Operation turtle
LAST Sunday morning, Palma beach sprung to life, startling beach goers and lifeguards alike. Security personnel were called urgently to Playa de Palma by concerned lifeguards when loggerhead turtle hatchlings were spotted trying to make their way towards the water.
A lifeguard patrolling the beach at around 11am was one of the first people to discover the baby turtles, when he spotted a newborn in the sand. He immediately called the main lifeguard station and the area was swiftly cordoned off in
order to protect the young turtle from harm and whilst an investigation was carried out into its origins. A swimmer later admitted to having noticed a baby turtle at around 10am, and had kindly helped it into the sea. An alert was sent to experts at the Palma Aquarium and the Consortium for the Recovery of Balearic Fauna (Cofib) was also informed, and were therefore able to advise the lifeguards and security personnel on the safest way to handle the situation.
Due to the vulnerability of the
turtles at such a young age, the experts advised that the babies needed to be transferred to the aquarium as quickly as possible in order to receive the care necessary to prepare them for being released into the wild. Over the course of the next few hours, several other hatchlings were located and a nest was then discovered in which laid more unhatched eggs. As each baby turtle was collected, it was wrapped in a damp towel and placed in a box in the shade for safety whilst the rescue operation continued.
Donating costs nothing
THE BALEARIC BLOOD AND TISSUE BANK (BSTIB) has put out an urgent call for donors of blood group O+.
Reserves of blood group O positive are worryingly low, with only 30% of the target amount available for emergency transfusions. This could have a significant impact on the medical services´ capacity to provide optimum care for patients, as blood group O+ is not only the most common, it is also compatible for use in patients with other positive blood groups.
The BSTIB and hospitals across the Balearics are
hoping to raise awareness and encourage more people to donate blood. New donors need not worry, even if their blood group is unknown to them, as medical professionals can test on the day.
Donations at this time are critical, it really is a matter of life or death.
www.cita.donasang.org
Coastal cave scare
A 33-year-old man found himself in need of help last weekend when exploring the coastline of Cala Morlanda, near Manacor. According to a report from the local fire service, firemen from the Parque de Manacor were deployed at around 11.40 that morning to assist lifeguards and police in the rescue of the man when he found himself trapped within a small coastal cave.
The man had entered the tiny cave of his own accord, but for some reason was unable to exit it without assistance, and was lucky to find himself with access to a bubble of air which enabled him to breath and kept him safe until the emergency services arrived.
Despite the rescue mission costing time and resources from the ambulance service, as well as the Manacor local police, the National police, the fire service and lifeguards, the man was reported to have been in a stable enough condition to walk away from the scene himself once he was free to do so.
Mallorca • Issue No. 2047 • 26 Sept - 2 Oct 2024 FREE
GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS
It is unusual for a nest of turtles to thrive in such a busy public area.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Bishop, Pexels
New home for artefacts Art sets Palma apart
A new archaeological centre is set to open in Alcudia and plans to showcase in excess of 40,000 artefacts retrieved from across the island´s various archaeological sites. The centre will sport a selection of multi-purpose spaces which will be fully equipped for researchers to work as e ciently as they possibly can, whilst protecting and displaying items of signi cant interest and importance collectively for visitors, both local and from afar.
The Department of Culture and Heritage of the Council of Mallorca is carrying out archaeological studies on the proposed site of Sa Tanca de Can Domenèch, to ensure that no traces remain of the Roman city of Pollentia, which is located on the site next door, before any construction work
is started. However, Councillor of Culture and Heritage, Antònia Roca, con rmed in a statement on Wednesday that work has already commenced to clear the site where construction is due to take place. Meanwhile, studies are expected to continue throughout October before permission is granted to begin the construction itself.
Mallorca is home to some 400 `talaiots´ - monuments and remains of ancient settlements dating from the end of the bronze age through to the iron age [Javier Aramburu-Zabala Higuera/María López-Quesada Alemany, Los Talayots Cuadrados de Mallorca] – and both experts and volunteers work hard to protect and preserve the sites so that they can continue to be enjoyed by the general public.
PALMA DE MALLORCA´S 28th edition of the traditional Nit de l´Art, held this year on September 21, attracted the highest number of visitors recorded over the last 6 years.
Around 2,000 people attended the event - which aims to bring art to life and showcases a selection of work from contemporary artists from around the world - despite severe weather warnings from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) threatening storms and rain. The Association of Palma Gallery Owners refused to be put o by the possibility of bad weather, and worked dedicatedly alongside local governments and councils in order to ensure the event was still a success.
brimming with art, courtesy of the vibrant and creative works of both local and international artists. Prohens highlighted the diversity of the art on display and seemed particularly impressed by the way the artists had used their skills and imagination to “play with shapes, colours and materials”. The president referred to Palma as being `the capital of art´ in the Mediterranean and indeed within Europe itself, owing to the magic the artists had bestowed on the city with works she described as demonstrating the “excellence and quality that the [Balearic] islands deserve”.
o cials and counse-
Local government o cials and counsellors showed their support by attending the event, and Marga Prohens, President of the Balearic Government, sung the event´s praises in a post on social media site X, describing the city of Palma as having been
Officials and counsellors showerd their support.
Enough space for a scientific workplace and exhibition area.
Photo Credit: @MuseuSonFornes, X
Photo Credit: @MargaProhens, X
Back to the Office
OVER the last ten years, employees have demanded more exibility in their working patterns, including the option to work hybrid and full-time from home. However, a recent global survey carried out by KMPG indicates that bosses now want workers back in the o ce.
The hybrid working model, popular with employees and younger talent, isn’t working for the bosses, according to the
international consultancy and accounting rm. The study, a benchmark in the industry for over ten years, quizzes 1,300 company chiefs worldwide on their views of current business trends.
This year’s results show a marked loss of appetite for home working. This is so much so that the majority of the bosses from eleven major global powers, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain,
the UK, the US, and China, reported a willingness to o er sta incentives to lure them back to the o ce. Many were happy to reward sta who made the e ort to be in the oce with favourable assignments, pay rises or even promotions.
A full return to o ce work is gaining popularity among big companies, including Amazon, Boots, Laing O’Rourke, and Rockstar Games. The shift
Workforce boost
FOLLOWING the success of integrating Ukrainian refugees into their workforce, Norway is set to implement new rules to increase their attractiveness to foreign workers. Over 27% of working-age Ukrainians have found employment in Norway, and the government hopes to replicate this success with other foreign workers.
A key component of the new regulations will be the requirement for shorter induction programmes. After three months of induction, foreign workers will be required to engage in at least fteen hours of work-related activities per week. This move is designed to prepare foreigners for the Norwegian labour market more quickly and, in turn, accelerate their contribution to the country’s economy.
towards in-person work is being advocated by those who argue that face-to-face communication fosters more creativity, enhances collaboration, and strengthens company culture in ways that are di cult to replicate online.
The workers themselves have mixed feelings about the return. Various surveys indicate that more than 60% prefer the hybrid or fully remote option.
Furthermore, Norway plans to expand its integration programmes to encompass foreign workers between the ages of 55 and 60. This initiative aims to allow older people to acquire the necessary quali cations to enter the workforce, thereby increasing Norway’s labour pool. Additionally, the programme will be expanded to accommodate individuals seeking formal education, with an extra year added for upper secondary education and vocational training. The recent regulations are designed to address the growing need for foreign workers to have the necessary skills to succeed in the Norwegian economy. Employment and Inclusion Minister Tonje Brenna stressed the importance of creating a exible regulatory framework that can e ectively support foreign workers.
ACCORDING to the Eurofound 2023 report, the EU is still experiencing labour shortages following the strong market recovery after the effects of COVID-19, combined with ongoing demographic trends. As more specialised and higher-paid jobs are found in the cities, this is having a bigger impact here than in the rural areas. Interestingly, research indicates that, on average, only half of urban residents believe that finding a job in their European city is easy. Notably, cities in Spain such as Malaga (21%), Barcelona (24%), and Madrid (24%) fall well below this average. This finding is directly correlated with satisfaction levels, as a higher percentage of individuals perceiving job availability positively are more likely to express satisfaction with urban living.
Euro Weekly News publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews. com and in its papers than any other English news
Norways aim to be more attractive to foreign workers
Bosses want their workers back in the office
AS 2024 sees the centenary of the launch of the Balear sailing vessel, the entire fleet of the Diada de Vela Latina sailed through the Bay of Palma.
rian.
51 vessels took part on Sunday September 15 as the Cala Gamba Yacht Club organised the sail past as its contribution to Mallorca Day which fell on September 12.
The tribute took place in the middle of the bay of Palma, in front of Palma
Cathedral, and consisted of a grand naval parade of all the participants in the
Diada de Vela Latina, making two circuits around the much larger centena-
Centenary celebrations Residents reclaim terraces
RESIDENTS
and neighbours of Santa Catalina in Palma have taken to dining `al fresco´ in a peaceful and original campaign to reclaim what they consider to be their own territory. Santa Catalina is one of the most fashionable areas of the city and is particularly popular for the range of exciting and contemporary restaurants and bars, drawing both tourists and residents from
across the island there in order to experience the gastronomy and nightlife on
offer.
Horns were blown by the Race Committee to start the sail past and representatives of the Consell de Mallorca as well as a several local residents viewed the event as it took place.
For the very lucky ones (just 50), Palma Cathedral opened its terrace, so that guests were able to view this tribute, enjoying a magnificent panoramic view.
de, and as the president of the residents´ association, Esperanza Lliteres, points out, the business establishments have taken over what, once upon a time, belonged to the residents.
The idea is that residents will hold a civilised fun event at least twice a year in which neighbours and residents of the Santa Catalina and Es Jonquet neighbourhoods can join together, eat outside and actually enjoy using space which historically would have belonged to them.
However, fed up with having to battle their way through throngs of visitors and the noise and chaos that comes with them, members of the Santa Catalina and Es Jonquet residents´ association have teamed together to hold the first `sopar a la fresca´ event in Carrer la Fàbrica, which is renowned for its restaurant and bar terraces. `Sopar a la fresca´ is Mallorquín for dining outsi-
Lliteres emphasises that the celebrations will not be huge street parties, explaining that the whole idea behind the proposed get-togethers is to encourage more “civic-mindedness and reduce chaos”.
Celebration of the centenary of the Balear off Palma
Credit: Consell de Mallorca
Enjoying great food and company.
Photo Credit: Guillem Bosch, Diario de Mallorca
Hotels take all
Tourism in Mallorca rocketed this summer, and yet bars and restaurants are su ering. What´s going wrong?
Over 10 million tourists chose to holiday in the Balearics this summer, even before August began, with 2.5 million international tourists visiting the islands within the month of July, which in Mallorca meant a 5.03% rise from 2023 [Balearic Institute of Statistics, IBESTAT]. Coupled with this, The National Statistics Egatur Survey reported a 13.6% increase in tourist spending within the rst 6 months of the year, with over 8 million euros being brought to the economy through the tourism industry. The Confederation of Balearic Business Associations represents all big employers and disagreed to some extent, stating
that the local economy expanded by 2.8% between April and June rather than the national average of 2.9%, but did emphasise that statistics for the rst three months of the year demonstrated a 3% growth to the economy across the Balearics.
However, despite these statistics, owners of local businesses, particularly bars and restaurants, have reported a signi cant reduction in income of some 20%. Partly responsible for the con ict in statistics is the fact that the Egatur survey doesn’t specify precisely where the money is being spent. With hotel prices soaring and whilst all-inclusive holiday packages continue to attract tourists looking for a better deal and a cheaper summer break, it seems that the locals, whilst trying hard to make a living, are su ering.
Trapped tourist rescue
Six French tourists were rescued on Sunday evening when the roof of a concrete cistern they were stood on collapsed. The tourists were at the top of the Puig de Randa, a 540-metre-high mountain located in the countryside between Algaida and Llucmayor, which is home to the Monastery of Cura and from which views of the island are spectacular. The tourists had gone onto the top of the cistern in order to use it as a viewpoint, but the roof crumbled beneath them,
causing them to fall into the building and leaving them trapped. This sparked a complex rescue operation, with the cistern being right at the edge of a 120-metre precipice and the sun about to set.
According to the Mallorca re service, the incident occurred at around 19.20pm, and members of the service were dispatched from the Manacor, Felanitx and Llucmayor re stations. The re service reports that all six people were successfully rescued, however two of the
tourists needed to by carefully extracted from the rubble using a mechanised crane due to their injuries, with one su ering severe back pain and the other from discomfort in his leg.
The rescue operation was assisted by members of the local Algaida police force, Guardia Civil and Civil Protection as well as the ambulance service SAMU-061, which provided care for the injured and transport to hospitals on the island, in order to rule out any serious injuries.
Photo Credit: EWN
Trapped in the building.
Photo
Visited by over 10 million tourists.
Pink gnomes green city
ANTWERP’S city centre is turning pink, thanks to a quirky initiative from district authorities to encourage residents to make their neighbourhoods greener.
As part of the “Buurt in bloei” (Neighbourhood in Bloom) campaign, 1,000 pink garden gnomes are being given away at two central locations: the Operaplein and the entrance to the Left Bank pedestrian tunnel.
The campaign aims to inspire city dwellers to add plants and owers to their terraces, window boxes, and facades, helping to beautify the urban landscape.
Best student city
A EUROPEAN wide survey undertaken by The Campus Advisor found that Prague in the Czech Republic was the best city for students overall.
Interestingly the United Kingdom had more cities than any other country in the top 50 whilst Spain had ve candidates in the list with Granada taking fth place.
Each gnome comes with a QR code that provides information on how residents can create their own green spaces, including the opportunity to apply for a free facade garden from the district authority.
parcel of a nice green garden,” said project leader Anja van Stappershoef, speaking to VRT News.
“We want to encourage our residents to make their neighbourhood greener,” Stappershoef says.
Commuters passing through the Left Bank tunnel were pleasantly surprised by the whimsical giveaway.
“They just o ered me a pink garden gnome to brighten up my garden, that’s really nice,” Tine, one commuter, told VRT News.
Another commuter, Kato, said she was intrigued by the campaign’s digital element.
The “Buurt in bloei” campaign re ects Antwerp’s growing commitment to urban greening, encouraging residents to bring nature into the heart of the city.
The ndings were the result of extensive analysis of over 17,000 authentic ratings, reviews, and surveys submitted by students and the rankings were based solely on the data collected.
To reach the ranking for each city, a list of key factors was created which took into account the proportion of students in the population, academic environment, student friendliness, cost of living, cultural diversity, nightlife, public transport, amenities, safety, and more.
Prague just pipped Heidelberg (Germany) at the post to take the title and a typical reviewer commented “Prague is calm but exciting. Many places to visit and see. Located in heart of Europe makes it great for short trips and even local tourism.
“Nightlife is great. Endless opportuni-
ties and possibilities of hobbies and fun activities. ”
Although many countries in Eastern Europe have much lower costs of living than their Western neighbours, this was an area where Prague lost out somewhat only being the 16th cheapest city in the list, beaten by neighbours Krakow, Budapest, Warsaw and the Czech city of Brno. Its other weak spot was cultural diversity, falling well behind the likes of Amsterdam, Berlin and London but overall it still managed to beat the other 49 contestants for overall top place.
A city in Belgium is promoting greener living with pink gnomes
Credit: District Antwerp /fb
Students enjoying the life style
Credit: Nejron Photo Shutterstock
Why tax planning is so rewarding
Tax planning is an integral part of effective wealth management. It plays an important role in protecting and making the most of what you have and should be taken into account when making decisions about your savings, investments and pensions.
While the tax tail shouldn’t necessarily wag the investment dog, there are numerous benefits to strategic tax planning.
Less tax for you
The most important benefit is probably to reduce your overall annual liability for income, capital gains and wealth taxes on your savings, investments, assets and pensions.
We all need to pay tax, but if there’s a more tax-efficient way to hold your capital, shouldn’t you explore if it could work for you? Much depends on how you hold your assets, so investigate what compliant, tax-efficient arrangements are available in Spain. You may be surprised by how much tax you can save.
By Cathal Rochford, Partner, Blevins Franks
Less tax for your heirs
Of course, the less tax you pay in your lifetime, the more you have to spend now or pass on to your heirs.
But with some investment structures, you may also be able to lower the inheritance tax liability for your heirs. Ideally, you want a solution that will limit inheritance taxes while also providing tax-efficient income and growth throughout your lifetime.
Estate planning benefits
A bonus of strategic tax plan-
ning can be that the arrangements you put in place also help make things easier for your family when you are gone. Many tax-efficient investment arrangements also offer more estate planning flexibility and control. For example, they may allow you to bypass succession laws on investment assets, and the capital can pass to your chosen heirs without the complications and delays associated with probate.
Maximising returns
Effective tax planning plays a part in helping returns outpace the cost of living. Ultimately, what counts when assessing the value of investments are ‘real’ returns, after tax, expenses and inflation are deducted. Property, to give another example, is often lauded for producing relatively high longterm returns, but with stamp duty, local rates, capital gains and wealth tax applied, tax liabilities can be large compared to other assets.
The starting point should be ensuring your portfolio is well diversified and suitable for your situation, goals and risk tolerance. But without suitable tax planning, returns can be diminished by taxes that could have been avoided or reduced.
If you own many different investments individually, moving them into a wrapper like a life assurance policy for the tax benefits also makes your life easier. With the investments consolidated into one policy, there’s less for you to manage, and less time wasted when completing your tax declarations.
Getting the best results
Tax planning should not be done in isolation or as an afterthought – make it a fundamental part of your investment, pensions, estate planning and overall wealth management strategic plan, and review it regularly to keep it up to date. It’s easy to get DIY tax planning wrong, which could lead
to an unwelcome tax bill and the stress of sorting it out. Expatriates have the added complication of dealing with the tax rules of more than one country.
For the best results, talk to an adviser with in-depth understanding of cross-border taxation, including how the Spanish tax regime interacts with UK rules. Besides offering peace of mind that your tax and wider financial planning is fully compliant, they will ensure it meets your needs and goals in the most tax-efficient way.
The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should take personalised advice.
Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.
That Friday feeling
Donna Bradley-Brown
ANYONE fancying a bit of a different start to the weekend might like to consider visiting S´Hort de Sa Vall, which is situated on the outskirts of Manacor.
Generations of family have dedicated their lives to the cultivation of fruits and vegetables in the Mallorcan countryside, and the business strives to combine the family´s inherent love for the land, gastronomy and customs with a desire to share their passion with others, at the exclusion of nobody. The Hort de Sa Vall project was brought to life with assistance from Aproscom (www.aproscom.org) , a foundation which works to support the rights of people with mental health disabilities and learning difficulties.
Each week, on a Friday, the Hort de Sa Vall offers guided tours of the finca, in which the intricacies of tending the land and growing produce are explained alongside the benefits of eating local, seasonal produce.
The tour aims to explore all five senses – sight, sound, smell, touch and taste – and includes a tasting menu of two starters, a main course and a dessert, all prepared and served by
colleagues from Aposcom. Drinking water is available freely throughout the tasting although other drinks are available to purchase and consume. After the tasting menu, visitors can take a browse around the market garden shop, which has a wide range of locally grown and handmade produce, including jams, oil and Mallorcan wines.
To book, go to www.hortdesavall.com
Getting back to nature
RESERVA PARK (formerly the Reserva Puig de Galatxó) is located in the picturesque region of the Serra de Tramuntana and is the only nature park in Mallorca. The reserve welcomes families, couples and groups of friends alike, inviting visitors to step away from the bustling world of technology and step back into nature.
The park´s highlights are the quirky selection of rescued animals and a beautiful forest hike with caves and panoramic views. For those wanting to add a touch of adrenaline to the calmness and tranquillity, there is also an
OVER the next few days, the town of Esporles will be preparing for its 18th Fira Dolça, which translates as `Sweet Fair´ and celebrates deserts, sweets and other rich local delicacies from across that Balearic Islands.
This year, however, organisers of the event are taking inspiration from Palma´s recent and hugely successful, Nit de l´Art, and the weekend promises to be filled with music and fun, as well as the usual sweet treats on offer.
On Monday, local mayor Josep Ferrà teamed up with Jaume Terrassa, Councillor for Economic Promotion, to reveal the
Contact: www.reservapark.net
adventure park comprising of 4 acrobatic bridges and 3 ziplines (including the longest in Mallorca). The park caters for children´s birthday parties and offers educational visits. Parking is free for visitors and the reserve is clearly signposted on reaching the town of Puigpunyent.
The reserve was in danger of closing a few years ago due to financial struggles but managed to keep running due to its dedicated team of nature and animal lovers who were unwilling to give up on the project which they hold closely in their hearts.
Sweet treats
promotional material for the fair, a beautifully designed poster created by Joan González, which features a photo by Margarida Carrió, a talented local artist.
Although the main fair will be held on Sunday October 6, the `Dolça Nit de l´Art´ will take place on the evening of October 5, with plans to showcase work by local artist Tete Matas whilst offering visitors the opportunity to sample local sweets and pastries, washed down with wine paired specifically to compliment the delicious treats.
The event aims to promote local businesses and honour traditional Mallorcan delicacies such as ensaimadas, cocas and crespells as well as ice cream and of course, plenty of chocolate. There will be cooking demonstrations, workshops and children´s activities, alongside a diverse celebration of art and culture, plus live music to encourage visitors to dance off the sugar high.
Your
VOICE
IS SAVING MONEY ON LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS WORTH FORGOING COMFORT?
Would you fly long-haul on a no-frills budget airline?
BUDGET airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air have built their business model by operating nofrills short-haul flights. In return for a lower flight cost, customers forgo luxuries like in-flight meals, entertainment, and a more comfortable seat. Extra legroom is possible, but even then, customers are expected to pay an additional fee for the privilege.
Now, it seems that budget airlines are extending their operations to see just how significant cost is as a factor by offering longer-haul flights but with the same no-frills experience. The seats will be in the same format as those on short-haul flights and won’t recline or come with features such as onboard entertainment or included meals and drinks.
Starting in March 2025, Wizz Air, Which? Magazine’s ‘Worst Airline in Europe’ will offer flights from London Gatwick to Jeddah and Saudi Arabia. The Hungarian budget airline has already confirmed that it plans to add a flight schedule from Milan to Abu Dhabi at a later date.
CEO Jozsef Varadi acknowledges that fifteen to twenty years ago, he thought that three hours would test passenger tolerance. Therefore, he hopes that cost-conscious customers will be willing to ‘suffer the pain’ and that they have adapted to the no-thrills experience.
Intrigued to know if flying has
become all about the cost, Euro Weekly News asked its readers, “Would you fly long-haul on a nofrills budget airline?”
Of those who responded, there was a resounding ‘no’ from many; this accounted for 60 per cent of the responses we received.
Caz Bennett felt that not having a reclining seat would be the dealbreaker for her. She said, “No, I need at least a good reclining seat so I can get some sleep, or it ruins your time away. I took my mum to New York on Silver Jet. That was an experience I’ll never forget. I didn’t even have to go through passport control. Fully flat beds and champagne all the way.”
For Renee Koolen , comfort is also a key consideration. She shared, “I’d rather pay more than ruin the start of my trip looking for a chiropractor.”
Others, like Sam Espejo, said they would be willing to forgo luxury: “Yes, more money to spend on my vacation.”
Interestingly, others, like Karen Joy Harley, were not happy with long-haul flights in general and shared, “I have flown for 10 hours on a luxury airline but never again!! It was a horrendous experience, and it absolutely ruined my holiday!!”
For others, like Andrew Philip Coates , it depended on how much he would save; he said, “It wouldn’t be my first choice, but if it’s half the price, I would consider it ...”
INTERVIEW
Speaking EuropeanTanja Schrocke
TANJA was just 18 when she moved out to Spain on her own, seeking a new life and career in tourism. She left Germany without regrets, not ever missing the “darkness,” the cold, and the “routine” of her hometown.
Even though Tanja has been living in Spain, to her it “feels just like yesterday,” that she found a new home in Lloret del Mar and felt instantly “accepted” by the locals.
After spending time in Costa Brava, Tanja found a new job in real estate in Denia, where she lived for a few years after moving to Altea; there, she feels surrounded by a “big family,” and is delighted to know “every spot of the little town.” Within months, she learned Spanish, and today, has friends from Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. Tanja´s visits to her motherland are limited to every once in two years; only
to see her mother and grandmother. She confessed that she feels “depressed after just three days of being in Germany,” and “feels like a foreigner,” in her old home. Instead, she invites her family to discover her life in Spain, where she anticipates an exciting future with her boyfriend, and plans to stay in Costa Blanca, her ultimate home. Her career, currently with Premium Villas, has been an integral reason for her stay. Working in real estate, Tanja said she sees it as “a possibility to help other people find a dream home.”
Tanja Schrocke
Credit:Tanja Schrocke
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Cutting down
METRO BANK announced a series of job cuts as it carries out an £80 million (€95 million) plan to reduce costs. It expects to slash 300 posts in business operations, IT and support, following the £925 million (€1.1 billion) rescue operation in 2023 when Colombian billionaire Jaime Gilinski Bacal took control of the bank.
No problem
MADRID approved BlackRock’s 20 per cent holding in gas and energy company Naturgy, which is regarded as a nationally strategic company. The world’s largest asset manager acquired the Naturgy shares on taking over Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) in a $12.5 billion (€10.8 billion) deal in January 2025.
Fair dues
BIG FOUR accountancy firm Deloitte revealed that it plans to equalise parental leave for all staff in the UK in January 2025 by giving men the same 26 weeks of leave on full pay now received by women. It hopes this will make it easier for more women to progress in their careers and become partners, Deloitte said.
New look
FASHION company Adolfo Dominguez reported €126.7 million in sales for the year ending February 29, 2024, compared with €114.18 million in 2023, and a net income of €730,185. This was an improvement on 20222023’s €158,656 although the company posted losses of €1.4 million between February and May 2024.
Payback time
INDUSTRY regulator Ofgem has ordered Ovo, the UK’s fourth-largest household energy supplier, to pay
£2.37 million (€2.81 million) in compensation to 1,395 customers owing to the time it took the Bristol-based company to deal with their complaints. In some cases these took up to 18 months to process, Ofgen said.
STAT OF WEEK
€1.498 trillion
gross domestic product for Spain in 2023, after the National Statistics Institute revised its original growth estimate by two-10ths of a percentage point to 2.7 per cent.
Pret’s first billion
PRET A MANGER sales reached £1.1 billion (€1.3 billion) for the first time in 2023 as the UK sandwich chain expanded overseas.
Pret revealed that £1 (€1.19) of every £4 (€4.75) that customers spent on its sandwiches and coffee now came from outside the UK.
The chain owned by Luxembourg-headquartered German conglomerate JAB Holding opened 81 new shops in 2023. More than 50 per cent were located in Canada, India, Greece and Spain, where Pret has outlets in Madrid, Barcelona and Lanzarote.
There was also ‘significant’ progress in the US, where Pret has opened new sites on the East Coast.
Although the business remained ‘proudly British-based and British-built’ and would continue to expand across the UK, the company revealed that a major part of Pret’s future growth plan was international.
The 2023 results had helped to drive a 12 per cent rise in underlying profits to £166 million (€197.1 million), which allowed the group to meet its target of doubling the volume of business three years ahead of schedule.
“We set ourselves some tough targets to get Pret
CESAR GONZALEZ-BUENO, chief executive of Banco Sabadell, said there was little chance of a hostile takeover bid by its rival BBVA bank.
Speaking at the Foro Banca forum held in Madrid on September 16, Gonzalez-Bueno added that the proposed €12 billion deal had “practically derailed.”
Also present at the forum was Peio Belausteguigoitia, head of BBVA Spain, who said that the decision rested with Sabadell’s shareholders.
“In the end, they are the owners,” he maintained.
going again after the pandemic, and we have delivered,” chief executive Pano Christou said.
Nevertheless, the company was aware that although 2024’s first half sales of £569 million (€675.7 million) were 10 per cent up on 2023, this was approximately half of the sales growth during the same period last year.
Comparable same-store sales growth had also fallen to 3 per cent during the first half of 2024, compared with 15 per cent in 2023.
Takeover ‘derailment’ claim
Gonzalez-Bueno also criticised BBVA for not providing enough in-
End of an era No change
BRITAIN’S annual inflation rate held steady at 2.2 per cent in August, with no change on the July figure.
This was slightly above the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target but matched the predictions of a Reuters’ poll of economists and was lower than the Bank’s 2.4 per cent forecast.
Petrol prices had fallen, the Office for National Statistics(ONS) figures showed, but airfares rose, especially those to European destinations.
HARLAND & WOLFF, eternally associated with the Belfast shipyard that built the Titanic, is entering administration for the second time in five years.
The company had been unsuccessful in trying to fund new funding and announced on September 16 that it was insolvent. It planned to appoint administrators “imminently” although the administration process would be limited to Harland & Wolff Group Holdings and the operational companies running the yards were expected to continue trading.
All shareholders would probably lose their money, Harland & Wolff said, although sources revealed that around 20 companies were interested in acquiring parts of the business in a sales procedure carried out by investment bank Rothschild.
THE Guardian Media Group (GMG) is said to be talks to sell The Observer.
News website Tortoise Media reportedly approached the GMG, which acquired the newspaper in 1993, with a takeover offer. No financial details were revealed although The Observer, with a 105,000 print circulation was unlikely to fetch a high price, insiders said.
Meanwhile, GMG announced that total revenue fell 2.5 per cent to £257.8 million (€306.3 million) during its last financial year owing to an advertising slowdown and ‘sustained structural pressures on print.’
AMAZON staff will be back in the office five days a week once its hybrid work policy comes to an end in January 2025.
formation for a balanced decision.
“We aren’t seeing transparency for shareholders,” he said. “We miss that.”
Sabadell chief executive argued that BBVA was not being clear about the cost involved should the takeover go ahead.
BBVA expects to save €300 million in staff costs and plans to close 300 branches, while sources with inside knowledge of the proposed deal have predicted that 4,000 jobs would be lost.
“We’re going to return to the office and the way we were before the onset of Covid,” chief executive Andy Jassy said, explaining that it would help staff “to invent, collaborate, and be sufficiently connected to each other.”
In Spain, where Amazon has a total of 25,000 permanent employees, this will affect approximately 5,000 people who work in the company’s offices.
FORTY PER CENT of phone users in Spain would be prepared to move from traditional operators like Movistar, MasOrange or Vodafone to a low-cost company.
After questioning users in Spain, the UK, France, Italy and Germany, a survey by management consulting company Oliver Wyman found that the Italians were most inclined to move to a cheaper company, with 45 per cent happy to switch. They were followed by the Spanish, where 72 per cent are clients of traditional companies but 40 per cent would change to the low-cost companies which offer services practically identical to those of the big operators.
HIGH speed train operator Iryo lost €79 million in 2023 after an investment totalling €900 million. Competing against Spain’s state-owned Renfe and French company Ouigo, 2023 was the first year Iryo had simultaneously operated its three main routes linking Madrid with Catalonia, Levante and Andulucia.Iryo is the brand name of the private high speed railway company, Intermodalidad de Levante, which is jointly owned by Italy’s publicly-owned Trenitalia, regional airline Air Nostrum and the Spanish infrastructure investment fund Globalvia.
GROWING: Pret a Manger expanding in UK and abroad.
Photo credit: grupobancsabadell
CESAR GONZALEZ-BUENO: Not happening Sabadell chief executive said.
3I Group 3.293,00 3.293,00 3.279,00 35,52K
Admiral Group 2.892,0 2.897,0 2.867,0 51,65K
Airtel Africa 118,20 118,20 115,70 50,55K
Anglo American 2.180,5 2.192,5 2.173,2 59,88K
Antofagasta 1.841,00 1.850,00 1.833,50 63,42K
Ashtead Group 5.724,0 5.760,0 5.718,0 10,21K
Associated British Foods 2.244,0 2.248,0 2.234,0 28,91K
AstraZeneca 11.884,0 11.900,0 11.816,0 66,97K
Auto Trader Group Plc 881,29 885,20 880,40 30,02K
Aviva 496,20 499,30 495,60 292,79K
B&M European Value Retail SA 425,00 428,00 424,00 47,9K
BAE Systems 1.290,50 1.291,50 1.282,00 156,28K
Barclays 226,90 227,15 225,95 1,12M
Barratt Developments 506,60 509,80 505,20 48,61K
Beazley 772,00 775,00 770,00 38,66K
Berkeley 4.912,0 4.950,0 4.903,0 2,79K
BP 411,25 413,90 411,05 2,18M
British American Tobacco 2.812,0 2.825,0 2.795,0 224,82K
BT Group 144,65 145,99 143,70 900,34K Bunzl 3.606,0 3.614,0 3.596,0 12,89K Burberry Group 601,8 607,0 595,0 214,18K
118,25 118,70 117,80 315,06K
Cola HBC AG 2.756,0 2.762,0 2.752,0 7,49K
2.420,00 2.422,00
BUSINESS
Not so dear
MOBILE phone prices fell 11.7 per cent in August, latest figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) revealed. Computers were 5.9 per cent cheaper, INE said, owing to a wider technology offer and fewer people who worked from home.
Home grown
BRITAIN eats 60,000 tons of blueberries annually, of which 90 per cent are imported, although sales of home-produced blueberries rose by 13 per cent this year. “Everyone thinks blueberries are a tropical fruit grown abroad,” the British Berry Growers (BBG) trade association said.
Issa steps down
MOHSIN ISSA has resigned as Asda chairman and will be replaced by the company’s chairman Lord Stuart Rose.
While Rose takes on the day-to-day running of Asda, Issa remains a minority co-owner and a non-executive board member but will concentrate on his petrol station forecourts business, EG Group. Rose, who was execu -
tive chairman of Marks & Spencer until 2010 and chairman until 2011, said last August that he was “embarras sed” by Asda’s underperfor mance and ca lled on Issa to resign.
Asda’s sales fell by 5.5
Iberdrola waiver
THE Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved the takeover of Central Maine Power’s parent company Avangrid by Iberdrola, its largest shareholder.
The PUC agreed on September 17 that Central Maine Power could omit the required state review of the $2.5 billion (€2.25 billion) transaction that would put Avangrid under the full control of the Bil-
bao-based energy giant.
In a 2-1 vote, the state regulators finally agreed to waive the assessment that allowed the Spanish multinational to acquire the remaining 18.4 per cent of Avangrid which it did not already own. Earlier, Fitch Ratings had said that the deal would be positive for Avangrid, which could now benefit from the ‘financial flexibility’ of Iberdrola.
per cent over the past 12 months and the chain’s market share has dropped from 13.1 per cent to 11.8 per cent.
“We respect Mohsin’s decision to move on from his role at Asda, where his work is complete, to be the sole CEO of EG Group,” Rose said on September 18.
“He has laid the foundations to deliver a world-class IT infrastructure, strengthening Asda for the long term.”
According to the Telegraph earlier this year, Asda was prepared to pay a new, topflight chief executive between £8 million (€9.5 million) and £10 million (€11.9 million). At the time, this had failed to lure candidates, presumably owing to Issa’s continued involvement in the supermarket chain.
Wage scale
THE Ferrovial board was paid €25.5 million during the first half of 2024, 45 per cent more than in 2024, the Spanish multinational announced. The infrastructure company which now lists in New York as well as Spain, attributed the pay rise to ‘short-term and longterm bonuses’ and the ‘significant’ increase in Ferrovial’s share price from €26.773 to €36.045.
Going nuclear
THE Czech government has chosen Rolls-Royce to build mini nuclear power plants for state-owned energy company, CEZ. France, the US and Japan had also bid for the contract to supply the small modular reactions (SMRs), the first of which will be located near the Temelin nuclear power station and should be completed before 2035.
MOHSIN ISSA: Remains on Asda board as non-executive director
Curbing the youth crime wave
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
Personally, I don’t think that the young crime wave, which is at the moment practically engulfing the UK, has very little to do with the countries lack of police resources. I believe a large part of the blame can be firmly apportioned to the breakdown of the family unit. Huge numbers of families across the UK have for years taken full advantage of the liberal benefit policies of successive governments. Child benefits have been a particularly lucrative source of earnings. Consequently, many children have been conceived and born purely to add to the family income. This has resulted in enormous dysfunctional families, particularly those to whom benefits are a way of life and the children merely a means to a financial end. There is no love or guidance in these families. Once the children’s purpose has been served, they are left to roam the streets with no sense of decency or compassion for their fellow human beings what-
soever. How could there be when there have been no examples of it at home? Once let loose, they link up with likeminded offspring of their fellow dysfunctional neighbors and begin to run riot. They soon begin to realise, that the impossibly priced electronic devices and expensive ‘toys’ they have been bombarded with on television, are completely out of their financial reach, even if they took a ‘proper’ job. So, they turn to crime. This includes knifing and a positive plethora of young murder victims, fatalities who now seem to be publicised for a day or two and then forgotten! How many are being injured and never even mentioned in the media, I dread to think. To be honest I can see no answer to the immediate situation. Lock up as many of them as possible I suppose, assuming there’s enough room! As to the future, only allowing child benefits for up to two children would be a start. At least this would curb the temptation to pour even more unwanted and unloved future criminals into our society. More police are certainly needed, but only because the num-
bers of young criminals have escalated so alarmingly. I would like to see Boot camps built all across the country, where these young offenders can be sent to learn discipline, values and respect for their fellow human beings. Trades could be taught. Even simply showing someone actually cares may rescue at least a proportion of them that can be released to become valued members of society. Finally, digressing to other problems always close to my heart; there is still a relatively easy way to stop the war in the East. Give back the Israeli hostages, unharmed and well. Stop terrorist organisations lobbing missiles from adjoining countries into Israel, sit down at the table and accept the terms already offered a number of times and subsequently refused. Only then can we get back to the peaceful existence revered by most. Otherwise it will only get worse, finishing up Lord knows where. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to know it makes sense!
Keep the faith
Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Zurich’s public transport
THE European Commission’s ‘Quality of Life in European Cities, 2023’ report ranks Zurich, Switzerland as the top city for public transport satisfaction. An impressive 95 per cent of Zurich’s residents are happy with the city’s clean and punctual trams, buses and trains.
For expatriates, good public transport can make or break daily life, and Zurich’s investment in its integrated network o ers reliability.
Vienna follows closely with 91 per cent satisfaction. The Austrian capital’s a ordable and extensive system is praised for its e ciency. Helsinki also ranks high, with 89 per cent of residents satis ed thanks to its modern, eco-friendly transport options, including ferries for scenic island trips.
Stockholm, Sweden, also impresses with 88 per cent satisfaction, o ering sustainable and reliable options that cater to eco-conscious commuters.
However, the report highlights that not all cities fare as well. Rome, Italy, struggles with just 29 per cent satisfaction due to frequent delays, overcrowding and outdated infrastructure.
For those considering a move to Europe, public transport is an essential factor. Having reliable modes of transport makes navigating city life easier and more enjoyable.
Stairway showdown
ONE of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the Spanish Steps, has sparked a legal and media controversy between France and Italy following a report by the French Court of Auditors.
The dispute revolves around France’s properties in Rome, with the report raising concerns about the maintenance of five French churches, including the Trinità dei Monti church, which stands atop the Spanish Steps.
While the report does not directly address the famous staircase, it highlights French involvement in the church’s upkeep, leading to a broader debate about the site’s ownership.
Historically, the Spanish Steps were commissioned by French kings, built with French funds, and designed by French architects.
This historical context
Stairway showdown
led to the French Court of Auditors affirming these facts, which some interpreted as a claim of French ownership over the Spanish Steps. linking them to France’s real estate portfolio in Rome. This portfolio, which includes 180 rental properties, generates €4.5 million annually for the French government. However, complicating the situation is that since the late 19th cen-
tury, the maintenance and restoration of the Spanish Steps have been handled by the City of Rome and the Italian State. Interestingly, despite the name, Spain is not involved in this ownership debate.
The “Spanish Steps” derive their name from the adjacent Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square), not from any historical connection to Spain itself.
Zurich in top spot.
A SUPERMARKET in the Netherlands, Jumbo, launched a ‘flirt hour’ for singles, using popular Dutch biscuits, helping customers to score a potential date.
While Tinder may be the preference of some, people are saving up time by looking for dates and grocery shopping at the same time. Inspired by a Spanish TikTok trend, in which Mercadona customers use coded language to signal their interest, Jumbo similarly launched ‘flirt hour’ from 6pm until 7pm.
In Mercadona, instead of complimenting a person who caught your attention, customers place a pineapple upside down in their trolleys, signalling to others that they’re single and ready to mingle.
In Jumbo, a similar code has been popularised, as singles place the Dutch biscuits, ‘beschuits’, upside down in their trolley, inviting a potential partner for a
Flirt hour
date and dessert. Although neither of the supermarket chains have claimed responsibility for the trend, social media users comment that the trend is likely to be a new form of marketing. A past contestant of the Spanish reality show First Dates, cinejavi on X commented; “They (Mercadona) have been trying to place this viral campaign for seven years.”
While pineapple is believed to be associated with hospitality and swingers; people in couples who experiment in switching partners, biscuits have no apparent romantic connotations. With social media and digital marketing today, it seems that just about any product can attain a new meaning, making lowkey flirting easier and more playful than ever.
Spain’s castle crusade!
EVER fancied living in a castle? Well, read on!
Spain’s iconic castles, perched majestically on rocky outcrops, have long captured the imagination of visitors. Yet the sorry state of many of these historic landmarks often fails to impress. Despite Castile’s name suggesting a land of castles, their lack of care has spurred little public debate.
Now a report hopes to shame the authorities into action. The aim is to map Spain’s entire castle inventory for the first time, flagging those near to ruin.
The Spanish Association of Friends of Castles lists over 10,000 castles, 6,000 dating back to the medieval and Renaissance periods, 200 verging on collapse.
While most castles are publicly owned, neglect is rampant due to funding shortages. Fortunately, some find new life as hotels, restaurants or even film sets, while others like Caudilla Castle in Toledo stand as crumbling relics, drawing amateur photographers and Instagrammers alike.
Cakes and call centres?
MIKE
Spanish cakes lie! Maybe that’s a bit strong but at best they don’t ever taste as good as they look. Beautiful cream turns out to be synthetic crap. The delicious looking pastry just crumbles to nothing. The flavour does not actually taste like it’s meant to. Chocolate eclairs are filled with custard. There’s some called fartons – I’ll leave that one there! Many times, I have tried different cakes and very rarely do I enjoy them. The ones that are usually OK are the ones that are just cake, like carrot cake and occasionally a cheese cake.
They have started work again on the road outside where I live and it’s now closed which is very inconvenient for motorists, but not for cyclists, motorbikes, electric scooters or motor scooters because all they do is drive on the pavement and the cyclists will weave in and out as do the electric scooters. What gives them the right to do that and at high speed too? The motor bikes and scooters just ride along as though it’s legal. There will be a terrible accident soon. At least the motor scooters and motorbikes should have insurance unlike bikes and electric scooters that contribute nothing and ride around like they
own the road and no rules apply to them.
Good news this week - after five months Vodafone finally got my Prime and Max working again. I must have called them 30 times and eventually one of their English speaking ladies in client services sorted it. We got quite friendly, because even though, when you dial the number you get random people, I got her a few times. The interesting thing is none of them are actually in Spain. They work from home (often heard her baby in the background). They cannot now speak to technical department like they used to when they worked out of an office. Working from home doesn’t work, you need to be in the right environment to get things done and sitting in your lounge with your kid, or another family member distracting you, is wrong. Also you need to interact with your colleagues - ask them for advice on the questions you can’t answer.
Good to see Donald Trump spewing out more garbage this time about Haitian immigrants eating people’s dogs and cats in a small Ohio city. The scary thing is the amount of his followers that believe this absolute bull sh1t.
I’m having a belated summer break – be back soon.
Email mikesenker@gmail.com
NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS
PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
For those with loftier ambitions, buying a castle is within reach, prices starting around €20,000. An American recently snapped up a medieval gem in Lugo Province to transform into a restaurant.
As Spain gets cracking preserving its rich heritage, the fate of its castles is touch-and-go, awaiting buyers to safeguard these cultural treasures. What are YOU waiting for!
Finally, many thanks for all your emails to my website. So pleased you enjoy my column - and novels!
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.
VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN
SENKER IN MY OPINION
Mike’s opinions are
Credit: Freestocks, Pexels
Flirt biscuits.
Costa del Sol
Bienvenido Charlie Mullins
Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers and known as the ‘world’s richest plumber,’ has moved to Marbella. His rags-to-riches story won admiration, though his lifestyle was often criticised. Formerly a Tory donor, he has lost faith in the Conservatives and fears the Labour government could cause further harm.
“I have moved all my assets out of the UK. This government will break Britain. They are anti-business and despise wealth creation.”
Mullins advises young people to pursue apprenticeships, stating, “Being a plumber, you can learn as much as any bank manager.”
His drive, he says, comes from his father’s strong work ethic. Although he has no plans to repurchase Pimlico Plumbers, his family is launching Wefix London, offering high-quality tradespeople.
He praised Spanish tradespeople, saying, “The quality here is better than in the UK.”
Axarquia Farewell Summer
THE Under Dog, an animal rescue service, in the Axarquia area, dedicated to helping forgotten and challenging cats and dogs, celebrated a successful End of Summer picnic. The event brought together dog lovers and their pets, raising an impressive €503 through donations. Organisers were thrilled with the turnout, which helps cover ongoing expenses for the rescue.
As cooler weather approaches, The Under Dog is excited to start organising walks and hikes for their foster dogs. Anyone interested in joining can get in touch—the dogs love outdoor adventures!
The rescue’s next event, ‘Bubbles & Bargains,’ will take place on Saturday, October 19, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Featuring their friend Ness, a talented sommelier, the event promises a fun mix of shopping and bubbly. Contact The Under Dog for more details at theunderdogspain.com!
Costa Blanca North Turning Japanese
If you were in Villajoyosa recently, you may have noticed an influx of Japanese culture due to the Japanese Manga and Culture Fair, which took over the coastal town. Organised by the Department of Youth and Villajoyosa Town Council, the event drew enthusiasts from across the Alicante Province.
Despite the rain, attendees arrived in costume and embraced the activities and workshops. The fourth edition of the fair featured a variety of Japanese-themed events such as Pokeball crafting, origami workshops, and hamma demonstrations. Visitors also enjoyed Japanese calligraphy, soft combat tournaments, card games, archery, and live role-playing.
Other highlights included Pokemon geocaching, an escape room challenge, dance sessions, film screenings, karaoke, and board games. Exhibitions of bonsai and kimonos added to the cultural richness of the event.
The Japanese Manga and Culture Fair was a resounding success.
Costa Blanca South 20 Years Celebrating
On October 26, the Crescendo Choir will proudly celebrate 20 years of making music with a special anniversary concert at Salt Church in Los Montesinos, Alicante. Doors will open at 4:00 PM, and the concert will begin promptly at 4:30 PM. During the interval, a prize raffle will be held to further support charitable causes.
Tickets for this highly anticipated event are available at several locations, including The Post Room Benijofar, Face2Face Benijofar, Mateos Cafe & Bistro Benijofar, Elipacrafts Quesada, The Treasure Chest Quesada, EntreDos Benijofar, Salt Church Los Montesinos, from any choir member, and at the door on the day of the performance.
Since its founding in 2004, Crescendo Choir has grown in both size and reputation, holding numerous concerts each year and raising thousands of euros for charity. Weekly rehearsals are held at Miguel de Rincón Restaurant in Los Montesinos.
For details, email:info@crescendo-choir.com.
Almeria Candlelight and Stars
Residents and visitors of the Mojacar old town experienced a magical night of music and culture, surrounded by thousands of candles.
At 8 pm on Saturday, all artificial lights in Mojacar Pueblo were turned off, and more than 7,000 candles were placed and lit around the village, illuminating the town and creating a “magical atmosphere.”
Filling the cobbled streets was live music, from traditional Andalucian music to jazz, in addition to the thrilling fire dancers and marching drummers.
The mayor of Mojacar, Fran Garcia, emphasised the importance of this event, stating “The Night of the Candles is one of our most treasured festivities,” Garcia says, “It is a night to show the beauty of our municipality with unique illumination.”
The annual event displays Mojacar in a new light, celebrating community, culture and tradition under a starry night surrounded by tallow light.
Costa Calida FAST Care
FAST, the First Aid Support Team on Camposol shines through all weather conditions to support its essential services. Made up of dedicated volunteers, FAST plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between medical emergencies and ambulance arrival. Their tireless efforts ensure that help is always on hand when it’s needed most.
The team is deeply grateful for the generous donations from the community, which are vital for covering their monthly operating costs. Their monthly operating costs of around €2,000 are vital for maintaining their lifesaving services. Every contribution helps maintain their lifesaving services, allowing them to provide first-aid assistance to those in need. The cheerful waves and support from locals reflect a strong sense of community solidarity. FAST’s commitment to serving Camposol, regardless of the weather, highlights its passion for keeping everyone safe and healthy. Together, they ensure that help is always just a moment away.
PETS
Promoting awareness
Walk without worry
IF your dog is frightened of other dogs, it’s important to take steps to prevent negative experiences that may deepen their fear. Remember, even the best-trained dogs can have unpredictable moments, so sticking to certain rules is crucial, especially in the beginning. Avoid taking your dog to crowded areas or dog parks, as these environments can overwhelm them. Instead, focus on providing a safe buffer zone during walks. This might mean crossing the street, waiting at the top of a driveway for another dog to pass, or carefully stepping into the street to put a parked car between your pup and an approaching dog. Never yell at your dog or force
interactions with other dogs; instead, comfort them and allow them to feel secure in your presence.
Be an advocate for your dog’s needs. If someone asks if their dog can say ‘hi,’ politely decline and continue your walk. With patience and understanding, you can help your dog feel more confident over time.
WORLD RABIES DAY, observed on September 28, raises awareness about rabies prevention and control. Rabies is a deadly virus that affects both animals and humans, typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
Symptoms of rabies in dogs include fever, excessive drooling, aggression, diffi culty swallowing, and paraly-
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sis. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. In humans, symptoms can range from fl u-like signs to anxiety, confusion, and hallucinations, leading to death if untreated.
To protect your dog from rabies, ensure they receive regular vaccinations. The rabies vaccine is highly effective and should be part of your dog’s rou-
tine care. Additionally, keep your dog away from wild animals, as they are the most common carriers of the virus. Report any animal bites or suspicious behaviour to local authorities, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an unknown animal.
By vaccinating pets and promoting awareness, we can prevent rabies worldwide.
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Vinicius Gold
VINICIUS Junior has the golden touch. The Real Madrid forward is all set to receive the coveted Ballon d’Or prize for best footballer of the year.
Commentators are confident that he will beat fellow teammates Bellingham, Rodri, Mbappé, and Carvajal with betting odds all placing him up at the top of the ranking as the most likely to win.
The Brazilian striker has certainly earned the top prize at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 28 in Paris. His statistics in the Champions League are testimony enough to his worth.
At Madrid, Vinicius has been rising at the same pace as Real Madrid’s achievements. No longer a supporting role, now he’s top dog, decisive throughout last season, especially in the most nail-biting
moments, including the two Champions League finals he played in, and in the last continental competition in which he was directly involved in scoring eleven of Real Madrid’s goals.
The toughest competition he faces in the race to lift the trophy are Bellingham, Mbappé, Carvajal and old acquaintance Rodrigo Hernández at Manchester City.
Sportswear brand Nike, who plan to reopen their store on Madrid’s Gran Vía two days after the Ballon d’Or ceremony, are in no doubt. They will pay tribute to the icon alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Mbappé. And they are said to be doing so with a gold shop front, including Vinicius Junior as their centrepiece.
Transfer rule change
STARTING from the 2025/26 season, the Premier League will close the summer transfer window before the start of the league campaign, instead of continuing to extend it past the start of the season as has been the case up until now. Up to this season, the transfer window has routinely closed after the first couple of games, with this year’s window closing on August 30.
Players like Aaron Ramsdale, Raheem Sterling, and Jadon Sancho all moved after the season has started, but this will no longer be possible next season under the new rules.
Frustration Among Clubs
Some European clubs, represented by the European Club Association (ECA), have expressed frustration over what they perceive as a disruption caused by transfers after
Transfer deadline date to change.
domestic competitions have started. Representatives from the major European leagues, namely England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France want to prevent player movement once the season starts.
New Transfer Deadline Day
The new proposed deadline in 2025/26 would be August 15, a
Dubois devastates
ANTHONY Joshua missed out on the chance to become three-time world heavyweight champion after being knocked out by rival Daniel Dubois in the fifth round.
The two British fighters went toe to toe at Wembley Stadium in front of 96,000 fans. Although favourite to win, Joshua began the fight immediately on the defensive and was knocked down by a right to the chin in the first round. This was the first of four times he would have to pick himself up off the canvas.
Dubois kept up the onslaught in the second and third rounds, which saw him catch his opponent with a huge left hook, leaving Joshua on the ropes. He then continued with a series of hits to the head that would send Joshua down
for a second time.
Dubois dominated in all of the opening four rounds and defended his IBF heavyweight belt with a devastating overhand right to Joshua’s chin one minute into the fifth round. In the wake of the defeat, fans are wondering about Joshua’s future plans.
Joshua had been confident to win Saturday’s fight and take home the heavyweight championship, followed by taking on the victor of December’s Tyson Fury - Oleksandr Usyk rematch. Instead, it appears Joshua is set to face Dubois in a rematch again sometime next year. The result came as a huge blow to Joshua, who had been tipped to win and entered the ring in good form after having won his previous four fights.
Century milestone
Erling Haaland has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the fastest player to score 100 goals for a club.
The 24-year-old Norwegian hit this century milestone with his goal against Arsenal in Manchester City’s 2-2 draw last Sunday, further solidifying his status as one of the most lethal forwards in football.
in 120 games for Barcelona, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 124 games with PSG - and Ruud van Nistelrooy - 131 games with Manchester Unitedround off the top contenders.
day before the first ball is kicked on August 16.
There were previous efforts to do this in 2024/25, but the plan was delayed as Barcelona’s financial issues prevented La Liga from participating. This brought down the agreement between the five major leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1).
Haaland reached this impressive feat in just 105 appearances for Manchester City, equalling Ronaldo’s record set during his time at Real Madrid.
This makes the two of them the fastest players to hit 100 goals with a single club across Europe’s top five leagues; Haaland’s goals have come at an average of one every 85 minutes.
Luis Suarez follows behind, reaching 100 goals
Haaland’s efficiency in front of goal is astonishing, with 33 of his 100 goals coming from 11 hat-tricks. His latest hat trick was scored against West Ham on Matchday three of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Despite his extraordinary record, Haaland’s recent actions have raised eyebrows and possibly tainted his achievement.
In City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, he tarnished his achievement by throwing the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes’ head, a gesture that overshadowed his incredible accomplishment.
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Erling Haaland is now on par with one considered to be the greatest of all time
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Vinicius at Dortmund vs Real Madrid at Wembley
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Anthony Joshua fails to win title.