ted parties raised a bottle to celebrate the concept of a World Tapas Day in in the Bar Bahía de Palma.

Sabores Almeria doesn’t just promote the food of the province in Spain and has just taken part in a promotion for the first time in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

This is an ongoing venture, taking the gastronomic and liquid pleasures of Almeria to different parts of the world, mainly in Europe but as can be seen, venturing into new countries where there might be a

cialised market for Almerian product.

Two of the local priests were delighted by the turn out.

Credit: Church of Our Lady of the Ascension

Michael Cano

ADDITIONAL information has been received with regards to the charity concert being presented by the community choir

All Aloud on Friday June 28.

It will be held at the Kubatin Bar, in Arboleas, starting at 7.30pm. Entry is free but donations will be accepted on the evening. Monies raised will be used to add a little cheer to those staying in the Children’s ward at La Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa.

The concert programme has been finalised and members of the choir are busy rehearsing as there will be an eclectic range of music and some audience participation will be encouraged. The Hostal Meson Bar will be open prior to

All Aloud

the event and the Kubatin Bar will be open afterwards with an opportunity to mingle and chat with the choir.

All Aloud have been supporting the Kids ward as their chosen charity this year and this concert is the culmination of a series of events before the choir goes into their summer recess. The ward receives very limited funding from the hospital for educational and recreational needs. The group raised about €1,200 at a coffee morning in Oria in March and

that money has already been spent providing material for the ward.

Mrs Morag Mitchell has raised over €1,000 via a morning selling ‘Monty Mouse’ dolls to the patrons of Simon’s Bar in Los Gallardos and from generous donations from residents and staff at Camping Los Gallardos.

The group has also been running a go Fund Me page and various other raffles and events. So far approximately €3,000 has been raised. See their Facebook page.

CHARITY CONCERT: The choir hard at work rehearsing.

Green flags

WE have blue ags for beaches and green ags for recycling of glass which arguably is far more di cult to obtain.

The Ecovidrio Green Flag of sustainability is in the sights of 11 municipalities in Almeria, Adra, Almeria, Carboneras, Cuevas de Almanzora, El Ejido, Garrucha, Mojacar, Níjar, Pulpi, Roquetas de Mar and Vera. In addition more than 600 businesses in the hospitality area will also be looking for recognition of the work that they are doing to recycle and safely dispose of items made of glass.

However, there are just two green ags on o er for the whole of Andalucia and Mojacar will be anxious to try to recapture one of those ags which it was awarded in 2021. Whilst businesses and towns are ghting it out for this award, the public can do there bit for the environment by making sure they dispose of bottles and other items of glass in the green containers.

No radioactivity

THE mayor of Cuevas del Almanzora has vehemently denied that a Palomares beach has any kind of pollution as detailed by Ecologists in Action.

Relying on scientific data provided by Spanish government organisation CIEMAT (Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research) he said that the awarding of a black flag to the area of Quitapellejos was not based on any scientific facts.

Mayor Antonio Fernández made it clear that the water was tota-

lly acceptable and there was no possibility of harm to humans or indeed the wildlife in the area.

He insisted that the Quitapellejos beach in Palomares is one of the most studied on the entire coast of Almeria and pointed out that CIEMAT had corroborated and confirmed to the Cuevan Council that there is no scientific or analytical basis or of any kind to assert that on the Cuevan coast there is pollution of any kind, let alone radioactivity.

In fact, and as the

scientific body points out, samples of water, sand and sea animals have been collected for many years to check the state of the beach and absolutely nothing negative has ever been detected.

Fountains back

DUE to a problem with internal pipes, water that fed the attractive fountains in Turre was cut o which meant that they were left dry.

Apparently the course of the problem whilst obvious was very di cult to correct but by June 14, the problem had been resolved although the water pressure was quite low but over the following days it increased in order to ensure that all of the fountains were back in service.

The beach is safe for all according to CIEMAT

The Lifeguards were welcomed to their new roles

THE Cuevas del Almanzora Council has confirmed that with effect from Friday June 15 it was beach ready.

On June 17, the deputy mayor, Miriam Quintana, and the councillor for Works and Services, Francisco Jesús Navarro, welcomed the 19 lifeguards to the beaches of Cuevas.

The meeting took place at the Quitapellejos Beach, in Palomares, which the council insists is in perfect condition and the councillors highlighted the responsi-

Lifeguards welcomed Albox landfill Missing ITV

bility and importance of this service that guarantees the safety of bathers during the summer months.

This year, in response to residents suggestions, the lifeguard service has been expanded with a lifeguard in Cala Panizo, which is added to the rest of the safeguards that are distributed along the 17 kilometres of coast.

A RECENT report by Informes Mecánicos suggests that there may be as many as 60,000 vehicles in Almeria Province which did not pass the ITV in 2023.

The Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV) checks to ensure that older vehicles meet the minimum safety requirements to allow them to be on the road, although this does not guarantee the vehicle is 100 per cent sound.

With 29,000 plus cars and around 10,000 motor bikes not covered by the ITV pass and the balance being other types of vehicle, there is of course a fear that in the event of an accident, the driver of the vehicle without ITV may be uninsured.

Worst municipalities with lack of ITV are very much in line with population and are Almería followed by El Ejido and Roquetas de Mar.

Prior to this, the sand, toilet and showers have been cleaned and lifeguard positions made good. AT one time, landfills were seen as the best way to dispose of rubbish but over the years it has become apparent they are an environmental time bomb. Better ways of disposing of rubbish see a need for recycling and even food is now often used to either feed animals or in the case of used oil, it becomes biofuel.

A statement to a parliamentary committee of the Junta de Andalucia by Regional Minister for Sustainability, the Environment and the Blue Economy, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco revealed that since 2019, his department had spent €29.4 million on cleaning and sealing of landfills. His latest target is the disused dump in Albox for the reasons of environmental cleansing and reduction in health risks with €3.9 million being set aside to pay for what is expected to be 24 month operation.

Once the work has been completed and the area deemed fit for use, a monitoring and control plan will be put in place which will remain active for at least 30 years.

The Spanish government announced its intention to end Spain’s golden visa. Once ratified, non-EU nationals will no longer be able to obtain residency and freedom of movement in Spain simply by buying Spanish high value property. While this sounds like bad news for UK nationals hoping to move here, other visa options are available if you intend to retire in Spain. The non-lucrative visa approach is cheaper as you don’t need to spend a set amount on a property and can choose to buy or rent whichever home you want.

Current rules

The golden visa offered a flexible residence option for third-country nationals who can make a substantial capital investment in the country. For some, the key attraction is being able to come and go as they please.

The common way to qualify is through purchasing property worth at least €500,000. Other pathways include buying shares in a company or making a deposit in a Spanish bank of a €1 million+ or investing in a new business offering significant local benefits.

Eliminating the Golden Visa Spain’s Council of Ministers

How does closing the golden visa impact UK nationals?

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

agreed to eliminate the golden visa at an April cabinet meeting. They believe this will help ease housing shortages and make homes affordable again for local residents. Spain has also been under pressure from the European Commission, which wants to clamp down on such residence schemes because of security concerns.

We do not yet know when the change will take effect. The amendments to the law need to be agreed on and ratified and a timeframe

established. Currently the golden visa route remains open, but bear in mind that buying property, applying, and getting it approved is a lengthy process.

Non-Lucrative Visa

The non-lucrative visa is the residence approach most retired UK nationals take since Brexit. It entitles you to reside in Spain without carrying out any gainful (work or professional) activity, provided you have sufficient and guaranteed means to live on.

A key requirement is to provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of residing in Spain, or confirming you have a regular source of income. If your monthly pension income does not reach the minimum, having sufficient deposits in a Spanish bank account may cover you.

You also need medical health insurance from an insurer in Spain,

medical check records and clean criminal records.

Your initial visa lasts for one year, at which point you renew it for two years. You’ll need to provide similar documentation again. After five years you can apply for a permanent residency permit, if eligible.

While the golden visa did not commit you to spending more than a few days a year in Spain, the non-lucrative visa commits you to being resident, which generally means spending 183+ days here each year.

You are expected to register as a tax resident – your worldwide incomes, gains and wealth will be subject to Spanish income and wealth taxes and the succession tax rules.

Making the most of Spain

When moving to Spain, you need to adjust your financial affairs to suit your new situation. You will benefit from planning ahead to un-

derstand the tax implications and utilise opportunities to save tax by restructuring your affairs before you change residency.

Take advice from a cross-border tax and wealth management specialist, who understands the residence and tax rules in both Spain and UK and the interaction between them. You may be surprised by how much tax a strategic and compliant financial plan could save you.

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

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

Donna Williams TENACIOUS TV presenter

Jasmine Harman is a classic example of how the confidence of youth can lead to life changes that shape an entire future.

CELEBRITY PROFILE INTERVIEW

Jasmine Harman, A Place in the Sun

Euro Weekly News had the pleasure of chatting with her at the opening of the brand new A Place in the Sun Currency office in Dehesa de Campoamor.

Originally from Hackney, East London, Jasmine spent several years working in the Algarve as a marketing manager for a golf and health spa, writing for a local paper and hosting her radio show. This was her first foray into the world of broadcasting, and it seems her friends were keen on her doing more. She explained, “I was ready for a new adventure, and my friends suggested I be a TV presenter.”

Sun.

Asked if she believed that fate stepped in, she considered this and explained that while she does believe in fate, she also believes that, as individuals, we have quite a big say in our own fate and the ability to manifest what we want in life. She explained, “I may be a bit of a hippie at heart, but I believe in it because I have done it many times and experienced it.”

I must have had at least 30 come up to me and tell me they are here because of A Place in the Sun, and I love that.”

On a night out and after quite a few margaritas, this sounded like a great idea to Jasmine and the very next morning, she handed in her notice. Putting her showreel together, she sent one of her tapes to a production company. This turned out to be the very production company that was making A Place in the

Having dedicated two decades to the show, Jasmine is deeply moved by its impact. She cherishes how it guides people to their next big adventurenot just those who appear on the show but also the viewers who are inspired to move abroad. She shared, “While meeting people at the new office today,

Jasmine has found her place in the sun and lives with her husband, Jon, and their two children in Estepona in Costa del Sol.

Asked what she found most challenging about the move abroad, she said, “I think I was unprepared for the fact that you have to start everything again from scratch.

“So back in London, I

had built up social networks and a service list - doctors, etc - and yet, moving here, I had to start again without knowing where to begin.”

Nine months on, and thanks to the support and friendship of her local community, she feels very settled. She loves how the lifestyle lends itself to a more relaxed existence and how she can do Zumba on the beach, swim in the sea or even a river, and walk her dog in the mountains.

Ambassador’s Summer Soiree

WE were privileged to be invited to the Ambassador’s residence on Thursday, June 13, 2024, in honour of King Charles III’s birthday on June 15. The anticipation of visiting the Ambassador’s residence always brings a tingle of excitement and a distinct sense of British pride, distinct from our usual European identity.

Despite the very humid but comfortably warm late 20-degree weather in Madrid, our spirits were high as we set off, reporter in tow. After undergoing thorough security checks amidst a sea of Guardia Civil Police, we were welcomed with a cocktail and a refreshingly chilled glass of water with orange slices.

The Spanish echelons of society, elegantly dressed as only Madrileños and wealthy foreigners can, were in attendance. The distant sound of a brass band added to the ambiance, creating the charming illusion of an English garden abroad - a thrilling and somewhat disconcerting experience.

The garden buzzed with activity, filled with people and cameras, and the audience was liberally peppered with various groups in uniform. Hugh Elliott, the British Ambassador to Spain, took to the stage and conducted his speech fluently in Spanish. Within minutes, his quick wit had everyone smiling, showcasing his excellent storytelling skills. The Ambassador graciously thanked everyone for their assistance during his unique but arduous time in office.

Ambassador Elliott’s role began amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, followed immediately by the execution and implementation of Brexit - never an easy task for a British Ambassador in Spain. He navigated through the war in Ukraine and Russia, and more recently, the horrendous massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023. Though these topics made for sombre listening, they were addressed with sympathy, empathy, and a complete understanding of all events and repercussions.

band, a wave of pride and patriotism swept over us. Thanks were given to supporters, sponsors, and collaborators, including the suppliers of oranges and orange gin from Huelva and Sevilla. The Ambassador drew a fitting analogy between his role and marmalade, symbolising his love for both coun tries and his professional ability to integrate the requirements of his native land into his work in Spain.

The evening’s food was prepared by English chef Marc Fosh, a master of fusion cuisine. Marc Fosh, once a columnist for the Euro Weekly Newspaper during his time as resident chef at the world-famous REED HOTEL in Mallorca, has been an acquaintance for more than 20 years. His culinary talents were once again on display, delighting everyone despite some unconventional combinations. The beer taps flowed, and the gin and tonic barsquintessentially English yet favoured by the Spanish - were popular spots for conversation.

As the cake to celebrate King Charles’s birthday was wheeled out, the music played softly in the background. The event was a roaring success, with guests lingering long into the night, enjoying the ambiance and each other’s company.

For a girl from Rochdale, standing in this same spot some 10 years ago, I had the honour of meeting the then Prince, now King Charles, discussing the challenges of life facing a foreigner abroad. Celebrating the King’s birthday in such a setting reaffirmed my belief that an Englishwoman abroad can always succeed through hard work, integration, and embracing European thoughts.

It’s not goodbye to Hugh Elliott but adiós and muchas gracias for all that you have done for us in these difficult and unprece-

Alcohol at altitude

Credit: Kelly/Pexels

Choose healthy options for a smooth flight.

A NEW study by German researchers suggests indulging in a pre-flight drink could pose a surprising risk to your heart health, particularly if you plan to catch some sleep during the flight.

The study, published in the medical journal Thorax, found that the combination of alcohol consumption and the low cabin pressure experienced at cruising altitude can negatively impact the cardiovascular system, even in young and healthy adults. Participants who consumed alcohol before simulated sleep in a low-pressure environment mimicking an airplane cabin exhibited decreased blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and increased heart rate.

The risks associated with alcohol on airplanes go beyond just heart health. The drier cabin environment can lead to dehydration, worsening the effects of alcohol. Additionally, the lower cabin pressure may contribute to faster intoxi-

cation. “While a single drink for a healthy person is unlikely to cause major harm,” explains Dr Nadia Elmenhorst, lead researcher on the study, “The combination of alcohol and reduced oxygen levels can put a strain on the heart, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.”

The study underscores the potential dangers for passengers with heart or lung problems. The observed effects could exacerbate existing symptoms and potentially lead to health complications during the flight.

So, what are some healthier alternatives to a pre-flight drink? Opting for water or hydrating beverages like fruit juice can help combat dehydration and ensure your body functions optimally during the flight. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can also help manage stress and anxiety, often the reasons people reach for a drink before a flight.

AYUNTAMIENTO DE

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1 - 04638 Mojácar (Almería)

Telef. 950.615.009 Fax: 950.475.200

info@mojacar.es

ayuntamiento.mojacar.es

Mojacar origins Beach etiquette

MOJACAR has been inhabited by many di erent groups over the years with history dating back to the Bronze Age.

When the Greeks arrived, the settlement was called Murgis-Akra, the Romans turned that to Moxacar, the Arabs Muxacra and nally the town became known as Mojacar.

Like much of this part of Spain, the town ‘enjoyed’ centuries of Arab rule and at one time the reinforced town sat on the frontier between Moorish and Christian forces until it eventually became part of the Kingdom of Castile.

The town certainly prospered in the 17th century and boasted a population of up to 10,000 people but

drought meant that many residents decided to move away to nd work and a be-

tter life.

After the Second World War, as other parts of Eu-

Moors and Christians

A WEEK later than previous years because of the European Elections, the Mojacar Moors and Christians celebration literally went o with a bang!

That wasn’t just because of the amount of gunpowder used by the Christian forces but the overall feeling of excitement from both those taking part and those who came to watch.

The Medieval Market was busy and the various troupes were dressed to the nines, often looking erce but also laughing and smiling with the crowds.

slipped as it was entering the town square and hearts were in mouths when it tumbled spilling its young rider.

Looking fierce but ready to entertain.

There was one little upset on the afternoon of Sunday June 16 when a white horse ridden by a 10-year-old

Happily both were uninjured and able to get up, perhaps a little shaky but to the crowds delight, determined to carry on.

So all in all the event which ran from June 14 to 16 was a fantastic success and once again attracted large number of participants and visitors, all of whom appeared to enjoy themselves immensely.

The only thing that is missing is the fact that the festival hasn’t yet been declared an Event of Tourist Interest in Andalucia but on this year’s showing, it can only be a matter of time.

rope, especially the UK, became more a uent, tourism reared its head and

Mojacar started to regain its population and became a very important holiday destination which it still is today.

Looking around the modern town with its population of just over 6,000 (of which it is estimated approximately one third hold British passports) one will see that many properties are painted with a small symbol which looks a little like an Egyptian Ank and this is known as an Indalo which is said to protect the inhabitants from potential evil spirits.

The Indalo, derived from the name Indalecio and in the Iberian language Indal also means great, strong, powerful and protective god .

Romantic night

IF you live in one of three towns in Almeria, forget Valentine’s Day as they will be celebrating the eighth Romantic Night promoted by the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain Association.

The actual date designated is Saturday June 22, but only Níjar is able to promote the event on that date, but you can be sure that love will be in the air in this pretty village on that night.

Both Lucainena de las Torres and Mojacar are waiting until the following Saturday, June 29 for various reasons.

Mojacar Council has announced that its night of romance will commence at 9.15pm and there will be music on the beach, photocalls and what it refers to as ‘romantic pampering’ so if you are a lover of Barry White and want to confirm your love for your partner, them wander down to Mojacar for what could be a steamy night.

Sometimes, Spanish councils leave details until the last minute, so all that is known at the time of writing is that the town of Lucainena de las Torres will be bathed in candlelight and romantic music will be heard in the streets.

So if you are feeling romantic and don’t want to wait until next February 14 to profess your love, here are three great options.

THE beaches of Mojacar have been considered of sufficiently high standard to receive four (although the council argues that one beach is actually two) Blue Flags.

Large numbers of residents flock to the beaches during the summer where there are lifeguards on duty who not only look to help anyone in difficulty but are also charged with indicating whether or not it is safe to swim.

They use a series of different coloured flags but not everybody necessarily understands what some of them mean although others are really self-explanatory.

Green flag: Bathing allowed. Good sea conditions

Yellow flag: Bathing allowed but do so with caution.

Red flag: bathing prohibited Purple flag: Jellyfish in the sea Grey flag: No rescue or lifeguard service available

In most cases, you will find the Lifeguard service on the beach from 11am to 7pm during the official bathing season which normally lasts until mid-September.

On Saturdays and Sundays during July and August cover is extended by an hour to 11am to 8pm.

The Indalo sign of protection against evil.

Credit: Moors and Christians Association Mojacar

Dutch integration Bottle caps

THE new Dutch coalition’s plan to include Holocaust on the list of compulsory subjects for newcomers has been widely discussed by the public.

Many question; is it a welcome or a warning?

The BBB parliamentarian, Mona Keijzer, introduced the idea that stricter requirements should be imposed on integration of newcomers, sharing some of the darkest

times in Dutch history.

According to Keijzer, many immigrants in the Netherlands come from Muslim countries, where, she believes, the “hatred of Jews is almost part of the culture”.

She highlighted the importance of these lessons today; “It is important that lessons about the Holocaust are not stuck too much in the past.

After all, the most important lesson is about the present, namely that we turn a blind eye when Israel slaughters Palestinians.”

By Talyta Franca, Class 2026, Northwest University of Qatar

A NEW EU directive approved a new policy that requires all bottle caps to be attached to containers containing less than three litres.

The rule officially starts on July 3; however, the policy was announced by the EU in 2018.

In anticipation of this change, some companies have already embraced sustainable practices. This pioneering initiative aims to reduce plastic waste by 10 per cent, addressing the excess of plastic pollution that takes over beaches and oceans.

Supporting these EU measures, the Spanish Waste Law also promotes the re duction of waste through various initiati ves. The law emphasises reducing waste ‘through the sale of bulk products, [and] the sale and use of reusable contai ners or devices’, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable consump tion.

The new regulation has sparked a mix of celebration and frustration among citizens across Europe, im pacting their daily consumption of plastic bottles.

A resident from Greece shared their observations, reflecting on the environmental benefits

of the new regulation: “Has anyone else noticed that European water bottles have changed to a cap that doesn’t detach when opened? It reduces litter and makes them easier to recycle.”

In contrast, a UK resident responded with a different perspective: “We have had them in the UK for most of last year. It is definitely high up there in the most annoying inventions the world has ever seen.”

In Spain, residents have also voiced their common frustrations on social media. On Facebook, people commented on the Euro Weekly News platform announcing the bottle cap regulation, expressing mixed feelings. One user remarked, “A good idea in theory, but they are terrible!” Some users recalled past transitions in packaging design in Europe. One reader noted, “They did it with ring-pulls on drinks cans in 1989 and it reduced the amount of waste in the environment... and we all got used to that, same here I think.”

This change aims to prevent what seems like a small pollution problem but that can contribute significantly to the more than 850 million tonnes of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere in 2019 due to plastic waste, according to Euronews.

Plastic water bottle with opened cap.

Credit: EWN Media Group

Mona Keijzer speaking.

Credit: Mona Keijzer, X

Villa Tahulla in the Zurgena area

EXCLUSIVE TO VOSS HOMES - A spacious, beautifull presented, four bed, three bath quality built villa plus covered veranda with a Florida style meshed conservatory, mains and solar electricity, H&C air con and central heating throughout, 9m x 4m swimming pool, pool bar and large driveway on a walled and gated and beautifully landscaped garden of 839m2 with impressive views.

Located in the Palaces area of Zurgena, just five and seven mins drive to Zurgena and La Alfoquia village. Ten mins drive to the main town of Huercal-Overa town and 12 mins to Arboleas. Twenty mins drive to the coast at Mojacar, Vera and Garrucha.

Villa Tahulla is certainly a property to be proud of. Entry to the property is via electrically opening iron gates on to the large tiled driveway. The

established front, side and rear gardens are beautifully designed with a variety of Mediterranean plants including palm and olive trees and are immaculately maintained, as is the house.

Gardens lead either side of the villa to the large rear garden with 9m x 4m kidney shaped swimming pool with equipped pool side bar, cove-

red seating area and great views.

Wrapped around three sides of the villa is a covered veranda with Florida style meshed screening and ceiling fans which gives you a fantastic ‘Inside, Outside’ living and dining room.

Inside the villa has a spacious, light and airy open plan living room / dining room with H&C air con. A breakfast bar separates this from the lar-

ge, quality fitted kitchen. An archway leads into the second part of the kitchen with fridge / freezer, washing machine etc, which then take you back out to the covered veranda.

From the living room a passageway leads to three downstairs bedrooms. The main bedroom has its own recently fitted ensuite shower room with walk in shower. Next are two guest bedrooms and a recently fitted family bathroom with a jacuzzi style bath. All three bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and ceiling fans. Two of the three bedrooms has H&C air con. The third has pre-installation for air con.

Also from the living room a spiral staircase leads up to another main bedroom with recently fitted shower room with walk in shower, fitted wardrobe, ceiling fan and great views.

For more information or to arrange a viewing of VH2337 please contact Voss Homes on 0034 950 616 827 or email us at enquiries@vosshomesspain.com

Football heroes

FOOTBALL isn’t just about money and the Foundation created by Cadiz Football Club has just purchased an 88-year-old woman’s flat to save her from being evicted.

Maria Muñoz Ladron de Guevara is an ardent Cadiz fan and was heartbroken when was informed she was going to be evicted from her flat where she had lived since 1967 and first moved in with her late husband.

The local community rallied around her and the ‘Adopt a Grandparent’ initiative played a crucial part in Maria’s story, as they managed to collect hundreds of signatures in support.

The Plataforma de vecinos y amigos de El Populo appealed for help to the Cadiz CF Foundation as she couldn’t afford to purchase the flat so the Foundation took it over, paying out €147,000 and gave her a contract at her original monthly rental of €97.

Maria and her family after hearing the good news.

Credit: the Plataforma de vecinos y amigos de El Populo Facebook

Beautifully renovated cortijo in the Countryside with private pool

GRUPO PLATINUM ESTATES presents this beautifully renovated cortijo in the countryside of Velez Rubio. The property in total has five bedrooms and four bathrooms. Currently, the property consists of two parts, one is currently operated as a B&B, and the other is used as a private residence.

The business part of the property has two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. Cosiness prevails thanks to the Moorish style. The beautifully decorated lounge dining room is a delight for guests. The fully equipped rustic kitchen offers the opportunity to prepare delicious meals. This part of the house can be fully rented out without compromising your privacy thanks to its completely private section.

The private home enjoys three bedrooms, a cosy lounge, and another fully equipped kitchen, providing a fabulous space to cook for the whole

family. The large garage allows you to store all your belongings, including the car. Lovely spaces to enjoy the home all year round. Do you prefer shade to the sun?  Thanks to the various tastefully designed terraces you have it all.

Would you enjoy a drink by the pool?

Enjoy this in the cosy poolside bar.

The property has mains water and electricity supplies (renewed and inspected). There is also an additional water tank for water storage, and ad-

ditional electricity is generated by the 16 solar panels.

The house is located in the beautiful countryside of Velez Rubio, with easy access. From the tarred main road, you have direct access to the private driveway. The nearest amenities are located in the village of Velez Rubio, additional facilities including more shops, additional doctors and hospitals are located in the town of Huércal-Overa, an easy 20 minute drive away.

Within a 15 minute drive you are in the historic market town of Velez Rubio with shops, supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, pretty streets, historic buildings and a Saturday market. The beautiful Spanish seaside resorts of San Juan de Los Terreros and Aguilas with their safe sandy beaches are a 55 minute drive away.

Call the Grupo Platinum Estates Team now on 950 466 112 to make an appointment for a viewing!

Step back in time

John Smith

WHEN is a castle not a castle? When it’s the walled village known as Castellar de la Frontera.

The castle stands on a hill with steep slopes in the heart of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park in Cadiz with views that stretch as far as Gibraltar.

It was first built by the Moors in the 13th century and is irregular in shape, full of defensive elements and encloses a small village.

There is now a first class hotel which serves Castellar which has been created through the renovation of the Alcazar.

Walking through the huge gateway to the Castle is like walking back to a much older part of Andalucia which saw invasion by the Moors and recapture by the Christians.

The castle was declared a Site of Cul-

tural Interest in 1949 and a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1963 and is now also part of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain collection.

Apart from the hotel, points of interest are the Torre del Homenaje, the town hall, the Baroque-style Church of the Divine Savior, the Cancón and the Cistern and guided tours are carried out departing from the Information Point after seeing the scale model of the Castle that is located there.

Whilst in the original village nestled within the walls of the citadel, there was little room for expansion, so a new town Castellar Nuevo was created about eight kilometres away from the castle and was completed in 1972.

It now offers all that you would expect from a modern town and sits well with its ancient counterpart.

The ancient Castellar de la Frontera.

QUIRKY TOWN

Counterfeit goods

VOX Pop

ALONG the Costa Blanca, undercover police patrol the streets to ne shoppers purchasing from unlicensed vendors.

Talyta Franca, Class 2026, Northwest University of Qatar

These illegal sellers, called ‘manteros’ or blanket sellers, because of the usual blanket they put on the streets to show their products, offer items like shoes, watches, sunglasses, bags and others at lower prices.

However, falling for these attractive and cheaper products in Spain can now result in a fine of up to €200.

This initiative is part of a larger effort to curb illegal street selling. The purpose behind this regulation is to prevent the impact on legitimate business in the country.

Luiza Golin , an 18-year-old from Italy, said she knew about this police action: “That’s why they have the blankets, so when the police come they can put everything together and run.”

Although she was informed about the regulations, Luiza says she still is divided about whether she thinks it’s fair or not. “I understand both points of view. It’s terrible that people just want some income to sustain their lives, but it’s also unfair to local shops and small businesses that lose customers to the cheap prices of street sellers.”

A 39-year-old local seller from Finland, who preferred to not share their name, and has lived in the area for four years, expressed a different view: “We sell clothes and other items at flea markets, and the manteros affect our business. They don’t

pay taxes, which is unfair to legitimate businesses.”

When asked about the police fee for the population, the seller said: “The €200 fine is good, but it targets the buyers, not the sellers. If nobody buys from them, they’ll have to find other work. It’s important to focus on both the sellers and the buyers.”

The restrictions are endorsed by the 19-year-old Swedish Tova . “I think that you absolutely shouldn’t buy from them, I’ve never done it myself,” she said. Despite her stance, Tova expressed empathy for the sellers, recognising that their circumstances might be challenging. She also highlighted “The police should raise awareness to this new regulation so that tourists are fully aware of it.”

Francesco , 26, originally from Italy, affirms “In Italy, we have also lots of these people, usually immigrants as here,” and he adds “This new rule is right, because it’s not fair for who is doing the job correctly, in accordance with the law, paying a rent and electricity for the store, compete with people who are almost ‘cheating’ and selling on the streets with no costs.”

However, the Italian also disagrees with the fee “I don’t think that the fine for the client is correct, because people are always seeking for the best deals, and if they find something very cheap in front of their face, why wouldn’t they go

TOVA LIND

LUIZA GOLIN

TYPICAL MANTEROS

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INTERVIEW

Speaking EuropeanDesiree Maas

“Now and then, I go back to the Netherlands to visit family and friends, but after a few days I just want to go back. The moment I land and drive home in Spain, I am happy,” said Desiree, a real estate agent who moved from Rotterdam to Spain.

DESIREE made the life changing decision in 2019 and moved to Spain on her own, expanding her work in the real estate market with the 4 You Estate company.

In Denia, Desiree has constructed a beach house, where she gets to gether with her Spanish, Valencian, Dutch, English and French friends.

She speaks five languages, including Spanish. She shared; “I think it is essential if you live in another country that you speak the lan -

guage, especially if you work there as well.”

In a lifestyle of vibrancy and diversity, Desiree encourages all those considering moving to Spain to not doubt their decision:

“Life is so much better in Spain than say, in the Netherlands, or in Northern Europe.” She advised newcomers to “get good guidance,” highlighting the kind spirit of both the Spanish and expat community, who will be happy to welcome foreigners.

Desiree Maas.

Credit: Desiree Maas

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

On the ball

ALEX SCOTT, former Arsenal and England footballer and now a BBC sports commentator has been named Marks & Spencer’s ambassador for fitness war. The retailer added Puma and Reebok as part of its Brands at M&S strategy in February and the Alex Scott alliance is expected to attract still more customers.

Cellnex exit

CELLNEX, Spain’s telecommunications infrastructure company no longer has major shareholders from its own country after Criteria, Caixabank’s holding company sold its 2.64 per cent stake for €613 million. The private placement was carried out by JP Morgan as Criteria reportedly restructures its assets.

Everybody out

THE MAJORITY of Harland & Wolff employees in Belfast voted in favour of industrial action as the management seeks to reinstate a five-day week instead of the present four. The amount of work has increased as the company prepares to start work on a £1.6 billion (€1.9 billion) supply ship for the Royal Navy.

SEPI success

SPAIN’S state-owned industrial holding company

SEPI finished 2023 in the black for the third consecutive year. Last year’s profit of €10 million profit was 76 per cent down on 2022’s earnings of €43 million although Correos, Tragsa and Grupo Navantia amongst others contributed to record revenue of €5.9 billion.

Paying out

BRITISH biotech company

Novacyt reached a settlement with the Department of Health and Social Care to avoid a court case. Novacyt shares plummeted as the company agreed to pay the government £5m (€5.9m) compensation for supplying defective Covid-19 tests during the pandemic.

has been paid out by Spanish insurance companies since 2019 to cover flooding and other disasters including the destructive storms of October 2023.

No Ealing comedy for JLP

THE John Lewis Partnership (JLP) is forging ahead with projects to build hundreds of rental properties on retail sites.

Diversifying away from high street retail at John Lewis stores and Waitrose supermarkets entails a £500 million investment in building 1,000 homes at three locations that was first announced in December 2022.

In West Ealing, one of these locations, 96 per cent of the residents allegedly oppose plans for a tower block on an existing Waitrose site. A campaign group last year accused JLP of “breath-taking arrogance” in ignoring concerns regarding the

height of the future development.

Citing Ealing Council’s failure to come up with a reply, John Lewis has launched a legal appeal and the project will be reviewed by a planning inspector.

The appeal move had

REPSOL will supply the electricity needed for Microsoft’s Spanish operations over the next 12 years.

The US technology giant intends to source all of its energy from renewables by 2025 and after signing six power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Repsol, Microsoft will receive the output of three windfarms and three solar energy plants. All are expected to be operational by December 2025.

Collaboration between Repsol and Microsoft began three years ago, but the new agreement to supply 230 megawatts of power dwarfs the original 90-megawatt

Madrid for ING

NETHERLANDS bank

ING has chosen Madrid for its European headquarters, Spain’s Financial daily Cinco Dias revealed on June 12.

The bank has been present in Spain since 1999 and in recent years has focused on consolidating its corporate banking division, whose revenue grew by 21 per cent to €208 million in 2023.

While ING declined to comment, Cinco Dias disclosed - without quoting sources - that the new centre would be operational by the end of 2024 or in early 2025.

not been taken lightly, Katherine Russell, JLP’s Build-to-rent director said.

“We believe we have strong grounds to be successful, given the opportunity to transform an under-used brownfield site close to the publicly-funded Crossrail station,”

Russell said.

“All political parties agree there’s a desperate need for more housing and local investment to spur economic growth,” she added.

The 428 homes in West Ealing would generate an estimated £8 million (€9.5 million) in council tax each year, and boost the local economy by an annual £45 million (€53.4 million) in consumer spending.

Only 83 of the West Ealing properties would be affordable, JLP confirmed on June 11, compared with the partnership’s earlier commitment to 20 per cent, after initially maintaining that it intended to deliver 35 per cent.

Microsoft-Repsol tie-up

deal. This latest announcement has been prompted by Microsoft’s

Better than before

DEPARTMENT store El Corte Ingles reported revenues of €16.33 billion for its 2023-2024 financial year ending February 29.

This was 5.4 per cent more than in 2022-2023, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of €1.08 billion were up 13.6 per cent on the previous year, the company announced on June 11.

The net profit of €480 million was less than half of the record €870 million posted last year, when El Corte Ingles sold its insurance business to Mutua in an operation fetching €550 million. For this reason, the company drew attention to a recurring net income which grew by 73,7 per cent, year-on-year, to €359 million.

huge energy needs which have grown exponentially with advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology.

These have led to the US company’s $2.1 billion (€1.95 billion) investment in Spanish infrastructure based in Madrid and Aragon, which was announced in February 2024.

Meanwhile, Repsol and Microsoft will collaborate on accelerating Repsol’s digital transformation and energy transition.

Going public

RASPBERRY PI shares soared 40 per cent when they started trading on the London Stock Exchange on June 11.

The Cambridge-based company’s shares reached 392p (€4.65) in early trading compared with the initial public offering price of 280p (€3.32).

Raspberry Pi, which produces affordable computers the size of a credit card, has sold 60 million of the devices in more than 70 countries since the first was put on sale in 2012.

The business is a subsidiary of Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK charity founded when the company was founded in 2008 to promote interest in computer science amongst children.

ZEGONA, which completed the €5 billion purchase of Vodafone España in May 2024, has made 36 per cent of its staff redundant.

The move by the ‘buy-fix’ British company that affects 1,198 employees was announced on June 12, and the works committee is now in talks with the new owners to negotiate the redundancy terms.

The Vodafone España dismissals follow those of Telefonica España which has made 3,421 people redundant in 2024, and Avatel where up to 693 job cuts were announced on June 4.

ACCORDING to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), 65 per cent of pensioners are now paying income tax compared with 48 per cent in 2010.

The income tax threshold for pensioners has remained at £12,570 (€14,883) since 2022, the IFS said, and once a pensioner’s income is just £1,067 (€1,264) a year more than the state pension, they will be liable to tax. At the same time, the state pension has risen by £3,700 (€4,381) to £11,502.40 (€13,624) since 2010 thanks to the triple lock.

DAME ALISON ROSE, former NatWest chief executive who left under a cloud following the Nigel Farage de-banking scandal, has joined Charterhouse Capital. Rose will be a ‘senior adviser’ in her first post since she resigned from NatWest in 2023.

Private equity firm Charterhouse, owner of consumer, healthcare and services companies and a former co-owner of Saga and AA, was accused of having left Saga “weakened, debt-ridden and starved of investment.”

KATHERINE RUSSELL: JLP’s Build-to-rent director

credit: John Lewis Partnership

Photo credit: CC/Natalia Corcobado Pinilla

REPSOL: Fossil fuel company moving into renewables.

3I Group 3.045,00 3.050,00 3.044,50 13,22K

Group 2.578,4 2.588,0 2.578,4 5,42K Airtel Africa 119,25 119,50 118,89 104,63K Anglo American 2.373,5 2.377,5 2.372,0 33,12K Antofagasta 2.029,00 2.038,00 2.029,00 7,90K Ashtead Group 5.439,0 5.454,0 5.435,0 13,14K Associated British Foods 2.495,9 2.501,0 2.495,9 3,34K

12.548,6 12.562,0 12.544,0 14,11K Auto Trader Group Plc 823,40 823,40 822,40 7,00K Aviva 477,90 477,90 477,20 77,24K

B&M European Value Retail SA 464,79 466,30 464,79 14,94K

BAE Systems 1.338,65 1.340,95 1.338,65 49,71K

204,30 204,45 203,75 326,92K Barratt Developments 491,00 492,80 490,90 19,20K

Beazley 655,50 655,50 655,50 5,23K

Berkeley 5.060,0 5.070,0 5.060,0 568,00

BP 460,00 460,15 459,65 241,69K

British American Tobacco 2.410,3 2.411,0 2.408,0 19,75K

BT Group 140,14 140,14 139,84 580,96K Bunzl 2.932,6 2.936,0 2.932,6 4,26K

Burberry Group 989,4 991,2 989,4 16,66K

132,68 132,68 132,60 34,92K

Cola HBC AG 2.703,8 2.705,5 2.703,8 1,22K

2.220,98 2.223,00 2.220,98 20,76K ConvaTec Group 254,20 254,20 254,20 12,59K

Intl 4.131,3 4.143,6 4.131,3 2,67K DCC 5.585,0 5.585,0 5.575,0 663,00

863,00 863,00 863,00 634,00

No change

REDUCED IVA

value-added tax on basic food items in Spain was due to end on June 30 but will continue, the government announced. Superreduced staples will remain at 0 per cent and pastas and oil at 5 per cent.

Flying high

HIGHER interest rates and more clients enabled digital bank, Starling, to post pre-tax profits of £301.1 million (€356.4 million) for its last financial year, compared with 20222023’s £194.6 million (€230.5 million).

Revenue grew from £452.8 million (€536.3 million) to £682.2 million (€807.9 million).

Virgin looks at Gatwick

WITH a third Heathrow runway unlikely for some time, Virgin Atlantic is considering a return to Gatwick where it operated until 2020.

The airline left the airport during the pandemic and, speaking to the Telegraph in early June, Gatwick’s chief executive Stewart Wingate said he would welcome Virgin Atlantic back “at the earliest opportunity.”

Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive Shai Weiss said the company had not ruled out cities like Bristol

and there could also be more flights from the air-

No Naturgy takeover

THE joint takeover of Spanish power company Naturgy by the Emirates-owned utilities group Taqa and Caixabank’s holding company, Criteria, has been called off.

The €25 billion transaction fell through following Taqa’s refusal to water down conditions which were unacceptable to Criteria.

According to sources close to the negotiations that were quoted in El

Mundo , the group headed by the UAE’s Investment minister Mohamed Hassan AlSuwaidi would only consent to a deal that would have given it a 51 per cent share of the company.

With a 49 per cent holding, Criteria would have had to accept a secondary role, which neither its chairman Isidro Faine nor its chief executive Angel Simon were willing to accept.

line’s Manchester hub.

Growth at Virgin Atlantic’s main base at Heathrow is still the preferred option, although the carrier is aware that the opportunities for this are restricted, as London’s principal airport operates at practically full capacity.

“We’ve picked up slots and we’ve purchased slots, but it’s a limited pool and very expensive,” Weiss said. “And it’s unpredictable because you have to rely on the slots becoming available.”

The airline would continue to ask Heathrow to agree to plans that would provide Virgin Atlantic with a dedicated terminal at the airport, he added.

He also announced that the company has set its sights on increasing revenues by 20 per cent more above the forecast £3.5 billion (€4.15 billion) for 2024.

Liquid gold

OLIVE oil is the main reason why Spain’s 4.7 per cent food inflation rate outstripped the eurozone’s 2.7 per cent average in April, the Bank of Spain’s Economy and Statistics director Angel Gavilan said. “Not only do we consume more olive oil, but it is also one of the food items whose price has risen most,” Gavilan maintained.

Crystal clear

DESPITE Severn Trent’s 60,000 sewage spills in 2023 - an increase of 30 per cent on the previous year - the company’s chief executive Liv Garfield received £3.2 million (€3.8 million) via a pay rise, bonus and other benefits. Her generous remuneration was made possible by Severn Trent’s “strong performance” in 2023 the company said.

Photo credit: CC/Eric Salard

LONDON HEATHROW: Main base for Virgin Atlantic.

Funny ol’ life ennit?

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

WHAT a week that was. The bright event was the visit of my wonderful Irish side of the family, including my three delightful Great Grandchildren. I wish you all God speed and a safe journey back to the Auld Country. They did, however, somewhat surprisingly inform me that immigration in Ireland is now becoming a resounding problem and that many of their most beautiful country hotels are actually being used to accommodate immigrants.

Ah well, join the club, a disastrous woke organisation run by a bunch of naïve numbskulls that will, if not checked, create the downfall of western civilisation as we know it.

What makes me laugh is that during many of the so-called political public discussions, one of their main arguments is that the UK needs the immigrants to help run the overstretched NHS, when in fact the glaringly obvious reason for the overload is because of the exorbitant numbers of immigrants that are using it; including

I understand some flying in purely to have babies on the cheap!

Just recently I was contacted by a 79-year-old British lady reader, who informed me she simply couldn’t wait during a recent A&E appointment. Apparently the waiting room was completely packed to overflowing with children and their parents, all ethnic and speaking in different languages. As there was nowhere to sit (and none offered), after five hours, plus the information that it would probably be extended to 10, she simply gave up.

What a disgraceful state of affairs to be in and under Labour it will undoubtedly be worse. The recent TV debate, which included the incredibly lowbrow Angela Rayner, was a case in point.

Do the public not realise that with Labour voted into power, this incompetent individual could be the UK’s representative in discussions and meetings with many ultra-intelligent leaders the world over? And she can’t even pronounce the word ‘nuclear’? She would probably take her associate Dianna Abbott with her, googling the difficult words as they go! Anyway, I don’t actually care anymore.

I also discovered this weekend that I have in fact won €15 million in a lottery. A game of chance I have no recollection of, but nevertheless is being kindly held for me by the American Ambassador to Nigeria, who wants to arrange a meeting to hand it over.

He will be arriving in Spain next week and has requested I send my address and phone number so he can ‘deliver the package in person.’

Before I do that, I must urgently (‘before time will be against us’) send $280 to the cargo registration officer, a Mr Nwabundo Iscanyi Benjami in Lago Nigeria. The letter is actually signed by Ambassador Ms Catriona Laing CB herself, so it’s obviously genuine.

Subsequently this column will unfortunately be my final offering, as I could, by the time it is published, be off on a well-deserved golfing trip to Honolulu aboard my new private jet. On second thoughts, I will more likely see y’all next week.

Funny ol’ life ennit? Don’t weaken. Keep sending those emails and whatever ya do.

Always 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.

Royals in the US

THE Dutch royal couple arrived in Atlanta on Sunday June 9 for a four-day visit to the United States; King Willem-Alexander co-piloted the plane.

The couple visited the famous hub for hip hop icons, the Patchwerk Recording Studio in Atlanta and attended an exhibition of Dutch artists.

The King and Queen paid tribute to Martin Luther King while visiting his grave and learning about the history of the church where he served as pastor.

King Willem-Alexander called the experience “deeply moving,” as they uncovered the American heritage.

They also visited the East Flatbush neighbourhood of New York, finding out about the real lives of people in the city’s streets.

This royal visit acted as part of a formal trade mission to Georgia and New York, including the infrastructure affairs minister, Mark Harbers and trade minister, Liesie Schreinmacher.

The royal couple at Martin Luther’s grave.

Fun Fest

Paul Edwards

WITH a charity shop in Arboleas and an information centre in Albox, Age Support Almanzora exists to offer assistance to elderly people in the area.

They are hosting the Fun Fest concert which is to be held at the Arboleas community centre on Thursday July 4 from 6pm.

There will be plenty to enjoy with craft stalls, food and drinks, a bottle stall, cash prize raffle. And live music from 7pm featuring: David Dawson, Jools & Co, Ruby Welts Duo, and Harmony Duo.

Entry is just €2 per person and under 12s will be admitted free.

This is a registered charity which covers the Valley area including Albanchez, Albox, Arboleas, Cantoria, Partaloa and Zurgena, staffed entirely by volunteers who aim to improve the quality of life for older people by providing emotional and practical support.

As a charity they need donations and fundraisers such as this in order to allow them to continue to offer help to those in need. They are also making an appeal to stock up their bottle bank, but

they aren’t looking for empty bottles, only full ones.

If it’s new and it comes in a bottle, be it, alcohol, detergent, shampoos or perfume then they want it!

Classic vehicles

IF you own a classic vehicle, be it a car, motorbike, a performance car or even a bus then you will be very welcome to bring it to the Paseo in Mojacar Play from 10am on Sunday June 30. It’s the latest 950 Classic and Performance Car Show which is being held at the Café Bar Caribe, so all are welcome whether showing off their vehicle or simply hungry to see some great classic

cars and bikes. If you want to show your vehicle but would like a bit more information call 950 391 412, otherwise just turn up and park opposite the bar with the others taking part. Naturally, both visitors and exhibitors will be encouraged to stay to have a drink and a bite to eat at the Café Bar Caribe which is hosting this monthly event which runs until 1pm.

ALMERIA

Flamenco Fusion

ONE of Spain’s top flamenco fusion musicians, Diego Valdivia will be appearing alongside his company in Albox on Thursday July 4.

It’s a free concert which will take place in the open air at the Plaza Mayor, although it is described by the council which is promoting the concert in association with the Junta de Andalucia as “a show for indoors and outdoors.”

This is a welcome return to Almeria for the musician who turned professional following millions of views of his work on social media and his version of the

Game of Thrones theme has been voted the best in the world. Last summer he performed a number of successful concerts in the province, so a large audience is expected for this very night of flamenco with a difference.

It probably helps that a number of Spanish musicians including Alejandro Sanz have expressed their admiration for the music that he creates and after nearly 500 performances either individually, as a trio or with his full company, it is clear that the pianist is at the top of his craft.

Credit: 950 Vehicles Facebook

Credit: Diego Valdivia Facebook

Credit: Jools & Co

Battle of the Bands

THE tiny municipality of Fines, which is quite close to Albox and Arboleas is to stage a Battle of the Bands on Saturday July 20.

It may be small, with a population of just over 2,200 but is one of the few towns in the province which has its own musicians association (Kin Asociacion Musico Cultural de Almeria) and provides members with free rehearsal spaces so that they can then take part in local musical events.

The town has been involved in launching Juergas Rock which has taken off and has been adopted by Adra and also last year’s Gusi Festival.

The battle was open to any band which registered by June 15 and there was no restriction on the type of music they could play although there is an expectation that those who are chosen will between them offer a range of different rock music as well as punk, ska, metal and indie. There are prizes €350,

€500 and €1,000 and entry to the event which is expected to attract a big audience will be free of charge.

It’s not just rock in Fines however as on Sunday, June 30, when the town will host the first Villa de Fines Charangas Contest from 11.30am at the Mercado de Fines.

There are three brass bands taking part, one intriguingly called Charanga Benny Hill and the other two Charanga los Pyjamas and Charanga la watermelon.

Dinosaur fun

ALMOST all children have a fascination with dinosaurs with images from the Flintstones to Jurassic Park causing much hilarity and some sleepless nights. With schools breaking up, shortly, if you are in the vicinity of Vera between June 22 and 30, there is a double dose of dinosaurs to excite and educate the young and not so young. The touring exhibition Dino Expo is back on the road and being set up at the Vera Recinto Ferial el Palmeral with entry cost €8 for children under 12 and €10 for adults with the added bonus of free parking. Opening times are weekdays 5pm to 9pm and weekends 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm and expect to spend between an hour and two hours to see everything.

It has been put together by a team of palaeontologists and in this collection, you can see more than 100 full-scale animatronic dinosaurs that aim to recreate the world of these giant animals, which roamed the Earth more than 65 million years ago.

The exhibition is planned as a tour where in addition to experiencing the incredible sensation of seeing dinosaurs in motion, visitors will be able to learn about each of the species thanks to the descriptive panels, making this educational experience a journey in time.

There is also a small display of creatures and humans from the Ice Age as well as a special kid’s room where they can become amateur palaeontologists.

John Smith

Credit: Kin Facebook

Credit: Dino Expo

Choosing the correct sunscreen

IT is well-documented that wearing sunscreen is the best defence against sunburn, which can be quite unpleasant in itself, without the possibility of it leading to skin cancer. When it comes to choosing the correct sunscreen, what factors should be taken into consideration?

One of the first things to consider is the product’s level of protection against UVA and UVB rays. Accor-

thing experience is to include regular beach or pool dips.

The next thing to focus on is the sun protection factor (SPF), which can range from SPF 2 to 50+. So, how exactly is the right choice made, and is enough information available to help with this? One way to decide is to consider how quickly the skin burns in the sun unprotected. So, for example, if it starts to turn red

sunscreen would ‘theoretically’ protect it for 30 times longer, equating to 300 minutes.

However, this is on the assumption that a correct amount of product is applied evenly all over the body. According to New York City dermatologist; Valerie Goldburt, this means applying two millimetres of cream for every square metre of skin. In reality, nobody puts it on like this because to do so would leave a visible layer. Her expert recommendation is to use an SPF 50 to ensure at least a couple of hours of protection, even if

A frosty revival

THE iconic frosted lips of the 90s are making a stylish return. This nostalgic trend, characterised by its shimmery, pearlescent finish, is being embraced by modern beauty enthusiasts. Celebrities and make-up artists are reviving the frosted lip, blending contemporary techniques with retro flair.

Achieving this look involves choosing light, pastel shadesthink frosty pinks, icy nudes, and soft lilacs. Pair these with a glossy top coat to enhance the shimmering effect. The key to mastering the frosted lip is balance; a natural, understated eye make-up complements the bold lips perfectly. Whether you’re reliving your youth or trying this trend for the first time, frosted lips add a touch of vintage glamour to any make-up routine.

Trim Tummy Tips Movements getting slower

TACKLING stubborn stomach fat, often referred to as apron belly, can be challenging but achievable with the right exercises and consistency. Simple exercises that target the abdominal area can help reduce this type of fat effectively.

One of the most effective exercises is the plank. Holding

the bicycle crunch. Lying on your back, bring your knees to a 90-degree angle and alternately touch each elbow to the opposite knee in a pedalling motion. This engages the upper and lower abdominal muscles, enhancing fat burning. Incorporating cardio into your routine is also

crucial. Activities like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling boost your metabolism and burn calories, contributing to overall fat loss, including the stomach area.

Combining these exercises with a balanced diet and adequate hydration can accelerate results. Consistency is key - regular

AS human beings age, it is common to notice a natural decline in the speed of their movements. Recent research suggests that this slowdown in older adults may be partly due to the higher energy costs associated with their movements com pared to younger individuals. This groundbreaking finding offers new insights into the physiological changes that occur with ageing. Scientists have discovered that older adults expend more energy when performing physical tasks, which may contribute to their slower pace. This increased energy cost can make everyday activities more challenging and tiring for the elderly. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial as it sheds light on the

broader aspects of ageing and mobility.

Importantly, these findings could pave the way for the development of new diagnostic tools for neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. By recognising the heightened energy expenditure as a potential early indicator of these conditions, medical professionals might be able to diagnose and treat these diseases more effectively and at earlier stages. This research highlights the importance of considering energy costs in the study of aging and movement. It opens up new avenues for improving the quality of life for older adults and enhancing the early detection of debilitating diseases.

A glowing egg-sperience

THE egg white face mask is a simple yet effective beauty treatment for smooth, glowing skin. To prepare, you’ll need one egg. Separate the egg white from the yolk, and whisk until frothy.

Cleanse your face thoroughly before applying the mask. Evenly spread the egg white over your face with a soft brush, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. For an enhanced effect, cover

Scent saver

ENHANCING the longevity of your favourite fragrance can be effortlessly achieved with a simple hack, by applying a thin layer of Vaseline before spraying your perfume. This technique works by creating a moisturised base, which helps the scent to adhere to your skin more effectively than on dry skin.

To try this, dab a small amount of Vaseline on your pulse points - wrists, neck, behind the ears, or the inside of your elbows - before applying your perfume. The barrier or seal properties of Vaseline not only lock in moisture but also prevent the perfume from evaporating too quickly, allowing the fragrance to linger throughout the day. This easy, affordable tip ensures you smell delightful from morning until night, making the most of every spritz.

your face with thin strips of toilet paper, forming a paper mache-like mask. Apply another layer of egg white over the toilet paper to ensure it adheres well. Allow the mask to dry for 15-20 minutes. You will feel a tightening sensation as it dries, indicating it’s working. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

The egg white face mask tightens and tones the skin, reducing pore appearance. The protein promotes skin repair and growth, while its astringent properties reduce excess oil, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Enjoy refreshed and rejuvenated skin with this easy at-home treatment.

Permed and proud

THE perm, a hairstyle popularised in the 1980s, has made a surprising comeback among men, sparking discussions about its relevance in modern fashion. Once synonymous with voluminous curls and bold statements, the modern perm offers a more subdued, natural look that appeals to today’s style-cons cious men. Today’s perms are far more versatile and tailored to individual preferences. Men can opt for loose, beachy waves or tighter curls, depen ding on their desired aesthetic. This fle xibility has made perms appealing to a broader audience, including those who seek a low-mainte -

nance yet stylish look.

Celebrity endorsements have also played a significant role in the perm’s resurgence. Influential figures in fashion and entertainment sport these curls, inspiring their followers to embrace the trend.

While some may still associate perms with outdated styles, the modern approach has redefined its appeal. Whether for adding texture, volume, or a touch of nostalgia, the perm has re-established itself as a fashionable choice for men looking to refresh their look with a twist.

Costa del Sol An unforgettable night • News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

THE Collective Calling Gala Dinner held on Friday June 7 at the stunning Cortijo de Cortes was an incredible success.

From the elegant red carpet entrance to the mesmerising performances of Mark Shurey on guitar, a spectacular horse show in the bullring, and a vibrant Flamenco Fusion Show, the night was nothing short of magical!

The organisers are thrilled to announce that they raised an impressive €14,000.

Collective Calling wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made this night so special with a special shoutout to headline sponsor, Opulence Global, and main sponsors, Homerun Brokers Marbella Real Estate, Svoy Group, and BRIGHT Marbella.

They are incredibly grateful to all the local businesses on the coast that generously donated auction and raffle prizes to help reach the huge total.

Axarquia

Hot, hot, hot

SUMMER arrived with a bang in Velez-Malaga with the area experiencing some of the hottest temperatures in Andalucia. On Saturday June 15 thermometers reached 36.8 degrees Celsius, the highest in Andalusia and the fourth highest in Spain.

Then again on Sunday June 16, Velez-Malaga hit the third-highest temperature in Spain.

This summer is already scorching, and you don’t need to wait for Thursday, June 20, when it officially begins in Spain at 10.51pm. The ‘terral’ wind, a warm and dry breeze from the interior, pushed temperatures in Velez-Malaga to some of the highest in Spain. By midnight, it was still 27.6 degrees, the third highest in Spain that night. Such nights are referred to as ‘equatorial nights’ and can lead to increased sleep disorders.

Mallorca

Blondie: Still Punk

BLONDIE kicked off the Mallorca Live Festival on Thursday June 13 with a performance that defied expectations and reaffirmed their status as musical innovators. Led by the ever-iconic Debbie Harry, the band delivered a powerful set that blended classic hits with newer material, showcasing their enduring legacy and ability to evolve.

Blondie emerged from the New York underground scene, leaving an indelible mark on punk and new wave. But unlike many of their contemporaries, they haven’t been confined by their ground-breaking moment. They’ve grown and adapted, mirroring the ever-changing landscape of music and New York City itself.

With over 40 million albums sold and countless accolades, including a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Blondie’s continued relevance is a testament to their enduring legacy. As Debbie Harry herself says, “We are always very interested in what was going on around us... being in the moment.”

Costa Blanca North Fortune found

A TOURIST in Benidorm stumbled upon a wallet brimming with cash and did the right thing by handing it over to Local Police. The remarkable story unfolded recently along Levante Beach, where the honest finder spotted the wallet and immediately alerted patrolling officers. Inside, they discovered approximately €6,300 in bills and bank cheques, but no identification.

Benidorm’s Local Police launched a search, eventually tracing the wallet’s owner - a tourist from the Basque Country - within two hours. The owner expressed immense gratitude to both the police and the conscientious tourist.

The incident, hailed by police with a touch of humour on social media, highlighted the area’s efforts to promote honest behaviour among visitors. ‘Found!! If this wallet was also yours... you’re too late. We’ve returned it to its owner with over €6,300 inside. Cheers to the good people who visited Benidorm and alerted us’, the police posted online.

Costa Blanca South Charity champion

EURO WEEKLY NEWS would like to say congratulations to Maria Wilson, President of the AACC Orihuela Costa and Maria and the Pink Ladies. Maria has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. The BEM is awarded for an achievement or contribution of a very “hands-on” service to the community and Maria has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to charity fundraising.

Maria’s advocacy for early detection is deeply personal, stemming from her own experience in 2010 when a routine mammogram at Torrevieja Hospital detected two malignant lumps.

Following her mastectomy, Maria and a group of friends established the first Maria and the Pink Ladies fundraising group, initiating the inaugural ‘Walk for Life’ along the Torrevieja promenade. Since then, Maria and the Pink Ladies & Panthers have collectively raised an impressive €576,515.

Costa Calida Lavender Festival

MORATALLA gears up for a vibrant summer with the ‘Lalavand’ Lavender Blossom Festival, set to infuse the town with cultural, gastronomic, and nature-focused activities. Anchored within the ‘Moratalla, Territorio Lavanda’ (Mortalla Lavender Territory) project, the festival aims to enliven the northwest region of Murcia. Scheduled from June 15 to September 28, ‘Lalavand’ promises an array of events: sunset concerts in the lavender fields, workshops on lavender cultivation, culinary experiences, guided tours, artisan markets, and more.

At the festival’s unveiling, Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports councillor Carmen Conesa, along with Juan Francisco Martínez from the Tourism Institute and Moratalla Mayor Juan Soria, highlighted its role in boosting the local economy.

The programme includes a range of cultural celebrations like traditional Murcian music and the Farmers Parade, alongside environmental initiatives such as ‘basuraleza’ cleanup.

PETS

Clip, treat, repeat

CLIPPING your dog’s or cat’s nails at home is essential for their comfort and health. Overgrown nails can cause pain, injuries, and infections. To begin, gather a high-quality pet nail clipper and styptic powder to stop any accidental bleeding. Start by getting your pet accustomed to having their paws handled. Gently press each toe to extend the nail. For dogs, trim just below the quick, the pink area

containing blood vessels. For cats, trim only the sharp tip to avoid cutting into the quick. If unsure, clip a small amount at a time.

Create a positive experience by rewarding your pet with treats and praise. Use calm, reassuring tones to keep them relaxed. If your pet shows signs of distress or if you feel uncertain, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer. Regular nail maintenance.

Clara found free checked pet-sitters to care for her dog

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 safety, and you choose which hou-

Clara wants pet-sitters to care for her dog to be as loving as she is.

se-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch. com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets. If you’re travelling in 2024 join now and get organised today:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

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

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

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

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

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks…

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 C - Homeowner in Mojacar, Spain

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

Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation! Reader exclusive offer - 20% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter or homeowner. Get a 20% discount - Use coupon code PERFECT20.

CLASSIFIEDS

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

LANGUAGE CLASSES

OTHERS

BUILDERS

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

BUY & SELL

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

CHURCHES

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

TURRE EVANGELICAL

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

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

DRAINAGE

ELECTRICAL

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

ESTATE AGENT

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

INSURANCE

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

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

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING FOR SALE

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

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

PAINTER/DECORATOR

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

PLUMBERS

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

REMOVALS

Contact us and have your busi-

ENERGY

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

Voice control over Touchscreen

MOTORISTS are increasingly relying on voice controls in their vehicles due to concerns about the distractions posed by complex touchscreen systems, according to a new study. The study reveals that 52 per cent of drivers feel safer using spoken commands for tasks such as tuning the radio or setting a new sat-nav destination, rather than navigating the growing number of menus and submenus on infotainment displays.

This shift towards voice commands highli ghts the frustration and safety issues drivers face with modern car touchscreens. Many drivers prefer not to take their eyes off the road to make simple adjustments, finding voice controls a safer alternative.

me (Euro NCAP) has announced plans to penalise car manufacturers that continue to rely on overly complicated infotainment displays. The safety body is urging car makers to revert to traditional buttons and switches to minimise distractions and improve safety ratings.

Rob Hull, an expert on the subject, emphasises the need for car manufacturers to prioritise driver safety over technological complexity. As touchscreens become more sophisticated, ensuring that drivers can operate their vehicles safely and without distraction is paramount.

In response to these concerns, the European New Car Assessment Program-

This push for simpler, more intuitive controls reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance advanced technology with practical, user-friendly design in modern vehicles.

Paris lights up

IN under 50 days, Pa ris and France will host their third Summer Ga mes, marking 100 years since their last hosting.

With less than two months to go, the city is getting into the Olympic spirit, highlighted by the installation of the Olympic Rings on the Eiffel Tower.

“In the world of the Games, we call these giant Rings ‘Spectaculars’, and I can’t think of anything more spectacular than the Eiffel Tower.

“The Eiffel Tower is Paris, it’s the face of France. We wanted to offer a sight to remember,” said Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024.

Every Olympic Games features the Olympic Rings in an iconic location of the host city: Tower Bridge in London in 2012, Madureira Park in Rio in 2016, and Odaiba Bay in Tokyo in 2021.

For Paris 2024, the Eiffel Tower will play a central role.

It will host beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower Stadium, judo and wrest-

ling at the Arena Champ de Mars, and road cycling at the Pont d’Iéna. The Tower will also be the backdrop for Champions’ Park at the Trocadéro, celebrating the Games’ champions.

Additionally, the design of the podiums and medals has been inspired by the Tower, each containing a piece of its original iron.

Football frenzy

OVER the next month, 24 teams will compete for the UEFA EURO 2024 championship title.

Among the contenders are football powerhouses like England, France, Portugal, host nation Germany, and the reigning Euro 2020 champions Italy.

A total of 51 matches are being played from June 14 to July 14.

The initial games of the tournament have already delivered excitement.

Germany secured a commanding victory over Scotland with a 5-1 scoreline. Switzerland triumphed over Hungary with a 3-1 win. Spain dominated Croatia with a threegoal lead, the Netherlands emerged victorious with a 2-1 result against Poland and England beat Serbia 1-0.

On June 15, the Berlin Olympic Stadium hosted the UEFA EURO 2024 for the first time.

Five more matches, including the final on July 14, will follow.

The Brandenburg Gate will become the largest football goal in the world, and a fan zone stretching nearly to the Victory Column will feature 24,000 square metres of artificial turf.

A recent survey by the German National Tourist Board predicts over three million additional international overnight stays.

More than 90 per cent of international visitors plan to extend their stay beyond the matches.

Specifically, 38 per cent plan to spend up to three nights in host cities like Berlin.

Fourteen per cent aim to explore the cities and their surroundings for three days, and 40 per cent plan to stay at least four nights in Germany.

This survey covered key markets like the UK, France, and Spain.