Costa Blanca South 18 – 24 July 2024 Issue 2037

Alicante Airport soaring high

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).

In terms of flights, the airport handled 10,953 movements in June, the highest ever for the month, and a 15.9 per cent increase from June 2023.

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 Blanca South • Issue No. 2037 • 18 - 24 July 2024 FREE

GRATIS GRATIS

Setting new records.

Image: Gorodenkoff /

Sky-high ambitions

THE Minister of Tourism for the Valencian Community, Nuria Montes, has reiterated the urgent need to “accelerate and get to work now to expand the airport facilities of the Valencian Community as soon as possible, so necessary to continue growing.”

The minister emphasised that the recent figures published by Aena support the request for new runways at both the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport and Valencia airport.

Both infrastructures recorded the highest passenger arrivals in their history during June.

According to the minister, these figures necessitate improvements to the capacity of the Alicante airport and its terminals, as well as the planned infrastructure project for Valencia airport.

The goal is to respond to the growth trend and prevent both airports from becoming saturated. She has called on the central government to address the expansions planned by Aena and to expedite the tendering of studies for these expansions in the short term.

Nura Montes held a recent meeting with Aena to discuss the expansion of Alicante-Elche Airport.

During this meeting, she informed Aena officials that the Valencian government remains committed to the construction of a second runway in the medium term.

Image: Aena

Airport facilities are to continue growing.

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

Hospitality hot-streak

HOTELS in Elche are experiencing strong growth, with occupancy rates and prices rising compared to last year.

Over 90 per cent of hotel beds were occupied in June, specifically 90.3 per cent, which is 1.1 percentage points higher than the same month in 2023.

Although this doesn’t surpass May’s exceptional figure, which was 0.9 points higher, it shows a positive trend throughout 2024.

Green Flag quest

The Association of Tourism Companies of Elche (AETE) confirms this steady improvement every month.

Profitability is also on the rise, with the average room price reaching

€87.73, up by €11.01 from June 2023 and €6.33 higher than May’s rate.

Increasing average rates is a key goal for Elche tourism, and these gains help narrow the price gap with nearby destinations.

shments, will compete against 40 other municipalities in Valencia to maintain its Green Flag status for sustainability.

Hotels are nearly full on weekends in almost all AETE member establishments.

Professional and sporting events also boost occupancy rates at other times.

Nationally, tourism remains strong.

ORIHUELA Council, represented by the councillor for Street Cleaning Rocío Ortuño, has announced its participation in the Ecovidrio campaign for another year.

The objective is to achieve the Green Flag for the municipality’s hospitality sustainability.

This initiative during the summer season recognises the efforts of local councils and hoteliers in promoting glass recycling and their dedication to sustainable development.

Orihuela, along with over 113 establi-

Councillor Rocío Ortuño emphasised the challenge ahead, stating, “We aim to collaborate with this campaign to demonstrate our capability in correctly recycling glass, thereby contributing to a more sustainable municipality.”

She also expressed gratitude to the hoteliers for their crucial role in promoting glass recycling and their continued participation in the campaign.

Rattling Vega Baja

ON Monday morning, July 15, an earthquake originating southeast of Murcia, rattled the Vega Baja region.

The National Institute of Geography (ING) registered the quake at 09.45am, measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale. It occurred at a depth of six kilometres with an intensity level of III. The seismic waves extended to nearby towns in the region, including Orihuela, Callosa de Segura, Torrevieja, Bigastro, and Pilar de la Horadada, impacting residents across these areas.

Ecovidrio campaign.

Riding the rails

PRIVATE operators have captured nearly a third of passengers travelling by train between Alicante and Madrid, according to a recent report by the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC).

In the first quarter of 2024, Ouigo and Iryo services together held a 30.1 per cent market share on this route.

Ouigo Spain led with a significant 26.4 per cent share, while Ilsa, operating Iryo trains, held a mo-

dest 3.7 per cent, notable given its recent launch a year ago.

There has been an increase in passenger numbers which highlights the impact of liberalisation on train travel between Alicante and Madrid.

With over 820,000 passengers in the first quarter of 2024, a new record for the year is anticipated.

Pricing has played a crucial role in this growth.

The cost of a basic ticket on the Alicante-Madrid route had decreased by

27.6 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2023 when there was no competition.

The average ticket price in the first quarter of 2024 was €36.

Avlo tickets were the cheapest, averaging €21.98, closely followed by Ouigo at €23.20, indicating strong competition between these operators and Renfe.

Iryo tickets averaged €29.17, while AVE tickets remained the most expensive at €42.47.

Coastal sting

DURING summer, alerts are soun ding along the Spanish coasts due to an increase in jellyfish populations.

These creatures are often percei ved as bothersome due to the toxins in their tentacles.

According to Marta Martín-Borre gón from Greenpeace’s Oceans and Fishing Campaign, climate change and rising sea temperatures, cou pled with reduced predator num bers from overfishing and organic pollution, create an ideal environ ment for jellyfish proliferation.

If stung by a jellyfish, it’s impor tant to manage the discomfort and irritation with immediate care.

Symptoms typically include pain, red marks, itching, numb ness, or tingling sensations.

The sting itself is often described as sharp, burning, stinging, or tingling, with pain that may radiate outward from the affected area on the arm, leg, or torso.

You might notice tentacle impressions on the skin, appearing as red, brown, or purple track marks, with the surrounding area possibly turning pink, red, or purple.

If you are stung, first, rinse the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) to prevent further activation of the jellyfish’s stinging cells (nematocysts).

Next, carefully remove any remaining tentacles or spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card.

Then, soak the affected area in very warm water (not scalding hot) for at least 30 minutes.

These steps can help manage the discomfort and promote healing after a jellyfish sting.

If severe symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly.

Warning against jellyfish.

TRAIN TRAVEL: Passenger numbers have been increasing.

Enchanting muses Torre champ

THE international group exhibition ‘The Enchanting Muses’ can be visited until September 10 at the Museum of the Sea.

The exhibition showcases how contemporary artists have evolved the inspiring figure of the Muse.

This free exhibition at the Castle Fortress of Santa Pola features 24 artists from various countries.

Historically, many masters have identified their muse as a physical person, often a woman.

In ancient Greece, the Muses were the daughters of Zeus, each representing a diffe

rent aspect of the arts and culture, such as music, tragedy, poetry, and dance.

These nine sisters were believed to inspire great feats, which were passed down through generations. Mount Parnassus is traditionally associated with these Muses.

The Muses include Calliope (epic poetry), Clio (history), Euterpe (lyric poetry), Erato (choral and love poetry), Melpomene (tragedy), Polyhymnia (religious hymns and oratory), Thalia (comedy), Terpsichore (dance), and Urania (astronomy). Their

role was to inspire artists, poets, and musicians.

‘The Enchanting Muses’ exhibition at the Museum of the Sea in Santa Pola illustrates how contemporary artists interpret the Muse’s figure.

The artwork reflects contemporary themes with vibrant colours and compositions, emphasising the complexities of today’s world.

Each ancient Muse was identified by specific symbols, which now take on new meanings.

Clothing and other elements become symbols of significant contemporary claims.

LEONOR ROMERO CARRILERO, representing the Real Club Náutico Torrevieja in the European Youth Europe class, has achieved a remarkable ninth place overall at the competition in Belgium, competing against 46 athletes from across Europe.

She also ranked fourth among the Spanish competitors, maintaining a position in the Top Ten throughout the event.

Her consistency over the week was a key factor in her success, despite the long and challenging competition.

The championship saw varied weather conditions, with sailors facing everything

from strong winds and big waves to medium winds and days with little wind.

Ana Monsalvo commented on the event, saying, “The championship has been very varied, but Leonor has known how to deal with it, having a very regular championship, defending herself very well, with notable regularity.”

Leonor will now take a few days to rest and then prepare for her next challenge, the Junior World Cup in Finland, which will take place from Monday July 22 to August 3, where she is also qualified to compete.

Inspiring figures.

Image: Museo del Mar

Image: Real Club Náutico Torrevieja

A remarkable ninth place winner.

Toll trouble Celebrating truckers

ORIHUELA Council has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Transport for continuously ignoring the longstanding requests of residents and visitors to make the AP-7 toll-free, particularly the section between Los Montesinos and Villamartin-La Zenia.

This frustration comes following the news that the ministry has implemented a temporary 100 per cent toll discount on the AP-7’s Alicante Ring Road, El Campello-Monforte section, from July 16 to October 15.

Councillor for Infrastructure, Víctor Valverde, emphasised that the request for toll-free access on the AP-7 has been made on two previous occasions.

Valverde pointed out that the underused highway section, with an Average Daily Intensity (ADI) of 6,000 vehicles per day and 7.5 per cent heavy traffic, remains largely unused due to the high toll fees, which exceed €9 for a 7 km route during high season.

In contrast, the Villamartin toll section of the AP-7, with an ADI of

21,000 vehicles, is heavily used for coastal travel.

ON Saturday, July 20, Sax will honour San Cristóbal, Saint Christopher, the patron saint revered by travellers and especially lorry drivers.

The celebration begins at 5.00pm at Parque de los Principes, where lorries and trucks will gather before parading through town. At 7.45pm the procession will culminate on the Gran Via, where vehicles of all sizes, including American trucks, will receive blessings.

Saint Christopher is widely venerated in Spain and it is customary for vehicles of all kinds to bear his image, often depicted alongside the Child Jesus.

Saint Christopher’s life, shrouded in legend, is said to have unfolded in the third century in Asia Minor.

He was initially known as Reprobus and earned his living ferrying people across a river for payment.

Legend has it that Reprobus sought to serve the greatest king, but upon realising the king feared the devil, he decided to serve the devil instead.

The CV-95 highway experiences similar delays near Torrevieja, which could be alleviated by removing the toll on the AP-7.

Valverde also highlighted that the N-332 highway, running from Orihuela beaches to Torrevieja, is consistently congested year-round, with summer traffic jams extending for kilometres and an Average Daily Intensity (IMD) exceeding 40,000 vehicles.

However, on his journey, he encountered Christ, whom the devil feared, prompting Reprobus to change course and serve Christ instead.

He dedicated himself to helping others cross the treacherous river, seeing it as his way of serving Christ.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Traffic jams are problematic during the summer months.

SANTA POLA’S Festival Department has announced the revival of the decorated streets contest during the Moors and Chris -

Stylish streets Ocean Race

tians celebrations and in honour of the Virgin of Loreto.

Residents interested in closing their streets for the event, whether

they wish to compete or not, can submit their applications by July 31.

The recently published rules for the contest outline the participation criteria for the patron saint festivities honouring the Virgin of Loreto 2024.

The contest is open to all residents of the municipality, with the decoration style and theme being free.

However, decorations that include referen -

THE Ocean Race Museum, located at Levante Pier No.10 in the Port of Alicante, stands as the world’s only museum dedicated to The Ocean Race, the toughest sailing competition globally.

This interactive space covers over 50 years of regatta history and technological advancements in

ces to the patron saint’s festivities or the town itself, created manually and with non-permanent paint on the asphalt, will be given spe -

cial consideration.

The jury’s evaluation criteria will include the overall design of the decorated area, decorations on balconies and

sailing, offering visitors a deep dive into the human effort and nautical innovations that define this epic challenge.

Since its inauguration in 2012, The Ocean Race Museum has been a beacon for promoting sailing culture and advocating for marine ecosystem preservation.

It showcases the thrilling world of offshore racing through immersive audiovisual installations, interactive games, detailed models, and more.

Beyond its celebration of sailing prowess, the museum is committed to inspiring action for ocean conservation.

windows, and the use of motifs referring to the festivals or Santa Pola.

The jury will parade through the streets on September 4 to assess the decorations and will award three prizes of €300, €200, and €100, which can be redeemed in stationery.

Street closures for the event will commence at midnight on August 30 to allow for the setup and will remain decorated until September 8.

Detailed contest rules and the application form can be accessed via the town hall website at santapola.es/fiestas.

lable throughout the summer season (June 25 to September 19) in both English and Spanish.

On Fridays, tours are offered in English at 4.15pm, and in Spanish at 5.45pm.

On Saturdays, English tours are available at 11.00am and 4.15pm, and Spanish tours at 12.30pm and 5.45pm.

On Sundays, English tours are scheduled at 11.00am, followed by Spanish tours at 12.30pm.

Evaluating Guardamar

THE Valencian Government has unveiled an environmental evaluation of a project to clear the final stretch of the Segura River in Guardamar of sludge by removing 141,353 cubic metres of material from both old and new channels.

This effort will result in the withdrawal of 193,623 tonnes of material after dredging.

During the DANA (isolated cold air pocket) event in September 2019, the new channel of the Segura River rose only 30 centimetres, while the old channel increased by 1.35 metres due to obstructions from waste and sediments.

This flooding event, exacerbated by the breach of the riverbank in Almoradi and the inflow of 70 hectometres of water from the Abanilla rambla in two days, caused prolonged waterlogging in towns on the Vega Baja plain.

The project, which has been pending since those floods, involves an investment exceeding €4.7 million.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the maritime world, encountering legendary sailors and exploring the wonders hidden within the oceans.

The museum’s immersive experiences run every 40 minutes, with reservations recommended for guaranteed entry.

Guided tours are avai-

Dredging will mainly target the final section of the old channel, covering 2,000 linear metres to improve its capacity.

From this section, 110,701 cubic metres of material will be removed, with an additional 30,652 cubic metres from the final section of the new channel in its last 500 metres.

The project also includes clearing over 35,000 square metres of channels and using several plots to remove accumulated solid waste from the river.

DECORATED STREETS: Contest open to all residents.

The Ocean Race Museum.

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.

Edge of Water

‘AT THE EDGE OF THE WATER’ is the name of a new route in La Alcudia that highlights the significance of water over the past 2,000 years.

This route is part of a heritage conservation and exhibition space initiated by the University of Alicante (UA) and Hidraqua to promote historical heritage.

The project serves as an educational and informative endeavour, focusing on the supply, consumption, and importance of water from two centuries ago to the present.

Visitors can explore material objects related to water use by ancient civilisations, along with architectural structures that demonstrate technological advancements and how they facilitated life in the past.

The Hidraqua Route is marked by different

milestones located next to archaeological pieces displayed in the Interpretation Centre and Museum, or in excavated spaces with hydraulic structures.

Each milestone is accompanied by a QR code providing additional textual and graphic information.

The archaeological site of La Alcudia, also known as the ancient city of Ilici, is famous for the discovery of the Iberian sculpture known as the Lady of Elche.

Located near the city at km 1.5 of the CV-855 highway, La Alcudia spans approximately 11 hectares next to the Vinalopó River.

The site includes archaeological remains from the ancient Iberian, Roman, and late ancient periods.

Fiesta bus

TOURISM in Orihuela Costa is offering free bus transportation to Orihuela for the Reconquista Festival’s Moorish and Christian Entrances.

For the Christian Entrance on Friday July 19, buses depart at 5.00pm from the Playa Flamenca roundabout near the town hall, with a stop at Entrenaranjos Urbanization at 5.30pm.

Return trips start at 12.30am from Gabriel Miró Glorieta.

On Saturday July 20, for the Moors Entrance, buses depart

Under

at the same times and stop at the Christian Entrance.

Return trips begin at 1.00am from Gabriel Miró Glorieta.

Each day, a bus equipped to accommodate two wheelchairs will be available.

Reservations are mandatory through the website orihuelatu ristica.es.

For more information, contact Orihuela Costa’s tourist information on (+34) 672 218 977 or visit the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre tourist information point.

the moon

MORE than 100 people have already registered for Bigastro’s fun and healthy ‘under the moon’ activity, taking place on Friday, July 26, starting at 9.00pm.

The nocturnal walk is expected to last around one hour and cover a distance of five kilometres.

Organised through the Biganatura association, the activity starts from the municipal auditorium.

Participants are advised to bring a torch and a bottle of water, with two water stops provided during the route.

Registration is free and can be done in person on weekdays from 09.00am until 2.00pm at the town hall, by telephone on (+34) 965 350 000, or online at: bigastro.es

The event is open to people of all ages, and participants will receive a free iced drink.

New route.

JOIN the festivities on Saturday, August 3 at 10.00pm for the traditional Multicolour Parade in celebration of Quesada’s urbanisation festivities.

The parade will kick off from the Avenida de las Naciones.

A panel of judges will be located throughout the parade route to assess the various costumes.

Four cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in the group category: First Prize of €600, Second Prize of €400, Third Prize of €200, and Fourth Prize of €150.

People of all ages are welcome to participate.

provide the name, surname, ID, and telephone num-

Proud Pinoso Summer prizes Multicolour marvel

Registration is free and must be done at the Information Office of Rojales Town Hall by Friday, July 26, before 2.00pm.

To register, visit the office during its opening hours and complete the registration form with personal details.

For group registration,

LA ZENIA BOULEVARD is launching its exciting summer promotion campaign to get everyone ready for the season.

From now until August 31, shoppers can participate by exchanging their purchase receipts totalling €20 or more for a chance to win fantastic summer-themed gifts.

To take part, simply join or be a member of the loyalty club and scratch to reveal your prize.

The prizes up for grabs include parasol coat racks, fans, neoprene drink coolers, and stylish beach bags.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to snag these fabulous beach gifts!

DESPITE facing physical challenges due to an ankle injury sustained during the first free practice sessions at the Fortuna night test on July 14, Iker Lozano from Pinoso continues to lead the general classification of the Spanish 190 CC minimoto championship.

Despite the setback, Lozano managed to finish the race in second position after starting sixth on the grid.

Throughout the eventful weekend, Lozano encountered both physical and technical difficulties, including engine issues, which affected his performance.

Despite these obstacles, he secured a commendable fourth position in the first race, ultimately finishing sixth overall and second in his category.

Throughout the competition, Iker Lozano received unwavering support from his hometown of Pinoso, with dozens of supporters travelling to Fortuna to cheer him on and provide encouragement.

Looking ahead, the national championship will proceed, with the next event scheduled for Saturday, September 7 in Campillos, Malaga.

ber of the group leader. A minimum of eight people per group are required to participate.

Quesada festivities.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Quesada

Image: Ayuntamiento de Pinoso

Glorieta Festival

THE performing arts festival in Santa Pola will feature three high-quality street performances from July 18 to 20 at the Glorieta.

These shows offer free entry.

Nely Baile, the councillor for Culture and Festivals, announced that for three nights at the Glorieta, starting at 9.00pm, there will be three shows featuring dance, circus, humour, and music, all by professional performers.

On Thursday, July 18, the Marroch Company of Santa Pola will perform ‘Ta-k-Ta’, a show that explores and celebrates old

age.

On Friday, July 19, the Col. lectiu Frenètic company will present ‘Save the temazo.org’, featuring trapeze acts, vertical dance, and amazing balancing acts, with active audience participation.

The festival will wrap up on Saturday, July 20, with a concert by Aretha and the Franklins, ‘Back to Soul’, offering a night of classic soul music. Why not head along to the Glorieta in Santa Pola for an evening of free entertainment!

Castle quest

VILLENA Council is gearing up to boost tourism through initiatives proposed by the Spanish Association of Castles and Palaces.

Mayor Fulgencio Cerdán underscores tourism as vital for diversifying Villena’s economy, alongside sectors like industry, agriculture, logistics, and commerce.

The town aims to capitalise on its historical assets by collaborating with the Spanish Association of Castles and Palaces.

Villena plans to join the established Marquisate of Villena route and engage in projects focused on the castles and

THE presentation of BrevaRock 2024 took place in Albatera’s Parque de la Huerta, led by Mayor Ana Serna and Councillor Juanjo Fuentes.

Scheduled for Saturday, September 28, the event will be held at the Santiago Quinto Auditorium within the park.

Advance tickets are priced at €6 plus fees, with on-the-day tickets

fortresses of Vinalopó.

Tourism councillor Paula García sees participation in these initiatives as advantageous, highlighting the potential to stimulate activity in Villena’s commercial and hospitality sectors.

Additionally, Villena is set to feature prominently in an upcoming cultural programme on Amazon Prime and Sun Channel (United States and Latin America).

The programme will showcase Spain’s most intriguing castles, including those in Villena, in a seven-episode series scheduled to begin lming this summer.

BrevaRock

available for €9.

All proceeds will support local municipal associations.

Mayor Ana Serna emphasised the venue change to Parque de la Huerta, aiming to highlight this significant recreational space in Albatera, featuring an ample auditorium ideal for large-scale events.

Councillor Juanjo Fuentes noted that this year’s festival focuses on promoting local groups alongside national acts.

The lineup for BrevaRock 2024 includes Envidia Kotxina, Gritando en Silencio, Ferran Exceso, Gatola, Batizidas, Error de Visión, Vorago, The Arcadas, and Jódete.

Advance tickets can be purchased on the website compralaentrada.com.

High quality street performers.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola / Facebook

Benidorm shuns antitourist 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 decide 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.

The seafront at Benidorm.

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 Sama-

ritans 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 pre

vented 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-nev-in) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The local football team still emulate the St Mirren kit.

Credit: CD Borgonya

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.

Fighting scams

WITH a recent increase in phone scams across Europe, Norway is taking the lead in ghting against digital violations, introducing a new initiative, GIRAF.

Headed by Norway, GIFAR unites 21 countries for an exchange of information and best practices for battling phone scams. The initiative aims to combat the issue by reducing the number of scam calls and SMS messages that reach consumers, e ectively identifying and blocking criminals before they invade the next victim’s phone.

“Phone scams are a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on individuals and businesses,” said John-Eivind Velure, acting director of the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom).

“By working together, we can share information and develop new strategies to stop these scams

before they reach our citizens.”

Nkom launched a joint initiative with the Norwegian police back in 2022, which e ectively blocked more than 100 million scam calls within a year. Since then, Norway has been at the forefront of theght against phone scams.

A global report from Scam Adviser showed that in 2022 alone, there had been €55.3 million lost to scams, with 293 million reported cases. The scams especially target seniors and children, who

may be unaware of the potential dangers.

In 2022, the number of scams worldwide, has increased by 22 per cent and has since shown no sign of a decline. The report o ered advice to people experiencing phone scams, listing the aspects to report as; the address of the premise, information of the individual/business, pictures, type of goods/services, communication records and proof of purchase/ receipt.

France’s extreme security measures

15,000 soldiers will be deployed for the Games.

THE 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted by Paris in July.

This is the third time Paris has hosted the Olympics and they have begun heightening security.

The Olympics are a protable but high-alert time - with around 10,500 athletes competing and 15 million visitors expected.

The security being implemented will range from foot patrols, to cyber security, to military deployment.

Increasing security for the Games is expected,

London spent over €1 billion on security in 2012.

France has set up temporary military bases less than 30 minutes away from all event sites.

Colonel Michel Berger, head of the Paris Military Camp, told France 24 “I’ve never seen anything like this. Since the Second World War, this is the biggest base that’s been set up in Paris,”

Fifteen thousand soldiers will be deployed for the Olympic Games, in addition to the 30,000 police o cers per day.

Be careful when paying online.

Credit: Anete Lusina, Pexels

Only children Evacuated

“IT is, in fact, a country of only children,” stated Pordata, noting that only 27 per cent of families have children, amongst whom 2/3 have only one child.

Portugal was listed by Pordata as the country with the most single child families in Europe. In the European Union, large families (including at least three children), represent 13 per cent of families with children, which is “double the proportion in Portugal,” stated Pordata.

Not only are there single children but the number of single-parent families in Portugal has now increased by 22 per cent; the number of people living alone has increased by 28 per cent.

The overwhelming majority of single-parent families is made up of women (87.3 per cent), which is 3.5 per cent more than the European average.

Yet, considering the ferti-

lity rates from Statistica, although Portugal has a low average of 1.37 fertility rate, Spain is positioned even lower with a rate of 1.29. Portugal’s population has been shrinking for decades. One of the reasons being the poor state of the economy, which leaves many unable to sustain children.

No longer an agricultural country, the costs of medication, vaccination, education, clothing and food, have become unat-

tainable with a minimum wage of €820 and roaring rent prices.

“With my salary, which is higher than the average salary in Lisbon, I cannot afford renting a flat because it’s too expensive,” said Nuncio Renzi, a sales executive living in Lisbon during a recent protest.

Under these conditions, it is no surprise 30 per cent of the young Portuguese live abroad. More than 850,000 young people have now left the country.

BELGIUM’S second largest airport was evacuated on Friday July 12 due to a suspicious package, as revealed by police dogs.

A suspicious bag was discovered at approximately 6pm local time at the Charleroi Airport, in the southern part of Brussels. Plane passengers and passengers in Terminal 1 were evacuated, according to local TV channel, RTFB.

As reported, the bag raised an alarm after a dog reacted to it during standard security procedures. The bomb squad was immediately called to the scene and by 7pm, several hundred to several thousand passengers were waiting outside the terminal and in the airport’s parking lots.

“We were on a plane for an hour and a half and had to get out without any explanation,” said one passenger travelling to Istanbul to the Press. Airport officials, however, did not state whether planes had been evacuated and if so, how many.

Being one of the central airports of Belgium’s capital, Charleroi Airport has served 8,224,196 passengers in one year alone, as estimated in 2019. Thousands of passengers voiced their concerns on social media, flooding X with posts about the incident.

“It was a heavy suitcase packed with tools for electrical work,” said An Bergel of the federal police to the Press. He revealed; “Under the scanner, it looked suspicious. The bomb squad dog also responded positively to the suitcase. As a precaution, they evacuated and DOVO checked the suitcase on-site. Fortunately, it was negative.” Airport delays and prolonged air travel were expected; some travellers shared on social media that their flights had been postponed, while others confirmed that Charleroi was back to safety.

Credit: Vitaly Gariev, Pexels

Love for the only child.

Charleroi Airport.

Credit: Antonio

Zugaldia, Flickr

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 San Pedro del Pi

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.

KEVIN

ANA

BARCELONA’S BOLD MOVE ON RENTALS.

No questions

A NEW law will come into force in Europe, making it illegal for employers to ask about current salaries of staff candidates during job interviews.

The law is one of the several measures to reduce the pay gap between men and women and should start being implemented by 2026 at the latest.

According to 2023 statistics from the Mediation Institute, the pay gap between men and women is now 10 per cent. Taking into consideration the differences in career choice, age, education and agreed working hours, there remains a questionable wage gap of 4,8 per cent.

ying for a new job. The employer will also have to inform about the starting salary before negotiation.

“The point is to have as even and good a negotiating position as possible by having access to more information. One of the novelties in the law is that the employee gets the right to pay information through the employer regardless of whether they are in the union or not,” said Erik Adell Hellström, Swedish Chancellor at the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Today, all companies with more than 10 employees already need to carry out a salary survey to ensure there is no gender gap. But with the new law, companies with more than 100 employees will have to report this survey to a supervisory authority, which is proposed to be the Discrimination Ombudsman.

“Parts of the salary chart will then be made public. Pay discrimination is already prohibited today. The purpose of the changes is to make it easier to detect unfair wages by letting employees know what those with equivalent tasks in the workplace earn on average,” stated Hells-

Tree-mendous triumph

A MONUMENTAL cork oak tree in Reynès, France, has been confirmed as the world’s tallest cork oak tree.

Standing at 21 metres (68 feet 10 inches), it surpasses the previous record holder, Portugal’s Sobreiro Monumental, which is 16.2 metres (53 feet) tall.

Cork oak trees are the main source of cork, used in products like wine stoppers and flooring.

The tree, now cared for by Serge Arnaudiès since the late 1980s, was once mentioned in an 1891 travel guide.

Serge discovered the guide, ‘Souvenirs du Midi par un homme du Nord’, at a flea market, which described the tree’s impressive dimensions and its valuable cork yield.

Intrigued, Serge bought the land, cleared the brush, and preserved the tree’s health, ceasing bark harvesting in the 1990s to protect it.

Locals have long claimed it as the world’s largest cork oak tree, but it wasn’t officially measured until recently.

Now certified, they hope it will be recognised as a national symbol, similar to the previous record holder in Portugal. The tallest living tree overall is ‘Hyperion’, a coast redwood in California, USA, standing at 116.07 metres (380.8 feet).

Counting money happily.

The world’s tallest cork oak tree.

Credit: Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

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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.

Serial selfie-taker

Linda Hall

A TEENAGER filmed himself outside the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral dome in Florence on the night of July 11.

Believed to have hidden inside the cathedral after it closed, he is shown walking up a stairwell before reaching the level of the 15th century cupula and stepping out onto an exterior platform where he takes a selfie.

The footage was then posted on the @dedelate Instagram account and exterior shots taken by an accomplice appear to show him later fleeing the cathedral.

Although not officially identified, the Italian media maintain that he is a 17-year-old from Lombardy who

World Heritage site targeted by selfie-taker.

has carried out similar selfie-ops in the past.

They include Milan Cathedral last May, together with earlier stunts in Milan’s San Siro football stadium and Sanremo’s Ariston theatre where the song festival is held.

The Vatican could be next on Dedelate’s list, as one of his 227,000 Instagram followers

DEDELATE: Hooked on taking selfies in hard-to-access spots.

has now challenged him to challenged him to climb to the top of St Peter’s Basilica.

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

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.

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.

In Germany, where the average cinema ticket pri ce was €9.71 in 2023 and can rise to €12 on wee kends, Cinfinity offers a significant cost-sa ving opportunity.

If cine ma-goers

Costsaving cinema.

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.

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

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

However, Cinfinity anticipates a 10 to 20 per cent increase in cinema atten

Out of sight

BELGIUM’S Federal Public Health Service (FPS) has announced a new regulation set to take effect on April 1, 2025.

The regulation will prohibit shops from openly displaying to bacco products for sale.

Originally sche duled for January 1, 2025, the im plementation has been delayed by three months.

The aim is to reduce smoking rates by making tobacco products less visible.

Shops will be re quired to conceal both brand logos and the actual products, including cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, filters, and rolling papers.

The ban applies to all retailers but excludes wholesalers.

Earlier this year, the Belgian government raised cigarette prices through taxation and committed to expanding smoke-free public spaces.

Non-compliance carries penalties, including up to one year of imprisonment and fines from €2,000 to €800,000. VapeBel, representing vape retailers and distributors, expressed disappointment, arguing that specialised stores are crucial for age verification and educating adult smokers about vaping.

They and Belgium’s Superior Health Council have advocated for exceptions for these stores.

Despite concerns about how customers will identify available tobacco products, authorities suggest retailers maintain price lists detailing product names and brands without logos.

Image: africa_pink / Shutterstock.com

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.

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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 tourna-

ment 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 audien-

ce, 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, Deb -

bie Duncan, expressed her grief. “This is the worst 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 TIMES: Jay Slater and his family.

THE Raluy Legacy Circus, the most awarded circus in Europe, has arrived in Torrevieja.

Featuring more than 40 vintage wagons from the early 1900s, Circo Raluy stands as one of the most important circus museums in the world, boasting over a century of history.

The Raluy Legacy Circus is one of the few museum circuses in Europe and the only one managed by two women.

With over 100 years of history and six generations dedicated to the circus, it recently received the prestigious Big Top Label, making it the only circus in Spain to achieve this recognition, which is granted to the best circuses in Europe.

‘A LOOK AT THE EAST’, organised by the Alacant-Xina Intercultural Association, offers the experience of enjoying the enchanting worlds of Chinese art and tradition.

Attendees will be transported to another era through a musical performance featuring the iconic traditional Guzheng instrument.

The event also showcases a visual feast with the lion dance and dragon dance, embodying grace, skill, celebration, and prosperity.

Martial arts demonstrations will highlight years of training and discipline, including the spectacular Chinese face-changing art.

The performance will be delivered by the Valencia-based Shaolin Martial Arts Group, an extension of the Shaolin Temple in China.

The students from this school have made multiple

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Circus marvels Extreme thrills

This award considered the ‘Michelin Star’ of circus arts, marks a significant milestone in the history of the circus in Spain.

It’s an unprecedented, extravagant, risky, and brave spectacle that is not to be missed.

The show runs until July 28 on Av. Desiderio Rodríguez, Torre-

THE Cristian Motor Show is coming to San Fulgencio in 2024, located at C. Mediterranean Sea, 03177, Alicante.

Shows will run from July 18 to July 21 at 8.30pm.

Join Rocco, one of the top drivers of the moment, and his son Cristian, a young driver and monster truck specialist.

Their latest production, ‘In Art We Trust’, is the most visually stunning and surprising show the Raluy family has created to date.

Look at the East

appearances on Spanish television, and performed in renowned European theatres, and many have won national championships in wushu competitions in Spain and Europe.

Notable presentations include performances at the Liceu Theatre in Barcelona, the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia, and on Telecinco.

The Guzheng, a tradi-

tional Chinese stringed musical instrument, is considered one of the primary instruments within the Han ethnic culture and remains popular in contemporary Chinese society.

Join the festivities at Alicante’s Town Hall Square, Plaça de l’Ajuntament 03002, on Saturday, July 20, from 9pm to 10.30pm.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website circoraluy.com, email info@circoraluy.com, or call (+34) 648 701 591 or (+34) 695 262 699

This show offers a journey through history and innovation, reinventing the magic of the circus to captivate audiences of all ages.

It honours the essence of the classic circus while exploring daring paths of contemporary artistic expression.

Get ready for 90 minutes of thrilling entertainment featuring chases, drifting, 360º manoeuvres, reckless parking exhibitions, cars driving on two wheels, quads, fire tests, and monster trucks.

For younger fun, there will be appearances by Lightning McQueen and his friend Tow Mater.

There will be a 10-minute break during the show to purchase souvenirs, soft drinks, or snacks.

Capacity is limited, so don’t miss out on your ticket! To book, head to the website: cristianmotorshow.es

Circus marvels

Driving on two wheels.

Image: Cristian Motor Show

Raluy Legacy Circus

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.”

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.

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

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

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

Lestijärvi Municipal Hall.

Photo credit: Pixabay/Stokpik

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.

Unique guitar

MANY North Americans, whilst proud of their country of birth often identify with the country of their ancestors, but they often know litt le about their history.

Top Country singer Shania Twain is a perfect example, referring in her 2011 biography From This Moment On to the fact that her grandmother who helped raise her, Eileen Pearce was born in County Kildare but knew little else about her heritage.

Following research at the Irish Fa mily History Centre, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum with the help of the Public House Group com missioned a bespoke guitar, crafted by acclaimed Irish illustrator David Rooney.

The guitar features se veral elements that repre sent Shania’s family his tory:

Triskele tic symbol dating back to the Neolithic era, found at Newgrange, County Meath. It symbolises the connection to Sha nia’s grandmother Ei lleen Pearce’s home in Kildare.

Salmon : Representing

Shania’s return to Ireland and wisdom in Irish mythology.

Fionn mac Cumhaill : Reflecting the legendary spirit of the warriors of the Curragh, County Kildare, akin to Shania’s conquering spirit. : Symbolising

Thomas Edwards, Shania’s greatgreat-great-great-grandfather. A soldier who fought at Waterloo, and was pensioned with land in Canada.

Thomas became a ‘military settler’ in Beckwith, Ontario, and was the lynch-pin in a group of migrant families from Kilkenny and Wexford (Edwards, Butler, Garland, Kidd, Leach, and Saunders) that make up the tapestry of Shania’s Irish ancestry.

Sea Serpents : Mythological symbols of resilience and the ability to adapt to changing and challenging environments, echoed in both Shania’s emigrant history and through her

Hidden treasure on the beach

METAL detectorists were out in force once the Ruisrock festival had finished and Turku’s Kansanpuisto beach reopened to the public.

One of them, Peetu, explained to Finland’s Yle national broadcaster that the beach and adjoining area occupied during the two days of concerts were a perfect hunting ground for objects lost, buried or forgotten du ring the festivities.

Many soon-missed personal belongings like driving licences, credit card, wallets and phones were reclaimed after they were taken to the “lost and found” tent.

But smaller and less essential objects were dropped and their loss

INTERVIEW

METAL DETECTORISTS: Beaches yield hidden valuables.

not even noticed, which was why he found new items for every couple of steps that he took along the beach, Peetu told Yle.

He added that he preferred not to give his surname, as he did not want to be inundated with calls from festival -

bracelets and other jewellery.”

Anything worth more than €100 must be handed in to the police, but it’s ‘finders keepers’ for less valuable items. Objects that are more than a century old must also be reported to Finland’s National Board of Antiquities.

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 couple reconsi dered 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.”

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

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

“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.”

Juul van Noort

The guitar presented to Shania Twain.

Photo credit: CC/Kyosti Viinamaki

Credit: Public House Group

Social Media storm

WHO would have thought that a video by what at first appears to be a traditional Czech folk music group should take social media by storm?

There are six members of the permanent group known as the Milan Broucek Cimbalom Music (CMMB) and they play a wide range of different music with three violins, double bass, accordion and cimbalom (dulcimer).

Although they play a great deal of Czech, Bohemian and Moravian

music, both classical and folk, they also stray into the world of Roma music, film scores, pop and rock.

It was almost as an afterthought that as an encore at a Czech Radio Pilsen concert that they decided to play Nothing Else Matters by Metallica in their own inimitable style and the video has now been viewed by more than two million people as well as being shared by Metallica to their fans.

Hardly an overnight sensation as they were

formed 10 years ago, but there is no question that this collection of graduates from the Prague Academy of Performing Arts is made up of excellent musicians who enjoy sharing their love of different musical genres with their audiences.

They have recently opened the Muse on the Water music festival in Ceské Budejovice which saw the sextet performing on a floating stage at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers.

High hopes

GERMANY’S journey to cannabis legalisation is complex, involving bureaucratic challenges from the EU and internal disagreements within the Bundestag.

Recently, Germany approved its first marihuana social club, Social Club Ganderkesee, a week after the new law permitting these spaces came into effect.

Lower Saxony’s Mi nister of Agriculture, Miriam Staudte, authorised this significant step.

However, regions like Bavaria are less enthusiastic, planning to delay permits for clubs until at least the autumn.

Membership in social clubs is tightly regulated, requiring residency in the respective region.

access has been challenging without social clubs.

Under the new law, social clubs are limited to 500 members each and can sell up to 50 grams of marihuana per person per month.

Germany is the third European country to legalise recreational cannabis, following Malta and Luxembourg. Unlike the Netherlands, which allows sale and use in licensed ‘coffee shops’.

Legalising cannabis.

Germany plans to introduce commercial sales of cannabis, though it’s unclear when tourists will be included.

As of April, it is legal for adults to possess and cultivate marihuana, but

Germany is unlikely to encourage cannabis tourism due to ongoing debates and legal uncertainties. Legalisation has been contentious in Germany’s parliament.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition legalised the cultivation of up to three plants for private consumption and possession of 50 grams of cannabis at home and 25 grams in public.

Opposition politicians have vehemently opposed these changes.

The Milan Brouček Cimbalom Music.

Image: Summit Art Creations / Shutterstock.com

Credit: CMMB

CHOOSING the right shade of lipstick based on your skin tone can greatly enhance your overall look. Here’s how to find your per-

Domestic Zen zone Shading shenanigans

fect 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.

reds. These shades harmonise with the natural warmth of your complexion. Bright colours like coral and orange-based reds can also be stunning.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Olive skin tones look best in earthy colours like warm browns, terracotta, and brick

By matching your lipstick to your skin tone, you can enhance your natural beauty and create a harmonious look.

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.

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 without stripping away natural oils. Traditional shampoos can often be harsh, leading to dryness and damage, especially for curly or che -

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.

Breaking the bad

HABITS shape much of our daily routines, often developing unconsciously. Forming a habit involves repeating a behaviour in a consistent context until it becomes automatic.

This process engages the brain’s basal ganglia, reinforcing actions through repetition. Contrary to popular belief, forming a habit doesn’t take a precise number of days, like the oft-quoted 21. Re search suggests it va ries significantly, typi cally between 18 to 254 days, with an average of around 66 days.

Breaking a habit re quires a conscious effort to interrupt and replace the established pattern. Identifying trig gers and replacing the unwanted behaviour with a positive one can be effective.

is forgiving oneself for occasional lapses. The process of breaking a habit is as individual as forming one, taking anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Ultimately, patience, self-awareness, and

support from others are essential in both creating and dismantling the routines that shape our lives.

By understanding these processes, we can better manage and improve our behaviours.

Consistency and persistence are key, as

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. 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 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?

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.

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

• 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.

Almeria

World Rock Day

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.

This year, 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.

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.

Shutterstock/Konstantin Aksenov

Feline factors

WHEN adopting a cat, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure a good match for your home. First, observe the cat’s behaviour: a friendly, curious demeanour is ideal. Notice how the cat interacts with people and other animals. A well-socialised cat will approach calmly and enjoy being petted.

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!

Red flags include excessive aggression, extreme shyness, or signs of illness such as runny eyes, coughing, or lethargy. A cat hiding constantly or displaying aggressive behaviour may indicate underlying problems. Evaluate your living situation and lifestyle to ensure you can meet the cat’s needs. By considering these factors, you can find a healthy, happy cat that fits well into your home.

Check for physical health indicators: clear eyes, a clean coat, and healthy weight are positive signs. Ask about the cat’s medical history, vaccinations, and any known health issues.

Stress signals

DOGS, like humans, can experience stress, which can manifest in various ways. Recognising the signs of stress in your dog is crucial for ensuring their well-being. Common indicators include changes in behaviour such as excessive barking, destructive behaviour, or aggression. Your dog may also show physical signs like panting, trembling, or excessive shedding. Pay attention to body language; a stressed dog might have a tucked tail, flattened ears, or dilated pupils.

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

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked

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

Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed

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

If you’re travelling in 2024 join now and get organised

today:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

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

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

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

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

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

Tom C - homeowner in Mojacar, Spain

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

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

Additionally, changes in eating and sleeping patterns can be red flags. If your dog

is avoiding food or water, or sleeping more than usual, stress could be the culprit. Yawning, licking lips, and avoiding eye contact are subtler signs of discomfort. Common stressors include loud noises, unfamiliar environments, separation from owners, and changes in routine. If you notice these behaviours, try to identify and eliminate the source of stress and provide a calm, safe environment for your furry friend.

experience in

Shutterstock/MariaTsygankova

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

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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.

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.

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 Englishman, 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 Fabio Capello, who was in charge of England between 2008 and 2012.

Assistant boss Steve Holland will also be stepping down.

In response to the resignations, Mark Bullingham, Chief Executive of the FA, said, “Over the last eight years, they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering

unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions. We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride.”

When asked about succession plans, he would not be drawn on

Gareth Southgate celebrates winning 2024 Euro semi-final.