Costa del Sol 29 Aug – 4 Sept 2024 Issue 2043

1,000s of new jobs

A DEAL has just been struck between the Junta de Andalucia and the World’s biggest producer of ‘green hydrogen’ to open a new factory near Malaga which will be the biggest producer of the environmentally friendly fuel in Europe.

Capable of generating 5,000 megawatts of power, the agreement for the new plant comes together with another plan to build a second 1,000 megawatts factory in Huelva as well as an agreement to build the

Credit: Juanma Moreno, Facebook.

President of Junta’s visit to Beijing.

From front page

Most expensive houses in Spain, on the Costa del Sol New jobs

necessary machinery in Sevilla.

The news came in on Wednesday August 28 as the President of the Junta, Juanma Moreno, visited the technology park in Beijing, China, where the green energies company Hygreen is located.

Moreno, as part of his o cial visit to China, also met with representatives of the Chinese Association of Automobile Manufacturers, suggesting more news may follow on the jobs market in Andalucia.

Another area he has also been promoting during his trip has been tourism to Spain from China, which has had a big drop-o since the pandemic and which he is now attempting to recover.

The hydrogen plant, the largest project of its kind ever in Europe, is looking to supply both the EU and US markets with zero-emissions fuel, while at the same time, reindustrialise Andalucia, bringing thousands of new directly contracted jobs and satellite employment too. Moreno highlighted the fact that Andalucia has been leading the way with zero-emissions energy production with its solar and wind farms and now with hydrogen fuel production.

Adam Woodward

THE Costa del Sol has seven of the most expensive streets in Spain and they are all in Marbella and Benahavis.

West Costa del Sol never ceases to be one of the most exclusive places to buy a house in Spain, with 7seven of the country’s most expensive streets. As one might expect, the priciest of these are in the Marbella and Benahavis areas, according to Idealista, the online estate agent. In the Coto Zagaleta development in Benahavis, some houses are going for around as much as €12 million.

Second to Benahavis is la Moraleja on the outskirts of Madrid, and third in the ranking the Lomas Marbella Club development,

800 pairs fake trainers seized

MIJAS Local Police last week intercepted a van that was said to be ‘driving suspiciously’ in the Mijas area. On routinely checking the driver’s and vehicle’s documentation, the officers proceeded to inspect the contents of the van. Inside they found an enormous haul of boxes of what appeared to be counterfeit fashion wear.

Among the seized merchandise they found 800 pairs of trainers, 300 pairs of sunglasses, as well as boxes full of belts, handbags and wallets, all carrying the logos of famous high-end brands, and all of which were fake.

The products were confiscated and

taken to the Local Police station, while the driver of the van, who has been charged with having committed a crime against intellectual property, continues to be part of criminal investigations being carried out by Mijas Local Police.

According to a study published earlier this year by the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), ‘the clothing industry loses €12 billion annually due to illegal activities, making it the industry most affected by counterfeiting. These activities mainly include the trade in fake products, which not only negatively impacts sales of authentic products, but also causes considerable job losses.’

whose homes have an average price of €9.4 million. The Barcelona street Avenida Supermaresme, where the average price is €8.9 million, comes in at fourth place, while fifth, sixth and seventh places can all be found in either Benahavis or Marbella. As far as the data by autonomous regions is concerned, the picture is a little different. According to Idealista’s website, the regions with the most exclusive streets can be added to with four regions where the average price exceeds €1 million, including the Islas Canarias (€5,667,111), the Comunidad Valenciana (€4,047,000), Pass Vasco (€2,008,077) and Cantabria (€1,067,692).

House on sale in Coto Zagaleta, Benahavis.

Haul of counterfeit goods seized.

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

Early harvest for Ronda grapes

RONDA is bringing forward its grape harvest this year producing more lighter whites and reds rather than the traditional generous and sweet wines that used to dominate the Malaga wine market.

Fortified and sweet wines used to always be synonymous with Malaga, but palates are changing as dry whites and reds take over the Andalucian market.

According to Bibi García of Ronda’s Cortijo Los Aguilares Winery, the Ronda wine growing region is relatively young and despite Roman occupied Malaga Province being a big producer, the Ronda wines we know today are only between 40 and 30 years old.

Cortijo Los Aguilares is beginning its harvest early this year reporting that they have to adapt to new and challenging climate conditions, such as the current drought

in the area. García says the vines are tired after a very rainy spring and several serious heatwaves since.

The winery is keeping a close eye on the weather as more and more they find at this time of year, serious and sudden storms are playing

havoc with the vines. Added to this, a changing market in which less young people are consuming wine and the more selective and discerning customer has higher expectations, being precise with the timing of a harvest is essential.

COLLECTIVE agreements

see a 2.6 per cent average wage increase, but food prices go up by 3.4 per cent.

Price rises in the average shopping basket have shown signs of levelling out over recent months along the Costa del Sol. In July, the increase in prices slowed to 2.9 per cent, the

slowest increase rate since October 2021 when it was just 1.5 per cent, that was, of course, before the outbreak of war in Ukraine, according to the National Institute of Statistics.

In the Malaga Province, the upward curve in an average shopping basket price increase, is still a little more pronounced than

most other areas of the country, in general. But why is Malaga becoming more expensive? Due to hikes in electricity, alcohol and tobacco, as well as an average of 5.1 per cent in prices at restaurants and bars, something we have a lot of, compared to other parts of the country where this increase was less notable.

Collective agreements between unions and employers have led to a general increase in wages of 2.6 per cent, but still slightly less than increases in the rest of the country. And compared to the Consumer price index increase of 3,4 per cent, Costa del Sol workers have seen a reduction in their purchasing power.

Ronda grape harvests begin early.

Healthy lifestyle month Fuengirola

Adam Woodward SEPTEMBER is healthy lifestyle month in Fuengirola with multiple activities to promote fitness and keeping in shape, promoted by the council.

The project named ‘Fuengirola en forma’ includes 18 different activity options including free open-air sports classes, an obstacle course, inclusive sports, hiking routes, a World Wellness Weekend and children’s games.

The hope is that local residents will begin to incorporate healthy fitness activities into the new post-summer routine and try out and learn some new sporty options. Ana Mula, mayor of Fuengirola explained that “Sports practice is well-being and quality of life. For this reason, Fuengirola is an ideal place to host events and competitions at all

levels, and for promoting healthy habits among the population of Fuengirola, achieving higher levels of well-being in the town.”

On Sunday, September 1, they plan a ‘fishing workshop for children’ and a ‘running meeting’; on September 5 there will be the ‘Pedro Cuevas Memorial’ Sea Fishing Championship’; the ‘Toro Night cycling route’ on September 7; and ‘Inclusive sports day’ Septem-

ber 14; a ‘Night Running meeting’ on September 20, ‘The World Wellness Weekend’ on September 20; an ‘International Hockey Tournament’ from September 20 to 22; the ‘Unbroken Race’; an obstacle race event on September 22; and a nighttime spinning marathon on September 27; plus many more varied and fun activities designed to encourage everyone do get into shape.

Orchid Park more popular than ever

THE Botanical-Or chid Park has esta blished itself as one of Estepona’s main tourist attractions and continues to increase its number of visitors year on year, reaching record numbers so far in 2024.

Between January and July of this year the number of visitors rose 27 per cent more than the same period last year. More precisely, the park has received a total of 31,429 visitors during the first seven months of 2024, compared to 24,764 in the same period of 2023.

Lilly pond inside Botanical-Orchid Park, Estepona. Credit: Botanical-Orchid Park - Facebook

The public attraction is one of the most important on the routes

visitors to the town plan during their stay, and one of the most valued by the residents. The majority of visitors are Spanish, while visits from Germans, French, English, Finns, Italians, Swedes

and Swiss have been increasing.

The Estepona Botanical-Orchid Park is constantly changing and has more than 3,000 species of plants, of which more than 1,500 are orchids.

Its aim is, on the one hand, to preserve its botanical collection, and on the other hand, to promote its cultural heritage by fostering information, communication and the promotion of the botanical heritage of the town of Estepona through individual or group visits, as a municipal public service of general interest.

Fuengirola getting in shape.

Credit: Ayuntamiento Fuengirola

Rafa Nadal brand villas

RAFA NADAL has a new business venture with hotel entrepreneur, Abel Matutes. They plan to jointly build several branded luxury apartment developments on the Costa del Sol. Through their new joint company Palya Invest, they plan to put up more than €200 million in building 100 villas and apartments in the Estepona and Marbella area, which will bear the name of their new luxury brand.

Palya Invest inherited Mabel Capital, a firm they shared with a third partner, Manuel Campos, but Matutes and Nadal broke off the alliance with this company and kept the real estate business and other business interests such as the production company Komodo, who put on large-scale events and shows. But the duo, Nadal and Matutes, from Mallorca continue pursuing new lucrative business ventures together.

Now the partners are moving into Costa del Sol real estate and looking to build 50 properties along Estepona’s beachfront, plus another 40 in the Nagüeles area of Marbella.

Construction is expected to begin in the next few months with a completion date

set for 2028. Matute has some insight and experience in this field as his own company Palladium promote branded residences with luxury brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld.

Luxury car crash, Marbella

A FERRARI collided with a guardrail on the A-7 in Marbella, near to the Vincci Hotel.

More notably, it was a red Ferrari that overturned on the guardrail, but thankfully there were no injuries, and no other vehicles were involved in the accident according to sources from the emergency services.

The accident happened at 8.45pm on Sunday, August 25, on the A-7 motorway near Marbella, in the direction of

Malaga, when the Italian sports car left the road and mounted the guardrail.

The red luxury vehicle was seen stuck at the side of the road at km 1033 of the A-7. The Guardia Civil and medical teams rushed to the scene immediately.

When the officers arrived at the scene, they were able to verify that there was no one trapped inside the vehicle and that the driver did not need to be taken to

an ambulance.

The same stretch of the A7 just outside Marbella is notorious for high-performance car scrapes. In 2019, a Porsche Panamera rolled over blocking the road for several hours. Only light injuries were sustained by the car’s occupants.

In 2021, a €400,000 Lamborghini Aventador burst into flames on the same road causing serious jams. Again, luckily no one was hurt.

Ferrari off-roading, Marbella.

Credit: Fuengirolasequeja, Instagram.

Nadal arriving at Matutes’ hotel.

Credit: Palladium Instagram

New buses for Malaga Water catastrophe abandoned by Coin

BUSES and bus routes finally to be updated in the Greater Malaga area and surrounding towns with newer vehicles and better routes.

The antiquated buses that link towns and urbanisations of the Malaga Province are to be updated 10 years after concession contracts on bus companies running the routes expired. The bus companies hardly had any impetus to invest in new vehicles given the precocity of their expired licences did not guarantee return on that invest ment.

Tenders have now been published for new opera ting licences with up-todate require -

ments for the quality of the buses, including improved condition of vehicles with a 10 year maximum of use, USB charging points and free onboard WiFi. Card payment systems are also expected to be mandatorily installed.

There are currently 73 routes out of the Greater Malaga area covered by the new tenders as well as a total of 998 throughout the region, which it is

hoped will renew trust in the bus operators to invest in the future. The current Malaga government blames previous administrations of sitting on their hands with the now 10year overdue renewal plan. Interested bus companies have until the end of September to submit their bids. Meanwhile, the Andalucian government is working on updating route maps to better

MIRALMONTE urbanisation, halfway between Coin and Alhaurin el Grande is suffering the drought like few others. Residents told Euro Weekly News how their urbanisation of some 64 houses relies on a mere two deliveries of water per week to a communal water deposit which runs out in a matter of hours.

The water is brought in by lorry from the ‘Nacimiento de Coin’ on what must be an excessively expensive and inefficient method of water distribution. Some of the large houses on the streets of Miralmonte have already been abandoned with gardens left to overgrow. Coin Council did not want to comment.

In 2023, Coin Council spent a whopping €27,000 on installing a

urbanisation without water for years.

new well, but the drilling didn’t go deep enough and barely any water comes out. For this reason they continue attempting to deliver 50,000 litres a week by lorry. Compounding the issue, there is another draw on that aquifer: a massive avocado plantation overlooking Miralmonte.

One of the owners of the Miralmonte restau -

rant at the entrance of the urbanisation tells us he has to bring his own water in from his home to be able to operate the his business. Miralmonte watches as their lives dry up including vulnerable, elderly residents who live alone on the urbanisation with little or no running water and whose homes are linked by treacherous potholed streets.

New hybrid buses are on the cards.

Entire

€750 fine for washing feet

MALAGA City Council warns people that washing feet in a water fountain could incur a fine of up to €750.

To stop some beach users from the unhygienic practice of washing their feet in the drinking fountains, the

council of Malaga City has closed off two fountains on the La Malagueta promenade.

The Local Police are also using loudhailers to warn beachgoers of the penalties for not following the rules and not using these foun-

tains for only drinking. They are to be used solely for the purpose of whetting one’s palette and rehydration and never for cleaning body parts or anything else: That is the message the threat of a hefty fine is conveying.

In the area of the Antonio Banderas promenade, many bathers have been using the fountains to remove sand from their feet and legs, a complaint that is also repeated among residents of La Malagueta.

Due to the extreme drought this year, the beach showers and foot showers have been switched off to conserve precious water. However, some less socially responsible people have been filmed using the fountains for cleaning the sand out from between their toes where others drink.

Currently, the only foot showers on Malaga’s beaches that remain switched on are on Misericordia, Malagueta and El Dedo beaches at the Reduced Mobility stations.

Massive meteorite seen over Antequera

Adam Woodward A MASSIVE fireball streaked across the sky over Antequera, Malaga, and was seen as far as Huelva moving at 64,100 km/h on Wednesday, August 21.

At 10.33pm, terrifyingly big flashes from a meteorite were seen streaking towards Earth at an average of 64,100 km/h in the northwest. The light show only lasted three seconds, but it was long enough and bright enough to stop people in their tracks.

The meteoroid broke apart at a height of 30 kilometres over Andalucia, after becoming visible for the first time at 86 kilometres above the town of Brenes in Sevilla. There were many fragmentations seen during its flight. Its spectra was captured by one of the two cameras of the diffraction grating-equipped El Torcal observatory in Antequera.

On this occasion the flying space rock was not big enough to avoid burning up completely in the friction of

entering the Earth’s atmosphere, but occasionally they are capable of reaching the surface. The biggest known meteorite impact on the continent of Europe was one that caused a crater with a diameter of about 52 kilometres. The impact that created the Siljan Ring (Sweden) occurred when a meteorite collided with the Earth’s surface during the Devonian period before land dinosaurs existed.

The last known meteorite impact to cause significant damage and injuries was the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor event in Russia, but there have been few others in modern times.

The meteorite was seen streaking towards Earth.

Official complaint against jet skis Buy school supplies locally, Torremolinos

RECREATIONAL boat companies, offering excursions and whale watching, based in the Benalmadena marina have filed a formal complaint with the maritime service of the Guardia Civil about a situation they consider a ‘very serious’ safety problem.

Lodged via the Benalmadena Association of Merchants and Entrepreneurs (ACEB), they are hoping to find a solution through this formal complaint. According to the text of the accusation, both large boats and small jet skis, piloted by inexperienced tourists, enter and leave through the same harbour mouth where

boat owners complain that the jet skis do not respect safe minimum distances, crossing dangerously in front of much more powerful and slow to stop boats.

The formal complaint came on the same day the skipper of a tourist excursion boat was

arrested in connection to the death of a jet ski pilot at the same harbour after both collided.

Dolphin and whale watching tour companies also spoke out saying that it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to spot the cetaceans due to the proliferation of small boats, and jet skis, the riders of which seem unaware of the regulations for the protection of these animals and which, among other issues, limit the distance of approach, the noise that can be made by the speedboat. Failure to comply with these minimum measures causes whales and dolphins to be frightened off.

Adam Woodward SHOP locally, this is the message from Torremolinos Council. Their latest campaign, ‘Back to school is here. Support local businesses, buy in Torremolinos’ supports the local economy and businesses according to the councillor for Commerce, Isabel Vargas.

There are specialist stores in Torremolinos geared towards the specific demands of local schools, including all kinds of school supplies, textbooks, backpacks and sports equipment. The councillor emphasises that, “in addition to the convenience of being able to shop close to home, this gesture generates wealth and local employment, provides personalised attention and contributes to sustainability.”

According to the latest

data from OCU (national consumer organisation), each Spanish family spends an average of €1,874 per child during the school year, a large part of which goes on the outlay for back-toschool costs averaging at around €530.

“It is important that we think about the local economy. The simple act of buying school supplies, clothes or sports equi-

pment for our children in Torremolinos contributes to the promotion of our businesses and generates employment, so we encourage all residents to visit the many establishments in the municipality where they can find everything they need for the start of the school year,” said the councillor for Commercial Activities, Isabel Vargas.

Speeding jet skis.

Torremolinos encouraging local shopping.

Credit: dimitrisvetsikas1969 - Pixabay

Volunteers 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. They even managed to stop four intruders recently from vandalising the site, and continue to take turns to clean the interior of the fairground and carry out maintenance work, never losing their drive or hope.

Unprompted, local residents, inspired and uplifted by the devotion to Tivoli World, began delivering donations to the park gates. Paint, cleaning products, glo -

ves and bottles of drinking water and even feed for some of the peacocks that still remain at the park.

But the inspiration the determined ex-workers have given to others has not been limited to just local neighbours. 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.

Torremolinos council responds to public

WORKERS from Torremolinos Council resolve around 20 incidents registered in the Torremolinos Despega app every week, in addition to the work they normally carry out in cleaning, painting, construction, gardening or electricity on a regular basis.

The project ‘Torremolinos Despega’, began in 2022 and was intensified last March, with the aim of improving all areas of town. Users can alert the council of works that need carrying out, improvements, suggestions and wish lists for improvements in the town.

Typical incidents recorded via the Torremolinos Despega app and which have been resolved this week have required work such as repairing broken pavements in Calle Europa, channe -

lling and installing a streetlight on Calle Carnicero, replacing a broken manhole cover in Plaza Andalucia, anchoring a streetlight on Calle Río Losa, repairing the pavement on Calle Cruz with Murillo Bracho and on Calle Nerja with Paseo Marítimo, installing a manhole on the Bajondillo promenade or repairing a broken kerb on Paseo del Colorado, among others.

The phone app also includes a news banner informing users of the latest news in Torremolinos, cultural events, road closures and council announcements. Not only is the app directed at permanent residents, but also visitors to the Costa del Sol town looking for entertainment and other practical information.

Volunteers receive donations at Tivoli.

Tell the council what needs doing.

Credit: K.Kargona - Shutterstock

Nature reserve needs management

OJEN Eco Reserve is up for rent after the local authorities issued an eviction order to the current operators following serious violations in management of the park.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment of the Andalucian Government has just put the management of the facility out to tender after it stated that the company managing the Eco Reserve ‘is facing a critical situation due to the definitive closure measures ordered by the Regional Ministry of the Environment.’

ta have taken control of the maintenance of the reserve, repairing the perimeter fence and health monitoring of the animals within, including microchipping the animals and attaching external tags to some 60 animals.

In May 2024, PACMA, the animal rights-focused political party, raised the alarm on Ojen Eco Reserve, accusing the management of leaving the animals without the correct attention and without feeding them.

Back to school Malaga

THERE’S one thing on the minds of parents with kids this week: back to school. State school summer holidays in Spain are long, generally eight weeks plus a June of half days.

But when do they start back in earnest in the Malaga Province? When are the next holidays? What about long weekends and bank holidays?

In 2023, the regional government had to take control of feeding the animals due to their state of poor health, and invested €30,000 in deworming and other healthcare since they discovered that ‘the care they had been receiving was deficient.’ Since May 2024, the Jun-

Ojen Eco Reserve, located between Marbella and the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, is a protected natural space built on what used to be a hunting reserve for the protection and conservation of species. The reserve houses local fauna such as deer, goats and boar.

Nursery schools generally start back on Monday, September 2, while three to five-year-olds won’t be back until Tuesday, September 10. Primary schools also start up on September 10, and a few days later, on Monday 16.

Secondary schools finally start back along with Baccalaureate and Professional Training colleges. As well, on September 16, Arts, in-

cluding Music, Dance and Fine Art and Design, and further education for adults.

Keep in mind that in state education in Andalucia, textbooks are free for students of state compulsory education as a loan to be returned at the end of the year. This year, the first, second and third years of Secondary, as well as those in Basic FP, will have new books.

The national holiday October 12 falls on a Saturday this year, so no midweek disruption there, and All Saints’ Day on November 1 is a Friday this year, so plan for a long weekend.

There’s an even longer weekend at the beginning of December with Constitution Day on Friday December 6, and the Immaculate Conception Day on Monday 9.

Local fauna housed in nature reserve.

Credit. Eco Reserva Ojén, Facebook

Back to school for many kids.

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.”

Activists meet counter protest

SIXTY protestors turned up to the centre of Mijas Pueblo on August 22 to protest against the use of donkeys as tourist rides while a relatively large and curious contingent of press, both local and international, gathered with their cameras.

ended up in the donkey ride operator physically attacking the tourist and subsequently being arrested.

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.

Compounding tensions, a British tourist who is said to have been recording the donkeys and who some have accused of having entered a forbidden stable area below the donkey taxi rank, refused to stop filming one of the donkey carriage drivers when asked to. The situation

On the day of the protest, the donkey owners continued offering rides to tourists, one telling the Euro Weekly News “they always come here trying to take the worst pictures of us, never when the donkeys are drinking or resting.”

Another told us that the protests are nothing new and have been going on sporadically for 60 years.

As the demonstrators began chanting their message, they were met

with a noisier counter-protest of an equal number of people made up of locals from Mijas. Their chants were less pacific and mostly consisted of the word “fuera!” One told us “This is our town, our country, our culture.”

The counter protestors then booked out all of the horse-drawn carriages and went on a route around the mountain town chanting “This is our business, mind your own!” (In Spanish of course). Both sides came to the centre of Mijas to deliver their messages, and the donkey rides continue.

How to get free train travel

RENFE, the national train company, is extending its ‘abono’ scheme in which frequent travellers can, potentially, travel for free on local trains. Here’s what you have to do:

You can either download the Renfe app from the regular app suppliers, or visit the ticket office at your local station. Although, Maria Zambrano in Malaga has more customer service staff.

The phone app is more convenient as it will generate a QR code that you can use as a ticket.

You will need to provide a copy of your ID as well as other details in order to register.

They ask for a €10 deposit, but, if you complete 16 journeys by train between September 11 and December 31, that amount will be refunded. If you pay by card, the refund will be automatic. If in cash, then you will need to fill out and submit a form to get the cash back.

The concept behind the scene is to

encourage commuters to use more public transport and leave the car at home, and for that reason, the Cercanías version in Malaga won’t work on the Cercanias version in Madrid, for example.

The above scene came into use in 2023, and the government decided to renew the concept for this year too.

Esther Stoel with her son.

Equal numbers on each side.

Get free travel from Renfe app

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

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.

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.

What matters most?

MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING MARBELLA

IT’S hard to know what we want in life particularly when we’re busy living it. Often the daily actions of survival take over our very being, to such a point that we forget who we are and what it is we really want and why.

Knowing what we do want in life can be illusive, often it’s much easier to know what we don’t want and what we don’t like, so this is a good starting point.

I’m saying this because whether we’re going back to work or back to school we should take time to reflect on why we go to work and why we go to school, so we don’t lose ourselves. Particularly with our children in mind, let’s remember that the real reason they go to school isn’t to pass exams but to learn how to thrive as an adult. In today’s world that doesn’t necessarily mean being a lawyer or a doctor or working in an office, quite the contrary as the options open to our children are beyond our imagination with new technology, AI and things

we can’t yet get our heads around. We are worthy just because we exist, we shouldn’t have to prove it. If we don’t believe in our children, who will?

Similarly, if we’re working to make money it’s to pay for our home, our family, for our safety and well-being. Let’s ensure that well-being is the priority and not the job itself. It’s easy to lose ourselves and get overwhelmed, so let’s take a few moments each day to ensure that we keep this in mind and not don’t sacrifice time or concern for those we love most for the things that in the long run, really won’t matter.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

New Restaurant in Fuengirola: A haven for professionals and sun lovers

A NEW international gem, Afterwork Bar, has opened its doors in the heart of Fuengirola, promising to be the ultimate destination for work-life balance enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike.

Situated close to the beach, this restaurant offers a unique blend of relaxation, vibrant atmosphere, and a good location, making it the perfect spot for both business and leisure. Barona’s Head of Service Centre - Marianne Eliasson is happy for a new location where the working life has also been taken into consideration “we organise many events and meetings outside our office and are glad that we have found a partner that we can go to for these events.”

Designed with the modern professional in mind, Afterwork Bar provides a serene yet stimulating environment where work and relaxation seamlessly coexist. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite between meetings or unwind after a long day, the restaurant’s versatile space caters to all your needs. With free WiFi and comfortable seating, it’s an ideal

NGO calls out supermarket pricing abuse

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-time high in 2021 in part due to the drought, in part due to the war in Ukraine. Consumers accuse the big super -

market 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 Com-

claim that there are still shops 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 .

Shocking recent increases at the supermarket checkout.

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.

spot for remote work or casual business meetings.

In addition to its regular offerings, Afterwork Bar also provides exclusive spaces for private events. Companies can host meetings, team-building activities, or celebratory events in a stylish and private setting. The dedicated events team ensures that every detail is taken care of, from customised menus to audiovisual equipment, making it a hassle-free experience for organisers.

For those who love basking in the sun, Afterwork Bar boasts an outdoor terrace that offers a relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant kitchen will open in phase two this year and will be offering a fast and easy delightful menu. For private events the kitchen is already open.

Located in the bustling centre of Fuengirola, Afterwork Bar is easily accessible and just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Its prime location makes it a convenient choice for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a drink in a relaxing atmosphere.

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

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.

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 different. I don’t feel that age, I don’t

Old wisdom

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 remained humble in his year,

explaining “to me, I’m no different [to anyone]. No different 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.”

The brothers buried the hatchet.

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

Credit: Guinness World Records /fb

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

1.844,57 1.852,00 1.832,50 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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Choosing the right school

THE school should provide a safe, inspiring, personalised and fun learning environment for international students to learn. This should be reinforced by ensuring that class sizes remain small and tailored to each of the child’s needs.

The English National Curriculum is designed to provide the highest academic quality of education. Based on national statistics, most children educated in a British style are a year or more ahead. The National Curriculum is renowned worldwide and allows a child to move seamlessly between another British school whether here in Spain or around the world.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, should create a safe, caring and happy environment, where a child believes that they are capable of anything. The EYFS curriculum is designed to allow each child to discover interests and talents as well as equip them to become life-long learners. The EYFS curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning and development; Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, Mathematical Development, Understanding the World, Physical Development, Expressive Arts and Design and Literacy Development.

It would be beneficial if the teachers are UK qualified and native Englishspeaking and in

ching methodology and the National Curriculum at the annual NABSS conference.

Parents have access to the report findings from all school inspections, they can see when inspections took place and the outcomes of such. Parents can ensure the current report is still valid, for the maximum recommendation length of the licence; this being up to four years from the last inspection date. Approved member schools and reports can be found at: https://www.british council.es/en/programmes/education/ schools. When you access the British Council website, you will find the sug -

pection reports for British Schools in Spain’ (from Sep tember 2014).

It should be favourable that the British school you choose is a member of NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain). This is the only British school association recogni sed by the Spanish authorities. Please visit www.nabss.org to find all NABSS member schools.

The chosen school, should be one where parents trust and students flourish.

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

Leapy 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.

Increasing tourism on El Camino out of control.

Self-checkout tipping sparks outrage

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.

Possible prison for not paying bill

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.

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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.

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€7 to enter the EU from next year Nature efforts

Anna Akopyan

THE country with the most Blue Flag beaches 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 suc cessful is it in pre serving its nature?

According to UNES CO, Spain occupies 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE

Waiver will speed up passport control.

Credit: Riccardo, Pexels

Natural spaces in Spain.

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

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 street.

Credit: Anna LoFi - Shutterstock

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 continent, 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).

Spain offers an affordable lifestyle.

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.

Time to go out again

EVER noticed how beautifully different 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 first 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 define 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

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

Which countries in Europe drink the most alcohol?

Credit: Shutterstock

Credit: Pixabay.

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

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 dropoff 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 lo -

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

ved 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 air -

ports 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 dropoff zone.

Sevilla awoken by earthquake

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.

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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 variety of concepts

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

Division in the UK - even on scones

(Malaga), Pamplona, Lerín (Navarra),

IRRESISTIBLE: Dogo Argentino puppy.

Credit: Jarda Apollo - Shutterstock

victim of an onhe tried to buy a

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’)?

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.

fer €260 up and then a fur-

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

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

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?

SIMPLY THRIVING, the socially pro-active Costa del Sol group, is putting on a fundraiser dinner in aid of Alzheimer’s charity AFA, September 15. Organised by popular Costa del Sol entertainer Nathan Dean and with the help of performer, and keen charity supporter, Brian Piccolo, the event will take place on Sunday September 15 at 6.30pm.

The Late Summer Extravaganza is being held at the Bobby Jones & Spikes restaurant, Mira-

Queen vs Abba by Candlelight

flores Golf Club, Mijas and offers a welcome glass of cava, a three-course meal and drinks. Entertainment will be provided by Nathan Dean, Brian Piccolo and the talented and beautiful songstress Emma Prothero. Tickets are just €40 and €10 of which goes directly to AFA (Fuengirola - Mijas Costa Alzheimer and Dementia Association), a non-profit organisation which cares for families in the Fuengirola and Mijas Costa area. The impact

Simply Thriving Late Summer Extravaganza

of Alzheimer’s on the family is stress, depression and loneliness, and that is why families need help and understanding of this very sad situation.

All Simply Thriving events are fun, lively and hugely entertaining, and this looks to be no exception. Membership of Simply Thriving Group has increased two-fold in the last year, so be sure to get your tickets early. They are available from Brian or Val on 664 898 767.

A ROMANTIC nighttime concert by candlelight to Queen and Abba favourites played by a classical quartet in the beautiful surroundings of Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, Marbella.

Enjoy a spectacular Candlelight Concert at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, Benahavís, Marbella, the ideal setting for this event. The palace-inspired venue has an open-air amphitheatre where classical concerts are performed every week in summer. Sheltered under the most spectacular summer starry sky, the tributes to the best music of all time take on unique nuances.

The Candlelight group audiences are

encouraged to sing along to their instrumental numbers while they intersperse songs by telling amusing personal anecdotes to explain their choices for the tracklist played that evening, performed in an emotive and uplifting way. According to their consistently five-star reviews, expect a few tears of joy in the audience too.

The event will last 60 minutes and will open its doors 45 minutes before the start. Don’t miss classics like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘We Will Rock You’, and ‘Mamma Mia’ in this unforgettable concert under the stars.

Candlelight Open Air - Queen vs ABBA takes place on Friday, August 30. Tickets are available from feverup.com

THE Pink Floyd tribute group, ‘Im-Pulse’ performs Friday, August 30 at Estepona Bullring. Friday, August 30 sees a tribute to the iconic British band in the spectacular setting of Estepona bullring. The Malaga-born band, Im-Pulse, lends its highly professional interpretation of the most legendary Prog band of all time. Offering up one of the most captivating performances with a dazzling light and sound show, the band will run through most of the most emblematic songs of the Floyd, taking everyone back to a time when mere musical performances were taken over by an audio visual feast for the senses.

Following the success of their tour of all the biggest Spanish cities, the band continues their second year of touring with an impressive concert in which they will relive the magic of

Pink Floyd’s music. An unforgettable experience with what is increasingly being considered by more and more people to be the best tribute to Pink Floyd in the country.

The concert starts at 10pm on Friday, August 30 at the Estepona bullring. Tickets cost €20, and can be purchased at tickentradas.com

Credit: Shutterstock

Adam Woodward

Credit: Brian Piccolo, Facebook

Swimming race honours local hero

THREE HUNDRED athletes will take part in the first ever ‘María de Valdés’ Swimming Crossing, which is being held Saturday, August 31, on the coast of Fuengirola.

Fuengirola mayor Ana Mula, together with the Olympic swimmer María de Valdés from Fuengirola herself at Fuengirola Town Hall explained that “it is a real source of pride for Fuengirola that María de Valdés always carries the name of our town wherever she goes. No less than a Fuengirola native who competed at the last Olympic Games in Paris.”

Saturday August 31, three events at different levels will be held at this

event: two of 300 and 800 metres, and a Spanish Cup race of 3,500 metres. Starting from San Francisco beach, the first being long distance starting at 9.30am, it will then head in the direction of Torreblanca, up to the height of Cerro del Toro, and return to the starting point. Then, between 10am and 11am, the more accessible events for the rest of the swimmers, will hear the starting pistol.

María de Valdés has expressed her “joy” that a race like this is being held in her town and in her name. She said she ‘loves the initiative’ and has been resting in Fuengirola for a few days before co-hosting the race. “For me it gives me great pride that a race of this nature, in my town, carries my name.”

Howlin’ Ramblers Rockabilly Sotogrande

THE cool Lemon Bay Chill Out Beach Bar, Sotogrande, is about to be rocked from its laid-back slumber with the arrival of the Howlin’ Ramblers. Howlin’ Ramblers open fire with a lot of rock with a lot of roll, an experienced swing and roots musical combo who draw on the likes of Charlie Feathers, Hank Williams and Elmore James.

They began their journey back in 2016. Their name is a tribute to the roots of rock’n’roll - blues (Howlin’ Wolf) and country (Hank ‘the Ramblin’ Man’ Williams). Over the years, this quintet from the south of Spain has developed its own sound that has been defined as raw and wild ‘Rocka-

billy-Stomp and Rockin ‘Blues-Bop’. A swinging blues-roots band doesn’t rely on repeating all the old standards, like so many others on the south coast. They are the real deal in this case, belting out original rock ’n’ roll in English with a Cadiz accent.

This is set to be the liveliest way to shrug off the post-summer blues, at an authentic beach shack chiringuito on the beach in Sotogrande. The artsy vibe at Bahia Limon provides a perfect and authentic weekend treat. See the Howlin’ Ramblers at Lemon Bay Chill Out Beach Bar, Sotogrande on Sunday September 1. Contact the venue for further details at bahialimonchirin gochill.com, or on 626 407 347.

Adam Woodward

Credit: Alicia Afanador, Facebook

Adam Woodward

SAID by some to be the hardest-working man in comedy, he certainly is when it comes to hosting UK comedy panel shows. The reigning king of the one-liners, Jimmy Carr, stops off for one night in Marbella this week, to make the Brits giggle, and the locals blush.

To call his gags offensive doesn’t give him enough credit, but there is an element of a teenage boy trying to impress his mates in the school playground about his spicy one-liners. One knows that nothing is off limits with Carr, and you know that’s

Jimmy Carr

in Marbella

what the audience is in for before they take their seats. Imagine suggesting a Jimmy Carr gig as a team building exercise for the Malaga software company you work for. You would be clearing your desk the Monday after the gig.

There can be no doubt that Carr is the best comedy panel show host ever. No one else has even come close. But his stand up act is an acquired taste, a little like coriander - some love it, some wince at the distastefulness. One gag about sexual abuse might get an awkward ‘heh’, but five in the same show? It’s a question of personal preference.

Jimmy Carr is Laughing Funny at the Marbella Arena on Saturday, August 31. Ticket prices start at €45.50 and are available from entradas.com

Everyone is Welcome Everyone is Welcome

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Discover Authentic Thai Flavours at Sala Thai Restaurant in Fuengirola

EXPERIENCE the vibrant taste of Thailand right in the heart of Fuengirola at the newly opened Sala Thai Restaurant. Founded by José and Lan, who recently returned from an immersive journey through Thailand, Sala Thai promises to deliver an authentic culinary experience that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

At Sala Thai, the star of the menu is the renowned Pad Thai, the national dish of Thailand. Lan, who José proudly describes as a ‘food artist’, has perfected his Pad Thai recipe, ensuring it’s one of the best you’ll ever taste. The menu is thoughtfully curated with a variety of dishes, including noodles, rice, and a selection of meat, chicken, and fish options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Committed to quality, José and

Lan source their ingredients locally, guaranteeing freshness and flavour in every bite. Complement your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list, featuring affordable options from around the globe.

Whether you’re dining in or ordering takeaway, Sala Thai makes it easy to enjoy delicious Thai cuisine. Their comfortable outdoor terrace is perfect for gatherings, and they’re happy to cater to your upcoming party or event. The prices are just as appealing as the food, with a fantastic lunch special offering two courses and a drink for just €15.00. Sala Thai is open daily from 12:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 23:00. Come and savour the true essence of Thailand at Sala Thai Restaurant!

Calle Rodrigo de Triana, 3. 29640 Fuengirola Telephone 952 754 252 (WhatsApp 623 325 175 )

Cala Lions autumn bazaar

Adam Woodward

LA CALA DE MIJAS Lions Diabetic Support Group is holding its Autumn Bazaar on Saturday, September 7 from 11am to 3.30pm, in La Cala de Mijas. The Bazaar can be found at terraces alongside Snack Attack and Bar Tuta, La Cala Jardines Botanico in La Cala de Mijas with music, stalls, good food, raffles and all the fun of the fair. Lunch with quiz tickets are €10 and available from the Lions shop or Bar Tuta. Also, the Lions Diabetic

Support Group are gearing up for their biggest event of the year, the sixth World Diabetes Awareness Marathon and Market on November 3, and they are looking for supporters. They need sponsors, teams, and anyone who would like to help on the day in November. What better way to celebrate the arrival of the new season than with their Autumn Bazaar? Many of the goods on display will not be found in the high street. Resin items from key fobs and jewellery to handmade cand-

les, mugs, toys, fashion, preserves and chutneys, plants, china and glass, honey products, gift items, handbags, physiotherapy items, jewellery, magnetic objects, wooden handmade kitchen and gift items, CBD oil, and much more.

For Heaven’s Cakes! will be there and the Boys from ACE will be on parade too, so, if you would like to bring along some animal food for the ACE Rescue Centre then that will be gratefully received. For more information, message Anne on 607 879 450.

The International Theatre Studio is back

THE long established International Theatre Studio (ITS) of Marbella is back after the summer break with a full programme of events, starting on Wednesday, September 4.

Sue Hall will be leading a play reading evening at Keto Royale Kafe in San Pedro de Alcantara from 6.30pm, with the curtain up at 7pm. She has chosen a comedy murder-mystery play for everyone to enjoy with a cast of eight. So, there

will be plenty of chances for people to read a part and show their talents, or simply sit, listen, laugh and enjoy the fun.

Tickets are €9 for ITS members and €11 for non-members. The price includes nibbles and tapas, room hire and the play.

Tickets are available online from the ITS website, internationaltheatrestudio. org. There are only a few tickets left at present, so don’t wait too long before

booking. The play reading evenings are always well received so if you haven’t been to one before, now is your chance.

Upcoming events also include Abigail’s Party on October 11, 12 and 13; and rehearsed play readings at El Trapiche Cultural Centre, San Pedro de Alcantara on Wednesday, November 13. Info is already available on the website, and we will be publishing details here closer the time.

Credit: javi_indy, Freepik

Credit; La Cala de Mijas Lions

The Legend comedy show

Adam Woodward

SAN PEDRO Alcantara, as part of its Performing Arts Month, present a free outdoor concert by El Gran Dimitri, The Legend (Born to Fail) comedy show.

Dimitri, a stage genius (according to himself), although of dubious artistic reputation, faces his third solo work. After ‘nearly’ performing in prestigious festivals, B rooms of the best theatres and as well ‘almost’ winning some awards, Dimitri had an epi-

phany - “I was born to be a stage legend.” So he puts on a show where he goes so far as to risk his own life. In this, Dimitri’s new show, he risks life and limb one more time in the most ridiculous way possible.

El Gran Dimitri imagines that at any moment a call could come in, someone could discover him and offer him the contract of a lifetime - to perform for an audience of 100,000 people and be remembered as ‘a legend’. That is why, performance by perfor-

mance, he develops the show with which he will be remembered and loved, like a rock star. Thus Dimitri appears on stage, encouraged by his own madness and excessive pretension. It is the story of an antihero, of an idiot, of a loser who has the audacity to continue fighting for what he wants.

This silly show is free and lasts 50 minutes (as long as Dimitri does), at the Plaza de Istán, San Pedro de Alcantara on Friday, August 30 at 9pm.

MIjas fair about to kick off

MIJAS Pueblo is all set for its traditional village ‘Feria’ opening on Tuesday, September 3, and the council has just launched the official programme of events.

The official opening will be at 8pm on Tuesday 3 with a ceremony in Avenida Compás, the official switching on of the fair lights, and the presentation of the elected King and Queen of the fair. Just to get the kids back in the mood for returning to school, the first full day of celebrations on Wednes-

day 4 will be dedicated primarily to a ‘Children’s day’.

On Thursday 5 at 9pm, the traditional ‘Dinner of our elders’, a free meal in honour of the elderly living in Mijas, in which the Grandmother and Grandfather of the fair will be chosen. Also on the Thursday, the ‘Day Fair’ begins, so expect some disruption to services and parking limitations in Mijas.

The procession in honour of the Virgen de la Peña, the central mo-

ment of the fair, will be on September 8 starting at 9.30pm. As usual, the processional procession will begin in the parish of the Immaculate Conception, where the Patron Saint will be after having been transferred, on the night of August 29, from her hermitage.

As always, there will be a market and fairground rides, a procession of ‘Gigantes and Cabezudos’ (Giants and Bigheads), and a full programme of musical entertainment every night.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Mijas

Hash House charity ball

Adam Woodward

MIJAS Hash House Harriers are going to celebrate an end of Summer Charity Ball, and it looks to be a night of laughs and great entertainment.

Being held at Play restaurant, Playa Marina in Mijas, the idea is to celebrate a night of fun making memories and good company, and all in aid of ADIMI Plena In clusión, a charity crea ted in 1999 by a group of parents who had children with some type of intellectual disability and who were moved by a series of common concerns.

The evening includes a welcoming Cava, a three-course dinner, raffle and live music from Harvey James. One of the raffle prizes include, the Hash House Harriers boast, ‘chocolate-making, paddle boarding, a styling session, meals

loving walkers and runners who don’t take life too seriously and are dedicated to promoting fitness. Hash House Harrier roots extend back to the old English schoolboy game of ‘Hares and Hounds,’ in which some players, called ‘hounds,’ chased others, called ‘hares.’

The Charity Ball is on at Play restaurant, Playa Marina in Mijas on Friday September 6 at 7pm. Tickets cost €50 and are available from The Hash Harriers webmijash3.com

THE cosmopolitan personalty of Benalmadena, a town that welcomes and is home to all nationalities, lends itself perfectly to the international festivals it hosts, not least La Gaucha Fiesta, in this case, promoting Argentine culture, which is being celebrated this coming weekend in Castillo El Bil-Bil. Argentine crafts, gastronomy and music from 17 live acts will fill the grounds of the castle from 7pm until late. For three days, from Friday August 30 to Sunday September 1, visitors will be able to enjoy authentic Argentine barbecues, typical music and dance, and the vibrant energy of the gaucho cowboys.

The barbecue grills will no doubt play the protagonist in this passionate

party where skirt steak, suckling pig, whole racks of ribs and steaks will be cooked over wood and charcoal barbecues. Visitors can also sample an array of traditional Argentinian food specialties, including empanadas (spicy meat pasties), black pudding, chilli sauces, preserves and some of Argentina’s favourite beers.

In addition to various grill and drink stands that will be distributed around the castle, the event will feature Tango Show performances, an artistic expression that reflects the passion and rhythm of the southern hemisphere. It’s free to enter and absolutely everyone is welcome. The party starts at 7pm each night at Bil Bil Castle, Benalmadena, and goes on until late.

Credit: Mijas

HHH, Facebook

aucha fiesta Argentina, Benalmadena

Credit: Alexandr Vorobev - Shutterstock

The Orange House Boutique Hotel

BASED in the heart of La Cala de Mijas, The Orange House Boutique Hotel offers 20 individually designed en-suite rooms with three of the Penthouse Rooms boasting their own private terrace and beautiful sea views. Located just minutes from the beach and a wide choice of eateries, this brand new hotel is perfectly situated for all your needs.

In addition to its fabulous rooms and ideal location, The Orange House Boutique Hotel has a fabulous rooftop bar with stunning sea views. Located on the fifth floor,

Upstairs offers a wide range of drinks making it a popular hotspot for both locals and tourists visiting the area. Proud to be the only rooftop bar in La Cala de Mijas and non-smoking, non-vaping Upstairs is perfect for pre and post meal drinks with friends or family, or even a light breakfast where one can take in the beautiful sea views.

After living on the coast for over 17 years and owning various property rentals, the concept of The Orange House Boutique Hotel was founded by Jo and Paul, who as a family, run this cosy and peaceful boutique hotel. Their knowledge of the area along with their extreme dedication to the hotel itself has allowed their dream to turn into a reality as they offer their top-tier service to the public.

With 24-hour reception and easily contactable staff, The Orange House Boutique Hotel aims to give their guests the best experience thanks to their dedicated team. Not only that, but the hotel also provides a secure baggage drop service. Guests not staying at the hotel are welcome to store their luggage for a fee of € 20.00 per case. Convenient for those with early check outs who want to continue exploring the area without any extra stress.

Whether it be for a business trip, holiday or romantic getaway, The Orange House Boutique Hotel provides a selection of bedrooms, all individually designed, including interconnected rooms, perfectly suited for larger families. Located just 25 minutes from the airport, La Cala De Mijas is conveniently situated, providing a calm atmosphere whilst still being close to the cultural city of Malaga.

After opening its doors just three months ago,

The Orange House Boutique Hotel aims to provide a five-star service for its guests, with many already rebooking their next trip. As clients describe the hotel as a ‘unique jewel’ and ‘spectacular in all aspects’ it is clear that this boutique hotel is not one to be missed.

For prices, availability and to book your stay, visit our website www.theorangehouselacala.com Email: info@theorangehouselacala.com Call/WhatsApp +34 633 604 004

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The Garden Bar

Open 7 days a week 10.00am – 8.00pm

Rocas del Mar, Urb. El Juncal Sur, 34, km198, 29649 Las Lagunas de Mijas, Málaga

Credit: The Orange Hotel

AWARD-WINNING PAN-ASIAN CUISINE BY CHEF RICHARD SANDOVAL

WORLD renowned chef Richard Sandovel finally opened his innovative restaurant Zengo to the public on Thursday August 22, offering a flamboyant menu, fusing flavours from Latin America and Asia, creating a one of a kind dining experience. With locations already in Doha and Dubai, this new culinary concept is a must try for your summer bucket-list, as Sandoval takes guests on a gastronomic journey across the world, blending both Asian and Latin tradition and culture, creating an unforgettable menu.

With over 60 restaurants worldwide, award-winning chef Sandoval has become esteemed for his culinary masterpieces and revolutionary concepts and is now bringing his expertise to the Costa del Sol, ready to open his first restaurant in Spain, right on our doorstep. As a top pioneer for promoting Latin cuisi-

ne worldwide, as well as having written cookbooks and starring in various cooking programmes, Sandoval’s profound culinary knowledge and experience has evidently been implemented into Marbella’s newest hotspot restaurant, located within the luxury Hard Rock Hotel Marbella.

Using locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients, Zengo offers a range of Nikkei-inspired sushi and sashimi in addition to curries, grilled entrees and wok dishes, all of which have been curated with Latin influences in mind.

Popular highlights of the menu include the ‘AngryZengo’ incorporating spicy tuna, avocado, lemon and yuzukosho mayonnaise and the ‘Gambas Yuzu Maki’ blending prawn tempura, quinoa, spring onion and chipotle yuzu, all of which are hand-crafted dishes, bringing

an abundance of flavour to one’s unforgettable evening.

Alongside Zengo’s extensive menu, which blends a vast array of flavours and spices, the restaurant additionally offers a carefully curated range of sophisticated cocktails, ideal to enjoy at the personal bar or open-air terrace amongst the cool breeze. Combining distinctive oriental flavours such as hibiscus and jasmine, their signature cocktails are perfect to pair with one of their state of the art dishes.

Zengo, translating to ‘give and receive’ from Japanese, has been intricately designed, offering refined indoor and outdoor seating, exquisite for a romantic night out or dinner with friends. Situated amongst a myriad of tropical wildlife, the outdoor patio awaits for you to enjoy a lush meal under the stars.

Describing Zengo’s cuisine as ‘international, eclectic and sophisticated’, Sandoval feels as though it is a ‘dream come true’ to have a location in Marbella, as he appeals to both the Spanish and international clientele present along the Costa del Sol. With locations by the Richard Sandoval Hospitality Group across four continents, Sandoval is becoming a prominent sensation in the gastronomical world.

Hard Rock Hotel Marbella | C. las Malvas, 50 | Nueva Andalucía | 29660 | Marbella | 951 870 115 | info@zengomarbella.com | zengomarbella.com

‘A Brief Guide to Spain’s Liquid Gold’

OLIVE OIL is the backbone of Spanish cuisine, essential to countless dishes. As the world’s largest producer, accounting for over 30 per cent of global output, Spain is renowned for the quality, variety, and rich flavours of its olive oil. It’s more than just an ingredient; it’s the heart of Spanish cooking.

The production of olive oil is an intricate process. It begins with mashing ripe olives to extract their juice. For the best quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is made with minimal or no additional heat or chemicals. This creates a paste, which is churned to break emulsions before being run through a centrifuge to separate the oil. Finally, the oil is filtered and bottled.

Understanding the Labels:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

The highest quality and most flavourful, with a maximum acidity of 0.8 per cent.

Virgin Olive Oil:

Similar to extra virgin, but slightly lower in quality, with an acidity of around 1.5 per cent.

Olive Oil:

A blend of virgin oils (15-20 per cent) and refined oils (around 75 per cent).

Light Olive Oil:

Despite its name, ‘light’ refers to flavour, not caloric content.

Nutritionally, olive oil is packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It’s also rich in essential nutrients.

So, explore, taste, and enjoy Spain’s liquid gold for a healthier lifestyle!

Grape treading festival

THE ‘Vendimia’, or grape harvest of Manilva has been celebrated since the 16th century and forms an integral part of the traditions, culture and character of the town, and is one of the most important on the calendar in Manilva.

There are changes of date each year to coincide with the actual harvest.

Cala Pop festival, Mijas

THE intimate and underground music festival, Cala Pop Weekend, returns once more to El Charcón Beach (Mijas Costa).

Affectionately known as ‘the sound resistance’, the mini festival celebrates its 14th year on September 6 and 7 with an eclec-

tic mix of music on the beach. Eleven bands and seven DJs and the presentation of a new book titled ‘Anthology of the British Invasion’. As well as the beach venue, there will be other happenings at Café Teatro by Ocean Drive and the night will end at the

At dusk, there is always a procession - in this case, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (I’d better not translate that to English), who watches over the vineyards, and also a ‘doma vaquera’, a horse riding parade.

After the procession, one of the most important moments takes place - the popular offering of the best bunches of grapes to the Virgin and the subsequent treading

Maxy Disco (Fuengirola).

On the lineup this year there’s American power pop and rock artist, Kurt Baker, original UK punk group The Wasps, the hip-swinging rockers from Italy, the Peawees, and a whole host of Indie-orientated bands certain to keep everyone dancing. For fans of Radio 3 (Spain) the MC for the proceedings will be Juan de Pa-

of the grapes to extract the first juice of the season, the methods for doing so have been passed down through scores of generations. Experienced or not, visitors should be prepared to get their shoes and socks off for the communal grape treading in Calle del Mar.

This harvest festival takes place in Manilva from Saturday, August 31 until September 2.

blos, the host of the hugely popular programme ‘Flor de Pasión’. The two-day mini fest is on at El Charcón Beach September 6 and 7 in aid of charity - PAD, the Mijas Costa Domestic Animal Protection Association and tickets are now available, €40 for advance tickets, €50 on the door, if still available. More information and ticket sales at calapop.com

Eat In Or Take Away

Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6.00pm Friday Fish n Chip day from 1.00 pm Saturday from 6.00pm Closed Sunday. Parking – Takeaway

COSTA FOOD TOURS

Traditional Fish & Chips, Pies & Much More,

Jardin Botanico, La Cala de Mijas

Adam Woodward

Credit: Kristin

Credit: Cala Pop, Facebook

Tasting awardwinning cheeses

WHETHER fresh, semi-cured or cured, cheese is one of the Malaga Province’s star products, and an excellent accompaniment to Malaga wine.

One of the most celebrated is from the cheesemaker El Pastor del Valle in Alhaurin el Grande, who run guided tours of their little factory where visitors

can learn all about the step-by-step processes involved and have a little tasting session at the end.

This tour gives an insight into the homogenisation and pasteurisation process of goat’s milk, the curdling, the cutting and extracting of the whey, pressing, salting, ripening and cutting. A fascinating tour geared towards all ages, families and groups of friends.

At the most important part of the tour, the tasting, visitors learn all about how to really appreciate artisan cheeses, the ideal temperature, the rind, the touch, smell and taste, and how certain fortified wines (from Malaga, of course), combined with the cheeses, can give some wonderful harmonies in flavour.

The price per visit is €15, which includes the tour and a small tasting session at the end. The minimum required for the tour is five people, but if you are planning to go with less, it is possible they can add you to a group with others. Bookings can be made by calling 490 357, and the factory can be found at Calle Huerta Alta, 3, Alhaurin el Grande. Not recommended travelling without a car in the hot summer months.

Car rally

in the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, is holding its eighth Hill Climb rally on Saturday, August 31 to Sunday September 1.

After a summer break, rally driving is back on the sporting calendar in the Malaga Province and motor racing fans are delighted. Organised by the Venturi Auto Club, the president of the Andalucian Motoring Federation also called this section of the climb one of the most valued by Andalucian mountain drivers, while asking spectators and rally fans to be respectful of the areas delimited by the organisation and the environment as it is a national park.

Roads on the Saturday will be closed off to traffic, mostly the MA-5401, at 3pm, followed by practice runs starting at 4pm. The roads will remain closed for most of Sunday morning with races against the clock up until lunchtime. The trophy ceremony is planned for 3pm.

The starting point for cars is at Km 20.75 with the finishing line placed at Km 16.13. It’s a 4.29km hill climb race with a 290m rise with an average rise of 6.28 per cent, so expect some flying cars en route.

There are various categories including stock cars, single-seaters, and women’s, men’s and junior categories.

Adam Woodward

CASARABONELA

THE summer’s coming to an end, but it’s not all

Charity fun quiz

bad news because it’s pub quiz season again. Pit your wits and your best trivia knowledge against the rest on Tuesday, September 3 at the Pub Royal in Torreblanca. The Fun Quiz

isn’t to be taken too seriously though. It’s all in aid of charity and a little fun for the Costa del Sol community.

Team sizes are maximum of four, and it only costs €2 per person to enter. So, start thinking up your quiz team name. If you can, bring some friends because the main winner’s prize is a ‘buy one, get one free main meal and drink for up to six people.’ If you don’t have a team, there’s no problem as Alan Boardman will be on hand to introduce you to others looking to build a team. All money raised will go directly to SEARCH, the local charity that provides treatment and care for rescued horses, and seeks a loving new home for them to send them to.

So, pencil in your diary, ‘Fun Quiz’, The Pub Royal, Torreblanca (Fuengirola), 2.30pm, Tuesday September 3.

Adam Woodward

AUGUST is a perfect time of year to spot pink flamingos in the Malaga Province. The prehistoric-looking long-legged birds migrate to the region during the summer months to lay their eggs, before flying back to Africa with their young in September.

One of the best places to see them is Fuente de Piedra lake near Antequera. There, you can book a guided bird watching tour to take a look

at these magnificent birds as well as plenty of other hard-to-find water birds. Telescopes and binoculars are provided, and all you need is transport to get there.

The tour can be booked with an English-speaking guide who explains the ecosystem of Fuente de Piedra, as well as pointing out various interesting species, and letting visitors in on some little-known curiosities about the place.

Reservations for the

flamingo tour can be booked by calling 675 645 957. If you need an English-speaking tour, make sure to mention it on booking. The tour meets at the Plaza de la Constitución, in Fuente de Piedra village, from where you will have to follow the guides by car (15km) and then half approximately 500m to the hide. They advise you take food and water, comfortable clothes and shoes. Also, wear long trousers and bring mosquito repellant.

Credit: Murrr Photo, Shutterstock

Music by candlelight

Adam Woodward

ISTAN celebrates its benchmark musical and cultural festival of ‘La Vela’ on the nights of Friday, August 30 and Saturday 31.

The event of ‘lights and mysteries’ begins at 8.30pm on the Friday at Las Herrizas view point, overlooking La Concepción reservoir and the Rio Verde.

The oldest building in Istan, the Torre Escalente, is the venue of a performance by the Malaga Provincial Guitar Orchestra made up of guitarists from a variety of ensembles. In the Plaza del Pueblo, there will be a 15-piece Big Band Swing band paying Fusion, Blues and Swing. La Negra Mayté, a tribute to Andalucian rock, and a tribute concert to Amy

GET TACKED UP!

ARCH (The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses) is holding a Grand Tack Sale on Sunday September

Winehouse, one of the great voices of Soul music, are things to expect over the weekend at La Velá, as well as DJs from Pop FM playing the best in 80s tunes.

In El Altillo, one of the most idiosyncratic streets of the town, a concert is being held with a string quartet (two violins, viola and cello). The members of this instrumental group are graduates and members of the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Malaga, and the repertoire they cover includes both classical music and film music.

But what is really going to give atmosphere to this street party is the fact that the streets will be illuminated by candles instead of street lamps.

1 from 10.30am to 2pm. The charity is selling a wide variety of horse gear donated by supporters. A good deal of what is donated is not of immediate use to the rescue cases, for instance many cannot be ridden so saddles and bridles tend to remain

Arab Souk

BENALMADENA once again hosts an Arab Souk from Thursday, August 29 to September 1 with Arabic-themed market stalls, falconry and a concert.

The Arab Souk in Benalmadena Pueblo is bigger than ever this year with a concert from local band Ziryab, an area that transforms the village into a medieval Arab Souk and a space uniquely dedicated to falconry shows, tea tents, spice stalls, gastronomy and parades that will fill emblematic corners of Benalmadena Pueblo with the sounds, smells and tastes of a medieval Arabic town. “This Arab souk is already an unmissable event for many residents and visitors to Benalmadena Pueblo,” said the councillor for Com-

merce, Raúl Campos, at the presentation of the event.

As a change this year, the Arab Souk will take over the area from Calle Real to Plaza del Alguacil, extending its size. The Benalmadena Arab Souk “will unite the entire urban centre of Benalmadena Pueblo from one end to the other,” continued councillor for Commerce, Ramos.

According to the councillor, one of the highlights of this year’s event will be on Friday, August 30, at 10pm, with a performance by Ziryab, a local band that will pay tribute to Medina Azahara and Triana, along with their own songs to add an extra touch, always framed in the context of the Souk.

in the tack room. But they can be sold to raise funds for what is always needed, such as food and veterinary care. Many of these items are of very high quality so if you are a horse owner looking for a bargain then visit the Rescue Centre between Alhaurin El Grande and Coin, bring your cash or card and you can get rugged up before winter sets in! For more information and directions visit the website www.horserescuespain.org or Facebook page Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos.

In La Cala de Mijas

Open from 9.30AM till late.

SHOWING ALL SPORTS

Premier League, SPL and Championship Games

Check out Instagram and Facebook for full sports fixtures

Using the links ->

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday @ 5.00pm Seann Murray Friday @ 8.30pm Ciarain Farrell

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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.

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.

Nuts, especially walnuts, provide a good source of vitamin

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

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

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.

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.

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Tatjana Baibakova

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.

Cancer breakthrough

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 cell.

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 clearly defined limits.

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

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 the DNA repair efficiency of the organism’s cells.

Andropause: hype or reality? make-up

kely 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

Removing

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. Follow 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

symptoms. In ra- rer 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.

suitable products, you can effectively remove make-up while preserving your skin’s health.

SOMETIMES we forget to pay the required attention to our health thereby forgetting to perform routine health checks.

In our clinic not only will you find the best health care professionals who can help you with this, but they will also help you obtain results quickly.

You will find the best professionals and the fastest results.

Don’t leave it any longer, if you were thinking about visiting a specialist, call us and let’s schedule an appointment for you!

Avenida de España 20, Local 5, Sitio de Calahonda, Málaga. +34 952 933 377

Health tests

Improving your foot health

INADEQUATE footwear can lead to sores, fungi, and foot pain. Our feet support our body weight and enable mobility, yet they are often neglected, particularly in summer, when people choose footwear for aesthetics rather than support. This can result in conditions like plantar fasciitis and fungal infections.

Experts warn that summer footwear such as flip-flops or sandals, although comfortable and lightweight, often lacks proper support, leading to problems like plantar fasciitis.

Dr Juan Carlos Carrera Merino, Head of the Stride Biomechanics and Chiropody Unit at Malaga Quirónsalud Hospital, emphasises that habitual summer footwear does not support the feet adequately, causing pain and conditions like plantar fasciitis due to the additional strain on

muscles and ligaments. He advises using footwear with a heel of two to three centimetres for optimal support.

Flip-flops should be reserved for the beach or pool and are unsuitable for walking on paved surfaces or long distances. Dr Carrera advocates for open footwear that provides ventilation and adequate support to avoid discomfort caused by heat-induced soft tissue dilation. He also stresses the importance of protecting feet from the sun by applying sunscreen, just as we do for other body parts.

For those who prefer closed-toe shoes during summer, choosing breathable shoes and socks is crucial to prevent rashes and excessive sweating. Increased foot sweating in summer, exacerbated by non-breathable footwear, raises the risk of

fungal infections like athlete’s foot, as well as blisters and rashes due to friction and moisture. Breathable materials like leather, cotton, or canvas are recommended, while plastic materials should be avoided as they can cause sores.

For those with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), specific treatments may be necessary, and consulting a chiropodist is advised. It is also important to visit a chiropodist for foot complaints, especially for individuals with diabetes or bone deformities, to prevent severe issues like foot ulcers.

Dr Juan Carlos Carrera Merino, an international foot surgery specialist, leads an innovative unit at Malaga Quirónsalud Hospital, offering advanced treatments to improve foot health and appearance.

Hospital Quirónsalud Malaga

Avenida Imperio Argentina Nº 1. 29004 Malaga

+34 951 940 000

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 November last year, continuing to spread with 10 child deaths re corded in the UK; UKHSA urges pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect more children from the disease.

Whooping cough is cau sed by the bac terium Bordetella pertussis with early symptoms including a stu ffy 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,

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

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.

Slimming sleep

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 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 surfaces, 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.

Credit: cottonbro studio, Pexels

Costa Blanca North Loud and Proud • News from Our Other 6 Newspapers

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.

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 South 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.

The council’s security department, led by Councillor Julio Calero, plans to formally recognise Souza’s courageous act of saving a child from a precarious situation.

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.

A six-year-old boy was precariously dangling from a balcony. Without hesitation, Souza dashed to the scene.

He climbed onto the building’s ledge with only his hands for support, reached the frightened child and brought him back to safety inside his home.

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.

PETS

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.

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 ma-

nage 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.

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.

A natural allure

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.

Quincy loves company and will entertain the dog-sitter.

WINDOWS

EU reduces tariffs on Teslas

THE European Union has sig nificantly lowered tariffs on Tesla vehicles manufactured in China, a move that could strengthen Tesla’s market position in Europe.

Previously, Tesla faced a 20.8 per cent tariff on these imports, but the rate has now been reduced to 9 per cent. This contrasts sharply with the higher tariffs of 17 to 36.3 per cent imposed on other Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, which the EU targeted due to concerns over ‘unfair’ subsidies.

The European Commission’s decision reflects the specific subsidies Tesla receives in

China, verified during a recent visit. Despite these subsidies, the methodology behind Tesla’s reduced tariff remains unclear, as noted by industry experts. The new tariff is still in addition to the standard 10 per cent duty applied to all EV imports into the EU.

This tariff cut provides Tesla with a competitive edge, particularly over rivals like SAIC, which faces a 36.3 per cent tariff.

The initial higher tariffs had prompted Tesla

to increase the price of its Model 3 in Europe, but the recent reduction may help maintain its competitive pricing.

Chinese automakers like BYD continue to face significant challenges but remain committed to the European market, which accounted for over a third of their exports last year.

Despite the higher tariffs, Chinese manufacturers are unlikely to withdraw, given their strong profit margins in Europe.

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 authorities, 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 valid and appropriate for the vehicle type.

Next is the Circulation Permission and technical sheet, which vehicle is registered in name.

The ITV certificate (MOT) and windscreen sticker are also mandatory in proving that your vehicle has passed the inspec tion.

You must also have proof of insurance, which covers at a mi nimum third-party liabi lity.

A European accident

form should also be kept in your car to officially report any accidents.

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, authorities recommend first aid kits, a fire extinguisher and spare lightbulbs.

Speed cameras fail

OVER the past 17 months, Spain has installed speed cameras up and down the A7 motorway in an attempt to reduce accident rates.

The A-7 is a busy motorway, with a high density of vehicles, due to its location linking all coastal municipalities.

This motorway features numerous exits with very short or no acceleration

than 65,000 speeding incidents.

Out of the recorded offences, 48,495 involved minor violations where the driver was caught travelling between 90 and 96 km/h, just slightly over the 90 km/h speed limit, although still an offence.

Some 10,691 motorists were recorded driving above that, at speeds between 96 and 100 km/h,

111 and 130 km/h.

A total of 205 motorists were caught at racing speeds, exceeding 130 km/h, a staggering 40 km/h over the speed limit. In a review of accident data on the A7, over the past seven years, the statistics indicate that the speed cameras had minimal effect on the frequency of accidents, with many drivers just facing

Tesla car.

Credit: Pixabay

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

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.

Largest football stadium

MOROCCO is set to make history with the construction of the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, which is poised to become the largest football stadium globally. It boasts a seating capacity of 115,000 and has been designed by the renowned Oualalou + Choi in collaboration with Populous.

The stadium pays homage to Moroccan culture, drawing inspiration from the traditional ‘moussem’, a cultural gathering symbolising community.

The stadium’s most distinctive feature is its expansive, tent-like roof, made from an aluminium lattice. Elevated 28 metres above the ground, this roof shelters the crowd while evoking the communal spirit of a moussem.

The structure is supported by 32 grand

Charity ProAm Golf Marbella

FROM August 30 to September 1, Aloha Golf in Marbella hosts the ‘ProAm Miguel Ángel Jiménez Memorial Andrés Jiménez’. This tournament pays tribute to two legends of Spanish golf, offering amateur golfers the opportunity to compete with top-level professionals. In addition to the excitement of high-level golf, the event promotes values such as camaraderie and passion for this sport.

The beneficiary of this event will be Aloha Cares, a non-profit charity that relies on donations and fundraising events such as this one, to help families in need in the community. It is is open to non-members as much as regular members, but the entry fee is different. The price is €800 for non-members to take part, and €400 for members. The price includes a welcome pack, a practice round, the two-day ProAm

with buggies and prizes.

The format of the competition is teams of four, including 1 pro, 4 ball Betterball Stableford with a 75 per

stairways leading fans through lush gardens, offering a unique blend of modern architecture and natural beauty.

Beyond its role as a sports venue, the Grand Stade Hassan II serves as a botanical oasis amidst urban Casablanca. The surrounding greenery visible throughout the stadium ensures that visitors experience both the thrill of the game and a connection to nature.

Set to meet FIFA standards, the stadium is a contender to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final, reflecting Morocco’s ambition to become a global sports hub.

This project, driven by King Mohammed VI’s vision, is expected to be a national landmark, redefining sports experiences in Morocco and elevating the country’s status on the world stage.

cent of handicap. Open to all comers, there’s a handicap limit on men of 18 and 21 for women. The total sum of the team must not exceed 45, with non-members having to present a valid handicap certificate from their home club.

Everything begins on Friday, August 30, and at 7pm there’s a barbecue dinner to which all teams are invited. Breakfast and lunch buffets on the Saturday and Sunday. Bookings can be made on 952 907 085, or online at clubdegolf aloha.com.

The Grand Stade Hassan II may host the 2030 World Cup final.

Aloha Golf in Marbella.

Credit: Aloha Golf, Facebook