Costa de Almeria 5 – 11 Sep 2024 Issue 2044

Magical sunsets

Harry Sinclair

SUNSETS and classical music have been the catalyst for community this summer.

Alfonso Garcia, the mayor of Vera, highlighted the importance of offering alternatives for the residents and visitors of Vera, and had ambitions of bringing together the community, providing entertainment, culture and leisure for all tastes and ages, all the while surrounded by the charm of the province.

To realise his ambitions, the Vera Town Hall presented the ‘Cultural Summer’programme; offering a wide range of activities and shows, music and gastronomy through the summer months.

The entire programme was a resounding success, yet one event stood out from them all.

Marked the ‘great novelty of this summer’ by the town hall, the experience of the ‘Magical Sunsets’ brought together an eclectic mix of locals and visitors,

tal music, an audience of deck chairs and a natural beauty to wonder. A simple but awe-inspiring event, provided for the community, to bring together the community, each night capturing everyone in the crowd to share one moment, one beautiful memory.

residents and citizens, all in one stunning location, with live classical music to accompany the picturesque sun setting in the distance.

The Magical Sunset events took, place free of charge, twice a week during July and August, with each event consisting of live instrumen -

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2044 • 5 - 11 Sept 2024

FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

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Vera brought together hundreds of people from all over to share one wondrous moment together.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Vera

International fashion

AN Almerian designer is packing her bags and heading to America to take the provincial fashion brand international.

After a successful summer, Loreto Martinez is taking her brand across the Atlantic Ocean in an important project to open her first shop in Mexico City.

Loreto Martinez currently has her showroom located in the centre of the Almeria capital, but will now be taking her brand to the capital of Mexico for her first shop outside of Almeria, Spain, and Europe.

Martinez revealed this new project on the social networks of the Almeria-based brand, stating Loreto Martinez will open its doors in Polance, considered the most luxurious neighbourhood in Mexico City.

The news of this international project fo-

llows a very successful summer for the brand, shown in its continued accomplishments.

Just over a week ago, the Almeria-based brand showcased its recent collection in the prestigious Macenas, in Mojacar, presenting Loreto Martinez’s Monocromatismo collection, the first collection where colour is more absent than the star of the show.

Outside of this collection, the summer has been dominated by colourful garments designed by Loreto Martinez, seen within the Clavelita (Carnation) capsule collection, featuring the bright colours typical of the province.

Now, the Almeria native takes her unique collections to Mexico, representing her skills and her homeland in a new land.

Dreambeach of Roquetas

AN electronic music festival is setting its stages ready for more than 50 artists to perform over four days.

Roquetas de Mar is hosting Sunwaves Fest from September 12 to 16 in the Las Salinas area.

The festival will see some of the most influential DJs worldwide meet in a spectacular setting, which the Roquetas de Mar Council is working hard to prepare.

Sunwaves Fest, which has held most of its previous editions in Romania since 2007, is expanding internationally, opening up in Zanzibar, the United Arab Emirates, and now, Roquetas de Mar.

The festival has an expected attendance of more than 10,000 festival-goers, with more than 80 per

cent expected to be foreigners while the remaining 20 per cent will be locals, promising greater hotel occupancy, profits to local businesses and a boost to the local economy.

The electronic music festival also boasts a high-spending audience, with an average spend per attendee of more than €1,000, referring to previous editions.

In total, across the four-day festival, around 50 world-renowned artists will perform to roughly 10,000 people, with the highlights shared to the hundreds of thousands of followers on Sunwaves Fest socials, promoting Roquetas de Mar and placing it on the music scene map as a prime location for further festivals.

An Almeria-native brand is taking its designs to Mexico.

Sunwave festival is coming to Roquetas for the first time

Credit: Loreto Martinez /fb

Sober curious

health-conscious than ever before. This is particularly signi cant in the younger generation, who in the past would have typically accounted for a key demogration. This movement towards choosing non or low-alcohol options over alcoholic drinks has been dubbed ‘sober curious’. This shift

trend and represents a fundamental transformation in how di erent generations engage with and consider alcohol usage. It doesn’t necessarily

ploration rather than rigid guidelines. The focus lies in being mindful of the e ects of alcohol on the mind and body and making more conscious choices.

Two-drink limit

GIVEN that Ryanair is calling for a two-drink limit on planes, it would appear that the ‘sober curious’ movement has not yet extended to tourists. His comment came in the wake of an increase in air rage incidents this summer, with an average of one a week. In most cases, excessive alcohol consumption or use of ‘powders and pills’ was a contributing factor, according to O’Leary.

Flights from the UK to so-called ‘party destinations’ have been worst affected. As a result, Ryanair staff have taken to searching the hand luggage of passengers who appeared to be under the influence before allowing them to board a flight. O’Leary’s suggestion is for airports to require passengers to have their passports checked when buying alcohol, much as they do when buying cartons of cigarettes.

While not begrudging travellers a tipple during their journey, the Ryanair CEO claimed that the airports opposed his idea as it would impact their bottom line. But O’Leary hit back, saying that the airports don’t have to deal with drunk and unruly passengers - only when they are at 33,000 feet do they become a serious problem.

He also mentioned that some of the excess consumption by passengers was related to frustration with time spent waiting for delayed flights and lengthy queues at passport controls.

ACCORDING to the 2021 European health report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), each person aged 15 and over consumes, on average, 9.5 litres of pure alcohol each year in Europe, which is equivalent to around 190 litres of beer, 80 litres of wine, or 24 litres of spirits. The top 10 European countries with the highest alcohol consumption per capita were the Czech Republic(14.3 litres), Latvia (13.2), Moldova (12.9), Germany (12.8), Lithuania (12.8), Ireland (12.7), Spain (12.7), Bulgaria (12.5), Luxembourg (12.4), and Romania (12.3). It has also been confirmed that across Europe men typically drink more than women. For example, 13 per cent of men drink alcohol every day compared to 4 per cent of women.

HAVE you ever wanted to be cast in a Hollywood production? Well, now’s your chance to be featured in a picture filmed at Mini Hollywood.

Almeria is preparing to host a new shoot at Oasys Mini Hollywood, located in the Tabernas desert, and is looking for extras.

Although information

Hollywood on the horizon

on the production is slim - for instance whether it is film or television - what is known is exciting.

Mamen Films, a company specialising in castings for actors and extras for film, television and advertising, has announced

an international project in the Western genre, and is looking for a high number of extras to bring it to life.

The production will once again turn the deserts of the province into an immersive setting for storytelling in the Wild West, previously

done for films such as ‘The Good, The Bad, The Ugly’’ and ‘A Fistful of Dollars’.

The extras’ auditions will take place in person on Monday, September 9, at the Elba Hotel in the capital of Almeria.

The schedule for the day has two sessions; one in the morning, from 10am to 1pm, and one in the afternoon from 3pm to 7pm.

For this production, the

casting agents are looking for men and women between 18 and 70 years of

age; they’re especially in need of ‘men with long hair and beards’.

Vote for Desert Springs!

THE Desert Springs Resort golf course has received international esteem from a prestigious award.

The World Golf Awards 2024 has given four nominations to the iconic golf course, located in Cuevas del Almanzora, Almeria.

The distinctions highlight the resort’s dedication and excellence, firmly establishing Desert Springs Resort in golf tourism.

The nominations received include; Best Golf Course in Spain, Best Clubhouse in Europe, Best Ecological Golf Facility in Europe and Best Real Estate Golf Complex in Europe.

Located between Cuevas del Almanzora and Vera, Desert Springs Resort presents itself as an oasis in the middle of the desert, offering a variety of unique experiences for golf lovers and visitors alike.

With a wide range of sports and leisure activities, renowned golf courses and a prime location near some of the province’s best beaches, it is no surprise Desert Springs Resorts has caught international attention through these awards.

This recognition is the result of more than two decades of work in the development of a first-class golf resort, which has not neglected but instead integrated itself into the surrounding natural environment.

The World Golf Awards is a global event celebrating excellence in golf tourism, and being nominated in these categories is a great honour.

Desert Springs Resort is encouraging everyone to participate in the voting process to promote the province, which can be done through the World Golf Awards website.

Star on the big screen in a production filmed in Almeria.

Nows the chance to show off Almeria at the World Golf Awards 2024

Family park Serious simracing

ALMERIA is embracing the growing trend of simracing with the launch of its first driving simulation centre.

Simulation racing, or simracing, is the use of advanced software that recreates the experience of race car driving, typically used to train professional drivers but also used recreationally.

cing cars, it’s about simulating sports driving,” states the establishment.

“It’s not about playing ra-

Opening in early September in the capital, on Calle Leandro Fernandez de Moratin, this new centre will feature eight advanced cockpits equipped with three panoramic screens and sophisticated steering wheel and pedal systems, offering an incredibly realistic driving experience.

The facility will cater to both beginners and experienced simracers, providing personalised sessions, adapted to the level of each user, to help

newcomers get started and enable experts to refine their skills.

The organisers also hope to host competitions, prize events, and private leagues to create a competitive and professional atmosphere.

The centre, founded by three Almeria brothers passionate about simracing, aims to build a community of enthusiasts in the region.

For more details, the three brothers encourage anyone interested to visit the official site, simracing almeria.es, or follow @ simracingalmeria on social media.

PULPI, one of the most visited urban centres in the province each summer, has a new project in the works.

Located just a few metres from the beachfront of San Juan de los Terreros, Pulpi is constructing a large family park for all to enjoy.

“The Costa Serena Park is a large park that we have designed for San Juan de los Terreros, which already deserves that large park where families and children can enjoy their free time and leisure time,” explained Juan Pedro Garcia, the mayor of Pulpi.

With an approximate budget of €1 million, the construction of the Costa Serena Park will be carried out in two phases. The first phase of construction of this project will begin this year, with the mayor explaining “if everything goes well, at the end of September or in October, the works of this great family park will begin.”

The town council of Pulpi intends to respond to and capitalise on the growth and demands of its residents and visitors, with the mayor emphasising that “Pulpi and San Juan de los Terreros are growing at a dizzying rate.”

The town council of Pulpi are constructing a family park near San Juan de los Terreros.

Credit: SimRacing Almeria /fb

The racing simulation systems have been installed and tested.

Olive tree cemetery Roquetas rise to the top

THE olive groves of Almeria, once thriving, are now dying under a relentless drought.

These century-old trees now stand lifeless, their roots unable to find water in cracked, barren soil.

The drought has turned several hundred hectares of traditionally olive-growing lands into desolate landscapes, where once there was promise and productivity.

According to Jaime Martinez, an agricultural engineer at the CSIC Experimental Station for Arid Zones in Almeria, planting densities have increased tenfold, putting further strain on already scarce water resources, and these unsustainable practices of recent years continue to exacerbate the crisis.

According to Martinez, this has created the “perfect cocktail” for agricultural collapse.

Almeria has about 12,000 hectares of olive trees, producing around 13,000 tons of oil annually, though it exports only 0.4 per cent of the regional total.

Despite this, it has seen a 403 per cent increase in international market growth, valued at €8.4 million.

These contrasting figures demand better sustainable practices to prevent further desertification in the province of Almeria.

“Desertification is a future challenge that we have to solve, it is not merely a conservationist thing,” states Jaime Martinez.

ALMERIA has thrived as a tourist destination in the first half of the year, and Roquetas de Mar could be at the top of the province’s list.

cia, only surpassed by the province’s major cities and Torremolinos.

According to the latest Hotel Occupancy Survey by the Institute of Statistics and Cartography of Andalusia, Roquetas de Mar welcomed 87,171 visitors in July alone, generating 419,031 overnight stays, with an average stay of 4.8 days.

This places Roquetas de Mar among the top five tourist destinations in Andalu-

Gabriel Amat, mayor of the municipality, praised these results, stating, “Roquetas de Mar not only continues to be the preferred destination within our province, but it is also competing with large Andalucian cities that traditionally lead the tourism sector.”

As Amat states, “This shows that we are doing

things well, offering a destination that combines quality beaches, exceptional services and a wide range of activities for all audiences.”

The increase in the average stay reflects the growing tourist interest and visitors’ satisfaction with their stay.

The survey also highlights the diversity of visitors, with most coming from Spain, but also from the UK, Belgium, France, and Portugal, highlighting Roquetas de Mar’s international appeal .

Almeria’s olive trees are facing a dire future due to unsustainable practices.

Credit: Shutterstock (image from 2020)

Roquetas de Mar competes as a popular tourist destination among provincial cities. Credit:

Fresh Prince mixes up

A HOLLYWOOD star met with local legends recently in a collaboration of artistic talent.

Will Smith surprised fans recently when he shared on his socials the musical minds he has recently met with.

The Hollywood actor, who first gained fame in ‘The Fresh Prince of BelAir’, has teamed up with Spanish singer India Martinez.

Smith, known for his roles in Bad Boys and I Am Legend, recently featured Martinez - born in Cordoba but raised in Roquetas de Mar, Almeria - in a video where she sings and plays the Cajon, a box-shaped percussion instrument.

In the video, Smith raps alongside Martinez, blending their distinct styles, mixing Philadelphia with Almeria; Jaden, Will Smith’s son, and DJ Black Coffee also

appear in the video. The Fresh Prince expressed his excitement, saying, “I love this process.”

In his post with Martinez, Smith hinted that their collaboration might be titled ‘Nothing like the first time’.

This collaboration follows another recent interaction between Smith and Almeria-born singer David Bisbal, who was invited to Smith’s show, ‘The Car Test’, where

Will showed the Spaniard an upcoming song of his, ‘Work of Art’, featuring Jaden Smith. The Spanish singer then showed off his vocal skills by freestyling in the middle of the track, leading Smith to say, “I need that! I need that!” Smith was so impressed that he suggested a remix, saying, “You’re clearly going to do the remix. You can consider this the call.”

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air came to Almeria to mix genres.

More than models Defibrillator delivered

THE Cortijo Grande Model Flying Club is a group of roughly 10 people who share the same passion for flying radio-controlled model planes.

Founded in the mid-1980s, the group was recently made an official club.

Mick Baker, the nominated El Presidente of the group, spoke with Euro Weekly News (EWN) to share the exciting opportunity the club provides.

Meeting every Wednesday and Sunday, at 9/9.30am in the campo of Cortijo Grande, at the abandoned airfield, the group spends the mornings flying radio-controlled model planes, with maximum wingspans of three metres.

Flying until around midday, the group then goes to Gloria’s in Turre for a coffee and debrief.

For newcomers, the club offers supervised flights with a dedicated trainer plane suitable for novices.

This flight involves using two transmitters for the one trainer plane.

The master pilot will take off and land the plane, while the newcomer, or student, can take control during flight, soaring the skies for the first time; at any point, the master can take over so there are no worries for the student.

“Everyone is made to feel more than welcome, no matter who they are,” Mick told EWN, who described the Club as “very democratic.”

Mr Baker has been flying model planes since he was a kid and wants to encourage more people in the area to take up the hobby.

Contact Mick on 711 015 032.

LOCALS in Villaricos worked hard through Covid-19 to bring extra safety to their community.

Chris and Lenka, previous owners of Los Conteros restaurant in Villaricos, started fundraising in January 2020 to install a defibrillator in the town.

Due to Covid, their fundraising was delayed and they didn’t reach their goal in the intended time.

The two remained persistent, and by October 2021 they had raised €2,300 through their restaurant, stating “Our customers during the period that the funds were raised - by quiz nights, raffles and donations - deserve the thanks and credit.”

The total amount raised covered the purchasing and installation of the unit, in addition to the training of five people in how to use it.

The money raised was passed on to the Vera Lions who made the arrangements on behalf of Chris

and Lenka, and in 2022 the unit was purchased.

Andy Pearson, the president of the Vera Lions, stated, “They worked hard to raise the money and wanted to support the community where their business was.”

Due to the medical centre being refurbished and other unforeseen circumstances,

the defibrillator took until August 2024 to be installed. Nevertheless, through the hard work of Chris and Lenka, their customers, the Vera Lions and all those who helped fundraise, Villaricos now has the added safety of a defibrillator and trained professionals to use it.

The Cortijo Grande Model Flying Club became an official club just over 5 weeks ago.

Thanks to local efforts a defibrillator is now in Villaricos.

Pablo proves speed

A CYCLIST from Almeria has competed against the best and proven himself at the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Pablo Jaramillo, a cyclist from Almeria, secured a silver medal in the team sprint event at the 2024 Paralympic

Games, only just falling short behind Great Britain.

The Spanish team, comprised of Jaramillo, Alfonso Cabello, and Ricardo Ten, exceeded expectations by reaching the final and securing second place, surpassing

their bronze achievement in the Tokyo Paralympics.

At 47, Jaramillo competed in his second Paralympic Games, contributing to the fourth medal for Almeria this summer, proving himself as an elite athlete, and representing his province and his nation in a world-class display of skill.

The Spanish team clocked 49.466 seconds to reach the final, only to be outpaced by Team GB.

Despite their best efforts, the Spaniards unfortunately could not surpass their morning session time, finishing with 49.564 seconds in the final.

Celebrating on his socials, Jaramillo shared his ‘Immense happiness’ and his gratitude, “thank you, comrades, you are incredible.”

This silver medal marked the 14th for Spain at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and remains especially meaningful as it represents a leap in improvement over their previous bronze.

Produce profits

ANDALUCIA has hit a historic milestone in the agri-food sector with nearly €9 million in recorded revenue in the first half of this year.

The region registered a record of €8,903 million in exports during the first half of 2024, a 14 per cent growth compared to the same people of the previous year, positioning it as the undisputed leader in international sales.

The main product of success for Andalucia has been olive oil, leading sales with €2,441 million, representing a 68.3 per cent increase compared to 2023.

In the region, the province of Almeria stands out as the most profitable province in this export sector, reaching €2,289 million in sales abroad.

These record-high numbers establish the strength of the agri-food sector in Almeria, leading in not only volume but also in market diversification, with notable growth on five continents; Australia has shown the most surprising growth, doubling its imports of Andalucian products (+1,001.1 per cent) to exceed €96 million.

proves itself as a produce powerhouse in the top region for agri-food exports.

The Andalucian agri-food industry has demonstrated its ability to provide for the region, as shown in the first six months of this year when the sector contributed €5,249 million in exports, exceeding the national average and above Catalonia and the Valencian Community.

Almeria

Buoy-ling temperatures

THE Cabo de Gata buoy acts as a reference point for measuring temperatures of the Andalucian Mediterranean coast.

The buoy, located in Almeria, is part of the external network of Puertos del Estado, and recently measured a record high of 28.61 degrees Celsius in the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea.

On August 21, the buoy recorded this high temperature which exceeded all previous temperatures taken since

2001, when records began. This is the second consecutive year since records began the temperature of the Andalucian Mediterranean Coast has exceeded 28 degrees Celsius, and is not the only time to exceed it this year.

In fact, during the month of August, 2024, temperatures of the Mediterranean Sea along the Andalucian coast have exceeded 28 degrees on four occasions, including on August 12, at 7pm with a mark of 28.23 degrees Cel-

sius, and on August 23 with a temperature high of 28.27 degrees at 6pm.

In the last 10 years, recording the period between January 2014 and August 2024, the temperature of the Mediterranean has increased by more than one degree Celsius (1.01) and this is re ected by the Puertos del Estado with its records, showing a maximum of 27.6 degrees Celsius in September 2014, compared to 28.61 degrees in 2024.

COSTA DE ALMERIA rea rms its commitment to sports tourism with the upcoming Spanish Golf Championship.

The Provincial Council of Almeria, through the Costa de Almeria seal of excellence in tourism, is once again combining sport with tourism at the Spanish Senior Men’s Professional Golf Championship.

The championship is taking place on the Valle del Este Golf Resort course, in the town of Vera, between December 18 and 20.

The competition will bring together the best players in this category on the national scene for its sixth consecutive year in the Andalucian province, taking advantage of its magni cent year-round climate.

This is the rst time in the competition’s history that it will take place at the Valle del Este Golf Resort, bringing with it recognition and acclaim for Vera, and an opportunity for the municipality to show o its tourism, sport, gastronomy and cultural attractions.

Seal of excellence Citadel success

Fernando Gimenez, the Vice President of the Provincial Council and Deputy for Tourism, highlighted that “This championship fulls one of the objectives set by the Provincial Council of Almeria” by promoting the “sporting-tourist destination of Costa de Almeria.”

THE Alcazaba of Almeria, the largest of the citadels built by the Arabs in Spain, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

During the Covid pandemic, Almeria’s fort closed down to visitors and has sin-

Gimenez emphasised that “Almeria has all the ingredients that make it the perfect destination for practising this sport.”

ce been on an uphill battle to regain its tourism.

However, it now seems to be building momentum, as in the rst half of 2024, 127,793 people visited the monument, a 17 per cent increase from 2023 and 42 per cent more than in 2022.

These numbers are the best since the pandemic and the second-highest ever, surpassed only by 2016’s 131,961 visitors.

The Alcazaba is currently the fourth most visited monument in Andalucia, following the Alhambra, the

Generalife, the Synagogue of Cordoba, and the Roman Theatre of Malaga.

The fame of the Alcazaba of Almeria has been increasing in recent years, especially after the citadel was featured in Game of Thrones in 2016, and is now seeing a growth in tourism coinciding with the province’s overall tourism growth both nationally and internationally.

If this trend continues, 2024 could break the record for annual visitors, potentially surpassing the 303,099 visitors recorded in 2018.

Temperatures in the Andalucian Mediterranean are on a gradual rise.

Valle del Este Golf Resort is hosting the Spanish Senior Men’s Professional Golf Championship.

Credit: Valle del Este Golf Resort /fb

Costa Blanca’s local hero

ON Tuesday September 3, the Costa Blanca awoke to the sad news that local hero, their much loved Stevie Spit had very sadly passed away after a very short illness, surrounded by his loved ones.

A shining light in the commu nity, as an entertainer, he had dedicated more than 30 years of his life to bringing joy and laughter to the masses. More than this, though, Stevie de voted so much of his time to fundraising and raising aware ness of causes that were so close to his heart.

It is this devotion that led to him being awar ded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for ser vices to charity in the New Year’s Honours List published in De cember 2019.

After hearing the heart breaking announcement of his cancer diagno sis, the people of Cos

ta Blanca joined forces to show their unwavering support. From contributing funds to a dedicated donation page and organising gatherings at different locations, to actively participating in various events, offering their time as volunteers, showcasing their talents, giving away auction and raffle items, and utilising media platforms to raise awareness, the community came together in a remarkable display of solidarity.

Now, we have had to say goodbye to a man who left a hole that can never be filled. One thing’s for sure, though: He left us knowing he was truly loved by all.

Off-duty saviour

ON a day of festivities and celebration in Palomares, two people came to the rescue in a shocking event.

During the patron saint’s festivities in Palomares, in the early hours of Thursday, August 22, a 46-year-old man lost consciousness and abruptly fell to the ground.

Thankfully, an off-duty Guardia Civil officer, who was at the fair and witnessed the incident, instantly intervened to help the man who was at that point unconscious and in grave danger.

The off-duty officer observed that the man was in critical condition, showing obvious signs of asphyxiation, caused by his tongue obstructing his airways.

at the scene joined in the aid, applying therapeutic techniques to the neck and muscles of the collapsed man in an attempt to relax the man’s state of extreme tension, helping to impro-

ve his breathing. The off-duty Guardia Civil then coordinated the arrival of further medical assistance while attendees were quick to give gratitude to the saviours.

Credit: Audrey Gorman

Acting quickly, the officer cleared the respiratory tract and managed to stabilise the unconscious man.

A physiotherapist also

Stevie Spit BEM.

AYUNTAMIENTO DE MOJACAR

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1 - 04638 Mojácar (Almería)

Telef. 950.615.009 Fax: 950.475.200

info@mojacar.es ayuntamiento.mojacar.es

Dreams made reality

THREE elderly residents of Almeria who use the Home Help Service have had their dreams made a reality.

Isabel Fernandez, Manuel Cortes, and Purita Sanchez ful lled their wish of visiting the beach and swimming in the sea, thanks to the IlusionES Almeria initiative.

This programme, launched by the Provincial Council and Atende, aims to make the dreams of Home Help Service users a reality.

Isabel, 75, expressed her joy with being able to swim again, saying “I will never forget this day,” while 93-year-old Purita, the dean of the group, was

overjoyed to feel the sea after many years, stating his dream “has been more than ful lled,” by IlusionES.

Manuel, who is losing his vision, cherished this opportunity before his sight fades completely. Their

35th anniversary

MOJACAR celebrates an iconic sculpture of the municipality, paying tribute to the fundamental role of women in the local history and culture.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Mojaquera sculpture, “one of Mojacar’s most loved and representative works,” states the Mojacar Town Hall.

The Mojaquera, strategically placed in the Church Plaza, portrays a woman with the region’s typical costume, with her long skirt, apron, shawl, and the traditional pitcher on her head, which was used to transport water.

The work, made from white Macael marble by the internationally renowned sculptor Maria Angeles Lazaro Guil, is “more than a monument,” states the Mojacar mayor, adding that “it is a reflection of our history and our traditions.”

Maria won the competition with her idea of this sculpture, which she submitted through a sketch that “stood out for its respect for and homage to local roots and traditions.”

celebrates 35th anniversary of

The work has since become an identity symbol for the municipality ever since its inauguration in 1989.

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the sculpture, a poem written 35 years ago by a resident of Mojacar, Genoveva Bouloumie, provided by the sculptor herself, has also been recovered and published in the patron saint’s festivities book, a simultaneous celebration happening in Mojacar.

wishes were granted at Venta del Bancal beach, in Mojacar, with the support of local o cials, including

the president of the Provincial Council, Javier A Garcia.

IlusionES Almeria was created to ful l the wishes of Home Help Service users, with 1,296 dreams collected so far.

Each month, two dreams are selected to be realised. The initiative highlights the Provincial Council’s commitment to improving the well-being of its residents and recognising their contributions to the community.

There are future dreams to be realised soon, including a horse-drawn carriage ride, a visit to Santuario del Saliente, and attending a bull ght.

Long live Mojacar

marked the end of the Saint Augustine Festival in style.

MOJACAR has celebrated as a community in honour of its patron saint and concluded its festivities with the same passion.

On Wednesday, August 28, the town of Mojacar came together in devotion to the patron saint, Saint Augustine, over owing the streets with tradition, music, family and culture.

At 1pm, accompanied by the Municipal Music Band, the procession began, carrying the saint through the main streets of the town centre to end the festivities, a tradition to thank Saint Augustine for the abundance of water.

Fran Garcia, the mayor of Mojacar, spoke on the San Agustin Fiesta, stating on his socials, “It’s been four days where the streets of our town have been lled with emotions, music and a lot of joy.”

Throughout the four-day festivities, Mojacar has celebrated tradition and culture, through religious ceremonies, ribbon races, Queens and costumes, as well as its culture and community, through gastronomy and prestigious music performances, in addition to sports competitions and esports tournaments.

The mayor thanked all those who attended the saint celebrations.

In honour of San Agustin

MOJACAR held two separate, successful sporting competitions during the Saint Augustine festivities.

While celebrating its patron saint the town of Mojacar pitted its best against each other in a padel tournament and a domino tournament.

The rst of which, the 13th Padel Tournament, took place on the municipal courts of La Mata which were “ lled with talent and a lot of excitement once more” according to the Department of Sports in Mojacar.

The padel tournament was held across four days, from August 22 to 25, with both gender categories and money and trophies to be won for rst and second place.

Later on in the week, again as a part of the festivities in honour of Saint Augustine, the Mojacar Town Hall organised a Domino Tournament at the senior bar.

Held on August 26, the traditional Domino tournament had two categories, male and female, with nine people in total competing for the prizes, consisting of local meats and delicious wine.

According to the Department of Sports in Mojacar, “All participants demonstrated their prowess in the male and female categories,” but a special mention was given to the women who “brought the spirit of tradition with the washcloth.”

Dreams were made a reality thanks to the Almeria initiative, IlusionES.

Mojacar

sculpture alongside San Agustin festival.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Mojacar

Mojacar

Credit: Fran Garcia /fb

Thatcher portrait removed

IN a move stirring political debate, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has removed a portrait of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher from No. 10 Downing Street. The decision, revealed by Starmer’s biographer Tom Baldwin at the Aye Write book festival in Glasgow, has sparked reactions across the political eld.

The portrait, commissioned by Gordon Brown in 2009 and painted by Richard Stone, was prominently displayed in what was informally known as the ‘Thatcher Room’.

Uniquely, it was the rst portrait of a former prime minister specically commissioned for No. 10, with an anonymous donor covering its £100,000 (€118,840) cost.

Starmer’s choice to take down the painting has drawn sharp criticism from Conservative members. Greg Smith, MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, labelled the act as “utter pettiness,” accusing Starmer of disrespecting historical gures. Murdo Fraser, a former Scottish Tory leadership candidate, suggested Starmer might feel overshadowed by Thatcher’s enduring legacy.

While Starmer has previously acknowledged Thatcher’s signi cant inuence on the UK, this decision highlights the ongoing divisiveness of her legacy in British politics. The removal of her portrait is likely to fuel further debate, re ecting the complex and enduring impact of Thatcher’s policies on the nation.

Spaghetti wars

CHEFS and gastronomes recoil in horror as Heinz introduces tins of spaghetti carbonara to supermarket shelves.

The unveiling of Heinz’s new tinned easy-meal set X (Twitter) alight with declarations of disgust recently. Top Italian chef Alessandro Pipero asked “Do you mean in a tin, like cat food?” on hearing that Heinz was promoting its new canned version of the classic Italian dish, while Wanted in Rome on X reported Italians saying that they “wouldn’t even give it to a stray cat.’”

Part of the outrage is what many food lovers see as the continued ‘Americanisation’ of Italian cuisine.

Ask any Italian and they will rmly assure you that, unlike the Heinz variety, Spaghetti Carbonara does not contain cream or bacon or parsley, while the ingredients on the

Heinz tin list bacon, cornour, skimmed milk powder, cheese powder, sugar, garlic avouring, onion extract and dried parsley. This quick and easy to prepare classic ‘carbonara’ part of the recipe only has four ingredients: egg yolks, black pepper, guanciale and olive oil.

The internationalisa-

tion of classic regional dishes has been berated by many in recent years with TV chefs like Nigella Lawson who was accused of killing Italian food when in 2017 she added 60ml of double cream to her version, or Jamie Oliver who very nearly started a war with Spain by adding chorizo to his idea of Paella.

The new Heinz Spaghetti Carbonara.

World model

FINLAND is set to bury nuclear waste in a repository for 100,000 years, creating the world’s first geological tomb and becoming ‘a model for the entire world’.

Next year or in early 2026, Finland will bury spent nuclear fuel in watertight canisters, deposited more than 400 metres below the Finnish forests.

‘Onkalo’ (a small ‘cave’), will become the long-term disposal facility to store the nuclear waste, on the island of Olkiluoto. The company Po-

siva is in charge of managing the final disposal of nuclear waste and is jointly owned by nuclear power company TVO and utility Fortum.

Professor of radiochemistry at the University of Helsinki Gareth Law called Finland’s initiative a “big milestone” for the world, stating; “Posiva are very correct in selling this as a world first. It is going to be the first repository to take spent nuclear fuel and dispose of it in what I think is going to be a very safe and robust manner into the future.”

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

The Onkalo project relies on the so-called KBS-3 method, developed by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company, based on a multi-barrier principle, where several engineered barriers are placed to ensure the long-term safety of nuclear waste.

“It is a way to showcase that such a small nation sometimes is able to solve one of humankind’s maybe top 20 problems or challenges,” said Finnish Climate Minister Kai Mykkänen.

Onkalo project in Finland.

Marriage is no giveaway

IN English-speaking countries it is normal for the bride’s father to walk her to the altar where her future husband awaits her.

Although this is not a tradition in Lutheran Sweden, where it is normal for the bride and groom to walk down the aisle together, more women are asking to be ‘given away’ by their father.

Sociologists put the trend down to the influence of Hollywood films, global television and even the social media, together with the fact that King Carl Gustaf walked his daughter Crown Princess Victoria part of the way to the altar when she married in 2010.

It’s up to Church of Sweden pastors to decide whether a bride’s father can give her away, and some have no problem with the tendency.

Others are less enthusiastic.

Sara Waldenfors, a pastor from Nylose, Gothenburg, who belongs to the Social Democrat (SAP) opposition party, and Jesper Eneroth, an MP for the SAP, want a ban on the popular practice.

There was no escaping the patriarchal symbolism of a father giving away his daughter, Waldenfors said.

Credit:alteadigital.es

SWEDISH WEDDINGS: Bride and groom usually walk to the altar together.

“The relatively new trend that the father walks the bride down the aisle and passes her over to her new husband is not in our church tradition,” she told the Observer.

“Even though the scene feels nice for future couples, we can’t disregard what it symbolises: a father handing over a minor virgin to her new guardian.”

Would you pay €400 to see Oasis perform? Your

VOICE

OASIS fans are furious at Ticketmaster and concert promoters, accusing them of a ‘sickening’ and ‘scandalous’ handling of 2025’s ticket sales for reunion gigs.

On Saturday August 31, the band announced that all UK and Ireland dates had sold out in less than a day. Since then, social media has been overloaded with stories of fans who have waited in online queues for tickets, only to be told that the price had more than doubled to a hefty £355 (€420).

to see the concert online on your 70-inch TV screen with friends, and it will be like you’re there.”

Vivienne Kent was incredulous when she said, “Been so over-hyped by the media... absolutely ridiculous for a so-so couple of brothers who are only doing this now to get a mass of money to retire on.”

Paul Slater shared, “I’d spend €200 max. I saw Liam Gallagher live a couple of years ago. Horses for courses. They were ‘the scene’ when I was in my mid-20s, so I have a big interest in them.”

In their defence, Ticketmaster stated that the ‘in-demand standing ticket’ price was down to the event organiser, who had priced these tickets according to their market value. In light of this explanation, Euro Weekly News wanted to explore the perceived market value further, so we asked our readers if they would pay €400 to see Oasis perform.

Over 250 comments were posted by readers eager to share their views. Many admitted that they did not like Oasis, but even if they did, they would not be willing to pay that much for a ticket. Others stated that they would not even pay four cents for a ticket, and then some suggested they themselves would have to be paid €400 to go to the concert.

Marie Rose said she would not pay because “You will probably get

Annelie Ash expressed, “Definitely maybe... no, I would love to see them but not at that price... waiting to see if the world tour is a world tour... rather not have to go back to UK anyway, although would have considered Dublin if we hadn’t been booted out the queue for being a bot.”

Judith Dominque Wolfenegg gushed, “I have seen them three times back in Vienna - absolutely fabulous live act, one of the best I have ever seen. If I had not seen them, I would have possibly paid that amount for it, but as I have seen them several times before, no.”

While some readers said they would be willing to pay that much to see them live, the general consensus was that the organisers have the perceived market value very wrong!

OASIS ARE SET TO PLAY AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

Supermarket dating in Spain

Letara Draghia

IN Spain, grocery stores like Mercadona and Lidl have become surprising venues for singles seeking romance, with trends turning traditional shopping trips into matchmaking opportunities.

This trend began at Mercadona, where shoppers looking for love were encouraged to signal their availability by placing an upside-down pineapple in their trolley. Between 7pm and 8pm, the supermarket’s aisles have transformed into a vibrant social scene, with playful signals like chocolate for casual interests and legumes for serious relationships. The trend has even spread to other stores, with El Corte Ingles being another popular spot for romantic encounters.

However, this unconventional dating scene has also led to unexpected issues. Recently, a mass gathering at a Mercadona in Bilbao, organised via social media, overwhelmed the store, forcing the Local Police to intervene. The situation was quickly brought under control, but it highlighted the growing popularity - and potential chaos - of this trend.

Not to be outdone, Lidl has launched its own campaign, ‘La Hora del Amor’ (The Hour of Love), encouraging singles to visit between 6pm and 7pm. Instead of pineapples, Lidl suggests using watermelons in your trolley as a signal of interest. Shoppers can even enjoy discounts during this time, adding a nancial incentive to the mix.

Culture capital

SICILIAN town, Agrigento has been crowned the 2025 Capital of Culture despite its heavy in uence from the Italian Ma a, which local authorities work hard to suppress.

The Sicilian countryside is known for its Ma a heritage; faced with cases of narcotra cking, kidnapping, and extortion.

Despite its reputation, it’s set to become the 2025 Italian Culture Capital. Shifting the focus away from the controversy, Agrigento police have now been authorised to inspect gift shops and issue nes to shop sellers who o er Maa-related products.

These include everything from magnets and t-shirts to shot glasses and images of Sicilians in traditional dress holding the ‘lupara’ (a sawn-o shotgun). Agrigento mayor Francesco Micciche stated:

“Considering that the

Agrigento’s heritage.

sale of such products in the territory of Agrigento humiliates the local community, which has been committed to spreading the culture of legality for years, I order a ban on the sale of any type of object that praises, or refers in any way and form, to the ma a and organised crime.”

Agrigento’s diverse heritage has often been discre-

dited; leaving out the fact that it is a UNESCO heritage site and holds archaeological remains from the fth and sixth centuries BC. With ancient, Baroque, and modern architecture, a cultural programme of 44 projects which explores the relationship between nature and humanity will focus on the more inspiring and honourable part of Agrigento.

Upside-down pineapples and watermelons: Codes for love.

Border controls tighten EU to curb seed patents

Credit: Freepik

THE patent industry is privatising European seeds, potentially endangering food security according to European seed producers. Europe has a diverse seed industry with a long and hard-fought-for history, with hundreds of small breeders creating new varieties of cereals, vegetables, and legumes in Germany, the Netherlands, and France among other countries. These plant breeders adapt seeds to local environments through methods such as crossbreeding to improve desired traits like yield, disease resistance, and flavour.

However, the number of patents on seeds are becoming more prevalent, as small breeders cannot freely plant or sell these seeds or use them for development without paying licensing fees to big corporations. Around

1,200 seed varieties that can be bred naturally are now covered by patents across Europe, as agrochemical companies claim to have created them through technical innovations.

European seed producers and farms face the legal uncertainty that investments will not pay off. Frans Carree, an organic breeder at Dutch company De Bolster, is trying to develop a tomato resistant to the brown rugose fruit virus but faces legal battles with multinationals such as BASF, Bayer, and Syngenta.

Michael Kock, former head of intellectual property at Syngenta, predicts a future in which ‘most new varieties coming into the market will be covered by patents.’ The European Parliament is trying to ban the genetically modified seeds of companies like Syngenta.

RUMOURS abound in Germany of reintroducing stricter rules on free movement of migrants.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz under pressure from coalition partners to crack down on the number of people coming into the country.

A recent report by the German federal police shows that the number of illegal migrants travelling through the country has reached levels not seen since 2016.

This year, the country imposed a temporary border checks system for people coming into Germany for the summer’s European football Championships.

However, the Olaf Scholz government is coming under intense pressure to maintain universal border checks from one of its fiercest political rivals.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Friedrich Merz, and Markus Söder from the CDU’s Bavarian

sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) have put the pressure on Scholz over immigration.

In October last year, Germany reintroduced checks at its borders with the Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland and

Austria. While this stop-gap measure was meant to last until June, the government announced in May it would be extended until the winter, a measure which potentially violates the Schengen Agreement.

Seed patents to be curbed.

When summer ends and so does your relationship: breaking up after the sunshine season

phenomenon.

During the rest of the year, work and social life act as a sort of relationship buffer. But in summer, when you’re joined at the hip 24/7, what was already on the rocks might just crumble into a full-blown disaster.

ARE you itching to get back home? Can’t stand him/her anymore? Well, it’s better to break up in summer than on Valentine’s Day, right? At least then you won’t have to dodge questions about why you’re not sending flowers!

But let’s be real: summer in Spain is like an episode of ‘The Bachelor’ on steroids, with a major ‘overbooking’ of breakups and broken hearts. My Facebook status went from ‘in a relationship’ to ‘single’, and when I look in the mirror, it says, ‘Nah, nah, you are double!’

Add to this the circus of caring for kids, pets, keeping each other entertained, the financial strain, the exhaustion from activities you’d normally avoid, and the sweltering heat... and voilà, you’ve got the ultimate recipe for a relationship catastrophe!

And when summer ends, the fun evaporates, giving way to bills and daily stress, the last thing you need is a breakup adding to the chaos.

Here’s a little joke to lighten the mood: I heard about this guy who’s a massive football fan. He bought two Super Bowl tickets months in advance, only to realise they were for the same day as his wedding. He shelled out $2,000 each for the tickets, so he posted on Facebook asking if anyone wanted to take his place.

He said, “The ceremony is at 3.00pm at First Baptist Church, and her name is Tiffany.”

Talk about relationships!

So, why do couples crash and burn in the summer?

According to the statistics in Spain, relationship crises spike during the summer. The more time couples spend together, the higher the chance of a breakup. Experts blame the ‘excessive togetherness’

In a summer crisis, breaking up might not be the best move. Communicating, accepting, talking, committing, and tolerating are crucial.

But above all, there should be love because love can mend almost anything.

As the saying goes: the only measure of love is to love without measure.

Not everything is as terrible or fantastic as it seems. As my wise sister Verana says: things aren’t inherently good or bad; it’s how you handle them that makes them one or the other.

Remember, this is a one-way trip, not a rehearsal. Be happy and love the person you’re with.

Don’t become just another summer statistic!

MOVALDI’S AMERICAN 2 CENTS SNAPSHOT FROM COAST TO COAST

It could all still work

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ONE thing I did learn on a recent London trip was not to engage an Uber driver in any political discussion. In the main, most Uber employees are from different societies. True to any London taxi drivers form, they are, (or consider themselves to be!) experts on just about any subject you care to mention - with current affairs undoubtedly a favourite. The problem is, once they start they are difficult to stop.

In around a dozen journeys I found out more about Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq than any ‘Arab Spring’ discussions I’ve had since the unprecedented acts of Blair and Bush got us into it all. The open attitude of these cabbies rather sums up the feeling I got from most of London’s mostly welcome ethnic population. The majority are extremely upbeat. From shop assistants to museum guides, I found them generally polite, enthusiastic, confident and certainly not backward in coming forward. In fact, while sho-

pping in a local chemist I remarked to my companion that we needed candles.

Her light-hearted suggestion of buying ‘fork candles,’ a la the Two Ronnie’s, brought a roar of laughter from the Pakistani assistant, who then proceeded to regale us with jokes from his favourite TV shows, one of which happened to be the wonderful old chestnut Fawlty Towers - ‘I come from Barcelona,’ he chortled, ‘I know nothing’!

Unfortunately, this light-hearted attitude doesn’t extend the Brits. Personally, I think the locals simply don’t know what’s hit them. To me, most of them appeared to be living under a cloud of doomy acceptance. And who can blame them? They have been stumped by Starmer, paralysed by the politically correct brigade, fleeced of free speech and deprived of political enthusiasm to the point of utter submission.

They also appear to have relinquished, to my mind, one of their most endearing and strongest weapons, the wonderful British sense of humour. Any attempt at a merry quip, particularly to shop assistants, is met by an icy glare of suspicion while they

apparently try and work out whether you are being sexist or in some way abusive. The look I got when, purely by force of habit I said thanks ‘love’ to a checkout girl (person!) had me looking back over my shoulder to see if she was dialing 999! Just how long can anyone go on living under these circumstances without something snapping?

Oddly enough, I actually do believe it could all still work, but not under this bunch of indecisive political assassins. What they really need is a Winnie or Thatcher. Someone to give the British citizens a degree of optimism. A leader who can instill a national ambition to somehow succeed in this unprecedented diversity of existence they are all endeavouring to adopt. The one thing I will miss however is the politeness. ‘Excuse me, oops I’m sorry, my fault’ and after you’s’, were expressions one doesn’t hear quite as often as one should in the country of our choice. Ah well, at least we get plenty of sunshine, happy days and welcome copas de vino.

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.

Paris transport difficulties

DESPITE promises of improved acces sibility for the 2024 Paralympic Games, many individuals with disabilities continue to face significant challenges navigating the French capital. Franck Maille, a former para-athlete and representative of APF France Handicap, shared his experiences navigating Paris’ public transportation system.

Maille described the difficulties of using the RER, a suburban train system, which is often inaccessible for wheelchair users. Even when lifts are available, navigating the system requires assistance from rail agents and careful planning due to potential equipment failures.

For individuals with disabilities, navigating Paris can be physically and mentally exhausting. The journey often involves long distances, crowded spaces, and the need for constant vigilance. The lack of accessibility in the city’s infrastructure can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.

While some progress has been made, particularly in terms of wheelchair-accessible taxis, the Paris metro system remains largely inaccessible. The city’s leadership acknowledges the need for improvements but faces significant challenges in terms of funding and infrastructure.

Activists like Maille are calling for urgent action to address these issues and create a more inclusive city for individuals with disabilities. The Paralympic Games offer an opportunity to showcase Paris’ commitment.

Wheelchair users face many inaccessible areas.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Mind the gap

TESCO’S chief executive Ken Murphy earned £10 million (€11.8 million) in 2023, 431 times the wages of a typical Tesco employee, making more in one day than UK staff averaged in a year. The size of the UK’s biggest grocery chain pay gap was bigger than that of any other FTSE 100 company, Mail on Sunday found.

Best-loved

ESTRELLA GALICIA president Ignacio Rivera has always said he wants the company’s beer to be the best-loved, not necessarily the most-sold. Nevertheless, the brewer now produces an annual 503 million litres of beer and although it hopes eventually to see revenues of €1 billion, sales already reach €829 million.

Seal of success

ENGINEERING firm AES, which makes seals for pumps, including those installed in the Thames Barrier, announced record pre-tax profits of £56 million (€66.4 million) in 2023, compared with £48 million (€56.9 million) the previous year. Founded in 1979 by Chris Rea, AES now employs 2,000 staff in 43 countries.

Testing, testing

IKEA has chosen Madrid and Oslo to trial its pre-owned furniture marketplace.

“The trial will continue until December to understand customers’ reactions and what it would mean for us from a business perspective,” said Jesper Brodin, chief executive of Ingka Group which operates Ikea stores in Spain.

Going under

THAMES WATER said it needed to raise customers’ bills by more than £260 (€308.43), predicting that the company would otherwise struggle to fund itself. The Ofwat-approved increase would leave Thames Water in a situation that left its activities neither “financeable nor investible” the company warned.

STAT OF WEEK

€1.525 billion

share buyback programme, launched on August 27 by Santander Bank, was equivalent to 25 per cent of profits during the first half of 2024.

Burberry’s FTSE 100 slide

THE next quarterly review is likely to see Burberry and easyJet leave the UK’s FTSE 100 stock market index.

Insurer Hiscox and Tritax Big Box, also face relegation to lower-tier FTSE 250 although interest has focused on the more recognisable Burberry and easyJet names.

easyJet was only promoted in March 2024, but Burberry’s slide after 15 years as an FTSE regular came as a shock but not necessarily a surprise.

With a current market value of just under £2.6 billion (€3 billion) that is 70 per cent below that of April 2023, Burberry has been one of the worst-performing FTSE 100 companies so far this year.

Sales over the 13 weeks to June 29 were 21 per cent down on the same period last year, and the company has suspended its dividend.

The demand for luxury goods is dwindling globally and Burberry has been particularly affected by the slowdown in China.

Despite an early boom in 2021 as the world emerged from the pandemic, this crucial market has taken longer to recover than expected.

Jonathan Akeroyd, Burberry chief executive since 2021, is held to have increased Burberry’s woe after deciding to take the company still further upmarket and alienating many perennial customers.

Akeroyd made a rapid exit “by mutual agreement with the board” on July 15 and was replaced by Joshua Schulman, former chief executive of the Coach handbag brand in a bid to revive Burberry’s waning fortunes.

Schulman was also at the receiving end of a £9.2 million (€10.9 million) ‘golden hello.’

Talgo takeover derailed

SPANISH Cabinet ministers vetoed a Hungarian consortium’s hopes of taking over Talgo. The €619 million offer from Ganz-Mavag was “appealing to shareholders,” the train manufacturer said, but the government mistrusted the deal from the outset as the consortium has links to Hungary’s president Victor Orban and there were suspicions that Russian money was involved.

Cabinet ministers analysed documents from the Foreign Invest-

Back in the Top Ten

AMANCIO ORTEGA is again one of the world’s 10 richest people. The Inditex founder and principal shareholder was ranked 10th on August 28 when he was worth €110.25 billion, according to Forbes. Nor was this Ortega’s first time amongst the world’s super-billionaires, as his €72.33 billion fortune put him in ahead of Bill Gates as the world’s richest person in October 2015 for some hours.

He returned briefly in September 2016 and August 2017, before being overtaken by Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault.

Looking to float again

TENDAM, whose labels include Cortefiel and Woman’s Secret, posted revenues of €550.2 million during the first five months of its financial year.

That was 6.4 per cent more than during the same period in 2023 and by the end of the company’s half-year which ended on August 31, Tendam calculated that this should have risen to between 6.7 and 6.9 per cent.

The company dropped plans for a €2.5 billion listing on Spain’s stock exchange in late spring and is now said to be considering a flotation this autumn or before February 28, the close of its financial year.

THE UK defence firm BAE Systems announced in August that its half-year revenues had increased to £13.4 billion, 13 per cent more than in 2023.

As anxieties regarding Russia have grown, Nato countries are increasing their stockpiles and BAE’s £74.1 billion (€87.9 billion) orderbook is its largest ever.

“We will keep investing in new technologies, facilities and our people, so we can deliver on our record order backlog, and help our government customers stay ahead in an uncertain world,” BAE’s chief executive Charles Woodburn said

ment Committee (Jinvex) which included reports from the National Intelligence Service and the National Security Council.

They concluded that the operation would entail “risks to national security and public order” and announced on August 27 that the transaction would not go through.

Following the Cabinet meeting, government spokeswoman Pilar Alegria declined to give details on the grounds that Talgo was a stock exchange-listed company.

No phishing allowed

WHO hasn’t received a ‘phishing’ text message, ostensibly from el Corte Ingles, Correos or a Spanish high street bank?

Victims learn they are the lucky recipients of special offer, asked to pick up a parcel or told to contact their bank with the sole aim of providing scammers with their personal details.

The Change.org initiative wants to set up a web page, supervised by Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) and linked to the telephone companies, where members of the public can report the number responsible for the fake announcement.

After a certain number of calls, the offending number would be blocked and then passed on to the police.

AFTER a difficult 2022, Victoria Beckham Ltd’s sales rose by 52 per cent to £89 million (€105.59 million) in 2023.

As a result, 2022’s losses of £900,000 (€1.07 million) were slimmed down last year to £200,000 (€237,255). Sales growth was initially assisted by a brand revamp in 2017 following a £30 million (€35.59 million) investment from private equity group NEO while both NEO and Beckham’s footballer husband helped to keep the business afloat in 2022 with a £6.9 million injection.

UNILEVER, which owns products as diverse as Marmite and Lynx, is considering the sale of its Kate Somerville skincare and REN brands.

City sources quoted by Sky News said that Unilever has engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to sound out potential buyers without specifying the sums involved. This latest move follows Unilever’s announcement last March that it intended to demerge its ice-cream division which includes Wall’s, Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s and Carte d’Or.

BURBERRY: The London-headquartered fashion label set for FTSE 100 relegation.

Photo credit:

Photo credit: lamoncloa.gob.es

PILAR ALEGRIA: Government spokeswoman declined to give details of Talgo decision.

3I

LONDON - FTSE 100

524,01K

Beazley 749,5 752 743 208,49K Berkeley 5.000,00 5.025,00 4.960,00 11,1K

BP 433,9 438,2 433,75 4,3M British American Tobacco 2.841,00

Euro

EUR/GBP: Unchanged at £0.84

EUR/USD: Up from $1.08 to $1.11

The euro trended broadly higher over the past month, with the single currency’s negative correlation with the US dollar offering notable support.

EUR has also been lifted by a risk-averse market mood in recent weeks.

However, the euro’s ascent has not come without its challenges, with some mixed Eurozone economic releases infusing volatility in EUR exchange rates throughout August.

As August comes to a close the focus will be on the Eurozone’s latest consumer price index, as a cooling of inflation this month could stoke expectations for an interest rate cut from the European Central Bank (ECB) in September.

Currency outlook: Euro supported by USD weakness, US dollar slumps to new multi-month lows

Pound

GBP/EUR: Down from €1.19 to €1.18

GBP/USD: Up from $1.29 to $1.31

A subdued end to July paved the way for further weakness in the pound at the start of August, with the currency extending its losses as the Bank of England (BoE) delivered its first interest rate cut since 2020.

Sterling then remained on the defensive as the market panic over a potential US recession caused markets to start pricing in a more aggressive pace of

policy unwinding from the BoE through the remainder of 2024.

The pound turned a corner in mid-August as GBP investors welcomed a flood of broadly positive UK data, with the latest UK jobs, GDP and retail sales data all outpacing expectations.

Coupled with the subsequent release of stronger-than-expected UK PMIs, this caused investors to trim bets for a BoE rate cut in September and revived Sterling sentiment in the second half of the month.

Looking ahead, if the BoE ultimately opts to leave rates on

hold in September it may help to underpin the pound in the coming weeks.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Down from £0.77 to £0.75

USD/EUR: Down from €0.92 to €0.89

The US dollar faced notable selling pressure over the past few weeks, with USD exchange rates sliding to new multi-month lows.

The USD selling bias was initially triggered by a weaker-than-expected US payroll print, which stoked fears

of a looming US recession and fuelled bets for a bumper 50bps rate cut from the Federal Reserve in September.

While these fears quickly evaporated as Fed rate cut bets were trimmed, the US dollar remained on the defensive through the second half of August, with another slump coming in the wake of Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s dovish speech at the bank’s annual Jackson Hole symposium.

The Fed is widely expected to cut rates when it next meets next month. If the bank signals that this will be followed by further cuts through the remained of 2024 then the US dollar may test new lows.

Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

All Aloud reunites

ALL ALOUD Community Choir will be resuming after their summer break.

On Wednesday, September 11, at 3pm, the

group will be reuniting at the Kubatin Bar in Arboleas.

The group have had a busy start to the year with a series of events

that have raised over €5,000 for the Children’s Ward at La Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa.

ALMERIA

The spring season ended with a successful charity concert at the end of June.

Paws in pools

raffle and a tombola.

flavours

Indulge in rich Thai flavours with our exquisite cuisine, meticulously prepared by our exper t Thai chef. Our exclusive menu features a delightful array of classic and authentic dishes, each crafted to perfection. Savour your meal in our beautiful restaurant, conveniently located near the golf course, where the ambienc e enhanc es your dining experience.

The choir group then dispersed for their various summer activities, with visitors arriving and departing and “both greeted with equal amounts of joy,” according to the organisers.

As the group states, “Swallows have flown both ways” and the group has had various, highly successful, social events to fill the gap left by the absence of singing.

Now, the All Aloud Community Choir will resume their normal activities on September 11 and will be focused on enjoying the latter part of the year, before embarking on the Christmas Concert in late December, on a date yet to be confirmed.

If you are interested in coming along on September 11, the group expressed “You will be made most wel-

TWO local animal rescue and protection groups are hosting a day of fun and fundraising at Vera’s waterpark.

On Saturday September 7, ‘Enjoy AqauVera at a discount’ thanks to the animal shelter and rescue group, PAWS-PATAS, in collaboration with Eleosthe Association for the Defense of Animals.

From 11am to 6pm, at AquaVera, you will be able to meet some of the puppies and kittens that PAWS-PATAS has up for adoption.

Additionally, there will be ‘fun items for sale’, a

There will also be a table of information on adoptions, members and foster parents.

Tickets for the day are at special prices, €20.25 for adults, €17.25 for juniors and €13.50 for children; all proceeds will go to benefit the two organisations, Eleos and PAWS-PATAS.

The organisers enthusiastically invite you to “Come and have fun at AquaVera and at the same time help the dogs and cats!”

If you cannot attend but still want to collaborate, the organisers have a zero queue on the AquaVera website.

Harry Sinclair

Credit: All Aloud Community Choir

Valle del Este

t, Avenida Valle del S ol,

Vera (Almeria)

Cultural activities

MOJACAR is hosting a series of cultural activities to enrich the lives of residents and educate on the local area.

During the month of September, Mojacar is providing multiple events to partake in under the title ‘Mojacar La Vieja’.

The Mojacar Town Hall invites everyone on social media to join the events, stating “September in Mojacar is packed with exciting cultural activities celebrating Mojacar La Vieja!”

These cultural activities

are organised by the Mojacar Town Hall and the University of Granada, with first activity of the month taking place on Wednesday, September 11; Archeological Ceramic Workshop. Held in the Tercera Edad, starting at 6pm, you will be able to partake in a ceramic workshop, a fun, hands-on, creative activity, while learning about the local history and recent archaeological findings in the province of Almeria.

Additionally, on the day

after, Thursday, September 12, Mojacar is hosting a creative interactive game about Mojacar La Vieja.

The interactive games will be held at Guadalinfo, Centro de Usos Multiples, at 5pm, with activities for children ages eight to 14.

“Don’t miss the chance to be a part of these amazing experiences,” the Mojacar Town Hall invites everyone to sign up ahead of time for any of the activities by emailing memo-lab@go.ugr.es.

Night at the races

Harry Sinclair

EXPERIENCE a ‘fun race night for all’ while supporting a local dog rescue organisation.

On Saturday, September 14, AA Dog Rescue is presenting a ‘Night at the Races’, an event of excitement and fun while fundraising for a good cause.

Hosted at Kubatin Bar at Hostal Meson in Arboleas, the night will feature a raffle with prizes - con-

sisting of ‘donations from kind folks’ - a stand-up bingo and a ‘guess the name of the teddy’.

There will also be tapas and drinks on offer, provided by the Kubatin Bar, for you to enjoy while watching the races on the big screen.

Entrance is €2 and tables can be reserved by contacting Gail: Call or WhatsApp on +34 679 937 753.

All proceeds from the tickets and games will

go directly to AA Dog Rescue which is, according to the organisers, “in desperate need of funds” due to the rise in prices and vet bills reaching upwards of €12,000: “We need all the support we can get.”

AA Dog Rescue Spain & UK is a registered non-profit organisation focused on the re-homing of rescue dogs in Spain that have been abandoned or seized through neglect.

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Hair havoc hacks

BAD hair days can be a real confidence buster, but there are several hacks to manage unruly hair effectively. Start with dry shampoo to combat greasy roots; it absorbs excess oil and adds much-needed volume. For frizz, spray a toothbrush with hairspray and gently smooth down flyaways for a neat, polished look.

The messy bun is a quick and stylish solution for uncooperative hair. Twist your hair into a bun and secure it with pins or an elastic band for an effortlessly chic style. Hair accessories like headbands, scarves, and clips can instantly elevate your look while concealing imperfections.

Prep your hair the night before by braiding damp hair to wake up with beautiful beachy waves, adding texture and reducing frizz without heat. For curly hair, revitalise your curls with a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of leave-in conditioner, scrunching to res-

Changing your parting can also disguise greasy roots or flat hair. A zigzag parting adds volume and makes root growth less noticeable. With these simple tricks, you can confidently tackle any

Mindful moments

AFTER a stressful day, mentally refreshing is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. One effective method is engaging in physical exercise. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a gym session, physical activity releases endorphins that naturally boost your mood.

Another approach is practising mindfulness or meditation. Spending just 10 minutes focusing on your breath or a guided meditation can significantly reduce anxiety and clear your mind. Creative activities like drawing, writing, or playing music also provide an excellent outlet for stress, allowing your mind to shift from daily worries to a more relaxed state.

Connecting with loved ones is another powerful stress reliever. Sharing your day with a friend or family member can provide emotional support and a fresh perspective. Additionally, immersing yourself in a good book or enjoying a favourite hobby can transport you away from the day’s stressors.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Ensure you have a restful sleep routine.

Warding off dementia

Credit: Freepik.

A STUDY has indicated that older individuals who believe they still have a purpose and responsibilities towards others are at a lower risk of experiencing memory loss. Over 900 individuals in the US State of Illinois were observed for an average of 14 years to determine if they experienced mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.

MCI falls between normal memory decline due to ageing and a diagnosis of dementia. When evaluating a sense of purpose, factors considered are having positive relationships, personal growth, self-approval, independence, and control over one’s surroundings. A group of scientists from around the world discovered that individuals with MCI experienced a more rapid decrease in mental health

compared to those who had no cognitive impairments. Individuals who developed MCI were discovered to have been lacking a genuine life goal for three years prior to being diagnosed. Also, they experienced reduced levels of personal growth six years prior to being diagnosed. The study found that 29 per cent of participants had mild cognitive impairment. Within that particular group, 34 per cent were additionally determined to have dementia. The research team stated that psychological well-being decreased significantly prior to MCI diagnosis. Decreased mental health could foretell decreased cognitive ability. Psychological support following a dementia diagnosis should be arranged for individuals. The study appears in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

Hemp beauty boost

CBD skin care is revolutionising the beauty industry, providing natural remedies for a variety of skin issues. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the hemp plant, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potent ingredient for enhancing skin health.

CBD-infused moisturisers are particularly beneficial for soothing and hydrating, perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate redness and irritation, making it an excellent choice for conditions like eczema and rosacea. For those with acne-prone skin, CBD’s ability to regulate oil

production can help prevent breakouts and maintain a balanced complexion.

Serums and masks enriched with CBD offer additional nourishment and repair, addressing fine lines and wrinkles with their antioxidant benefits. CBD’s calming effects also make it ideal for after-sun care, soo-

thing sunburn and aiding skin recovery. When selecting CBD skin care products, opt for reputable brands that guarantee quality and purity. Always conduct a patch test to ensure your skin’s compatibility. Enhance your skincare routine naturally with the benefits of CBD.

Euro Commission sued

ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners are to sue the European Commission claiming their new rules on greener planes are misleading and do not match European targets on emissions.

The new rules imposed by the EC will label some planes

as ‘environmentally friendly’ investments, something refuted by environmentalists.

NGOs Climate Action Network and the Global Legal Action Network claim that national limits on greenhouse gas emissions for transport and agriculture are un-

lawful.

The claim being made is that the thresholds set by the EC fail to reach the targets of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5ºC and Europe’s objective of cutting net emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

‘Wealthy and historically big polluters should be moving faster’, according to the environmentalists. The EC’s limited rules, they argue, give ‘green certificates’ to polluting industries who then receive ‘green finance’ from investors and banks. The European High Court has given the case priority and it is expected to be heard in 2025.

Digital Nomads

Portugal, emphasised Lisbon has consistently been among the top five destinations for digital nomads since the index was introduced in 2022.

The idea of the EC is to get the aviation industry to invest in newer, so-called ‘green’ planes in the absence of zero-emissions planes. They also give green certificates to shipping companies that use liquid natural gas instead of diesel, while the gas is still a fossil fuel and still produces significant CO2.

THE city of Lisbon has secured its position as one of the top five destinations for digital nomads, according to the latest ‘Savills Executive Nomad Index’. This ranking, which evaluates 25 prime destinations worldwide for digital nomads, ranks Lisbon in the fifth spot globally, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi (both in the United Arab Emirates), Malaga, and Miami. The Algarve region also made its mark in the Index securing the ninth position.

Miguel Lacerda, the Lisbon Residential Director at Savills

I’ll

He highlighted that Portugal offers a high quality of life compared to many of its counterparts. However, there is a growing concern about escalating residential property rents which may have a future impact.

Lacerda further outlined that connectivity, innovation, a diverse cultural scene, and a favourable year-round climate are pivotal factors con-

tributing to Lisbon’s attractiveness for digital nomads. He stressed that Lisbon’s authenticity, the talent of its professionals, and an increasingly visible international business community are essential for the city’s sustained success as a hub for digital nomads.

It is worth noting all the destinations analysed in the index offer a digital nomad visa programme or equivalent, or are part of a larger economic bloc that allows free movement of people to live or work.

tell you a funny story

I’M quite fed up with the state of the world right now so instead of moaning about a myriad of annoying things, I’m going to tell you a funny story and hopefully brighten your day.

When our daughter was young we used to spend summers and Easter in Spain and every Christmas in Orlando, Florida doing the whole Disney experience and we loved it. So this one morning we packed our backpack with every conceivable thing we might need - change of clothes for Sarah, sun hat, sun cream, raincoat, umbrella, jumper, snacks, drinks, spare everything. The backpack was huge, but I was fit and healthy way back then so I sling it on my back and we’re good to go. I have on my Timberland hiking boots as I’m in for a long day of walking miles.

We get in to the lift and just as the doors are about to close a very tall gentleman, dressed in full tails and very shiny shoes, steps daintily in to the lift. I look him up and down and he looks me up and down. Eventually I say, “One of us is dressed

wrong.” Nothing - not a smile, a snigger, an acknowledgement - nothing. Patti, at this point, is sliding down the wall laughing so hard. When the lift arrives at the ground floor and the doors open, the hotel foyer is full of men in tails and women in magnificent ball gowns.

And there is a huge sign explaining that this is the first day of the Fred Astaire Ballroom Dancing Championships. Not one to resist a challenge I march up to the registration desk and state, “I’d like to enter the ballroom dancing competition.” Behind me Patti is now on the floor laughing hysterically, but the Americans don’t really understand the English dry sense of humour so the receptionist didn’t quite know what to make of me or my request. Anyway, suffice to say they wouldn’t let me take part!

Another time I’ll tell you the story of how I tried to blag my way in to the Reebok Instructors Convention in Las Vegas by trying to convince the doorman that my fat friend and I were the ‘befores’. We didn’t succeed that time either, but G-d loves a tryer.

If you like these stories and they make you smile please let me know - I have plenty more.

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

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

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

Lisbon is a top five destination for Digital Nomads.

ECOCORP SOLAR

ECOCORP SOLAR SL have been trading in the area since 2007. Covering the whole of Almeria Province and beyond they are experienced in the design and configuration of bespoke solar power systems, tailored to meet their clients’ individual needs. They are a family business, albeit now with extended members to the team.

Many of the bigger solar energy companies throughout Spain use subcontractors for their installations. Not Ecocorp. Their team are all from the local community, both English and Spanish and all are fully trained to the Ecocorp standard. Currently Ecocorp Solar SL employs 13 full-time team members including the family, Vic, Samantha, Daniel and Holly. They have two installation teams and two part-time team members.

All of the friendly team are very

knowledgeable in their fields. They take pride in their professionalism. It is often noted on their customer feedback forms that the installation crew are very efficient in their installations, which are done in a timely fashion and always left tidy.

Customer service is paramount for Ecocorp Solar - in a recent customer satisfaction survey 100 per cent of their customers said that they would recommend them to others.

In April of 2022 Ecocorp opened their offices in a unit on the popular and easily accessible Parque ‘El Real’ at Antas. Their new showroom has been started and should be completed by the end of this summer. Using cloud based technology Ecocorp solar offer their virtual battery service to those customers who are tied to the grid. Enabling the custo-

mer to feed back ex cess energy. This energy is stored in their virtual battery and drawn down when the sun isn’t shining. Thus the client has the opportunity to use 100 per cent of their solar energy production and to reduce the price of their electricity bill significantly.

Of course there are plenty of solar companies to choose from for residents of sunny Spain. However, it is important to realise that not all solar is the same.

The long term benefits and savings from solar can be fantastic, but a poorly designed, badly installed or low quality system can cause a long term headache. A

INTERVIEW

Speaking EuropeanJoana Carvalhas

Joana has been chasing her passion for music across the world, moving from Portugal to Germany and Scotland. As the third time’s the charm, she made her third move abroad this year, coming to Valencia to study at Berklee College of Music.

COMING from a town in Portugal just an hour away from Spain, Joana found Spain “very similar” to home and said that the language was “easy to grasp.”

Alongside the weather and the cuisine, Joana said that unlike li ving in big cities like Berlin, she felt more “welcomed” in Valencia and could cheer herself up just by going outside and being around people.

Joana felt comfortable moving to Valencia without knowing anyone in the city and found friends of different nationalities within her first weeks in Spain.

“What I like about Valencia is that there are many Spanish people and also many Europeans and Americans; it feels authentically diverse,” said Joana.

Being a talented violinist, she also appreciates Spanish culture and love for music and performance; “Audiences in Spain enjoy music more, they are more appreciative of shows.”

Having often visited Spain as a kid,

Soon starting her first year at Berklee, Joana has already been feeling “like a part” of the local community with memorable introductory events at her college and her exploration of a city that she believes will greatly “inspire and advance” her future.

wrong choice can cost dearly in the long run. Choose the experts for the best advice. Ecocorp Solar offer quality products and have the experience to ensure their clients solar energy system is one that will be reliable and cost effective.

Their knowledgeable and friendly team will work closely with you to provide and install a solution that meets your unique requirements.

Ecocorp Solar offer a FREE no obligation home assessment and quotation service. They deal with all the necessary technical and administrative paperwork on your behalf. Furthermore, all systems are linked to your computer, mobile or tablet so that you can monitor your consumption AND your savings on the App. Well done to Ecocorp Solar, a great family business built from the ground up.

Joana Carvalhas

Credit: Joana Carvalhas

Costa del Sol Chinese tourism

TALKS are underway in Beijing between the Junta de Andalucia and Chinese authorities who are looking to start up direct flights between China and Andalucia.

Malaga airport is under no doubt which Andalus airport is their choice and is promoting the Costa del Sol as the most attractive destination for Chinese tourists. The state-owned Air China is weighing up which airport to choose between Sevilla and Malaga. Another interesting aspect for commerce in Malaga is that with a new direct route from Beijing, the opportunity for trade in goods would also benefit the region.

One element that weighs slightly more to the Sevilla choice is that the Chinese tend to prefer more cultural holidays to sites of historical significance over beach holidays, and while both Malaga and Sevilla offer incredible historical references, Malaga’s marketing has tended to bias itself as a more sun, sea and sand style of holiday destination.

Axarquia Reservoir levels

LA VIÑUELA reservoir in Axarquia is showing signs of improvement, but the drought is far from over. As of early September, the reservoir holds 24.99 cubic hectometres of water, about 15.20 per cent of its total capacity. This is a significant improvement from last year’s 13.56 cubic hectometres, thanks to the Easter rains that boosted reserves by 11.4 cubic hectometres. Despite the ongoing drought, these levels provide a small cushion, allowing Axarquia enough water for human consumption for about 10 months, even without further rainfall.

During July and August, Axarquia consumed nearly 4.8 cubic hectometres of water from the reservoir. With the current restrictions and conservation measures in place, the region is managing its resources carefully. The Junta de Andalucia has praised the regulation of water supplies.

Across Malaga Province, La Viñuela is among the better-off reservoirs. However, with tourism driving high consumption in September, authorities are urging continued conservation efforts.

Mallorca

Millions flock to island

IN July this year the Balearic Islands were visited by 2.5 million international tourists, a number which marks a 4.3 per cent increase from that of 2023.

In a study of border tourist movements published by the Balearic Institute of Statistics (IBESTAT), Mallorca was the island which represents the increase, with a 5.03 per cent rise in visitors, whilst the other islands were subject to a reduction in tourism, with Menorca suffering a 4.25 per cent decrease and Ibiza and Formentera receiving 7.2 per cent fewer visitors then the same time last year.

According to the study, which is conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), across Spain the grand majority of visitors to the country in July came from the United Kingdom, with a sensational two million British tourists choosing to holiday in Spain. This is a 2.6 per cent rise from July last year and is followed by 1.6 million French holidaymakers (a 3.4 per cent increase) and 1.2 million German visitors (6.6 per cent more than last year).

Costa Blanca South Let’s get rocked

IF you are looking to own a unique piece of art while supporting a great cause, now’s your chance!

Garry Dutch is auctioning three stunning paintings by artist Mike, featuring rock legends Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, and Metallica’s James Hetfield.

All proceeds will benefit the Rock Against Cancer charity. Bidding is open until the end of the Rock Against Cancer concert, which takes place on September 13 and 14.

This annual music festival, held at Torrevieja’s Parque Antonio Soria, has been a major event since 2009 and has grown significantly over the years, now attracting top tribute bands from across Europe. Additional festival highlights include charity merchandise, food trucks, and free entry for children under 12 (when accompanied by an adult).

Tickets are available at the box office or the Rock Against Cancer website, rockagainstcancer.es, for €25 per day or €40 for both days.

Costa Blanca North Flamingo fever

THE celebrations of Mare de Deu de Loreto have transformed the streets in Duanes de la Mar, Javea. The dedicated residents have invested months of effort in adorning their streets with vivid colours and captivating artworks, each showcasing a distinct theme that has enchanted the local community and visitors alike.

The residents of Triana Street chose a pink flamingo theme, creating an extraordinary urban landscape portraying a lake teeming with flamingos. The combination of the street’s greenery and the striking pink hue of the flamingos created a jubilant and festive ambience, attracting the attention of all passersby. At the heart of the street, a pair of flamingos next to a fountain serves as the focal point.

Sadly, not everyone was enamoured by the pink flamingo decorations, as they were twice vandalised, with three of the 23 flamingos being stolen. Undeterred by this mindless act, the determined residents suspended them from the balconies of their houses.

Costa Calida Race for Life

GET ready to lace up those running shoes because the 19th MABS Race for Life is back, and it’s better than ever! MABS Mazarron, known for its incredible work supporting those diagnosed with cancer, and their families, is once again hosting this fantastic event. Mark your calendars for October 27 and join the fun - whether you’re walking, running, or even skipping your way around the course, everyone is welcome! Registration kicks off at 9.30am with the race starting at 10.00am. For just €10 for adults and €5 for kids under 12, you’ll get a t-shirt, a medal, and a chance to be a part of something truly special. Plus, no worries about a price hike this year - your entry fee still covers the obligatory Liability insurance. Entry forms are available at various locations, or you can easily download one from the MABS Mazarron Facebook page. Let’s come together and make a difference - see you at the start line!

MILO and his brother Buddy have cat-sitters from HousesSitMatch to care for them when their owners travel away from home. Milo keeps a close eye on what is going on, but he also loves their company so it’s no chore really

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 ac-

commodation for free pet care!

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked

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

Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed

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

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

1. Register as a homeowner on Hou seSitMatch.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.

Feline friend finder

UNDERSTANDING the personalities of common cat breeds can help you choose a feline friend that matches your lifestyle. The Siamese, known for their striking blue eyes and vocal nature, are social and affectionate, often following their owners around and engaging

in conversations. Persian cats, with their long, luxurious fur, are gentle and laid-back, preferring a calm environment and plenty of pampering.

Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, known for their friendly and sociable nature. They enjoy interacting with their families and are good with children

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5

Excellent

My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks…

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

Tom C - homeowner in Mojacar

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.

and other pets. British Shorthairs, with their round faces and dense coats, are calm and easygoing, making them great companions. Bengals, with their exotic, leopard-like appearance, are energetic and playful, requiring plenty of stimulation. Finally, the Ragdoll is known for its docile and affectionate temperament.

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

Milo loves his cat-sitters and keeps a close eye on them.

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

ACCOUNTS

AIR CONDITIONING

BUILDERS

We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 711 086 162 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

- Why not make this year the year you volunteer?

MOTORING FOR SALE

€7.00 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotel turre@gmail.com fivebonehotel.com (305296)

PLUMBERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www. almeriabuilders.com (253556)

BUY & SELL

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services  take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at  www. almeria-anglican.com Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail. com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishlegion.org. uk/counties/spain-north

ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email  zurgenarblchair man@gmail.com - (253989)

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

OTHERS

EDS?  We have the solution, Kam agra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PETS

ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (305398)

ESTATE AGENT

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

INSURANCE

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure. com

LANGUAGE CLASSES

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (300468)

SOLAR ENERGY

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain.

REMOVALS

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €7.75, medium dogs €8.50, big dogs €9.25, cats from

Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (305375)

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

REMOVALS

MISCELLANEOUS

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)

The hunt is on! - Aston Martin searching for 1st car from 1914

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

THE search is on for a priceless piece of British luxury car brand Aston Martin’s earliest history. A1 was the very first car to be built by Bamford & Martin Ltd, the company that would quickly become Aston Martin.

Nicknamed ‘Coal Scuttle’ because of its simple styling that was, to many, redolent of the ubiquitous fuel container that almost every home in the nation would have possessed.

However, Aston Martin sold its earliest model for the princely sum of £50 in 1924 and, not long after that, the car disappeared entirely.

Now, 110 years after its manufacture and 100 years after its sale, the Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) is launching a global hunt for this priceless missing piece of the brand’s history.

The AMHT is asking car enthusiasts around the world to check their garages, outhouses, barns and stores for any potential tra

ces of the missing car. Trust Treasurer, Garry Taylor, said: “We are very fortunate here at the AMHT to have the oldest known Aston Martin in existence, now known as A3, but, to date, ‘Coal Scuttle’ has eluded us.”

Built in 1914, by a small team

of engineers led by marque founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, this first car was aspiring to be a high-quality sporting car rivalling the likes of Bugatti.

The First World War interrupted its development, although

Lionel Martin was still able to formally register the car as an ‘Aston-Martin’ on March 16, 1915.

Bamford had fought in France during the war and, having survived both the conflict and the Spanish Flu pandemic, he opted to leave the business to concentrate on a quieter life, passing on his shareholding to Kate Martin, wife of his former business partner Lionel.

As Bamford & Martin Ltd regrouped in 1919 it entered its lone car, ‘Coal Scuttle’, in the first available UK sporting event, the London to Edinburgh Trial.

This was a true test of machinery, driving all the way on rough roads and tracks with all manner of pitfalls possible. Thankfully the car completed the event in good time, earning a Gold Medal in the process. Anyone who does feel they can shed more light on the whereabouts, or fate, of ‘Coal Scuttle’ is asked to contact that AMHT via its website: https://amht. org.uk/contact/

Converting a Van into a Campervan

CONVERTING a van into a campervan has become an increasingly popular way to embrace the freedom of the open road while enjoying the comforts of home. This DIY project allows you to create a personalised, mobile living space that’s perfect for exploring the country.

The first step is planning. Consider your needs and budget - will you require a full kitchen setup, a bathroom, or simply a cosy sleeping area? Sketch out a layout that maximises space and functionality.

Essential features often include a bed, storage, a small kitchenette, and possibly a seating area that doubles as a workspace.

Insulating your van is crucial for comfort, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Install proper insulation materials in the

walls, ceiling, and floor.

Next, consider installing a power system with solar panels or a secondary battery to power lights, appliances, and gadgets. Water storage and a small sink can make your travels more convenient.

When it comes to furnishing, opt for lightweight, multi-functional furniture to save space. For example, a foldable bed can transform into a seating area during the day. Personalise the interior with decor that reflects your style, making it a true home on wheels.

Credit: Brian Sneddon

Top 2024 transfers

THE transfer period has been long, so you may need a recap about who to expect to see on the pitch this season. Top European clubs have been active, with high-profile signings around Europe.

Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal to Southampton: £18m ($23.7m)

Southampton’s summer-long search for a goalkeeper has ended in a way they probably didn’t think possible. Signing Ramsdale is a bit of a coup for the club. Add-ons could see the deal reach £25m in total.

Conor Gallagher

Chelsea to Athlético de Madrid: €42m (£36m; $45m)

This move will likely disappoint fans who saw Gallagher as a promising academy product and captain of the team last season. Despite his potential, Gallagher’s contract was nearing expiration, leading to a relatively modest transfer fee.

Julián Álvarez

Manchester City to Athlético de Madrid: €75m (£64m; $82m)

In a major transfer deal, Julián Álvarez has joined Atlético Madrid from Manchester City for a fee that could reach €95 million with add-ons. This significant investment reflects Álva-

rez’s exceptional talent and potential.

Riccardo Calafiori

Bologna to Arsenal: €40m (£33.7m; $43.4m)

Following his impressive performances at Euro 2024, Riccardo Calafiori has attracted the attention of top European clubs. Arsenal has secured his signature for a fee of €40 million plus €5 million in add-ons.

Michael Olise

Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich: €60m (£50.7m; $64.4m)

Olise’s impressive performances, including four goals and three assists in his final six games of the 2023-24 season, caught the attention of Bayern officials.

Endrick

Palmeiras to Real Madrid: €72m ($77.3m)

Real Madrid has secured the signature of Endrick, a promising young striker from Brazil. While Endrick won’t officially join Real Madrid until he turns 18 in July 2024, his signing demonstrates the club’s commitment to developing future stars.

Marc Marquez’s victory

MARC MARQUEZ, Spain’s celebrated six-time MotoGP champion, has finally broken his three-year winless streak with a triumphant victory at the Aragon Grand Prix.

This victory marks the end of a 1,043-day dry spell for Marquez, whose last Grand Prix win occurred in 2021 at the Emilia Romagna race.

Riding his Ducati satellite Gresini bike, Marquez dominated the Aragon weekend, beginning with a commanding win in Saturday’s sprint race. He continued his impressive form into Sunday’s main event, crossing the finish line almost five seconds ahead of Jorge Martin. Pedro Acosta completed the podium, finishing in third place.

The atmosphere at Aragon was electric as Marquez celebrated in front of his home crowd. After taking the chequered flag, the Spanish rider dismounted his bike,

kissed the track, and treated his fans to an impromptu dance - an emotional end to a long and challenging period without a win.

This victory not only revitalises Marquez’s career but also has significant implications for the MotoGP championship.

Jorge Martin now leads the riders’ standings by 23 points, benefiting

from the misfortune of two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who crashed out with just five laps remaining. Marquez’s return to form is a reminder of the resilience and determination that defines great champions. His victory at Aragon is a testament to his enduring talent and the unwavering support of his fans.

Marc Marquez celebrating.

Credit: Instagram.