Costa de Almeria 12 – 18 September 2024 Issue 2045

Harry Sinclair

MORE than €2,500 was raised during Vera’s last summer cinema night, where the entire box office is donated to Asprodalba, an association promoting people with intellectual disabilities in Almeria.

However, this annual event has become more than just fundraising, evolving into a catalyst for unity, bringing together thousands of attendees over three decades to collectively share an unforgettable night of film.

Asprodalba felt the love this year, expressed by “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the 29th Asprodalba Movie Night.”

But the audience reciprocated the affection, stating “We will always be there supporting Asprodalba and the social work you do.”

The association also gave “a special mention to Vera Cine for their support in each edition,” as they made “it possible for this event to continue to be so memorable year after year.”

Film, family and philanthropy

This summer’s cinema nights had a fitting ending, with hundreds of people coming together to watch the inspirational animated film, Buffalo Kids, which “touched the hearts of the Vera public,” according to

Asprodalba’s president.

The film mirrored the ethos of Asprodalba, with themes of inclusion and diversity, telling the story of Tom and Mary, orphaned siblings who arrive in New York in the late 19th century

and embark on a dangerous journey through the Wild West. Bountiful love was the protagonist of the cinema nights this summer, proven not only by the sum of money but by the smiles of the crowd.

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2045 • 12 - 18 Sept 2024

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Asprodalba celebrated its 29th edition of Movie Nights and the money raised.

Credit: Asprodalba /fb

Summer Christmas

FLORISTERIA AZABA-

CHE, a well-known shop in Almeria, has surprised locals by bringing Christmas decorations to its window display months ahead of the season.

Giant nutcrackers, Nativity figures, and a large Santa Claus now greet passers-by on Calle de las Tiendas.

The early display has sparked mixed reactions, from complaints like “They’ve gone too far” to joyful dances from children. Paco Valdivia, the shop’s owner, explains that this strategy is driven by demand from “People on holiday, foreigners and tourists from other cities, who passed by the shop” asking for Christmas-themed items during summer visits.

Valdivia notes the success of the idea, saying, “People buy now because at Christmas the shop is too packed, and items sell out quickly.” He also

offers reduced prices on decorations during the early season.

This ‘preview’ of the shop’s traditional Christmas display has been so successful that Valdivia may keep it up until December. Of the 25 years Floristeria Azabache has been in Almeria, 20 of those have seen the people of Almeria celebrate Christmas at this shop,

making it a seasonal staple in the city.

Traditionally, the shop prepares its Christmas display after All Saints’ Day (November 1), transforming the space into a festive wonderland, but Valdivia’s travels across Europe inspired him and showed him the passion people have for the holiday season, some all year round.

Solidarity race

is happening this year in support of the Poco Frecuentes Foundation. The rst Virgen del Pilar Solidarity Race will take place on October 6 in the capital of Almeria.

The race will follow a 6.2 kilometre route through the city as well as a children’s race.

Almeria’s residents and visitors of the race can also enjoy an exhibition of Guardia Civil equipment at Plaza de Las Velas.

Presented at the Guardia Civil Headquarters, the race is organised with support from the Government Subdelegation, Provincial Council, and City Council of Almeria.

The event aims to raise funds for the Poco Frecuentes Foundation, which supports people with rare diseases.

Jose Maria Martin, the deputy govern-

sed the importance of administrative involvement, calling the public to participate and support the cause.

Colonel Jorge Montero highlighted the race’s role in promoting healthy habits as part of the Guardia Civil’s new Physical Activity Plan. Provincial Council vice-president Jose Antonio Garcia praised the race for strengthening ties between the Guardia Civil and the communities they protect while supporting charity.

Poco Frecuentes Foundation president Maria del Mar Beltran also thanked the organisers.

Registration is open via 062 Almeria with all proceeds going to the Poco Frecuentes Foundation.

A florist in the city celebrates Christmas earlier than most.

Credit: Floristeria Azabache /fb

All proceeds from the first Solidarity Race will go to the Poco Frecuentes Foundation.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Almeria

Generation Alpha

THE term ‘Generation Alpha’ has been coined to refer to those individuals born between 2010 and 2024, marking them as the newest generation. This label aims to capture the unique characteristics and experiences of this group, which is growing up in a rapidly evolving technological and societal landscape.

Of course, this also includes the group that was either born or very young during the Covid-19 pande-

mic, and we are now beginning to see the impact that experiencing lockdowns and restrictions has had on their development. As these children enter school, educators are encountering a range of issues, including delayed speech and language development, social and emotional di culties, and behavioural problems.

Experts have suggested that decreased social interactions, missed developmental check-ups, and

disrupted routines are all contributing factors. One headteacher in the UK has described how he has seen an increase in reception children biting one another, throwing things, running o , and spitting. He also added they often felt frustration, struggled with taking turns and sharing, and found it challenging to pick up skills like following routines and listening in class.

“They don’t have the vo-

Baby Boomers (1946–1964)

cabulary to express their feelings,” he said. “They’re about two years behind when they arrive.”

Experts have emphasised that educators and speech and language therapists are not just important but crucial in addressing these developmental issues.

Their e orts will be instrumental in helping Generation Alpha catch up, and they will be the key players in shaping their future.

A Digitised World

GENERATION ALPHA children are growing up in an era where they are even more immersed in technology than the generations before them. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of them had to adapt to home-schooling methods. During this period, the usual discipline around screen time and mobile phone usage took a backseat, as mobile devices became a vital means of maintaining social connections, albeit in a virtual space.

Now, it seems that many European countries are attempting to break that habit by enforcing rules around phone use during school. Spain, Denmark, Greece, and the Netherlands have all gone down this route, and France has joined them more recently. They argue that a phone prohibition will improve student relations and mental health.

However, others consider mobile phones to be indispensable tools for Generation Alpha and should be embraced as such. They believe that allowing students to use phones in schools has more advantages than disadvantages, particularly in permitting them to build on their digital literacy, an essential skill for future employability.

In the rapidly digitised world that Generation Alpha will be exposed to, perhaps teachers and parents should consider the quote by the 20th-century education reformer John Dewey, who said, “If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”

Following the Second World War, the Baby Boomers experienced a population boom and were at the forefront of cultural shifts, such as protesting the Vietnam War.

Generation X (1965–1980)

Generation X has witnessed signi cant cultural and social changes, such as the AIDS epidemic and the rise of LGBTQ+ rights.

Millennials (1981–1996)

Millennials have lived through transformative events like 9/11 and the rise of the internet.

Generation Z (1997–2010)

Generation Z is the rst generation to grow up in a world of constant digital connectivity.

Generation Alpha (2010–2024)

While it’s too early to de ne Generation Alpha fully, the impact of events like Covid-19 will undoubtedly shape their worldview and values.

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

School kids are finding it hard to kick the ‘phone’ habit.

Generation Alpha includes the young during Covid-19.

Fighting bullfighting

Harry Sinclair

A SPORT originating from over 2,000 years ago is facing backlash in our modern times.

Bullfighting in Spain is a deep-rooted tradition, a respected career and a form of entertainment, however, as times change, so do cultures, and many in Spain are against the modern practice of bullfighting.

Alfred Seif, previously an environmental politician in Munich, has spoken up against the sport in Spain, calling for its end in Vera, with a focus on preventing children from attending.

“Tradition was necessary for survival,” Seif told Euro Weekly News, but he argues tradition can and should change with the times.

“Education and information are crucial in changing tradition,” Alfred said, “Children who observe a lot of violence tend to consider it an effective means of resolving conflicts and think that violent acts are acceptable.”

The activist argues that permitting children of all ages is against their constitutional rights and is the beginning of a dangerous pattern; “If you stop the allowance of kids you break the tradition.”

In his fight, Alfred has written to the Vera mayor and

ALMERIA’S gastronomy giant travelled to London to promote the province’s excellence and exclusive products.

To strengthen its international presence in the UK, ‘Sabores Almeria’ participated in the prestigious 25th Speciality & Fine Food Fair on September 10 and 11, bringing a taste of Almeria’s finest to the mouths of London.

Our province is many things, but as Sabores Almeria knows, “above all, Almeria is about flavour,” and the brand is making that internationally known.

Featuring in the “UK’s leading showcase of artisanal food and drink” was a prime opportunity

his administration, as well as public articles and personal emails “to gain support in our anti-bullfighting struggle.”

To support the anti-bullfighting charge in Vera, Seif recommends joining the Verdesequo Levante Almeriense Vera group and the Antitaurinas Vera group, and he invites all who agree to the next demonstration taking place on Sunday September 29 outside the Vera bull ring (Calle Mojigato).

Our finest in London

for Almeria to boast its signature Mediterranean menu, and if there is one thing the Brits love most, it’s other countries’ cuisines.

Marcus Carter, owner of Artisan Food Club, says the fair “has so much energy; it’s on the calendar, it’s something people look forward to, somewhere people meet, chat and discover.”

Culinary consultant, Steve Walpole, expressed the importance of the fair; “You’re finding those little nuggets - diamonds in the rough - of products that would get lost in other shows.”

The Provincial Council highlighted the importance of the UK market, emphasising the “magnificent opportunity to continue expanding and strengthening the market in British lands.”

As part of the promotion, a gastronomic event was held in Cosentino City, London, putting the spotlight on Almeria’s top chefs, including Alejandro Ruiz, Noelia Carrion, Rafa Rodriguez, and ham cutter Rafa Madrid, who prepared tastings, bringing Almeria’s iconic flavours to London.

The town of Vera promotes and welcomes youth into bullfighting events.

ALMERIA will open a new museum, the Museo de la Vega, honouring the historic impact of the Vega.

Councillor Joaquin Perez de la Blanca announced the opening, on Thursday September 12, adding “It will be the city’s 11th museum.”

Located next to Andarax Park, the 7,000-square-metre ecomuseum focuses on Vega’s ethnographic history from the early 20th century to the mid-1950s.

The first documents on the Vega of Almeria ‘date back to the Muslim domination’ according to the Vega de Almeria group.

Funded with €1.3 million from FEDER, this museum is a significant addition to the city’s cultural offerings.

Trophy runners Vega Museum

Harry Sinclair LOS BANDIDOS ran with pride, once more claiming six trophies after crossing the finish line.

On Saturday, August 31, 10 Los Bandido runners took on a 9.2k, five-lap race, starting at 9pm.

Thanks to the later start, it was slightly cooler for the Bandidos this time, but “completely dark by the time we finished” according to the group, with the route only made clear by burning lamps and lots of support.

The winner of the race finished in 30:02, two and a half minutes ahead

The Civil War Shelters were the most popular, followed by the Heritage Interpretation Centre (CIP) and Casa del Cine.

Investments are planned for several museums in 2024 and 2025, as Perez states, “the museum spaces are the priority objec-

Perez de la Blanca emphasised the importance of Almeria’s museum network, which saw 28,000 visitors this summer.

tive, to update them and equip them with technology worthy of a city like Almeria.” Addressing complaints about the Antonio de Torres House Museum, Perez confirmed planned improvements, including air conditioning upgrades and a focus on promoting the museum in La Cañada.

Almeria’s tourism data remains strong and these improvements will only help, with 87 per cent occupancy in August and a cruise ship with 300 passengers boosting local businesses.

of second place, with the first lady finishing in 41:48.

A total of 155 runners crossed the finish line.

Trophies were awar -

ded to first, second and third places in each age group and to the overall winners. All competitors received a mini Bluetooth speaker and congra-

tulatory post-race drinks and snacks; Los Bandidos also won two raffle prizes.

See the full Los Bandidos results in the web article.

Los Bandidos was set up in June 2018 with a small group running the 5k Mojácar Paseo, and now has road cycling, sea swimming and triathlon groups, always welcoming new members. The group invites anyone to join, stating “We are very sociable and most sessions are followed by a post-activity coffee or breakfast” adding that you can follow along or join the group’s Facebook page: Los Bandidos.

Ten Los Bandidos runners crossed yet another finish line in style.

WHILE many head to Paris or Rome for romantic getaways, others pre fer Spain’s charm, culture, and bud get-friendly options.

The beaches of Almeria are highly sought after and prime spots for beach days and sunbathing, but popularity brings crowds, and choo sing the right destina tion is key.

One hidden gem in Spain is La Isleta del Moro, a small fishing village in Almeria, within the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park.

With less than 200 inhabitants, this picturesque town boasts white houses, cobbled streets, and a peaceful atmosphere making it the perfect destination for couples seeking a getaway to natural beauty and tranquillity.

La Isleta del Moro offers breathtaking

beaches and coves, surrounded by the park’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There’s more than just the beach to explore; several hiking routes start from the town, allowing you to explore the volcanic landscape of the park.

Hiking, diving, and sunset views from Mirador de la Amatista are some of the activities on offer to create lasting memories, alongside the local seafood, reflecting the village’s fishing heritage, and providing world-class gastronomy in a quaint location.

La Isleta del Moro has preserved its authenticity, “The Posidonia meadows, the clarity of the waters and the abundant marine life,” according to the Turismo de Almeria, making it a serene escape, offering peace, nature, and romance.

Unknown paradise It ends with Cine Tenis

GARRUCHA’S last remaining cinema, Terraza Cine Tenis, closed after more than 80 years.

On the evening of Monday September 2, the final credits rolled, marking the end of an era for the summer cinema.

Once a popular venue that drew nearly 1,000 viewers for films like Indiana Jones, only 150 attended the final screening.

The property, which had been in operation since 1985, will soon be demolished for a supermarket parking lot.

Diego Rodriguez, who has run the cinema since 2014, chose It Ends With Us as the final film, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni; “I chose it intentionally; we haven’t even shown it in Vera, only here in Garrucha,” explains Diego Rodríguez.

Rodriguez attributes the closure to a

lack of blockbusters, the Euro Cup, and the Olympic Games, which overshadowed the cinema and made 2024 a particularly difficult year for business, “the worst after the pandemic.”

Despite its cultural significance, the cinema’s profits came primarily from food sales, not ticket prices.

Residents and tourists lament the loss, with some appealing to local politicians to intervene, but the future remains uncertain.

One loyal cinephile stated, “I have been spending my summers in Garrucha for 40 years and I came every year.”

Garrucha once had four cinemas, now, none remain, yet the company remains hopeful “This chapter is closed, but the book is not.”

This year explore a beach away from the crowds.

Garrucha says goodbye to its last remaining cinema.

Credit: Shutterstock: inigolai-Photography

Investment decision paralysis - how to overcome an overload of choices

In 2002, there were around 30,000 managed investment products to choose from. Over the next two decades, however, the number of choices has grown exponentially to more than 742,000 products recorded last year.

The increase ranges from open-ended mutual funds to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), but how can you navigate such a saturated market with a selection that will only continue to expand?

The road to a million choices

It has been projected that there could be a million managed investment products to choose from by 2031, and this abundance of choice can make it very difficult to commit to a particular course of action for your investments.

Today, investors are exposed to more information than any previous generation. Data and research that has only been available to financial professionals is now freely accessible, and this inevita-

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

bly brings advice and news from sources that might not be qualified to serve the interests of your finances.

This deluge of information, while offering greater transparency, does not necessarily provide greater knowledge and understanding. More likely, it gives us a sense of uncertainty about what information can be trusted and relied upon.

Studies show that the growing access to technology only increases the need for assessment by a

specialist who can see through the noise and direct your funds successfully towards achieving your objectives.

What is decision paralysis for investments?

Our ability to choose is the bedrock of our autonomy and freedom. However, we tend to become overwhelmed by too many options.

‘The Paradox of Choice’ as described by author Barry Schwartz, most often reveals that having too many selections to choose from actually limits our freedom to do so.

When it comes to investing, having too much choice will most likely hurt you rather than help you if you don’t have the proper expert guidance.

Overcoming decision paralysis

Many people feel uncomfortable making investment decisions due

to a general lack of knowledge.

However, statistics show that investors who rely on alternative sources don’t understand the value of financial specialist advice until they experience it.

A financial adviser will help you combat decision paralysis by providing actionable insights and options based on your unique circumstances and objectives. Your adviser will be able to provide you with clear pros and cons of each option and help you to navigate the increasingly complex marketplace.

Make informed decisions with the right advice

You have worked hard for your money, and having some set aside to invest, you don’t want to be faced with a vast amount of investment options, where the research only seems to lead you further down the rabbit hole. This can be described as analysis paralysis, ultimately leading to decision

paralysis. A situation where the sheer volume of options available prevents us from being able to make an informed decision in fear of choosing the wrong path.

We live in a world where social media has given both good and bad actors a platform, and the number of investment choices continues to rise exponentially. The need for specialist financial advice is more important than ever.

These views are put forward for consideration purposes only as the suitability of any investment is dependent on the investment objectives, time horizon and attitude to risk of the investor. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, as can the income arising from them. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance.

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

A part of Mojacar’s soul

ON Friday, September 6, Maui, Mojacar and the province lost a dear friend, a loved one and a champion of the community.

At only 53 years old, on Friday evening, Kiko Rubia shockingly and tragically passed away.

Maui Beach Mojacar announced the sad news of his passing the following day, on Saturday, September 7, stating “Today we share the news that has left us devastated. Our Kiko has left us.”

Kiko, alongside his brother Luis, founded the beach bar more than two decades ago and together they made it one of the best-known and most popular beach clubs in Mojacar.

Rubia has left a mark and shoes unable to be filled, proven in the heartfelt and heartwrenching public statement made by the establishment; “We still don’t know very well how we are going to cope with his absence. It is unreal to enter Maui and not see him again.”

Kiko undoubtedly made an impact in Mojacar and in the tourism scene, but most important is the impact he made on those around him, with Maui sharing “We have received countless messages and calls from people who knew him and who, like us, deeply regret his departure.”

The man was more than just Maui, “what truly defined Kiko was his enormous heart, his willingness to help others, his ability to forgive mistakes, and his unmatched generosity.”

Kiko’s undying support for his community was expressed by those who knew him, with Spectrum FM Costa Almeria also sharing the support Kiko gave the radio station and the impact he had on its hosts, “Rest in peace Kiko, one of my longest known Spanish friends… my best

Spanish friend, I will remember you forever.”

The profound loss of Kiko has been felt all around Mojacar, and honoured by all those privileged to have known him, bringing flowers to the establishment, sharing their sadness and support online and memories made under his roof.

Maui provided an electrifying environment, welcoming locals and visitors alike, collectively celebrating community milestones, birthdays, love and laughs from stag dos and hen dos, and countless parties all under one atmospheric umbrella.

Kiko and his brother, along with the family of colleagues they held close, were the makers of this atmosphere, and those still there will continue his legacy with honour: “We will move forward, in honour of his memory and all that he built with so much love. Each day, as we open the doors, we will remember his smile and his legacy.”

As his beach bar family put so eloquently, “Kiko, all of us who know you agree on one thing: knowing you has been a gift in life.

“You will always be in our hearts,” rest in peace, descanco de paz, Kiko Rubia, the soul of Mojacar.

Thousands of vacancies

MORE than 10,000 jobs are on offer in the educational and academic sectors.

The Department of Educational Development and Vocational Training has announced 10,966 vacant places for full-time, in-person vocational training for Basic, Intermediate, and Higher Grade courses for the 2024/25 academic year.

These publicly funded spots can be viewed on the Department’s website and applied for through the Virtual Secretary or at educational centres.

In June, the Ministry offered 83,000 vocational training places for Intermediate and Advanced Level courses, with around

75,000 filled in the first round.

Now, approximately 8,200 vacant spots remain, available since September 4, with the aim of maximising coverage.

To apply for these places, individuals can submit applications online via the Virtual Secretariat or directly at educational centres. The first waiting list assignment will be on September 10, followed by weekly assignments until all spots are filled.

If an applicant is offered a place, they must accept or reject it within 48 hours via SMS or email.

Final registration deadlines at centres will be between October 15 and November 15.

A photo of when he started his Maui adventure, “filled with excitement and eager to eat the world.”

Credit: MAUI Beach Mojacar

Spend and scratch

VERA is launching a new discount campaign to boost local shopping and enhance the local festivities.

Building on past success, like the ‘Bonos al Consumo’ initiative, which sold 1,500 vouchers in 10 minutes, the town hopes to stimulate further spending, coinciding with the return to school and the Fair in honour of San Cleofas.

In collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Almeria, Vera’s Department of Commerce will promote local businesses through several campaigns under the Retail Trade Programme.

These efforts include the ‘Buy in Vera! September has a prize’ campaign, running throughout September.

Shoppers who spend at least €10 in 50 participating stores will receive scratch cards offering

discounts, redeemable by October 30.

The scratch cards may offer discounts of up to €50 on selected items, with prizes applied on future purchases.

This campaign aims to support local businesses before the Christmas season and will coincide with other

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Vera

events, including the International Day of Commerce in October, Halloween’s ‘Enchanted Night’, and Black Friday promotions.

The goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about the importance of local commerce and to help support local businesses.

THE province of Almeria and all its contributions to the film industry were showcased in Iberia’s latest magazine. Almeria was featured in Iberia’s Ronda magazine this September with a 10page report highlighting its connection to famous film locations and Hollywood itself.

The report detailed iconic sites like the Tabernas Desert, where Lawrence of Arabia and A Fistful of Dollars were filmed, as well as La Isleta del Moro in Almeria, which featured in Terminator: Dark Fate.

Other movies include Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade at Mosul Beach and Wonder Woman at Hoya Wall.

6.5 million eyes on Almeria Project progress

A PROJECT presented in Huercal-Overa promises to reduce emissions from pig farming.

The Agropuritech project focuses on sustainable methods for treating gases generated by intensive pig production, aiming to reduce ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions while recovering nutrients and energy.

Developed by Ifapa and the Huercal-Overa Town Council, the project applies

The report also honoured local extras who worked alongside stars like Clint Eastwood, Sean Connery, and Jack Nicholson.

Iberia is Spain’s biggest airline and its Ronda magazine is a prime spot for any tourist location to present the best of what it has to offer.

For Almeria, this is a fantastic opportunity for its tourism sector, with more than 1.9 million passengers flying with Iberia a month, and the airline’s site receiving 6.5 million visits a month.

Iberia is betting on Almeria and the Andalucian province, boasting its tourism aboard its nearly 300 daily flights in the Ronda magazine.

circular economy principles to convert by-products into biogas, compost, and biofertilisers.

During a results presentation in Huercal-Overa, researchers from Ifapa and several universities discussed innovative technologies, including anaerobic biodigesters and green roofs.

Marta Bosquet, president of Ifapa, emphasised the project’s potential to make pig farms more sustainable, backed by over €1 million in funding from the Junta de Andalucía.

Antonio Mena, from the Ministry of Agriculture, and Mayor Domingo Fernandez highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration and its bene-

fits for Huercal-Overa’s farmers, stating “It is very important to contribute science and technology to make the sector more sustainable.”

The project, running until 2026 and co-financed by the European Rural Development Fund, involves partnerships between Ifapa, local farms, and the private sector.

Addressing slurry management - waste from pig farms - remains a key environmental challenge.

Agropuritech is expected to advance sustainable practices in the region through the efforts of a multidisciplinary team from Ifapa, the University of Almeria, and other institutions.

Machu Almeria

THE natural wonder of Machu Picchu may be 9,000 kilometres away, but Almeria has its own hidden, mountainside village.

Los Canos, once a remote village on a steep mountainside, is now a growing tourist destination.

Historically home to locals navigating steep streets transporting animals and goods, the now-abandoned houses captivate visitors with their unique charm.

Located in Seron, Almeria, the village’s popularity has surged due to its stunning location and the Alderire Valley’s lush, forest-like landscape.

Los Canos has earned the nickname ‘Machu Picchu of Almeria’ for its resemblance to the famous Inca site, with ruins perched on a steep hillside. Exploring the ruins offers a glimpse into the past, with remnants of furniture, utensils, and toys still found in the old homes.

This area, located in the Sierra de los Filabres, is now designated as a special conservation zone “due to its flora and fauna, as well as the importance of its geology.”

As the Seron Town Council points out, Los Canos is “a place of great uniqueness with respect to other natural spaces that we can find around it.”

Vera is giving rewards for spending locally in the month of September.

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AYUNTAMIENTO DE MOJACAR

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1 - 04638 Mojácar (Almería)

Telef. 950.615.009 Fax: 950.475.200

info@mojacar.es

ayuntamiento.mojacar.es

Fountain of history

MOJACAR revived its tradition of washing in the public fountain at the foot of the Pueblo.

On Thursday, September 5, a tradition was brought back to the historic town of Mojcar Pueblo as part of the sixth Mojacar La Vieja, running through the month of September.

This initiative is led by the Mojacar Town Hall in collaboration with the Biocultural Archaeology Laboratory of the University of Granada, with this event featuring guidance from archaeologists of Mojacar la Vieja MEMOLab. The event encouraged locals and families

to participate and learn about local customs and to connect with Mojacar’s history. The fountain,

5-star menu

THE musical and gastronomical menu for the Mojacar 5 Estrellas event has been announced.

Sidecars, leaders of Spanish pop-rock, is one of the eight stars making up the line-up for the first edition of Mojacar 5 Estrellas, taking place on October 19.

In addition to the Madrid-based band, Funambulista will also be performing, with her characteristic signature pop. Maria Yfeu is also on the line-up, fusing pop, jazz and Brazilian music, along with a DJ session by Angel Carmona, a well-known music journalist from Spanish Television and Radio 3.

On the gastronomic line-up of the first edition of Mojacar 5 Estrellas is a Michelin Star-studded cast, featuring Javier Torres from Cocina Hermanos Torres in Barcelona, in addition to Dani Muñoz, from the Almeria restaurant Travieso.

Also in the kitchen are representatives of Euro-Toques Spain, and local chef Damian Gonzalez from Restaurante Arcilla, part of the Macenas Medi-

known as the ‘Moor’ or the ‘13 spouts,’ is mentioned in ancient Arabic texts and played a key role in

terranean Resort.

The Mojacar 5 Estrellas will host, alongside the music, live cooking events for attendees to watch how the master chefs do it.

According to the promoters of the event, “the participation of internationally renowned chefs and top-level musical artists promises a multi-sensory experience that will further enhance Mojacar’s prestige as a quality tourist destination.”

the town’s founding.

The current form, with 12 front spouts and one side spout, resulted from

an 1876 renovation by the mayor at the time, Jose Yribarne de los Rios.

Historically, the fountain was vital for drinking, washing, and watering plants with washerwomen playing a vital role in avoiding contamination of the irrigation water.

It was also central to the daily life of Mojaqueros, supporting professions like water carriers, who transported water in jugs on their heads, and laundry workers.

The fountain became a hub for trade, social gatherings, and even courtship, with young people meeting there and singing traditional songs.

Justice served

SIX Mojaqueros will complete their rst year representing justice as Popular Jury candidates in December. Three men and three women from Mojacar are among the 11 total candidates for the Popular Jury Tribunal of the province, serving until December 31, 2025.

The selection process for the Popular Jury Court began in January 2023, following the completion of provisional lists and the handling of resignations, per the Organic Law 5/1995.

This December, the jury will try the case of a man accused of killing his wife in Tíjola two years ago.

The Popular Jury issues verdicts ‘declaring proven or not proven’ on the guilt or innocence of individuals accused of criminal acts, as determined by the Presiding Magistrate.

Members are nancially compensated, with their service considered a public and personal duty under labour and civil service regulations.

The Provincial Court of Almeria has utilised the Popular Jury system since January 1997, with the rst case involving a crime at La Juaida industrial estate, and handles crimes against persons, public o cials, and honour, as well as cases of homicide, threats, bribery, fraud, and more.

Moonlit march

EXPERIENCE a true adventure across the beach, over a mountain and under a full moon night.

Mojacar is a beauty to behold, with its iconic white houses and sandy beaches shining in the daylight, but how often do we appreciate its natural surroundings under a starry night?

The Mojacar Town Hall, in collaboration with Mojacar Sport and Adventure, is providing a magical night of exploration, taking you on the Ruta Lena Llena, or the Full Moon Route.

The route is approximately 10km, starting from Castillo de Macenas, the historic fort on Macenas Beach.

The group will meet at the fort before trekking across the beach and over the mountain, watching where you step while simultaneously watching the stars.

It’s crucial you come prepared! As the organisers state, “It’s important to wear comfortable clothes and footwear, a ashlight to light the way, water to keep you hydrated and something to bite to give you energy during the hike.”

You can register for this magical night hike for free at the Tourism O ce, located in the commercial centre of Mojacar Playa.

Mojacar hosted a historic and educational event at the public fountain .

Sidecars from Madrid will perform at the first edition of Mojacar 5 Estrellas.

Credit: Sidecars /fb

Credit: Mojacar Town Hall

Half a dozen Mojacar residents will strive for justice at the Provincial Court of Almeria.

Credit: Wikipedia

Bruges combats over-tourism

BRUGES is joining the European countries cracking down on over-tourism by addressing short-term holiday rentals and cruise ships.

Bruges, in Belgium, is a UNESCO World Heritage City, with its famed cobbled streets, canals and medieval architecture, and a tourist hotspot recording more than 8.3 million visitors in 2023.

But a city of less than 120,000 residents has now fallen victim to over-tourism and the lasting effects it has.

Brussels UNESCO

World Heritage City combats the issues arising from overtourism

ban on the construction of new hotels, specifically in its historic centre, in addition to stopping new holiday home permits across the city.

Bruges is not the only European city to combat the negative effects of tourism. Earlier this year, Barcelona announced a citywide ban on short-term rentals by 2029.

The mayor of Bruges, Dirk De fauw spoke on this topic, stating “People have started indicating that there are just too many visitors. If we just let everyone do what they want, things will quickly go wrong.”

In response to this issue, the city has implemented a

Dirk De fauw ruled out the option of tourist tax, stating “We cannot and do not want to control access to the city, like Dubrovnik or Venice,” but in 2019, limits were placed on cruise ships docking in Bruges, with a maximum of two per day.

Second-hand sales; tax

IF you’re using platforms like Wallapop or Vinted to sell second-hand items, be aware of new tax obligations in Spain. A recent European directive now requires these online marketplaces to report transactions to tax authorities if your sales exceed €2,000 annually or if you make more than 30 transactions in a year.

Failing to declare these earnings could result in fines, and some users have already faced penalties. However, Wallapop estimates that less than 1 per cent of its 19 million users will be affected by these rules.

For most casual sellers, this won’t mean much change, but it’s essential to stay in-

formed. If you sell an item for more than you originally paid, that profit must be reported as a capital gain, with taxes ranging from 19 to 23 per cent.

Professional sellers are required to pay taxes just like any other business, including issuing an IVA (sales tax) invoice for each item. Casual sellers, on the other hand, typically won’t face tax implications unless they make a profit.

To avoid any surprises, keep track of your sales, and if you’re approaching the threshold, consider consulting a tax advisor. And as always, be mindful of online scams - both Vinted and Wallapop offer guidelines on how to protect yourself.

New British Ambassador arrives in Madrid

THE new British Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Sir Alex Ellis has now arrived in Madrid to take over from previous Ambassador Hugh Elliott.

Having spent 34 years in the diplomatic service he has previously served as British Ambassador to Portugal, Brazil and most recently was High Commissioner to India as well as being Director General, Department for Exiting the European Union.

He therefore brings with him considerable skill in diplomatic matters and commenting upon his appointment he said “I am honoured to represent His Majesty Charles III and my country as Ambassador to Spain and Andorra.

“Our countries enjoy a close and enduring relationship across so many areas: between our citizens, our cultures, our armed forces and across the world of academia, science and commerce. I am looking forward to supporting this relationship to become even stronger.”

This will be Ellis’ second posting to Spain, a country he already knows well from his role in the British Embassy in Madrid in the early 2000s.

He will be presenting his credentials to His Majesty King Felipe VI in a cere -

mony that will take place in the coming weeks and will then formally take over as British Ambassador at a time when it appears that the new Labour government is looking to improve relationships with the European Union.

No doubt he will also be involved in discussions with the Spanish government over the matter of the proposed Treaty between the EU, Gibraltar and the UK.

The new Ambassador is married with one son and may be followed at @AlexWEllis on X (previously Twitter).

Throw a coin

Anna Akopyan

ROME officials are considering imposing a limit on the access to the Trevi fountain, in the face of burdening over tourism.

“Personally, I would be in favour of looking at a new form of access, limited and timed, to the Trevi fountain,” said the city councillor responsible for Tourism, Alessandro Onorato to the Italian Press.

He indicated that access to the fountain could become free for residents and cost a “symbolic” charge of €1 or €2 for visitors; not to make money but to show “respect” to the monument, which many tourists disregard by littering and using as a lunch spot. Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri also stated that applying new measures is “a very concrete possibility.”

“We’ve decided to study and investigate this because the situation is becoming technically difficult to manage,” said Gualtieri, adding that, “local police officers tell us this all the time: there is a concentration of people that makes adequate protection of the monument difficult and is also often a source of degradation.”

This is not the first time the local officials have been considering stricter regulations for the Trevi fountain; since 2017, fines can be imposed for disrespectful behaviour at the site, including tourists who attempt to recreate Anita Ekberg’s iconic scene from La Dolce Vida, where the actress springs into the water or the cases like the eight-person fight for a selfie spot in 2018.

Sir Alex Ellis enjoying a Holi event in India.

Trevi fountain, Rome.

Credit: AlexWEllis X

Should stores open on Sundays? Your

AS the summer season comes to a close and the tourist crowds start to thin out, local residents will no longer have the luxury of Sunday grocery shopping. From now on, it will be essential for residents to reorganise their schedules and find time for grocery shopping during the weekdays or on Saturdays.

be allowed to open, expressing, “Yes, save them being too busy on Saturday and Monday. If Sunday is for kids, don’t change your routine, but think of others who want them to open. It doesn’t have to be long hours.”

Stephen Proctor offered food for thought when he shared, “They should have the option to open on a Sunday if they choose to. If people believe that shops should be closed on Sundays, then surely they would agree that bars, restaurants, and the like should be closed on Sundays too.”

In contrast to the traditional view of Sunday as a day of rest, some European countries consider this practice outdated and allow shops to open on Sundays, partially or fully. They argue Sunday opening hours offer consumers greater flexibility to shop at their convenience, especially for those with demanding schedules. They also argue that Sunday openings can help alleviate congestion during peak shopping hours, leading to a more efficient and pleasant shopping experience for everyone.

On the contrary, opponents maintain that workers deserve a guaranteed day of rest, with Sunday being the preferred day for many, in order to enjoy quality time with their families, unwind, and recharge for the week ahead.

Curious to understand where our readers stood on this matter, Euro Weekly News asked, ‘Should stores open on Sundays?’

Be-Bop-Bollula Events felt that they should and said, “YES! You never know when you are going to run out of beer or guacamole.”

John Davies also felt they should

Others, like Dot Devine, felt they should remain closed. “No, surely people can get all their shopping needs Monday to Saturday. Let them have a day off with their families like everyone else.”

Josephine Burke Staunton also agreed, “No - there are plenty of other days to shop - Sunday was always known as a day of rest.”

Ian Bushnell offered this pragmatic response: “Freedom of choice. They should be allowed to if they want to, as long as there are safeguards to prevent staff from being forced to work on Sundays.”

Brian Thorogood said, “The real issue is that the shops will not sell any more things by opening seven days a week, so their costs will increase with no increase in revenue. Therefore, prices will rise to maintain the bottom line.”

BRITISH holidaymakers flying to any of these 29 destinations may need to register their fingerprints for entry from November when the highly anticipated Entry/ Exit System (EES) is scheduled to be launched after experiencing numerous delays and setbacks.

The good news is that UK residents in Spain with

Norway’s junk food EES 29 country list

a TIE card will be exempt from EES registration. However, the same does not apply to those who still have the non-biometric Green Certificate.

All 25 EU countries, excluding Cyprus and Ire-

land, will adopt the Entry/ Exit System as they are also Schengen State Members. The remaining four Schengen Area members are Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein.

For the avoidance of doubt, the full 29 countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

It’s worth noting that in addition to airports, other modes of transportation will also be introducing EES. For example, the Entry/Exit System will also be implemented at specific points in South England where French Border Forces conduct immigration checks. These include the port of Dover, the Eurotunnel, and St Pancras for the Eurostar. To minimise any inconvenience, it has been purported that the Eurotunnel will have over 100 kiosks, the Port of Dover will have 24 kiosks, and the Eurostar will have almost 50.

No advertising for these products.

THE Norwegian government is planning to ban advertisements for food they deem is unhealthy, which might not go as far as the UK government’s plans, but do go much further than their European partners.

Norway is about to enact one of the most anti-junk food bans in its history impeding makers of unhealthy food from targeting kids and teenagers in their marketing.

The plan follows moves in the UK to do the same, and other smaller initiatives around the European Union.

Until now, Norwegian food companies have self-regulated and steered more or less away from advertising that attracts children’s eyes, but this new ruling will make it mandatory. The new law would completely ban ads for what the Norwegian government considers to be junk food, including sweets, ice cream, and fizzy drinks, and instead set ‘nutrient thresholds’ to identify the unhealthiest food option in other food categories, such as yoghurt and cereals with high sugar content.

There are likely to be hefty fines for violations as they also raise the ban’s age threshold to from 13 to 18 years old. This has been music to the ears of consumer advocates and the consternation of Norway’s food and drink industry.

Currently the Norwegian government is carrying out a public consultation, but early indicators suggest the bill is receiving plenty of support from the people.

UK residents in Spain with a TIE will be exempt from registration. Credit: Shutterstock:

Horseless carriages

BELGIUM has proven the success of an alternative to horse-drawn carriages.

In the central square of Brussels, tourists have explored the historic city on electric carriages rather than horse-drawn since the start of June 2024.

In June, Brussels went cold turkey and became the first city in Europe to make a complete transition from horse-drawn carriages to electric ‘horseless’ carriages for city tours.

Thibault Danthine, the horse-drawn carriage operator in Brussels, launched his project this summer, introducing two new vehicles after receiving funding from the city of Brussels in 2022.

The drastic change came about in part because of the rising concerns from tourists about the use of horses and the ethical dilemmas that come with it.

Danthine shared that more tourists each year were expressing their dislike of the use of horses, shouting “Shame!” at him as they walked by.

“The relationship with animals is different nowadays, and it’s less accepted to have a commercial activity with animals,” Thibault said.

Mr Danthine, a self-described hor -

Belgium

Credit: Belga News Agency /X

se lover, decided to address the issue and sold his five horses, using the proceeds to buy two electric carriages.

Commerce alderman, Fabian Maingain, highlighted the city’s enthusiasm for Danthine’s proposal, stating,

“In the search for sustainable alternatives, Danthine’s proposal intrigued us. It’s something new but with respect for heritage.”

Although electric carriages have existed for some time, this initiative marked their first use in a tourist capacity with other cities have already contacted Thibault Danthine about changing to electric carriages.

led the charge with its electric carriage initiative.

FRANCE

Tower power

THE descendants of Gustave Eiffel criticised Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo’s plans to retain the Olympic rings that were added to the structure to promote the recently concluded Games. “The Eiffel tower should not become an advertising outpost,” said Olivier Berthelot-Eiffel who is the great-great-grandson of its designer.

Pastis clash

SUPPORTERS of the Olympique Marseille football club are boycotting Ricard pastis after manufacturer Pernod Ricard announced a commercial partnership with the Paris Saint-Germain club. They argue that pastis has been inseparable from the city since Marseille-born Paul Ricard began marketing it there in 1932.

DENMARK

Charged up

TEN per cent of the vehicles on Denmark’s roads are electric and now account for 55 per cent of all car sales, Mobility Denmark figures showed. With tax and registration fee incentives, more charging stations and greater range, the car industry organisation predicted that this proportion would rise to 30 per cent by 2030.

Listening in

UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN researchers are using artificial intelligence to interpret the 19 different sounds made by pigs. “It’s fantastic that the University of Copenhagen has found a way to discover what pigs actually think about the way we treat them,” Animal Welfare professor Peter Sandsoe told the media.

ITALY

No queues

ROME has put 1,000 new taxi licences out to tender to solve the ongoing cab shortage before the 2025 Jubilee year when millions of pilgrims will flock to the city. Issuing new taxi licences for the first time in 20 years was important for Rome, city hall’s Mobility department said, especially in view of next year’s religious events.

Late justice

GIANNINO GOTTARDI, father of 28-yearold architect Marco who died with his partner Gloria Trecisan in the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, said the findings of the recently-published official report would finally enable him to obtain justice for them. He was not interested in money, only justice, he declared.

EURO PRESS

IRELAND

Lasting ties

MEMBERS of the Choctaw tribe and Thomas Byrne, Ireland’s Minister of State, gathered at the Choctaw Capital Grounds in Tuskahoma (Oklahoma) to unveil a sculpture honouring Choctaw-Irish links. These date from 1847 when Choctaw Indians donated $147, equivalent to €4,000 today, during the Potato Famine.

LONG RELATIONSHIP: Choctaw Indians helped the Irish during the Great Hunger.

FINLAND NORWAY SWEDEN

Cooling off

SUPPORT for Norway’s monarchy has waned after the arrest of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship and Princess Martha Louise’s sale of her wedding photos, a Dagsavisen newspaper survey revealed. Forty per cent of participants agreed that Crown Prince Haakon should be Norway’s last king.

Stubbing out

WHILE the government is still studying a ban on smoking in outdoor public areas, the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association has called for a veto on restaurant terraces and outdoor dining areas. Sweden had managed this in 2019, the association said and predicted that there was unlikely to be an outcry in Norway.

Record summer

Down to earth

THE Aalto-1 satellite, built by Aalto University students and launched in 2017, has ended its seven-year orbit of the earth, the university’s Space Technology department announced. The satellite made its final pass over Finland on September 2 before re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere, where it burnt up and broke apart.

Cat crisis

STRAY cats are becoming an important animal welfare problem in Finland, where numbers have risen to around 20,000. Animal protection groups point out that the street cats have no legal protection and instead depend entirely on the efforts of volunteer organisations to trap, rescue and rehome them.

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

Phony police

PORTUGAL’S Judicial Police (PJ), equivalent to the UK’s CID, warned the public about a “massive” scam by fraudsters posing as the PJ to trick victims into disclosing their personal details and making a bank transfer. Criminals are using artificial intelligence to carry out campaigns like these, the police added.

Flu jabs

THE government plans to spend €7.6 million on making Covid-19 and flu vaccinations available in pharmacies, with the aim of protecting the majority of the population by late November. This year’s campaign has been brought forward owing to an anticipated rise in respiratory virus infections during the winter months.

Culture bid

HENT, Leuven, Kortrijk, Bruges, Sint-Jans-Molenbeek and Namur have submitted applications to be selected as European Capital of Culture 2030. Each receives a €3 million government grant to fund their bids for a title that in the past went to Antwerp (1993), Brussels (2000), Bruges (2002) and Mons (2015).

Sweet victory

CHOCOLATIERS Dominique and Julious Persoone recently displayed a 100-kilo chocolate bison with Canadian flags in their Bruges shop window. The bison is the symbol of Manitoba, and they were commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the city by the Twelfth Manitoba Dragoons.

Photo credit: Samuel Stitt, Choctaw Nation

TEMPERATURES in central and southern Sweden were no different from usual, but those in the north ‘very warm or even extreme’, according to the Meteorological Institute (SMHI). The country’s only tropical days when temperatures remained above 20C were recorded in Norrland, on June 24 and 25.

Don’t panic

AS always happens on the first Monday of each quarter, Sweden tried out its siren system at 3pm on Sunday September 1. Approximately half of the population live within earshot of one of the 4,500 sirens which were introduced in 1931 to alert the public to impending danger.

GERMANY

No delays

TRANSPORT minister Volker Wissing called on state-owned railways operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) to improve timetable punctuality “in the short term,” but especially on long-distance routes. He also reminded DB of the need to improve profitability and to make savings on administrative and managements costs.

Stern words

CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Deutsche Bank Christian Sewing declared on September 4 that Germans should assist the country’s economy by being prepared to work harder “and differently.” Sewing pointed out that an average EU citizen worked approximately 34 hours a week compared with 28 hours in Germany.

NETHERLANDS

Lights out

A POWER failure halted large sectors of Rotterdam’s industrial area for two hours on the morning of September 3. Eleven thousand homes were affected by the outage as well as terminals belonging to BP and Exxon, while goods trains and the metro between Steendijkpolder and the Hoek van Holland seafront were halted.

Rained off

TULIPS will cost more in future because continuous rain has forced growers to delay planting the small bulblets which they leave to mature until they are suitable for the flower sector. This will result in an ‘unprecedented shortage’ of bulbs which will push up the price of the cut flowers, industry insiders said.

Something must be done

LEAPY

LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS

THINK IT

THESE latest revelations of paedophilia and ‘sex for aid’ didn’t surprise me one bit. Frankly I also consider it merely the tip of the iceberg. I believe that many of the organisations that deal with children are positively riddled with these low life predators. After all, if I were a junkie I would go where the drugs are. If my habit was gambling I would seek out gambling joints. It stands to reason that those who feel the need to prey on youngsters go where they can find children.

Church and teaching organisations, charitable organisations, children’s hospitals and so on, all are vulnerable to the infiltration of these evil beings that destroy young lives before they have barely begun. A recent report by an ex UN official stated that UN aid workers, may not only have raped up to 60,000 people over the last 10 years, but are estimated to employ some 3,000 paedophiles in their worldwide operation.

One terribly sad result of these alar-

ming, seemingly never-ending revelations, is that decent men and women, who sincerely want to help and care for the young, are shying away and entering other professions, simply because they don’t want to be regarded with suspicion by their peers.

Even stating publicly that you love children can attract a ‘funny’ look in some circumstances. If this unacceptable situation is allowed to continue unchecked, sooner or later the majority of children’s charity workers will all be sex abusers and paedophiles.

So where do you start? Well first of all there needs to be a worldwide easily accessible data centre, which holds a record of every worker who has been sacked for abuse of any kind. This would ensure that these people at least could never get into any other organisation that involved children.

Secondly, those at the very top need to be thoroughly vetted. After all it stands to reason, if they are rife with such large numbers of offenders, some could quite easily be in board and management positions. This would also explain the fact that there have been numbers of occasions where whistle blowers have been sacked,

with their accusations stifled and pushed under the carpet.

Far from being vilified, these caring people need to be given every encouragement and complete anonymity while a thorough investigation of their accusations is conducted by an independent body set up by respective governments.

I also believe the finances of these big charity companies should be more carefully looked into. It seems to me many of those ‘at the top’ seem to be living far too comfortably, for comfort - if you get my drift.

Well that’s my three penneth, for what it’s worth. All I know is something must be done and as quickly as possible.

After all it is the children who are suffering at the hands of these monsters, and above all they must retain priority.

Thanks for all your wonderful mail, Fair warms the ol’ boy’s cockles. Keep ‘em coming, and whatever ya do.

Always Keep the faith, Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

Japanese flamenco dancer

THERE were a few red faces at the latest Cante de las Minas Festival of Flamenco in Murcia as Japan’s Junko Hagiwara came first in the female dance section.

The 48-year-old who is married to a Spaniard has been performing professionally for a number of years under the name of ‘La Yunko’ and also teaches in Sevilla.

It appears that whilst the jury was happy with its decision to name her best dancer, this didn’t go down too well with a section of the audience who were heard booing and jeering as she went to the rostrum to collect her award. Established in 1961, the Cante de las Minas Festival is considered by many as the most prestigious of the numerous flamenco festivals which take place in Spain annually and this is the first time that a foreigner has claimed the accolade, beating a number of Spanish professionals. Speaking to AFP on the telephone, she commented “When I dance, I don’t think I am a foreigner, that I am Japanese. I don’t think that. It doesn’t occur to me. I am simply on stage, I listen to the guitar, the singing and what I feel I express in my dancing.”

Leapy

Junko Hagiwara with the other winners at the Festival.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Try again

MARKS & SPENCER continues to hope that it can finally raze its iconic Art Deco flagship Oxford Street store and replace it with a 10-floor store and office block combined. The retailer has now asked Housing secretary and deputy PM Angela Rayner to review plans that were blocked by the previous government.

Sweet treats

A BARCLAYCARD survey found that while people might be tightening their belts, they were also treating themselves to modest impulse buys like cosmetics, confectionery and pastries. “There is an emerging trend of consumers indulging in retail therapy for mood-boosting pick-me-ups,” said Karen Johnson, Barclays’ Retail chief.

New face

JOSE LUIS ESCRIVA BELMONTE, a Cabinet minister during the last two legislative terms, was named Governor of the Bank of Spain on September 4. The 63-yearold from Albacete, who has a background in banking, replaces Pablo Hernandez de Cos, whose six-year mandate came to an end on June 10.

Right formula

BANCO SANTANDER announced that from 2025 onwards it would be the official banking partner and a principal sponsor of Liberty Media, which owns the commercial and audiovisual rights to Formula 1. The announcement arrived shortly after Santander confirmed that it was not renewing its Ferrari sponsorship.

Open the tap

ALCOHOL-FREE Guinness will soon be available on draught at London pub The Devonshire, the first although it will cost £6.35 (€7.53), which is only 55p (roughly €0.65) less than an ordinary pint. Although available on tap in Ireland, Guinness 0.0 has until now been sold exclusively in cans in the UK.

STAT OF WEEK

€4 billion

received by the Spanish state in dividends and sales since 2012 as a result of its holding in bailed-out Bankia, now part of CaixaBank.

John Lewis turns landlord

THE John Lewis Partnership (JLP) submitted £80 million (€94.9 million) plans to convert a disused site in Reading into 215 rental apartments.

One 10th of the properties at a former John Lewis distribution centre opposite the Oracle shopping centre would be let at affordable rents, said JLP’s Build-to-rent director Katherine Russell.

“These will be homes not only developed by us, but managed by us,” Russell said. “That means we can offer quality service and a guarantee that the homes will not be sold off, as so often happens in the rental market.”

Sharon White, JLP’s chairman - she prefers this to chairwoman - leaves the post in September, some months ahead of her five-year term.

In 2021 White announced that the company hoped to generate 40 per cent of its profits from rentals, rental management and construction by 2030, although these plans were later scrapped “owing to the economic climate.”

White’s successor Jason Tarry, a former Tesco executive, is expected to put extra focus on turning around the retail performance of the John Lewis stores and the Waitrose supermarket chain which also

THE Cupra Tavascan made by Spain’s Seat, a Volkswagen subsidiary, could be “wiped out” by EU tariffs, according to chief executive Wayne Griffith.

All Cupra models are designed in Spain, but not all are produced at Seat’s Martorell (Barcelona) plant. Others, including the all-electric Tavascan, are made in China.

That means the Tavascan would be hit by the 21.3 per cent tariff introduced to offset the Chinese government’s ‘unfair’ subsidies for EVs.

A Tavascan sells for approximately €52,000 and raising its price

Vat-trap

BUSINESSES in Britain lost up to £4.3 billion (€5.1 billion) this summer by eliminating VAT-free shopping for tourists.

Rishi Sunak removed the concession in 2021 when he was Chancellor, but visitors who would have come to the UK shop elsewhere now they must pay the added value tax on purchases, according to critics.

Any loss of income would be offset by more spending on hotels, transports and leisure, retailers said.

belongs to the company. Nevertheless, the Reading development will be JLP’s third foray into the rentals market as it continues to convert underused or disused sites into housing.

A Waitrose site in Bromley (South London) will be turned into 300 rental homes with another project planned for West Ealing.

This has currently stalled owing to residents’ opposition to plans for 400 properties and a 19-storey apartment block above a Waitrose supermarket.

Brussels hits Cupra

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.

would be unfeasible in the existing economic environment, Griffiths said. Volkswagen would be unable to absorb the additional costs, he added.

Relocating production was impracticable owing to the company’s investment in its Anhui plant, Griffiths stated, while warning that Cupra could miss the EU’s carbon dioxide reduction targets next year and face heavy fines.

“It puts the whole financial future of the company at risk,” he warned.

Post-merger jobs lost

MASORANGE, resulting from the MasMovil and Orange merger, announced a voluntary redundancy scheme affecting roughly 9 per cent of its 8,700 employees.

When MasOrange was officially launched in April, the telecommunications company undertook to invest €4 billion over the next three years and pledged that existing jobs would be maintained.

A note to employees has now explained that the first months of operations had revealed “organisational duplications” which prompted the need for staff adjustments.

Although MasOrange said that the cuts conformed to conditions agreed with the government, Spain’s two principal unions, CCOO and UGT, have already rejected the proposed redundancies.

SHARES in Rightmove, Britain’s largest property portal, shot up 27.6 per cent to £7.9 (€9.37) on September 2 following takeover hints. REA Group, in which Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp has a 61 per cent stake, said that a bid would probably involve both a cash and shares offer, although no approach had yet been made.

Rightmove, whose website lists real estate agents, had a market value of almost £4.4 billion £4.4 billion (€5.2 billion) on August 30 and £5.59 billion (€6.63 billion) by September 2.

SPAIN’S National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) received 1,364 complaints from investors in 2023, the regulator revealed on September 4.

The Commission handled 1,350 claims last year, rejecting 464 and admitting 886, while processing a total of 71.8 per cent. In 51.4 per cent of the cases, the CNMV found in favour of the claimant, compared with 49.6 per cent in 2022. Although CNMV rulings are not binding, 83 per cent of the investigated companies and entities complied with its recommendations.

EMPLOYEES are taking longer to return to London offices than their counterparts in Paris and New York. They spend an average 2.7 days per week in the office, compared with 3.5 for Parisians and 3.1 for New Yorkers, the Centre for Cities thinktank found, and attendance is only 60 per cent of 2019’s pre-Covid levels. Working from home could pose a long-term challenge to the British economy, Centre for Cities said, and called on the government to work closely with businesses to reverse the trend.

FUTURE HOMES: The latest John Lewis development in Reading.

Photo credit: John Lewis Partnership

Photo credit: Seat Media Centre

WAYNE GRIFFITHS: Seat chief executive slated Brussels’ EV tariffs.

3I Group 3.071,00 3.080,00 3.060,35 80,9K

Group 2.797,00 2.811,00 2.788,00 24,3K Airtel Africa 111,6 111,9 110,5 286,44K

American 2.065,50 2.107,50 2.061,50 203,21K

1.690,50 1.700,00 1.677,00 96,18K Ashtead Group 5.255,40 5.278,00 5.228,00 31,8K

British Foods 2.254,80 2.285,00 2.240,70 164,73K

12.598,00 12.656,00 12.552,00 124,93K Auto Trader Group Plc 862 866,4 855,4 395,55K Aviva 488,8 490,7 485,8 613,58K

B&M European Value Retail SA 435,4 439,9 434,9 272,54K BAE Systems 1.311,50 1.318,00 1.297,00 413,1K

224,2 227,35 222,45 4,64M Barratt Developments 491,9 506,8 488 1,83M

Beazley 760 776,5 760 189,72K

Berkeley 4.924,00 5.017,50 4.906,00 14,26K

BP 407,93 410,07 407,32 4,51M British American Tobacco 2.903,00 2.905,00 2.888,00 280,02K

3.607,00 3.608,00 3.576,00 39,42K

Group 624,4 634,6 614,6 490,55K

BUSINESS

EXTRA

Dubai prize

ACCIONA and FCC are submitting bids to build and maintain Dubai’s sewerage and stormwater drainage system.

The Spanish companies will be competing with firms from Italy China, South Korea, Turkey and Egypt for the $22 billion (€19.8 billion) contract.

Diverse aims

THE BBC intends to cut around 3 per cent of its work force, affecting 115 editorial and production posts, as it fights to save money. Meanwhile, the broadcaster is also committed to allocating £80 million (€94.9) to diversity programmes.

Live music bonanza

BRITAIN’S live music industry contributed £6.1 billion (€7.24 billion) to the national economy in 2023.

This was the first time that sales had topped £6 billion (€7.12 billion) as fans flocked to live events once more after the pandemic years, revealed Live, the federation that represents the sector in the UK.

The 55,000 gigs, concerts and festivals staged in 2023 grew by 17 per cent in 2022 and were 35 per cent up on 2019 before the

BBVA inches closer

IF the BBVA’s €12 billion hostile Sabadell takeover goes ahead, there will be no problem with Britain’s TSB.

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has authorised BBVA to take indirect control of TSB, which Sabadell owns, the bank announced on September 3. Portugal, France, Morocco and the US where Sabadell also has interests have given similar consent. Not only Sabadell

but also the Madrid government opposes the takeover, as Economy minister Carlos Cuerpo said that combining both banks could affect Spain’s financial system and impact jobs and clients.

BBVA, which hopes to acquire 50.01 per cent of Sabadell shares, admits that this could take between six and eight months, after which it needs shareholders’ approval.

pandemic hit.

Last year’s concerts increased 19 per cent year on year, thanks to tours by Beyonce and Coldplay amongst others, accounting for almost three-quarters of 2023’s turnover, Live said.

The 2023 figure originated not only from direct ticket sales but also spending at events and in businesses in the immediate area which benefited from the influx of the public.

Live’s chief executive Jon Collins said the much-discussed financial aspects of Taylor Swift’s 2024 Eras tour, and next year’s Oasis reunion, emphasised the benefits of concerts, festivals and live performances on local economies.

National Arenas Association statistics revealed that for every 10,000 people who attended a live music event, £1 million (€1.19 million) would be spent in local restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.

Pay rise

AMAZON employees’ pay will increase by 9.8 per cent after the online retailer crushed the GMB union’s bid for bargaining rights over pay and conditions. Hourly pay will rise to between £13.50 (€16.02) and £14.50 (€17.20), while staff with three or more years’ service will receive between £13.75 (€16.31) and £14.75 (€17.50) an hour.

SPANISH company Indra Sistemas has signed a 1.1 billion zlotys (€256 million) contract to supply Poland’s Defence ministry with 15 portable radar control systems. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Poland has gradually increased its defence spending and this year will spend roughly 4 per cent of its gross domestic product on equipping its armed forces. On the radar

Photo credit: Pexels

LIVE EVENTS: Hefty contribution to the UK economy in 2023.

Maui Mondays

Harry Sinclair MAUI MONDAYS are coming back to Mojacar, bigger and better than ever.

ALMERIA

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.

Maui Beach, ‘the mythical beach bar of Mojacar’, located on the Mojacar Playa is providing an entirely free event on Mondays, with the first of the weekly events having already taken place on September 9.

Every Monday, throughout the autumn months, Maui will have a free barbecue of mixed meats, salad, fries and bread, starting at 4pm.

Accompanying the beach barbecue will be a free performance by the Ruby Welts Full Band, bringing their ‘soulful vocals’ to Mojacar Playa, starting at 5pm and continuing until 7pm.

Maui Mondays are entirely free; free entry, free food and free entertainment. You only need to pay for the drinks you want to enjoy with all the free fun.

The next free Maui Monday will be on September 16.

Maui Mondays have been a booming success since they started almost five years ago, only taking a break during the pandemic, so the return is very welcoming for fans of Mojacar’s premiere chiringuito.

CELEBRATE in style at a fundraising fashion show with games and gastronomy to complement the fun.

The Animal Protection Society of Albox (APSA), a non-profit charity in the Albox area, is hosting a fashion show to fundraise and support the charity’s efforts in animal welfare.

“Our main focus is finding loving and permanent homes for the dogs in our care,” states the organisers.

On Thursday, September 26, at Hostal Rural in Turre, there will be a fashion show, along with stalls selling fashion items and accessories.

In addition to the style on show, the event will feature a raffle and Tombola to partake in, with food and drinks provided by Hostal Rural.

Doors open at 1pm, and tickets are only €5; available to purchase at Hostal Rural, Total Entertainment (Mojacar), APSA Charity Shop (Albox), Forget Me Not (Las Buganvillas). Alternatively, you can contact Sally for tickets or more information on 620 210 857.

All proceeds from the tickets, clothes and item sales and games will go towards APSA’s work with stray dogs in the Almanzora Valley.

Credit: Maui Beach Bar

Reser vations (+34) 681 87 18 51

Valle del Este Resor t, Avenida Valle del S ol, 04620 Vera (Almeria)

Sawad ee Thai Restaurant sawad eerestaurant

ich Thai flavours with our i Th ifl i h iit

Credit: APSA /fb

Linkin

A TRIBUTE band is keeping Linkin Park’s legacy alive with a tour across the Iberian Peninsula.

Linkoln Park is one of Spain’s greatest tribute bands to the legendary Linkin Park and is coming to Almeria to play the best of the Californian band’s discography.

The event, in collaboration with Crash Music, is happening on Saturday, September 28, at the Berlin Social Club, on Nicolas Salmeron Park in the capital of Almeria.

In addition to perfor-

Open mic back

ming ‘the main hits’ of Linkin Park, the tribute band will play for the first time several songs from ‘one of their most brutal and visceral albums’ in celebration of its 10th anniversary: The Hunting Party.

Tickets to this tribute act are only €17 on the band’s website and doors to the event will

EXPRESS your creativity and literacy skills at a writing group open mic event.

On Friday, September 27, the Written Word Group is hosting an open mic for

open at 10pm, with the concert starting at 11pm.

Tickets from the box office on the night are €20.

The tribute band’s main goal “is to continue to unite the Soldier’s family and play the music of our favourite band loudly in concert halls, trying to pay them the best tribute we can.”

writers to read their original work, whether it be a short story or a poem.

Held at the Kubatin in Arboleas, the literary event will start at 1.30pm giving all who sign up a chance to read their piece in front of the group; there will be a microphone for those who need it.

There is no prompt for this event, only the 500-word limit on each piece.

Vandross & Ocean

A DOUBLE tribute act is coming to Turre bringing you a night of soul and R&B.

Organised by Gale4ce, Dayton Grey will be performing a Luther Vandross and Billy Ocean tribute act.

Dayton is a full-time singer and recording artist

from the UK, with a debut single played on FM radios and has previously performed with the legendary Ray Lewis from The Drifters.

The event will be held at Hostal Rural Turre, Los Gallardos, on Saturday, September 28.

Starting at 7.30pm, the night of live music will be

As stated by the organisers, the group “is a supportive space for any writer, at any level, to be a part of.”

If you would like to read a piece of work, you can contact Berni Albrighton, the co-founder of the Written Word Group, on Facebook or by telephone on 711 040 444.

Closer to the event, Berni will pro-

accompanied by food and drinks.

On the menu is Pork fillet, chips and vegetables for €10, the organisers ask that you preorder your meal by contacting Hostal Rural on 622 336 873.

Tickets to the music event are €20 per person and can be purchased at Hostal Rural Turre, from the Lions Shop in Turre, or by WhatsApp: 634 382 968.

This night is for a good cause, too, as a percentage of the profits will be passed on to the Vera Lions to go towards Asprodalba, an association supporting those with intellectual disabilities.

duce a running order so all those who partake know when their time to read is.

Founded by Berni Albrighton and David Waters in January 2023, the group celebrated its first anniversary with its first open mic event, which proved a great success, and is now inviting more local writers to join the next edition.

Credit: Shutterstock: Christian Bertrand

Harry Sinclair

Credit: Dayton Grey /fb

Sponsored by

Lengthy looks

STYLING long hair for men goes beyond the traditional bun, offering a range of options to suit different tastes and occasions.

One popular style is the halfup, half-down look, which combines the neatness of pulled-back hair with the casual fl ow of loose strands.

To achieve this, gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a hair tie, leaving the rest down. This style is perfect for a laid-back yet polished appearance.

For a more sophisticated look, try a slicked-back style.

Apply a small amount of wax or styling gel to damp hair and comb it back, keeping it smooth and controlled.

This look works well for formal events or professional settings.

Another option is the loose waves style, which adds texture and volume. Use a texturising spray on damp hair and scrunch it with your hands, then let it air dry for a natural, beachy vibe.

Cost of womanhood

HALF of the world’s population has to spend a significant amount of money on sanitary items essential to stay functioning every month; within a woman’s lifetime, an average of 2,400 days is spent having a period.

With the current prices of menstruation products, women are forced to spend a minimum of €2,000 on essential sanitary items.

Only in 2021, after centuries of fighting for women’s rights, Scotland became the first country in the world to make menstrual products free of charge, sent to women’s homes, found at work, at school, college or university and health centres.

Not long after, Catalonia followed, introducing free access to reusable menstrual underwear, a menstrual cup, or two cloth pads at all pharmacies, under the Comprehensive Menstrual Equity and Climacteric Plan 2023-2025.

The President of the European Union of Women Margaret Hales spoke to the express her concern for the high costs of menstrual products.

She shared the experience of her family member; “My mother-in-law told me that when she started menstruating, her mother gave her old pieces of cloth... she called them rags. And my mother-in-law saved up every penny of her pocket money to afford sanitary pads.”

A natural process in every woman’s life, free access to menstrual products would result in nothing but an improved well-being of half of the world’s population and an advancement in the global effort for gender equality; so why are we still not there?

Shutterstock Kiselev Andrey Valerevich

Credit: Cliff Booth, Pexels

Home hydration

Shutterstock brizmaker

DRY eyes can be uncomfortable, but you can find relief without relying on eye drops.

Here are some natural remedies to consider:

Warm compresses: Applying a warm, damp cloth over your closed eyes for five10 minutes can help to stimulate oil production in your tear glands, providing relief and moisture.

Blink more often: This may seem obvious but making a conscious effort to blink frequently, especially when using screens helps to spread tears evenly across your

eyes, preventing dryness.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water ensures your body stays hydrated, which is crucial for maintaining healthy tear production.

Humidify your environment: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, particularly in dry indoor environments, to keep your eyes from drying out.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Include foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, in your diet. These can improve the quality of your tears.

Liquid gold locks

FOR those with dry hair, incorporating the right hair oils into your routine can make a significant difference in hydration and hair health.

Argan oil, often referred to as ‘liquid gold’, is known for its high vitamin E and fatty acid content, which deeply moisturises and adds a natural shine.

Coconut oil is also known for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and prevent pro-

tein loss, making it excellent for repairing damaged hair.

Jojoba oil closely resembles the scalp’s natural sebum, making it an ideal choice for balancing oil production and maintaining moisture. It’s lightweight and easily absorbed, preventing greasy buildup. Olive oil is a powerful conditioning agent that helps in strengthening the hair, reducing frizz, and providing a glossy finish. For those

seeking a more luxurious option, Marula oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, offering intense hydration and protection against environmental damage. The best time to apply these oils is typically before bedtime. This allows the oils to penetrate and nourish the hair overnight. Simply massage a small amount into your scalp and hair, and wash it out in the morning.

Shutterstock Janeberry

Cows in the MOOd

IT seems the Brandweer Westhoek (Westhoek Fire Brigade) in the west of Belgium have become expert cattle wranglers.

For several years, they have been called out each summer to cows who have decided to escape the heat by wandering into local lakes and creeks to cool down, only to discover that they are unable to return to dry land.

In 2023, it was more than a dozen silly moos who got themselves stranded and this year no less than a bakers’ dozen (13) decided to take a dip near the tiny village of Pollinkhove and although they weren’t apparently in any distress they couldn’t get out!

Speaking to VRT News, Kristof Louagie of the Westhoek Fire Brigade explained

“They had trouble reaching dry land because the banks are rather steep,” adding “We used an excavator to dig out a piece of the bank and make it less steep so they could get out.”

Despite the Fire Officers’ sterling work, the cows were determined to enjoy their dip and it wasn’t until several hours later that the last of the bovine paddlers decided it was time to call it a day and go home, leaving the officers to clear up after them.

Amazingly, last year, the same Fire Brigade faced an even more complicated problem when they were asked to remove five cows from a local swimming pool which they managed to do without any injury to the animals although the pool needed some deep cleaning afterwards.

New vegan Nutella

NUTELLA fans across Europe, especially those embracing plant-ba sed diets, have re ason to celebrate. Ferrero has introduced a vegan version of its beloved chocolate spread.

It’s currently available in France, Belgium and Italy. Released in honour of Ferrero’s 60th anni versary, this new version features distinctive green packaging. But how does it measure up compared to standard Nutella?

The shift to vegan was driven by rising demand for plant-based foods. Ferrero’s vegan Nutella replaces skimmed milk powder with ingredients like chickpeas and rice syrup.

However, it’s not suitable for those with milk allergies, as it’s produced in a facility handling dairy.

On the environmental front, switching from cow’s milk to plant-based proteins reduces the carbon footprint, but experts say it’s a modest improvement. Corentin Biardeau from The Shift Project notes that the bigger environmental issue lies with Nutella’s continued use of palm oil, which is linked to deforestation. Palm oil produces significantly more carbon emissions

than alternatives like sunflower or rapeseed oil.

Price is another talking point.

The vegan version costs nearly €12 per kilo, while the classic ranges from €6 to €11. This has sparked questions about why the plant-based option is more expensive, especially given that plant proteins are generally cheaper than milk.

It was a case of Deja Moo for the local fire brigade.

Credit: Brandweer Westhoek X

Limited edition Baileys

IT was in 1973 that two advertising associates of a drinks manufacturer were tasked with the job of coming up with a typically Irish alcoholic drink.

They weren’t exactly excited by the brief but according to David Gluckman, one of the two speaking to The Irish Times 2017, it took under two minutes to think of the concept and another 45 to rush to a local store, purchase Irish Whiskey, a tub of cream and some sugar.

The new limited edition Baileys

When it was all mixed up, they thought that it was ok but something was missing so they popped back to the shop and purchased some Cadbury’s Powdered Drinking Chocolate and that was the basic recipe.

The mixture was poured into a tonic water bottle and delivered to the client to review and despite significant reservations, the concept was finally accepted and since 1974 it is estimated

that at least two billion bottles of Baileys have been sold worldwide.

Now owned by drinks giant Diageo, there are numerous different versions of the liqueur but all are placed in bottles manufactured in a single plant in Derrylin, Ulster. The latest version of Baileys which will be issued in a limited edition towards the end of September will be a Cinnamon Churros version which is being promoted as the smart way to sip churros and is being promoted under the slogan ‘Don’t Churro Solo’.

The irony is that although Baileys is so closely linked with Ireland and churros with Spain, the current plans only see it being launched in the USA.

Europe’s walkable cities

EUROPEAN cities are topping the charts as the world’s most walkable cities, according to a recent study by Insider Monkey.

From Florence to Madrid, five European cities have been recognised for their pedestrian-friendly streets, cleanliness and safety, making them ideal for both residents and visitors.

Florence, Italy, takes the crown as the world’s most walkable city. With its compact historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plus landmarks such as the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, all within a 10-minute walk of each other. Florence’s air quality score of 44 and safety index of 60.24 ensure a comfortable and scenic stroll for visitors.

Porto, Portugal, ranks high with its cobblestone streets and coastal charm.

Key landmarks like the Dom Luís I Bridge are within a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) radius, with a walkable layout enhanced by clean air and safe streets.

Hamburg, Germany, offers a mix of maritime charm and modernity, while Riga, Latvia, blends medieval history with urban convenience.

Both cities boast well-maintained streets and easy access to key attractions on foot.

Madrid, Spain’s sun-soaked capital is Spain’s most walkable city. Known for its cultural sites like the Royal Palace and Prado Museum, the city ensures a pleasant walking experience with a high safety score and clean streets.

If you’re planning your next adventure, these European cities offer the perfect combination of beauty, charm and pedestrian-friendly layouts.

Credit: Pixabay.

Tourists in Florence, Italy.

Credit: Baileys original Irish cream liqueur

News from Our Other 6 Newspapers

Costa del Sol Footballer’s gift

SOCIAL media can be a powerful tool, for good and bad. When Ismael, a 17-year-old Malaga CF fan posted on X (Twitter) his new Malaga shirt with the player Kevin Medina printed on the back, he was berated by mean-hearted strangers for not having bought an original shirt. In the shops, the official shirts go for €70, well out of a teenager’s budget. The lad had no idea he would receive such a backlash.

However, Ismael had tagged #MálagaCF and #KevinMedina in the tweet, and to the shock of his social media critics, he received a response from the football club winger saying ‘relax, man. Come talk to me here whenever you want. You can come here to La Rosaleda stadium and I will give you one of mine.’

So on Thursday, September 5, he visited the Malaga team stadium and was received by Kevin Medina and presented with a new blue and white football shirt with Medina’s name on the back.

Axarquia

Coral comeback

IN a remarkable conservation effort, the Deep CORE Project, led by Coral Soul and Coral Guardian, has successfully restored 750 coral colonies in just three years. Since 2020, this groundbreaking initiative has been breathing new life into the delicate ecosystems off Punta de la Mona, a protected marine area in La Herradura.

Deep CORE stands out as one of the Mediterranean’s pioneering participatory marine conservation projects. This unique project focuses on revitalising the reef habitats of the chandelier coral and the orange coral - two endangered species crucial to marine biodiversity. Despite the area’s status as a Natural Park since 2015, human activities and abandoned fishing gear have wreaked havoc on these underwater treasures, breaking corals and choking their chances for survival.

The project’s success is notable: over 1,000 kg of marine debris has been cleared, 1,270 locals have been educated, and collaborations with two universities are fuelling ongoing research.

Mallorca Queen Sofia in Palma

STILL enjoying her stay in Mallorca, Queen Sofia made a visit to the Mallorca Museum on Friday September 6 to view the Joaquín Sorolla exhibition.

Sponsored by the Consell de Mallorca, the exhibition which finally closed on Sunday September 8 was an unmitigated success with more than 12,000 people visiting during the time it was open.

On this occasion, the Queen Emeritus was accompanied by her sister, Irene of Greece, and her cousin, Tatiana Radziwill.

The exhibition was entitled ‘Travelling to paint. Sorolla in Mallorca’ and the Valencian artist who was born in 1863 was prolific, having reportedly created more than 2,000 paintings even though he died at the young age of just 60.

Visiting Mallorca in 1919, his work on the island consists of some of the very last views of the Mediterranean that he ever created as he fell ill in June of the following year and was unable to paint again until his death in 1923.

Costa Blanca North Walking proud

THE vibrant and energetic Benidorm Pride parade brought together thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. The parade featured a spectacular display of colours, including rainbow flags and an array of dazzling costumes and spirited dancers.

Drawing an estimated crowd of 20,000 visitors, the town became a bustling centre of celebration and advocacy. The dynamic parade, proudly led by Mayor Toni Perez and Minister of Tourism Nuria Montes, culminated in a joyous gathering at the Julio Iglesias outdoor auditorium.

The parade was the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the final European Pride of the summer and was the culmination of a five-day extravaganza featuring lively celebrations and activities, including a vibrant pool party and the renowned ‘White Party’.

The jubilant crowds were treated to performances by various artists.

Costa Blanca South Celebrating culture

THOUSANDS of revellers filled the streets of Villena for the annual Moors and Christians festival, which took place over five days starting on September 4.

This festival, declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest, is one of the most participatory of its kind, with over 12,000 people taking part.

Each year, Villena’s festival features 14 troupes who parade through the streets in colourful costumes and lively performances.

The origins of Villena’s Moors and Christians festival date back to the late 15th century when the Virgen de las Virtudes was proclaimed the patron of Villena and the protector from the plague.

Her image was placed in a shrine seven kilometres outside of the town, and the townspeople vowed to visit the shrine twice a year - in March and September - to pay homage to the Virgin.

Today, the Virgin’s image is brought into the town at the end of August to preside over the celebrations held in her honour.

Costa Calida

Murcia’s Forbes Stars

FORBES has spotlighted two remarkable talents from Murcia in its prestigious ‘30 Under 30’ list, celebrating young leaders across various fields. Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz and tech innovator Roberto Lifante are recognised for their exceptional achievements and impact.

At just 21, Carlos Alcaraz has already made headlines globally. The El Palmar native clinched a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and remains the reigning champion of Wimbledon and Roland Garros. Beyond his athletic achievements, Alcaraz, ranked third in the ATP, is a prominent face for luxury brands like Rolex and Louis Vuitton, and sports giants such as Nike. Roberto Lifante, 25, hails from Barinas and has made waves in the tech sector as the founder and CEO of TK Analytics Group.

Also on the list is Georgina Rodríguez, the social media influencer with over 60 million followers.

Villa Haraude near Zurgena

NEW &

AN immaculately maintained three bed, three bath larger than average villa of 150m2 with amazing open country views, H&C air con, 8m x 4m swimming pool, Florida style enclosure, conservatory and 12m2 storage room / workshop on a landscaped low maintenance garden of 600m2 for sale in the Los Llanos de Peral area of Zurgena. Four minutes drive to a popular bar / restaurant.

Just eight minutes drive to La Alfoquia village with amenities and 25 to 30 minutes drive to the coast at Garrucha and Mojacar.

This is a truly impressive, recently improved and decorated property both inside and outside. It is an enviable corner / end plot on the edge of a small quiet development of similar well maintained villas. It has tarmac road access and plenty of safe on road parking and no passing traffic.

Having the open country views is a real bonus and there is even a conservatory / sitting room / snug from were you can sit and enjoy them.

Access into the property is via an iron gate with pedestrian entrance door leading onto the gravelled driveway with room for three / four cars. Surrounding the 8m x 4m swimming pool is attractive imprinted concrete with plenty of room

for sunbathing and entertaining. There is also an outside shower and to the side of the villa is a storage room / workshop.

At the front of the villa is a Florida style meshed conservatory making a great inside / outside place to relax or dine whilst looking over the pool and has distant hillside views. A glazed door takes you in to the very spacious living room and dining room with super efficient pellet burning

fire and H&C air con.

To the left a door leads into the large fitted kitchen with plenty of storage and worktop space. A door leads to a utility room and storage cupboard.

Back in the living room a hallway takes you to a double bedroom with ensuite shower room with walk in shower. Next is the conservatory / snug with amazing views.

Also in the living room an archway leads to the largest double bedroom with ensuite shower room with walk in shower. Next is the third double bedroom which is currently used as an office / study and a family bathroom

All three bedrooms have built in wardrobes and H&C air con.

Voss Homes is a British family-run business with offices in the thriving, market town of Huercal-Overa and La Alfoquia village (Zurgena). We are the main selling agent for the Huercal-Overa, Zurgena, La Alfoquia and Taberno area.

For more information and to arrange a viewing or a meeting in our offices please contact Voss Homes DIRECTLY on 0034 950 616 827 or email us on enquiries@vosshomesspain.com.

INTERVIEW

Speaking EuropeanMax Zin

Max moved from Chelles in France to Valencia, after he realised that he needed “a change of scenery.”

MAX’S first two weeks li ving in Valencia were easier than most ex pats encounter, as a part of his family was already living in Spain and he knew the city well from the past. Moving to the eastern suburbs of Paris to Valencia, Max immediately be gan looking for a job as a French teacher; “The only thing that’s tough here is finding a good job and a good house but that’s the thing with big cities,” he shared. To his luck, he has a wonderful grandmother who has been living in Spain for a long time and has been helping him to make sense of the Spanish bureaucracy.

Although he doesn’t have many acquaintances in Valencia yet, Max already loves the Spanish “way of living,” and the comforting sun “that’s always there.” He also has the advantage of being almost fluent in Spanish and has had both French and Spanish friends throughout his life. Missing the rest of his family and friends back in France, Max, however said that he does not feel nostalgic about the “French cuisine or French culture in general,” and looks forward to exploring more of a country as vibrant and diverse as Spain.

A Superstitious Showdown!

LIKE Brits, the Spanish are fairly superstitious by nature but what brings good or bad luck can be quite different...

Interestingly, both Brits and Spaniards share the ritual of ‘touching wood’ or ‘tocar madera’ to ensure good luck. Nonetheless, the nuances in beliefs about animals, numbers and colours showcase the unique ways each culture perpetuates its traditions.

As for the animal world, spotting a ladybird is considered a symbol of good luck.

The Spanish even believe if one lands on you prosperity’s surely coming your way! But in Britain, killing one’s a recipe for BAD luck.

And feline friends? We believe a black cat crossing our path brings good luck, but in Spain it’s the opposite.

And while our cats have ‘nine’ lives, Spanish moggies, unfortunately, only have seven.

Poor things!

We’re all too familiar with Friday the 13th, right? However, in Spain, it’s Tuesday you’d avoid. Actually,

Tuesday is generally considered an unlucky day just like the common saying: “en martes, ni te cases, ni embarques, ni de tu casa te apartes” (“don’t get married, get on a boat or leave your house on a Tuesday”).

As for colours, we Brits associate green with luck, but in Spain it’s yellow that’s unlucky. So, if you’re planning a gift to a Spaniard, steer clear of anything yellow as it signifies sulphur AND the devil. Oops!

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.

Max Zin.

Credit: Max Zin

LAMIA and all her pet-sitters travel to your home for free to care for your pets. They see it as a win-win, they benefit from your free accommodation and the chance to experience somewhere new in the company of your pets, and you get free pet care.

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-

Unusual claims

Harry Sinclair

THE largest retail bank in the UK recently announced the finalists for this year’s Hambone Award, a unique award that celebrates the year’s most unusual pet insurance claims.

Nationwide’s Hambo-

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.

ne Award is presented annually to the pet that wins a public vote determining whose injuries were caused by the most unusual circumstances.

The award is named in honour of a dog who ate an entire holiday ham while stuck in a

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.

refrigerator, “The dog was eventually found, with a licked-clean ham bone and a mild case of hypothermia” as said on the awards’ website page.

This year’s finalists include Archie, a New Jersey dog who injured his paws when he broke through a vintage plate glass door while trying to alert his family of the postman’s presence, and Bear, a Pennsylvania corgi who bit into a bottle of nail adhesive, effectively glueing his mouth shut.

It’s not all dogs though, as is the case with Joe and his playful pa-

rrot Clover, another of the finalists this year, who had gotten her claws in a twist, with Joe saying “Somehow her feet got stuck together because her two toenails had hooked.”

Rightfully so, the winner of the competition receives the coveted bronze Hambone trophy plus prizes for being a good boy or girl.

Fortunately, all of the pets nominated for the award have made full and healthy recoveries and “their owners received insurance reimbursement for eligible expenses,” as stated on the website.

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)

New car seat regulations

STARTING September 1 2024, new regulations for child car seats have taken effect across Europe, including Spain. The updated ECE R129 standard, also known as i-Size, will replace the older ECE R44/04 regulation. While existing R44/04 seats can still be used, all new car seats must now comply with the ECE R129 standard.

A significant change under the ECE R129 standard is that car seats are now categorised based on the child’s height rather than weight.

This ensures a better fit as your child grows, enhancing safety during travel. Additionally, the ECE R129 standard includes mandatory side-impact testing, a crucial improvement over the previous regulation, which did not require such testing. Another key feature is the requi-

rement for the Isofix system, making installation easier and reducing the likelihood of errors.

Although the sale of R44/04 seats is now prohibited, there is no immediate requirement to replace seats you already own. However, the advanced safety features of ECE R129 seats, including improved head and neck protection,

make upgrading a practical choice. In Spain, compliance with these regulations is essential, as failing to do so can result in fines of up to €200 (£172). Ensuring your child’s car seat meets the ECE R129 standard is not only about safety but also about adhering to legal requirements. For more information, visit the N332 website.

Joie R129 Iso-Fix car seat.

Credit:

Joie.

The Way I See It

by Mary Harboe

“YOU lucky thing! Tickets for the Men’s Finals - wow! How was it?”

In truth, my answer would be “not great”, but is it allowed to criticise the institution that is the wondrous Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Club? This year, 2024, was my fourth visit, and, if asked the same question following Wimbledon experiences in the pre-Covid years my answer would have been an instant: “fantastic”.

Last year we decided to enjoy the first week, outside court experience and I imagined myself nibbling strawberries, sipping Pimms as I drifted from one court to another cheering on my favourites in the early rounds.

In reality there was no “drifting” to be done. The side passageways between the courts were literally jammed with people making it impossible to get through - let alone watch any tennis. “We won’t be doing that again”, we said afterwards. “It’s bound to be much quieter as fewer matches are played later in the tournament.”

So, to be sure of a more gracious experience, The Husband splashed out on tickets for Centre Court on the very last day - July 14th - Men’s Finals.

We had no idea that so many people would be crammed into the areas outside the courts… that crowd numbers would reach capacity, that walking anywhere would be a stressful jostle, that there would be nowhere to sit down to sip the £11.95 plastic cup of Pimms (with an additional 75p for the container) and that we had queued 20 minutes to purchase. Forget the strawberries … we couldn’t get even within shouting distance of the stall.

The seats we had been assigned proved to be very disappointingabout fifteen rows up, in the middle, behind the umpire’s chair. They were small, hard and crammed together.

The large gentleman who sat next to The Husband overlapped his and unfortunately had a nervous tic in his right thigh which bounced and twitched non-stop sending vibrations along the row and driving The Husband (who can’t stand people in his space at the best of times) somewhat demented.

But worse was to come… who knew that our view of the tennis would be so limited, through a sea of mobile phones busy taking selfies and capturing the action on court.

Mary and Rob Ollman on their way to Wimbledon finals day.

I could go on, but, I’m sure you get the picture. Even cheering the courageous Princess of Wales in the Royal Box, could not make up for the disappointment of the Wimbledon ‘24 experience.

Recovering at home the next day, one of the first things we did was to watch the iPlayer repeat of the finals on television. The view was perfect, the sofa had never felt as comfortable and welcoming - the Pimms was refreshing (and cost less for a bottle than a single plastic cupful at Wimbledon), while the Norfolk strawberries were simply delicious.

I know where we will be watching Wimbledon 2025.

yesterdaypodcast.com - coming soon with Mary Harboe and Maurice Boland

2024’s Ballon d’Or shortlist

FOR the first time in over 20 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will feature on the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Their absence from the 30man roster signals a new chapter in world football, with emerging stars now set to shine.

The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually since 1956 by France Football, recognises the best footballer of the year based on their club and international performances. This year’s ceremony takes place on October 28 in Paris.

Among the frontrunners for 2024 is Manchester City’s Rodri, instrumental in Manchester City’s treble and Spain’s Euro 2024 victory. Joining him are familiar names like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham. However, surprise inclusions like Ademola Lookman and Vitinha have sparked debate.

Notable rejections include Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Julian Alvarez, who played key roles for their clubs but failed to make the cut. Spain, fresh from their Euro 2024 triumph, boasts six nominees, reflecting their resurgence in international football. This year’s award could also signal a shift towards recognising players like Rodri, whose influence on the field goes beyond goal-scoring - traditionally the metric that has dominated previous selections.

As Messi and Ronaldo step aside, the 2024 Ballon d’Or is set to be a celebration of football’s next generation.