Costa Calida 15 – 21 August 2024 Issue 2041

Thousands unite for the Mar Menor

ON Saturday August 10, thousands of people across Spain joined hands in a symbolic gesture to support the Mar Menor lagoon. The fourth annual ‘Abrazo al Agua’ (Hug the Water) saw participants form human chains not only along the lagoon’s shores but also in various rivers and lakes across 10 Spanish regions, marking a significant expansion from last year’s event. Centred in Los Alcazares, the initiative was supported by approximately 150 organisations. Attendees formed 70 human chains, doubling the number of regions involved compared to the previous year. This year’s event, which included the distribution of 2,500 handcrafted sea horse toys, aimed to highlight the urgent

need for effective enforcement of the Mar Menor Law.

Organiser Jesús Cutillas stated that the law is frequently ignored, particularly concerning the high levels of nitrates from agriculture that continue to damage the lagoon. The local government is ca-

lling for stringent enforcement to prevent further environmental harm.

Los Alcazares mayor Mario Pérez Cervera and regional MP Víctor Egío both voiced strong support for upholding the Mar Menor Law. Pérez Cervera stressed the importance of prioritising

Uniting for Mar Menor’s future.

environmental protection over economic interests, while Egío urged the dissolution of a parliamentary committee attempting to dilute the law.

The event highlighted a unified call for immediate action to safeguard the Mar Menor and other vulnerable ecosystems.

Murcia’s rising population

OVER the past two decades, the Region of Murcia has seen significant population growth, increasing by nearly 300,000 inhabitants, a 22.9 per cent rise since 2004. This growth rate makes Murcia the third fastest-growing region in Spain, surpassed only by the Balearic and Canary Islands. The Economic and Social Council (CES) attributes this increase primarily to immigration, spurred by economic growth, particularly in the construction sector during the early 2000s. Murcia’s demographic

changes reflect broader trends, with a decrease in the young population and an increase in those over

65. However, it remains one of the youngest regions in Spain still. Immigration has played a cru-

cial role, with nearly 20 per cent of the population now being foreign-born, particularly from Morocco, Ecuador, and the UK.

The UK has been a notable source of immigrants to Murcia. At its peak in 2012, the region was home to 23,000 UK nationals. However, the numbers have declined since Brexit, with around 17,300 British residents recorded in 2023. Brexit’s impact has led to a reduction in the British population in the region, reflecting broader trends of decreased British immigration across Spain.

Royal resident for Los Belones

PALOMA ROCASOLANO, the mother of Queen Letizia of Spain, has made a significant life change by moving from Madrid to Cartagena. She’s now living in Los Belones, a town known for its sizable English community. This move is largely to be closer to her partner, Marcus Brandler, a British businessman with ties to both Spain and the UK.

In Los Belones, Paloma and Marcus have settled into the local scene. They’re often spotted visiting the town’s butcher, a hair salon, and relaxing at Las Mulas beach. The couple first went public at the 2022 Princess of Asturias Awards, where they attended as a couple.

Brandler is the president of Tillbrook Products, a family business involved in the trade of tea, coffee, cocoa, and spices. Over the past five years, he’s spent more time in Spain, becoming an integral part of the Rocasolano family.

Queen Letizia and her sister Telma warmly welcomed him, and he even organised a surprise 70th birthday party for Paloma.

Costa Calida • Issue No. 2041 • 15 - 21 August 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE ILMAINEN G F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G

Image: Shutterstock- GranTotufo

Murcia’s numbers rise, Brexit impacts.

Image: Facebook/ Los Alcazares Town Hall.

Free fitness classes

THIS summer, Cartagena is offering free fitness clas ses at 14 of its beaches. Until August 30, anyone can join in on sessions like aquagym, pilates, yoga, aerobics, functional training, and maintenance gymnastics.

These classes, provided by Edutiporte, are held at po pular spots including Isla Plana, La Azohía, El Portús, Cala Cortina, Los Urrutias, Los Nietos, Islas Menores, Mar de Cristal, Playa Honda-Playa Paraíso,

and Playa de Levante de Cabo de Palos, as well as La Manga’s Entremares, Puerto Bello, Monte Blanco, and Cala del Pino.

Classes are available Monday to Friday, both in the morning and afternoon. No need to book in advancejust show up at the scheduled time and location. This program-

me is a great way to stay active and enjoy the beach this summer. For the schedule and more details see cartagena.es.

Murcia sees fewer wildfires

THIS summer, the Plan Infomur has responded to 21 wildfires in the Region of Murcia, three fewer than in the same period last year. The coordination, monitoring, and firefighting team, which operates from June 1 to September 30, involves over 450

personnel daily to ensure maximum effectiveness. Enhanced resources this year include more Civil Protection volunteer pairs, an additional rapid response unit, and a forest brigade with double the members.

Notably, two major fi-

res this summer impacted over 24 hectares combined. The plan, which remains active year-round, has increased its budget by 36 per cent for mobile surveillance, emphasising the critical role of early detection in fire prevention and control.

Los Alcazares gets smart

THE town hall of Los Alcazares is set to implement a new intelligent surveillance system across its beaches and parking lots. This initiative, part of the BISTURI project funded by the EU’s Next Generation funds, will introduce Smart Parking, Intelligent Beach Controls, and advanced Artificial Vision technology.

The system will be installed at Playa del Espejo, the Banco Santander area on Calle Félix Rodríguez de La Fuente and Playa de La Concha. The project is expected to cost around €67,000.

This new surveillance system will significantly benefit Los Alcazares in several ways. It will enhance safety by providing advanced monitoring capabilities, which

can help deter crime and improve emergency responses. The system will also improve the management of beach and parking areas by offering real-time data on crowd sizes and parking availability. Furthermore, it will integrate with the Smart Región platform, ensuring

seamless data sharing and coordination with other smart city technologies in the Murcia region.

Overall, this project represents a major step towards modernising public safety and management in Los Alcazares, making the town safer and more efficient.

Images: Cartagena.es

Keep fit this summer.

Smart surveillance enhances Los Alcazares.

Spanish heatwaves

SPAIN has experienced a noticeable increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in recent years. The Mediterranean region is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures due to its already warm climate and unique geographical features.

Heatwaves in Spain can cause severe health impacts, strain on energy systems, and agricultural disruptions. Extended periods of extreme heat can exacerbate existing health conditions,

increasing mortality rates and significantly burdening healthcare services.

In addition to heatwaves, Spain has seen a dramatic rise in droughts and wildfires. Prolonged periods of low rainfall, coupled with higher temperatures, create ideal conditions for drought. This, in turn, exacerbates the risk of wildfires, as dry vegetation becomes highly flammable.

Climate change is making extreme weather events, such as heatwa-

ves, droughts, and wildfires, more frequent and intense. However, while climate change is a pressing global issue, it’s crucial to discern between natural climate variability and human-induced climate change.

While natural factors like volcanic eruptions, changes in solar radiation, and ocean currents contribute to climate fluctuations, the current rapid warming trend is predominantly a result of human activities.

Man-made climate

change, largely fuelled by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, is a significant contributor to the current global warming crisis.

While governments are pivotal in addressing climate change, individuals also bear responsibility. Personal actions, such as reducing energy consumption, supporting renewable energy, and making sustainable lifestyle choices, can collectively make a significant impact.

Stay cool

WITH thermometers soaring up to +40 degrees Celsius, summer in Spain can be challenging if you aren’t used to it. While most people move to Spain for its pleasant climate, newcomers may need time to adapt to the hot conditions.

The Euro Weekly News’ readers shared their top tips for surviving and enjoying the Spanish heat.

Marje Turner shared; “Been 40 years here; inside with air conditioning on, chilling, lots of water and ice.” Tracey Jarvis agreed; “We keep our summer duvet on through the summer, air conditioning on all night.”

But air conditioning isn’t the only option; “Hang a couple of ice packs o the back of your fan, that way it blows out cold air. Also, wrap a couple of ice packs in a pillowcase and put them in your bed,” Yvonne Walton shared her advice.

Water is a great source of refreshment; Dawn Gorman noted; “Drink at least two litres of water a day.” Anna Legge, however, highlighted that water isn’t the only way to feel recharged; “Drink white wine in the summer, red in the winter.”

With the change of the seasons, so comes the change of routines. Andy Solomons a rmed; “Get up with the daylight. The early and late are the best times to do the chores. Don’t even think about working outside in the heat of the

ACCORDING to the Ministry of Health, we should do the following:

• Drink liquids frequently, even if we don’t feel thirsty.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks.

• Keep an eye on babies and toddlers, the elderly with certain conditions, and pregnant women.

• Stay in air conditioned places.

• Reduce physical activity and outdoor exercise.

• Use lightweight, breathable clothing.

• Never leave people or animals in closed vehicles.

• Call a doctor if you feel symptoms of heatstroke for more than an hour.

• Keep medicines in a cool place.

• Eat fruit and eat light.

The Euro Weekly News publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews. com and in its papers than any other English news publication in SPAIN. Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

Droughts are becoming more frequent.

Trying to find shade in the heat.

Credit: Oleksandr P, Pexels

Foreign language boost

STARTING next school year, 44 schools in the Region will join new foreign language improvement and enrichment programmes offered by the Department of Education and Vocational Training. These programmes aim to increase the amount of time students spend learning their first foreign language, from early childhood through to high school.

Schools can choose from several available programmes: improvement, which includes bilingual and multilingual options, and enrichment.

The goal is to enhance the

quality of bilingual education by aligning schools with the most suitable foreign language programme. This expansion will help students develop better language skills.

In primary education, the improvement programme will involve teaching certain subjects in a foreign language, while secondary education will see a 50 per cent increase in foreign language class time and additional support from language assistants. The enrichment programmes will also boost language exposure in early childhood, primary, and secondary education, benefiting 212 schools.

Free sunscreen offer

LOS ALCAZARES has launched the ‘Enjoy the Sun Responsibly’ campaign to promote sun safety among beachgoers. María José Benzal, councillor for Civil Protection, introduced the initiative at Carrión Beach, highlighting the importance of sun protection. As part of the campaign, the municipal Civil Protection service has installed free factor 50 sunscreen dispensers at each aid station on the town’s beaches. These dispensers are available from 11am to 7pm during summer.

Alongside the dispensers, informative tips are provided to help bathers avoid sun-related health issues. The advice includes avoiding peak sun hours, choosing appropriate sunscreen, and taking extra care with children and sensitive skin areas. The campaign’s goal was to ensure everyone enjoys the beach safely and responsibly.

Free bike repair stations

THE city council of Cartagena has launched three new bike repair stations across the municipality to assist cyclists, e-scooter users, and others with on-the-go repairs. These stations are strategically placed at three locations: outside the Palacio de Deportes in Cartagena, next to the Consorcio building in La Manga, and adjacent to the Local Police station in Cabo de Palos.

Each station offers free access to a range of tools, including a multi-valve pump, screwdrivers, Torx and Allen wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and tyre levers. Additionally, the stations are equipped with padded bars for securely hanging bikes and QR codes that link to instruc tional videos on how to use the facilities.

These new ins tallations aim to support the local cycling community and enhance the convenience of maintaining bikes, scooters, pushchairs, and wheelchairs.

MABS Mazarron seeks volunteers

MABS Mazarron, a key charity supporting cancer patients, is reaching out for volunteers to assist with essential services. The organisation needs help maintaining its fleet of vehicles, including checking oil, tyres, screen wash, and fuel levels, and ensuring they remain clean and tidy.

Beyond vehicle upkeep, MABS Mazarron is also looking for volunteers in other roles such as administration, driving, shop work, and fundraising. These roles are crucial to the organisation’s operations and greatly benefit the people they support.

So far this year, MABS Mazarron volunteers have been busy. They have helped with 608 appointments, provided 544 translation services, and facilitated 192 drives. Those interested in making a difference can contact MABS Mazarron by email at mazvolun teers@mabscancerfoun dation.org or call 634 362 954.

Volunteering with MABS offers a rewarding opportunity to support those facing cancer and contribute to a vital community service.

Expanding language learning.

Image: Cartagena.es

Snake emerges from waves

A SURPRISING incident occurred on a beach in Aguilas, causing a stir among beachgoers enjoying a pleasant August morning. The calm atmosphere shifted when several bathers noticed a shadow in the water, prompting immediate concern.

Many quickly exited the water, keeping a safe distance as they observed a onemetre-long snake swimming towards the shore. Just moments earlier, both adults and children had been playing in the same area.

The snake eventually reached the shore, continuing to slither across the sand, much to the disbelief of those present. The sudden appearance of the reptile left many beachgoers startled but unharmed. The incident was an unexpected reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife, even in popular recreational spots. No further disturbances were reported, but the unusual encounter served as a topic of conversation among the beach’s visitors for the rest of the day!

New Caravaca Cross unveiled

A STRIKING new Caravaca Cross has been unveiled at Cartagena’s Santa Lucía dock, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage route to the Holy City. The white concrete cross, generously donated by the Camino de la Cruz Foundation, stands prominently alongside the Santiago Cross, which marks the start of the Camino de Santiago.

Cartagena mayor Noelia Arroyo, joined by Caravaca de la Cruz mayor José Francisco García, led the inauguration ceremony. Arroyo emphasised the symbolic importance of launching both the Santiago and

Caravaca routes from the same location, linking these two significant Christian paths at a site of historical relevance for Spain.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Ángel Luis Navarro, the senior brother of the Caravaca Brotherhood of the Vera Cruz, and Fran Sánchez, the General Director of Sports. The new Caravaca Cross, towering over two metres, directs pilgrims along a 143-kilometre route through the Campo de Cartagena, passing through towns like La Aljorra and Totana before reaching the Vera Cruz Sanctuary.

Bin-free Calblanque

CALBLANQUE Regional Park, along with Monte de las Cenizas and Peña del Águila, is launching a new campaign to cut down on waste. The park has removed all containers and bins. Instead, visitors will get biodegradable bags to collect their own waste during their visit.

The campaign, called ‘Your Trash Comes Back with You,’ aims to raise awareness about keeping the park clean and encourage responsible behaviour and to avoid the build-up and dumping of rubbish around the containers. Information points and park staff will be available at the entrances to help visitors adapt to the new system.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to protect the environment by reducing vehicle traffic inside the park and improving its appearance. Starting in January 2025, the park will also remove bins from more access points. The goal is to ensure a cleaner and more enjoyable experience for everyone who visits.

New cross marks pilgrimage start.

Image: Cartagena.es

Leave no trash behind.

Image: Shutterstock/

Raul Ortega

Beach hoggers face €750 fine

SAN JAVIER and San Pedro del Pinatar are cracking down on the practice of reserving beach spots by planting umbrellas or leaving beach chairs. Both towns have implemented fines of up to €750 for beachgoers who stake out a beach area with these items and then leave.

San Javier’s rule has been in place since 2021, and San Pedro’s has been around since 2017. These are the only towns in the region enfor cing such fines right now. Re cently on social me dia beachgoers cap tured the Local Police removing unattended beach beds and filling out docu

Penalty for beach reservations.

mentation. This common practice - where people claim a spot early and come back later - has been a long-time frustration for other beachgoers. Both towns also want to make beach cleaning easier. If cleaning crews find unattended items,

pick up their things from there, but if they don’t retrieve them within 14 days, the items will be treated as waste and discarded.

Other nearby towns, like Mazarron and Cartagena, haven’t adopted these rules yet. The -

Murcian recipes for a hot summer

AS summer hits Murcia, the region experiences sweltering heat and we don’t always feel like heavy meals. The Murcia Region has an abundance of fresh produce from the local farms, perfect for creating light and delicious summer dishes. Murcian dishes shine with options like rich salads and Murcian gazpacho. Pairing these with local wines from Yecla, Bullas, and Jumilla enhances the flavours.

Ensaladilla, Murcian tomato salad, and Murcian Zarangollo with courgette are all perfect dishes to try during the summer in Murcia.

The region’s fish and seafood from the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, along with fruits and vegetables provide excellent quality and taste.

Desserts are also a treat, with seasonal melon a la cazuela (baked Melon) and refreshing

lemon sorbet, offering a citrusy twist perfect for hot days. During this heat, light and fresh foods are essential. With an array of local, zero-kilometre products available at markets, there’s a great

opportunity to create flavourful and refreshing dishes.

Now is the time to get creative and transform these prime ingredients into delightful summer meals. Enjoy the taste of Murcia this summer!

Catch the Perseids in Murcia Cabo de Palos rallies for Paul Watson

THE summer months are a great time for stargazers, as the Perseid meteor shower becomes visible from late July until mid-August.

This annual event is caused by fragments

from the Swift-Tuttle comet burning up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere.

For those in the Murcia Region, there are several ideal spots to observe the shower.

To get the best view of the Perseids in the Murcia Region, consider heading to a location away from city lights and light pollution in general.

Ideal spots include rural areas or high vantage points.

For the best viewing experience, find a comfortable spot with an unobstructed view of the sky.

Lie down on a blanket or reclining chair to avoid neck strain and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Peak viewing is usually around midnight, but meteors can be seen throughout the night.

Avoid using bright lights, as they can interfere with your night vision.

With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy the Perseid meteor shower and its spectacular displays.

ON Monday, August 12, the Cabo de Palos lighthouse displayed a large banner supporting environmental activist Paul Watson. Watson, a co-founder of Greenpeace and founder of Sea Shepherd, was detained in Greenland on July 21 following a complaint by Japan related to his anti-whaling activities in Antarctica.

The banner read ‘Free Paul Watson’ alongside a hashtag encouraging social media sharing. Watson gained international recognition as the host of the documentary series Whale Wars, which highlighted activist efforts to disrupt whaling expeditions.

Watson’s arrest, triggered by an extradition request from Japan, has sparked protests. The banner in Cabo de Palos coincides with a lar-

ger protest which was scheduled for Monday outside the Danish parliament in Copenhagen, where Watson is currently being held. The protest is aimed at securing his release ahead of a decision on his extradition set for later this week.

Among those calling for participation in the Copenhagen protest is Joe Duplantier, frontman of the French band Gojira, known for his role in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Earlier, on August 2, a demonstration in support of Watson took place outside the Danish Embassy in Brussels.

Cabo de Palos shows solidarity.

THE 2024 Games opened and closed with unprecedented incidents; while the opening was interrupted by the threatening attacks on French railways, the closing saw a man frantically climbing the Eiffel Tower with his bare hands.

Around 4pm on Sunday, August 11, Paris police had to evacuate the area around the iconic landmark, as a shirtless man made his way up the 330m tower. French police reported that they “immediately interve-

Sauna culture

ESTONIA intends to use part of the EU money from the Just Transition Fund to invest in a sauna festival and a dance marathon; uplifting the local culture of good living.

The Just Transition Fund is one of the EU’s key strategy funds to help countries transition to climate neutrality by 2050.

The EU allocated €354 million to Ida-Viru County in eastern Estonia. The money funded will be used to diversify economic activity, reduce

the production of fossil fuels and create new businesses.

However, a part of the fund will be distributed to the cultural sector.

To celebrate the Estonian love for sauna, the NGO Rakvere Marathon will be allocated €10,000 to organise Estonian sauna culture masterclasses, while €4,334 will be forwarded for funding a dance marathon.

The sauna is the centre of Estonia’s culture; the ultimate social network that plays a significant role in the community’s

Olympic climber

ned and arrested” the man, evacuating the space. Visitors on the second floor of the tower were briefly locked in and allowed to exit around 30 minutes later.

Videos of the bare-chested climber went viral, as he made his way up, grinning and saying “bloody warm, innit?” when escor-

ted by the police.

Although the Eiffel Tower was not part of the closing ceremony, it served stunningly as a backdrop for the opening ceremony with a performance by Celine Dion. The closing ceremony also hosted memorable musicians, including the iconic rapper

life. All year round, Estonians escape to the sauna to seek comfort, cleansing and connection with others. The practice is ingrained in people’s culture; the first written records of saunas date back to the 13th century when they were used as birthing rooms due to being the cleanest part of the house. Today, it is a place to meet friends and family on any occasion; whether a New Year celebration, an after-work leisure or a place to spend quality time with your loved ones.

Snoop Dog, pop idol Billie Eilish and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

The closing ceremony began at 8pm and lasted until 10.30pm, streamed live on television and YouTube. Paris’s mayor Anne Hidalgo passed over the Olympic flag to Karen Bass, mayor of Los Angeles, as the R&B singer H.E.R. performed the US national anthem.

The next Olympic Games were confirmed to take place in LA in 2028.

Sauna - culture of good living.

Credit: pixabay, Pexels

INTERVIEW

Speaking European –Peter Riemenschneider

If you’re only here for travelling, you’re missing out,” shared Peter, who has for the past six years, been an official Spanish resident.

PETER and his wife left London for a more ‘balanced’ life in Valencia.

The couple chose Valen cia for its diversity; “It’s a compromise between living in a big city and a small town.”

As Peter and his wife moved, he began working on the launch of his software company as well as working with his wife in real estate. He noted that with “Spain having a better infrastructure than most countries,” business was going well.

Peter Riemenschneider.

Spanish soon became his fourth language. He admitted, however, that nowadays, that is not necessary; “Valencia has changed a lot within the past six years; today, English is heard everywhere.”

Yet, Peter insists on learning the lan-

guage to its core; “Living in any country, you have to familiarise yourself with the language and the culture. It’s not just words and grammar. It’s the context, the gestures, the national fables.”

He shared that although one can get by without Spanish, the authentic experience will be completely lacking.

Having grown so familiar with Spain, Peter advised anyone who considers moving to accept the changes and know that they come “with upsides and downsides,” depending on your perspective. “Of course it’s not the same as the US and the UK. That’s why we’ve moved here.”

New EU entry-exit system explained for Britons in Spain

THE British Embassy in Spain is urging British nationals residing in Spain to be aware of the newly published information on the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES). This system will be implemented later this year and will impact travel procedures for non-EU citizens, including Britons.

The EES is a new automated system at EU borders designed to register non-EU short-stay travellers. Entering Spain will require providing:

Name

Passport details

Biometric data (fingerprints and facial image)

Date and place of entry and exit

This replaces the current passport stamping process. Data will be stored for three years, eliminating the need for repetitive registration on return visits within that timeframe.

Are you aware of new guidelines from the British Embassy in Spain?

British residents in the EU are exempt from EES registration if they hold a valid biometric residency card, known as a TIE card in Spain.

The non-biometric Green Certificate, while a valid residency document in Spain, will not be recognised under the EES as it predates Brexit and is not included in the Withdrawal Agreement.

Holders of Green Certificates:

May not be exempt from EES registration.

Risk facing delays and difficulties at borders, especially in other EU countries.

The embassy strongly advises anyone still using a Green Certificate to obtain a TIE card as soon as possible before the EES launch this autumn.

Murcia’s Mega Fair

Catherine

McGeer

THE Feria de Murcia (Murcia Fair), a beloved annual event, takes place in the first days of September, offering a vibrant mix of cultural celebrations, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. This year’s funfair, from September 5 to 17, will be hosted at the FICA venue, which spans 40,000 square metres and will feature nearly 150 attractions, including rides, food stalls, and live performances.

Among the standout features of the fair are the traditional Feria del Ganado (Livestock Fair), the exciting funfair, and the colourful Moors and Christians parades, all of which highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region. Music lovers can also enjoy the Lemon Pop Festival, adding to the diverse array of events.

This year, the funfair introduces three new major attractions:

‘Gigant XXL,’ a 40-metre-high ride, ‘Inverter,’ reaching almost 30 metres, and an immersive virtual reality experience named ‘Game Over.’ For younger visitors, a Jurassic Park-themed ride will be a new addition to the children’s area.

The fair opens on September 5 with a grand ceremony featuring stilt walkers and jugglers, and a special 2-for-1 discount on all rides for the day. Notewor-

thy dates include the Children’s Day on September 10, offering a 50 per cent discount on rides, and the Noise Free Day on September 11, which provides a quieter experience for visitors with special needs. The Feria de Murcia promises something for everyone, making it a must-visit event for both locals and tourists. Stay tuned for more information about events planned throughout the city!

COSTA CALIDA

MABS Cancer Support Foundation is gearing up for its ‘Picnic in the Park’ charity event, set for Sunday, September 22, at La Zona Bar in Los Narejos. The event runs from 3pm to 9pm and promises an enjoyable afternoon with live music and community spirit.

Tickets are priced at €10 and can be purchased at La Zona or MABS Charity Shop in San Javier. With tickets selling quickly, it’s advisable to get them soon to avoid missing out.

The event will be hosted by Francis Symons and will feature

RBL Murcia Events

THE Royal British Legion (RBL) Murcia Branch, which supports veterans, current service members, and their families in the Murcia region, has announced two upcoming events aimed at bringing the community together.

On August 28, the branch will host a quiz night at ‘The Diner’ in Camposol. The event, starting

performances from five fantastic acts: Jesus Hernandez, Rachel Prescott, Sean Holsgrove, Laly Blu, and Fab File. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic food, though the venue’s kitchen will also be open for those who prefer to buy their meals on-site. Drinks will be available for purchase throughout the event, no drinks can be brought into the venue including soft drinks.

The charity event aims to raise funds and awareness for MABS, which provides crucial support to cancer patients in the region.

at 5.30pm, will cost €6 per person, which includes food.

The menu will be revealed closer to the date.

Those interested in attending can book a spot by visiting The Diner or calling 968 970 606

Additionally, a ‘Meet and Greet’ will be held on September 19 at Boochies in Los Alcazares

AGE CONCERN Costa Calida invites the community to a nostalgic Disco BBQ on Saturday, September 7. The event will take place from 12 noon to 5pm at the Age Concern Social Centre Garden in Camposol C Sector.

Guests are encouraged to don their best retro outfits and enjoy a day filled with classic hits from the 50s, 60s, and

from 2pm to 4pm. This casual event invites local residents to meet the RBL Murcia Branch committee, enjoy a coffee, and discuss the branch’s activities and support services.

These events aim to strengthen community ties and provide opportunities for informal interaction and support..

Throwback Party with Age Concern

70s. The ticket price of €10 includes a traditional BBQ with all the classic accompaniments.

The event will feature live music from Carolynn May and DJ Carl, who will provide a soundtrack of iconic tracks sure to keep everyone dancing.

This gathering offers an opportunity to enjoy good food, great music, and wonderful company. Tickets are available now, and attendees are urged to secure theirs soon to avoid disappointment.

For a memorable afternoon of fun and nostalgia, this Disco BBQ is not to be missed.

Image: Shutterstock/ tum3123

Image: Shutterstock/ PeopleImages.com - Yuri A

Dark doings

POLICE swooped on a Dublin address on August 5, seizing cryptocurrency worth €6.5 million, together with a €120,000 watch and two vehicles that were worth €220,000. Two men aged 23 and 49, and a woman (32) were arrested on charges of assisting an illegal dark web as well as a money-laundering operation.

Slow down

A GARDAI operation detected 3,800 speeding vehicles on Irish roads during the recent Bank Holiday, including a Piltdown (Country Kilkenny) motorist driving at 186 kilometres per hour in a 100-kilometre zone. “It is disappointing that people travel at excessive speeds despite awareness campaigns,” police said.

EURO PRESS

DENMARK

Take note

DENMARK’S Nationalbanken central bank announced in 2023 that it was withdrawing 1,000-krone notes (€134) from circulation and they would no longer be legal tender after May 2025. Around 6.3 billion krone (€844.2 million) have still to be exchanged before they become worthless, Nationalbanken warned.

DANISH CURRENCY: Highdenomination 1,000 krone to be withdrawn.

Tougher rules

THE number of work permits rejected because the applicant’s salary was too low grew by almost 2,000 per cent, according to the Migration Agency. Regulations introduced in November 2023 raised the 13,000 krona (€1,131) a month threshold to 80 per cent of the average salary, calculated at 27,360 krona (€2,380).

No links

A FOURTH death at the Nothvolt plant was not connected to the gigafactory, a spokesperson said. Police investigating the baffling deaths of three employees at the plant located inside the Arctic Circle clarified that the woman who died in July lost her life due to “a tragic drowning accident” in her spare time.

GERMANY FRANCE

IRELAND FINLAND NORWAY SWEDEN

Empty cabs

TAXI-DRIVERS, particularly the 20,000 based in Paris, called on the Transport ministry to compensate for loss of earnings due to disruptions during the Olympics. Unions said the Games were ‘hugely disappointing’, with little demand for taxis after residents were encouraged to take their holidays or work from home.

Fast work

EGIS RAIL won a €1.38 billion contract to extend Morocco’s high speed railway network, although Spain’s Ineco put in a more competitive bid. Spanish sources claimed that France had been given the contract as President Emmanuel Macron’s ‘reward’ for recognising Morocco’s rights over the Western Sahara.

Plenty of fish

SEAFOOD exports during the first six months of 2024 rose to 13 billion krone (approximately €1.1 billion), an increase of 727 million krone (€61.2 million) on the same period last year thanks to a weakened krone. Norway exported to 111 countries, with key markets including Denmark, Poland and the Netherlands.

Royal brawl

MARIUS BORG HOIBY, 27, who is Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s eldest son from a previous relationship, was arrested in Oslo when police were called to a ‘disturbance’ in an Oslo apartment. He was held for 30 hours after having allegedly attacked ‘psychologically and physically’ a young woman in her 20s.

Watch it

MANY parents are buying a watch-phone as their child’s first mobile since the child-friendly device has no internet or social media access, but enables them to take calls, messages and photos. A recent survey found that 10 per cent of parents bought a watch phone in 2024, compared with 1 per cent some years ago.

Russia accuses

AFTER the Karelia (Russia) Supreme Court ruled that Finland committed genocide there between 1941-1944, Finnish Institute of International Affairs researcher Jyri Lavikainen said Russia was now portraying Finland as an enemy. The tactics were similar to those the Kremlin has also used with Ukraine, Lavikainen added.

Swanning around

TWO adult swans and five cygnets were moved on by police while they explored some of Limbach-Oberfrohna’s busiest streets. Although motorists carefully avoided the family which has nested by a pond on the outskirts of town, police said that ‘long-term’ relocation could be necessary if their forays continued.

Ancient art

A DANISH student on a dig at the Hohle Fels cave near Blaubeuren in southern Germany’s Danube valley recently unearthed a six-centimetre animal figurine created between 35,000 and 40,000 years ago. Its head was missing but experts who hailed it as the ‘find of the year’, believe it represents an otter.

PORTUGAL BELGIUM NETHERLANDS ITALY

Poor show

FAVOURABLE tax rates for super-rich foreign residents introduced in 2017 will be doubled as Giorgia Meloni’s government seeks to raise more revenue. Despite early hopes that they would benefit the economy, critics said the rich expats hardly invested in Italy, but had driven up property prices and the cost of living.

Time’s up

A 45-YEAR-OLD ‘serial pickpocket’ said to have offended on 150 occasions in Rome, Milan and Brescia over the last 20 years, was finally handed a 30-year prison term. Always pregnant when stealing in the past, she was regularly acquitted but recent changes in the law meant that she could now be imprisoned.

Risky climb

A MAN of 31 who climbed the Leixao da Gaivota sea stack in Ferragudo (Lagoa) called for help after realising that he could not descend the 30-metre column of rock. Although the Navy and local lifeboat stations went to his aid, he could only be reached by helicopter, which winched him to safety that evening.

No charge

THE government announced that tolls on Algarve’s A22 motorway and automatic toll collection roads are to be dropped on January 1, 2025. The new law, published in the Official Bulletin, stated that toll charges will be eliminated on ‘sections and subsections’ of interior motorways when there is no alternative route.

Hold tight

BRUSSELS’ public transport operator MIVB launched a campaign to remind bus, tram and metro passengers to hold on when the vehicles are in motion. Last year most of the 618 people who lost their balance and were injured after falling were messaging, watching or scrolling through their phones, MIVB said.

In the swim

BRUSSELS’ regional Environment Department rejected an appeal against plans to turn a lake in Anderlecht’s Neerpede Park into a wild swimming spot, claiming the peaceful area and its biodiversity would be endangered. Meanwhile, the State Council is studying a request to cancel the swimming lake’s planning permission.

Sett piece

THE Badger Working Group Utrecht in collaboration with the Gooi Foundation located 200 setts in an area east of the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal.They found that although the number of badgers remained fairly stable there were fewer in the east Utrecht area, possibly because more were killed on its busier roads.

Staring young

TWO balaclava-wearing boys aged 13 and 16, one of them with what looked like a firearm, were detained on August 5 after trying to hold up staff at the Gorinchem Nature Centre’s petting zoo. Director Jose Wienese said the zoo was a peaceful meeting place and “two naughty children” would not alter that.

Your

VOICE

Should people stop going on donkey rides in Spain?

ACCORDING to the General Council of the College of Veterinarians of Spain’s ‘Guide to Good Practices for the Welfare of Equines in Public Service Horse-Drawn Carriages’, when there is a heat index of 33ºC, working equines may suffer ‘sunstroke, heat stroke, cramps, possibly due to prolonged exposure or physical activity’ and should therefore not be put to work.

In light of this, Mijas Town Hall (on the Costa del Sol) has stipulated that donkey rides and carriages must not operate at certain times of the day when the temperature is showing as a ‘yellow weather warning’ or above.

However, is this enough to protect the donkeys, or are donkey rides a time-old tradition we must abandon?

We asked Euro Weekly News readers if people should stop going on donkey rides in Spain.

Mary Gregory said - “1,000 per cent yes!!!! It should be stopped immediately. There is no need for those poor donkeys to suffer anymore. It’s barbaric. There are many other ways to see the village than riding on the back of these poor, exhausted donkeys. It breaks my heart to see it. So cruel. I don’t visit Mijas anymore and for that reason alone. Please stop this now.”

Pam Joseph also agreed and said, “Yes, of course, it’s barbaric today. Some people have not learned anything.”

Shirley Morris also feels that it

should be stopped and expressed, “Yes, it should be stopped. Anything that puts animals in a degrading and dangerous situation should be banned.”

However, Helen Chapman suggested that putting limits in place may be the way forward - she explained, “I think there should be limits: Not in the heat of the day and no overweight people. What will happen to the donkeys if the owners don’t have any income worries me. How will they afford to feed them and look after them? I think welfare checks should be done on the donkeys and, if possible, a lovely place for them to retire to.”

Deb Horses also agrees with Helen about introducing limits and had this to say. “No! But there should be limits like 1) rides between 8.00am and noon and in the late afternoon between 7 and 10.00pm. 2) weight limited to 60 kilos. 3) There are no rides when it is 35 degrees outside.”

Tricia Pamela feels that it comes down to how well the animal is looked after rather than blanket abolition“No if the animals are treated well, fed, watered and rested, why not?”

In conclusion, while many feel that it should be banned, others are a little more open to the idea of it continuing, with the proviso that limits are set to protect donkeys, particularly during hotter climes, and from carrying heavier passengers.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Bright ideas

A GOVERNMENT scheme intended to boost new research and the economy has cost more than £4 billion (€4.65 billion) in both fraud and human error since 2020, HMRC admitted. ‘Groundbreaking’ innovations included methods for window-cleaners to hold buckets at height and initiatives for putting vegan food on pub menus.

Family affair

SANDRA ORTEGA MERA, daughter of Inditex owner Amancio Ortega and his first wife, earned €149.4 million in 2023 from her company, Rosp Corunna, which manages her investments and wealth while providing advisory services. This was 27.7 per cent less than in 2022 but still increased her assets to €1.4 billion.

Creeping up

RETAIL sales began to recover in the UK during July as summery weather finally arrived after a cold and rainy June, figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed. Although consumers were still hesitating about make large purchases, retail sales rose by a modest 0.5 per cent, the BRC said.

Chat pays

POPULAR chat show El Hormiguero, broadcast live on Antena 3, is making money for its creators, presenter Pablo Motos and his business partner, producer Jorge Salvador. Their company 7yAccion posted revenues of €31.3 million in 2023 and profits of €6.7 million, an increase of 55 per cent on the previous year.

Falklands fail

STRUGGLING Harland & Wolff suffered another blow after the Falkland Islands government withdrew from talks to construct a £120 million (€139.4 million) floating dock in Port Stanely. The Belfast shipbuilder announced that despite “productive discussions” both parties had agreed to cease further negotiations.

IBERDROLA has paid approxi mately €2.5 billion for 88 per cent of the British grid ope rator, Electricity North West (ENW).

The deal will in fact cost €5 billion, as Iberdrola is ta king on ENW’s debt, executi ve chairman Ignacio Sanchez Galan announced.

The remaining 12 per cent holding continues in the hands of a Japanese consortium headed by Kansai Electric Power.

Galan’s move was also applauded by leading credit ra-

billion

in earnings for Spanish companies listed on the country’s stock market during the first six months of this year, 15.4 per cent up on the first half of 2023.

tings agencies. Standard and Poors (S&P) predicted that ENW would contribute €500 million annually to Iberia’s

earnings before taxes, interest, depreciation and amortisation.

Moody’s said acquiring ENW was positive from the point of view of the company’s long-term credit rating. “The acquisition will strengthen the predictability of Iberdrola’s cash generation,” the agency added.

Fitch also approved the Iberdrola transaction. “It is well positioned to finance the acquisition entirely in cash, taking advantage of its ample cash reserves and headroom,” an agency statement said.

Eyewatering fines

THREE UK water firms face fines totalling £168 million (€195.6 million) for inadequately managing their wastewater plants and networks.

With sewage spills into rivers and the sea more than doubling in 2023, Britain’s Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) proposes to sanction Thames Water with the stiffest fine of £104 million (€121.1 million).

Yorkshire Water will pay £47 million (€54.7 million) and Northumbrian Water £17 million (€19.8 million).

After investigating whether the three companies provided customers with the service they were legally entitled to, Ofwat found that insufficient

investment and deficient management had resulted in “repeated releases of raw sewage” into the country’s waterways.

Ofwat has the power to fine companies up to 10 per cent of their annual sales and the 9 per cent imposed on Thames Water reflected the severity of its offences, Ofwat’s chief executive Thomas Black told the BBC.

In response, a Thames Water spokesperson said that the company took the findings “very seriously” and had cooperated at every stage of the investigation.

“We regard all untreated discharges as unacceptable, even when they

Less appealing Expertise

MULTINATIONAL Accenture has acquired Bilbao-headquartered company Bolsan, which specialises in overseeing large infrastructure projects.

Financial details were not revealed, but Accenture said Boslan would enable it “to reinvent how clients engineer and execute net-zero infrastructure projects.”

Boslan brings more than 1,000 engineering and project management professionals to Accenture, most of whom are based in Spain and Brazil although the company is also present in the UK, the US and Mexico.

THE BBVA-Sabadell hostile takeover bid is currently “in limbo”, Bloomberg Intelligence said on August 7.

Industry analyst Lento Tang maintained the outcome was “uncertain” despite BBVA’s record earnings this year.

He pointed out that BBVA’s offer of €4.83 per share made public on May 1 represented a 30 per cent premium on Sabadell’s share price at the time. At one stage this rose 52 per cent above the Catalan bank’s average over the three months preceding the May offer.

By early August the premium had fallen 5 per cent, while only two weeks previously the premium had dipped to 4 per cent as the BBVA offer rapidly lost its appeal.

are permitted,” they told the broadcaster.

Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water said they were “disappointed” by Ofwat’s decision.

At the same time Britain’s water companies hope to increase their customers’ bills by more than 44 per cent over the next five years to pay for improvements to infrastructure.

Playtime over

POLY JUGUETES toyshops have closed their 30 Spanish stores, six months after filing for voluntary liquidation.

Acquired in 2018 by UK-based Teal Group Holdings, which also owns The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre and Addo, the chain had accumulated losses of €15 million and was no longer viable, the parent company said in March 2024.

All 169 employees have been laid off but will receive more than the legally-established redundancy pay.

The demise of Poly Juguetes follows that of another once-popular toy chain, Imaginarium, which went into liquidation in July 2022 and closed all its shops in early April this year.

GRANDPARENTS tend to look after grandchildren without expecting, or wanting, anything in return.

But if they were to be paid for what is usually an unremunerated labour of love, how much would they earn?

Financial services Sun Life recently calculated the cost of a typical scenario where granny (or grandad) contributes two hours each of chauffeuring, cooking and cleaning for their grandchildren each week.

After including a weekly 18 hours of babysitting, Sun Life came up with an annual salary of £15,864 (€18,481) per grandparent.

Agencies thumbs-up On the payroll Leaving Soho

ONLINE fashion retailer Boohoo seeks a buyer prepared to pay £60m (€69.8) for its London headquarters. Although based in Manchester, Boohoo opened the Great Pulteney Street offices in Soho during its rapid expansion, spending £72 million (€83.7 million) on the building in 2021. According to the Telegraph, any sale would include the option to lease back the offices for up to five years.

Beleaguered Boohoo is aware that a £325 million (€377.8) unsecured overdraft looms, and must be repaid over the coming 18 months.

CREW CLOTHING is suing its former chief executive David Butler 16 months after he resigned in 2023.

Butler allegedly paid himself £622,000 (€722,967) in salary, bonuses and other extras, which he later claimed had been approved by owner Menoshi Shina.

The company maintains that this agreement did not exist, and that it “would never” have consented to it. Butler, who launched a wrongful dismissal case against Crew Clothing, continues to insist that he had received “verbal promises” from Menoshi Shina.

IGNACIO GALAN: Iberdrola executive chairman announced ENW acquisition.

Photo credit: Iberdrola

Photo credit: CC/Jim Linwood

THAMES WATER: Headquartered in Reading (Berkshire).

3I Group 3.013,80 3.038,00 3.010,80 77,96K Admiral Group 2.692,0 2.702,0 2.673,0 18,68K Airtel Africa 110,90 111,80 110,60 170,41K Anglo American 2.247,4 2.260,5 2.241,0 74,14K Antofagasta 1.865,50 1.880,00 1.856,00 60,17K Ashtead Group 5.208,0 5.228,9 5.198,0 21,78K Associated British Foods 2.446,0 2.470,0 2.443,0 21,15K

12.676,0 12.760,0 12.656,0 103K Auto Trader Group Plc 792,20 798,40 791,00 59,52K Aviva 484,18 486,70 482,40 515,15K

B&M European Value Retail SA 450,60 465,70 450,60 134,41K BAE Systems 1.286,00 1.293,50 1.283,00 273,93K

219,55 221,15 218,70 5,32M Barratt Developments 522,87 529,20 512,40 427,73K

Beazley 728,00 736,00 724,50 308,75K

Berkeley 5.025,0 5.090,0 5.016,8 48,08K

BP 438,40 439,60 435,00 2,84M

British American Tobacco 2.798,5 2.809,0 2.793,0 327,5K

BT Group 139,22 140,45 138,00 10,31M Bunzl 3.202,0 3.208,0 3.186,0 20,17K Burberry Group 682,5 697,0 681,6 139,3K Centrica 125,37 125,60 123,28 990,5K Coca Cola HBC AG 2.708,0 2.710,0 2.686,0 56,01K Compass 2.348,00 2.363,00 2.337,00 180,69K

595,72 598,80 594,60

EXTRA

Chile contract

SPANISH companies

Sacyr and Azvi were awarded the €266 million concession to operate and expand Chile’s Northern Airports Network. This will involve tripling the size of the Antofagasta terminal and increase by five the surface area of Atacama airport.

Too much

LORD SAATCHI’s £350 million (€406.3 million) offer for the Telegraph failed to make it to the second round of the auction. The former advertising tycoon afterwards described RedBird IMI’s £600 million (€696.8 million) acquisition of the newspaper rights in December 2023 as “overpayment.”

Good year for English wine

ENGLAND produced 161,960 hectolitres of wine in 2023, equivalent to 21.6 million bottles and an increase of 77 per cent on 2022.

This does not make the UK a recognised wine-making country - Uzbekistan and Tunisia produce more - but revenues for English vineyards nevertheless rose by 15 per cent in 2023, as climate change encouraged growers to plant more vines.

After analysing Com-

IAG gives in

BRITISH AIRWAYS and Iberia owner IAG finally dropped its €400 million Air Europa takeover ambitions.

This was IAG’s second attempt at acquiring from Globalia the 80 per cent of the Spanish airline that it did not own after the European Commission frustrated earlier plans in 2021.

Brussels maintained that had the merger gone ahead, IAG would have domina-

ted Madrid’s Barajas airport, bringing the possibility of higher prices for passengers.

After confirming that IAG was abandoning its Air Europa plans, chief executive Luis Gallego said the airline believed this decision was now in shareholders’ best interests.

He also revealed that IAG would pay Globalia a €50 million breakup fee after backing out of the deal.

seven largest vineyards increased from £32 million (€37.2 million) in 2022 to £37 million (€43 million) last year. This tripled the £13 million (€15.1 million) that the same companies recorded in 2018-2019.

Chapel Down probably the best-known of the English vineyards, posted revenues of £17.2 million (€20 million) for the year ending December 31, 2023.

The UHY Hacker Young survey concluded that English wine has been boosted by improved growing conditions with vineyards as far north as Yorkshire and even Scotland. But as English and British wines flourished, traditional wine-makers failed to benefit from higher temperatures.

Spain and Italy, the world’s largest producers after France, have both seen their output affected by the drought as well as torrential rains that result from climate change.

Coal wins

MINING giant Glencore will not divest itself of its coal interests after 95 per cent of the FTSE 100 company’s shareholders voted to retain the profitable fossil fuel division. Glencore has now shelved earlier plans to merge its coal business with the steelmaking coal division of its recently acquired Canadian company, Teck Resources, and list in New York.

Joining forces

TELEFONICA, Vodafone and Masorange intend to share their fibre optic networks, signing separate bilateral agreements with each other to avoid objections from Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC). Between them, the three operators provide fibre optic internet connections for 15 million lines although the network has the potential to reach 78.7 million properties.

pany House records, UHY

Hacker Young accounting

services found that turnover for the country’s

Photo credit: FB Chapel Down

CHAPEL DOWN: English wine-producer races ahead

Interesting times

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

OOPS, I see Mr Khan is reported as stating that ‘people didn’t feel safe in London anymore’. One observation I can bring to the mayor of London’s somewhat cloth ears is that people in most British cities all felt completely secure before the onslaught of mass immigration - mostly illegal. Just saying. Enough of that, I’ve really had it all up to the eyeballs.

Thank goodness I chose to live elsewhere all those years ago. Prior to Spain, where I’ve now resided for over 40 years, (hallelujah), I was, as many readers are aware, an eight-year resident of Saudi Arabia. They were interesting times because the Saudis had decided on a 15-year plan to utilise their vast oil riches on bringing their country into the 21st century. Subsequently, as long as you could duck and dive, the one thing they were able to wash all over you was the ol dough ray me! After I had been stopped by Crown Prince Fahad from importing shows (unveiled

women in my audiences!) I looked around for other lucrative means of balancing the budget.

One that proved to be the most rewarding (apart from an illegal video library) was the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables. Using my American contact at the vast military hospital in Jeddah, I was soon supplying both the hospital and others with goods on a daily basis. This, along with my band and association with the extremely popular amateur dramatic society, presented me with probably one of the most enjoyable times of my life, except of course for my days of glory with a wonderful family and a worldwide hit record - I digress. Periodically I would of course need to collect the money owed to me by the hospital.

that, he also appeared somewhat familiar. Suddenly, when he was only a few feet in front of me, I realised to my absolute amazement and definite mental twitch, I was about to share some very lonely space with none other than Idi Amin, the man who had been responsible for the death and torture of thousands of his fellow countrymen, literally towering over me in that very solitary environment. Trying to appear totally at ease as he stopped right in front of me, I watched his enormous hand reach out and… patted me on the head. ‘Keep up de good work’ he grinned, flashing his large and very white gnashers. With that he brushed past me and was gone.

New limit

LAUNCHING into August, Venice has imposed a limit on tourist groups, allowing up to 25 people in another attempt to combat mass tourism.

All tourist groups will now have to include a maximum of 25 people, with children up to two years of age excluded. The rule also doesn’t apply to visiting students or those on educational trips.

City officials stated that to protect “the peace of residents,” and ensure free movement, tourist guides would no longer be allowed to use loudspeakers. In the cases of non-compliance, fines ranging from €25 to €500 will be issued. The regulations cover the city centre and the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.

On one particular day, smartly attired in my whites, I was negotiating one of the long empty passageways of the hospital en route to the cashier’s department. In the distance I suddenly espied what appeared to be a large very black gentleman bearing down on me from further along the corridor. As he drew nearer he began to grow very large indeed, not only

Apparently he was in exile in Saudi Arabia, his daughter had been involved in a car accident and was actually on a visit. I couldn’t help but wonder how many of his victims had witnessed the same outstretched hand before he put them to death? Doesn’t bear thinking about.

Although initially meant to be implemented on June 1, the authorities had to postpone the rules until August 1 due to prior bookings by tour guides. The latest measure has been one of the continuing efforts of battling overcrowding in Venice, imposed after the alleged ‘fail’ of the Venice entry tax.

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

The costly campaign of the entry tax had been criticised by government opposition; “The ticket is a failure, as demonstrated by city data,” stated Giovanni Andrea Martini. In his claim, Martini referenced the data which showed that Venice received a record amount of tourists despite the entry tax charge.

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

Mass tourism in Venice.

Credit: thinktotbot, Flickr

Beach battles Restrictions

Credit: Efrem Efre,

THE decades-long battle of the beaches continues in Italy, as protesters demand freedom from private concessionaires; as laws remain unclear, both sides urge the government to step in.

“Most Italians don’t know they have the right to go to the beach for free,” said Manuela Salvi from the Mare Libero (Free Sea) organisation. “They are used to paying to go to the seaside. And if we don’t make our voices heard, the institutions will think we’re fine with

it.” Mare Libero has been flooding Italian beaches since 2019, trying to reclaim free space.

Today, Italy hosts more than 12,000 beach resorts with daily prices for two loungers and an umbrella averaging €30-35 and reaching as high as €700 in exclusive locations.

In a country with 7,500 km of coastline, sea access is severely limited; in northern Italy, Liguria, almost 70 per cent of the beaches are private, with several towns reaching 100 per cent priva-

tisation.

Mare Libero member, Stefano Salvetti revealed the Punta dell’Olmo beach to the Press, highlighting it as a “symbol of our resistance against the privatisation of our few remaining beaches.”

Margherita Welyam from Mare Libero shared; “I have spent almost every summer of my life in the same beach club and my mother has done the same for 25 years.”

Today, just 5 per cent of the beaches in Italy remain free.

PASSENGERS in the EU and the UK airports will be prohibited from carrying liquids of more than 100ml from September 1, 2024, reported ACI (Airports Council International).

The re-introduced regulation affects all European and UK airlines and prohibits all liquids including aerosol and gel containers. The only exceptions are prescribed medicines and baby food.

The European Commission reported that the restriction was re-introduced not as a security measure but as a ‘preventive’ measure until the scanner software is improved, “on the basis of information indicating that the performance thereof did not meet the standard for which it had been approved.”

Claimed to be underdeveloped, the scans were also reported as costly. Their purchase can cost almost eight times more than the regular machines and their maintenance costs are four times higher.

The devices have been employed by countries including Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Sweden, the UK and Malta.

ACI commented that; “those air -

ports which have been early adopters of this new technology are being heavily penalised both operationally and financially. They decided to deploy C3 scanners in good faith, based on the EU having greenlighted this equipment without any restriction attached.”

He emphasised the need for improvement in the future; “We need to draw the lessons from this situation and make sure the EU certification system provides the necessary legal certainty and operational stability moving forward.”

Italian beach.

Airport security points.

Credit: TravelSafeBC, Flickr

Monument vandalised AC vendetta

ON the anniversary of her arrest by Nazis, August 4, 1944, exactly 80 years to the day, Anne Frank’s monument in Amsterdam was smeared with bloodred paint and the slogan ‘Free Gaza’.

The Diary of Anne Frank became a ‘mustread’ and a societal vow to never again permit the horrors of Nazi barbarity in Europe. Yet here we are just eight decades later and a modest memorial reminding the World of her plight and that of all Jews across Europe, per -

secuted and senselessly slaughtered for nothing more than their family heritage, we find anti-Semitism returns to a Europe that has seemingly forgotten its vow.

According to local television news, this was the second time in the space of a month that the solemn little statue had been daubed with red paint. While an investigation has been launched, no suspects have been identified.

In the wake of the bellic horrors taking place in

Gaza, Anti-Semitism has reared its ugly head once more around Europe to everyone’s shock and dismay. Mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, has been quoted as saying “No Palestinian has been helped by smearing her so precious statue.” She said on her Instagram account “This young girl, who was so brutally murdered by the Nazis at the age of 15, reminds us and our city every day of humanity and gentleness, in the most difficult circumstances.”

ITALY’s wealthiest municipality, Portofino has been seeing an increase in heat, with temperatures rising as high as 32 degrees Celsius; the neighbours, meanwhile, are having heated arguments over reporting each other to the lo cal police.

Portofino has been part of a regional national park since 1935, and until a few years ago, it entirely pro hibited the ins tallation of air con ditioning units. With the rise in the stifling heat, the authorities lifted the restrictions, as long as the homeowners received permission and ensured a discreet placement of air-con units, without tainting Portofino’s glamour.

The fines reach as much as €43,000 if prosecuted in court, although Portofino mayor Matteo Viacava said that the authorities aim to avoid fining people; “We just want to ensure that the constraints are respected and beauty of Portofino is maintained. They need to be put in places that are not visible. Slowly, we are getting it all in order.”

At least 37 reports have been received about illegally installed air-cons between January and June.

Local newspaper Corriere della Sera reported the ‘vendetta’ within Portofino neighbours, who denounce each other to the police. While some residents hide their AC units, disguising them by painting them in colours of the local surroundings, some people have reported to have played host to their neighbours, only to find them secretly taking a photo of an illegally set air-con unit and forwarding it to the police.

I’m just very confused!

I’M confused by what’s going on in the UK. Something is happening and even though I’m not sure exactly what it is, I just don’t know what to believe. I see a video on TV or online and my immediate reaction is OMG that’s terrible. In this instance I’m talking about a policeman kicking a man on the floor. The next day I see the same video, this time it’s a bit longer, and in this video I see what I think is what led up to the kicking incident. In the longer video I think I see some thugs attacking the police and smashing a female police officer in the face and breaking her nose. I then read that the police officer is in big trouble but can’t see anything about what happened to the blokes that appeared to start the fight. Next thing I see is those two guys with a lawyer telling a story which does not relate to anything that I saw. Can someone please explain to me what’s happening?

I read what Tommy Robinson says. I read what Farage says. I also read Byline News, Laurence Fox. I also read all the opposing views. So I’m covering the right, far right, and the left and far left. Remem-

ber if the far left keep going further left and the far right keep going further right they will meet and end up fighting about the same thing. I also read stuff Nick Lowles wrote about an acid attack that many said was just not true. I look at all the newspaper headlines which, by the way, are totally useless as they only tell you what happened yesterday - except the Daily Star, that just doesn’t report anything. I watch every news station and am very confused because none seem to be reporting on the same story even though they are showing the same video.

I’m also confused about people turning up to protest about marches that were never going to happen. You can now go to prison for being an idiot and retweeting something another idiot posted. I think I’m looking at gangs of people walking around with swords and machetes, maybe the odd pick axe handle, and not being arrested and then seeing police arresting a pair of gobby women for - well I’m not sure what.

I’m just very confused because if you dare to give any alternative view or agree with someone a bit controversial, you are either shouted down or called a fascist or woke. Help!!

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

Anne Frank’s memorial statue in Amsterdam vandalised.

Credit: Joop Soesan, X.

Portofino neighbourhood.

Credit: Irene Grassi, Flickr

Brit vandalises Pompeii Nudist chain

SOME 717 people participated in forming a nudist human chain on Torn Beach in Tarragona, Spain on August 4, according to a statement from the Catalan Naturism Club.

The human nudist chain was part of the Third Nudist Record of Catalonia, which took place on July 12 across 20 beaches in Catalonia. Nudists at the Torn Beach were unable to participate due to harsh weather, hence the event was postponed until August; the Cala Fonda beach also joined to make up for its previous absence.

“Nudism is not forbidden, but socially is not very well accepted,” commented Segimon Rovira, president of the Catalan Naturism Club Association. He explained that the event aimed to raise the maximum number of nudists and “beyond raising

awareness of nudism on Catalan beaches, was set “to promote and defend nudism.”

He mentioned the unprecedented decline in nudist culture; “Generally, across the world, society is becoming more and more conservative, and we see that many and many more people are having more problems in doing nudism on the beaches.”

Rovira linked this decline with the “proliferation of social networks,” as nudist beaches are “increasingly frequented by people who do not go naked,” refusing to respect the nudist values.

Mass tourism, pressure from real estate developers, and the omnipresence of cell phones have caused a decline in nudist culture; something which the community aims to change.

A BRITISH man has landed himself in deep trouble after vandalising a Unesco World Heritage site.

The tourist carved the initials of his name and those of his daughters on the wall of one of Pompeiis’ most famous attractions.

As Italy continues to deal with foreign visitors leaving their mark, they could be setting a precedent as this tourist is facing a fine of over €1,000.

The 37-year-old Brit, from Derby, reportedly used a blunt object to carve the initials of himself and his children; JW LMW and MW, as well as the date 07/08/24.

The man engraved the initials on the frescoed wall of the ancient House of the Vestals, the previous residence of the Vestal virgins, located behind the Temple of Vesta.

In addition to his and his family’s initials, the foreigner also scribbled the word ‘Mylaw’ beside the entrance of the ancient house.

Unfortunately for the holidayers, the father was caught, leading the Pompeii security staff to report him to the police and the public prosecutor’s office in the nearby town of Torre Annunziata, opening up an investigation into the matter.

According to local police, “after his arrest, he was mortified,” adding that his explanation for acting as such was “He said he wanted to leave something of himself there.”

Although “he apologised for what he did,” said the local police, “he will have to pay.”

More than 700 nudist form a human chain in Tarragona.

The House of the Vestals located in the Pompeii archeological park, where the tourist carved his initials.

Mysterious monoliths: omen or prank? Empty cells

FIRST one appeared in Utah, then Romania, California, Spain, Wales and then Paraguay. Now, it is the turn of Las Vegas in the US.

For the last four years mystery metallic monoliths have been appearing in the strangest of places and setting the Internet on fire with weird and wonderful theories to where they come from.

Like something out of a Stanley Kubrick film, the latest in a series of eerie mirror-like blocks of metal was spotted in the desert just north of Las Vegas. Photos of the monolith were posted on X by local police who urged people to ‘be safe outdoors’.

The almost two metre tall and 33cm thick monolith is the latest in a series of identical objects to mysteriously pop up, and no one knows who

is responsible. The first appeared in Utah in 2020. With the Red Rock Country background, it looked like something from Science Fiction. Officials in Utah never gave away the precise location of the monolith, but hundreds of fans of the occult swarmed there to search for it anyway.

Since then, multiple identical monoliths have appeared out of nowhe-

re too: There was one in the Romanian town of Piatra Neamt, which the local mayor attributed to ‘naughty aliens playing a prank’ and one in the ruins of a Spanish church in Catalonia. In fact, since 2020, there have been sightings of almost 250 around the world. The latest being in Las Vegas, Nevada. Is this an omen?

Or a collective pranking like crop circles?

THERE is so little crime in the Netherlands that the prisons are becoming empty. A study by the European Journal of Criminology revealed that between 2005 and 2015, the Dutch inmate inhabitancy was nearly halved, resulting in the closure of more than 23 jails since 2014.

According to the Justice Ministry’s WODC Research and Documentation Centre, the number of prison sentences in the Netherlands fell from 42,000 in 2008 to 31,000 in 2018. With so few Dutch prisoners, some of the facilities had been leased to Norway and Belgium, while others have been reused for refugee housing, temporary asylums, and remodelled hotels.

One key factor contributing to the Nether-

lands’ shortage is the effective rehabilitation system, TBS. In 2018, 1,300 people were registered under a TBS ruling, granted a stay in treatment centres, at times following a jail term, with the psychological treatment of the issues which prompted the criminal offences.

A TBS psychologist Miriam van Driel also highlighted the power of rehabilitation; “The way you treat people - also in prison - makes a big difference in how they return to society. If you treat them like dogs, people will behave like dogs but if you treat them as human beings, they will behave like human beings.

“In the Dutch service we look at the individual,” said Roelof Van der Spoel, deputy governor of Norgerhaven in the Netherlands.

LOST IN TRANSLATION (2)

EVER wondered about the quirky differences between Spanish and English? Take humour. Whilst the British approach is often characterised as deadpan, subtle and relying on sarcasm, this dry wit can be lost in translation in many countries including Spain. The awkwardness of an iconic TV character like The Office’s David Brent could lead to puzzled looks from Spanish viewers more accustomed to livelier, animated comedy.

Next, let’s give names the once-over. It’s quite a saga. But what an important saga. What appears like a middle name is actually the first, and most used, of the two surnames all Spaniards have. Juan Rodríguez García is Juan to mates but Señor Rodríguez to others (Rodríguez was his father’s first surname, and García his mother’s).

And women? They usually stick to their maiden surname after marriage. ‘Señora’ is ‘Mrs’ and ‘Señorita’ is ‘Miss’ (there’s NO equivalent of ‘Ms’) while ‘Doña’ is either, and a respectful term.

So you can address a lady as ‘Doña Isabel’ - or a man as ‘Don’. (Always reminds me of the movie, The Godfather!)

Finally, a Spanish magician recently informed me he’d disappear - you read it here first in the superlative Euro Weekly News - he said, ‘Uno, dos...’ Then disappeared without a t-r-e-s!

And as before, many thanks for all your welcome emails to my website! So pleased you enjoy my column!

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

Monolith in Sa Conca, Catalonia.

Empty prison cell.

Credit: Arocinema, Wikipedia CC

Sponsored by

Vegan diet reduced biological age and weight loss

RECENT scientific research suggests that adopting a vegan diet for just two months can have profound health benefits, including reducing biological age and promoting weight loss. These findings highlight the potential of plant-based diets to enhance overall well-being and longevity.

Biological age refers to the condition of our cells and tissues, which can differ from our chronological age. The study found that participants who switched to a vegan diet experienced a reduction in their biological age markers. This rejuvenation effect is attributed to the high intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from plant-based foods, which help combat oxidative

stress and inflammation.

In addition to the anti-ageing benefits, the vegan diet also proved effective for weight loss. Participants lost a significant amount of weight over the two-month period. The weight loss is primarily due to the diet’s high fibre content and lower calorie density, which promote satiety and reduce overall calorie intake.

Credit: Jane Trang

Hair’s ageing journey

AS we age, our hair undergoes significant changes influenced by genetics, hormones, and overall health. One of the most noticeable changes is the gradual greying of hair. This occurs because hair follicles produce less melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour. The process can start as early as in one’s 20s, but typically becomes more pronounced in the 40s and beyond.

Hair texture also changes with age. Many find their hair becoming finer and drier due to a decrease in the production of natural oils. This can make hair appear thinner and more brittle, leading to breakage.

A vegan diet emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, all of which are nutrient-dense. These foods provide essential nutrients

like fibre, vitamins C and E, and phytochemicals, which support metabolic health and enhance immune function.

For those considering a vegan diet, it’s important to plan meals to ensure adequate intake of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12, which can be sourced from fortified foods or supplements.

Hormonal changes, particularly in women during menopause, can exacerbate these issues, sometimes causing hair loss or thinning. Moreover, the growth rate of hair slows down as we age. Hair follicles can shrink, resulting in shorter hair cycles and fewer active follicles at any given time.

Maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and using appropriate hair care products can help mitigate some of these changes, ensuring your hair remains as vibrant as possible through the years.

Doan, Pexels

Costa del Sol Ronaldo in Marbella

CRISTIANO RONALDO alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland have been seen training in Marbella.

The Arabian team Al-Nassr, the team Ronaldo currently belongs to, have been in Marbella for pre-season training.

Ronaldo and his team were at the Marbella Football Centre, a very important venue used by some of the top teams for pre-season training camps: La Liga, the Premier League, the Bundesliga and more choose Marbella to prepare.

On the list of teams using the Marbella grounds this year is Al-Nassr, the Saudi Arabian team in which Cristiano Ronaldo plays, as well as Fernando Hierro, originally from Velez-Marbella, is the sporting director for the Saudi team.

Additionally, Norwegian football star Erling Haaland has been seen training there with his team.

Marbella Football Centre has once again firmly established itself as the pre-season training camp for top-level teams.

Axarquia Torrox against cancer

THE Municipal Theatre Villa de Torrox was the stage for a special performance of ‘El Mundo al Revés,’ (The World Upside Down ) organised by the Torrox Theatre Association. This event wasn’t just about showcasing a play; it was a heartfelt effort to raise funds for the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in Torrox. The play attracted a large crowd, all eager to support the cause.

The evening was a resounding success, with enthusiastic audience members filling the theatre. Their attendance not only highlighted their love for theatre but also their strong commitment to fighting cancer. Local figures like Sandra Extremera, councillor for the Elderly in Torrox, and Salvador Escudero, councillor for Culture, showed their support by attending, highlighting the importance of the cause.

The Villa de Torrox Theatre expressed pride in supporting this cause, noting the powerful blend of art and community spirit in advancing important causes.

Mallorca

Dramatic sea rescue

THERE was a dramatic rescue operation on Saturday August 10 in the waters off Camp de Mar, Andratx, as a yacht carrying a German family and two crew members began to sink.

Emergency services were alerted shortly before 10.00am to reports of a vessel in distress. The Maritime Rescue Service swiftly mobilised the Salvamar Libertas while Local Police units rushed to the scene.

Fortunately, a nearby private boat was able to reach the yacht in time, rescuing all five individuals on board, including a young child. The rescued group, consisting of a German couple, their son, and two crew members, were safely returned to Port Adriano.

Despite the rapid response, the yacht continued to take on water and is now submerged at the bottom of the sea. Maritime Rescue teams remain in the area to monitor the situation and prevent any potential environmental impact.

Costa Blanca South Street Festival

THE Elche on the Street Festival (Elx al Carrer) in Elche is returning for its 16th year, bringing over 20 performances to various squares and city streets. Due to high demand for participation, the festival has been extended to span two weekends, taking place on September 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

Councillor for Youth, María Bonmatí, highlighted that ‘Elx al Carrer’ is one of the initiatives aimed at bringing culture directly to the city’s public spaces, offering an alternative form of leisure.

The festival will feature a diverse array of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and circus acts, in prominent locations such as Plaza del Congreso Eucarístico, Plaza de Baix, and Plaza del Centro de Congresos.

Pablo Tortosa, the coordinator of the Elx al Carrer programme, emphasised the variety of talent involved, noting that both national and international artists, as well as local amateur performers, will transform the streets into expansive stages.

Almeria

Almeria fair fans

SOME 15,000 people from Almeria are already holding their Almeria Fair fan for this year’s fiesta. The Fair’s fan is the most desirable of all for thousands of people from Almeria and tourists from all over as they prepare for the festivities in honour of the Patron Saint, the Virgen del Mar.

The fan, decorated in red and teal with the iconic flamenco dancer design by Carlos Rigo, was first distributed on Saturday, August 10, in three locations; the Plaza de la Constitucion, the Centro de la Mujer de Cortijo Grande and the office of El Alquian.

The event is coordinated by the Department of Culture, Traditions and Major Festivals of the Almeria City Council.

The fans are once again raising funds for charity this year, as all the money raised from the fans (€2 per fan) will be donated to institutions that work to help those who need it most, including soup kitchens, Casa de Nazaret and Caritas.

Costa Blanca North Boogie Wonderland!

ON the night of August 16, Benidorm will play host to a genuine legend of funk, soul, and timeless music. The atmospheric Julio Iglesias Auditorium will host the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience built around Al McKay, promising a truly fantastic evening.

Al McKay, an original Earth, Wind & Fire member and inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, will bring his iconic presence and talent to the stage. This concert will celebrate the original band’s bestknown hits, including September, Let’s Groove, Got to Get You into My Life, and, of course, the most memorable of all, Boogie Wonderland.

For those who have secured a ticket, this sold-out performance in Benidorm offers a rare and privileged opportunity to witness the magic of this renowned band in Spain, as it is the only stop on its packed international tour. Following their performance in Benidorm, the band will continue their tour with appearances in the UK, France, Switzerland, China, Malaysia, South Africa, and Australia.

Dog care

Anna Akopyan

WHILE summer is a fun time for the entire family, as pets become thrilled to spend more time with their owners, they face health risks with the rising heat.

Water should always be available to your pets. As they can’t express their thirst, dogs fall under a greater risk of dehydration. With such active lifestyles, dogs should drink between 15-45ml/kg/ day on average. Look out for symptoms of dehydration in your dogs, including the loss of appetite, vomiting, panting, sunken eyes, reduced energy and dry nose. It is also a good idea to let your dog in the pool if possible or sprinkle water on them to cool off.

Unlike us, dogs don’t have the protection of shoes; when walking on sizzling hot pavements in the summer, they experience a terrible amount of pain. It is not just uncomfortable but can also lead to overheating and even heat strokes. To see whether the pavement is too hot for your dog, use a simple five-second rule. Place the back of your hand on the pavement; if you can’t keep it there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

It is absolutely prohibited to leave your dog in a hot car, even for a short time; it will inevitably lead to a heat stroke and could even result in death.

is a common behaviour rooted in their natural instincts and social dynamics. Understanding the reasons behind this behaviour can help cat owners manage and reduce conflicts.

Dylan loves his pet-sitters

DYLAN is a feisty fellow and his owners now find it easier to leave him in the care of checked pet-sitters when they travel away from home. They find that he is happier at home rather than in the car or on a plane with them on holiday. Does your pet need pet-sitters at home too?

By joining a house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch we facilitate an old-fashioned barter exchange where a pet owner provides the pet-sitter with free accommodation and the sitter cares for the pets and property with due care and attention, just like old fashioned barter. Plus HouseSitMatch Saves Money because the Pet-sitting is Free!

If you use 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:

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.

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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

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.

Why do Cats hit each other?

One primary reason cats hit each other is territoriality. Cats are inherently territorial animals and may use hitting as a way to establish dominance or defend their space. This is especially common when a new cat is introduced to the household.

Play-fighting is another reason. Young cats and kittens often engage in hitting as part of their play, which helps them develop essential hunting and defence skills. These interactions, though sometimes appearing

aggressive, are usually harmless and part of their social learning.

Stress and redirected aggression can also cause cats to hit each other. If a cat feels threatened or stressed by an external factor, such as another animal outside, it might redirect its aggression towards a nearby cat.

Understanding these motivations can help owners create a more harmonious environment, reducing the likelihood of aggressive encounters.

Meet Dylan the Corgi, he loves it when the pet-sitters come to stay.

CATS hitting each other

Credit: A nna Akopyan

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Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a

meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www. aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

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CARS FOR SALE

Honda e:Ny1 - company’s first pure EV

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

HONDA are known for discreet style, engineering excellence and build quality. It’s not therefore surprising that one might expect Honda’s first pure EV to be a bit of a game changer despite the now well established competition in the EV sector. Hence the arrival of Honda’s e:Ny1 heralded an expectation of EV innovation and standard setting.

It’s fair to say that the e:Ny1 wasn’t the game changer I was expecting, it’s a typical Honda in terms of the quality and levels of equipment ie an excellent package. Where it doesn’t quite cut it is in terms of the range at just 411km/256 miles, and in the real world it will be less than this stated figure.

an awful lot of good stuff too. There are two versions - Elegance and Ad-

Facts at a Glance

The e:Ny1 would be a fine vehicle to use as your local commuter car, work, school, the weekly shop etc. Anything further than 160km/100 miles each way though, and you run into looking at the very expensive public charging network. In a car that costs €47,512/£40,645 a range of just 411km/256 miles isn’t great. Thankfully being a Honda there’s

Emissions: 0

vance - with prices at €47,512/£40,645 and €50,084/£42,845 respectively. The

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

Bargain luxury-cars

DRUG-related auctions might be just what you need to get the luxury car of your dreams.

Buying a car at a drug-related auction gives you the opportunity to purchase a high-end vehicle at a price well below market value.

The cars may have a sketchy past, but they are still high-end, in good condition, and at competitive prices.

The Government’s Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs (DGPNSD) acquire vehicles confir

the costs incurred in the fight against drug trafficking.

The DGPNSD administers the Confiscated Assets Fund, which is supported by the revenue from the auction.

Vehicles are always inspected and sometimes restored before being put up for sale.

The positive impact of these auctions is reflected in the Confiscated Assets Fund, which distributes its income to research, prosecution and repression

of illegal drug trafficking, as well as for the assistance and social and labour integration of drug addicts.

To get your next luxury car, Escrapalia, part of the Surus Inversa Group, has established itself firmly as a leader in the industrial auction market in Spain.

Escrapalia offers a variety of cars from different sources, including those confiscated in anti-drug operations; among the list sold before is a Chevrolet Corvette and a Mercedes-Benz 170S-T.

levels of equipment are superb with standard fare including heated seats, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, eight-way power driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, Apple Car Play and Android Auto along with a 25cm/10 inch driver’s display and 38cm/15 inch central display screen.

Move up a level and you gain a very clever parking pilot that finds you a space and parks the e:Ny1 for you. There’s also a superb panoramic roof, power tailgate, 360 degree camera and heated steering wheel. It’s a mightily impressive list and various option packs are available at extra cost.

On the road the Honda is effortless and very comfortable with a reassuring driving feel as one would expect from Honda. On the charging front the range may not be that great but it will charge at home from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just six hours, or if you find one of those fast chargers you can put in 96km/60 miles of range in just 11 minutes.

Despite the surprise and slight disappointment about the e:Ny1’s range there’s still much to commend it, there are few places that would be as pleasant for your daily motoring excursions.

Buying