Costa Calida 5 – 11 Sep 2024 Issue 2044

Ship shape Cartagena

SEPTEMBER is shaping up to be an exceptionally lively month for Cartagena, thanks to a wave of international cruise ships set to dock at its port. Over the course of the month, 17 cruises will bring more than 30,000 passengers to the city, highlighting Cartagena’s growing prominence as a must-visit destination on major cruise itineraries.

Among the impressive lineup are two of the largest ships, the Sun Princess from Princess Cruises, with room for 5,189 guests, and the Arvia from P&O Cruises, which can accommodate 5,600 passengers. These floating cities not only offer tourists a chance to soak up Cartagena’s rich history and vibrant culture but also deliver a substantial economic boost to local businesses.

Cartagena will welcome ships from renowned cruise lines like Viking Ocean Cruises, with three of its

vessels making stops: the Viking Saturn on September 12, the Viking Sky on the 21st, and the Viking Venus on the 28th, each carrying around 2,500 passengers. The AIDAstella from AIDA Cruises will also make two visits on September 5 and 15, bringing an additional 2,500

visitors each time.

The influx of visitors is set to spark a busy month for Cartagena’s local shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, enhancing the city’s reputation as a top Mediterranean destination. With data showing a rise in foreign visitors compared to 2023, Carta-

gena continues to attract travellers from around the globe, with the UK, France, and Germany leading the way. As September unfolds, Cartagena’s charm and lively atmosphere promise to captivate thousands of cruise passengers eager to explore its historic treasures.

Best in the World

THE British publication, the Telegraph , has ranked Calblanque Beach in the Region of Murcia as the second-best beach in the world!

The selection criteria focused on factors like marine life diversity, pristine condition, and overall conservation efforts. Of course, beach preferences are highly subjective and vary greatly from person to person. Still, the Telegraph aimed to objectively highlight the world’s top beaches based on beauty, water quality, accessibility, and conservation.

While Indonesia’s Nihiwatu Beach clinched the top spot for its crystal-clear waters and untouched natural surroundings, the

real surprise was Calblanque’s impressive second-place finish. Located in the Calblanque Regional Park, this hidden gem is one of the Mediterranean’s most unspoiled coastal areas, featuring stunning spots like Playa Larga and Playa del Negrete, perfect for those seeking a true connection with nature.

Spain had other notable mentions as well, with San Sebastián’s La Concha Beach and Mallorca’s Cala Tuent recognised for their unique atmospheres and hidden beauty. These rankings showcase the rich diversity and natural charm of Spain’s coastlines, offering something special for every beach lover.

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!

Costa Calida • Issue No. 2044 • 5 - 11 Sept 2024 FREE

GRATIS

Cartagena’s cruise season soars.

THE sea bream fishing industry in the Mar Menor is facing significant challenges due to an unprecedented increase in jellyfish. This summer, the proliferation of jellyfish has severely disrupted fishing operations, leading to a sharp decline in sea bream catches.

Since the Mar Menor began experiencing severe environmental issues, local fishermen have struggled to recover their former productivity. In 2020, catches of sea bream were around 352,867 kilos. By 2023, this figure had plummeted to just 38,654 kilos, with the current year showing an even more alarming drop to 16,385 kilos. The jellyfish invasion is exacerbating this

Quiet escape Net loss

decline by filling nets and reducing the quality of the fish, which now has less economic value.

As the fishing community continues to deal with these difficulties, there are growing concerns about the longterm impact on both the local economy and the marine ecosystem.

Smoking vs vaping

TEENAGERS in the Region of Murcia are lighting up less but vaping more. A recent study reveals that half of students aged 14 to 18 tried e-cigarettes in the last year, a 22.7 per cent jump since 2021. While cigare tte smoking has dropped, with only 18.7 per cent of teens having smoked in the past month - a record low since 2012 - the shift to vaping is raising alarms among experts who fear it could be a gateway to traditional smoking.

Interestingly, both boys and girls are vaping at similar rates now, unlike two years ago when it was more common among boys. Murcia ranks third in Spain for e-cigarette use among teens, behind Andalucia and Extremadura.

IF you’re craving a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further than La Murta, a quaint village just 20 km from Murcia’s capital.

With under 100 inhabitants, La Murta is quickly becoming the goto spot for those looking for sustainable and local tourism options. As more people shift towards shorter, environmentally-friendly trips, La Murta offers the perfect weekend getaway without the stress of long travels.

Located on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Carrascoy, this pret-

ty village is surrounded by almond fields and lush pine and oak forests. In spring, the landscape transforms into a pastel paradise, ideal for nature lovers.

Despite its size, La Murta boasts a cosy bar-restaurant, a senior centre, and a charming chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross.

The star attraction? An advanced municipal observatory with a state-of-the-art telescope, perfect for stargazing away from city lights. For those looking to unplug and reconnect with nature, La Murta is the place to be.

Image: Shutterstock/ Sonia Bonet

Reconnect with nature’s beauty.

Image: Shutterstock/ Oleggg

Murcia teens choose vaping.

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.

Murcia’s food scene

A NEW study by the Institute of Tourism and the University of Murcia reveals that Murcia’s food scene is a major draw for visitors from Valencia and Barcelona. The ‘Tourist Perception Study on the Murcia Region’ shows an impressive 95 per cent of tourists from these cities are highly satisfied with the local cuisine.

But it’s not just the food that’s turning heads. The study highlights that Murcia’s pleasant climate, year-round coastal tourism, and attractions like cultural and nature experiences are also big hits. Specifically, 73 per cent of respondents value the sunny weather, and 64 per cent appreciate coastal tourism.

September

METEOROLOGISTS are sounding the alarm for Murcia and the Levante region with the arrival of September, warning of potential severe weather events.

Experts from Meteored caution that if forecasts hold, the region could experience torrential rains, a phenomenon not uncommon during this time

Festival and concert tourism is gaining traction too, with 19 per cent noting it as a highlight. Murcia’s charm extends beyond just sun and sea, aligning with its Strategic Tourism Plan 2022-2032, which aims to diversify its offerings.

Interestingly, visitors who have been to Murcia before rate their experiences 20 points higher than first-timers. Popular spots include Murcia City, Mar Menor, and La Manga.

Juan Francisco Martínez from the Institute of Tourism calls the study crucial for refining marketing strategies and strengthening connections with nearby markets.

storms

of year in the Mediterranean.

According to Samuel Biener, a Meteored expert, September is typically one of the rainiest months for Murcia.

This year, the Mediterranean Sea’s higherthan-usual temperatures are causing concern, as the warmer waters can act as a catalyst for intense rains. The potential arrival of a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) or a trough - a weather pattern known for destabilising conditions and triggering strong storms - could further exacerbate the situation.

While temperatures in Murcia might stay one to three degrees above ave-

rage in early September, these warmer conditions don’t rule out the likelihood of storms.

Meteorologists are clo-

sely monitoring any signs of a DANA, which could bring significant rainfall and even flooding to the region.

Food Bank support

THE Food Bank of the Murcia Region is seeing a 50 per cent increase in food bank users, and the profile of those seeking help is shifting.

According to Juan Gómez Ayala, the president of the Food Bank, many

of the new clients are workers on part-time contracts, making them ‘working poor’. The demand for food continues to rise, prompting Ayala to call for donations of non-perishable items like legumes, pasta, and

oil. The Food Bank works with around 90 associations that distribute food to those in need. To raise funds, the GITVA association from Vista Alegre is hosting a charity gala at the Teatro Apolo in El Algar on September 14.

Last year, the Food Bank assisted nearly 40,000 people and distributed over three tons of food. Your support could make a big difference. For more information about how you can help or donate food see bancodealimentosre giondemurcia.org.

Murcia faces storm risk.

Festival preparations

CARTAGENA is buzzing as preparations ramp up for the Carthagineses & Romans festival, which takes place this year from September 20 until September 29, with the main camp sta-

Day trip

ying at the Rambla de Benipila.

The city council has been busy sprucing up the area with infrastructure improvements, tree pruning, and extra cleaning efforts.

A journey through time.

In a first, the sacred torch for this year’s festival will travel from outside the region, starting in Linares on Saturday, September 14.

The torch will make a 270-kilometre journey through towns like Baeza, Quesada, and Lorca before arriving in Cartagena. Fifty participants will carry the torch in what promises to be a lively celebration.

Another torch will set off from Santomera on September 20, heading to Cerro del Molinete to officially kick off the festivities.

This year’s festival celebrates the shared Iberian past of these communities, making it a true historical spectacle not to be missed!

GET ready for a fun day out with Andrea’s Animal Rescue! Join them on Sunday, September 22, for an exciting coach trip to Benidorm, all while supporting a great cause! Andrea’s Animal Rescue, in partnership with The Henrietta Foundation, is dedicated to rescuing and caring for 117 abandoned donkeys.

During the trip the bustling Benidorm market awaits you! Dive into shopping, enjoy the lively atmosphere, or simply relax and people-watch – one of our favourite pastimes! Whether you’re hunting for treasures or soaking up the sun, the day is yours to enjoy.

Pickups: 8.00am at Puerto de Mazarrón bus station and 8.30am at Camposol B Sec car park. Tickets are just €20 per person. To snag your spot, drop them a message or call: Andrea on 690 906 565 or Mandy on 604 129 024.

Check out the beaches, markets, bars, restaurants, and the charming old town. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled day for a great cause!

Sun, shopping, animal support.

Mar Menor madness

HOUSING prices around the Mar Menor are hitting new highs yet again as demand for seaside living pushes costs up over 10 per cent each month, according to Idealista. In Cartagena, buying a home now costs around €1,229 per square metre. Over in Los Alcázares, prices are even steeper at €1,553 per square metre. While Cartagena has cheaper areas, the Mar Menor’s attraction keeps driving prices up, especially with its

close proximity - just 25 minutes by car - to the city.

Torre Pacheco, only 21 minutes from Cartagena, has also seen a price hike, with the square metre now at €1,410, up 18 per cent in the past year. San Javier isn’t far behind, at €1,678 per square metre, reflecting a 13 per cent increase.

Luxury spots like La Manga and Cabo de Palos are even pricier. In La Manga’s Galúa area, prices hit €1,916

per square metre, while Cabo de Palos tops the charts at €3,464 per square metre, a 15 per cent jump over the last year. The steep prices are due to limited availability.

This national trend of rising prices is prompting the Spanish government to focus on increasing affordable housing. For the Region of Murcia, the goal is to create 911 affordable rental homes, including 569 specifically for social rental.

Seaside property prices skyrocket. Images:

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 devoted so much of his time to fun draising and raising awa reness of causes that were so close to his heart. It is this devotion that led to him being awar ded a British Empi re Medal (BEM) for services to charity in the New Year’s Honours List publi shed in December 2019. After hearing the heartbreaking announ cement of his cancer diagnosis, the people

of Costa 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.

Credit: Audrey Gorman

Shelter strain

THE abandonment of pets in the Region of Murcia has reached alarming levels, particularly during the summer months. Animal shelters and local services are overwhelmed by the increasing number of abandoned animals, many of which are adult dogs without microchips. The situation is made worse by the low number of animals with proper identification, despite the system being mandatory for years.

Adding to the challenge is a significant drop in adoptions, which has left many shelters struggling to keep up. International adoptions have also decreased, particularly from countries that are now focusing on animals affected by other crises like the war in Ukraine. Despite these overwhelming challenges, local animal charities continue

to work tirelessly, providing care, shelter and hope for countless abandoned pets. Their dedication has become a lifeline for the animals, and their relentless efforts bring some relief to the crisis.

Even though the numbers are daunting, some people still offer hope by

adopting pets in need. For these adopters, the bond with their rescued animals provides both a second chance for the pets and emotional comfort for the owners, creating a mutually beneficial relationship in an otherwise difficult situation.

Stevie Spit BEM.

Shelters saving innocent lives.

Sauna society

MORE Swedes are becoming na turists; “This is an antidote,” said Swedish artist Cristian Quinte ros Sotos about his work Bath season at Stockholm’s Fringe Festival, which explores how nude bathing can normalise society’s approach to the naked body.

With his experimental work, Sotos makes art out of sauna baths, wanting to “normalise the body” while we are fed manipulated images of bodies on social media. “I see this as an antidote to that, here you can come and look exact ly how you look, it’s the opposite of social media where I’m expected to show my best side.”

According to Sweden’s Naturist Association, nudists in Sweden have been on the rise since the hit of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This has especially been the case with sauna visitors, as Swedes begin to learn about the healthy benefits of cleansing and connecting with the body.

Cristian Quinteros Sotos is fascinated by sauna culture, as he considers it a place isolated from society’s barriers; “All prejudices and

expectations about the body just disappear in the sauna, there we can meet as people regardless of where we came from. As a person who is racialised in Sweden, there is a care for me in this place by people who might not have given it to me in other contexts.”

He argued that when “taken into a larger perspective,” sauna practice can contribute to “a caring society.”

Europe holiday gap

THE ability to take vacations varies significantly across the European Union, highlighting economic disparities. According to Eurostat, nearly 29 per cent of EU citizens aged 16 and over couldn’t afford a weeklong trip in 2023.

While 62 per cent of EU citizens took at least one non-work trip in 2022, this only includes trips with overnight stays. This means that 38 per cent of EU citizens didn’t take any holidays that year.

Financial constraints are

a primary factor limiting vacation access within the EU. Countries with stronger economies tend to have higher rates of vacation-taking. Spending power on vacations also varies significantly across Europe. Luxembourg and Austria had the highest tourist spending per night, at €175 and €154, respectively.

Several factors contribute to the disparities between even neighbouring European countries. The greatest of this must be economic inequality. Holidays

are a luxury and are closely linked to individuals’ economic conditions as well as those of their country. The study also doesn’t take into account holidays less than a week-long. It could be that families choose to take shorter but more frequent breaks in some countries. Either way, holidays are culturally and socially important and can strengthen family bonds. Let’s hope that as economic conditions improve, more families will be able to take a well-deserved break.

Sotos makes art out of sauna baths.

Credit: Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

Families choose to take shorter, more frequent breaks.

Credit Shutterstock

COSTA CALIDA

Curry Night

Grace Meredith

LOOKING for a fun night out while supporting a great cause? Mark your calendars for Age Concern Costa Calida’s Bollywood Curry Night on Saturday, October 12, from 4pm to 8pm! This lively event, set in the cosy Age Concern Social Centre garden at 2b Avenida de Los Covachos, promises a

fantastic blend of vibrant music, dancing, and, of course, mouth-watering curry. Get ready to enjoy three scrumptious curries while you groove to some Bollywood tunes. Best part? Every penny raised helps Age Concern Costa Calida continue its vital work for those over 50, offering advice, befriending, hospital visits, and

medical equipment hire - all thanks to their dedicated team of unpaid volunteers. For more info or to grab your tickets, just call, text, or WhatsApp 623 118 062 or 634 344 589, or drop an email to age concerncostacalida@gmail. com. Don’t miss out on this fantastic evening of food, fun, and fundraising!

Vintage Car Fundraiser

ATTENTION classic car enthusiasts! Alhama de Murcia is gearing up for the 15th Classic Car Gathering on Saturday, September 21, at the Nueva Espuña fairgrounds. This popular event, a staple for motor fans in the region, promises a fun-filled day for the whole family.

The town’s festivities chief, Daniel Ruano, along with Juan González, president of the Club Motors Classic Alhama de Murcia, and club secretary Isabel García, have organised a pac-

Afternoon

READY for a delightful afternoon of tea, treats, and games? Join Age Concern Costa Calida for their Afternoon Tea and Bingo event on Wednesday, September 18, from 2pm to 4pm. For just €7.50, you’ll enjoy a charming tea party with tasty snacks and a fun-filled bingo session at the Age Concern Social Centre,

Tea

ked schedule. Expect activities like a ribbon race, live music, and a chance to explore a rolling museum of vintage vehicles. A highlight this year is the ‘zero vehicle zero registration’ initiative, aimed at raising funds for the 22q Syndrome Association. All funds from these registrations will go to this charitable cause.

Don’t miss out on this chance to indulge in your love for classic cars and support a worthy cause. See you there!

located at 2b Avenida de Los Covachos.

This event is a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon while supporting a fantastic cause.

Age Concern Costa Calida, run entirely by passionate volunteers, provides essential services for the over 50s, including advice, befriending, hospital visits, and medical equip-

ment hire.

Don’t miss out - grab your tickets and make a difference while having a great time. For more details or to book your spot, call, text, or WhatsApp 623 118 062 or 634 344 589, or email agecon cern-costacalida@gmail. com. See you there for an afternoon of fun and community spirit!

Food truck festival

GET ready, food lovers!

The much-anticipated food truck festival of Murcia is back, now rebranded as ‘Cómete Murcia,’ (Eat Up Murcia). From September 5 to 16, head over to Jardín Teniente

Flomesta, also known as Jardín Chino, to indulge in a feast of flavours as part of the Feria de Murcia (Murcia Fair) celebrations. With over 14 food trucks, ‘Cómete Murcia’ promises a variety of treats from croquetas and hot dogs to Mexican cuisine and refreshing cocktails. Don’t worry if you have dietary restrictions - there are gluten-free and vegan options too!

The festival isn’t just

about food; it’s packed with fun for all ages, including stilt walkers, ball pits, workshops, live DJ sets, and more. Plus, join Estrella de Levante for exclusive tastings!

Kicking off on Friday, September 6, the festival runs from 6.00pm to 12.30am with free entry. Check out the full schedule at www.cometemurcia. es and join the eco-friendly fun, where everything is recyclable and compostable!

Image: Shutterstock/ topseller

Caption: Bollywood Beats and Curry

Princess to Queen Keoghan and Cillian

Linda Hall

SEVENTY-TWO per cent of Spain’s population believe that Leonor, Princess of Asturias, will eventually reign as queen.

When Felipe VI took over from his father Juan Carlos 1 in June 2014, his daughters Leonor and Sofia lived as far away from the public gaze as possible.

Now, though, the heir to the throne,

ght she would reign, compared with 20 per cent of who did not. Eight per cent failed to answer or said they did not know.

Amongst women, certainty that the Princess of Asturias would become queen rose to 74 per cent, compared with 71 per cent of males. The younger the participants of both sexes, the greater the belief that Leonor would reign. This ranged from 73 per cent for the 18-29 age group, 74 per cent for those between 30-44 but fell to 71 per cent amongst the

pants thou

Meanwhile, Leonor is not alone as a queen-in-waiting, as she is accompanied by Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth (23), Princess Catharina-Amalia (20) in the Netherlands, Princess Victoria (47) of Sweden, and Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway (20), second in line after Crown Prince Haakon.

DUBLIN’s own Barry Keoghan is set to join Cillian Murphy on the big screen.

Barry Keoghan, 31, known for his roles in Saltburn and Banshees of Inisherin, will be starring alongside Cillian Murphy, 48, in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film.

Irish actor Barry Keoghan has had a rapid rise in film, with accolades including a BAFTA Award, along with nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards.

The film will be a continuation of the multi-award-win-

ning, six-season gangster saga, set in Birmingham between 1919 and 1934, featuring a star-studded cast of Rebecca Ferguson, Cillian Murphy from the original show, and now Barry Keoghan. The film will be made in association with BBC Film, written by the show’s original creator, Steven Knight, but the plot and further casting remain tightly under wraps.

On his return to his famous Tommy Shelby role, Cillian Murphy said, “It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me.”

“It is very gratifying to be recollaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders.” Murphy told Netflix, adding “This is one for the fans.” Mr Knight stated “I’m genuinely thrilled that this movie is about to happen. It will be an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full on Peaky Blinders at war.”

Tom Harper, who directed episodes in the first season in 2013, will also return to Peaky Blinders for the big-screen adaptation.

Two award-winning Irish actors will perform side-by-side in the Peaky Blinders film.

PRINCESS LEONOR: Now an ensign in Spain’s Navy.

Photo credit: Casa Real

Margaret Thatcher portrait removed

Letara Draghia

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 reac tions across the politi cal field.

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 first portrait of a former prime minister specifically 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 figures. 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 significant influence 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, reflecting the complex and enduring impact of Thatcher’s policies on the nation.

Low salary

THE 32-year-old Hazem Ashour, originally from Egypt is a co-founder of the Swedish company Hemavi; despite being honoured by King Carl XVI Gustaf for his contributions to the tech industry, his salary was declared ‘too low’ to allow a work permit.

In 2021, Hazem Ashour was awarded ‘the Settler of the Year’ by King Carl XVI Gustaf, honouring him as one of Sweden’s finest foreign entrepreneurs. His company, Hemavi aids exchange students in finding housing in Sweden, attracting tens of thousands of users and securing more than 10 million kronor (€880,258) in investments.

Despite his achievements, the Swedish Migration Agency rejected Ashour’s work permit application.

Although Ashour’s monthly salary increased

DESPITE the promise of the end of summer, Europe remains in the grip of a scorching heatwave. As September begins, a vast heat dome continues to cover much of the continent, with no immediate relief in sight. This heatwave is particularly concerning for vulnerable

to 42,000 kronor (€3,700) in December 2023, his 35,000 kronor (€4,692) salary in November of the same year, was claimed insufficient to obtain a work permit, as the Swedish Migration Agency cited the required CEO salary as 40,000 kronor (€3,542).

He responded to the Agency, arguing that he had accepted a lower salary to reinvest in his company; his appeal led

to the annulment of the initial ruling, prompting a re-examination of the case.

“I moved to Sweden almost six years ago, completed my studies, and built a company that employs people, pays taxes, and provides a service that people appreciate. Yet, in return, I’m being treated like a criminal. It just doesn’t feel right,” shared Ashour to the Press.

populations, including the elderly, low-income households, and outdoor workers.

Temperatures are expected to remain well above average throughout early September, especially in Central Europe, Italy, and the Balkan peninsula. The heatwave is forecast to persist for at least another week.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

August 2024 was already a record-breaking month, and September has started with even more extreme temperatures. Numerous monthly records have been broken across Central Europe, with many stations recording all-time high temperatures for the month of September.

Climate Change and Rising Temperatures

The question of whether summers are getting hotter is increasingly relevant. Many people are noticing a trend of warmer summers compared to their childhoods. Climate change is said to be a significant factor contributing to these rising temperatures.

Pixabay, Pexels

Sweden’s government building.

No.10 Downing Street.

Credit: Shutterstock.

IRELAND

Data veto

THE South Dublin County Council turned down Google Ireland’s planning permission request for a new data centre at Grange Castle which would have created 800 construction jobs and employment for 50 once completed. The existing electricity supply would not be able to meet the data centre’s needs, the council said.

Beer facts

A SURVEY by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) found that average levels of alcohol consumption in the country had fallen by 21 per cent over the past 20 years. Beer remained the most popular drink, accounting for 42.9 per cent of all alcohol consumption in 2023, compared with 43.5 per cent in 2022.

DENMARK

Storm damage

COMPENSATION for flood damage caused by storms and extreme weather conditions towards the end of 2023 has already cost 509 million krone (€68.24 million), Denmark’s Natural Hazards Department revealed. This could eventually exceed one billion once all claims were processed, the Department told the Ritzau news agency.

A pretty penny

THE world’s most valuable coin collection will soon be auctioned, 101 years after the 1923 death of its owner, wealthy businessman Lars Emil Bruun. He left the 20,000 items to the State as an emergency replacement for the national collection, stipulating that they could be sold a century later for the benefit of his heirs.

ITALY

Tunnel closed

THE Mont Blanc tunnel between Italy and France closed to all traffic on September 2 and will not reopen until December 16 as major renovations are carried out on two 300-metre sections of vaulting. Once completed, similar work is due to begin in 2025 on another 600 metres of the 59-year-old tunnel.

True grit

GIUSEPPINA BARDELL, 89, survived for four days in a Varese forest, having become disorientated after falling and breaking several ribs while collecting mushrooms. Now hospitalised but in good health, she told rescuers that she drank water from puddles and covered herself with leaves to keep warm at night.

EURO PRESS

FRANCE

80 years on

ON August 25, Paris commemorated the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation after 1,500 days of occupation. During the celebrations firefighters raised the French flag at the Eiffel Tower, honouring the bravery of Captain Lucien Sarniguet and his men who hoisted the tricolore there after removing the Nazi flag.

NOT FORGOTTEN: Firefighters raise the French flag at the Eiffel Tower.

NORWAY SWEDEN

Charge sheet

THE owners of electric vehicles were initially allowed to use public transport lanes when the government wanted to promote their early use. Parliament will debate the future of the system in October, after several cities have since revoked this measure, resulting in traffic congestion and uncertainty amongst drivers.

More trouble

MARIUS BORG HOIBY, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a brief previous relationship, has already been charged with assaulting a female partner and wrecking her home on August 6. The 27-yearold now faces the additional charges of threatening her over the phone on August 7 and also stealing a scooter.

FINLAND

Cool reception

A SURVEY by professional bodies, TEK and IL, which represent Engineers and Architects, found that only 52 per cent of non-Finnish participants would recommend the country as a place to live and work. A further 81 per cent doubted that Finland would be a better place to live in five years’ time.

Mystery ship

DIVERS are investigating a shipwreck found in shallow waters near Helsinki’s Suomenlinna fortress area, where six forts were installed on eight islands in the 18th century. The hull was loaded with large stones, suggesting that the ship, built from timber that came from the Baltic coast, was deliberately sunk.

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

No cover

FOLLOWING a 5.3 magnitude earthquake in Lisbon on August 26, the Portuguese Insurers Association (APS) revealed that only 19 per cent of homes were insured against seismic risk, while 47 per cent had no insurance at all. “The real risk of a certain occurrence at an uncertain time was at stake,” the APS warned.

Speak well

THE Santa Maria hospital’s local health unit (ULS) in Lisbon announced that it will take legal action against people who condemned the hospital or its professionals on social media. If it considered that its “honour, reputation and good name” were put into doubt, cases would be reported to the courts, the ULS said.

Here to stay

TIGER mosquitoes have been identified on 13 occasions in nine Belgian locations since the beginning of 2024, the Sciensano Research Institute reported. Investigators found that more of these mosquitoes from southeast Asia were overwintering in more places, while eggs have survived in Wilrijk and Lebbeke.

Droning on

NATO placed a €60 million order for high-tech drones from Ostend-based company, Exail Robotics Belgium, which specialises in building drones designed to detect and destroy underwater mines. The Nato order will be used principally by the Belgian Navy, which focuses on ensuring safe passage for shipping.

Come and go

credit: Anne Hidalgo

THE government could offer cash incentives to foreign residents with Swedish nationality who were prepared to leave the country. A voluntary exit scheme already pays 10,000 krona (€882.60) plus travel costs to refugees and an official enquiry recommended extending this to naturalised Swedish citizens.

Facing the music

A BELARUSIAN deported after the Swedish authorities rejected his asylum request was arrested as soon as he arrived in Belarus, state broadcaster Sveriges Radio announced on Wednesday August 28. He had fled after taking part in the 2020 protests that followed the re-election of Alexander Lukashenko.

GERMANY

Farewell, Jan

JAN, the world’s oldest sloth, died aged 54 at the zoo in Krefeld, near Dusseldorf. Born in the wild in 1969 he spent some time in Hamburg’s Hagenbeck Zoo until 1986, living the rest of his life in Krefeld. During this time, Jan fathered 22 pups, the last of which was born in March this year despite his advanced years.

Home-grown

LITHIUM producer, Vulcan Energy Resources, began the commissioning phase at its Frankfurt-Hocht works with power now reaching the plant via the main switchboard for the first time. Once all phases have concluded, the factory will produce battery-grade lithium to ensure Europe’s ‘raw materials independence’.

NETHERLANDS

Unseen danger

A MAN of 67 died after he was attacked and trampled by a herd of cows while walking in a nature area near Spaubeek (Limburg) which has since been closed to walkers. A witness explained later that he had a dog on a leash which made a move towards the cows, after which they turned on the man and ran him down.

Computer says no

KEY computer problems impacted several government offices and public services on August 28, with the Coast Guard and border control services temporarily affected. The reasons for the failures were not immediately detectible and investigators admitted they were unsure whether they were related.

Photo

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).

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

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.”

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.

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.

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

Wheelchair users face many inaccessible areas.

Onkalo project in Finland.

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 firmly 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, cornflour, skimmed milk powder, cheese powder, sugar, garlic flavouring, 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.

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.

Credit: Heinz UK, Facebook

The new Heinz Spaghetti Carbonara.

Joana Carvalhas

Credit: Joana Carvalhas

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.

X and Shutterstock.

Upside-down pineapples and watermelons: Codes for love.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Supporting you every step of the way

COLLYFER Funeral Directors is a family-run business with a proud history spanning over 50 years, with its head office in Huércal-Overa. Over the decades, the company has expanded its presence across the Almeria and Murcia provinces, becoming a trusted name in funeral services in the region.

In a pioneering move within Spain, Collyfer was the first funeral director to offer pre-paid funeral plans directly to its clients. These plans cater to a wide range of needs and preferences, allowing families to make arrangements in advance and ensuring peace of mind for their loved ones. Among the options is the newly introduced DIRECT CREMATION plan, which provides a no-fuss funeral service, catering to those who prefer simplicity and minimal ceremony.

The company has recently completed the first phase of its Crematorium Project, situated on the outskirts of Huercal-Overa. This development represents a significant enhancement in the services Collyfer can offer, providing families with the option of holding cremations closer to home. The

new crematorium allows for a more personalised and intimate experience, with the option to attend the cremation in person.

Collyfer’s new facility is designed with the utmost care and considera tion for the families it serves. The building features air-conditioned offices where fa milies can arrange the funeral of their loved ones in a serene and peaceful setting. The facility also includes a display of urns and memorial jewellery, enabling families to choose how they would like their loved one’s remains to be presented.

the gardens.

The crematorium offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for services, accommodating various preferences and traditions. For those who wish to attend their loved one’s cremation, a private room is available, where personalised imagery and music can be projected, creating a meaningful and comforting atmosphere.

The surrounding gardens provide a tranquil space where ashes can be interred, offering a lasting place of remembrance. Families can also leave a tribute on the Memory Tree or have a plaque placed in

Collyfer cover all areas of Almeria and parts of Murcia Karen 617 456 335 • karencecere@collyfer.com John 617 456 259 • johnharris@collyfer.com

Looking ahead, Collyfer’s Memorial Lake will soon offer a serene setting where families can scatter the ashes of their loved ones on the water. This peaceful and welcoming environment has already garnered positive feedback from those who have visited in the first weeks of its opening.

At Collyfer, the team understands the challenges and emotional strain that come with arranging a funeral, particularly in a foreign country. With four English-speaking staff members - Karen, John, Ben, and Francisco - the company is equipped to guide and support families through every step of the process, whether a plan, insurance, or no prior arrangements are in place.

Granada’s hidden gems!

NAMED either after the pomegranates (granadas in Spanish) that grow here or the Moorish name Karnattah (possibly meaning ‘hill of strangers’), Granada boasts a fascinating history.

This city, a firm favourite with tourists, was once home to Iberians (Elibyrge in the fifth century BC) and Romans (Illiberis). Later, it became the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, conquered by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492.

Granada is a treasure trove of architecture. Splendid Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical churches, convents, palaces and mansions line the streets. At the heart of the city is the Gothic Cathedral with its Royal Chapel, housing the tombs of the famous monarchs and adorned with jasper and colourful marble. Art lovers will find plenty to admire inside, including works by sculptor Alonso Cano.

Head to the Albaicín, Granada’s oldest quarter, and wander its narrow, cobbled streets lined with cármenes (Moorish-style houses). Across the Darro River lies the Al -

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

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

hambra, the Insta-friendly Moorish palace, along with its guardian fortress, the Alcazaba, and the Generalife, a summer retreat for Moorish sultans. History buffs amongst you will lap up the Alcázar, a 14th-century palace built for Moorish queens, and the 13th-century Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo villa. The Alhambra and Generalife were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1984, the Albaicín following suit in 1994.

So, put on your walking shoes and get exploring!

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

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

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

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!’

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’

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.

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.

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!

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

Movaldi’s

MOVALDI’S AMERICAN 2 CENTS SNAPSHOT FROM COAST TO COAST

Brussels Gardens Phone ban

Harry Sinclair

AN online tool is helping Brussels residents better connect with green spaces and nature spots.

Brussels Gardens is a website managed by the Brussels Environment Agency, and acts as an online directory for parks and forests in the capital.

There are many green spaces and natural spots in and around the capital, offering the perfect place for family activities, quiet reading, historical monuments, or local flora and fauna.

In a press release published on Friday August 30, Brussels Environment announced that the site has received some much-needed updates, smoothing out the user experience.

With the new updates, it is easier than ever for a user to find what they’re looking for from Brussels’ green spaces with the ability to filter searches and locate nearby forests or parks tailored to what the user wants.

“Whether you’re looking for a playground, a quiet spot by the water, or want to learn more about local flora and fauna, Brussels Gardens has something for everyone,” the agency stated.

Brussels Gardens displays all that the city’s green spaces have to offer, including a selection of walking, cycling and running trails to choose from.

Anna Akopyan FRENCH authorities plan to trial a ban on mobile phones at schools for children up to the age of 15; a ‘digital pause’ which if proven successful, would be implemented from January 2025.

and bullying.

guidance, which while being followed in Madrid, Galicia, and Leon, is disregarded in other regions of Spain.

portant information including each route’s length, gradient, location and the municipalities and green areas crossed, as well as users being able to see which outdoor summer bars are nearby.

Users can also find interactive experiences to partake in on the Brussels Gardens site, as well as users being able to see details about upcoming events and important resources in all Brussels parks and forests.

Around 200 secondary schools in France will trial a prohibition of mobile phones, requiring students to hand over their devices during the morning reception.

In March this year, a report was published by the French government declaring that there was “a very clear consensus on the direct and indirect negative effects of digital devices on sleep, on being sedentary, a lack of physical activity and the risk of being overweight and even obese … as well as on sight.”

With the rapid progress of technology, teachers and parents have been growing concerned about children’s use of smartphones, often leading to mental health problems, lack of focus,

In February this year, the Westminster government issued a non-statutory guidance stating that schools should prohibit phones, although individual headteachers should “develop and implement a policy… which reflects their school’s individual contexts and needs.”

In Germany and The Netherlands, it is too, a recommendation and not a legal obligation to prohibit mobile phones, which reflects the government’s awareness of today’s digitalisation.

French schools are trying to ban mobile phones.

The site also provides im-

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.

Almeria Cheap city escapes

AFTER the busy and hot Spanish summer, September is the perfect time to enjoy a quieter and cheaper holiday experience, and Almeria Airport has two European capitals and a national city you can fly to for less than €100.

Within the Iberian Peninsular, in September, you can get a direct flight from the provincial capital to Bilbao for €58, departing on September 22 and returning on 29.

Bilbao is one of Spain’s most charming cities with a river running through it, surrounded by green mountains, and has easy access to both Barcelona and the capital, Madrid.

Outside of Spain, you can experience the capital of France and the host city of this year’s Olympic games, with flights from Almeria airport to Paris in September starting from only €88.

Last on this list is Belgium’s beauty, Brussels. In September, you can fly from the capital of Almeria to the capital of Belgium for less than €100, with a minimum price of €92.

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 is 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.

PETS

Feline friend finder Dog treat

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 interac-

Milo

ting with their families and are good with children and other pets. British Shorthairs, with their round faces and dense coats, are calm and easygoing, making them great companions for quieter households.

Bengals, with their exotic, leopard-like appearance, are energetic and playful, requiring plenty of stimulation and exercise. Finally, the Ragdoll is known for its docile and affectionate temperament, often going limp when held, hence the name. Each breed offers unique traits, ensuring there’s a perfect cat for every home.

Anna Akopyan

DOLCE & GABBANA

launched a new perfume for dogs for €99, titled Fefe; it is inspired by Domenico Dolce’s ‘unconditional love’ for his ‘loyal dog Fefe’, revealed D&G’s website.

“I am delicate, charismatic, authentic, sensitive, enigmatic, rebel, fresh,

likes to get up close to know his cat-sitters

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 accommodation for free pet care!

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked

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

Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed

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

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

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Premium account (£69 pa) to ensure you get help online

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

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

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

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

Tom C - homeowner in Mojacar

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

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

irresistible, clean. Cause I’m not just a dog. I’m Fefe,” said the narrator in the perfume commercial to the image of perfectly groomed pups. Fefe comes in a sleek green lacquered glass bottle, adorned with a vibrant red metal cap and a precious 24-carat gold-plated paw,” for the pets of the most high-maintenance owners.

The bottle is priced at €99 in 100ml and is complemented by a Dolce & Gabbana dog collar with a tag and optional engravings.

Although this isn’t the first perfume for dogs, it is a pioneer in the high fashion industry and has pro-

voked mixed reactions. PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk was also unimpressed by Fefe; “Dogs (...) can smell 10,000 to 100,000 times better than humans, so squirting them with a fragrance designed to please humans can upset them greatly.” She advised against the perfume; “our dogs love us just as we are - and we should extend the same courtesy to them.”

According to D&G, however, the market “reacted well” to Fefe. “Everyone went crazy at the announcement.” D&G also clarified that the perfume is ‘vet approved’ and certified by Safe Pet Cosmetics.

Credit:

Dolce Gabbana, Instagram

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

CLASSIFIEDS

BUY & SELL

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

CHARITY

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your lifedamaging everything that is important to you.

English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem

FOR SALE

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

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

INSURANCE

ABBEYGATE Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure. com (302721)

MASSAGE

ELEGANTE, slim Sophie. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (303958)

MOTORING

OTHERS

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CARS

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

Simple driving rules

DRIVING in Spain is generally an easygoing experience with comparatively few traffic problems. It is easy to forget, though, that there are some rules of the road that may be different here compared to in other countries.

Nonetheless, it is essential all drivers are aware of rules that may lead to fines, and especially those here driving on licences from their own countries, or those who have been fortunate enough to have exchanged their licence for a Spanish one without having to take a test.

For example, driving with your elbow resting out of the window. Spanish road law requires all occupants of a vehicle maintain a sensible position

‘within’ the vehicle. Failure to comply could earn a €100 fine.

Driving barefoot, in flip-flops, in just a bikini or without a shirt is also a big nono, and comes with a €200 fine.

Retouching make-up in the mirror at traffic lights, or eating while driving fetches a whopping €200 fine and two points off the licence.

Car horns are for emergencies only, and not for you to vent your anger.

While driving in the middle or left hand lane without overtaking anyone, according to Articles 28 and 31 of the driving code, might result in a €200 bill.

While filling up at the petrol station with the radio on comes with a €90 fine.

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/

Guardia Civil spot check.