Fun of the Fair
THE Feria de Murcia 2024 (Murcia Fair) is in full swing, bringing a wave of excitement to the city. The fair kicked off on September 5 with a series of exciting events and activities which will continue until Tuesday September 17.
The celebrations got started on Plaza Julián at the Teatro Romea, it hosted the opening ceremony featuring local celebrities and councillors, who delivered a humorous and heartfelt speech accompanied by the City Youth Orchestra.
A spectacular fireworks display marked the official start of the fair, lighting up the night sky.
The fair’s activities cater to all ages.
Families have enjoyed the Pandilla de Drilo-themed park at Glorieta de España, which offered bouncy castles, obstacle courses, and a giant slide. The fun continued at Plaza Circular with additional fami-
Veteran love
THE Royal British Legion (RBL) is making an impact in the Murcia region of Spain, providing crucial financial, social, and emotional support to veterans, active service members, and their families. Recently, the RBL Murcia Branch hosted a fundraising event at Cat’s Bar and Tel’s Bar, featuring entertainment from the talented singer Vanessa. The community came together in a big way, raising €490.84 through raffle tickets, and with an additional generous donation from Sean the DJ, the total hit €500.
But the giving didn’t stop there - more donations poured in throughout the night, and with some light-hearted encouragement from those who made the rounds with a collection bucket, attendees dug deep to support the cause. The grand total raised was an impressive €552.
The funds raised will go directly to helping veterans in Murcia. For those interested in learning more, the RBL Murcia Branch committee will be at ‘Boochies’ in Los Alcázares on Thursday September 19 for a coffee and chat.
ly-friendly events.
Music lovers are in for a treat at the new ‘Terraza de la Feria,’ (terrace of the fair) which has been a hotspot for DJ sessions and wine tastings by the
river. The fair’s musical lineup features performances by local and national artists, including Adrián Ruiz, Dingy, Antonio Micol, and Salmerock.
Traditional music fans have been treated to performances at the Huertos del Malecón Park, show-
casing local bands and folklore groups. The ‘Lemon Pop’ festival at Parque de Fofó has also been a major highlight, featuring a range of musical acts.
With over 300 events planned, Murcia’s famous annual fair is brimming with energy and entertainment, making it a must-visit celebration year after year. For more information, visit events.murcia.es or local tourist offices.
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. He has also ventured into real estate with the establishment of Garfia Properties SL.
Roberto Lifante, 25, hails from Barinas and has made waves in the tech sector as the founder and CEO of TK Analytics Group. His work includes software development, agricultural digitalisation,
cybersecurity, and 3D printing through his company Tecnologyk 3D.
Also on the list is Georgina Rodríguez, the social media influencer with over 60 million followers, and Anas Andaloussi, a 19-yearold tech entrepreneur from the Canary Islands.
Ouigo sets off European excellence
VIRGEN DE LA ARRIXACA Hospital in Murcia has just been recognised as a top European centre for theranostics, a modern cancer treatment that combines diagnosis and therapy. It’s one of only three hospitals in Spain to earn the ‘EARL Theranostics Centres of Ex-
SAN PEDRO DEL PINA-
cellence’ certification, joining the University Hospital of Salamanca and the University Clinic of Navarra. Theranostics uses special molecules to target cancer cells and is used for treating thyroid, liver, neuroendocrine, and prostate cancers. These molecules are
combined with radioactive substances to both detect and destroy tumours with precision.
Health Minister Juan José Pedreño highlighted the hospital’s dedication to high-quality care and advanced technology, making it a key player in personalised cancer treatment.
Marathon mania
TAR is gearing up for its fourth annual half marathon and 9K ‘Paraíso and smooth ner or just looking for
IN a significant leap for regional transport, Fernando López Miras, President of the Region of Murcia, celebrated the inauguration of Ouigo’s high-speed rail service linking Murcia with Madrid. This new route promises enhanced travel experiences with more frequent trains, shorter journey times, and competitive pricing.
López Miras stated that Ouigo’s entry into Murcia’s high-speed network is a game-changer. “The arrival of competition means we can offer more frequent services, reduced travel times, and lower prices,” he stated during the launch event.
His administration has actively worked to bring Ouigo to the region, initiating contact just months after high-speed rail
was introduced.
The President expressed confidence that demand will soon grow, prompting an increase in services. He also highlighted the broader benefits of the high-speed rail, including a boost in tourism and business opportunities.
“Murcia is becoming a crucial logistics hub in Spain, vital to the Mediterranean Corridor connecting Europe,” he noted. Looking ahead, López Miras urged continued investment in infrastructure to support growth, calling for decisive action from the Spanish government. He concluded with optimism about the future, praising Ouigo as a ‘modern and brave’ partner in Murcia’s development.
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.
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THE construction is kicking off for a new maintenance base on the high-speed rail line connecting Murcia and Almería, following approval from the Council of Ministers last week. The project, with a budget of €13.7 million, is set to be completed in about 20 months.
The bidding process began earlier this month, and companies have until October 2 to sub -
High-speed hub Panto planning
mit their proposals. The base will be located at the Murcia Mercancías logistics centre and will cover more than 3,300 square metres. It will feature new civil protection equipment, perimeter fencing, paved access roads, and additional parking.
This maintenance base is not just about keeping the high-speed
rail line in top shape; it’s also a significant
Cleaner waters
RESEARCHERS from the Polytechnic University of Valencia have found that stricter fertiliser rules are helping protect Spain’s Mar Menor lagoon. Introduced four years ago, these measures include precision farming, planting hedges as barriers, and replanting and rewilding areas, which have redu-
ced nitrate runoff by over a third. By tailoring fertiliser use to plant growth and using drip irrigation, nitrogen runoff has dropped significantly, making a big difference in water quality.
Precision agriculture, though sometimes debated, has cut nitrogen levels in the groundwater by 43 per cent. Re-forested areas could prevent about 23 per cent of runoff, but they come with cost and practicality challenges. A simpler solution, like dedicating just 5 per cent of each farm to hedges, could still cut
boost for the region. It will enhance the effi -
ciency of the rail network, making travel faster and more reliable. Additionally, it will improve the flow of goods between Spain and Europe, benefiting local businesses and boosting the regional economy.
This project complements another new facility in Librilla, which will support track laying and maintenance between Murcia and Lorca, further strengthening the area’s rail infrastructure.
sediment production significantly.
The results are promising, but ongoing collaboration among farmers, policymakers, and the community is key. Using these combined measures could drastically reduce both sediment and nitrogen entering the lagoon, helping to restore the Mar Menor’s fragile ecosystem.
THE ADAPT Theatre Group in San Pedro del Pinatar has just announced the title of this year’s highly anticipated pantomime: ‘Snow White and the 7 Guiris.’ If you’re scratching your head wondering what a ‘guiri’ is, you might just have to
come see the show! Let’s just say it’s a light-hearted term that the Spanish use for foreign people living in Spain - and we promise, it’s all in good fun!
Even with the summer heat still lingering, the group has already started rehearsals. Their team of talented dressmakers, props makers, and carpenters is working hard to bring their signature DIY magic to the stage. This year’s panto promises to be the spectacular, feel-good event it always is, set to dazzle audiences at the end of November (details coming soon!).
Proudly sponsored by the ADAPT Metal Detecting group, all proceeds will go to local charities. For more information, visit adapttheatregroup. wordpress.com or call Eric on 656 361 098 . Don’t miss it!
Memorable moments
THIS summer, 300 people with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions got the chance to enjoy inclusive camps across the Murcia Region. Participants from 20 different residences and day centres took part in various activities, including beach games, water sports, nature hikes, and visits to local attractions. They were accompanied by about 150 professionals who ensured that everyone had a safe and fun experience.
The summer camps provided a refreshing break from the usual routines, offering recreational activities in beautiful natural settings like Isla Plana. The programmes were tailored to meet the needs and ages of each participant, blending learning opportunities with inclusive leisure.
Beyond the summer, the region continues to
support inclusive recreation throughout the year. Collaborating with CERMI and local governments, initiatives like ‘Activa tu Ocio’ (Activate Your Leisure) include a wide range of activities, from sports to cultural visits. Last year, the ‘Sal de Música Festival’ became the first fully inclusive music event in the area, complete with accessibility features and support, allowing everyone to enjoy the concerts equally.
Cultural hotspot
CARTAGENA’S museums are buzzing with activity this year! So far, they’ve welcomed 394,865 visitors, a cool 9.14 per cent jump from last year. Summer was particularly busy, with a stunning 11 per cent boost in visitor numbers during July and August. July saw 52,973 guests, up 12.42 per cent from last year, while August followed suit with 76,939 visitors, a 10.34 per cent increase.
Mayor Noelia Arroyo is thrilled, noting that this increase in visitors not only supports the local tourism industry and creates jobs, but also helps preserve the city’s rich cultural heritage. Financially, things are looking great too, with ticket sales climbing to nearly €2 million, a 13.82 per cent rise from 2023.
The star of the show is the Teatro Romano, attracting 175,422 visitors. The Panoramic Elevator and the Castle of Concepción also drew large crowds. Cartagena’s cultural scene is definitely thriving!
Multi-purpose zone
LOS ALCAZARES is gearing up for an exciting transformation as it opens bids for a project to expand and upgrade the municipal parking lot, and convert a nearby plot into a multifunctional space for pop-up commerce.
This initiative is part of the ‘Open Shop Los Alcazares’ project, which aims to create a secondary parking area and a vibrant space for pop-up businesses on municipal land.
The plot, located in Los Narejos behind the security centre and bordered by Rio
Narcea and Avenida Mariano Ballester, is set in the bustling Nuevo Principado area, close to Las Claras del Mar Menor.
The project, costing €998,762.93 and expected to be completed in three months, will provide much-needed parking and a community hub, addressing the area’s parking shortages and lack of green spaces.
This spot was once earmarked for a municipal congress palace, and recent works have filled in the long-standing excavation, preparing it for this new and exciting purpose.
Demolition denied
IN a recent decision, the Cine Moderno, the old cinema theatre, in San Pedro del Pinatar is set to stay put for now. The Regional Superior Court of Murcia has rejected the owner’s appeal against a previous ruling that halted demolition plans. The court decided it’s wiser to pause any demolition work until the Cultural Heritage Department weighs in on the cinema’s historical significance.
The cinema’s owner had initially requested demo-
Cinema’s fate remains uncertain.
lition in March 2019, but the local government put the brakes on the process in September of the same year, pending a report. This report praised the cinema
as a key example of architect Pedro Cerdán’s work and a valuable piece of San Pedro del Pinatar’s urban fabric from the early 20th century.
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.
Not recommended
TEENAGERS across Eu rope will begin to notice a change in their YouTube recommendations, as the app will limit access to videos that promote unhealthy habits and ‘idealise’ certain body types.
As viewers fall into feedback loops of similar content with YouTube’s recommendations, many end up delving into more extreme videos, that despite claiming to be fitness, may threaten viewers’ mental and physical health.
Graham and YouTube Youth director James Beser. The statement highlighted that YouTube will now limit repeated recommendations of content that idealises particular body types and fitness levels, compares physical features, or shows intimidation and fighting, reporting that while it “may be innocuous as a single video,” it “could be problematic for some teens if viewed repetitively.”
Poles in Spain
Last year, YouTube imposed new restrictions for teenage viewers in the US, under the guidance of its youth and family advisory committee, which will now expand to Europe, to prevent young people from forming “negative beliefs about themselves,” as said in a public statement by the head of YouTube Health Dr Garth
With the new policy, YouTube will also redirect people to crisis hotlines when they search for things related to suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders.
While content creators may face a drop in views, the restrictions could keep thousands of teens across the world safe from developing mental and physical illnesses.
Adam Woodward RECENT studies have concluded that in 2023, 3,118 new Poles bought homes in Spain, more than the previous year by which time Polish-owned properties in Spain had tripled since pre-pandemic times. So, what elements of Spain are attracting Polish people all of a sudden?
It is said that the war in Ukraine has been having the biggest effect on the perception of family safety, along with fears of a possible future Russian
attack. Estate agencies have also noted that the demographic has changed in terms of age, with much younger and lower income people moving to Spain rather than just retiring Poles.
A 2022 opinion poll in Poland reported that almost 50 per cent of the population believed that the possibility of a Russian ground assault on their country was a real threat.
The option for post-Covid remote working, increasingly better flight connections, and a more
clement climate have all played their part too. A ranking of the best countries in the World to work remotely concluded that Spain is the best through lower general cost of living and reliable high-speed internet connections. Brexit is also said to have had its effect on the Poles and their choice of destination with less opportunities for work in the UK. But according to the word on the street from estate agencies, most cite possible escalation of the war in Ukraine.
Catherine McGeer
MARK your calendars for October 18 and 19 because Caravaca de la Cruz is turning up the volume with the return of the Caravaca Power Pop Festival! This year, the festival is cranking up the excitement by adding the picturesque Plaza del Arco as a second stage.
The festival, now a local favourite, will feature eight bands from both Spain and beyond. Headlining the event is the legendary Spanish poprock group, Los Enemigos, making a grand return after 33 years. With five successful festivals under its belt, the festival is back stronger than ever, promising an unforget-
table weekend.
Festival-goers can dive into the action starting on October 18 with a vinyl spin session at 9pm in Plaza del Arco, followed by live performances from Los Hermanos Dalton, Erik Voeks & The Ghosters, and Atticusfinch. The music will continue late into the night at Pub La Nota.
Saturday, October 19, kicks off with more vinyl spins throughout the historic centre from 12.30pm to 4pm. The rhythm picks up again in La Zona with The Yellow Melodies at 5.30pm. The grand finale unfolds at 8pm in the Plaza de Toros with sets from Los Enemigos, Paul Collins, The Yum Yums, and Tiburona.
Don’t miss out on this musical blast! Most activities are free, but tickets for the Plaza de Toros concerts are €15 in advance and €20 at the door. See you there!
COSTA CALIDA
SEPTEMBER is here, and though the end of summer means getting back to routines, music is stepping in to brighten the month. Three major festivals are lined up, each offering a unique experience for different tastes.
First up, Molina de Segura is hosting the B-Side Festival on September 13-14. Known for marking the end of summer, this year’s festival features top acts like Amaral, Iván Ferreiro, and Cala Vento. The festival kicks off with a free day on Friday September 13, including performances by Perro and a special children’s storytelling session.
In Cartagena, the Carthagineses y Romanos festival returns on September 20-21. This vibrant event mixes history with music, and the lineup is diverse: enjoy
MABS Mazarron is here to lend a helping hand to anyone diagnosed with cancer, offering practical support and a caring community. On Friday September 27 the charity is inviting the community to join in World Coffee Morning and contribute to the cause.
World Coffee Morning Festival fever
Finally, the Visor Fest, held on September 27-28 in La Fica, is set to be a highlight of the month. This festival features a stellar lineup of international artists including The Charlatans, dEUS, and Camera Obscura. With its emphasis on full-length performances and a relaxed atmosphere, Visor Fest offers a chance to enjoy classic bands in a more intimate setting.
So, whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, or something a bit different, September’s festivals have something to make the return to routine a bit more exciting.
le raising much-needed funds for MABS.
The World Coffee Morning takes place at various venues. These events aim to bring people together over a cup of coffee whi-
The World Coffee Morning will take place at Harvey’s on Hacienda del Álamo, the MABS Respite Home, and CAT’s Bar. Meanwhile, the MABS craft team will be present at the MABS respite home on Camposol, offering a variety of hand-made gifts and cards. Shoppers can pick
Dine & Dance
CASA CLUB CAMPOSOL in Mazarron is gearing up for an exciting month of events this September. Kicking off the festivities, Brendan O’Dee will be performing a free show on Saturday, September 14. While the event itself is free, reservations for dining are welcomed - simply call or message +34 602 420 167 to secu-
re a table, or swing by for drinks!
On September 21, the vibrant Los Duques will take the stage at 7pm.
The evening includes a lively performance and a delicious three-course menu, so be sure to book in advance if you plan to dine. The Badlands will be rocking out on September 28 and The Quality Street
up unique items, knowing their purchases directly benefit those in need. Supporters can also visit CAT’s Bar on Camposol Sector A, where delicious cakes and pastries will be sold in support of MABS. Events will take place from 10am to 1pm at MABS Respite Home on Avenida de los Covachos and from 11am to 1pm at Harvey’s.
Band performing on October 2.
Weekly events at Casa Club Camposol promise something for everyone. Mondays feature a quiz night with Carl Thomasstarting at 7.30pm, followed by the Funky Orange Disco on Tuesdays. Thursdays offer another quiz night with Paul Pryce, also at 7.30pm. Fridays are all about Fish & Chips Bingo with Paul Pryce at 3.30pm. Sundays bring a hearty carvery alongside live music. For more information and to make reservations, contact +34 602 420 167
EES 29 country list
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 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 Ireland, 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 be implemented at specific points in South England.
Norway’s junk food
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.
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.
Should stores open on Sundays? Your
VOICE
TRADITIONALLY SUNDAY WAS ALWAYS A DAY OF REST.
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.
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
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.”
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.”
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.
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
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
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.”
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 living in Valencia were easier than most expats 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 began 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.
New Spain-Portugal railway bridge
PLANS for a new international railway bridge over the Minho River between Spain and Portugal are moving forward, with Luís Nobre, President of Eixo Atlântico and mayor of Viana do Castelo, urging both governments to prioritise the project. Nobre has called for the bridge to be included in the agenda for the next Iberian Summit.
This proposal dates back over a decade, when Eixo Atlântico rst suggested a high-speed railway line linking Ferrol, Galicia and Lisbon, with a stop at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. The new bridge, set to serve the Minho railway line, is expected to be located east of Valença and Tui, although nal details and administrative procedures are still under review.
The current Minho railway line, particularly the section between Valença and Porto, has long been plagued by ine ciencies despite recent modernisation e orts. Nobre emphasises that this new infrastructure will signi cantly reduce travel times and provide a much-needed alternative to the existing route, bene ting commuters, tourists, and cross-border trade.
Collaboration between Portugal and Spain has been key in pushing this project forward. Meetings with Spanish o cials have helped unlock logistical barriers, and momentum is building on both sides of the border. The new bridge could be a game-changer for those travelling across the Iberian Peninsula, and the upcoming Iberian Summit may set the wheels in mo
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.
Almeria Summer cinema night
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.”
This summer’s cinema nights had a fitting ending, with hundreds of people coming together to watch the inspirational animated film, Buffalo Kids.
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.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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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 Hambone 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 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 parrot 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.”
Cool canine delights
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.
WHEN the summer heat kicks in, our furry friends deserve some refreshing treats just as much as we do. Fortunately, whipping up cool, dog-friendly snacks at home is both simple and fun. A favourite option is frozen yoghurt bites - just mix plain, unsweetened yoghurt with a bit of mashed banana or peanut butter, spoon into ice cube trays, and freeze. Your dog will love these creamy delights.
Another easy treat involves slicing up dog-safe fruits like apples, blueberries,
Want free pet-sitters at home
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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.
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If you use HouseSitMatch.com you find free checked pet-sitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring for your pets in your absence. It’s an arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet-sitting works as an exchange of services - free accommodation for free pet care!
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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:
or watermelon (minus the seeds) and freezing them for a crunchy, refreshing snack. For something heartier, blend together chicken broth (ensure it’s low sodium) with a handful of dog-friendly vegetables, pour the mixture into moulds, and freeze.
These easy-to-make treats not only cool your dog down but also keep them hydrated and happy during the warmer months. Always be sure to use dog-safe ingredients, and consult your vet if you’re unsure about any additions.
1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com
2. Choose a Premium account (£69 pa) to ensure you get help online
3. Create a profile with photos of your pets and home
4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.
Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent
Sherel and John looked after Harry early April. They sent photos and mails to inform us how he was getting on. My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks. Sherel and John are very nice people, and we highly recommend them as excellent sitters.
Tom C - homeowner in Mojacar
How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation! Reader exclusive offer - 20% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter
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.