Costa Blanca South 29 Aug – 4 Sept 2024 Issue 2043

Balcony braveheart

FELIPE DAVID SOUZA, a young Brazilian who has resided in Alicante since 2019, will be honoured for his bravery during the city’s Volunteer Day celebrations in November.

Councillor for Security, Julio Calero, plans to formally recognise Souza’s courageous act of saving a child from a precarious situation.

The councillor personally visited the hero to express the city’s gratitude and inform him of the upcoming recognition.

He praised Souza’s selflessness and bravery, emphasising that the city is deeply appreciative of his life-risking rescue.

On August 19, Souza became a local hero when he risked his life to save a child hanging

from a balcony. Souza, who works as a painter, was on the job renovating a house near Plaza de Galicia in Alicante when he heard a commotion outside around 6.00pm.

Initially thinking it

was a fight, he soon discovered the real emergency: a six-yearold boy was precariously positioned with

leg dangling from a balcony and struggling to get the other leg out. Without hesitation, Souza dashed to the scene.

Despite not having time to put on his shirt, he climbed out onto the building’s ledge and made his way several metres across the void. With only his hands for support, he reached the frightened child and brought him back to safety inside his home.

the building’s le-

Costa Blanca South • Issue No. 2043 • 29 Aug - 4 Sept 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS

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GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE

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Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante

BALCONY BRAVEHEART: Alicante hero.

Impressive performance

ELCHE’S councillor for Tourism Irene Ruíz has underscored the impressive tourism performance in Elche for 2024.

From January to August, over 63,000 visitors arrived in the municipality, reflecting a 6 per cent rise compared to 2023.

Hotel occupancy has also seen significant growth, with a cumulative annual rate of 82.75 per cent, a 5.33 per cent improvement from the previous year.

The Marina Resort, a pre-

mier tourist complex on the Costa Blanca, experienced notable growth as well.

By June, its annual occupancy rate had surged by 7.9 per cent compared to 2023, and during the summer, it achieved nearly full capacity with a technical occupancy rate of 100 per cent.

Other key tourist services in Elche also reported growth.

The tourist train saw a 30 per cent increase in passengers, while the guided tour service enjoyed a 12 per cent

rise in users compared to the previous year.

Most visitors have come from within Spain, particularly from regions such as the Valencian Community, Madrid, Catalonia, Andalucia, Murcia, and Castilla La Mancha.

Among international tourists, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany led the way, with increasing numbers of visitors from Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Portugal, Eastern Europe, and Italy.

Image: Comunitat Valenciana / Turisme

Hotel occupancy has also seen significant growth.

Destination Dupes

AS the end of summer approaches, many holidaymakers will be gearing up for a last-minute getaway. For those on a budget, a new trend is gaining momentum across Europe, ‘destination dupes’. These are lesser-known, budget-friendly alternatives to some of the continent’s most popular and invariably overcrowded tourist spots.

This trend offers a perfect opportunity to explore new locations with the

same charm, beauty and cultural richness without the hefty price tags and overwhelming crowds. The concept of destination dupes is similar to the widespread fashion/ designer dupe phenomenon, where affordable alternatives to high-end products become the goto choice.

According to some travel experts, the demand for these alternative destinations stems from a growing desire among travellers to avoid the

drawbacks of tourist hotspots. These include long queues, inflated prices, and fully booked accommodations, which have become increasingly common in Europe’s most visited cities, particularly this year.

Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences in quieter, less commercialised areas, driven by a combination of cost-effectiveness and the desire for a more intimate travel experience.

Melanie Fish, Chief Trend Tracker for Expedia Brands said, “Dupes are like cheaper versions of luxury brands. They are destinations that are a little unexpected, sometimes more affordable, but every bit as delightful as the tried-and-true places travellers love.”

Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach getaway, an exciting city break, or a scenic countryside retreat, there’s a destination dupe waiting to be discovered.

2024 European Dupes

SOME European Dupes to consider: Santorini: Paros o ers the iconic whitewashed buildings and the stunning Aegean Sea views that Santorini is famous for without the overwhelming tourist in ux.

Dalmatia: For the Croatian coast head to Istria instead of Split and Dubrovnik. Known for its picturesque towns like Rovinj, Istria o ers stunning Adriatic views, historical sites, and excellent cuisine at a fraction of the cost and with fewer tourists.

Stockholm: Stockholm is fantastic, but Bergen o ers similar Scandinavian charm, with colourful wooden houses, rich maritime history, a vibrant cultural scene, and a beautiful mountain backdrop.

London: London is often the rst city people think of when it comes to the UK, but Liverpool o ers a comparable experience with its own northern twist. It’s home to The Beatles, has a thriving arts scene, and has a rich naval history. It also o ers a more a ordable and less crowded cultural hub with its museums, galleries, and vibrant waterfront.

Lisbon: As Lisbon’s popularity has risen, so have prices and tourist numbers. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, o ers a similar blend of history, architecture, and vibrant street life but is less popular with tourists.

Sevilla: Sevilla is popular for Andalucian charm, but Cordoba o ers a rich experience without the crowds. It’s home to the iconic Mezquita and embodies the essence of southern Spain.

SOME things to consider to make the most of your ‘destination dupe’

Do your research: When planning your trip to less popular destinations, it’s essential to conduct thorough research. For example, looking into accommodation options, transportation, and local attractions. Travel off-peak: To save money and avoid large crowds, consider travelling during the off-peak season. This can further reduce costs and provide a more serene travel experience.

Engage with locals: To truly immerse yourself in these destinations, try to engage with the local community. Take advantage of local markets, guided tours, and cultural events to interact with residents and gain a deeper understanding of the area. Engaging with locals will enrich your travel experience and create lasting memories.

Discover a destination dupe for a quiet beach getaway.

Credit: Shutterstock: song_about-summer

Cordoba, a destination dupe for Sevilla.

Credit: Pixabay

Most unique fortress

SAX Castle has recently been recognised as the most unique castle in the province of Alicante by National Geographic magazine.

The renowned publication, celebrated for its coverage of science, history, and travel, highlighted Sax Castle in a feature about the most stunning and historically significant castles in the region.

The province of Alicante is home to nearly 230 defensive structures that have withstood centuries of change.

From these, National Geographic spotlighted 15 remarkable castles, with Sax Castle standing out for its distinctiveness.

Perched on a rocky hilltop, Sax Castle played a crucial role in a medieval defensive network, alongside the castles of Villena and Biar.

It was originally taken from Muslim forces in 1239 by the Commander of Alcañiz and the knights of the Order of Calatrava, and subsequently transferred to King Alfonso X of Castile.

The article highlights Alicante’s rich medieval heritage, por -

traying the region as a battleground for centuries between Christian and Islamic kingdoms, as well as between rival Christian rulers.

These fortified structures not only reflect the military history but also the intricate politics, wars, and alliances that shaped

ALMORADI’S Holy Week has now officially been recognised as a Provincial Festival of Tourist Interest.

This honour highlights the cultural and tourist significance of a celebration that draws thousands

the region throughout the Middle Ages. Sax Castle, in particular, symbolises this dynamic and complex history.

Guided tours of the castle are available but booking is required. To reserve your spot, visit the website sax.es/visitas-guiadas -castillo or call (+34) 966 313 351.

of people each year and is renowned for its deep devotion and long-standing traditions.

Almoradi’s Holy Week is famous for its stunning processions, the dedication of its brotherhoods, and the involvement of the entire community.

Now, it has earned a well-deserved place among the most prestigious tourist attractions in the Valencian Community.

María Gómez, the mayor of Almoradi, shared her excitement over the news and expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this achievement.

She said: “This recognition is a testament to the commitment of the local brotherhoods and confraternities, who have tirelessly worked for years to maintain and promote this festival’s importance in the region.

“The new title not only celebrates their efforts but also helps position Almoradi as a must-visit destination within the Valencian Community.”

With this award, Holy Week in Almoradi is expected to continue growing, drawing even more visitors.

SAX CASTLE: Guided tours are available.

Castle clicks Spooky submissions

SINCE its launch at the beginning of June, around 500 people have already used the application to purchase lift tickets for visiting Santa Bárbara Castle, according to data from the Alicante City & Beach Tourist Board.

The councillor for Tourism, Ana Poquet, noted the app’s success and expressed confidence that more visitors will continue to use it to buy tickets in advance, streamlining the entry process to the Valencian Community’s most visited monument.

The app was introduced to improve accessibility and reduce queues at the castle’s entrances, marking a significant step forward in the fortress’s digitalisation.

Using the app is simple, users can enter the provided link or scan a QR code found at various locations around the city, such as tourist offices, the cruise terminal, and local hotels.

Once on the platform, visitors can choose ticket options, fill in necessary personal information, and complete their purcha-

se. For faster future visits, users can register their details, although it is not mandatory for buying tickets.

Upon arrival, the visitor simply presents their ticket, either printed or on a mobile device, at the entrance where a scanner allows for quick access to the lift.

Additionally, as part of the ongoing digitalisation project dubbed ‘Smart Castle’, the city has implemented a new wireless network using WIFI 6 technology, allowing all visitors to access free internet.

THE 2024 ‘Torrerífico’ Horror Short Film Festival is now accepting sub missions.

Organised by Torrevieja Coun cil, budding filmmakers can submit their horror short films until October 13.

Submissions must be between one and 20 minutes long, including credits, and must adhere to the horror genre.

This year’s festival, in its seventh year, offers three main prizes: the Jury Prize for Best Short Film, worth €1,000; the Jury Prize for Second Place, valued at €500; and the Audience Award, which carries a prize of €200.

Full details and rules for participating in the competition are available on the official festival website at to rrerífico.com.

In 2023 a record was set with 21 short films submitted from across Spain.

The award for Best Short Film was claimed by ‘Claroscura’, a psychological thriller set in the art world, written and directed by Murcian filmmaker Rubén Bautista and starring actress Singlu Nej.

Torrerífico continues to serve as a significant platform for up-and-co -

ming filmmakers, offering the opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity in the horror genre.

For more information, visit the CIAJ at Paseo Juan Aparicio, No. 5, or follow on social media at @torre viejajuventud on Instagram and Facebook.

You can also contact by phone on (+34) 965 714 072 , via WhatsApp on (+34) 606 055 291 , by email at juven tud@torrevieja.eu, or by visiting the website at torrevieja.es.

Image: Alicante City & Beach

The app was introduced to improve accessibility.

Eyeing global glory

CHÉ RAGAZZI in Alicante has been recognised as the Best Italian Restaurant in the Valencian Community for 2024 by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

This prestigious award highlights the restaurant’s commitment to culinary ex-

cellence.

Furthermore, Ché Ragazzi has been nominated for the Best Neapolitan Pizza in Spain as well as for Best Restaurant in the World in terms of design and decor by the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.

The restaurant’s growing acclaim has caught the attention of key influencers in the culinary world, including Pablo Cabezali, known as @cenandoconpablo on social media.

His recent visit has further amplified Ché Ragazzi’s online presence, which already boasts over 475,000 TikTok followers and 290 million views.

Ché Ragazzi sets itself apart with a diverse menu featuring both traditional and modern Italian dishes.

Signature starters like burrata and mortadella tartare and 100-day aged picanha carpaccio showcase their innovative approach to classic flavours.

Their pasta offerings, including truffle mafaldine served in a wheel of pecorino cheese, and their stone-oven pizzas, from the timeless margherita to the inventive zucca e fonduta, highlight their dedication to high-quality ingredients and creativity.

Ryanair ruckus

LOW-cost airlines, parti cularly Ryanair, have dominated the list of complaints fi led by passengers with the Ministry of Tourism in 2024 at Alicante-Elche airport.

Ryanair alone accounts for more than half of the com plaints received, a trend that is also observed at the Valencia and Castellón airports, where it ranks among the most problematic airlines.

From January 1 to August 11, 2024, Consumer Services in Alicante registered a total of 41 complaints, 20 of which were filed during the summer months.

Of these, 22 were directed at Ryanair. Aena and Iberia each received six complaints, while Vueling faced four. Norwegian, Volotea, and Menzies Aviation were named in just one complaint each.

Additionally, 25 arbitration requests were submitted to the Benidorm Regional Government, although none have yet been recorded in Alicante. The regional government handles complaints related to issues such as luggage, quality of service, fees for additional or hand luggage, and payments for seat selection.

Complaints regarding cancellations or delays, however, fall under the jurisdiction of the State Aviation Safety Agency. Ryanair similarly tops the list at Valencia airport, with 40 of the 103 complaints filed this year, followed by Vueling with 13 and Volotea with eight. Castellón airport, which has received only five complaints in 2024, recorded three against Vueling and two against Ryanair.

Complaints against Ryanair.

Image: Ryanair / Facebook

Hotel high-five

Farewell fervour

ON August 25, Aspe was filled with deep emotion as the town bid farewell to its patron saint, the Virgen de las Nieves, for the next two years.

THE Assumption Bridge holiday, Spain’s long bank holiday weekend, celebrated from August 14 to 18, ended with a remarkable hotel occupancy rate of 93.8 per cent across the province of Alicante.

The data, according to the Provincial Association of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations of Alicante (APHA), exceeded the initial forecast of 87.5 per cent, representing a better-than-expected outcome.

Though slightly lower than the 94.2 per cent rate recorded during the same period in 2023, the di erence was minimal.

Most towns across the province saw excellent occupancy rates.

Alicante City achieved a rate of 95.8 per cent, with Playa de San Juan and Denia both reaching 98.6 per cent. Santa Pola also posted a strong 98.0 per cent, and El Campello followed closely with 95.4 per cent.

In contrast, smaller or more inland towns experienced lower rates, such as Alcoy at 79.5 per cent, Ibi at 64.0 per cent, Guardamar del Segura at 55.0 per cent, and Villena at 50.0 per cent.

The same crowd that had enthusiastically welcomed her on August 3 gathered once again, expressing their devotion and affection during this poignant send-off.

As part of a long-standing tradition, the pilgrimage known as ‘La Ledada’ began at five in the morning on Sunday, departing from the Basilica del Socorro.

For many residents, the night turned into a vigil, as they stayed awake to be present for the final farewell.

Despite the early hour and the darkness of the morning, thousands of

people gathered outside the basilica, demonstrating the strong sense of faith and unity that defines the Aspense community.

The atmosphere was filled with emotion as attendees sang two salves in honour of the Virgin before the pilgrimage began.

This solemn moment marked the beginning of the journey that would return the Virgin to her sanctuary in Hondón de las Nieves, where she will remain until 2026.

This pilgrimage also meant the conclusion of a month-long series of festivities in Aspe.

During this period, the town hosted around 100 events.

Atalya Castle in Villena.

The town bid farewell to its patron saint for another two years.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Aspe

IN 2022, five friends with a love of music got together and decided to start a singing group, they called it The Melody Makers. They wanted the group to be open to everyone, with the focus being on enjoying music and having fun and raising money for charity along the way.

At that time the original five members,

From fabulous five to fantastic 40+ Fair fest

Shirley, Dave, Val, Janine and Hazel had no idea if it would take off, but after much time and effort, their hard work paid off. In just over 18 months they now have 40 plus members and are still growing.

All members of the singing group are truly valued and many friendships have been forged. Melody Makers is now a

THE Trade Fair is making its return to Guardamar del Segura from August 30 to September 1, taking place on the recently remodelled Avenida de los Pinos.

This event is set to offer a mix of commercial, gastronomic, cultural, and leisure activities and will showcase 17 commercial establishments, ranging from clothing shops to hairdressers. You can also enjoy a variety of activities including dance workshops, concerts, and fashion shows.

The fair will kick off on Friday, August 30, at

mixed, international singing group, with members from Norway, France, Sweden, Ireland, Holland, England, to name a few. In the past year they have performed at many events raising nearly €1,000 for charity.

They already have events booked for Christmas carol concerts, so December

looks like it is going to be a busy month. If you are interested in joining this fun group, they rehearse every Tuesday, 2-4pm at Lakeview bar and restaurant, 16 Calle Toledo, Quesada, no audition necessary, just go along and have a chat. They restart rehearsals on Tuesday September 3, at 2pm, you will be made very welcome.

mic significance in the region and the province of Alicante.

6.30pm, and will continue until midnight on Sunday, September 1.

Guardamar del Segura has long been recognised for its gastrono -

To showcase local gastronomic excellence, the fair will feature three ‘show cooking’ demonstrations by local establishments, including La Maka, El Candalacho, and La Brújula.

Additionally, workshops on sweet-making will be conducted by the local company Magic&Azúcar.

José Luis Sáez Pastor, councillor for Tourism, underscored the event’s role in reinforcing Guardamar’s image as a gastronomic destination.

Previous trade fair in Guardamar del Segura.

It’s easy to hold onto what’s familiar, and Britons feel comfortable with premium bonds and ISAs. But besides the possibility of improving returns, once you leave the UK the tax incentives provided by these savings in the UK fall away and they become subject to tax in Spain.

Is it worth keeping premium bonds?

Premium bonds feel part of the fabric of British savings – it’s likely your parents and grandparents owned some and your first bonds may have been a gift from them. Your capital is protected by the Treasury, and you have the enticing possibility of winning a million pounds (although an incredibly slim probability). And, of course, their tax-free status is a compelling incentive. But does this mean you should keep yours, especially if you own many?

Investment returns

Although premium bonds are a form of savings product, whether you earn anything from them or not is essentially a gamble and down to luck. They do not provide any automatic interest earnings or capital growth, so their value is eroded over time by inflation, unless you happen to win big enough to com-

UK Premium Bonds and British expatriates

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

pensate.

What are the chances of winning big? The odds of winning anything from a single bond are one in 21,000. The odds of scooping the £1 million top prize from a single bond in one draw is one in 59,082,205,208.

Can expatriates own premium bonds?

Yes, you can, but it’s not that simple. As the National Savings & Investments (NS&I) website explains,

while they do have some customers outside the UK, you need a UK bank or building society account. It can only make payments to, or receive payments from, a UK account in your name.

The problem here is that, since Brexit, many UK banks have closed accounts belonging to EU residents because they don’t have the necessary regulation.

How premium bonds are taxed in Spain

Premium bonds are not tax free if you live in Spain though. If you win one of the prizes, you’ll share your good fortune with your local tax authority.

As a Spanish resident, any premium bond winnings are taxed with your other general income, at the scale rates of income tax of up to 47% in Murcia and 54% in Valenciana.

Some expatriates mistakenly

think that since premium bonds and ISAs are UK investments, they do not need to be declared in Spain. In fact, they do, and with today’s global automatic exchange of information, the Spanish tax authorities are informed about your UK investments.

Tax-efficient wealth management in Spain

There are very tax-efficient investment vehicles available to residents of Spain. With specialist advice, you could enjoy extremely favourable tax treatment on your capital investments. Speak to an adviser who can guide you on both UK and Spanish taxation and tax planning opportunities.

Taxation is not the only reason to review your savings and investments. Consider whether they are suitable for your life in Spain (for example, what currency should they be in?); your future expectations (will you stay in Spain or re-

turn to the UK in future?); your objectives (are you looking for income or growth?); your time horizon and your risk tolerance.

Too many people have portfolios which are no longer suitable for them today. You need personalised advice from a Spain based cross-border adviser providing holistic advice covering investments, tax efficiency and estate planning.

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

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

Flagging excellence

THE blue and green flags have been raised on Levante Beach in Santa Pola following a thorough evaluation by AENOR.

The process, conducted by AENOR auditors, confirmed that the beaches continue to meet the stringent standards required for the ISO quality certificates, which Santa Pola has proudly maintained since first achieving them in 2003.

The councillor for Beaches, Ángel Piedecausa, oversaw the raising of these flags on Levante Beach, signifying the ongoing commitment to high-quality management practices and environ-

mental sustainability.

He expressed satisfaction with the renewal of both the quality and environmental management certifications after the rigorous audit process.

The councillor credited the success to the dedication of the Beaches department team and the collaboration of all services involved in maintaining the high standards of the local bathing areas.

He emphasised that after more than 20 years of consistently renewing these ISO certifications, Santa Pola remains a leader in beach quality management within the Valencian Community.

Foreign footprint

MORE than half of the registered residents in Algorfa are foreigners, according to the town’s mayor, Manuel Ros.

The news was revealed during an interview with Radio Orihuela Cadena SER about the municipality’s new General Urban Development Plan.

The plan, which comes after over 20 years, aims to address the municipality’s pressing urban planning needs, particularly the shortage of developable land necessary for its growth.

The mayor emphasised this new development will be entirely sustainable, carefully managed, and of high quality.

He highlighted that “90 per cent of the houses currently being built in Algorfa are being purchased by foreigners.”

This trend is mirrored in the local registry, where over 50 per cent of the town’s registered residents are of different nationalities.

The mayor also noted this figure doesn’t account for the many who live in the area but remain officially registered in their home countries.

Almost a cat-astrophe

IN Ibi, an intricate rescue operation was carried out by the fire service to save a cat trapped in an internal courtyard. The alarm was raised about the animal’s predicament, prompting the local fire brigade to spring into action.

Using a mechanical ladder, a pulley system, and ropes, the crew successfully reached the stranded cat.

According to a fire service spokesperson, the feline is in good health following its dramatic rescue and is now safe and sound.

Image: Comunitat Valenciana

La Finca Golf, Algorfa.

Blue and green flags have been raised on Levante beach.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

Golden getaways Photo finish

SPECSAVERS

Opticians invited re nowned photographer David Tomé to offer advice to aspiring young photo graphers interested in entering their summer competition.

Specsavers Opticians is seeking ta lented young photographers, aged six to 17, to showcase their best summer holiday photos.

The contest is open to re sidents of Alicante, Mala ga, and Mallorca.

To participate, en trants should sub mit their photos by tagging @Spec saversOpticas on Facebook or @spec saversspain on Ins tagram, or by sending them via Messenger or email to spain.marketing@ specsavers.com.

The deadline for submis sions is Sunday, Septem ber 1, 2024.

For full terms and condi tions, head to the website: specsavers.es/sorteo.

The photographer em phasises the importance of

RENFE has introduced exciting new opportunities for travellers aged 60 and over, making it easier and more affordable for them to explore new destina-

The company’s Gold Card (Tarjeta Dorada) offers significant discounts for retirees and seniors, allowing them to enjoy rail travel within Spain and beyond at reduced rates.

The Gold Card provides discounts ranging from 25

to 40 per cent, depending on the type of train, destination, and day of purchase. This makes it an ideal option for older adults planning holiday getaways or year-end trips.

Whether travelling domestically or internationally, seniors can now travel more affordably.

The Gold Card is personal and non-transferable, and its cost depends on the chosen validity period: €6 for one year, €12 for two

years, and €15 for three years.

The savings are substantial. Gold Card holders receive a 25 per cent discount on AVE trains, AVE International routes between Spain and France, and long-distance trains. For Avant trains, the discount is 25 per cent from Monday to Friday and 40 per cent on weekends. Medium-distance trains also offer a 40 per cent discount.

Image: Renfe / Facebook

Discounts available.

Snap away

THE submission period for the sixth Photography Contest, ‘Tribute to the Elderly’, is now officially open.

Organised by the Department of Senior Citizens in Torrevieja, the theme for this year’s edition is ‘Torrevieja and I’.

The contest invites pensioners and individuals over 60 years of age who are registered in Torrevieja to participate.

Each contestant may submit up to two photographs.

Entries can be submitted via email to terceraedad@ torrevieja.eu or delivered in person to the Department of Senior Citizens, located at Calle Maldonado No. 5.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, September 23.

The awards ceremony for the contest will take place on Tuesday, October 1, at a special gala held at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja.

This date coincides with the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons.

Rally for reefs

DEMONSTRATION: The coast in extinction does have a solution.

ON Saturday August 24, the Guardamar Playa Residents’ Association, part of the civic movement Somos Mediterrania, which includes over 50 associations from across the Spanish coast, organised a march to highlight the issue of the disappearing coastline.

The demonstration, consisting of local families and beachgoers, stretched 200 metres along the Babilonia and Centro beaches in Guardamar del Segura.

The participants carried banners with messages such as ‘The coast in extinction does have a solution’, emphasising their concern for the disappearing shoreline.

The association advocates for the installa-

tion of submerged and exempt reefs along Guardamar’s coastline, a technique proven effective in other regions.

These reefs would help stabilise sand, marine life, and biodiversity while making the beaches more resilient to storms.

Unlike traditional breakwaters, these solutions are said to have less environmental impact.

Manuel López, the spokesperson for the association, stressed the urgent need for political and legislative reforms to address the situation, expressing frustration that some authorities seem to have been unwilling to act.

Torrevieja remembers

ON August 25, 1938, during the Spanish Civil War, Italian fascist bombers, acting under orders from Franco, unleashed a deadly attack on the civilian population of Torrevieja.

The bombing resulted in the tragic loss of 19 lives and left many others injured.

That day, 60 bombs were dropped over the city, devastating 25 homes and causing significant destruction to buildings in the town centre and the port area.

Among the casualties were 19 dead and 45 wounded, 25 of whom were civilians and 20 military personnel.

This tragic event, often concealed during the Franco era, is now remembered annually by those who wish to reflect on the past and pay tribute to those who suffered.

On Sunday, August 25 at 7.00pm, a memorial gathering was held at the Hombre del Mar monument to mark the 86th anniversary of the bombings.

Beware

of the croc

THE red flag was hoisted and L’Arenal beach in L’Hospitalet de l’Infant (Tarragona) closed early on August 22.

A security guard hired to keep an overnight watch over inflatable slides and other floating attractions raised the alarm after catching a glimpse of a crocodile that he believed to be 1.5 metres long.

He said afterwards that he had also seen its tracks in the sand.

Local Police officers and lifeguards scouring the beach, assisted by members of the region’s Rural Unit, found no trace of the crocodile, and the L’Arenal beach reopened later that morning although the precautionary yellow flag was flown during the rest of the day.

Protección Civil, equivalent to Civil Defence, explained later to the Diario de Tarragona newspaper that only one person had claimed to see the crocodile and they had received no other reports.

Animal experts pointed out that crocodiles are freshwater animals and it was unusual to find one in the sea, but added that they will sometimes seek salt water to heal a wound.

Drop-off charges

Major airports in the UK are continuing to increase their drop-off fees.

DRIVERS who are dropping off their loved ones at Britain’s airports have been advised that many airports have been increasing their drop-off zones over the past 12 months.

The RAC, an automotive services company based in Britain, warned motorists that most popular sites continue to increase the charges applied to their drop-off zones.

According to the RAC, prices across the board have increased by up to £1 since 2023, with some airports charging upwards of £7 to use convenient drop-off areas.

Due to the poor state of public transportation systems near airports, and general public access, most travellers have no

choice but to use drop-off zones. Rob Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, recognised this, stating “To have to pay £5, £6 or even £7 for the briefest of stops to simply open the boot and take some luggage out for a friend or loved one is bordering on the ridiculous.”

Dennis added that “if the alternatives are non-existent, expensive or unreliable then what choice do people really have?”

Referring to a study carried out by RAC, the airport with the most expensive dropoff zone fee is London Stansted, charging a whopping £7 for just 15 minutes. Many other airports limit drivers to much shorter periods of time for a similar price, such as Leeds Bradford, which charges £6.50 for 10 minutes in the drop-off zone.

MANY residents of southern Portugal and Andalucia were woken up on Monday August 26 by a 5.5 magnitude earthquake. Multiple calls came into 112 emergency services from towns that felt the shake at 6.11am. The epicentre of the quake just off the coast of Lisbon, Portugal, was strong enough to be felt as far away as Morocco. The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 28km, had an initial magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale in the Atlantic, while by the time it reached Sevilla, it registered 5.5, making it the strongest earthquake in the region in 15 years, according to seismologists. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries and no tsunami warnings. The quake was the strongest to hit along the coast of Portugal since 2009, when a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast.

One of the worst seismic disasters happened in 1755, when a powerful earthquake killed up to 50,000 people, including 10,000 in Morocco. In the last seven days, Andalucia has registered 20 cases of seismic activity, the strongest being In Alboran at 3.7 magnitude on the Richter scale, something quite common in this part of the World.

Earthquake hit off coast of Lisbon.

Sevilla awoken by earthquake

Oasis back together

OASIS fans have been sent into a frenzy since hearing this week of the Gallagher brothers’ intention to get back together and tour. Tickets go on sale August 31.

Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher confirmed an Oasis reunion tour with 14 UK and Ireland dates for 2025. So far, the tour begins in Cardiff and closes in Dublin, but it’s early days and there are hopes the tour will be extended internationally.

The Gallaghers hinted there might a comeback on Sunday August 25, but it wasn’t until August 27 that they confirmed with a list of upcoming concerts. The brothers said in a joint enigmatic statement ‘The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised’.

Fans on social media are expressing concerns over the ticket prices

yet to be announced, and the rush to obtain them, worrying that the online chaos will replicate the near impossibility of buying Taylor Swift tickets. Liam wrote on X ‘This is it, this is happening. Tickets on sale this Saturday August 31’.

Dates announced so far are: Cardiff Principality

Stadium - July 4/5, 2025; Manchester Heaton Park - 11/12/19/20 July (there is speculation about more dates being added in that week off); London Wembley Stadium - July 25 & 26; August 2 & 3; Edinburgh Murrayfield Stadium - August 8 & 9; Dublin Croke Park - August 16 & 17.

Cleared of doping

JANIK SINNER, the Italian tennis player currently ranked as the World Number One, has been cleared of doping.

The 23-year-old from Italy’s South Tyrol received an automatic provisional suspension after he tested positive for banned clostebol on two occasions in March this year. He was able to keep playing following an appeal.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has since concluded that clostebol’s presence in Sinner’s urine was the result of an ‘unconscious intake’.

Clostebol is a steroid that can be used to build muscle mass but is also found in the over-the-counter spray which Sinner’s fitness trainer Umberto Ferrera gave to his physiotherapist Giacomo Nal di to treat a cut on his hand.

The ITIA accepted the Sinner team’s argument that the physiotherapist had unwittingly transferred this du ring massages carried out without gloves.

Sinner thanked Naldi and Ferrara for their assistance so far, stres sing that they had pla yed “a huge part” in his career.

Nevertheless, he has now dispensed with their services.

“I’m not feeling

that confident to continue with them,” the player admitted.

“We wish them the best of luck,” a spokesperson said.

Inevitably, other players have criticised the speed with which Sinner’s case was resolved and suggested there was preferential treatment for top players.

Nick Kyrgios went further, claiming on X that the Italian’s exoneration was “ridiculous” whether accidental or intention.

“You should be gone for two years. Your performance was enhanced,” Kyrgios declared.

The brothers buried the hatchet.

Thirsty countries

WHEN it comes to drinking Europe has the lifestyle for it, but trends are changing creating healthier relationships with alcohol.

Alcohol consumption overall is on the decline in the EU, but only by 0.5 litres between 2010 and 2020.

To clarify, the World Health Organisation stated that “No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.”

Nevertheless, Europe still has a big drinking culture across the conti-

nent, and may not always listen to the warnings.

Overall alcohol consumption is defined as the annual sales of pure alcohol in litres per person aged 15 and over; The data does not include unrecorded alcohol consumption, such as domestic or illegal production.

In the EU, overall alcohol consumption per person aged 15 years and over dropped by 2.9 litres in the last four decades, falling from 12.7 litres in 1980 to 9.8 litres in 2020, which corresponds to a

23 per cent decrease.

Annually, on average every person, aged 15 years and above in the region, drinks 9.5 litres of pure alcohol; This is equivalent to 190 litres of beer, 80 litres of wine or 24 litres of spirits.

Of the ‘Big Four’, Germany had the highest amount of alcohol consumption at 10.6 litres, followed closely by France at 10.4 litres, Spain at 7.8 litres and Italy at 7.7 litres.

The UK consumes on average 9.7 litres.

Cost-of-living advantage

AMID the global cost-of-living crisis, Spain continues to offer a more affordable lifestyle compared to many European countries, making it an attractive destination for expatriates.

According to 2022 Eurostat data, Spanish households spend a smaller portion of their budget on essential expenses like housing, food and transportation than their counterparts in other EU countries.

Housing costs, including utilities, account for 22.3 per cent of a typical Spanish household’s budget. This is lower than the UK (25.7 per cent), France (26.2 per cent), and Germany (24.6 per cent). Groceries also take a smaller share of the budget in Spain, with households spending around 13 per cent, slightly below the EU average of 13.6 per cent. In contrast, UK households spend 16.7 per cent on food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Transportation costs in Spain represent 11.9 per cent of household budgets, compared to 13.1 per cent in the UK and 13.5 per cent in Germany. Spain’s well-developed public transport system further enhances its affordability. Healthcare spending in Spain is also notably low, at just 3.2 per cent of household budgets, significantly less than in France (4.6 per cent) and Germany (4.9 per cent).

Overall, Spain’s lower expenses on

housing, food, transport and healthcare make it a cost-effective option for expatriates, especially when compared to popular destinations like the UK, France, Germany and Italy.

Despite rising living costs across Europe, Spain remains a top choice for those seeking a high standard of living without overspending.

Which countries in Europe drink the most alcohol?

Credit: Shutterstock

Spain offers an affordable lifestyle.

Credit: Pixabay.

€7 to enter the EU from next year Nature efforts

Anna Akopyan

THE country with the most Blue Flag bea ches in the world, at least 70,000 animal species and more than 10,000 plant species, Spain is renowned for its unique environment. But how successful is it in preser ving its nature?

According to UNESCO, Spain occu pies the first place in the world in biosphere reserves with 53 of such spaces across the country. These are territories which successfully balance environmental conservation, cultural diversity and economic development through the relationship between people and nature. With such an impressive environment comes the cost of high visitation, as millions of people from all over the world travel to discover Spain’s unique beauty. As protests against tourism continue

to rise across Spain, the residents of Barcelona are particularly frustrated about the deteriorating state of the environment.

Seventy-five per cent of the CO2 emissions from tourism come from aeroplane transport; used by 82 per cent of the visitors - Spain is also the most cruise-polluted country in Europe, with 14,496 metric tons of sulfur oxide released in 2017.

Evidently, Spanish authorities place a lot of effort into securing the country’s environment; Spain has dedicated 35.7 per cent of its land as a forest area and protected 27 per cent of its surface.

But despite the efforts, more attention is granted to the country’s economy and its relationship with tourism, which continues to worry residents and environmental organisations.

Adam Woodward

THE European Union is to introduce a €7 fee for UK citizens to enter EU countries as from the first half of next year.

The new scheme to be applied to people from 60 non-EU countries including the UK is looking like it will be introduced around May, 2025. The system is part the Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) - which will require non-EU travellers to register fingerprints and a photo instead of having their passport stamped - will start on November 10 this year.

But is it as Orwellian as some claim? Visas for citizens not on the list of 60 non-EU will be charged €80. This new €7 waiver is aimed at more frequent visitors from countries outside of the EU. Once ID has been es -

tablished and the waiver charge has been received, it will cover visitors from outside of the EU and Schengen zone, just like the US ESTA visa, and it will be valid for three years.

Further details are yet to be released by the EU, but part of the concept is to speed up entry and

exit at passport controls once implemented. Over 700 million visitors entered the Schengen zone last year, and this new system is also expected to make it more difficult for criminals and terrorists to enter Europe including cutting down on the use of fake passports.

Waiver will speed up passport control.

Credit: Riccardo, Pexels

Natural spaces in Spain.

Roman city discovery

ARCHAEOLOGISTS unearth longlost Roman city and 57 settlements between Jerez de la Frontera and Ronda, shedding new light on the extent of Empire in Andalucia.

The discovery suggests there was another hidden Roman city in Spain that was previously unheard of. Archaeologists only assumed they would find a few remains in the area of Bornos in the Sierra de Grazalema, but have been surprised with what they have discovered.

When the team of archaeologists set out on their examination of this area last year in 2023, they had little idea they would discover so much. Experts now believe the area to have been a much more significant hub to the Roman Empire than anyone ever imagined.

State-of-the-art technology, including the latest in ground-penetrating radar, is being used to delve deeper down to what has not yet been visible to the naked eye. Excavation teams have unearthed a Roman villa in Cañuelo in Bornos, in the Grazalema Valley where they discovered buildings with walls that separated work areas from li-

University of Cadiz uncovering Roman remains.

ving quarters.

The team of archaeologists believe the remains probably date back until 264BC, around the time the Romans began their conquest of southern Spain. Roman history in Malaga, Sevilla, Granada and Ronda is already well documented, but this discovery sheds new light on the extent of the Roman Empire across Andalucia and the importance of the region to Ancient Rome.

JOHN TINNISWOOD, the world’s oldest living man, has turned 112 at his care home in Southport, Merseyside.

John was born in Liverpool on August 25, 1912, the same year the Titanic sank, and the same year New Mexico and Arizona were admitted as states number 47 and 48.

Mr Tinniswood became the world’s oldest living man in April, admitting his secret to longevity is “just luck.”

When asked how he felt about turning 112, John told the Guinness World Records, “In all honesty, no di-

Old wisdom

erent. I don’t feel that age, I don’t get excited over it,” adding “That’s probably why I’ve reached it.”

“I just take it in my stride like anything else, why I’ve lived that long I have no idea at all,” Tinniswood said, stating that he couldn’t “think of any special secrets” to reach his age.

“I was quite active as a youngster, I did a lot of walking,” John said, “Whether that had something to do with it, I don’t know.”

John Tinniswood has re-

mained humble in his year, explaining “to me, I’m no di erent [to anyone]. No dierent at all.”

The oldest man, born in 1912, expressed that for him, “It’s not better in my opinion, or hardly any better, than it was then. Probably in some places it is, but in other places it’s worse.”

When asked about his secret, John told Guinness World Records it’s “just luck,” stating “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”

John Tinniswood turns 112 and shares his wisdom with Guinness World Records.

Credit: Guinness World Records /fb

Credit: Universidad de Cádiz, X

Burglar caught reading a book

A BOOK on Greek mythology caught the eye of a would-be burglar in Rome, leading to him getting caught red-handed.

The Italian press are reporting on an attempted burglary in the Prati district of Rome. A 38-year-old housebreaker had entered via a balcony while the occupants were

still asleep, noticed the copy of a book about Homer’s Iliad, and thought he’d have a browse through its pages.

So engrossed was the thief that he didn’t notice the 71-year-old owner had woken up and called the police. Caught o -guard, the would-be burglar tried to make a run for it,

Cucumber kerfuffle

SUPERMARKETS in Iceland have been impacted by a viral TikTok trend, leaving its cucumber shelves empty.

A viral TikTok trend circling the Nordic country has caused an unprecedented surge in demand for cucumbers, forcing suppliers to race to keep up.

The trend began after one in uencer shared a salad recipe of grated cucumbers, sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar and chilli oil, prompting other in uencers to join the trend and lead it to virality.

The recipe was so popular that it a ected the suppliers, with farmers in the country unable to keep up with the unpredictable demand, according to the Horticulturists’ Sales Company (SFG), Icelands Farmers Association.

SFG’s marketing director, Kristin Linda Sveinsdottir, admitted that currently, farmers in Iceland are not managing to keep up with the drastic demand - but hopes supply will be back to normal “in a week or so” - with one supermarket chain, Hagkaup, saying cucumber purchases had more than doubled.

According to Kristin, the recipe had proven to be “really popular” as other

A viral trend has landed Iceland supermarkets in quite the pickle.

ingredients involved were equally selling out.

The viral trend originated in Canada where the ‘cucumber guy’, Logan Mott, shares his unique recipes using the staple ingredient.

The food in uencer has more than 5.5 million followers, sharing cucumber recipes almost every day since July.

escaping by the same balcony, but it was too late and the police had already arrived.

The book that captured the attention of the burglar, ‘The Gods at 6 o’clock’, told the story of Iliad from the perspective of the gods. In his defence, the man claimed to have climbed onto the balcony to see a friend of his, but had got the wrong at, saw the book and started reading it.

On hearing the news, the author of the book was delighted and wants to ensure the alleged thief gets a copy of his own so he can nish it. He also said his own favourite Greek god was Hermes, God of Thieves and Books.

Air con: On or off?

TEMPERATURES in the Peninsular have been high, with July and August experiencing some of the hottest days in Spanish history.

Is it more efficient and cost-effective to leave the air con on, or to turn it off frequently?

Air con is our best ally during these heatwaves, but the cost of using it is on all of our minds.

According to experts, keeping the air conditioning on to a minimum is the best way to optimise energy consumption.

However, it needs to be noted that if it is activated and deactivated continuously the cooling process has to restart each time, which increases the consumption.

The Department of Energy recommends setting your air con at 25 degrees Celsius as, according to them, every degree under 25 degrees

AIR CON: Our best ally during the recent heatwaves.

Celsius increases energy usage by roughly 8 per cent per degree. It is recommended not to keep any doors or windows open while the air con is off, to avoid energy loss.

Additionally, if you have them, pull shutters, blinds or curtains down over your windows to reduce the amount of heat

getting in, and the amount of cool getting out.

Good maintenance of your air con unit is also crucial to its efficiency.

A full clean of the unit should be done once every two years, however, a general clean of the filters at least once a month can help the air con’s effectiveness.

Credit: Shutterstock

Dog lovers duped online

SCAM artists conning animal lovers on social media have just been arrested by the Guardia Civil. Their modus operandi consisted of publishing fake advertisements online claiming they were selling dogs, when the dogs never actually existed.

Operation ‘Dog Fake 2022’ identi ed nine alleged perpetrators who have been accused of fraud, money laundering and of belonging to a criminal organisation, according to a Guardia Civil statement.

An investigation began in 2022 after a urry of reports by people claiming they had been conned in online puppy sales on social network platforms. Scammers gained their trust by sending photos of the puppies and then requesting a Bizum payment or bank transfer under a va-

riety of concepts such as ‘transportation’, ‘insurance’, ‘vaccines’, among other ctitious expenses.

Division in the UK - even on scones

varra), Albacete and Cas-

Most of the victims were in Nerja (Malaga), Pamplona, Lerín (Navarra), Albacete and Castelldefels (Barcelona).

IRRESISTIBLE: Dogo Argentino puppy.

Credit: Jarda Apollo - Shutterstock

One person reported that they had been a victim of an online scam when he tried to buy a Dogo Argentino puppy through a puppy sales website. He contacted the seller and was asked to transfer €260 up front, followed by another transfer for €1,200 to cover the rental of a cage, and then a further €800 for travel insurance, of which the victim could only manage €400. And then, he was told to pay another €525 for supposed vaccinations.

THE eternal debate over how to pronounce scone has been going on for generations. Is it scone (as in ‘bone’) or scone (as in ‘gone’)?

puppy through and then a fur-

Pollsters, YouGov, have just released the results of a UK survey into how we really pronounce the word scone, and where. Some 54,400 Brits were quizzed on the subject and the result ended up looking very similar to a certain referendum result. Fifty-one per cent were insistent that you pronounce it scone (like ‘gone’) while 45 per cent voted for scone (as in ‘bone’).

There are some geographical trends, as can be expected, and the ‘gone’ sounding scone can be

found predominant in the most northerly reaches of the UK where almost 90 per cent of respondents wouldn’t budge on the issue of pronunciation. From Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria, up to the most northerly reaches of Scotland, don’t waste your time pronouncing scone like ‘bone’.

Only Essex (68 per cent) and Cornwall (58 per cent), home of the cream tea, showed that scone as in ‘bone’ outweighed any other pronunciation of the word. Most other areas of southern England

were almost 50/50 on the issue.

The highly controversial hot potato of scones didn’t stop there. YouGov also took it upon themselves to ask the British public whether one should put cream on scones rst before the jam, or if it must be jam rst followed by the cream!

Provocative talk from one of the UK’s biggest polling companies.

Sconewars - How do you pronounce it?

Sun Daze

THE much-anticipated Sun Daze Fun Days in the Park will kick off its first event on September 8 at The Bar in Guardamar del Segura.

Starting the day off, Project Duo will take the stage with their lively performance, featuring a range of upbeat, easy-listening hits spanning several decades.

Next up is Benny Conway, who will dazzle the audience with his stunning Elton John Tribute.

Elton John hardly needs an introduction, given his legendary status in the music industry. With a career spanning over five decades, Elton John has sold

over 300 million albums worldwide, performed more than 4,000 shows across 80 countries, and secured 56 Top 40 hits, including nine number-one singles on the Hot 100 chart.

The event will end with a high-energy performance by the live band De Polis, who will bring their tribute to the iconic band, The Police. Expect an energetic show featuring classics from ‘Roxanne’ to ‘Every Breath You Take’, along with some deeper cuts and live arrangements that will thrill any Police fan. This fully seated event will also fea-

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

ture food options, including vegetarian choices.

Please note that the venue only accepts cash payments.

Food service begins at 1pm, and advance booking is highly recommended to secure your seats.

Tickets are priced at €12 and can be purchased online at costablanca. events or directly from The Bar.

The Bar, located in Guardamar Park, is situated near Guardamar, La Marina, San Fulgencio, Rojales, and Day Vieja, just off the CV920.

For more information call (+34) 966 236 154.

CALLING all Meat Loaf fans! Heaven Can Wait is coming to the Teatro Capitol in Rojales on Thursday, September 19, from 7.30pm to 10.00pm.

Carlton Entertainment presents this incredible tribute show, starring the powerful vocals of Lee Brady in a heartfelt homage to the legendary Meat Loaf.

Featuring a full live band, Lee Brady will take the audience on an unforgettable journey through Meat Loaf’s greatest hits,

Can Wait

paying tribute to both the rock icon and the musical genius of Jim Steinman.

From Meat Loaf’s biggest albums spanning over 40 years, this show promises to get everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along to classic tracks.

With his dynamic stage presence and raw, authentic vocals, Lee Brady channels the energy and emotion of Meat Loaf, capturing the essence of a rock ‘n’ roll legend who has been a staple in UK rock bars for decades.

For information or to book tickets, visit carlton entertainment.co.uk or call Carlton Entertainment on (+44) 7787 558546 or via email info@carltonenter tainment.co.uk.

Big Mouthers

ON September 7, at midnight, the Plaza Castelar in Elda will come alive with a free live performance from the international cover band Big Mouthers.

With over 2,000 concerts under their belt and approximately 200 performances a year, Big Mouthers have earned a reputation for professionalism and high-energy shows.

BUTTERFLIES

Their years of experience performing in Barcelona’s most prestigious venues showcase their quality, seriousness, and commitment as musicians.

The band’s style, inspired by the iconic Sunset Strip Boulevard, pairs perfectly with their electrifying stage presence, creating an unforgettable live experience.

Their setlist is packed with all-time greatest hits, designed to keep the energy high and the crowd in a festive mood from start to finish.

Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to party to all-time classics like Sweet Child o’ Mine, Livin’ on a Prayer, and Video Killed the Radio Star!

Big Mouthers will be delivering these hits and many more.

Image: Lee Brady Singer

Avd La Paz 63, Jacarilla, Alicante

Image: Big Mouthers

Declining Berlin Haute Cuisine

TOP Michelin-star restaurants in the German capital are closing down. Still suffering a change in public preferences since the pandemic and uncertainty over the direction of the European economy, customers who previously dined at the best restaurants are eating elsewhere.

In two months from now, Berlin’s fifth Michelin-starred restaurant will serve its last dish following a string of other top restaurant closures. The popularity of fine dining appears to have passed its peak as foodies prefer to spend more frugally in Germany these days.

One of a cluster of elements claimed to be leading to the closures has been a hike in VAT imposed on restaurants by the German government in 2024 from 7 to 19 per

cent. Another has been runaway inflation just after the pandemic, complicating recovery. Declining tourism has also been cited as a contributory cause, as well as wars and subsequent supply-chain unsteadiness.

Despite hosting the European Cup this year and Berlin receiving masses of visitors to watch the matches, the top Berlin restaurants saw little increase in their clientele.

According to the Michelin guide, this may be part of a worrying trend for the industry. ‘In Northern Europe the number of Michelin-starred restaurants open for business is down by three-quarters - from 74 per cent to 18 per cent - while southern Europe records a smaller drop from 66 per cent to 40 per cent,’ the guide says.

Sunflower overtakes olive oil

PRICES of olive oil have meant that it has been toppled from the top spot as Spain’s favourite oil.

The news has left many in the World’s largest olive oil producers shocked, as rising prices force consumers to switch to cheaper options. In the first half of 2024, Spaniards bought 107 million litres of olive oil compared to 179 million litres of sunflower oil. According to the Ministry for Agriculture, only 34 per cent of oil sales used to be the sunflower varie-

ty and 64 per cent olive oil. But rocketing olive oil prices have forced many Spaniards to change their palates.

When olive oil prices per litre hit near the €10 mark last year, in part due to low yields caused by the drought, many family budgets couldn’t keep up with the increased cost, and so turned to cheaper sunflower oil, currently averaging around the €2.40 per litre, according to Olimerca, an industry publication.

Spain has famously been the World’s biggest supplier of olive oil after having overtaken Italy several years ago, but continued drought conditions are causing exports to reduce too, a potentially devastating impact on the olive industry in Spain.

Spaniards are in danger of losing their number one staple ingredient as prices are leading it to become a luxury most families struggle to put in the shopping basket.

England’s homelessness

street.

AN estimated one million people in the EU and UK sleep rough every night and in countries like Germany and France, the number has doubled in the last 10 years. In fact, European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA) says the number is likely to be far higher due to the fact that there is no universally decided definition of homelessness and so each country presents its own interpretation of the issue.

According to OECD data, England has the highest rate of homelessness in the continent of Europe, which includes people sleeping on the streets or housed in emergency accommodation, with 43 homeless people per 10,000 residents.

Within the EU, France has the highest number of homeless individuals with 30.7

homeless for every 10,000 people, followed by Czechia (28.4), Germany (25.8), and Ireland (25.3). Spain fares somewhat better (5.4) and Nordic countries also reported comparatively lower rates of homelessness. According to an OECD report, the total estimated number of homeless people is about 333,000 in France and 263,000 in Germany while the UK housing and homeless charity Shelter estimated that there are a shocking 309,000 homeless people in England alone.

Rocketing housing costs and economic changes go some way to exposing the situation in England. Also, inadequate benefits, including freezing of some people’s housing benefit compound the problem further, forcing local authorities to rely on temporary accommodation to alleviate the crisis.

Sunflower oil takes over as most popular oil in Spain.

Credit: Freepik

Homeless man on Tarragona

Credit: Anna LoFi - Shutterstock

Top Berlin restaurants closing.

Credit: Freepik

Possible prison for not paying bill Self-checkout tipping sparks outrage

CULTURALLY, the Spanish bar or restaurant is far more than a conve nient eatery. It is a central cultural social hub and, unlike in many other global cultures, a place of trust between fellow citizens.

Take, for example, the bill. There is a reciprocal trust between waiting staff and customers that they will serve you food worth its price, and you will pay your bill before leaving. It’s a sacred trust, a socially bonding key to why we love Spain. So, why skip out on a bill?

But, then comes the ‘simpá’, someone intent on sneaking out without paying their bill, the scourge of any chiringuito beach bar. While it may appear easy to do in the busy summer months, the National Police want to remind everyone of the penalties that await any ‘simpá’ who attempts it.

In a recent news post from the National Police on TikTok they warned of the implications of doing the ‘simpa’ something that constitutes a crime of ‘fraud’ under Spanish law. Depending on the severity, ie the amount, punishment can range from heavy fines to eight years in prison, especially when the amount defrauded exceeds €400.

The worst in Spanish history happened in May this year when a total of 15 tables upped and ran off from a restaurant in San Mateo, Gran Canaria, without paying their bills. There had been a small fire in the extractor fan in the kitchen, and while some diners remained to pay up, a large group decided to take advantage of the restaurant and make their getaway.

Letara Draghia A RECENT incident at a Hungarian water park has ignited debate over tipping at self-checkout machines. After purchasing refreshments from a self-service kiosk, a man was surprised to be prompted to tip between 0 and 20 per cent. Frustrated, he shared his experience online, questioning why tipping was expected for a machine.

The Reddit post quickly gained attention, with many expressing disbeliefs at the notion of tipping a machine that involves no human labour.

One Reddit user noted, “At least there’s a prominent 0 per cent option. Many places make it hard to avoid tipping.” Others shared similar experiences, including being pressured to tip at

a sporting event.

Some speculate the tipping prompts might be due to software designed for both self-service and staffed terminals, leading to confusion.

Despite the humorous remark that “robots need a living wage too,” the overall sentiment

remains one of frustration.

As tipping practices evolve, especially in regions where it’s not customary, consumers are advised to stay informed and make choices that reflect local customs as well as their own personal values.

Would you tip a self-service checkout?

Where did everyone go?

Credit: wirestock - Freepik

IRELAND

Birds return

IRELAND now has 233 areas occupied by corncrakes, more than at any time since 1999, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) reported. Numbers of the shy and secretive birds with a distinctive call had increased by 45 per cent since 2018 thanks to cooperation from farmers and landowners, the NPWS said.

Great escape

ANGLERS were concerned at the escape of up to 30,000 farmed salmon in Rosroe (County Galway) after the netting on one of the cages was damaged following a collision with a fish farm boat. The massive escape posed a “serious risk” to salmon genetics should they interbreed with wild salmon, experts said.

FRANCE

Summer fire

A WILDFIRE fanned by strong winds in southern France forced thousands to flee before 600 firefighters brought the blaze under control, regional officials said on August 19. They included 3,000 tourists from a campsite in Canet-en-Roussillon, near Perpignan, who were temporarily housed in a municipal building.

Loubo lives

LOUBO, a dog belonging to Alain Delon who died on August 18, will not be put down and buried with him as the late actor had wanted. Responding to an outcry from animal protection groups, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced that Delon’s family had emphasised that his last wish would not be carried out.

ITALY

Finally found

A HIKER in the Forcella Serauta mountains discovered the remains of two Italian soldiers who died there during the White War between Italy and Austria-Hungary (1915-1918). The bodies, exposed after the recent heatwave melted the ice which usually covers the area, will be buried in the Asiago military cemetery.

Dear Milan

RENTING a single room is more expensive in Milan than any other city, online estate agency Immobiliare.it found. Monthly rents averaged €637 compared with the national average of €461 although in Garibaldi, Moscova and Porta Nuova, Milan’s most expensive districts, one room would cost a monthly €720.

EURO PRESS

DENMARK

Hidden treasure

GUSTAV BRUNSGAARD, a 22-yearold archaeology student, found seven silver bracelets while using a metal detector in Elsted, an area that was once a Viking settlement. Experts said the ninth century bracelets weighing more than 500 grammes would have been a “considerable treasure” at the time.

VIKING TREASURE: Located by an archaeology student.

SWEDEN

Whisky sour

SWEDISH whisky distiller Mackmyra filed for bankruptcy, citing escalating problems with cash flow and profitability. The company’s shares slid in mid-2021 but after reaching an all-time low in April this year, the newly-appointed board decided to cease operations on the company’s 25th anniversary.

Out of work

FINLAND NORWAY

Tit-for-tat

FLOATING fjord saunas in Oslo’s Aker Brygge district could be removed or fined after two that are owned by the KOK company were found to be operating without permits. The infringement came to light after city hall received a tipoff from rival sauna Mad Goats, which was fined earlier for lacking its own permit.

In a fix

NORWAY’S Competition Authority took a tough line with the three companies that control 95 per cent of the country’s supermarkets, fining them a total of 4.9 billion krone (€417 million). They had been breaking competition law “for years”, the Authority said, by exchanging information amongst themselves to agree prices.

Red skies

SUNSETS were redder than usual over Finland around August 20 when smoke from forest fires in Canada drifted over the country. Fine particles were so high that they did not cause health problems or unusual odours, while the red skies were the result of particles filtering the rays of the setting sun, meteorologists said.

Berry permits

FINLAND has granted 900 residence permits to seasonal Thai workers hired to bring in the 2024 fruit harvest. Their eventual arrival in mid-August surprised the authorities as Thailand had previously barred their departure following reports that the Finnish berry farms allegedly exploited and mistreated Thai employees.

THE number of jobless university students in July was 33 per cent higher than during the same month last year, according to unemployment insurance fund Akademikernas a-kassa. Spokesperson Alexandra Oljans Ahlin said unemployment always rose in the summer, but this year was unexpectedly higher.

GERMANY

Non grata

RUSSIA’S lower house, the Duma, proposed that Deutsche Welle, Germany’s state-owned international broadcaster, and the British Council should be put on the list of ‘undesirable’ organisations. Those cooperating or establishing contacts with them, will now be subject to ‘administrative and criminal liability’.

Chips ahoy

THE European Commission approved a €5 billion grant enabling Germany to assist the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC) in building and operating a microchip manufacturing plant in Dresden. Once operating at full capacity by 2029, they will be able to produce an annual 480,000 semiconductors.

PORTUGAL BELGIUM NETHERLANDS

Seal seen

A HEALTHY seal was spotted at the Fisherman’s beach in central Cascais, further along the coast near the Monte Estoril boardwalk and also in Oeiras. The local authorities warned members of the public not to approach it, as “seals look harmless and playful, but they bite if they feel threatened.”

Clammed up

OLHAO’S Maritime Police seized 10 kilos of coquina clams after a Portuguese Navy ship reported seeing a pleasure boat that was trawling in front of Culatra island in Faro. On reaching the boat and inspecting their catch, officers saw that the clams were still alive and returned them to their natural habitat.

Home again

A MAN who disappeared from an Ostend beach returned to his Aalst home in swimming trunks and caught a train where no tickets were checked. Worried friends, unaware that he was safe, contacted the police who launched a search operation, prompting Ostend’s mayor to later question “some people’s sense of responsibility.”

Mass appeal

WHEN Pope Francis visits Belgium between September 26-29 he will say Mass before more than 35,000 in Brussels on the final day. Free tickets offered to the public via the Ticketmaster platform on August 19 at 10am were snapped up so fast that more will be printed for disappointed applicants.

Nothing to do

TWO vulnerable girls aged 12 and 14 admitted setting fire to a shop, which was destroyed, and attempting to start fires in another six in an Alkmaar shopping centre. “It’s the holidays, they have no school, nothing to do all day,” their lawyer said. “We cannot see inside the brain of an adolescent.”

Eagle shield

AN offshore Zeeland wind farm is the second in the province to use smart cameras which automatically slow the turbine blades after spotting sea eagles and other big birds when they are 1.1 kilometres away. Fast-turning blades have killed numerous large birds, prompting calls for all wind farms to install protection systems.

FOLLOWING the theft and the removal of Banksy’s artworks from public spaces, the artist’s craft has become more desired than ever. Arguably the most famous living artist in the world, how much does it cost to own a work by the British icon and is it worth it?

The art network MyArtBroker surveyed more than 1,400 people in the UK to find out what they think about the controversial artist. When asked how they felt about Banksy, 66 per

Worth of art Portugal airport strikes

PORTUGUESE Transport Workers’ Union (Sttamp) has warned of the “severe constraints” the Groundforce workers’ strike will cause at airports.

The Sttamp issued a strike notice covering all national airports, ‘from 00:00 hours on August 31, 2024, until midnight on September 1, 2024’, in protest over low wages.

The strike was called against “the existence of base salaries lower than the national minimum wage” and “the systemic use of workers from temporary employment agencies,” as stated in the Sttamp’s document.

Following the release of their document, “As there has been no negotiation development to date that would allow the strike to be called off,” the Sttamp has stated that “if it were to take place it would certainly cause severe constraints at national airports.”

The union specified that in particular “Porto and

cent of the respondents were said to be “inspired,” and 51 per cent bolstered the “thought-provoking” nature of his work.

If given a choice of purchasing a new Porsche 911 or an original signed Banksy print, 45 per cent said they would prefer to get the iconic artwork.

On average, Banksy’s work costs around €235,987. The most that’s ever been paid for his print is €21.3 million; Love is in the Bin, which has ironically been interpreted as

a representation of Banksy’s sceptical attitude towards art selling. Although the purchase may come with potential physical threats of theft, investing in Banksy’s art means becoming a part of art history and obtaining a limited product. Not just the artwork itself but its representation; the freedom of artistic expression and social consciousness, the scarcity of Banksy’s art is likely to increase and increase in value in the future, making it a meaningful investment.

Lisbon” will feel the effects the most, “of which are currently completely unpredictable.”

The union guarantees that there will be delays and “numerous flight cancellations” to all destinations operated by airlines assis-

ted by the SPdH (Groundforce), a Portuguese handling company.

Sttamp also recommended that passengers with trips scheduled for the days of the strike confirm their travel with the services of their respective airlines.

Banksy’s art . Credit: R,

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Knuckles rapped

THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) imposed a £15 million (€17.6 million) fine on PwC, one the Big Four accounting firms.

According to the FCA, PwC missed ‘a number of red flags’ when carrying out an audit on London Capital & Finance (LCF) and failed to make an immediate report of suspected fraud.

Lots of pizza

CASA TARRADELLAS posted a record €1.37 billion turnover for2023,18percentupon2022 and its best annual growth in more than 20 years as well as its first double figures since 2010. The Catalan company, best known for pizzas, ended 2023 with 2,948 employees, 10 per cent up on the previous year.

Shops closed

TED BAKER, trading as No Ordinary Designer Label, fell into administration in March 2024, when it shut 15 shops. The fashion firm which delisted after US group Authentic brought it for £210 million (€246.5 million) in 2022, has now closed its remaining 31 stores, entailing the loss of 513 jobs.

Grain gain

SPAIN’S cereal harvest will top 22.5 million tons this year according to estimates prepared by the Cooperativas Agroalimentarias, which represents more than 3,600 cooperatives throughout the country. This was well above the 17-million-ton average of recent years but far below 2020’s record 27 million tons.

Hat trick

THE hat which actor Harrison Ford wore in Temple of Doom, the second instalment of the Indiana Jones films, fetched $630,000 (€564,42) at auction in Los Angeles. The brown felt fedora-style hat that was made specially for the film later belonged to Ford’s stuntdouble Dean Ferrandini who died in 2023.

STAT OF WEEK

€2.1 billion

paid out in dividends to US multinational investment company BlackRock by 21 of Spain’s Ibex 35 companies during the first quarter of 2024.

Sky clouds over for BT

BT’S market value plummeted by around £1 billion (€1.17 billion) after Sky signed up with CityFibre to deliver broadband for its network in 2025.

The transaction dealt an unexpected blow to BT, which currently provides the service for Sky via its Openreach network. Shares sank by 8.2 per cent when the news first broke on August 20, eventually closing 6.4 per cent down.

News of the Sky deal cancelled out most of BT’s gains following Bharti Enterprises’ announcement on August 12 that the Indian conglomerate had acquired a 24.5 per cent holding in the company.

Shares rose to 145p (€1.70) before falling to 136p (€1.59) on August 20, giving the company a market value of £13.5 billion (€15.8 billion).

Despite the Sky setback, City insiders saw the commercial impact as “manageable” for BT.

“Sky would maintain its long-term relationship with BT’s Openreach, given the significantly larger size of its network,” analysts at the Citigroup investment bank told the Telegraph

Meanwhile, an Openreach spokesperson said the UK’s fibre broadband market was becoming increasingly competitive.

“We’re building fibre faster, more efficiently and providing better customer experience than anyone,” the statement continued, pointing out that with more than 15 million premises reached, it expected this to reach 30 million by the end of the decade.

CityFibre is one of Britain’s largest alternative network - ‘alt net’ - providers challenging both BT’s Openreach and Virgin media. It already has a broadband network of more than 3.8 million homes and premises with plans to extend this to eight million.

A very exclusive club

INDITEX shares rose above €48 on August 20, giving the company a market value of €150.035 billion.

That made the fashion chain, owner of the Zara, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius labels, the first Spanish company with a capitalisation of more than €150 billion.

Inditex is now the most valuable of the companies listed on Spain’s Ibex 35, an index of the country’s 35 most-traded companies, putting it ahead of energy giant Iberdrola, worth €80 billion,

Bedford project

UNIVERSAL is discussing tax incentives with UK ministers regarding a future multibillion resort in Bedford.

Comcast, Universal’s owners, bought the 500 acres (202.3 hectares) of land as a possible site for Europe’s largest theme park in 2023.

According to the Financial Times, Comcast’s decision will partly depend on the outcome of the government talks.

Should they fail, Comcast could look elsewhere in Europe for the project, the FT’s sources said.

and Banco Santander (€67 billion).

On the Euro Stoxx 50 index of 50 stocks from 11 Eurozone countries, Inditex comes sixth.

The Spanish company is preceded by ASML, the world’s leading supplier for the semiconductor industry and worth €339.85 billion); luxury brand MVMH (€339.2 billion); German software company Sap (€243.5 billion); another luxury brand Hermes (€231 billion) and L’Oreal (€206.4

Fillip for Grifols

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT

is in talks with banks to refinance Grifols’ €9.5 billion debt, prior to a takeover.

Shares in the Spanish plasma therapeutics company rose by 6 per cent in Madrid as news leaked out regarding the Toronto real estate investment company’s plans.

One source close to the transaction, quoted by Bloomberg on condition of anonymity, said the funding would probably be in dollars. Another revealed that participating banks had committed to backing the loans before spreading them amongst third-party investors.

The Barcelona-headquartered company said in July that the Grifols family and Brookfield had already agreed to the takeover in a move that will almost certainly lead to delisting.

billion).

Inditex shares sixth place with TotalEnergies, which is also worth just over €150 billion.

On track in Saudi Arabia

SPANISH rolling stock manufacturer Talgo is in talks to supply Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) with a further 20 high-speed trains.

Talgo’s chief executive Gonzalo Urquijo revealed recently that the company had “intensified” contacts with SAR without reaching agreement regarding prices.

The original €1.6 billion, 12-year contract signed in 2012 to provide and maintain trains for the Medina-Mecca railway included an option to provide additional units.

This was now necessary as passenger numbers had increased, and Urquijo said Talgo was prepared to provide the trains but emphasised that costs had risen “substantially” since the €35 million per train agreed in 2012.

BRITISH firm Mamod, founded in 1936, has ceased producing scale models of steam engines.

Owner Adrian Lockrey told the Daily Mail that the company made a steady £50,000 (€58,714) a month until sales plunged 50 per cent in February.

The miniature engines are powered by hexamine tablets, now banned as they can be used to create explosives. It was like selling a torch without batteries, he told Counter-terrorism in London, but the authorities were adamant that Lockrey could not sell the tablets.

“It’s heartbreaking,” he lamented.

THE Post Office spent £256.9 million (€301.6 million) on engaging 15 law firms and two barristers’ chambers between 2014 and 2024.

Their services were required for the Horizon IT scandal where innocent subpostmasters were accused of apparent financial shortfalls actually caused by flawed software.

The amounts involved were made public following a freedom of information request from the Lawyer magazine.

The outlay on legal costs was practically identical to the financial redress of £261 million (€306.5 million) paid out so far to Horizon victims.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

company Digi has grown more than any other Spanish company but its debt has increased at the same time. Over the last 18 months this rose by 35.2 per cent from €1.1 billion at the end of 2022 to €1.5 billion by June 30, 2024.

Consultants quoted in the Spanish media said that Digi’s debt did not entail significant financial risks, since this was a manageable 2.3 times more than the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.

BT: £1 billion wiped from market value after Sky chooses CityFibre.

Photo credit: BT

Photo credit: FB/Amancio Ortega Español Oficial

AMANCIO ORTEGA: Founder of Inditex, now worth €150 billion.

3I Group 3.192,68 3.204,00 3.179,00 29,87K

Group 2.929,00 2.958,00 2.924,00 8,44K Airtel Africa 113,93 114 112,6 188,86K

American 2.252,00 2.252,50 2.240,00 55,39K

95,81K

22,81K

British Foods 2.495,00 2.499,00 2.485,00 16,39K

13.128,00 13.132,00 13.052,00 97,75K

Trader Group Plc 837,6 841,8 837 123,54K

496,65 497,4 494,3 533,95K B&M European Value Retail SA 442,2 443,6 438,8 345,06K BAE Systems 1.308,00 1.320,00 1.308,00 136,46K

227,18 228,15 225,85 2,64M

Developments 552,89 556,6 551,4 100,57K

Beazley 755 761 754,5 71,76K Berkeley 5.165,00 5.185,00 5.150,00 7,7K BP 428,23 430,85 427,9 2,67M British American Tobacco 2.768,00 2.777,00 2.766,00 134,05K

3.188,00 3.196,00 3.186,00 20,89K

BUSINESS

EXTRA

New

entry

PRIVATE EQUITY

company Carlyle Group has acquired a 60 per cent stake in technology consultancy, Seidor, based in Vic (Barcelona) for an undisclosed sum. The remaining 40 per cent stays in the hands of the Benito family, who founded the business in 1984.

Fast food

MCDONALD’S is to spend £1 billion (€1.17 billion) on more than 200 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland over the next four years, focusing on high street locations. The expansion plans will also create approximately 24,000 new jobs.

Pawnshops back in business

THE owners of small British businesses are turning to pawnshops for cash.

One of the UK’s largest pawnbrokers, H&T, with 282 premises nationwide, explained that with banks agreeing to fewer business loans, people were pawning personal possessions.

Builders and shopkeepers were going to H&T, its chief executive Christ Gillespie revealed, after failing to obtain funding for more materials or new stock.

Tasty

“We’ve got people who use it to pay their quarterly VAT bill or wages,”

deal

ALVARO MORATA, captain of Spain’s national football team, and his business partner Pablo Nuño sold part of their Manolo Bakes holding for €5.5 million.

Arte y Sano Millenium, jointly owned by Morata and Nuño, currently has a 30.7 per cent holding after selling 5,838 of their shares to VGO Capital, a UK private equity firm.

he said.

Items pledged to H&T were usually valued at

The British company has become Manolo Bakes’ principal shareholder after paying €14.2 million for the shares owned by the Manzano family, creators of the original recipe for the popular ‘Manolito’ croissants.

VGO spent a total of €27.5 million on acquiring 49.9 per cent of the company and now plans to open further branches of the bakery chain outside Spain.

around £200 (€234.50) with an average loan worth less than that.

Gillespie nevertheless added that more businesses were asking to borrow £5,000 (€5,862), bringing in expensive watches and jewellery as

“The banks will not lend you money against your watch,” he pointed out.

On repaying a loan, the pawned articles are returned, otherwise they are sold through H&T’s retail stores.

The value of the chain’s pledge book stood at £105 million (€123.1 million) by June 2024 compared with £101 million (€118.4 million) in December 2023.

Income rose to £55.8 million (€55.4 million), 11 per cent up on the previous year, while pre-tax profits of £9.9 million (€11.6 million) increased by 12.5 per cent.

Build it up

BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS is now on course for a £2.5 billion (€2.9 billion) takeover of Redrow, six months after announcing a deal that would give Redrow shareholders control over one-third of the business. The transaction will create the UK’s biggest housebuilder, capable of putting up a potential 23,000 homes each year and creating revenues of £7 billion (€8.2 billion).

Family affair

CORPORACION

CES-

LAR, the third most-important el Corte Ingles shareholder and the company that handles the 9 per cent holding belonging to relatives of the department store’s founder Ramon Areces, posted a net profit of €24 million last year. This was mainly due to €12.9 million received in dividends, a 68 per cent increase on 2022.

Photo credit: Flickr/Sarflondonunc

Defeat and misery

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I AM heartily sick of the ever increasing issues in today’s society that appear to somehow, cause ‘offence’.

Although the luvvy woke and PC brigade, consistently seem to exhume more self-righteous attention seeking pathetic claptrap every day, there are actually a number of ‘offending’ examples that stick very heavily in this ol boys craw as well. The TV commercial, which showed in full close up, two girls sticking their tongues down each other’s throats. Although I am by no means against this depiction in the context of a story line, I object most strongly to this being presented as an advertising ‘norm’ in front of young, impressionable children in my front room.

What about the media onslaught of sneering ungrateful foreigners telling us how the British should run the country?

Normal heterosexuals, often nastily, being forced to accept extreme gender issues. The cruel bleeding to death of animals for Halal meat. Being told how to discipline your children, usually by

those who have none of their own. Minorities being given undemocratic precedence over majorities, simply because they are minorities. Moves to change our time honoured, much loved fairy tales, because they are deemed sexist or encouragers of sexual abuse.

The removal of centuries old important works of art, merely because they are considered offensive to a very small minority. Being told by immigrants we should change our culture to accommodate theirs. Benefit scroungers who consider their bone idle existence a ‘right’.

Authorities who, citing human rights, kowtow (and are now releasing) the criminal perpetrators, while denying the rights of their victims. Women who would like us to re-establish Victorian attitudes, which presumably would include the placing of skirts on the legs of grand pianos.

The ongoing, paedophile abuse cover ups of politicians and celebrities. Being considered racist for uttering some incongruous trivial remark, often objected to by individuals, who, by their extreme reactions, reveal themselves as the biggest racists of all. Our appeasing beleaguered police, afraid to react to the insults and disorder of ethnic minorities

in case they get ‘upset’ or run riot. The growth of ‘No go’ areas in major cities. The ever leaning to the left of the main media. And the biggest affront of all?

Women who constantly gripe about men who never put the seat down! There you are. That should ‘offend’ just about everyone. As a final word, I see another two horrendous attacks by suspected immigrant terrorists in both Germany and France has left dead, injured and terrified locals in their wake.

When are the authorities going to realise that high proportions of the people they are encouraging are riddled with militant extremists? Do our ‘leaders’ honestly believe that many of these people have any intention whatsoever of integrating with the law abiding innocent citizens of the Western world? Have you all lost your minds? Or is it all a devious misguided plot to change our culture into something you think can be easily manipulated? Well I’m sorry; your express train into communism has only one terminal - and it has utter defeat and misery written all over its platforms.

Keep the faith Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

Wrong pilgrims on El Camino

OVERTOURISM is not just having its effect on coastal Spain, with the increasingly popular ‘El Camino’ now feeling the brunt of Spain’s booming best industry.

Last week was the turn of one careless pilgrim who provoked one of the biggest wildfires in the north of Spain’s history. The hapless 33-year-old foreign walker (of undisclosed origin) was taken into custody on Tuesday, August 20 after being accused of having levelled 800 hectares of forest and grasslands by fire. He was arrested in Foncebadon, in the province of Leon, not far from the origin of the blaze. Once the fire was underway, he calmly continued his hike as though nothing had happened. Tip-offs from other walkers helped the Guardia Civil locate the man.

This fire is just one in a litany of accusations against the upsurge in tourists participating in the Camino de Santiago over recent years. One resident of Bertola, a village where everyone grows their own crops, has woken up the next day to find walkers have made off with his lettuces. Others complain of tourists using their gardens as toilets. A local woman in Galicia complains of a case with one so-called ‘pilgrim’ who jumped her garden fence during a family barbecue, stripped naked and jumped in her swimming pool.

Leapy

Increasing tourism on El Camino out of control.

Food for thought

BOOSTING your memory can be as simple as making the right choices in your diet. Certain foods are known to enhance brain function, helping you stay sharp and focused. Fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health. These healthy fats build cell membranes and promote the growth of new brain cells, crucial for memory retention.

Write, reflect, revive

JOURNALING is the practice of regularly writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, providing a private space for self-reflection. This simple yet powerful habit can significantly enhance your mental and emotional well-being. By putting pen to paper, journaling allows you to process complex emotions, gain clarity, and reduce stress. It acts as a therapeutic outlet, helping to release pent-up feelings that might otherwise remain bottled up, leading to anxiety or depression.

Broccoli and leafy greens such as spinach and kale are packed with antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin K, which has been linked to improved cognitive function. Berries, particularly blueberries, are another powerful ally, containing flavonoids that have been shown to enhance memory and slow down age-related cognitive decline.

ne. Additionally, whole grains and avocados support brain health by improving blood flow to the brain.

Nuts, especially walnuts, provide a good source of vitamin

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help protect your memory, keeping your mind active and healthy as you age.

Removing make-up

REMOVING make-up without harming your skin requires gentle techniques and the right products. Start with a gentle make-up remover or micellar water to dissolve make-up, especially around the eyes. Avoid harsh scrubbing; instead, use soft cotton pads and light, circular motions to lift away the make-up. Fo-

llow up with a mild cleanser to remove any remaining residue. Always moisturie afterward to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid using wipes regularly, as they can be abrasive. By being gentle and using suitable products, you can effectively remove make-up while preserving your skin’s health.

In addition to emotional benefits, journaling can also improve cognitive function. The act of writing helps to organise thoughts and improve focus, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with busy or stressful lives. Journaling can also foster a greater sense of gratitude, as it encourages you to acknowledge positive experiences, no matter how small. By making journaling a regular practice, you can create a deeper connection with yourself, paving the way for enhanced self-awareness, emotional balance, and overall health. It’s a small commitment with potentially significant rewards.

Cancer breakthrough

RESEARCHERS at Western University in Ontario, Canada have discovered a protein that can curb DNA damage.

The breakthrough discovery could have practical applications in anything from developing cancer

vaccines to creating drought-resistant crops.

The researchers found the protein - called DdrC (DNA Damage Repair Protein C) - in a common bacterium named Deinococcus radiodurans. The protein has the incredible ability to withstand between 5,000 and 10,000 times the radiation that would kill a normal human

clearly defined limits.

According to the researchers, this breakthrough could have exciting scientific implications that extend beyond the medical world. In theory, the gene could be introduced into plants, animals, or humans to increase DNA repair efficiency of the organism’s cells.

The hope is that this could offer hope for a cancer vaccine in the future.

Lead researcher Robert Sczabla says that Deinococcus also stands out for its ability to repair DNA that’s already been damaged. He explained that while every cell has a DNA repair mechanism, it has

Cancer treatment currently very much relies on treatment once a diagnosis has already taken place.

The prospect of a vaccine that could prevent it is an exciting one for the medical community.

Tatjana Baibakova

Andropause: hype or reality?

THE concept of a ‘male menopause’, often referred to as andropause, is a topic of ongoing debate among health experts. Unlike female menopause, which involves a clear and rapid drop in hormone levels, the changes in men are more gradual and less defined.

According to the NHS UK website, testosterone levels fall as men age, the decline is steady at about 1 per cent a year from around the age of 30 to 40, and this is unlikely to cause any problems in itself.

Symptoms sometimes associated with the so-called male menopause include fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and difficulties with

memory and concentration. However, the NHS points out that these symptoms are often linked to lifestyle factors such as stress, obesity, or lack of exercise, rather than just a decrease in testosterone levels.

Lifestyle improvements like regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress reduction can significantly alleviate these symptoms. In rarer cases where testosterone levels are significantly low, medical intervention, such as hormone replacement therapy, may be considered, but should only be pursued after consultation with a healthcare professional.

EMERGING research continues to highlight the vital role of sleep in weight loss, suggesting that quality rest may be as crucial as diet and exercise. A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine (A monthly medical journal published by the American Medical Association) underscores this connection, revealing that insufficient sleep can disrupt metabolism and hormone levels, particularly ghrelin and leptin, which regulate hunger and satiety.

This hormonal imbalance often leads to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods.

Furthermore, a 2023 study from the University of Chicago found that individuals who improved their sleep patterns lost more body fat compared to those who didn’t, even when both groups followed the same diet. These findings suggest that inadequate sleep

Slimming sleep

not only hampers weight loss efforts but may also contribute to weight gain, especially around the abdomen, a known risk factor for various health issues.

As more evidence sur-

faces, it’s clear that prioritising sleep could be a simple yet powerful strategy to support weight management and overall well-being, reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to health.

Whooping cough

A TENTH child has died from whooping cough as the virus outbreak rose above 10,000 cases, stated UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency), warning that children are foremost at risk.

An outbreak of whooping cough began in Novem ber last year, conti nuing to spread with 10 child deaths recor ded in the UK; UKHSA urges pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect more children from the disease.

Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis with early symptoms in cluding a stuffy nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough. If escalated, the condition progresses to coughing fits, distinctively accompanied by a ‘whoop’ sound upon inhalation.

occurring in the UK in 2016 with almost 6,000 confirmed cases. The cause of outbreaks isn’t determined but is related to declining immunity at the population level; something which since Covid-19 has been especially

Director of immunisation at the UKHSA Dr Mary Ramsay emphasised; “With cases continuing to rise and sadly 10 infant deaths since the outbreak began last November, ensuring women are vaccinated in pregnancy has never been more important.”

Unplug and unwind

Every few years, there are large outbreaks of the disease, with the last one

Evidence from UK health experts states that vaccination at the right time during pregnancy grants 92 per cent protection against infant death; moreover, all fully vaccinated children are 84 per cent less likely to contract whooping cough.

IN today’s digital age, reducing screen time for adults has become essential for maintaining both mental and physical health. Prolonged screen exposure is linked to eye strain, poor sleep, and even anxiety, making it crucial to find effective ways to limit screen use.

One simple strategy is to establish screenfree zones in your home,

such as the bedroom or dining area, encouraging more face-to-face interactions and restful environments. Setting specific times to unplug, particularly before bed, can also help reduce the temptation to mindlessly scroll through social media or emails.

Engaging in alternative activities, like reading a book, taking a walk, or practising a hobby,

can provide a refreshing break from screens while enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, using apps designed to monitor and limit screen time can be an eye-opener, helping you to become more aware of your usage patterns. By consciously adopting these habits, you can reclaim valuable time and improve your quality of life.

NGO calls out supermarket pricing abuse 240 stings

Adam Woodward

MASSIVE supermarket price hikes in a handful of days have spurred FACUA to launch a new app for comparing prices.

FACUA, Consumers in Action is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to the defence of consumer rights who are calling out supermarkets for what they see as abusive price hikes, including a 70 per cent increase in oil prices in the last fortnight.

Oil prices hit an all-ti me high in 2021 in part due to the drought, in part due to the war in Ukraine. Con sumers accuse the big supermarket chains of an abusive pricing

policy since the government reduced VAT on a list of essential items, such as oil. The government has defended the supermarkets by saying that they are within the margins allowed by the National Commission of Competition and Markets, but FACUA claim

with disproportionate prices.

For this reason, the consumer organisation has launched a website where shoppers can monitor price variations by day, fortnight and month. And it is a fascinating tool to try out. The website can be accessed at super.facua.org

Secretary General of FACUA, Rubén Sánchez said, “This is a tool that we offer to empower consumers. The goal is for us all to become market watchdogs and to know who, how much and when price increases to food are applied.”

Consumers can also check the price of milk which the consumer group also claim has experienced wild fluctuations in recent weeks.

Harry Sinclair

A MAN miraculously survived after being stung 240 times by a swarm of wasps while feeding his chickens.

The 57-yearold returned from a bike ride on Sunday and went to feed his chickens when he was ‘swarmed at’ by wasps, he told Sky News.

Andrew Powe ll, a festival organiser who lives near Brecon, Powys, said his local hospital saved his life after he was stung 240 times by a swarm of wasps, confessing he was in “agony” after the attack.

gate, which is probably four seconds, I was covered,” he said, adding that he

“ran up the steps into my bungalow, into the bathroom, put the shower on and the bathroom was full wasps.”

A swarm of wasps unexpectedly attacked an unfortunate cyclist.

Gina, Mr Powell’s wife, came to the rescue “throwing buckets of water on them, trying to get them off,” telling her husband his “back was just a carpet of wasps.”

Powell told the Daily Express “It was like a scene from a movie,” explaining he was “standing at the garden gate when I saw them heading towards me. I said ‘Oh my God’ and ran.”

“By the time I got to my back

Andrew Powell said his local minor injuries unit “100 per cent” saved his life, along with his friend who answered his call to take him there; “If there’s no MIU (minor injuries unit), I wouldn’t be here.”

Shocking recent increases at the supermarket checkout.

Credit: PERO studio - Shutterstock

Winter break

Anna Akopyan JET2 launched its ‘biggest ever’ winter break programme through Europe, from the UK, with 700,000 seats on the market for the win ter of 2025/2026.

Operating from eight airports across the UK, covering Edinburgh, the East Midlands, Birmingham, and Leeds Bradford, Bri tish travellers will have the chance to visit Europe’s most desirable destinations for pleasantly priced deals.

The winter destinations include Athens, Barcelona, Budapest, Krakow, Paris, Prague, Rome, Vienna and Venice.

Flights from Birmingham include Athens, Barcelona, Budapest, Rome, Krakow, Prague, Venice and Vienna. Flights from the East Midlands include Krakov and Prague. Flights from Edinburgh include Rome and Prague. Three routes will operate from Glasgow Airport to Rome, Krakow, and Prague. Six city break destinations will be on

sale from Leeds Bradford to Barcelona, Budapest, Paris, Rome, Krakow, and Prague.

From Newcastle, three cities including Rome, Krakow, and Prague are available and from Stansted, flights will operate to Athens and Rome. All of these flights will operate twice a week.

Travellers at the Manchester Airport will also have the option of unique flight deals to Porto, operating twice a week throughout November 2025 and mid-February 2026. Jet2CityBreaks also shared a one-of-a-kind, three-night package holiday to Porto, including a stay at a five-star hotel, Portobay Flores with breakfast, which is up for grabs for November 6, 2025, for just £629 (€741.82).

Overtourism: When your favourite spot becomes a selfie sumo wrestle!

IT’S pretty self-explanatory: overtourism is when we all flock to the same iconic spot for the exact same selfie, turning a picturesque landmark into a people soup. Basically, it’s the art of ruining a place by loving it too much.

So here’s my joke of the week:

A husband and wife packed their suitcases in a rush, barely making it to the airport on time. The wife said, “I wish I’d brought the refrigerator.”

“Why?” asked the husband.

“Our tickets are on top of it!” :)

Everyone’s buzzing about it, so here’s my unsolicited two cents. I’ve been that wide-eyed tourist, feeling locals’ icy stares like I’d crash-landed from another galaxy. Now I’m savouring the sweet revenge. If you’re a local, you know the drill: supermarkets are sardine cans, highways are parking lots, and restaurants have waits longer than your last relationship. It’s like we’re all extras in ‘Tourist Takeover: The Revenge’, and spoiler alert: the plot’s a disaster.

On New Year’s Eve in NYC, we arrived at 10am, hoping for a fancy ball drop. By 8pm, we hadn’t reached Times Square, spent an hour waiting for a bathroom, and felt like a human traffic jam. Our ‘best night ever’ became a ‘worst nightmare’ with no restrooms, overpriced everything, and freezing cold. We were a miserable river of people just trying to escape. Why is everyone travelling so

much? Cities are packed with tourists, and it seems like you need to go somewhere, even just for a selfie. With cheap plane tickets, travel is now accessible to many, whereas it was a luxury for the wealthy just 40 years ago.

Back then, honeymooners might have dreamed of a quiet beach in Spain. Today, those honeymooners are jetting off to the Canary Islands, Bali, or Cancun. The world has opened up so much that everyone, from middle-class families to adventurous souls, can explore far-flung destinations. A friend of mine spent less than €700 to visit Bali - proof that exotic travel is more accessible than ever. It makes me wonder if the world feels smaller for mega-wealthy individuals, who are now planning trips to space or Mars.

I’m all about travel - who isn’t? But outright rejecting tourism isn’t the answer, though a few tourists chilling on Mars might be a win. Let’s focus on respecting local cultures and managing the tourist flood. How about a system that actually works? Maybe offer further discounts for off-peak travel so we don’t all show up at once. Encourage smarter holiday planning and thinking outside the box.

Let’s revive travel agents - they’re the ultimate vacation planners. Pair them with local tourist offices to manage the crowds and keep popular spots from becoming chaos. It’s a win-win!

And last but not least, here’s an undeniable truth: We’re all time travellers, moving at the precise speed of 60 minutes per hour. Bon Voyage!

Movaldi’s

MOVALDI’S AMERICAN 2 CENTS SNAPSHOT

FROM COAST TO COAST

Flying over cities.

Credit: Andre Furtado, Pexels

Spain’s plummeting birth rate

SPAIN’S baby bust began 30 years ago, and continues dropping. It’s a prime example of a trend happening across the Western World.

But how does a country like Spain cope with its plummeting fertility rate? Tax breaks for new parents, continually extending parental leave, child care benefits and even cash handouts in some EU countries have had little effect in bolstering the birthrate.

Sustaining economic growth and maintaining state pensions with an increasingly elderly population can lead to some unpopular policies, such as later retirement, increased immigration, hiking taxes and public service cuts.

In the late 1990s, not even 3 per cent of residents in Spain were

immigrants; today they account for more than 17 per cent of the population, one of the highest ratios in Europe.

Immigration has provided workers and increased growth for the country even though it registered a record-low fertility rate of under 1.2 in 2023, way below the so-called replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a population.

In Spain, younger workers earn modest salaries, around €18,000 a

year, in often temporary jobs, not even enough to pay rent increased by gentrification, inflation and holiday rentals. University graduates typically live with their parents, when embarking on careers, which can postpone many plans, including marriage and babies.

But, the Spanish economy remains comparatively stable so far. The question is how long can Spain maintain its economy given the ageing population.

3,700 Break Rock the Boat record

Adam Woodward

IRELAND has just smashed their own world record for the biggest Rock the Boat dance, and they did it for charity.

A dance to ‘Rock the Boat’, the 1974 disco hit by The Hues Corporation, often performed at weddings and birthday parties, involves rows of people sitting down and ‘rowing’ a boat to the tune of the popular song. Particularly popular in Ireland, the dance attracted a lot more international attention after being featured on the second season of the TV series Derry Girls.

The largest recorded effort had been in May of this year, 2024 when a record 1,888 people rocked the boat in the streets of Derry.

Not to be outdone, and to really concrete Ireland as the World champions at ‘Rock the Boat’, a crowd of 3,700 participants gathered and sat in lines and ‘Rocked the Boat’ at the opening of this year’s Electric Picnic Festival, smashing the record in Stradbally, County Laois. It wasn’t just for fun, though. Proceeds were also raised in support of SOSAD Ireland - which offers services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety.

So, Euro Weekly News readers, the gauntlet is well and truly thrown down. Who out there can beat 3,700 in the ‘Rock the Boat’ challenge while raising money for a good cause?

Thousands gathered to ‘Rock the Boat’.

Birth rate is falling.

Credit: Dave Caffrey (DJ), Facebook.

Photo: Flickr / Giuseppe Gullun

INTERVIEW

Speaking European –Esther Stoel

Esther was travelling across Europe on an eye-opening journey of culture when she came to Spain and decided to settle down.

BORN in the Netherlands, Esther has spent the last six years living in the tourist magnet, Greece.

“The plan was to keep travelling across the EU,” said Esther but Valencia struck a chord in her soul and she began to settle just outside the main city.

Despite Valencia’s tourist appeal, Esther said it is “nowhere as crowded as in Greece.” The Netherlands’ “expensive lifestyle, bad weather and constant stress,” caused Esther to move abroad, but the “poverty and the increased cost of living” in Greece made Esther concerned about her and her son’s future.

yoga retreat. Since coming to Spain, she has been deeply invested in the “laid-back lifestyle” of the Spanish. She believes that Europeans who have moved to Spain need to “learn to slow down,” to enjoy a life abroad.

Living in a city as diverse as Valencia, Esther is constantly faced with the unique Spanish fusion of “historic celebrations and traditions,” and the “modernity and open-mindedness of the locals.”

Tourist tensions

UK holidaymakers say they sympathise with protesting locals in European hotspots who are sick of over-tourism.

lieve that British tourists should be able to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences abroad, like stag or hen parties or weddings, without guilt.

Esther now works as an online sports nutritionist and is building a

She shared that although some traditions can be “difficult to understand,” she makes an effort to learn about Spain’s culture and treat it with respect.

A new survey shows that Brits understand the concerns of residents in places like Spain, the Balearics and Greece, who say they’re being priced out of living in their home towns by holiday lets and rarely see the benefit of holiday spending.

The survey, carried out by the UK’s leading stag and hen organiser, Last Night of Freedom, found that 64 per cent of people agreed or strongly agreed that they should take only one foreign holiday a year, while 86 per cent thought that tourism spending should benefit local small businesses.

More than seven out of 10 also be-

But the news that could worry tourism chiefs in cities which have launched specific ‘stay away’ campaigns to discourage British visitors, like Prague and Barcelona, less than a quarter of respondents (21 per cent) said that they would feel comfortable visiting cities that are openly hostile to tourists.

Of the 250 people surveyed, 42 per cent said their perfect stag or hen party would be held in a European destination, while just under 51 per cent would want to stay in the UK, with the rest looking beyond Europe’s borders for their ultimate break.

Europe’s most educated

EDUCATION is critical to the development of a ge neration and a country as a whole.

The adult population in Europe with tertiary education, referring to the highest level, varies across the continent.

According to data from Eurostat, a Di rectorate-General of the European Commission, almost one-third of adults aged 25-74 in the European Union have a higher education degree, including public and private universities, colleges, technical training institutes and vocational schools.

According to data from 2022, on average 31.8 per cent of people aged 25-74 years in the EU had achieved a higher education.

Eurostat report reveals the most educated countries in Europe.

Nordic and Baltic countries have more graduates than the EU average, with Sweden and Norway ranking third and fourth with over 45 per cent of tertiary education graduates, and Latvia with 44 per cent of the population having a higher education degree.

In the UK, 43.5 per cent of the population aged

25-74 had a higher education, which was over the EU’s ‘Big Four’ countries.

France had the highest share among them, followed by Spain at 38 per cent, while Romania had the lowest followed by Italy at 18.5 per cent.

However, it is Ireland that is statistically the most educated, with 49.8 per cent of the population attaining a higher education.

According to data from 35 European countries, women aged 25-34 had a higher proportion of tertiary education attainment than men.

In 2022, on average, the proportion of women with tertiary education was 47.6 per cent compared to 36.5 per cent for men.

Esther Stoel with her son.

Holidaymakers sympathise with protesting locals in European hotspots.

Parity Law

ON Thursday, August 22, Spain took a bold step politically, aiming to revolutionise gender equality in the country.

The Parity Law has officially been implemented, as of Thursday, and addresses a longstanding issue of unequal representation of women to men in both political and economic spheres in Spain.

The new law hopes to bridge this gap and promote gender parity, ensuring women have an equal and represented voice in the decision-making processes of the country.

The key component of the law is the introduction of ‘zipper lists’ to all elections held in the country. Zipper lists mean all political parties must now alternate male and female candidates on their electoral list, rather than relegate women to lower and less electable roles.

A new law implemented on Thursday seeks to increase female representation in Spain.

This rule aims to increase the number of women in influential political positions in the Spanish government.

An additional part of the Parity Law is the ‘principle of balanced representation’, which limits the gender split to a 60-40 per cent cap in public administration bodies and public-private sector companies.

This means there is a 60 per cent cap on male representation of positions of power, however, this limit is not applied to women, implying the possibility of an entirely female entity in the Spanish government, the Constitutional Court, the General Council of the Judiciary and listed companies.

Data watchdog

THE world’s most popular ridesharing company, Uber has beenned €290 million by the Netherlands for sharing personal data of drivers with the US in violation of European rules, reported Dutch data protection watchdog DPA.

Claimed o cially in July by the French Human Rights League, listing more than 170 taxi drivers, the ne stated that Uber had violated European regulations by transferring personal data to the US; “This constitutes a serious violation of the General Data Protection Regulation.”

Since Uber’s European headquarters are in the Netherlands, the case was forwarded to the DPA, which issued Uber’s responsibility for failing to protect the personal data of European drivers.

The DPA stated that Uber had been sharing

Protecting Uber taxi drivers.

personal information, including account details, taxi licences, location data, photos, payment details, identity documents, and in some cases even criminal and medical data of its drivers.

Uber spokesperson Caspar Nixon said to the Press; “This awed decision and extraordinary ne are completely unjusti ed.”

While Uber can appeal the decision with the

DPA, and if unsuccessful can le a case to the Dutch courts, the process would take four years, with allnes becoming suspended until “all legal resources have been exhausted,” said the DPA.

The Dutch data watchdog had previouslyned Uber €10 million in January this year.

The case similarly reported Uber’s infringement of privacy regulations of European drivers.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Rescuing Tivoli World

WATER, peacock feed and cleaning materials make up the bulk of the donations that former workers who are still in charge of maintaining the park are receiving.

It’s coming up for four years of being closed for Tivoli World in Benalmadena, and four years since ex-employees have been holding out hope that the much loved theme park will one day reopen. A group of them remain defiant and determined to not let the site fall into rack and ruin, acting as unpaid security and maintenance staff.

Unprompted, local residents, inspired and uplifted by the devotion to Tivoli World, began delivering donations to the park gates. Paint, cleaning products, gloves and bottles of drinking water and even feed for some of the peacocks at the park.

Benalmadena Council members are now planning meetings for the beginning of September with the owners of Tivoli to hammer out a solution to a future reopening of the park.

Axarquia

Torre del Mar airshow

FLIGHT enthusiasts and thrill seekers will be looking forward to the Torre del Mar Airshow this September, being held from Friday 6 to Sunday 8.

Jet fighters and acrobatic planes, historic aircraft, police helicopters and the Eurofighter, the most advanced fighter jet in the World, all performing breathtaking aerial feats over the sea to amaze a beach audience.

This air festival is an aeronautical, sporting and family event that brings together more than 300,000 spectators every year to enjoy the best acrobatic pilots in the world.

The airshow can be seen from any point on Torre del Mar beach, but the organisers recommend the Biblioplaya area to best enjoy all the crosses and pirouettes performed by the pilots in the most advanced aerospace technology. Sunday will be the best day, following all the practice runs, although there will be plenty to see and do the previous two days as well.

Mallorca Asian wasp warning

THE Regional Ministry of Agriculture launched a campaign on Friday August 23 urging the public to be on the lookout for an invasive species of wasp that the Ministry body is trying to eradicate. The Asian wasp, which first arrived in Mallorca in 2015, is an insect which reproduces successfully at an astonishing rate, and could upset the balance of other native species of wasps across the island.

The Ministry highlights that so far this year a total of 10 colonies of Asian wasps have been identified across Mallorca, with nests located in Palma, Calvià, Sóller and Mancor de la Vall. A document has been published on the government website to help the general public successfully distinguish between the Asian wasp and other species.

Following a protocol whereby nests are seized and frozen in order for scientists to carry out tests on genetics to confirm the origin of the insects, the ultimate goal is to eradicate the species from Mallorca entirely and prevent it from spreading.

Costa Blanca North Loud and Proud

GET ready for the most vibrant, colourful and fabulous Benidorm Pride yet. It’s the last Pride in the European summer calendar, and it will definitely be worth the wait. Taking place between September 2 and 7, the city of Benidorm will pulsate with energy as tourists and residents come together to celebrate and express their love and solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The 2024 programme is packed with a variety of new and exciting activities, building up to the highlight of the festival, the vibrant Big Parade procession, scheduled to take place on the final day at Levante Beach.

As in previous years, it will start from McDonald’s (el Rincon de Loix) at 5.00pm, continue its route along the Paseo del Levante/Avda Mediterraneo, and finish at the stunning open-air Julio Inglesias Auditorium.

This is destined to be the party to end all parties and will feature performers galore.

Almeria Stranded ship

OFF the coast of the Cabo de Gata beach a stranded sailboat caught the curiosity of locals and tourists. For the past week, Cabo de Gata beachgoers who looked out to the horizon could see a white mast, emerging diagonally from its hull sinking slowly. Salvamento Maritimo received an emergency call from a boat requesting assistance.

The sailboat was stranded on the coast of Cabo de Gata with six crew members on board.

The Salvamar Spica from the Almeria coordinating centre attended the scene, confirming the sailboat’s anchor was stuck in the nautical channel of Cabo de Gata.

The crew was transferred by the Maritime Rescue Team to the Port of Roquetas de Mar, while the boat, the Intrepido, was left stranded next to the watchtower.

Ten days later, a private company, began the recovery process, to remove the ship from its anchor and begin the refloating process, before being able to tow it to shore.

Costa Calida Breakfast bash

IN Roda, San Javier, the summer festivities have a tasty tradition: the ‘English Breakfast.’ This event, part of the local celebration honouring the patron saint, the Virgen de los Remedios, draws a crowd of over 500 people each year. Held in the scenic pinada of San Javier, where many English, Scottish, and Irish expats live, this breakfast has become a summer classic.

Starting at 10am, volunteers whip up a traditional English breakfast, featuring fried eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, and baked beans, all for just €2. This event, known as ‘International Day,’ is a hit among both locals and visitors.

The mayor, Eulogio Sánchez, noted the event’s growing popularity, saying, “Roda has something special; people love coming here and having a good time.”

The festivities continued through the weekend with more activities, including international dinners, themed parties, and a mix of local celebrations.

Your

Do you think self-service checkouts are a good idea?

IN the UK, at least, it seems the love affair supermarkets have had with self-service checkouts is coming to an end. Customer dissatisfaction and a wave of shoplifting have been cited as the main reasons for this turnaround. Customer feedback has included issues with them being slow and frustrating to use.

In fact, popular supermarket chain Morrisons has made it clear that it will be looking to reduce the number of self-service checkouts in its stores, admitting that the concept ‘went too far’. Asda has also stated that it will not be expanding self-service technology but instead will invest in increasing the number of cashiers at its manned checkouts.

In light of this news, we asked Euro Weekly News readers if they think self-service checkouts are a good idea.

Sue Stephenson said, “I’m not a lover of them. I only use them when I have a couple of items; otherwise, I go straight to the cashier.”

Sandie Laidlaw is vehemently against them and stated, “Refuse to use them... would rather queue, thank you.”

Stephen Cosgrove is also very much against them and says, “I despise them. OK, standing with one or two items behind numerous people with full trollies is annoying, for sure, but usually because they’ve only got a couple of tills manned. I get why self-checkout appeals to and suits the supermarket, but it’s

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a cop-out. It should be about consumer convenience after all. Have manned checkouts for 10 or fewer items by all means.”

In considering the staffing issue, Mark Morris said, “What’s the point in shutting down two till points and then having two staff members helping out in self-checkout?”

Also, on staffing, Karen Joy Harley expressed, “I refuse to use them as I am paying for my shopping; I am not paying to be a cashier and do these unsung heroes out of a job.”

However, Ken J Brooks is very much in favour of them and questions whether they cost people their jobs; he shared, “Yes, definitely. However, the idea that people lose their jobs because of self-checkouts is not necessarily true. While it has happened, most people replaced by self-checkouts are offered a similar position.”

Likewise, Andrew McLaughlin Findlay is in favour, “Love them; they don’t throw the items at you!” he said.

Carol Fraser was a little more pragmatic when she said, “Only for people like workers who want to buy their lunch and small baskets of shopping.”

A comment from Andrew Fitzgerald, and my personal favourite, raises an interesting point, “No, people need jobs, and the lack of human interaction in day-to-day life is turning everyone into socially anxious zombies,” he expressed.

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Credit:Pexels: Jack Sparrow

Paddleboarder rescued

A DRAMATIC rescue unfolded off the coast of Scotland when a paddleboarder was blown 1.8 miles out to sea, sparking a swift response from local emergency services.

The incident occurred near a popular Scottish beach, where strong offshore winds quickly carried the paddleboarder far from the shore.

The paddleboarder, initially enjoying a sunny day on the water, was caught off guard by the sudden shift in weather conditions. Unable to paddle back against the powerful winds and currents, they found themselves drifting further out to sea. Onlookers on the beach quickly realised the danger and alerted the coastguard.

A rescue team was dispatched immediately, including a lifeboat crew and a search and rescue helicopter. After a tense search, the paddleboarder was spotted clinging to their board, visibly exhausted but still conscious.

The lifeboat crew managed to reach the stranded individual and pull them to safety.

Fortunately, the paddleboarder was unharmed, though shaken by the ordeal.

Rescuers praised the individual

for wearing a life jacket, which helped keep them afloat during the ordeal.

Authorities are reminding beachgoers to check weather conditions before heading out on the water and to always wear appropriate safety gear.

The swift and coordinated response by emergency services in this dramatic rescue highlights the importance of preparedness and vigilance when enjoying water sports.

Laziness Championships

THE annual Montenegro Laziness Championships have kicked o in a village near Nikšic, drawing contestants from across the country eager to test their endurance in an unusual way: by lying down for as long as possible. This quirky competition challenges participants to remain lying down for at least seven days, making it a true test of patience and endurance.

Contestants are allowed to stand up only once every eight hours for a

brief bathroom break. Aside from this short reprieve, they must remain at on their backs, testing both their physical stamina and mental fortitude.

The event, which started as a lighthearted response to the notion of Montenegrins being ‘lazy’, has become a popular local tradition. Participants bring books, tablets, or other entertainment to help pass the time, while friends and family provide moral support. The competition has gained a

reputation for its friendly atmosphere, with many participants seeing it as a chance to disconnect, relax, and enjoy a slower pace of life. The winner of the Montenegro Laziness Championships will receive not just bragging rights but also a cash prize, further incentivising contestants to remain as still as possible.

As the days stretch on, only time will tell who has the most ‘endurance’ to claim the title of the laziest person in Montenegro.

Time to go out again

EVER noticed how beautifully di erent nationalities greet each other? Bonjour in French, hola in Spanish, ciao in Italian, kon’nichiwa in Japanese, namaste in Hindu - you get my point. The best us Brits, especially southerners, can come up with is a slight nod of the head and a mumbled ‘alright?’ And to make it worse we say it to the non-Brits that have just greeted us so nicely in their own language.

This is, of course, my observational humour which seems to be the thing these days. No more joke tellers. That’s all been killed by WhatsApp etc. Just stand on stage, talk about what’s going on in the world, swear a bit or, even worse these days, just have a pop at the audience and let them do the show for you. I’ve seen several recently that just pick on the rst couple of rows for an hour and that’s it. Some of it is quite amusing but after hearing one guy call a few blokes’ wives a slag a few times, it kind of wears a bit thin for me - anyway each to their own.

Got a site come up on Insta, or maybe Fa-

cebook telling me at last there is a site where I can watch terrible fatal accidents. What’s going on for gawd’s sake? Who needs that? Why is it allowed and who decided it’s what I needed to brighten up my day?

So the government is going to treat misogyny as extremism? How’s that going to work when they can’t even de ne what a woman is?

The World is a sh1t show at the moment. I watched Sky News the other night and they were covering the terrible stabbings in Germany. What didn’t make sense to me was their priority was how the far right would react without once condemning the geezer that did it as an ISIS terrorist. Am I missing something or what?

I recently bought a new dishwasher and washing machine and was asked if I wanted one with Bluetooth connection? What on earth is the point of that? Why would anyone need an internet connection to wash yer undies? It’s bad enough that Siri and Alexa pipe up every now and again, I don’t need the washing machine piping up as well.

It’s nearly September and I will venture out again and get a parking space - WOO HOO!

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

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

Participants must remain lyding down for at least seven days.

The paddleboarder was caught off guard.

Shutterstock KajaHiis

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

Absentee kids

WE all know that it is far cheaper to book a family holiday outside of peak summer time, and of course, the larger the family, the more cost becomes a consideration.

However, taking advantage of opeak o ers invariably means taking your kids out of school early, which some would argue impacts their education. Others would say that the cultural bene ts they gain from travelling to foreign countries far outweigh spending those days in the classroom.

It would seem that, at least in England, parents are quite happy to take kids out of school, as almost 400,000 penalty notices issued in 2022-23 for unauthorised school absences would testify to. Furthermore, statistics substantiate that 89 per cent were down to unauthorised holidays.

For those unaware, parents of children in schools in England are liable to pay a penalty of £60 (€70) if their children miss ve days of school through unauthorised absence. This amount increases to £120 (€140) if the ne remains unpaid after 21 days of issue.

However, the Department of Education (DfE) has decided that the current ne isn’t enough of a deterrent. As a

Telegram founder arrested

result, with immediate e ect, they have issued a nationwide instruction to increase it by a third to £80 (€94), with a jump to £160 (€187) if not paid within 21 days. In addition, if the same parent is ned again within three years, the new starting threshold will be £160 (€187). A subsequent absence would then most likely lead to prosecution.

PAVEL DUROV, the Russian-born billionaire and founder of the messaging app Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday August 24. The arrest, which occurred as Durov arrived from Baku on his private jet, is part of an ongoing investigation into the use of Telegram for criminal activities.

French authorities have extended Durov’s detention as they probe allegations of fraud, drug tra cking, organised crime and terrorism promotion on

the platform. His detention could last up to 96 hours, after which a judge will decide whether to press charges or release him.

Telegram, with approximately 950 million active users, is known for its strong privacy features, making it popular among both legitimate users and criminal groups. The company defended its moderation practices and compliance with European Union laws, calling the arrest “absurd” and expressing con dence in a swift resolution.

Durov, aged 39, left Russia in 2014 after refusing to suppress opposition groups on VK, the social network he also founded. He now resides in Dubai, holding citizenship in both France and the UAE. His arrest has drawn international attention, with gures like Elon Musk expressing support for him. The case could have signi cant implications for social media platforms worldwide, particularly concerning their responsibilities in moderating content.

Diets duel it out

ARE you an adherent of the Mediterranean diet? Well, here’s some food for thought: have you considered an alternative?

Recent studies indicate that the Atlantic diet of north-west Spain (rich in seafood, fruit, vegetables alongside meat, dairy, cereals AND potatoes) significantly reduces type 2 diabetes and heart-related conditions.

Now, whilst acknowledging its potential benefits, an American cardiologist questions certain aspects. His scepticism regarding specific recommended foods like brassicas (no better than ‘other combinations of vegetables’) and especially potatoes reminds us that not all components of a diet may contribute equally to overall health.

He also wonders whether this might all be a case of old olive oil in new bottles. “This Atlantic diet is basically a Mediterranean diet with a slightly different fashion style and dialect. To folks in the region, those little differences are a point of cultural pride.”

Far from sounding like a hazing ceremony on a pirate ship, the Atlantic diet nonetheless offers an intriguing example of how regional dietary patterns can inform discussions on nutrition and health.

But let a local have the last word: “We don’t rush things here. When we sit down to eat, we sit down to eat. We don’t muck about.”

Which reminds me. Last week in the UK three guys were stabbed at breakfast with a Weetabix. Police are urgently looking for a cereal killer...

Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

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Increased fines for parents who take kids out of school.

Credit: Pixabay: ernestoeslava

Telegram is currently under investigation.

Credit: Shutterstock.

Helping hand

DOGS, like humans, can suffer from a variety of allergies, including environmental, food, and contact allergies. Environmental allergies are triggered by pollen, mould, dust mites, or certain grasses. Symptoms include itching, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Food allergies, often due to common ingredients like beef, chicken, or dairy, can cause gastrointestinal issues, itching, and ear infections. Contact allergies result from direct exposure to irritants like certain shampoos, cleaning products, or materials and can lead to skin irritation and itching.

To help your dog manage these allergies, it’s essential to identify the allergen. A vet can perform tests to pinpoint the cause. For environmental allergies, regular baths with hypoallergenic shampoo and keeping your home clean can reduce exposure. Dietary changes can alleviate food allergies; switching to hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets often helps. For contact allergies, remove the irritant and consider using gentle, pet-safe products.

Always consult your vet for the best course of action, ensuring your furry friend remains comfortable and healthy.

Quincy needs a dog-sitter

BICHON FRIEZE dogs are famously friendly and rather cuddly. Quincy and his siblings love company and playing at home. That’s why it is easier to find HouseSitMatch pet-sitters to suit their needs when their owners go away on holiday.

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 (£69 pa) to ensure you get help online

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

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

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

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.

TIP ‘Windows to Wellness’

A natural allure

CATNIP, a perennial herb from the mint family, is famous for its intriguing effects on cats. Scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone. This replicates pheromones, which are chemicals that cause all kinds of ‘feel good’ reactions and can trigger a burst of playful energy or relaxation in felines.

When a cat encounters catnip, whether by sniffing, licking, or chewing it, the nepetalactone binds to receptors in their nose, stimulating sensory neurons linked to the brain.

This interaction can cause behaviours like rolling, purring, and leaping about with joy. Interestingly, not all cats are affected - about 30 per cent to 50 per cent are immune to its allure, a trait believed to be hereditary.

The effects of catnip are short-lived, typically lasting around 10 minutes, after which cats lose interest. Catnip is harmless and non-addictive and adds an extra dimension of entertainment and enrichment to your cat’s life, providing a delightful way to engage their natural instincts.

Shutterstock / Katerina Dalemans

Quincy loves company and will entertain the dog-sitter.

BLINDS

GRILLS

LOCKSMITHS

Car requirements

IN Spain there are specific documents and items you must keep in your vehicle at all times.

As in many countries, there are a set of required documents and items for legal obligation and practical necessity to ensure smooth interactions with autho rities, and to be prepared for any emergencies.

The National Police recently provided a list of all that is needed in your car.

First is a driving licence, which must be appropriate for the vehicle type.

Next is the Circulation Permission and technical sheet, which shows the vehi cle is registered in your name.

The ITV certificate (MOT) and windscreen sticker are also man datory in proving that your vehicle has passed the inspection.

You must also have proof of insurance, which covers at a mini mum third-party liability.

A European accident form should also be kept in your car to officially report any acci dents.

Reflective jackets and warning triangles are important, in case of a breakdown or roadside accident.

A spare tyre and repair kit are necessary, in case of a breakdown on the side of the road.

In addition, although not a requirement, au thorities recommend first aid kits, a fire extin guisher and spare lightbulbs.

When driving in Spain there are required documents you must keep in your car.

MG3 Hybrid + competitive, endearing and huge fun

By Mark Slack ROAD TEST

WHEN Chinese automotive maker SAIC took over what remained of the Rover Group there were a lot of very unhappy Rover and MG enthu siasts. It’s fair to say that MG today looks nothing like it did when SAIC took it over, and began to resurrect a car company from what remained of Rover. Much of the criticism was unfair because SAIC were never going to replicate the Rover and MG of old, it wouldn’t have been profitable for starters!

Among the reborn MG models that emerged at that time the little MG3 was much underrated, despite being rather old tech it had character, lots of equipment and was cheap.

The MG3 soldiered on longer than any of those initial models with only a minor facelift during that time. Now there is a very new and much more modern MG3 Hybrid + and it’s a delight.

Priced from €21,805/£18,495 it retains a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder power unit but works with a 100kw electric motor and 1.83kwh battery mated to a three-speed automatic gearbox.

Facts at a Glance

Model: MG3 Hybrid + Trophy

Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol with 100kw electric motor and 1.83kwh battery

Gears: 3-speed automatic Price: €24,170/£20,495

Performance: 0 to 100kph/62mph 8 seconds/Max speed 170kph/106 mph

Economy: Combined 4.4l per 100km/64.2mpg

Emissions: 100 g/km Co2

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

It’s unusual in that the electric motor leads, rather than the more usual set-up of the petrol engine leading. This means the MG3 has exceptionally good performance with the benchmark 62mph passed in just eight seconds. On the road it’s huge fun and res -

ponds more like a pure electric than a hybrid.

The fun continues with superb ride comfort that offers enough resistance to make twisting cross country roads fun.

I suspect a lot of this is down to a UK-based team who tune the sus -

pension on UK MGs to our roads. Standard fare is excellent, on the lead-in SE version it includes navigation, adaptive cruise control, automatic air conditioning, rear parking camera and six-speaker DAB audio system.

The higher spec Trophy ups the specification to include heated front seats and steering wheel, keyless entry and start, rain sensor, auto lights and privacy glass.

The interior is a comfortable place to be and despite rather a lot of bargain basement plastics it still feels well bolted together.

The driver instrument screen is too busy for such a small screen and the steering wheel would benefit from reach as well as height adjustment.

Over its predecessor the new model has impressively reduced Co2 emissions from 147 g/km to just 100 g/km and similarly fuel consumption from 6.57l per 100km/43 mpg to 4.4l per 100km/64 mpg. It has always been an endearing car and now has become a very competitive and endearing car.

Sven-Goran Eriksson

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON, ex-England boss, and coach at Lazio, Benfica, Manchester City, Leicester City, has died aged 76.

Eriksson, who saw the England team through three major tournaments, enjoyed a celebrated career in management, which also included spells in charge of Lazio, Benfica and Manchester City, passed away on Monday, August 26 after suffering pancreatic cancer. He was just recently the subject of a swan song documentary in which he reflected on his life, career and legacy.

Eriksson was the first non-British manager of the England national team when he was appointed in 2001, and during his five years in the position, Eriksson led the nation to three major tournaments.

During the filming of the Amazon Prime docu-

mentary, Eriksson, already well aware of his medical condition, said “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not

“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.