Costa de Almeria 18 – 24 July 2024 Issue 2037

Boost for local tourism

PASSENGER numbers travelling to or from Almeria Airport have shot up by just over 11 per cent in the first six months of 2024.

According to AENA which runs the airport, it handled 369,585 passengers, but the actual increase in numbers is down to domestic travellers rather than international.

Compared to the same period in 2023, the number of domestic passengers was up 32.7 per cent at 238,648 but international travel was down by 13.9 per cent with just 129,219 international passengers.

Whilst the Almeria Provincial Council is travelling Europe trying to find new tourists and encouraging them to visit, it seems that for one reason or another the Spanish are once again in love with Almeria but the rest of Europe isn’t quite so supportive.

As should perhaps be expected travellers from the UK totally outnumber those from other EU destinations

and it appears that Almeria is fast finding favour with holidaymakers from Belgium, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.

With just 14 airlines using the airport facilities, it’s hardly surprising they form the bulk of European visitors.

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2037 • 18 - 24 July 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

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Almeria Airport keeps attracting flyers.

Running the hills

LOS BANDIDOS runners took to the hills in the seventh race in the Circuito de Carreras Populares Diputacion de Almeria, in Turre on Saturday, July 13.

The race was originally advertised as 7k, but came in just short, with the hilly route staying on the tarmac rather than through the campo this year. As the runners ran past the Farmacia at 8pm the sign showed a hot 34 degrees.

The route started and nished on the bridge next to the Turre football stadium, with Bandido supporters out in full force, cheering and encouraging the runners on the nal stretch.

There were 13 Los Bandidos runners at the race, with a special mention to Gail Colville, who nished the race in 29.27 minutes.

Los Bandidos was set up in 2018, with a small group running the 5k Mojacar paseo, but now includes road cycling, sea swimming and triathlon groups. All ages, nationalities and speeds are welcome.

They are a generous group, supporting local charities; currently, they are collecting non-perishable food and toiletries for the Red Cross Food Bank.

If you’d like to join them, or just follow along with their journey, you can nd them on Facebook under Los Bandidos.

Moorish games

MORE than 100 Moorish troops and their followers from the town of Purchena paraded through the streets of Almeria City on July 10. They were getting ready to help promote the Moorish Games of Abén Humeya de Purchena which will take place between July 25 and 27 re-enacting the historic games which took place in 1569 (977 in the Moslem Calendar) following the town being declared capital of the Moorish governed Almanzora Valley.

This will be the 23rd such re-enactment and the games which include many of the original sports which were played at the time including Moorish wrestling, chess, stone lifting and equestrian sports have been honoured as being of National Tourist Interest in Andalucia.

According to the President of the Almeria Provincial Council, these games should be recognised as a precursor of modern Olympic sport, recalling the words of the former IOC

president, Juan Antonio Samaranch: “The Moriscos Games of Purchena represent the missing link in the chain of Olympism from antiquity and the modern world.”

The Abén Humeya Moriscos Games are held every two years and have become established as a cultural event, respectful of Moorish culture, traditional, characteristic of popular folklore and a real attraction for tourism in the municipality of Purchena.

All 13 Los Bandidos runners after completing the race

Credit: Karen Ayers from Los Bandidos

All dressed up and raring to go.

Credit: Almeria Provincial Council

International residents speak out

RECENT British headlines have portrayed Spain as an unwelcoming place for foreigners, but Torrevieja residents are adamant that life here is good. Torrevieja o ers a vibrant international community, excellent healthcare, and a genuine Spanish experience, minus the mass tourism crowds.

“The papers are saying our town is a let-down for Spain. Why? Here in Torrevieja, we couldn’t be happier!” says Euro Wee-

kly News reader, Christine White - “The lack of big tour companies and large hotels is a blessing. We get independent travellers who appreciate the local vibe.”

Torrevieja boasts a thriving international community but hasn’t lost its Spanish charm. Christine feels fortunate to be part of a close-knit group with “good transport links, a great health service, and a modern feel without the tourist overload.”

The negative press has left Christine and other residents bewildered. “I don’t know who these unhappy people are,” she exclaims. “Our positive voices have to be heard!”

The sentiment echoes throughout Torrevieja. Residents are proud of their town, where there’s “no overcrowding.” The local hospital receives particular praise - “One of the best in Europe! “The healthcare is incredible, with nothing

but support and kindness.”

Community spirit thrives in Torrevieja. “People don’t think about where they come from - Swedish, French, Spanish, Moroccan - we’re all neighbours,” Christine explains. “We know each other’s names, look out for each other. Covid really brought us together.”

The message from Torrevieja is clear: not all of Spain is drowning in tourist woes.

Integrating into Spanish life

WHILE Spain is known for its welcoming atmosphere, making friends and integrating into the community can take time. This is where social groups and meeting places come in.

The internet has made connecting with others easier than ever. Platforms like Facebook offer a wealth of expat groups in Spain, catering to specific regions, interests, or nationalities.

Spain’s cafe culture thrives on social interaction. Grab a seat at a local cafe, order a coffee (un café con leche for a milky latte) and strike up a conversation with fellow patrons.

Many towns have social clubs or associations that organise events, cultural outings, or language exchange programmes. These can be a fantastic way to meet people from diverse backgrounds and practise your Spanish.

Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to the community while meeting new people. Organisations like the Spanish Red Cross or local animal shelters often have volunteer opportunities open to expats. Euro Weekly News reader, Jeremy Newman, explains - “For me, around Barcelona it was animal welfare. The shelters had many regular foreign volunteers - and hardworking Spanish staff. There’s a great sense of camaraderie in those places, the odd party, and a counterpoint to the country’s patchy reputation on animal issues.”

TOURIST arrivals are at record levels in Spain, fuelling economic growth that outpaces most of Europe. Yet, locals in popular destinations are increasingly voicing their discontent, taking to the streets in protest.

On the one hand, tourism is a golden goose. It contributes a signi cant portion - around 13 per cent - to Spain’s GDP. It creates jobs, lls hotel rooms, and keeps businesses a oat. This economic engine has propelled Spain’s

recovery from past recessions. However, residents complain of rising housing costs. Additionally, overcrowding strains infrastructure and resources.

Spain needs to nd a way to maintain the economic bene ts of tourism while mitigating its negative impacts. This could involve:

Distributing tourism revenue beyond popular resorts, developing attractions in lesser-known regions to ease pressure on popular destinations.

Encouraging eco-friendly practices, protecting cultural heritage, and supporting local businesses.

Ensuring a healthy mix of tourist accommodation and housing for residents.

publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews. com and

Torrevieja residents are very proud of their community

Credit: Torrevieja

City/fb

Meeting new people in Spain will enrich your experience.

Credit: Kampas Productions/pexels

Miraculous birth

THE Mini Hollywood animal reserve, located in Tabernas, welcomed its newest addition, born from a rescued, amputee antelope.

Salmah is a female blesbok and produced the first baby of this native species in captivity in Almeria.

In 2019, the caretakers found Salmah with a potentially fatal fracture of her left hind leg.

To minimise damage they tried to bandage her wound, however, Salmah removed her bandage swiftly.

Unfortunately, the open wound led to an infection, which forced the animal reserve to amputate her hind leg to prevent the infection from spreading.

The vets feared Salmah would not be able to overcome her new physical obstacle and reintegrate into the herd, however, she surprised everyone by not only surviving, but thriving.

Salmah was going to be the mother of a calf, which the keepers named Ahadi (promise in Spanish). Another challenge for the courageous three-legged mother.

While the veterinarians were concerned about how Salmah would manage, she once again performed a miracle. As soon as she gave birth, Ahadi latched onto her mother and the two became one of the icons of Mini Hollywood, with thousands of visitors a week watching in amazement at the miracle antelope family.

Promoting bullfighting

FOR several years the concept of allowing bullfights seemed to be on the wane, but in the last year or so, it is seeing a revival.

The latest province to promote bullfighting is Almeria and it is expending time and money in running a series of Bullfighting Workshops in as-

sociation with the Bullfighting School Association of Almeria.

The aim is to promote bullfighting in an enjoyable and fun way and special events will be taking place in eight municipalities from July to October.

In each of these workshops, attendees will

be able to participate in the representation of a children’s bull run and a subsequent exhibition of indoor bullfighting.

Those municipalities chosen are Agua Amarga, Alcolea, Berja, Laujar de Andarax, Macael, Gador and Huercal-Overa with the first already having taken place in Tijola.

The coordinator of the activity, Ruiz Manuel, shared the enthusiasm that the Association has for this initiative, for which “we are going out into the street again with the carts, with the simulated bulls so that all the boys and girls of the province of Almeria can play and have fun.”

Salmah and Ahadi.

Credit: Mini Hollywood

Paul Edwards ALWAYS on the look-out for new tourism markets to target, the Almeria Provincial Council has flown to Global Birdfair 2024 in the UK.

Held in the no longer existing county of Rutland from July 12 to 14, Global Birdfair has become a major meeting place for all of those involved in so many different forms of bird watching and care.

Often referred to as “the birder’s Glastonbury,” it has been running since 1989 and has raised millions of pounds for UK bird charities.

Dedicated birdwatchers often have a great deal of disposable income and Almeria Province has a flow of both migratory and resident species in its various protected natural areas that provide variety and interest for tourists who enjoy nature and bird watching.

There is no need for visitors to come to the province in the height of summer and it’s an ideal way of encouraging out of season tourism, so those representing the

ON July 13, 1985, Bob Geldorf (Boomtown Rats) and Midge Ure (Ultravox) cajoled most of the world’s most famous rock stars to perform for charity.

With Live Aid shows in both London and Philadelphia raising millions for relief of starvation in Ethiopia, it was Phil Collins who flew across the Atlantic to appear at both events and who called for the establishment of a World Rock Day to mark the special day.

It’s only actually celebrated officially in Brazil, but this year,

Global Birdfair Summer interns World Rock Day

council spent time not just promo ting the area to individual visitors but also held meetings with travel agents and specialist tour operators.

youngsters taking part in the Albox Musical Summer School were primed to celebrate Rock for an entire week and they were photographed on Saturday July 13 showing their support for World Rock Day.

According to the council, it’s important that those taking part in the school have a diverse and enriching musical education which takes in all types of genres of music including Rock, especially as Rock Albox is one of the longest running musical festivals in Almeria and is now in its 39th year.

THIS summer is an important one for internships in El Ejido as firstly, eight new trainee officers will join the Local Police having passed theoretical exams.

Now they will be undertaking practical work alongside qualified officers with the understanding that whilst still training they are public servants and have the responsibility to be guarantors of the law, public order and civilian safety.

Also having passed their theory tests, 18 young people will act as volunteers working at the two summer schools which the Red Cross runs in Ejido Centro and in Tarambana.

Having been trained in leisure and free time, occupational risk prevention, food handling and first aid, this practical work will hopefully help them understand the requirements of those working in the hospitality industry and will, once finished, hopefully find it easier to secure full time work.

Almeria at Global Birdfair 2024.

Young musicians celebrated World Rock Day in Albox.

Credit: Albox council

Swim with sharks

Harry Sinclair

THE Almeria aquarium is much more than just entertainment, it is a window into the unexplored un derwater universe.

Aquarium Costa de Almeria is a hidden gem, and unknown to many people. However, it offers so much that it should be on the top of anyone’s list to visit while here in Almeria.

swimming with sharks.

Found in Roquetas de Mar right next to the Posidonia Reef, a natural wonder of the province, visitors of the Aquarium can explore the various ecosystems, from rivers to oceans, and be amazed and educated by all of the fascinating sea life that inhabits them.

One of the most unique experiences on offer at the aquarium is

As stated on their website, the Aquarium “offers you the chance to see sharks as you never have before, from inside its oceanarium containing over 700,000 litres of salt water.”

With a diving licence, you’ll be able to free dive with the sharks, however, the aquarium has now built and installed their oceanarium tank, allowing visitors to submerge in the water with the sharks and other sea creatures, without the need for training.

The aquarium Costa de Almeria takes pride in educating through fun, and has a multitude of experiences, including guided tours, that must be explored!

Jessica Sweeting

THE talk on the streets of Vera on the evening of Saturday July 13, wasn’t about tennis or football, but the success of Vera Pride.

As anticipated, there was huge turn-out from those taking part in this, the eighth LGTBIQ+ Parade, but equally there was a very impressive gathering of residents and visitors who just wanted to enjoy the parade and show their support.

The Parade started in

Vera Pride

the early evening with a number of interesting presentations including the reading for the first time of the ‘manifesto’ of the recently created Vera Diversa Association as well as a welcome from the very popular Shandy Show who has been involved in Vera Pride since it started in 2016.

Although there were just five motorised

floats, the lack of numbers were more than made up by the enthusiasm of those riding them and the way in which they were so expertly decorated and clothed.

As for many, the fishnets, leather harnesses and glitter were put away after a night of celebration, there is little doubt that they will be back in force next year.

One Of the sharks at the aquarium COsta de almeria.

Some of those participating looked spectacular.

Credit: Vera Council

Credit: Aquarium Costa de Almeria /fb

Whistle stop tour

THE President of the Jun ta de Andalucia, Juanmo Moreno made a whistle stop visit to Almeria on Monday July 15.

His first stop was Alme ria City where he atten ded the reopening of the refurbished and restored City Hall thanks to fun ding from the Junta de Andalucia.

During this event, he said “Almeria has so much to develop that its true limits have not yet been seen. We all have to push hard and in a sustained manner.”

Then he went on to list some of the government’s initiatives that demons trate its commitment to this province, such as the connection of the La Pipa Alta reservoir to the San Cristóbal reservoir with an investment of €11 million and the further investment of more than €100 million in waterworks throughout the province.

From there, he travelled

Youth centre

THE Zurgena Council launched its new Youth Information Centre on Monday July 8 as it considers that young people are the future of the town.

Mayor Domingo Trabalón, together with Diego Martinez, coordinator of the Andaluz Institute of Youth and members of the government team opened what they believe will become a key space for the development of the youth of the municipality.

It not only offers information about all the programmes of the Andalucian Institute of Youth, but also facilitates obtaining the youth card which is valid throughout Europe for young people aged 14 to 31 and also offers about 250 discounts in the province of Almeria.

to the new facilities of the COEXPHAL Technological Innovation Centre, in La Mojonera which is dedicated to promoting, accelerating and driving technologically advanced initiatives and projects at the service of a strategic

sector to make Almeria a spearhead of the development and innovation of Andalucian agriculture. He was joined at this event by old friend and supporter Gabriel Amat, mayor of Roquetas de Mar.

Pigeon poo

DROPPINGS from birds especially pigeons or if near the coast, seagulls can be a real health problem but building cleaning is generally left to householders.

The Turre Council has come up with an innovative way of helping without breaking any regulations as it recognises that any droppings which land on the street or pavements become its responsibility.

It therefore came to a clever understanding with the Community of Owners Building Avd. Almería 55 whereby they hired a company to dislodge accumulated excrement from balconies roofs and the side of the building.

Council cleaning staff were then on hand to shovel the resulting mess which landed on the pavement and road into a waiting vehicle which then removed the droppings.

The council has indicated that it would be happy to consider similar arrangements with other housing communities on the same basis.

President Moreno met up with Gabriel Amat in La Mojonera.

Roquetas de Mar Council

Credit: Zurgena Council

Launching the Zurgena Youth Information Centre.

It’s all change at Number 10, but what changes are in store for tax and pensions? It is early days, and we may have to wait until the autumn budget for firm evidence of the government’s fiscal plans. For now, we look at the Labour Party manifesto for indications of what direction it will take.

Income

tax, national insurance, VAT

The Labour Party manifesto confirmed that it would not increase income tax, national insurance contributions or VAT. However, we do not yet have a clear indication of where the new government stands on frozen tax allowances. It could maintain them till 2026 as planned, end them earlier, or perhaps extend them.

Capital gains tax

The manifesto promised not to tax an individual’s main home, but did not include anything on capital gains tax rates. That said, during the campaign Labour candidates maintained there were “no plans” to increase them – but this has not stopped speculation that CGT could be one of the targets for increasing revenue.

What changes can expatriates expect following the UK election?

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

Non-domicile regime and inheritance tax

The Conservative Party’s last budget included plans to abolish the non-domicile regime from 2025 and replace it with a residence-based system. The Labour Party manifesto then promised to address unfairness in the tax system and abolish ‘non-dom’ status once and for all, replacing it with a scheme for people genuinely in the country short term. We need to wait for details, but this could be a significant change for British

expatriates’ liability to UK inheritance tax (IHT) on worldwide assets.

We do know that the Labour Party plans to end the use of offshore trusts to avoid UK inheritance tax – non-domiciles would no longer be able to shelter offshore assets from IHT, regardless of when the trusts were established.

Pensions

These are interesting times for UK pensions, with the Labour Party having promised to review the whole pensions system.

This means we do not have much indication of any plans yet, though the manifesto did affirm that the ‘triple lock’ will be maintained. It also indicated that the new administration would look at imposing requirements for pension funds to invest more in UK markets. This could help re-energise the UK economy but may mean less flexibility on the investments you hold in your UK pension fund.

One notable absence was the lifetime allowance. When the 2023 spring budget abolished this allowance the Labour Party was quick to voice its opposition and commit to reinstate it. Doing so would be no easy task, however, especially after three new pension allowances came into effect this April. But no doubt the government will analyse these allowances when it reviews the pension system.

British expatriates

While many UK changes don’t directly affect British expatriates (unless they return to UK), taxation can have a long reach if you own UK assets, and inheritance tax follows you around the world.

Reforms to the pension system will impact everyone with UK registered pensions, including retired British expatriates.

Until a tax or pension change is announced, we can only speculate what will happen in the ever-changing world of politics.

Manifesto and pre-election promises can be broken or adjusted, and reforms are only set in stone when the government releases the relevant documentation.

We await developments over the coming weeks, at the next budget, and whole parliamentary term. In the meantime, you may have a brief window to adjust your wealth management under current regulations, if you prefer acting on known rules rather than facing potential future changes.

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.ble vinsfranks.com.

Harry Sinclair

THIS weekend more than 450 athletes will take to the streets in one of the longest-running sporting events in the Almanzora Valley.

The competition, 24 hours of Albox Indoor Football, will involve 14 senior teams and more than 300 boys and girls for the youth division. It is an eagerly awaited event for Albox residents and neighbouring locals, with the council of Albox installing large stands to accommodate the expected hundreds of residents attending.

Monday July 15 saw the build-up to the competition, with the Las Ventas Sports Pavilion hosting the qualifying matches for all the children’s categories. The winners of the qualifiers will play in the finals this weekend.

Street football spectacle Abandoned baby Portuguese flights

The start of this grand event will be on Friday, July 19, at 9pm in the Plaza. This will be the group stage of the quarter-finals, played consecutively into the early hours of Saturday.

The semi-finals will then take place on the evening of Saturday, July 20, starting at 8.30pm and 9.30pm, leading to the finals which are scheduled for 10.30pm and 11pm.

The mayor of Albox, Maria del Mar

Alfonso described the event as “a great party, an event for all lovers of this sport and at the same time livening up the life of our town.”

POLICE in Almeria City received a telephone call on Monday July 15 from a woman who advised them that she had abandoned a baby.

It transpired that she had left the six-month-old baby sitting in a pushchair in a shaded area where ambulances are parked outside the La Bola Azul health centre.

Social services were called and the

THERE will be 50 per cent more flights from Almeria to Oporto this year compared to last thanks to an arrangement reached with tour operator Soltour.

The government delegate of the Junta de Andalucia in Almeria, Aránzazu Martín, accompanied by officials, as well as the Brand Manager of Soltour, María García, welcomed the first 100 passengers arriving on the first flight from Portugal on Tuesday July 16.

There will be a total of 1,800 seats available with flights operated by Air Nostrum running on Tuesdays from July 16 to August

27 and Thursdays from August 1 to September 12

This initiative that allows Almeria to be introduced to the Portuguese market originally ran for a similar period of time in 2023 and provided that seats on flights sell well, it is hoped that the Portuguese market can be expanded over the coming years.

child was found and given a thorough medical examination and after being declared in good health was taken to a special council centre to be cared for.

In the meantime officers have traced the mother of the child and disco -

Promotions will take place across Portugal and parts of Spain to promote the return of this route.

vered the reason for the abandonment so, hopefully, although she may be charged, it is possible that she will be able to resolve whatever difficulties caused the decision to take such drastic action.

Aerial view of men playing street football in Tarragona.

Credit: Almeria Provincial Council

Travellers welcomed upon arrival at Almeria Airport

Residency protest

EXPATRIATES trying to obtain residency legally in Spain came together in Almeria City to voice their issues.

For seemingly unknown reasons, many cannot acquire a booking to even begin the process of getting residency or visas.

The protest saw over 100 people banding together in front of the Subdelegacion del Gobierno (Almeria Government Office).

After passionate speeches from attendees, the entire group chanted in unison - demanding appointments now.

Speaking to British nationals there, some revealed they had been waiting months, some years, to receive an appointment. All who were spoken to repeated they had no communication returned explaining the issue, or what they could do.

In conversation with

Protestors outside of the Subdelegacion del Gobierno voicing their distress.

a local solicitor, Emma Randle, she reiterated her client’s concerns and the barriers they face, stating “Appointments to process residency cards is dire, with some waiting five to six months,” sharing that a colleague had

130 clients waiting for appointments. Many at the protest expressed their feeling of hopelessness and confusion as to why they weren’t being heard, however, the protest held today brings new attention.

Garrucha success

IT was an important day for Garrucha dancers on Saturday, July 13, as the finals of the ViVe tu séno dance competition took place.

Some 4,500 participants from across Europe flocked to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria to take part in this dance competition.

The troupes from Natalia Lopez dance school Ultima Fusion has already won the Spanish title but to take on the whole of Europe was an even greater challenge.

In the end, they did very well across all of the different age groups and categories by finishing as runners-up and really cemented the name of Garrucha onto the map of European dance.

Councillor of Culture Luis José Fernández Cortes took to social media to congratulate them all on their success and to confirm how proud everyone was to see local talent succeed on an international stage.

Family lunch

ALBOX Council in association with seven other municipalities is organising a special lunch in the Albox Water and Health Centre on July 25.

Starting at 1.30pm it is aimed at the elderly but also those who enjoy finding out more about the lives and experiences of their older family members and neighbours.

The meal consists of a starter, shared paella and some local delicacies for those with a sweet tooth, all for the low cost of just €15.

There will also be bingo and dancing so it really is a chance for generations to get together and enjoy each other’s companies.

So if you are resident in Albox, Arboleas, Fines, Macael, Partaloa, Taberno, Urracal or Zurgena, make your reservation on 651 995 329 or by visiting the Al box Council cultural department.

Paella is the perfect choice for a group lunch.

Miss Merkel investigates Airlines ‘illegal’ fees

GERMANY’S former Chancellor Angela Merkel recently appeared on Italian television in a very different role.

Not in person, it should be said, but as a Miss Marple-type sleuth in a twopart series called Miss Merkel and the Murder in the Castle.

In fact, the programme was seen in Germany last year but its airing on Rai2 has brought it to the attention of a wider European public.

Having retired from politics, the fictional Miss Merkel portrayed by actress Katharina Thalbach now lives with her husband Joachim Sauer in the Uckermark region in what was formerly East Germany.

That is where the former Chancellor, who celebrates her 70th birthday on July 17, spent her childhood and where

she now owns a holiday home.

Bored with retirement Merkel, who in real life has a doctorate in Quantum Chemistry, begins to take an interest in solving crimes which the local police inspector is too indolent to solve.

Creator of the series, author David Safier, explained to Italy’s Corriere della Sera how a 2019 conversation with his agent regarding Merkel’s future retirement and watching a Columbo rerun gave him an idea for his next book.

Safier has now released three whodunnits featuring Miss Merkel, whose name reflects his other source of inspiration, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. A fourth book will be published in November, coinciding with the publication of Freiheit (Freedom), Angela Merkel’s own autobiography.

MORE and more airlines recently are adopting the practice of charging passengers extra for hand luggage. While this may seem common, court cases are now revealing this may be illegal, calling for airlines to stop charging additional costs and even

gage fees generally being charged at the end of the ticket reservation process, meaning consumers cannot compare the real prices transparently.

Additionally, the Court of Justice of the EU has ruled that hand luggage of a reasonable

son, Laura Clays stating “Hand luggage is not a luxury item and should not be treated as such.”

Spain’s Consumer Ministry also confirmed the practice is illegal and fined several airlines.

Unfortunately, passengers are still facing addi-

ANGELA MERKEL: Germany’s Chancellor between 2005 and 2021.

Passenger at the airport stressed over too much luggage.

AYUNTAMIENTO DE MOJACAR

THE evening of Sunday July 14 was lit up in Mojacar as more than 500 football fans came together to watch the Euro 2024 final.

Spanish and English fans mixed happily as they all watched the match on a giant screen set up on the esplanade with plenty of seats available for all.

The council set up a special stall where those attending could purchase a refreshing drink and by all accounts this was considered a great idea by those who took advantage of it.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1 - 04638 Mojácar (Almería)

Telef. 950.615.009 Fax: 950.475.200 info@mojacar.es ayuntamiento.mojacar.es

United by football

There is often a fear that when a ‘tribal event’ such as a football match takes place that rival fans can become aggressive or unruly but this was far from the case on that plea-

Night bus

WITH hot summer nights encouraging people to spend more time outside of the house, Mojacar Council has decided to lay on more public transport.

From now until September 1, the special late night LE service will commence at 11.25pm as the three ‘normal’ bus lines terminate service.

sant evening. According to the Festivities councillor,

The route of the LE service will combine many of the stops that are covered by the three regular lines thus ensuring that people will be able to travel from the Paseo Maritimo to both the old town and areas where a number of hotels are situated.

Full details of the bus timetables may be viewed at the Mojacar Council website.

One of the ideas behind this new route is to reduce the number of

cars that are on the road at night, making it safer for visitors and residents to enjoy a drink and public transport is more sustainable and greener than using a car (unless the car is all electric) thus reducing the impact on the environment.

Tickets for this new route cost a flat fee of €1.20 which must be paid in cash, although pensioners resident in Mojacar may obtain a free bus pass from the council.

Pascual Artero, “The evening exceeded all our expectations. It

was a sight to see how the Spanish and English communities came together with such enthusiasm and respect. Mojacar once again demonstrated its ability to promote integration and fun among all our residents and visitors.”

At the end of the match, regardless of the result, the spirit of brotherhood and respect prevailed. Those who turned out, both the winners and the losers, celebrated the Spanish football team’s victory throughout the municipality.

Dead dolphin

LAST week we were able to report the good news that a Loggerhead turtle had been rescued from a beach in Villaricos but this week it’s bad news.

The Equinac Association which was behind the turtle rescue has announced that on July 11, a young dolphin was discovered stranded on a Mojacar beach and it was contacted by 112 Emergency to see if the beached mammal could be saved.

Having been advised by rst responders, the Guardia Civil, a specialist from Equinac was able to attend, even though it was at night and in a di cult to get to location, but sadly when they arrived, they discovered that it was already dead and decomposing.

Jay, the volunteer from Equinac recorded various details of the nd and then had the unpleasant duty of con rming via the 112 Emergency line that nothing further could be done and the body of the young dolphin would need to be removed.

Mojacar rumbles

AN earthquake shook part of the Levante, Almeria region on July 13, reaching a magnitude 2.8 on the Richter scale. According to data from the National Geographic Institute the earthquake occurred at 8.17pm, with its epicentre being near Macenas Beach in Mojacar Playa.

The earthquake was rst indicated at 5 km below sea level on the Mojacar coast, rising three kilometres up before nally reaching the surface. Locals reported it was felt, though only slightly, in several municipalities in the area, including Vera, Turre and Garrucha. This was the second earthquake recorded in the same area on Saturday, July 13. Just four hours later at 12.25pm another earthquake occurred, however smaller at a magnitude of 2.4, with the epicentre this time in Sorbas.

Mojacar goes green

MOJACAR has joined the Ecovidrio Green Flags Campaign, a rming its commitment to sustainability and recycling.

The campaign aims to encourage glass recycling among local bars, restaurants, and residents.

The motivation behind the Green Flags campaign is to spread awareness of the issues and solutions to protect the environment and improve the tourism quality of the participating destinations.

As part of this initiative, new glass recycling containers have been installed throughout the Mojacar municipality to make it easier for residents and tourists to dispose of waste. These containers are strategically located to make recycling easier and more e cient.

Mojacar’s Tourism councillor, Maria Gracia Alarcon, has shown her enthusiasm about this initiative and is personally committed to the campaign, telling Mojacar Town Hall;

“We are very involved in this action and we want to encourage all Mojacar residents and visitors to actively take part.”

The Green Flag campaign not only promotes glass recycling but also recognises those municipalities that demonstrate greater commitment and success in this sphere.

Mojacar Council invites all bars and restaurants to join this initiative and contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone.

Credit: Mojacar Council

Spanish and English supporters came together in Mojacar.

Public transport in Mojacar is a priority.

Credit: North West Transport Photos flickr

Sheeran mania

THE British music icon, Ed Sheeran, announced a second concert in Madrid after his rst one sold out in just a few hours.

The singer-songwriter will lead the Metropolitano arena on May 30 and May 31, 2025, as part of his extensive Mathematics tour. Promoting his latest album, Autumn Variations, Sheeran will also feature the hits from his fth and sixth studio albums, - and =.

The tour features 142 shows across Europe and the UK, to be concluded on September 6 in Dusseldorf, Germany.

An expression of ‘love, sentimental disappointment, depression and loneliness’, the Autumn Variations album itself sold 30,016 units in the UK alone and has touched the hearts and souls of millions across Europe.

The superstar’s concerts are usually attended by at least 60,000 people; tickets tend to sell out within hours, especially in capitals like Madrid.

The Mathematics tour features Sheeran’s global hits, including Castle on the Hill, Galway Girl, Shape of You and Bad Habits; from folk love ballads to pop-rock anthems, the tour’s setlist represents the diversity of human emotions, much like the complexity of mathematics.

In Madrid’s Metropolitano venue, 70,460 spectators will be able to meet Sheeran face-to-face in fan zone areas and get the best views and sound from the 96 per cent covered seats.

Sheeran’s relentless energy and love for his fans showed once again as he spontaneously announced the second concert, ensuring that every Sheerio across Spain gets to see him perform at least once in their life.

The tickets for the concert in Madrid went on sale on July 17 at 9am with a pre-sale on July 15, at 9am on Livenation.

Sheeran and his team remind his listeners that the pop star holds “a strict stance against the use of uno cial ticketing sites to prevent abuse of fans trying to buy tickets to his concerts.”

The tickets can be purchased through ocial websites including ticketmaster.es or ed sheeran.com.

Britain’s ugliest dog walks the red carpet

Harry Sinclair BRITAIN’S ugliest dog, Peggy, joined the Deadpool cast as they walked the red carpet.

Peggy the pugese, a crossbreed between pug and Chinese crested is making her acting debut as ‘Dogpool’, the sidekick to Ryan Reynold’s Deadpool character.

She was photographed in her superhero costume with the actors as they promoted the film ahead of the release at the Eventim Apollo in London on Thursday July 11.

In celebration of the film, and Peggy’s stardom, HMV replaced its traditional dog-and-gramophone logo to

feature canine-superhero Peggy in the logo, displayed on the sign of their flagship store on Oxford Street, London.

Peggy is the pet of Holly Middleton, from East Yorkshire, who entered her in the UK’s ugliest dog contest after adopting her at six months old, describing her as “beautiful both inside and out.”

After winning the con-

test, Holly went on to say they “could never have imagined that we would discover a star.” Little did they know how big of a star Peggy would become.

Reynolds was the one to spot and cast Peggy in the newest Deadpool, stating she felt “like the animal manifestation” of Wade Wilson, the man who becomes Deadpool.

Credit: Ed Sheeran, Facebook

Ed Sheeran.

Peggy in her superhero role with Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson.

ADVERTISING

Casa Lucas in the Huercal-Overa

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Five mins drive to the village of Santa Maria de Nieva with shop, two bar / restaurants, doctors, chemist and school and 14 mins drive to the A7 motorway and main, market town of Huercal-Overa with numerous shops, restaurants, sports and leisure facilities etc and of course the hospital. Forty-five to 50 mins drive to the coast at San Juan de Los Terreros or Mojacar.

Casa Lucas has tarmac road access in the pretty village of El Puerte-

cico and is the last but one property on the road so is a peaceful location.

To the front is a gravelled and walled garden of approx 50m2 and there is safe on road parking. There is room for a small pool if required. From here you get amazing views

going up and down the valley.

Next the front door leads in to the large, light and airy open plan living, dining room and kitchen with a breakfast bar separating the two areas. There is a log burning fire in the living room and plenty of worktop and cupboard stora-

ge space in the kitchen. Double patio doors and the kitchen window look out to the front garden and views. White goods are not included.

A passage takes you to the two matching double bedrooms with their own recently fitted ensuite shower rooms. This part of the house is decorated, but leaves you to put your own stamp on it. The floor is covered with attractive laminate flooring.

Further down the passage is a door leading to another passage way and the two storey annex. This accommodation is so flexible and is made up of one room downstairs and a garage and two rooms upstairs

Voss Homes is a British family-run business with offices in the nearby thriving, market town of Huercal-Overa and in La Alfoquia village (Zurgena). We concentrate on selling properties around Huercal-Overa, Zurgena, La Alfoquia and Taberno.

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

Popcorn to premiere

THE €49 pass, popularly known as the Deutschlandticket, has gained widespread recognition for its innovative approach to public transport accessibility and simplicity.

Now, a similar concept has been adopted by the Federal Film Board (FFA) in Germany, aimed at movie enthusiasts.

If cinema-goers watch more than one film per month, they save money, making the subscription highly attractive.

Although not a novel concept in Germany, as the neighbouring Netherlands has offered cinema flat rates for a decade, Cinfinity aims to boost cinema attendance nationwide.

Over 100 cinemas have signed up, with more expected to follow.

Prospective users can sign up for Cinfinity through a dedicated app and are encouraged to check if their local cinema is participating.

This initiative, named Cinfinity, is set to launch nationwide in October, allowing subscribers to attend any participating cinema for a monthly fee of €12.50.

The subscription is not limited to specific chains but includes all cinemas that join the initiative.

This new service arrives at a critical time when traditional cinema attendance faces challenges from individual movie consumption on electronic devices.

However, Cinfinity an-

In Germany, where the average cinema ticket price was €9.71 in 2023 and can rise to €12 on weekends, Cinfinity offers a signifi cant cost-saving opportunity.

Costsaving cinema.

QUIRKY TOWN

Borgonya and Scotland

WHILST it is generally known that the Scots have influenced the world, it is something of a surprise to discover St Andrew’s flag flying in a Spanish town.

Although it’s not the only municipality to honour its Scottish links (as Teba has its own Douglas Days Celebration), the village of Borgonya in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees goes a step further.

In 1893, J&P Coats which was based in Paisley, Scotland decided to create a new factory in this quaint little village to weave the Paisley cloth that it had become famous for.

Turning back to Borgonya, employees from Coats travelled to the village to train the locals and their influence saw the building of terraced

houses with back gardens as seen in Scotland as well as creation of new streets with such names as Carrer Paisley, Coats and Escòcia.

The factory continued to grow and expand and lasted more than 100 years before finally closing in 1999, but the Scottish influence still remains today, none more obvious than the local football club, CD Borgonya whose team plays in the same black and white stripes as Paisley based St Mirren and even has a saltire (blue flag with white cross) on the shirt.

When the local football stadium was damaged in a storm not so long ago, a St Mirren fan on holiday in the area set up a crowdfunding page and raised £1,600 to help with the restoration efforts.

The local football team still emulate the St Mirren kit.

Credit: CD Borgonya

The Princess of Wales at Wimbledon

THE Princess of Wales made a triumphant return to Wimbledon, receiving a standing ovation as she entered the Royal Box. This marks her second public appearance of the year, following her ongoing cancer treatment.

Kate, 42, was joined by her daughter Princess Charlotte, nine, and sister Pippa Middleton for the highly anticipated Men’s Singles Final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

Adding to the excitement, the mother-daughter

duo met with British tennis star Emma Raducanu before settling into their seats.

Charlotte appeared thrilled to meet Raducanu, who unfortunately exited the tournament earlier in the week. They later interacted with participants of the ‘Work at Wimbledon’ programme, which empowers young people from diverse backgrounds through roles at the Championships.

The Royal Box boasted a star-studded audience, including Hollywood A-listers Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise, a close confidant of the royals. Benedict Cumberbatch, Prince William’s former classmate from Eton, London mayor Sadiq Khan, and tennis legend Andre Agassi were also present.

Jay Slater

BRITISH teenager Jay Slater, who vanished four weeks ago after attending a music festival in Tenerife, has sadly been confirmed dead.

A post-mortem conducted on Monday July 15’s discovery by Spanish rescuers matched fingerprints to the 19-year-old from Lancashire. Slater was last seen near the remote village of Masca.

Authorities believe he suffered a fatal fall. “A positive identification has been made,” a statement from the Canary Islands’ high court of justice reads. “Fingerprint analysis confirms the body belongs to Jay Slater. The cause of death appears to be trauma consistent with a fall in a rocky area.”

Slater’s mother, Debbie Duncan, expressed her grief. “This is the worst

TIMES: Jay Slater and his family.

news imaginable,” she said. “I can’t believe this happened to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are shattered.”

Slater was on holiday with friends and attended the NRG music festival in Playa de Las Americas. He reportedly left the festival with two men and accompanied them to their remote Airbnb, an 11-hour trek from his original location. Initial searches of the area failed to find the missing teenager.

The Princess of Wales returns to Wimbledon.

HAPPY

Holiday horror

TOURISTS experienced a holiday horror in Greece as they were told to wade through water with luggage in hand.

Greece is known for its beautiful islands, stunning holiday destinations and alluring scenery. For these globetrotters, however, Greece may be more a nightmare than a dream in their memory.

An idyllic boat ride to a promising hot spot led these holidaymakers into chaos as they were told to leave the vessel out of the hatch and into the clear blue waters with luggage in hand. While they did receive help from the crew, and a handy rope to hold on to, this is nothing compared to previous years. Instead of waist-high in water, these guests would have been comfortable strolling across a oating platform, intended to get them from the boat to the land - dry.

Local reports said they were forced to enter the water after o cials banned the use of oating platforms in response to over-tourism.

Following this footage, however, the o cials have reversed the decision and agreed to reinstall the platform.

ON the road or out at night, these European vending machines o er products you didn’t know you’ve been craving; these are the weirdest ones.

Germany’s sausage vending machine

Famous for its bratwurst and bockwurst sausages, Germany decided to make their authentic products available 24/7. According to NPR, there were more than 500,000 sausage vending machines in 2020. The meat sold is vacuum-sealed and the machines are temperature-controlled, ensuring safety measures equal to the butcher’s.

Germany’s dairy and eggs vending machine

Not only are there sausages across German towns but products including eggs, milk and cheese, can be found in vending machines. Renovators of farming, Peter-und-Paul-Hof, were the rst to plant the idea in 2009, and have since expanded across the country.

Italy’s Let’s Pizza

Italy doesn’t shy away from its stereotype; pizza is by now the most popular food worldwide and in Italy can be found even in vending machines. A machine called Let’s Pizza can be loaded with ingredients for making 100 pizzas from scratch. Within just three minutes, people can take away a truly one-of-a-kind Italian pizza.

Paris’ baguette vending machine

The baguette craving can come any time of the day; in Paris, a fresh bague-

Odd offers

tte can be purchased from a vending machine for just €1.20. The bread is partially cooked before being placed in the vending machine and nishes baking inside per order, guaranteeing the same quality as the supermarkets.

The Netherlands’ vegetable vending machine

In most places, nding a fresh and organic snack can be practically impossible. Unlike vending machines lled with Cokes and Snickers, machines in the Netherlands o er a wide range of vegetables. This development has been especially bene cial to farmers, who, by placing their produce in vending machines, have been able to pro t more than by selling when renting out stalls.

Amsterdam’s FEBO

Amsterdam is known to have just about everything; now, there are even vending machines that o er restaurant meals for a price below €10. A chain of walk-up fast food restaurants, FEBO made hot food accessible through vending machines, including items like croquettes stu ed with veal or beef, French fries and burgers.

Raw milk vending machine France, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands have all embraced the raw milk trend, despite controversy about the drink’s safety concerns. Some states in the USA have banned the sale of raw milk due to its potential to carry harmful diseases but Europe believes it’s safe and even promotes the drink.

Meat vending machine.

Holidaymakers entering a boat preparing for a memorable trip.

To shave or not?

IF Italian researchers are correct, most bearded young men could be ready to settle down.

A University of Padua survey, assuming that beards demand more care and attention than shaving each day, recently concluded that their owners were prepared to exchange their single lives for family life.

The study asked more than 400 men aged be tween 18 and 40 why they chose to have beards and linked their readiness to groom facial hair to social goals.

“Regarding fundamental social motives, men having more facial hair reported less mate-seeking motiva tion, but more mate-re tention and kin care motivation,” the University of Padua report maintained in an article published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour journal.

The investigators

went on to suggest that men who cultivated beards were sending out a message that their social motives were moving from the mating market to long-term relationships and family.

On the other hand Men’s Facial Hair Preferences, a study published in the US’s National Library of Medicines in April 2023, maintai-

ned that men with beards were seen as “aggressive, dominant, older, and more formidable, mostly by other men.”

Investigators found that men with facial hair, particularly heavy stubble or a full beard, favoured it for themselves but not other men. This implied that men’s preferences for beards could be based on their “display value,” they

The US study also tied with the Padua findings - however loosely - by suggesting that facial hair enhanced men’s attractiveness for women when judging long-term over short-term relationships “and when considering fathering abilities other than sexual attractiveness.”

credit: Pixabay/Stokpik

SHAVING: Allegedly less timeconsuming than grooming beard.

Money worries

IT seems that Finland’s smallest municipality, Lestijärvi in Central Ostrobothnia is facing major financial difficulties.

Having a population of just 680 people, it has suffered an investigation to see whether central government considers that it has so many problems that it should be declared a ‘municipality in crisis’.

Basically it is required to be able to demonstrate that it can comply with the law with regards to the range of services that it offers to its residents but with a current deficit of €2.7 million and a record of consistent losses, it seems likely to fail the test.

According to YLE News it has borrowings of €10.6 million which is the

equivalent of €15,588 per resident of whom many will be too young or too old to be earning and it has announced that it will put on unpaid leave all of its staff members over the next three winters in order to save money.

This is the village that was so worried about depopulation, (a problem in many rural parts of Finland), that 12 years ago it offered a €10,000 ‘baby bonus’ to every couple that has a child.

Forty-one babies were born over the following four years at a cost to the council of €410,000 but it’s a very long term solution to a pressing problem with no guarantee that the babies who were born will stay in the municipality when they grow up.

Lestijärvi Municipal Hall.

Photo

A Run for Your Life Festival: From lethal bull runnings to sad farewell traditional songs

tion of up to 1.5 million viewers daily from July 6 to 14 at 8am as they tune in to watch on TV. Planning a trip to Pamplona is no joke. Personally, I’d rather enjoy it from the comfort of home - no chance of facing off with angry bulls there! Yep, I chickened out. As they say, ‘Los Toros se ven mejor desde la barrera’ (It’s easy to be an armchair critic).

runners and their horned adversaries.

In this centuries-old celebration, the city hums with bars dishing out the best pintxos (tapas) and mouthwatering local cuisine to thousands of visitors. Beyond the thrilling bull run through the streets, the festival offers a quirky array of activities: photo booths with taxidermy bulls, concerts that shake cobblestones, fireworks illuminating the night sky, majestic processions, giant figure parades turning heads, live music grooving, and wood chopping competitions for the lumberjacks.

With seamless coordination among security forces, emergency services, maintenance crews, event planners, and media production teams, the streets are locked down early with 7,000 sturdy wooden barriers. Early birds start flocking at 4am to snag prime spectating spots.

The bull run itself, a whirlwind lasting two to five heart-pounding minutes, charges through iconic streets like Santo Domingo and Estafeta, ending in the bullring where spectators await the heroic

While I appreciate local customs in Spain, the festival’s animal cruelty in bullfighting gets under my skin, a sentiment echoed by many Spaniards who believe traditions shouldn’t come at the cost of animal suffering. Controversies aside, the ‘mozos’ (runners) treat this event with reverence, training rigorously for their moment of glory. For die-hard San Fermín enthusiasts, there’s no greater honour than boasting, “I ran in the San Fermín run.”

If you dare to participate in this heart-pounding event where life hangs in the balance and bulls are on the loose, remember the old adage: “It’s better to be trampled than gored!” Survival isn’t guaranteed, but the thrill draws adventurers from all corners of the globe. Despite its risks, for those brave enough to face the bulls, nothing compares to the adrenaline rush of this ultimate experience. Just like any epic party, San Fermín eventually winds down. As July 14 approaches, revellers sing ‘pobre de mí’, (Poor me) bidding a bittersweet farewell to the highs and jubilant spirit of this grand celebration.

Gora San Fermín (long live San Fermín). As Spaniards say, “Que no te pille el toro” - never be caught off guard.

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

IRELAND

Play on

A 1961 Fender Stratocaster guitar that belonged to singer-songwriter Rory Gallagher who died in 1995, will be sold later this year, his brother Donal announced. Rory acquired the Stratocaster, probably one of Ireland’s first, for £100 (€118.80) in 1963 when he was only 15, Donal told the RTE broadcaster.

Nightmare over

DUBAI dropped the charges against Tori Towey, whose passport was impounded after she was accused of attempted suicide and drinking alcohol following an alleged attack in her own home. Glad to be home in Roscommon thanks to the intervention of the Irish government, Tori said Ireland was an “amazing” country.

EURO PRESS

Happy event

AFTER a gestation period of 15 months, a giraffe calf was born at Planckendael Zoo as first time mother Valeye initially “looked on in surprise,” according to zookeeper Jolien who was present. He also said that members of the public would soon be able to vote on a name for the new arrival via the zoo’s Instagram.

SWEDEN

Space invader

TRELLEBORG is trying out a new strategy in its battle against Japanese knotweed which is prevalent in southern Sweden. As elsewhere, the presence of the invasive plant can reduce the value of a property and the town hall is experimenting with underground 300-degree heat cartridges designed to wipe out the plant.

Old beliefs

PEOPLE practising the Asa religion which venerates the Old Norse gods, giants and ancestors could soon have their own burial ground in Molkom after applying to the Swedish Church for unconsecrated ground. Pending regional permission, the Church can allocate a graveyard to any religion that requests one.

GERMANY FRANCE

Bruni charged

CARLA BRUNI, wife of former president Nicolas Sarkozy, is the subject of a formal investigation after concealing evidence of witness tampering linked to alleged campaign financing in 2007 by the Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. She is currently barred from contacting others linked to the prosecution, apart from her husband.

Picture perfect

THE French authorities rebutted accusations of carrying out ‘social cleansing’ by removing the homeless before the start of the Olympic Games on July 26, saying there had been no increase in evictions. Non-profit making associations countered with figures showing they had risen compared with previous years.

ITALY

Real value

TRANSPORT minister Matteo Salvini confirmed that Milan’s Malpensa Airport would be named after the former prime minister and media billionaire, Silvio Berlusconi. Milan’s centre-left and leftwing parties criticised the choice but Salvini declared that nobody on the left “is worth a 10th of what Berlusconi was worth.”

Fairer fares

TAKING a taxi in Rome will now cost a minimum of €9, city hall announced, as it prepared to issue 1,000 new licences. Transport councillor Eugenio Patane explained that low minimum tariffs discouraged cabbies from accepting short journeys, which resulted in especially long queues at railway and bus stations.

FINLAND NORWAY

Flying high

OSLO’S Gardermoen airport was named Europe’s best in the category serving between 25 and 40 million passengers each year. Airports Council International Europe praised Gardermoen for its punctuality and operational procedures as well as its baggage system, snow removal methods and efforts to reduce emissions.

Mystery graves

A BURIAL ground for children aged from three to six years old that was discovered in 2023 in Fredrikstad was used constantly between 800 and 200BC. Infant mortality would have been high at that time, but archaeologists admitted they were mystified by the ancient circles of carefully-placed stones that marked each grave.

Cold feet

ITV Studios Finland has begun production of a Finnish version of Cold Feet, the UK comedy-drama series which was aired on television for five seasons between 1997 and 2003, with a reboot 13 years later. Finland’s version, which debuts in 2026, will follow much the same pattern as its British predecessor.

Work ethic

A SURVEY by Finnish Lotteries discovered that 29 per cent of those who were employed on winning at least €500,000 continued in the same job, although half eventually left to enjoy their financial freedom. Many of the 32 per cent not working when they won were senior citizens, the investigation found.

Fire probe

ONCE emergency workers had secured the scene, police began investigating the origin of an explosion and an extensive fire at a hostel for asylum seekers in Buchholz in der Nordheide. Twenty people including first responder officers were injured in the blaze, while later reports revealed that a woman had lost her life.

Hauwei veto

ESSENTIAL components from Huawei and ZTE will be barred from the country’s 5G core networks by the end of 2026, Interior minister Nancy Faeser said. The move follows on from weeks of negotiations resulting in future agreements with Germany’s 5G operators, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefonica.

DENMARK PORTUGAL

BELGIUM NETHERLANDS

Rat run

RATS that feasted on last summer’s large quantities of fallen fruit are now multiplying in Aalborg where the public were reminded that they are legally required to report any sighting of a rat to the local authorities. These in turn are expected to eliminate rats from the sewers, drains and waste land they inhabit.

Space mission

DENMARK now belongs to Nato’s Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space (APSS) programme which shares space surveillance intelligence. Defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen described Nato as the world’s strongest defence alliance and said it was in Denmark’s interest to be closely aligned with its allies.

Smashed avo

EUROPEAN Environment Agency, GEOTA, warned that the Murta reservoir in Alcacer do Sal would be at serious risk of drying up if a large-scale avocado-growing project was allowed to go ahead. GEOTA described the location as a “biodiversity hotspot” providing “countless birds and mammals” with water.

Property ladder

THE government has calculated that exemption from the IMT property transfer tax and stamp duty for under-35s buying a home for the first time will cost €25 million after the concession comes into effect on August 1. That will rise to €50 million in 2025, Finance minister Mirand Sarmento announced on July 10.

Stay-at-home

TWENTY-FIVE per cent of Netherlands residents did not go away on holiday in 2023, a CBS national statistics agency survey found. Most of the 45-65 age group explained that they simply preferred staying at home, although 38 per cent of low earners told CBS that they had to choose staycations for economic reasons.

Troll ops

THE US Justice Department revealed that the Netherlands’ AIVD and MIVD intelligence services have assisted in removing hundreds of bogus social media profiles set up by Russia to spread disinformation. The operation involved seizing two domain names and investigating AI-generated accounts.

GIRAFFE CALF: The public will be able to choose the name of Planckendael Zoo’s latest addition.

Benidorm shuns anti-tourist message

WIDESPREAD protests across Spain find no support in Benidorm, says a tourism director there who welcomes all tourists, especially from the UK.

Benidorm is in the northern Costa Blanca region and has been welcoming tourists - largely from the UK - for decades.

It is particularly beloved of British tourists and its appeal only seems to be rising. In 2019, pre-Covid, 788,845 holidaymakers headed for the city in eastern Spain, in the Valencia region. Last year, this figure was up 5.2 per cent to 832,115.

When asked what the local view towards British holidaymakers in the face of so many protests against them in other parts of Spain, Visit Benidorm director Leire Bilbao told Alice Scarsi of The Express, “We are happy for every tourist that chooses us.

“Imagine, they are saving money all year to invest in their holidays and they deci-

de to choose us. Our fidelity rate is very high - 73 per cent of the tourists come back to us. That is a wonderful award for us.”

Pressed upon whether Benidorm is losing its cultural identity in the face of being overrun by the British, Bilbao dismissed this. She said that Benidorm has a special multicultural

nature, saying, “We are not afraid of losing our identity and traditions remain - you can enjoy them or not - but we have plenty of activities all year round that continue taking place as always. We have been a tourism destination for decades, and nothing has changed in our popular and cultural traditions.”

Explaining one tradition

“doesn’t disappear after tourists bring us new options,” Ms Bilbao said locals “love celebrating the Day of the Netherlands or St Patrick’s Day, and we have a poppy appeal in Benidorm every year.”

She pointed to the fact that the Valencian tradition of Fallas is celebrated alongside events such as St Patrick’s Day.

Europe’s Ariane-6 launch debut

Harry Sinclair EUROPE’S newest rocket, Ariane-6, made its debut on July 9, lifting off in French Guiana.

The rocket’s development cost €4.3billion and boasts a stronger vehicle than its predecessor.

Ariane-6’s mission was to put a clutch of satellites in orbit.

After launch, the crew on the ground in Korou applauded as the new vessel jetted off into the sky.

The climb to its desi -

red altitude was smooth and the release of satellites was successful, however the upper stage of the rocket malfunctioned.

Computers onboard decided to prematurely shut down the auxiliary power unit which pressurises the propulsion.

This prevented the rocket from initiating the burn intended to bring it out of orbit and set up for stage 2.

Controllers on the ground were unable to resolve the issue on -

board.

The mission was still a success, deploying 11 spacecraft in our orbit.

Josef Aschbacher, the director of the European Space Agency, told the BBC;

“This is a historic moment. The inaugural launch of a new heavy-lift rocket doesn’t happen every year. And today we have launched Ariane-6 successfully.”

The driving force behind the Ariane project is Europe’s desire for access to space.

The seafront at Benidorm.

Lift-off of the first Ariane 6 rocket from French Guiana, July 9, 2024.

Ban tourist apartments? Your opinion VOX Pop

BARCELONA’s decision to prohibit tourist apartments by 2028 has sparked a range of reactions from residents, business owners, and tourists. We hit the streets to gather opinions on this controversial policy.

Paul from Burnley and a resident of Lo Pagan said “Stopping tourist rental won’t make that type of property available to local workers it will just mean people who don’t want to rent them will have more choices.

“The people you want to help will be negatively affected because tourists bring a lot of money into the area and based on a two bed apt you will lose about 1,000 tourist nights per property per year, a massive loss of income to bars, restaurants, and shops and therefore jobs.

“In Barcelona, the effect might not be as bad because there is other employment, but in tourism-based areas, such as Mallorca, the effect could be massive. It would be better to introduce a tourist tax system to re-invest in new properties outside the centre and also invest in the transport network.”

Michael , on holiday from the UK, stated “I visit Barcelona often, and I love staying in local apartments to get a feel for the city. I’m disappointed by this news. It might mean higher costs for accommodation in the future. It will push hotel prices up. But if it helps locals live better, I can un derstand the rea soning be hind it.”

Pepe

natar, on the Costa Calida, added “This town has always had an influx of holidaymakers in the summer, mostly people with second homes from Madrid. It has never been a problem here but we do complain about them in August!”

Kevin from Ireland said “Instead of an outright ban, there should be a compromise that balances tourism and residents’ needs.”

Ana from San Javier stated “The prices are through the roof because of all the tourist apartments. I think this policy will help young people who are trying to start their lives here.”

Barcelona’s decision to eliminate tourist apartments by 2028 got mixed reactions. While many residents applaud the move for its potential to make housing more affordable, property owners and tourists express concerns about the economic impact and future travel experiences. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing a thriving tourism industry with the needs of the local community.

San Pedro del Pi

KEVIN ANA

BARCELONA’S BOLD MOVE ON RENTALS.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Having fun

A TSB survey, How Britain Spends, noted a 9.2 per cent increase in outlay on airlines and travel companies during the first half of 2024, compared with the same period last year. The British spent 5.1 per cent more on concerts, cinema and theatre and a huge 20.2 per cent more on visiting amusement parks, the TSB found.

Indra approval

THE US Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) has added Indra’s Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) to its Qualified Products list. The Spanish company’s system, which increases runway safety by providing real-time surface aircraft movement data, may now be installed at any US airport with a staffed control tower.

Belt tightened

LONDON-BASED Burberry will cut jobs as it introduces cost-cutting measures to bolster declining profits, the Telegraph reported. The company has lost more than a third of its stock market value since January and, as one of the worst performing FTSE companies, is on the brink of relegation from the index.

Wait and see

INDIAN bus company Switch Mobility has suspended until 2026 its plans to build a €100 million factory to produce electric buses in Valladolid. The company contacted Valladolid City Hall on July 8 to explain that it intended in the meantime to evaluate the evolution of the market for electric vehicles in Europe.

Jobs lost

BILLIONAIRE Sir James Dyson is slashing 1,000 British jobs following a review of the company’s worldwide operations. “The company operates in increasingly fierce and competitive global markets, where pace of innovation and change is only accelerating,” the British inventor said.

STAT OF WEEK

€2.28 billion

turnover in 2022 - the last available figures - for familyowned Catalan company Agrolimen which produces Spain’s most-used stock cube, Avecrem.

France’s wealth running scared

TO relief tinged with wariness, the New Popular Front (NFP) came out on top in the second round of France’s elections on July 7.

The NFP’s victory kept Marine Le Pen’s hard-right National Rally (RN) out of power, and seats in the National Assembly are split more or less evenly between left, right and centre although the NFP will call the shots.

The hard-left alliance romped home on promises of boosting the minimum wage and public sector pay while reducing the pensionable age from 64 to 60 and freezing the prices of staple goods.

These measures will cost approximately €150 billion over three years, according to the calculations of the NFP and its leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, but president Emmanuel Macron’s party Renaissance predicted that they would require at least €300

SOUTH EAST WATER, which supplies 2.3 million people, needs money after losing £36 million (€42.7 million) in the year ending March 31.

This was down from £74 million (€87.7 million) in 2022-2023 and turnover rose 9 per cent to £281 million (€333.2 million) but South East Water needs more cash as it awaits a verdict from the regulator Ofwat on future spending.

The company has submitted plans that would require £1.9 billion (€2.25 million) to maintain and upgrade infrastructure while increasing customer bills by 22 per cent.

Britvic says yes

UK soft drinks maker Britvic has agreed to an improved £3.3 billion (€3.9 billion) offer from Danish brewer Carlsberg. Britvic accepted £13.15 (€15.60) a share after turning down an earlier offer which it said had undervalued the company. Carlsberg announced on July 8 that the Britvic board would “unanimously recommend” the cash offer of £12.90 (€15.31) per Britvic share plus a special dividend of 25p (approximately €0.29) for each share.

million.

France has a current Budget deficit of 5.5 per cent of the country’s

JEAN-LUC MELENCHON: NFP leader has pledged to tax the wealthy.

Losing

gross domestic product (GDP) and government ministers already warned against spending on this scale during the election campaign.

Worse still is the spectre of a 90 per cent wealth tax.

Immediately after the NFP victory, the international financial media agreed that this would push the country’s financial elite to look elsewhere, probably to Switzerland but also to Italy and even Spain.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Parisian wealth adviser Gregory Soudjoukdjian, said that he was receiving more calls than at any other time during his career.

“Our high-end clientele are asking themselves a lot of questions,” he admitted.

“All wanted to know if their money was safe,” Soudjoukdjian added.

buoyancy

DOMESTIC SUPPLY: South East Water provides water for five UK counties.

Enagas goes greener

SPANISH company Enagas is selling its 30.2 per cent holding in US energy infrastructure company Tallgrass Energy.

The $1.1 billion (€1.02 billion) sale to the US investment company Blackstone, which already owns a Tallgrass stake, will be used to finance green hydrogen projects, Enagas announced.

Spain’s gas grid operator, in which the State holds a 5 per cent stake, looks to evolve from its established role as a natural gas grid operator to organising a hydrogen infrastructure network.

Meanwhile, Enagas will absorb a €360 capital loss from the divestment that should be completed by the end of July although the transaction will bring a positive impact on earnings from 2025.

South East Water, whose parent company HDF Holdings belongs to NatWest’s pension fund, a Canadian pension fund and an Australian infrastructure fund, is currently talking to investors and shareholders about additional liquidity.

The company expects this to be forthcoming, although a July 10 statement said that if talks fell through, this would shed doubt on its ability to continue as a going concern.

Legendary marque

THE Lancia is to be produced in Spain once more.

Seat formerly built the brand at its Landaben (Navarro) plant in the late 70s and early 80s and now, 40 years later, Stellantis announced that it would be produced exclusively at its Figueruelas (Zaragoza) factory.

The company has begun taking orders for the Ypsilon, a hybrid and electric model with the first deliveries scheduled for October 2024.

“This is an important phase in our plans,” Lancia chief executive Luca Napolitano said.

“Lancia returns to Europe and arrives in Spain, which has always been one of the marque’s most important markets.”

THIERRY ANDRETTA, Mulberry chief executive since 2015, left the company with immediate effect on Tuesday July 9.

The upmarket handbag company, whose customers include the Princess of Wales and Kate Moss, saw total revenues fall 4 per cent in the year ending on March 30, 2024, with a 3.2 per cent fall in UK sales.

Insiders also revealed that tensions have risen at Mulberry following attempts by Frasers Group owner Mike Ashley, who owns a 37 per cent stake in the company, to join the board.

WETHERSPOONS has done well from Euro 2024 with beer sales surging during matches that have compensated for a wet June.

The chain does not usually offer live sport for its customers, but only two of the chain’s 809 pubs did not provide coverage, apart from the 21 which do not have televisions.

It now looks forward to a 6 per cent increase in sales for the current quarter and the pubs foresee a buoyant annual profit that easily approaches the predicted £75 million (€89 million).

COSMETICS giant Puig’s shares are now listed on the Spanish stock market and will soon be available in the US.

Citi and Puig have launched an unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (ADR) programme that is equivalent to 25 million shares in the Barcelona-based company which owns Penhaligon’s, Charlotte Tilbury and Jean Paul Gaultier. This will enable the US market to invest in Puig without any further regulatory procedures, in a system that is already used by Telefonica, Santander BBVA and Grifols.

Photo credit: FB/Jean-Luc Melenchon

Photo credit: Pixabay/Tiburi

8.358,0 8.300,0 4,73K

455,25 457,80 454,55 1,27M

Liquid gold

ACESUR, which produces the Coosur and La Española olive brands, posted record sales of €1.102 billion in 2023. This was 25 per cent more than last year and the first time that the Jaenbased company’s revenue topped €1 billion.

No thanks

ASDA supermarkets abandoned plans to introduce a 44-hour, four-day working week after a trial flopped at 20 stores. Employees said the 11-hour shifts were so physically demanding that they could not enjoy the extra free day and the new hours clashed with childcare.

No longer a joke

TAITTINGER, one of France’s best-known Champagne houses, launches the first of its Domaine Evremond wines in Chilham (Kent) this September.

The Evremond vineyard is a joint venture between Champagne Taittinger and Hatch Mansfield, the French winemaker’s business partner in the UK.

Taittinger acquired the Kent apple orchards in 2015 with an initial plan-

ting of 20 hectares of vines which increased to 40 over the following three

years. The results of almost nine years’ work and a £15 million (€17.8 million)

Grifols solution

THE Grifols family, which controls 30 per cent of the Spanish blood plasma pharmaceutical company, could go private.

Financial daily Cinco Dias recently revealed that the company and Canadian fund, Brookfield Capital Partners, were discussing a joint takeover worth around €5.5 billion which could be completed “within weeks.”

Shares rose by 15 per cent on the mor-

ning of July 8 after trading was temporarily halted following publication of the takeover rumours.

Grifols has been practically under siege since January 2024 after short-seller investment fund Gotham City Research maintained that Grifols had manipulated its debt-to-earnings figures by consolidating the earnings of units it did not control.

investment are now ready to fill glasses.

As the climate changes, not only Taittinger but other big names are spending large amounts of money on producing wine in England. These include Pommery which now has an estate in Old Alresford (Hampshire).

Rising temperatures mean that some parts of England are perfect for wine-making and Kent’s chalky soil is little different from the Champagne region.

“English wine was taken as a bit of a joke 30 years ago. Now, it definitely is not,” Patrick McGrath, Hatch Mansfield’s managing director, said.

“One of the beauties of English sparkling wine is the acidity,” he told the UK media recently. “It’s slightly racier than Champagne,” McGrath explained. “Champagne is a bit riper and fatter.”

Era ends

AFTER 194 years, Royal Mail has announced it will no longer use its own trains to move mail overnight, with its remaining trains mothballed in October as it increasingly switches to road transport. The decision coincides with parent company International Distributions Services’s decision to accept a £3.6 billion (€4.27 bn) takeover offer from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

Plane sense

A COMPANY report reveals that Inditex bought a second-hand private jet from its founder and principal shareholder, Amancio Ortega in 2023. Acquiring the €46 million aircraft, which is “perfectly maintained” and “in perfect technical condition” from Ortega also meant that the company was able to avoid the usual threeyear wait for delivery, Inditex said.

Photo credit: CC/Nilfanion

ENGLISH VINES: Taittinger’s first Domaine Evremond wines ready in September.

At 85, I’m on my way

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

WOW, thanks for all the mail. Last week’s piece certainly brought some strong reactions; most, I’m relieved to say, in accord with my suggestions. Mind you there are always dissenters. One gentleman thought I was not only riddled with hatred, I could also be leading myself to an early grave! Both wrong opinions of course.

The first being that at 85 years, I have rather overshot the somewhat unenviable opportunity of an early grave and secondly, the only members of our somewhat precarious human race that I truly do hate are those who believe the only way to survive is to bring death and total destruction on your enemies. I certainly don’t hate Transgenderism.

During my Bayswater years I had a large number of friends and associates who swung just about all ways. One I was not too happy about however bore the nickname of Spanish Ricky. Totally flamboyant, extre-

mely hard and physically muscular, Ricky, with his bouffant hair style, flamboyant dress and heavy makeup would walk down the Portobello road market, goading the barrow boys to make fun of him. If they did he would then rush over and often punch them to the ground.

The problem was we moved in similar late night club circles. As time went on Ricky fell hook line and sinker for the young Leapy Lee. When feelings were not reciprocated, he used some completely fabricated rumour to beat me up quite heavily; so I was fully entitled to not like him. Delighted to report that a number of my many other gay friends made sure it never happened again!

A message here to the likes of Clint Eastwood and Sir Anthony Hopkins. As much I have always admired these two highly rated and widely admired members of the acting fraternity, I simply must come out in protest at their recent social platform ‘advice’ to humanity. They suggest that we should not look for luxury in watches or bracelets, nor shops, gifts, parties or events. They advise that true luxury is not found in money,

it is in being respected, able to play with your grandchildren, smelling the flowers, relaxing in the garden etc. I do of course agree with all these wonderful things. Unfortunately for most of us they cannot take priority. Only when other important problems have been taken care of can we truly relish all the really good things. Are we able to feed our families, can we pay the rent or the mortgage. Will our jobs and ambitions attain success etc? These two gentlemen have achieved everything in life. They have both been utterly successful in their chosen careers, managed to live to a grand old age, their bank accounts are spilling over and they also enjoy large families and a number of gracious dwellings. I’m sure we will all be delighted to follow their advice when we too have reached these goals. Unfortunately, for most of us, smelling the flowers and gazing at the stars can only be our exclusive enjoyments when we get a break from our efforts to survive. Don’t worry, at 85 I’m on my way!

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.

Taking the plunge

SPORTS minister Amelie Oudea-Castera went for a swim in the Seine on July 13.

The brief but well-publicised dip was intended to demonstrate that the river water would be safe enough for triathlon and open-water swimming events during the Paris Olympic Games which start on July 26.

Oudea-Castera, who prudently wore a wetsuit, was accompanied by Alexis Hanquinquant, the triathlon competitor who will be France’s flag-bearer at the Paralympics on August 28.

Water samples collected on June 16 failed to meet the required health and safety standards but the minister took to the water after city hall indicated the Seine water met required standards for ‘10 or 11 of the last 12 days’. By doing so, Oudea-Castera managed to eclipse Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, who has also pledged to swim in the Seine “if the water quality is good enough.”

Whether or not Hidalgo decides to swim, the Seine water during the Games has been constantly on the organisers’ minds.

The Paris region saw unusually heavy rainfall over the past few weeks and this increased pollution levels after untreated sewage was swept into the river along with rainwater from overburdened storm drains.

Demonstrating that water is safe for swimming.

Dreambeach

DREAMBEACH is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this August with worthy acts such as Andy C, David Guetta and a special closing set from Chase and Status.

For their 10th appearance, Dreambeach will be held in Retamar, El Toyo, located just outside of Almeria City. Previous years saw the festival in Vera.

The festival will run from August 1 to 4.

As with previous years, there is the option to camp onsite, with the Festenet zone offering tents set up and

ready to enter upon arrival. There are four options available; the easy tent, deluxe, bell and emperor.

This year Dreambeach will also be using a cashless system. You will be able to redeem your wristband with your festival ticket, where you can then add funds to purchase in-festival food and drinks. There is a €10 minimum, adding €50 will award you an extra €5 as a bonus. Any surplus left on the wristband can be recovered on the website after the festival. Official buses are also on offer to transport attendees to the festival,

La Ventolera Festival 10th Anniversary

ranging from inside Almeria City and all prominent Almeria towns, to long-distance buses and trains from all around the nation. Dreambeach has affiliate codes to provide discounts for anyone purchasing transport tickets to the festival - which can be found on their website.

There is concern from local residents and businesses about noise levels and rowdiness from attendees, although it is worth remembering security is being implemented by the Local and National Police and Guardia Civil.

THE 15th La Ventolera Festival is taking place in Taberno on July 26 and 27 with tickets costing just €20 plus booking fee to see nine great bands.

There is camping, a special area for kids (those under 10 are admitted free of charge), food trucks, buses from Albox and Huercal-Overa and much more organised by a not for profit group of local music enthusiasts. It starts at 8pm on July 26 and the bands playing that night are The River Band, Ecce Homo and Sergio Soul.

The following day sees the greater number of bands with headliners funk band from Sevilla, O’Funk’illo who mix funk, metal, reggae and flamenco to create their own unique style the five support bands, Awakate, Gata Brass Band, Miguel Company, Sarajevo’84 and Sonido Vegatal all offer a very different sound, but the heart of the event is based on best of Spanish rock.

Artist performing on stage at a previous Dreambeach festival.

Credit: Niza /fb

Harry Sinclair

O’Funk’illo are known for their stage presence.

Credit: O’Funk’illo Facebook

Circus is coming

THE circus is coming to Almeria Province with three free performances in July and early August from two very different groups.

First, I’m coming flying (Volando Vengo) is a 50-minute special pre sented by the Kanbahiota Troupe which will visit the Pago del Lugar Amphi theatre in Adra starting at 10pm on July 25 and then Plaza Nueva Mojacar at 9.30pm on July 28.

This is a mini flying trapeze show, set in the 1920s, as four characters

endeavour to perform on the flying trapeze despite facing a number of set-backs and failures, but all works out in the end. The second show is

entitled Circus Wings presented by the Alas Circo Teatro at C/ Desplantación Paseo Maritimo de Vera on August 2 at 10pm.

The storyline is that when Petite and Susane arrive at an old circus and discover a ring, they are eager to feel the magic of the circus again.

In a hurry and without knowing much about the circus, they decide to put on their own show and will be the main attraction taking the audience back to the original spirit of circus.

Modern dance

ACCORDING to its creators, Clara Reina and Ana Donoso Mora, 361°Grados the first solo show by Proyecto Tránsito doesn’t fit into a single category. They said about this project, “It looks like a circus, but it’s not quite. It looks like dance, but it’s

not quite. It looks like an installation, but it’s not quite. I think it’s a poem.”

de Nadie (No man’s land) performed by the Da.Te Danza will be visiting the Plaza San Francisco in Albox at 10pm on August 1 with entry costing €4. Five dancers tackle an inclusive contemporary dance show aimed at all audiences especially the young as they are taken on a journey about human rights through real stories and in which the stage and the street are treated as protest spaces.

At 10pm, on July 19, performer Clara Reina will be the single artist in this show which will take place in the Plaza Pérgola, C/ Desplantación Paseo Maritimo de Vera. She dazzles with her use of hoops combining dance with acrobatics, colour and music taking her into a giant spherical cage showing that chaos is the natural state of life and so impressive is this combination of artist and director that 361°Grados has already won artistic awards.

Perhaps more recognisable as dance, En Tierra

Intriguingly, one of the five taking part is a migrant with no past dance experience or training and is included as an exercise in moving towards a new inclusive society.

The mystery and beauty of 361°Grados. Circus Wings.

Credit: Alas Circo Teatro

Luis Fonsi

Jessica Sweeting

THE popular Puerto Rican singer, Luis Fonsi will be appearing at the Almeria

He released his first album in 1998 and has been appearing in the USA and Spanish-speaking countries ever since, but what brought him to international fame was the 2017 hit Despacito which was written by Fonsi, Panamanian singer Erika Ender and Da-

It hit number 1 in 47 countries and then a remix by Justin Bieber just sent it soaring once again with the end result being that this reggaeton, Latin single has won numerous awards for Fonsi as a performer and

Since that time he has been touring, and appeared on The Voice as a coach in Chile, Colombia and Spain. With 12 albums and 12 world tours, the singer, songwriter and guitarist has certainly made his distinctive mark in the music world.

80s Extravaganza

THERE will be an 80s Extravaganza in Turre on Sunday August 11 with proceeds from the event being donated to the Vera and District Lions Club.

Star of the evening will be one of the best George Michael acts around, Jay Francis who is based in Tenerife and support act will be Michelle Miles with her 80s show and disco.

Tickets for the event which is being organised by Galeforce Productions is to be held at the Hostal Rural will cost €15 per person.

Guests are invited to dig out their favourite 1980s outfits in order to make this a nostalgic extravaganza to be enjoyed by everyone.

Get your tickets from the Hostal Rural, The Lions Charity Shop in Turre

Tom Jones on stage

LEGENDARY Welsh singer and generationally-known performer Tom Jones continues to maintain his popularity internationally, proving so with his worldwide tour.

Jones is making his way across Spain, performing in Marbella and Murcia in July, but will be taking the stage in Almeria on August 4.

Doors will open at 8.30pm with the performance lasting approximately 90 minutes.

There are tickets available for reduced mobility and all ages are welcome, however, attendees under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

He will be performing his timeless discography of hit songs in the Concert Hall of the Ferial, in Almeria, on Sunday, August 4. Tom Jones has been an icon in pop culture for as many as six decades and his latest tour should not be missed.

Luis Fonsi is a musician and singer.

Sponsored by

Shading shenanigans

CHOOSING the right shade of lipstick based on your skin tone can greatly enhance your overall look. Here’s how to find your perfect match. For fair skin tones, opt for soft pinks, light corals, and peachy nudes. These shades add a delicate pop of colour without overpowering your complexion. For a bolder look, classic reds with blue undertones are flattering. Medium skin tones benefit

from a wide range of shades. Warm pinks, mauves, and berries are excellent choices. For a more dramatic effect, rich reds and deep burgundies complement your skin beautifully.

Olive skin tones look best in earthy colours like warm browns, terracotta, and brick reds. These shades harmonise with the natural warmth of your complexion. Bright colours like coral and oran -

ge-based reds can also be stunning.

Deep skin tones can rock bold, vibrant shades effortlessly. Rich plums, deep berries, and dark reds look striking. For added glam, metallics or bright, vivid colours like fuchsia are perfect. By matching your lipstick to your skin tone, you can enhance your natural beauty and create a harmonious look.

Domestic Zen zone

ENHANCING the energy in your home can have a profound impact on your well-being, fostering a sense of tranquility and positivity. Here are some effective ways to cleanse and uplift your home’s energy:

Decluttering: Clearing out unnecessary items helps to open up the space, allowing energy to flow freely. A decluttered environment reduces stress and promotes mental clarity.

Smudging: Burning sage or palo santo is a traditional method to clear negative energy. The aromatic smoke purifies the air, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.

Salt cleansing: Sprinkling salt in room corners or using salt lamps can absorb negative energies. Salt’s natural purifying properties help to enhance the room’s vibrancy. House plants: Adding plants like lavender or aloe vera not only purifies the air but also brings a touch of nature indoors, promoting a calming effect.

Sound therapy: Using singing bowls, chimes, or playing soothing music can break up stagnant energy. Sound vibrations uplift the home’s atmosphere, fostering harmony. By incorporating these practices, your home becomes a sanctuary of positive energy, reflecting in improved mood, health, and overall well-being.

Pantry eye elixirs Getting grounded

REDUCING dark circles around your eyes can be effectively achieved with simple ingredients from your kitchen cupboard. These natural remedies offer an affordable and convenient way to brighten your eyes.

Start with tea bags, known for their caffeine and antioxidant content. Brew two tea bags, let them cool, and place them over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. The caffeine helps constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness and dark circles.

Cucumbers are another popular remedy. Slice a chilled cucumber and place the slices over your eyes for 10 minutes. Cucumbers have a cooling effect and contain antioxidants that help lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness.

Raw potatoes are also beneficial. Grate a raw potato, extract the juice, and soak cotton pads in it. Place the pads over your eyes for 10 minutes. Potatoes contain natural bleaching agents that can help lighten dark circles.

Lastly, a mixture of honey and almond oil can be effective. Mix equal parts, gently massage around your eyes before bedtime, and leave it overnight. Both ingredients moisturise and can lighten skin over time.

Incorporate these natural remedies into your routine for brighter, healthier looking eyes.

Shutterstock/LightField Studios

GROUNDING exercises are practical techniques de signed to connect you to the present moment, particularly useful during times of anxiety, stress, or dissociation. These exercises work by redirecting focus from distressing thoughts to the immediate physical environment, helping to regain a sense of control and calm.

Grounding works by engaging the five senses or by encouraging mental focus on the here and now. For instance, one common grounding exercise involves identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This sensory awareness helps to anchor the mind in the present.

promoting mindfulness and relaxation.

Another effective technique focuses on naming things you observe around you, this shifts the brain away from stressors,

Simple physical activities like walking barefoot on grass, holding an ice cube, or rhythmic breathing can also serve as grounding exercises. These practices are beneficial for managing anxiety, enhancing mindfulness, and fostering emotional stability, making them valuable tools for mental well-being.

Pore perfection

SKINCARE mistakes can inadvertently lead to spots, a common and often frustrating breakout. One major mistake is over-cleansing. While it might seem logical to wash your face frequently to remove oil, doing so can strip your skin of its natural oils, prompting your skin to produce even more oil, which can clog pores.

Using the wrong products is another frequent error. Products that are not non-comedogenic (formulated to not clog pores) can cause breakouts. Similarly, using harsh exfoliants can irritate the skin, leading to increased oil production and spots.

Skipping moisturiser is a mistake even those with oily skin should avoid. Depriving your skin of moisture can cause it to overcompensate by producing more oil. Additionally, not removing make-up before bed can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Finally, touching your face frequently transfers dirt and bacteria from your hands to your face, leading to spots. Proper skincare routines, tailored to your specific skin type, are essential to maintain clear, healthy skin.

SWEDISH researchers at the Umeå University argue that there’s not enough evidence proving benefits of sunscreens.

One of the most increasing forms of cancer in Sweden, skin cancer is linked to sun exposure and many believe in the use of sunscreens for guaranteed protection.

According to the Radiation Safety Authority, applying sunscreen provides protection from the sun, yet researchers at Umeå University are doubting the results. “The scientific support

Shampoo free style

CO-WASHING, or conditioner washing, is a hair care method where you wash your hair using only conditioner instead of shampoo. This technique is popular among individuals with curly, dry, or textured hair types as it helps maintain moisture and reduces frizz.

The main advantage of co-washing is that it gently cleanses the hair wi thout stripping away natural oils. Traditional shampoos can often be harsh, lea ding to dryness and damage, especially for curly or chemi cally-treated hair. By using a conditio ner, co-washing can lea ve hair feeling softer, more

Sunscreen use

that sunscreen protects against skin cancer is weak. Therefore, one should be careful in recommending it as a protection,” said Bengt Järvholm, a senior physician and professor at Umeå.

He linked his doubt to the increase in skin cancer in Sweden, despite the rising use of sunscreen. “It cannot be explained by an increased frequency of reporting to the cancer

hydrated, and manageable. It can also enhance curl definition and reduce tangling. However, there are some drawbacks. Co-washing might not thoroughly cleanse the scalp, potentially leading to product buildup, dandruff, or an itchy scalp. This method may not be suitable for those with fine or oily hair, as it can weigh the hair down and make it appear greasy.

To achieve the best results, it’s essential to choose a lightweight, silicone-free conditioner and periodically use a clarifying shampoo to prevent buildup. Co-washing can be a beneficial addition to a hair care routine when used appropriately.

registry as the mortality rate in malignant mela noma is also increasing,” stated Järvholm. The risks associated with using sunscreen are not known and have not been scienti fically established. “Some substances pass through the skin, which can be measured by studying the pre sence of the substances or their breakdown products in urine. The risks of this are not fully known,” he said.

Credit: Mikhail Nilov, Pexels

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Volunteering kindness

Donna Williams AS President of Samaritans in Spain, I was honoured to participate in the Befrienders Worldwide Conference 2024, held in Columbo, Sri Lanka. The roots of Befrienders Worldwide can be traced back to Samaritans UK, which established Befrienders International, a crucial platform for coordinating ‘befriending’ agencies in over 40 countries.

Along with myself, delegates from across the globe came together to discuss the very prevalent issues of mental and emotional well-being that can affect anyone at any time and, in some cases, even lead to suicide.

The Inauguration Ceremony was a truly cultural occasion, with male and female dancers in traditional costumes and the lighting of the symbolic tree. This ensured that light shone upon us as we came together to learn from each other and forge new connections.

Aside from attending as a delegate, I was privileged to be chosen as

one of the speakers. I was able to share a little more about Samaritans in Spain and how we work and speak on a new initiative we have undertaken. Thanks to a collaboration with the Santiago Embassy of Chile, we can now provide our services to English speakers residing in Chile. Before this, they had nowhere to turn to besides the Embassy, which felt ill-equipped to handle such delicate matters.

During my time at the conference, I heard from renowned professors specialising in suicidology and learnt just how truly important ‘active listening’ is as a suicide prevention tool. I was humbled by the extreme situations and personal trauma that some of the organisations were responding to with kindness and emotional support daily. I met a tenacious lady in her 80s from an organisation in Sri Lanka who introduced online training when the pandemic prevented her from carrying out face-to-face. She described how she didn’t really

understand the online world and turned to her grandchildren to assist her in what she believed was possible. I also heard from an organisation located in Lebanon that has been developing an evaluation tool to measure the effectiveness of their presence.

Each workshop I attended brought new ideas, discoveries, and ways of doing things. Not everything was agreed upon, but healthy debates and discussions ensued, bringing us all ever closer. Something truly magical happens when like-minded people come together, and all egos are put to one side. It made no difference the role we played in our organisation; we all had an equal voice, which I found to be truly inspiring.

During the conference, the Welsh term ‘cynefin’ (pronounced kuh-nevin) was used to describe us as a community, and I couldn’t agree more.

To find out more about Samaritans in Spain, visit www.samaritansinspain. com

President, Samaritans in Spain (centre) with other delegates showing ‘love’ Malaysia style.

INTERVIEW

Speaking European –Juul van Noort

Juul spent four months thinking about Spain; is it the right place to move to? Is it the right time?

SHE and her husband planned to buy a house in Spain, only to stay during the winter but after Juul’s husband lit up with the idea of moving completely, the cou ple reconsidered their life in the Netherlands.

Juul finally gave in; she quit her job and moved to Alcalali, where the couple purchased a beautiful home. “You have to follow your heart,” she said. “If you’re hesitating, stay in Spain for a month or two and you’ll know.”

mediately felt “at home.”

“Life in Spain is much easier,” she shared. Juul loves the country for its climate, which is “the best in Europe.”

She shared that in Spain, it became “easier to be healthy.”

Now, she spends her days with nature and sports, mindful and at peace.

Spanish Stone Age Sandals

CURIOUS about the origins of your espadrilles? The earliest known version of these iconic sandals dates back a staggering 4,000 years, or so we thought. But recent discoveries have pushed that timeline even further, revealing sandals woven from grass believed to be 6,000 years old. These ancient artefacts were unearthed in a bat cave in Andalucia, preserved remarkably well by the cave’s low humidity, despite being plundered by miners in the 19th century.

Among the trove weren’t just sandals, but also baskets and an array of tools. Experts claim that this collection represents the oldest and best-preserved set of plant fibre artefacts in southern Europe, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of prehistoric societies.

Advanced dating techniques have revealed that this cache actually dates back 9,000 years.

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

covered in an Armenian cave in 2008.

The site of this extraordinary find is La Cueva de los Murciélagos, or Cave of the Bats, first explored in 1831 by a landowner in pursuit of, err, bat droppings for fertiliser. Subsequently, miners stumbled upon a chamber containing mummified remains, baskets, wooden implements and even a unique gold diadem, adding layers of intrigue to this ancient trove. Ancient wisdom, modern lessons - who says history is boring?

But even after moving away from the Netherlands, Juul continued to make Dutch friends in Spain and im-

“Moving to Spain has had a bigger impact on my mental health than I anticipated. It’s so peaceful. It’s quiet on the roads, quiet in the mind; it’s a much healthier and happier way to live.”

The sandals themselves, crafted from various grasses along with leather and lime, hail from the Neolithic era, predating even the 5,500-year-old leather shoes dis -

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

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

Juul van Noort

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Torremolinos Pride

LGBTI Congress of Andalucia, at an event hosted in Torremolinos, recognises Andalucia as a model province not only in Spain but worldwide. Torremolinos played host to the fourth iteration of the congressional meeting held on June 12, however, the town received the distinction on July 9.

Minister of Social Inclusion, Youth, Families, and Equality, Loles López inaugurated the event and announced a new distinction that will be given to spaces deemed to be free from LGBTIphobia. To receive that recognition, LGBTI people in the area will be able to recommend both public and private institutions.

The group has over 300 members, made up very evenly of men and women and largely of an age range between 25 and 45. The event saw several roundtable discussions led by experts including Andalucian government lawyer Olvido Valdes, who gave a talk on the challenges and threats towards the LGBTI community.

Axarquia

Coastal connection

THE Granada Provincial Council has announced an investment of over €6 million to extend the Senda Litoral (coastal path) to Cabo de Gata through Granada. This initiative will cover more than 80 kilometres of the Costa Tropical, complementing the work already done along the Costa del Sol and the Almeria coast. The project will connect 18 towns from Nerja to Almuñecar and further to Almeria.

Granada’s regional government aims to link the existing trails between Manilva and Malaga’s Axarquia region with those in Almeria, reaching the scenic Cabo de Gata. The nearly completed Senda Litoral-GR91 E12 spans over 200 kilometres and is accessible for walking and cycling, though some areas restrict bikes.

Recent projects, like the pedestrian bridge over the Granadillas stream in Rincon de la Victoria, highlight the environmental and public space benefits of the Senda Litoral, which is now 90 per cent complete in Malaga.

Mallorca ‘Have Fun with Respect’

CALVIA and Consell de Mallorca are joining forces to promote responsible tourism with the launch of their new campaign, ‘Have Fun with Respect’.

The campaign will have a high profile throughout Calvia. Social media will also play a key role in spreading the message, ensuring broad reach among tourists and residents.

“Responsible tourism is more than just a goal, it’s the future we’re building to guarantee positive experiences for both tourists and residents,” stated Jose Marcial Rodríguez Díaz, Minister of Tourism for Consell de Mallorca, during the campaign’s launch.

“Raising awareness about the importance of civil behaviour is essential for fostering coexistence and mutual respect.”

Calvia’s mayor, Juan Antonio Amengual, said - “Calvia is a safe and high-quality leisure destination. Civility and responsibility from both tourists and residents are fundamental in maintaining that reputation.”

Costa Blanca North Benidorm United

IN Spain’s ‘Little England’, more than 4,000 people from the two countries united to watch the Euro Cup final on Sunday July 14. Benidorm showed a live screening of the match at the Julio Iglesias auditorium, which reached its 4,000 people capacity.

Home to more than 3,000 English residents and even more visitors, an event as significant as the Euro Cup was anticipated in Benidorm with concern for a conflict.

The mayor of Benidorm, Toni Perez collaborated with Local and National Police, setting up drones across the city and prohibiting the sale of alcohol in glass containers a few hours before the finals.

Anyone who has been to Benidorm knows the city is never calm; a place that feels like an all-yearround holiday and unites such diverse nationalities.

For the English living in Benidorm, being in Spain comes with a love for the country and despite losses, the majority spent a night in celebration of sports, friendships and global achievements.

Costa Blanca South Soaring stats

THE Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport has set a new record, closing June with 1,772,559 passengers, the highest number ever achieved in a single month. This surpasses the previous record set in May by 1.32 per cent and marks a 17.7 per cent increase compared to June 2023.

International travellers make up the majority, with 1,532,755 passengers, reflecting a 16.8 per cent increase. National traffic also saw a significant rise, with 237,528 passengers, a 24 per cent increase from the previous year. Among international travellers, the United Kingdom contributed the most with 612,123 passengers, followed by the Netherlands (103,953), Germany (103,131), Belgium (85,689), and France (81,876). For the first half of the year, the airport managed a total of 8,341,151 passengers, 17.9 per cent more than the same period in 2023. The total number of flights operated between January and June was 52,801, a 15.2 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Costa Calida Boutique hotel

CABO DE PALOS introduces a new boutique hotel this summer, the Cetina Cabo de Palos Puerto, adding to its hospitality options. Situated centrally on Calle Tintero, this three-star hotel spans two floors and offers 45 rooms. Owned by a real estate company linked to Marnys, led by José Martínez Nieto, it will be managed by the Murcian chain Cetina.

The hotel features a terrace with panoramic views of the town and coastline, along with a cocktail service and a Jacuzzi for guests. Its restaurant, Amura, specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, offering both tapas and formal dining.

Established eight years ago in Murcia, Cetina has converted several historic properties into boutique hotels across Spain, including locations in Sevilla, Segovia, and soon in Cordoba.

This addition reflects Cabo de Palos’ ongoing growth in tourism, providing 45 new rooms and upscale amenities aimed at environmentally conscious travellers seeking high-quality experiences.

Incredible villa with swimming pool and large plot

WELCOME to your new home in Los Gibaos, Almeria! This stunning detached villa, located just minutes from Huercal-Overa, offers a perfect combination of modern comfort and rustic charm. With an extensive plot of 34,200 m² and a construction of 295 m², this property is ideal for those seeking space, tranquillity and luxury.

Main features:

Bedrooms: four spacious bedrooms, perfect for large families or entertaining guests.

Bathrooms: three full bathrooms, designed with style and functionality.

Distribution on two floors: The house is distributed over two floors, providing a spacious and comfortable flow. The property has a main living area and a guest area with a separate kitchen, so that you can receive your guests and provide them with privacy and comfort.

Private Pool: Enjoy your own private pool, ideal for relaxing and cooling off

during the hot summer days.

Sustainable Energy: Equipped with solar panels and batteries, this villa is an environmentally friendly and energy efficient option.

Extensive Land: With 34,200 m²

What a nutty situation

THE world is now officially totally bonkers. I don’t know what’s happening any more. The years are flying past.

Things that were considered pretty bad by police are now not worthy of even being reported. Shoplifting used to be a proper crime. I remember when I was a kid the police would be called if someone nicked a chocolate bar. Now I read that in America one big store group is removing shopping trolleys to deter the thieves coming in, filling them up and just walking out with them not even being challenged by security. The police won’t even attend unless it’s over a certain amount. How nuts is this situation?

To add insult to injury another clue these pieces of filth have found is that some of these stores have a no quibble refund guarantee (what is a quibble?). So they take the stuff they nicked back to other branches of the same store and get refunded!!! It’s like the Wild West out there. My friends that still have shops in the UK have confirmed that it’s a massive problem. I

know the woke brigade will get their undies in a twist, but it’s mostly very well organised groups of Eastern Europeanssorry but it’s a fact. The UK police do not know what to do. They seem to be protecting all the wrong people for fear of being called racist by all the do-gooders.

Interesting to see UK MPs taking their oath in Punjabi, and other languages, or not taking it at all because they don’t believe in a monarchy. Only in the UK - it’s a joke. I’ve no problem with any race or religion being a UK MP but at least respect the official language of the country you live in. OK enough of that.

Why do people think they know what dead people would like? How many times have I heard people say when making a ridiculous decision, ‘It’s what he would have wanted’. I want to say, I knew them better than you and they would have hated it. My advice is if you are in that position do what you think is best not what someone else tells you what the deceased would have liked.

Did you know that the baby in Three Men and a Baby is 40 years old now? Feeling old? My cloud storage for all my photos used to be an old biscuit tin!

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

of land, the possibilities are endless. Perfect for gardening, outdoor activities or even agricultural projects.

Furnished: The property is sold furnished, ready for you and your family to move in without additional worries.

Storage room: Additional storage space to keep your home organised and clutter free.

This detached villa in Los Gibaos offers not only a home, but a lifestyle. Surrounded by nature and with all modern conveniences, it is a unique opportunity to live in a peaceful environment without giving up the proximity to Huercal-Overa and its amenities.

Huercal-Overa is 25 minutes from the beach, a town with many amenities and local district hospitals, shops, bars and restaurants, all within a short drive, with a lovely microclimate, a place where the sun shines almost all year round, with good temperatures. Stunning scenery, mountains contrasting with the green fields.

Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase this gem of a property, contact us today for more information and to arrange a viewing! Call now on 950 466 112 to arrange your visit!

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

Our house-sitters are pet lovers who’ll care for your pets

THERE is nothing better than being able to go on holiday knowing your pets are in good hands, being cared for at home by real pet lovers who will cherish them as you would. Lamia and Chloe are mother and daughter who love travelling and pet-sitting together to discover new locations. They find it’s a great way to travel.

By joining a house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch we facilitate an old-fashioned barter exchange where a pet owner provides the pet-sitter with free accommodation and the sitter cares for the pets and property with due care and attention, just like old

fashioned barter. Plus HouseSitMatch Saves Money because the Pet-sitting is Free!

If you use HouseSit Match.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 SafeAll Members Are Checked

All members are checked for safety, you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

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

Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a winwin, 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.

nes 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.

Trustpilot Testimonials4.9 / 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

With 25 years experience in transporting pets, from collection to delivery your pet’s comfort and safety is of

Your pets stay at homeSafe and Undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routi-

Lamia and Chloe love dogs, and they love housesitting too!

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

PETS

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)

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)

Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

Unpaid traffic fines

FAILING to pay traffic fines in Spain can lead to a series of escalating consequences, impacting both your financial situation and legal standing. Here’s what you can expect if you neglect to settle your fines:

When you receive a traffic fine, you typically have 20 days to pay it. If you pay within this period, you often benefit from a 50 per cent reduction. Ignoring this opportunity leads to the full fine amount becoming due.

If you fail to pay within the initial period, the fine amount doubles. Continued non-payment can result in additional penalties and interest being added.

The Spanish authorities can initiate a formal debt collection process. This may include seizing your wages, freezing your bank accounts, or seizing assets to recover the owed amount.

In severe cases, especially if you have accumulated multiple unpaid fines, your vehicle could be impounded. Retrieving your vehicle would then require paying all outstanding fines plus any impoundment fees.

Persistent non-payment can lead to legal proceedings. This might result in court appearances and further legal costs, adding to your financial burden.

Unpaid fines can affect your ability to renew your driving licence or other official documents. It can also create complications if you plan to travel or move within the European Union.

Paying traffic fines promptly is crucial to avoid these consequences and maintain your financial stability.

Brad Pitt’s New F1 Movie

HOLLYWOOD superstar Brad Pitt is set to make a thrilling return to the big screen with a new Formula 1 movie, scheduled for release in 2025. This highly anticipated film promises to blend high-octa ne racing action with compelling storytelling, capturing the intense world of Formula 1.

While specific plot details re main under wraps, the movie is expected to follow the journey of an ageing Formula 1 driver, pla yed by Pitt, who mentors a young, up-and-coming racer. The film will delve into the personal and profes sional challenges faced by drivers in the high-stakes world of For mula 1, showcasing the intense rivalries, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of speed and perfection.

The project boasts an impressive lineup of talent. Acclaimed director Joseph Ko sinski, known for his work on ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, is set to helm the movie. The screenplay is being penned by Ehren Kru-

ger, adding to the excitement with his knack for creating gripping narratives. The film is also being produced in collaboration with

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the sport.

The movie will feature real-life racing sequences, shot at actual Formula 1 events, adding a layer of authenticity rarely seen in sports films. Brad Pitt has reportedly undergone rigorous training to prepare for his role, including sessions with professional drivers to master the intricacies of Formula 1 racing.

Fans of both Brad Pitt and Formula 1 are eagerly awaiting this film, which promises to deliver a unique blend of drama, action, and the exhilarating world of motorsport. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what is expected to be a blockbuster hit.

With its star-studded cast and production team, Brad Pitt’s new Formula 1 movie is poised to be a cinematic thrill ride that will captivate audiences worldwide.

Renault’s focus on EVs

RENAULT is shifting gears towards sporty electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a strategic move to boost profitability. The French automaker, known for its diverse range of affordable cars, is now focusing on the high-performance EV market, aiming to cap ture the interest of enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike.

Renault’s CEO, Luca de Meo, has outlined an ambitious plan to introduce a series of sporty EV models that combine the thrill of high-speed driving with sustainable technology. This pivot comes as the global automotive industry experiences a significant shift towards electric mobility, driven by stricter emission regulations and growing environmental awareness among consumers.

The company’s new EV lineup will include performance-oriented models designed to compete with established players in the electric sports car segment. These vehicles will feature advanced battery technology, impressive acceleration, and sleek

designs, reflecting Renault’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. By entering the sporty EV market, Renault aims to attract a new demographic of customers willing to pay a premium for performance and style. This move is expected to enhance the brand’s image and profitability, positioning Renault as a leader in the evolving automotive landscape.

Renault’s investment in sporty EVs represents a strategic effort to diversify its product portfolio and capitalise on the growing demand for electric vehicles.

As the company accelerates its transition to electric mobility, it remains committed to delivering high-quality, exciting, and environmentally friendly cars to its customers.

Photocredit Shutterstock/Jay Hirano Photography

ROAD

TEST

By Mark Slack

THE All-New Dacia Spring, at £14,995, is the UK’s most affordable new electric car by a margin of thou sands of pounds. I exclude the much cheaper Citroen Ami as it’s left hand drive, and not really a car, more a mo torised quadracycle.

Dacia have a good track record of bringing very affordable cars to mar ket and in the process leaving the competition behind in whiche ver sector they choose. The Spring could be the EV that brings electric cars to the motoring masses. Well on price certainly, but will buyers take to it because it’s not without its issues.

There are two versions, the lead-in Expression and more upmarket Extreme at £16,995. Standard fare inclu des air conditioning, rear par king sensors, power front windows and a rear wiper. Not something you find on every EV! The higher trim Extreme version adds front parking sensors and a rear parking camera, allround power windows, tyre pressure monitoring and power door mirrors. Both cars drive the front wheels with the lead-in model at 45hp not

New Dacia Spring rewrites the EV rulebook, but it’s not without issues

suspect it could struggle on busy A roads. The higher powered 65 hp version would obviously fare better on faster, less urban roads. However the potential issues don’t end there as the driving range is quoted as just 140 miles, which in real world driving will be less than this stated figure depending upon conditions and type of driving. Dacia claim the Spring will run for six days of average urban driving without charging.

being exactly fast. The benchmark 62 mph takes an astonishing 19.1 seconds and the top speed is 78 mph. Even the more powerful 65hp takes 13.7 seconds, although Dacia claim a more appropriate time is the 0 to 31mph at 5.8 seconds and 3.9 seconds respectively.

Dacia say the car, especially the lead-in version, is aimed more at urban motorists, but this misses the point that even at such a competitive price this is an expensive city runabout. Take it on a longer run and I

If you can live with the limited range, and even more limited performance, then the Spring is another impressive model from Dacia. Yes it might be cheap and cheerful, it might have limited range and it certainly isn’t quick. However, it looks the part of the stylish mini off-roader, is without doubt the most affordable EV and over time Dacia will improve it as they have with all their models.

DACIA SPRING: Without doubt the most affordable EV.

Beckham praises Yamal

DAVID BECKHAM, has expressed his admiration for Spain’s youngest player, Lamine Yamal. “There needs to be an ID check,” Beckham joked. “Because what we’re seeing on the pitch is a player who looks 25 with the maturity of a seasoned veteran.”

Yamal’s composure and technical brilliance have captivated audiences worldwide. Bec kham highlighted the teenager’s cool demeanour, contrasting it with the pressure most young players experience.

“He plays with such joy, you’d think he’s just having a kickabout with friends,” Beckham said. “This is a kid who’s already played Champions League, La Liga, and now the Euros! It’s mind-boggling.”

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star believes the world might not be prepared for a peak Lamine Yamal. “What he’s doing at 16 is simply unbelievable,” Beckham concluded.

“Football has a gem on its hands, no

Southgate quits

DESPITE getting to the European Cup Finals, Gareth Southgate has decided to quit as England Manager, and the process for appointing his successor is already underway.

In discussing his resignation, he said, “As a proud English man, it has been the honour of my life to play for and manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change and for a new chapter.”

The 53-year-old led the England team to a World Cup semi-final and two Euro finals. In fact, he boasts a better win rate than even Sir Alf Ramsey, who led England to World Cup victory in 1966. His record of 64 wins out of 102 matches is surpassed only by Fa bio Capello, who was in charge of England between 2008 and Assistant boss Steve Holland will also be stepping down. In response to the resignations, Mark Bullin gham, Chief Executive of the FA, said, “Over the last eight years, they have transformed the England

Alcaraz doubles up

CARLOS ALCARAZ defeats Djokovic in second consecutive Wimbledon final.

The third-ranked 21-yearold Spanish phenom defeated world second-ranked Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-2. 6-2, 7-6.

Alcaraz has been red hot this summer, in June he defeated German Alexander Zverev in five sets to win his first French Open, and now in July, he has kept that momentum.

With this 2024 Wimbledon victory, Alcaraz now holds a French Open title, two Wimbledon titles, and a US Open title in 2022, rapid results from the Spaniard who only played in his first ATP major tournament at 2020’s Rio Open.

This final matchup was a rematch of Wimbledon’s 2023 final, a much closer, five-set match lasting just shy

of five hours. Alcaraz this time around looked to have composure far beyond his years, coming out of the match firing on all cylinders and establishing a two-set lead. Despite having been put on his heels early, the 24-time Grand Slam winner, Djokovic started asking questions, establishing a 4-2 game lead in the third set.

Alcaraz again displayed his uncanny composure, stopping Djokovic’s momentum by tying the match 4-4. Despite having four prior match points Alcaraz couldn’t seal the match, and when Djokovic forced a tiebreak, it would be easy to begin to doubt oneself. Djokovic came into the match having been unbeaten in his last 14 tiebreaks, and losing the set could have thrown the momentum back in the Serbian’s favour.

Alcaraz won the tiebreak by the slimmest of margins, beating the 24-time champion 7-4 in the tiebreak. Dropping his racket in celebration before the pair embraced at centre court. In the post-game interview, Alcaraz spoke about accomplishing this dream.

“I said in an interview when I was 11-12 years old and I said that my dream is to win Wimbledon,” said Alcaraz “I’m repeating my dream, and it’s a wonderful feeling.”

Alcaraz’s dream summer doesn’t end here however, he will be looking forward to Paris 2024, where he will be playing doubles to represent his country with his idol, Rafael Nadal. After the pairing was announced, Alcaraz was all smiles at the press conference. “I feel really, really happy to be able to play doubles with Rafa.”

ttable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions. We look back at Gareth’s tenure

When asked about succession plans, he would not be drawn on any names, simply stating, “We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until

Future plans

THE 39-year-old celebrated footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is greatly debated; both Ronaldo and his circle hint that he will not stop any time soon.

Former Romanian footballer, Adrian Mutu, recently stated to the Press that Ronaldo has a goal he is chasing and won’t stop playing until it is achieved; “He has a goal before he retires. He wants to play an official match with his son and that’s why he doesn’t stop. It’s his true motivation.”

Ronaldo’s son, 14-year-old, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, is currently part of the youth ranks of Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Mutu stated about Al-Nassr; “With Al-Nassr it’s possible. Whether he ends up at another team, I don’t know. With Real Madrid it would be more difficult. Playing for a season, I don’t think its impossible.”

Ronaldo previously confirmed that this year’s European Championship would be his last, but he dropped a hint that he is expecting to be a part of the

squad, aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo shared on social media; “We wanted more. We deserved more. I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together.”

Gareth Southgate celebrates winning 2024 Euro semi-final.

David Beckham is in awe of young star, Yamal.

Cristiano Ronaldo.

Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo, Facebook

Credit: Wimbledon Twitter account (@Wimbledon)

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