Costa del Sol 10 - 16 October 2024 Issue 2049

Missing millionaire

THERE’S an astounding €162 million win on Euromillions still waiting to be claimed and another lucky winner of €1 million on the Golden Mile in Marbella.

Luck struck one happy Costa del Sol lottery player in Marbella on Tuesday, October 8 in the bonus prize El Millón with number HFN79284. There were no other big winners in Spain in the same draw, according to Lotteries y Apuestos de Estado, the official organisation running the lottery.

The extra bonanza was won by a customer of official lottery shop number 8, in Calle Ramón Gómez de la Serna, right on the Golden Mile. The main draw on

Tuesday had no outright top-prize winners, so the big prize will be carried forward to a ro llover on the next Euromi llions on Saturday, October 12.

Meanwhile, in Derio, in the Basque Country, someone won the Euromillions top rollover jackpot of over €162 million on Friday, October 4, but still doesn’t know it yet.

Whoever the fortunate ticket holder is, they don’t have to share it with anyone but the tax office, as no other player chose the same combination of numbers.

The ticket was purchased

at the lottery shop number 2 of Herriko Plaza in Derio, while the second biggest win on the same night was in Armunia, Leon.

The winning combination of numbers for that life-changing win were 4, 8, 16, 17, and 20, with the bonus stars being 6 and 1.

So the streets of Spain are quite literally paved with gold.

Costa del Sol • Issue No. 2049 • 10 - 16 Oct 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE

GRATIS GRATUIT S G

The winning lottery shop.

Best teacher award No homes, no workers

MANILVA teacher Daniel Jurado has just been nominated for the prestigious Educa Abanca ‘Best Teacher of the Year’ Award, Spain.

He is in the running for the title for his innovative teaching method, making classes more engaging for his students. The award in the Secondary and Baccalaureate category for 2024 recognises the best of the best in education in Spain, and this year he is the only nominee from the Malaga Province.

The methodology he has created he calls ‘Metaecoverso’, which uses an online social media platform that makes his subject, Economics, more accessible and interactive and therefore easier to grasp for his students. The platform makes a greater use of images and technology and aims for a more dynamic and interactive way of learning. Using the platform, students are also able to conduct interviews with professionals and experts in a range of economic sectors. His project is currently being considered for application across the region.

Other notable projects include ‘Metaecoverso Noticias’ and an Entrepreneurship Fair, where students

THE city of Malaga has recorded the lowest increase in unemployment this month since 2005, the most positive figures since before the crisis.

created and marketed their own products.

Educa Abanca has received nearly 2,000 applications from educational centres proposing teachers, and Daniel Jurado has been shortlisted down to one of 22 teachers in the category of ‘Best Secondary teacher’. The winners of the competition are expected to be announced in February 2025.

Fewer unemployed

Marbella has closed September with 11 per cent fewer unemployed than the same time in 2023, which is the lowest increase in unemployment this month since 2005. Currently, Marbella has 7,555 unemplo-

yed on the books, 936 less compared to the 8,491 people who were jobless in October 2023.

The councillor in charge of employment issues, Alejandro Freijo, has estimated that the data “is a sample of the positive evolution that the labour market is experiencing in our city, where job stability and the promotion of higher quality jobs are the key objectives.”

The council representative added that “while September unemployment rose by 204 people

compared to the summer, this trend is common and to be expected given the seasonal activity usual in the summer.”

Unemployment has risen again all along the Costa del Sol since the end of the tourist season, with the biggest figures, which reflect population size, being in Marbella, closely followed by Mijas and Estepona. However, one place is actually employing more than it did in August. No one knows their secret, but Benahavis is bucking the trend slightly and has actually created more jobs than in the summer.

x Adam Woodward

REAL estate experts are warning that there is a serious lack of affordable accommodation for workers on the Costa del Sol.

Highlighting the mismatch between average wages in the service sector and the real average price of rental accommodation, they urge councils to hurry up efforts to build affordable housing solutions or face the consequences of businesses not being able to hire workers.

Ricardo Arranz, president of the Andalucian Federation of Developers and Residential Tourism, was speaking at the Residential Tourism Day at the Villa Padierna de Benahavís hotel.

The promoter demanded ‘agility on the part of the regional government in terms of the housing issue’ and to have at a political and official level ‘a plan to be able to get development under way.’

He went on to explain that with the high percentage of luxury accommodation on offer, the Costa del Sol was ‘in danger of dying from its own success’ due to pricing service workers out of the housing market. ‘It is very difficult to provide services to the region if we do not have accommodation for the people who are going to give those services,’ he explained.

Daniel Jurado discussing his educational method.

World Mental Health Day

OVER the years, mental health has gained momentum and is actively discussed. However, there is still a long way to go before it is recognised as equally important as physical health. Perhaps by then, we won’t need a special day to remind society to acknowledge and make changes to address mental health issues. Until such a time comes, that day is Thursday, October 10.

World Mental Health Day is a relatively new concept, established in 1992 as a World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) annual activity. Its purpose is to raise awareness of mental health issues on a global scale with a unified voice and galvanise action and lasting change. Perhaps more importantly, it also helps those dealing with mental health concerns feel

heard in an empathetic way and maybe even empowers them to take action of their own.

In 1994, a decision was made to incorporate a theme into each year; this year is no exception. Taking a lead from the impact of Covid on work environments, the theme is ‘It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace’.

Among the 2,000 mem-

bers who voted, spanning 116 countries, this was seen as the most urgent concern in the world today.

This is unsurprising when you consider just how many waking hours adults spend working. It is a sad reality that, globally speaking, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are still extremely prevalent in the work environment.

A listening ear

HOW often do you ignore your feelings?

How often do you choose not to speak about how you are feeling because you are concerned about its effect on others?

Feelings are the only indicator we have by which to assess our mental well-being, and we experience them for a reason. Yet, all too often, it is seen as a weakness to seek help for our emotions.

Here in Spain, there is an organisation expressly set up to support all English speakers, irrespective of their nationality, with any negative thoughts or feelings that are having a detrimental effect on their mental well-being.

This service is offered via a FREEPHONE number, 900 525 100, which is accessible throughout mainland Spain and the Islands. Ordinarily, the phones would be manned between 10.00am and 10.00pm every day. However, at present, the service is available until midnight and Samaritans in Spain have committed to maintaining these longer hours until the end of the year. When you take the important step to call their number, you can rest assured that you will be able to speak with one of their listeners in complete confidence and without any fear of judgement. This is because their volunteers are deeply committed and undergo extensive training and mentoring sessions before they are allowed to take calls.

For further information visit www.samaritansinspain.com.

Survivor’s guilt

WHEN a loved one does the ‘unthinkable’ and takes their own life, the pain that it brings is indescribable. The natural inclination is to make yourself responsible for what happened, as ‘survivor’s guilt’ has you asking yourself some very difficult questions. Questions like, ‘What if I had seen the signs?’, ‘What if I had been there more?’ or ‘What if I had just taken that phone call?’. The list is endless, and the sad and very harsh reality is that their life wasn’t yours to save. However, knowing this and accepting it are two very different things that only come with time. While diagnosable health conditions like depression may be indicators, often the signs that we believe we ‘should have seen’ were never there to begin with. Suicide and contemplating suicide are very complex, and sometimes, there can be as little as five to 15 minutes between someone deciding to attempt it and doing it.

Be kind to yourself

WE all have bad days when things get on top of us and we feel worse than we are. When this happens, it is important to acknowledge those feelings and give yourself permission ‘to not be okay’.

This sounds simple enough, but as humans, we are all too good at beating ourselves up, especially when we feel we have ‘failed’ somehow.

However, aside from it being ‘ok to not be ok’, it should be expected from time to time. No matter how high functioning we are ordinarily, we are not robots, and this is something that we need to remind ourselves of. More than this though, this is the time to be extra kind to ourselves.

To take time for ‘us’ and do something that makes us feel good, and that can be as simple as a relaxing bath, a few minutes of meditation, a relaxing walk or even a trip to the gym.

A last resort

ACCORDING to the latest data from the World Health Organisation, more than 720,000 people die due to suicide every year, and it was the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds recorded in 2021. However, an even more sobering thought is that for every suicide, there are far many more suicide attempts.

There is a well-documented link between suicide and diagnosed mental health disorders. This is particularly true in the case of depression and alcohol related disorders. However, it is important to recognise that life in general can just as easily lead to a person reaching that extreme level of desperation. This can include financial problems, relationship breakdowns, illnesses and the effect of chronic or debilitating pain.

Remembering Lucy Barnes Henry

Mental health issues are still prevalent in the workplace.

Craned away

A CAR that was knocked hurtling down a cliff in Torremuelle, Benalmadena, in July has finally been recovered from the rocky shore below.

On Monday, October 7, a recovery crew with a telescopic truck crane blocked the street between Torremuelle Beach and La Perla just above where the accident occurred. They proceeded to lift the wrecked car up from the rocky beach below, and deliver the wreck back to the street.

The accident occurred back on July 4 when a small white Ford Ka was hit by a VTC car (Uber type minicab) and thrown through the wooden fence before going hurtling down 30 metres to the rocks below. Miraculously, the

driver was rescued by a diver who happened to be under the water a few metres from where the wrecked car splashed down.

The removal of the vehicle from the isolated little cove in Torremuelle has taken several months due to discussions between insurance companies about who is liable for the cost of the recovery operation.

The job was not an easy one, seeing that the place of the wrecked car was on a small stretch with only access by foot at low tide. During its stay on the beach, the vehicle gathered a few added extras, including some graffiti, a little seaweed, and a few barnacles as well.

Terrace licence renewal

ARE you the owner of a bar or restaurant with a terrace on a Torremolinos street? If so, you would do well to read on.

Applications are now open to renew your terrace licence for tables and chairs on the public streets in 2025. And, if you do so before October 31, you could get a 50

per cent discount on the tariff you normally pay.

Like everything official these days, the application should be submitted via the council’s online platform. As well, those who benefit from special discounts on their tax declarations for having outside space on public streets, need

to have that application in before the end of October too, or risk losing out from deducting them from the tax declaration. Also, establishments that only occupy the street for limited parts of the year (due to weather changes, seasonal events, etc) will also receive the 50 per cent discount on extending their outdoor terraces for the rest of the year too.

It seems the council in Torremolinos wants to get all the necessary paperwork out of the way as early as possible this year, and they are willing to thank bar and restaurant owners with a welcome little

discount.

Wrecked

10 new murals

THE 10 artists selected as finalists in the Estepona International Mural Competition have begun painting and have until October 17 to finish their creations. The winners of the €10,000 first prize, €5,000 second prize, and the eight runner-ups with €1,500 each will be announced on October 18.

The initiative was organised by the town council and aims to promote the development of art in Estepona and to expand the famous open-air vertical art route.

The 10 new paintings will be an addition to the existing 64 enormous wall murals on the published walking circuit around the town, and are intended to brighten up the image of the architecture and attract more visitors.

This year’s competition has reached a record number of contestants, with a total of 116 proposals from around the world. Among the 116 designs received were works from countries such as Germany, France,

Colombia, Canada, Mexico, the United States, South Africa, Venezuela, Argentina, Italy, Peru, and Australia.

Residents in Estepona can judge for themselves who they think will take the top prizes by visiting the artists in action as they reproduce their designs on a massive scale in the streets of Calle Goya; Calle Terrazzo; Av. San Lorenzo; C/ José Luís Diez; C/ Cabrera; C/ Formentera; C/ Calvario; and C/ José Luís Diez.

5-lane motorway

MALAGA Province is about to see its first ever five-lane motorway, joining Malaga City and Torremolinos.

The massive upgrade to the MA-20 will cost €190 million to both widen and extend the pothole-riddled road that passes by the airport.

Recently, the Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, stated that access roads to Malaga, like those of other large cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, are ‘at the limit of their capacity’, proposing that road users share their vehicles as a solution to the problem. His suggestion was met with groans around the country from local authorities who have been requesting investment in infrastructure for a long time.

Not all of the nine kilometres of road

will have five lanes for traffic in both directions, but the stretch passing by the Santa Barbara industrial estate and the exit for Malaga Port will.

Other improvements are expected, such as from Torremolinos to the junction with Los Álamos, and as well where the MA-20 meets the southern access point to the airport.

The objective of the development is to improve the capacity of the road between towns in the province of Malaga to improve the flow of traffic and road safety. Much of the road is currently classified as an ‘accident blackspot’. Also, the nine-kilometre stretch presents problems of congestion due to the high amount of traffic that runs through the corridor, exceeding 120,000 vehicles a day in some stretches.

Previous works by Misterpiro, Olorapintura, Jose Enrique Ragel , Manuel Moreno Guirao.

Problematic stretch of MA-20 between Malaga and Torremolinos.

Walking harmony

THIS year’s Marbella 4 Days Walking concluded on Sunday October 6 after a long weekend of splendid weather and excellent temperatures, perfect for a fit and healthy stroll around the Costa del Sol city.

The organisers had done well to bring forward the annual hiking event by a week and take advantage of better weather, which was just right for the walkers who finished each day with noisy parties and meetups among more than 15 nationalities.

The event which was started in 2011 by a group of friends from the Netherlands, has grown exponentially into a phenomenon attended by thousands of multinational fans of walking.

Each day, the peaceful treks gave way to singing and dancing at beach bars in the area of Fonta-

nilla Beach and other sites with a strong sense of unity and international friendship.

There were 15 different routes in total, all designed to match personal taste and physical ability, two of which were new this year, taking hikers halfway up a mountain to the pueblo blanco of Ojen.

The Plaza del Mar was the start and finish point each day, with planned

routes that followed the coastline, areas of outstanding natural beauty, circuits that offered exceptional views, and courses taking participants on tours of the city.

All in all, Marbella 4 Days Walking converted the city into a hikers paradise once more before heading back to the Plaza del Mar via Via Gladiolo (Victory Road) for entertainment and celebration.

Stronger Together

THE name Nicole King is synonymous with all that is considered special about Marbella and she has devoted herself to promoting the city and its diverse citizenship.

Every year, she hosts the United Nationalities of Marbella Summit and this year it was held at The Harbour restaurant on Friday October 4, attracting as always, a large audience. Each year it features a topic that is relevant to Marbella and for this event the spotlight was on animals and their protection.

There were contributions from representatives of ARCH (Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses) which is a rescue centre and not a sanctuary as its aims are to rehabilitate donkeys and horses and find them new homes.

Donkey Dreamland has a similar purpose with donkeys, Todos los caballos del mundo (Every horse in the world) doesn’t just look

after horses but cares for any animal that has been neglected or mistreated.

Known by many for her commitment to looking after dogs, Lily Van Tongeren spoke about the new charity she has helped to create which whilst having no premises, exists to help fund any local animal charity which needs to have help to pay for operations or to simply keep running.

There was also a representative from Triple A speaking about the way to handle cat colonies which spring up around the city and a representative of the Marbella Council Foreigners Department attended in order to show its support for the event.

The Euro Weekly News is always pleased to support this very worthwhile event, the brainchild of contributor Nicole King and presented a bouquet of flowers to the lady of the day.

Thousands of fun hikers in Marbella.

Nicole King brought her cute fur baby Boy with her.

Pools clean up

TORREMOLINOS

Council has come up with a proposal to reduce water waste this autumn and still keep the streets clean.

The council is currently contacting neighbours associations throughout the town, asking them to donate their swimming pool water instead of just pulling the plug in readiness for yearly repair and maintenance work.

Given the extremity of the drought the province of Malaga has been suffering and the need to keep the streets clean after the busiest tou-

and coordination like this can go a long way to alleviating the current water crisis.

The procedure proposed by the local government team is simple: as soon as the community association lets the council know they plan on emptying their pools for cleaning, the council will send round a street cleaning lorry to pump the water out, filling up their tanks for

yers that same night.

In Malaga Province, according to government statistics, there are almost 80,000 swimming pools; 1,388 of them are in Torremolinos. While the total amount of water currently held in the pools is unspecified, there is plenty there for maintaining the streets fresh and clean for months to come without having to waste perfectly

Bus strikes

STRIKE action by bus drivers in Fuengirola were due to kick o just in time for the opening of the town’s fair.

Disruptions to bus services were planned to begin on Sunday, October 6. There have already been some partial disruptions because of industrial action over the last six months. Now, negotiations have broken down despite a pre-agreement o ered to the transport company Interbus by the union SLT back in August.

Walkouts will a ect services in Fuengirola on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7am to 11am, and later from 2pm to 6pm, until a de nitive agreement is reached.

ría Cazallas, claims that the bus company refuses to sign an agreement reached between bus workers and the company in August, putting an end to partial strike action Fuengirola has been su ering for the last six months.

Interbus, however, paints a di erent story, claiming that both parties had already came to an agreement at the beginning of September, but then the workers came back claiming that it fell short of their expectations.

In any case, bus drivers are experiencing a pay cut and therefore are protesting by taking action that coincided with the opening of the Fuengirola Feria. No

Litosa, company with contract to clean Torremolinos streets.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos.

Fuengirola bus station.

40 years of publication Drought measures

ALTHOUGH there is no question that modern technology has taken its toll on printed news, happily there are still a number of organisations that embrace the new but still keep to print.

The cost of newsprint and everything associated with printed newspapers including distribution has shot sky high but here in Spain, Euro Weekly News is still committed to producing seven weekly editions aimed at an English-speaking audience.

We salute the owners of SUR in English which printed its first edition on July 20, 1984 and on Monday October 7, they started their 40th Anniversary celebrations with a special event at the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá in Marbella.

Some 200 people attended, including representatives of local and regional government, present and former employees, su-

pporters, advertisers and members of the local English-speaking community.

Just a few of those attending and representing British residents included former SUR in English editor, Liz Parry, British Chamber of Commerce regional vice-president Derek A Langley, and Insurance Broker and promoter of Business 1st Networking, Sam Campbell. Also present was the effervescent TV presenter and all round promoter of Marbella, Nicole King, (who is a regular columnist in Euro Weekly News) who expressed her feelings about the event saying “Such an honour and a pleasure to participate in the celebrations of 40 years of SUR in English, congratulations everyone.”

We add our congratulations to SUR in English and look forward to continuing a friendly rivalry coupled with mutual respect for decades to come.

LIKELY water restrictions to come into force in Malaga Province in the coming days. The drought committee meets on Thursday October 10.

Malaga Province’s reservoirs are down to 16 per cent of their capacity, and with no rain in sight, emergency measures look like a strong probability.

The Drought Management Commission has set a date to meet on Thursday, October 10 to discuss imposing water restrictions on all areas of the Costa del Sol and Malaga Province,

as well as Almeria, which would involve cutting water supply during certain hours and temporarily banning certain usages of water.

While maximum levels for consumption are expected to be reduced, there will be no risk to human consumption as, given the traditional tourist season is coming to a close, fewer visitors means lower levels of overall consumption.

The hydrological calendar year came to an end on September 30, and so technically, water restrictions imposed before that

date no longer apply in October. In May, the Drought Commission so optimistic about water supply that they lifted certain restrictions for the start of the tourist season. Now these restrictions need to be revised again and probably reintroduced.

Malaga City Council has already announced a return to restrictions and reactivated drinking water saving measures, which mainly affect the filling of private swimming pools, drinking water sources, and the maintaining of green areas.

Nicole King and Sam Campbell at the SUR in English celebration.

Guardalhorce reservoir - before and after.

Credit: Nicole King Facebook

The Ironman cometh

TWO THOUSAND

triathletes are coming to Marbella for the 2024 Ironman 70.3 event, in which streets will be closed to tra c as they sweat it out to become ‘Ironman’ of the year.

Marbella is warming up for the Ironman 70.3 contest on October 27 to be fought over on the streets of the city. The council is currently having 15 information panels installed to warn road users that streets and roads will be cut o for one day as the doyen of triathlon events is battled out.

An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organised by the World Triathlon Corporation, consisting of a 3.9 km swim, a 180.2 km bicycle ride, and a marathon 42.2 km run completed in that order, for a total of 226.3 km.

The signs are being placed at strategic

locations of the bicycle race route, one of the three disciplines in the competition, and that will run between Puerto Banus and the Ojen road.

‘The purpose of these ‘totems’ is for residents to know in advance that this section will be closed to tra c between 6.30am and 3pm, approximately, and so they can plan their trips,’ said the mayor.

More than 2,000 triathletes from 65 countries will meet at the Ironman 70.3 Marbella 2024, which is already fully subscribed.

Winning the war

THIS year, 2024, there has been a huge drop in water waste around the Costa del Sol. There has been a slightly over 30 per cent drop in waste collected along the coastline. The Community Association (‘Mancomunidad’) boats have removed 30.31 per cent less waste than during the 2023 campaign.

The western Costa del Sol has seen a 30 per cent reduction in the amount of waste dumped into the sea as part of the 2024 coastal quality control campaign carried out by the Mancomunidad.

Manuel Cardeña, President of the Western Community Association, gave an overview of the programme alongside the mayor of Benalmadena, Juan Antonio Lara.

This summer, 118.22 cubic metres of waste were removed from the western coastline, down from 169.64 cubic metres

during the 2023 campaign, which is a mammoth drop of 30.31 per cent in one year.

He also noted that this year’s waste collection figures are nearly 30 per cent lower than last year’s; in Benalmadena, the reduction was a staggering 40 per cent. The campaign aims to reassure visitors to the western Costa del Sol about the quality of the coastal waters.

Benalmadena’s mayor praised “the efforts of the Community Associa-

tion, which serves as a prime example of cooperation between different public administrations.” By municipality: 9.82 cubic metres of waste were collected in Benalmadena, 0.99 in Casares, 19.11 in Estepona, 15.83 in Fuengirola, 4.82 in Manilva, 42.04 in Marbella, 15.83 in Mijas, and 9.82 in Torremolinos.

Four coastal boats and 11 beach vessels were involved in collecting floating or semi-submerged solids, hydrocarbons, and oily substances.

Credit: Pexels, Ron Lach.

There has been a huge reduction in dumped waste.

The Ironman triathlon competition, Marbella.

Credit: Ironman, Facebook.

Jasmin Harman’s call for help

JASMINE HARMAN, presenter of A Place in the Sun, has put out an appeal to the Costa del Sol community to help in the search for a missing family member.

Orville Boast, the beloved soft toy of Joy, the daughter of Jasmine and her husband Jon Boast, is a small, cuddly, and slightly worn doll of the little nappy wearing green bird Orville, of Keith Harris and Orville fame.

In an appeal across social media platforms, Jasmine Harman has asked the Costa del Sol community to help recover Joy’s precious Orville. She asks whoever finds him to be very careful, as he’s a little delicate and worn out, and to contact her either by email at orvilleboast@gmail.com or to message via her Instagram account.

The family believes Orville went astray in the Miramar shopping park in Las Lagunas/Mijas, possibly in Decathlon or Burger King’s car park on Saturday, October 5. The TV presenter said her daughter Joy has had the toy for many years, and it has great sentimental value to her, having carried it everywhere since she was a baby. She has asked her more than

200,000 followers on Instagram to help the family out and to spread the word as her daughter Joy has been inconsolable ever since they lost Orville, and she is hoping the kindness and good spirit of the Costa del Sol community will see Joy and Orville reunited once more.

Housing emergency

HOUSING shortages and rising rent and purchase prices in the Malaga Province, have been causing an exodus of young people unable to get a foothold on the housing ladder.

For years, opposition political parties and unions have been decrying local and regional government for not tackling the housing shortage and modifying laws that would ensure offers meet demand. And now, the real estate industry has joined the protest.

Fadeco, the association of property developers in Andalucia, is also calling on the regional government to declare a ‘housing emergency’, a situation that would expedite the approval of the construction of housing for lower-income people, young people, and families.

The association complains that current legislation makes licence appli-

cations sluggishly slow, while in other emergency situations, such as drought, the regional government has legal mechanisms that can sidestep or speed up measures to attend to the crisis. For this reason, they are calling for a ‘housing emergency’ to be declared.

The shortage of places to live is estimated to be well over 100,000, 30,000 of which are in the city of Malaga alone. Paradoxi-

cally, it is the private sector that is reminding the government of the constitutional right of citizens to have access to affordable housing.

The online estate agent, Fotocasa, warns that house prices in Andalucia have risen an average of 13 per cent, and in the Malaga Province much higher at around 24 per cent, all largely due to a lack of new developments.

The search for affordable housing.

Jasmin Harman, Joy and Orville.

Credit:

Jasmin Harman, Instagram.

A helping hand

KNOWN to everyone in the area as Jack, one Dubliner arrived in Estepona a couple of years ago hoping to find new and exciting opportunities. Through a series of unfortunate events and mishaps, including getting to grips with the language, Jack ended up homeless and unable to find work. He now has friends who can set him up with a job back in Dublin, but with no money to pay for the flight, he finds himself stranded on the Costa del Sol. So to cover his basic expenses and the flight, local resident Jenny Robinson took pity on Jack and decided to help him get back on his feet with a crowdfunding campaign.

Described by local residents as an honest, proud, and polite gentleman, Jack doesn’t do drugs and will only occasionally have a refreshing beer to quench his thirst. Life in Dublin, currently

the most expensive capital city in Europe, can be tough, and in order to rent somewhere to live and buy some decent clothes he can attend interviews in, Jenny set the GoFundMe page target at €3,000.

Well, the generosity of Estepona residents and their love for Jack has exceeded all expectations, and the amount currently raised has rea-

ched €3,310, which is 110 per cent of the original target. Jack is said to be overwhelmed by the heart of the Costa del Sol community and already planning his return to Dublin.

The GoFundMe page is still open and accepting donations to help Jack in this new stage in his life. ‘Help Jack to get off the streets of Estepona’ is the name of the campaign.

No smoking

A PLANE bound for Lyon had to be diverted to Malaga airport on Wednesday, October 2 due to the ‘highly conflictive’ attitude of one of its passengers.

The plane, which had taken off from the Moroccan city of Agadir was flying over Spanish airspace when one of the passengers, apparently showing obvious signs of intoxication, started smoking on board. Upon seeing the situation, several members of the crew tried to calm the passenger down and asked him to stop smoking.

It seems, the passenger was not responding to the crew’s instructions and began behaving aggressively. After several attempts to calm him down, the pilot and the rest of the crew decided

to divert the flight so that the police authorities could take charge of him. On arrival at Malaga airport, National Police escorted the man off the aircraft.

According to a message posted on social media by Spanish air traffic controllers, the flight had to be diverted when the plane was flying over Cadiz Province on its way to the south of France.

A similar situation occurred in April of 2024 when a flight from Edinburgh to Tenerife was diverted for an unexpected landing at Madeira airport due to an unruly passenger. On that occasion, the passenger ignored instructions from the flight crew and walked round the aircraft clearly drunk, belligerent and vaping.

easyjet flight arriving at Malaga airport.

Jack, stuck in Estepona.

Your

EXPERTS SAY THAT TAP WATER IS BETTER FOR YOU.

Do you prefer bottled water over tap water?

RESEARCHERS from Weill Cornell Medicine have published a study in the scientific journal BMJ Global Health cautioning against the widespread consumption of bottled water. They believe governments, regulators, and industry leaders should do more to disclose the risks of bottled water in developed countries like the US, UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Norway, Finland, and France, among others.

According to scientists, between 10 per cent and 78 per cent of bottled water contains contaminants such as microplastics, phthalates, and bisphenol A. These contaminants break down in the bottles, especially when stored for long periods or exposed to heat. From an environmental perspective, the experts also stress that it’s far better to drink tap water. “The reliance on bottled water comes with significant health, economic, and environmental costs, making an urgent reassessment of its widespread use necessary,” the researchers concluded.

However, according to the latest data from Statista, these warnings are not being heeded in Spain, and the bottled water market shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it is predicted that the combined revenue from sales made in Spanish supermarkets, shops, restaurants and bars in 2024 will be a whopping €6.24 billion.

While nearly two billion people worldwide, with limited or no access to safe drinking water, rely on bottled

water, the same cannot be said for us living in Spain.

Interested in learning more, Euro Weekly News asked its readers, “Do you prefer bottled water over tap water?”

Anne Whitfield said, “Tap water here and in the UK. Both are perfectly safe for consumption! I understand why visitors prefer bottled water, though - tap water in different places has different mineral content, which can cause stomach upsets.

Others, like Brian Jones, stated that for him it’s “Tap water all the time.”

Liv Fridtjofsen shared her concerns about the quality requirements of bottled water: “I definitely prefer tap water, eg, because the quality requirements for bottled water are not strict enough.”

Stephen Cosgrove also opts for tap water but with a filter jug: “Here in Spain, we use tap water, but we use a filter jug for drinking and for tea and coffee. Socially, I drink a LOT of bottled sparkling water (to cut back, or at least dilute, the alcohol).”

Likewise, Angela Clark expressed, “Filtered in our jug, if not the kettle gets a nasty coating from the tap water. Filtered is better all round.”

However, Debbie Conti has no choice but to drink bottled water: “Bottled, but then we only have a well, which isn’t good to drink.”

However, for Sheena Hutson, it depends on which country she is in. As she said, “Tap water in England, bottled in Spain.”

Protect your home from the elements

IF you have had enough of frequent house painting, what you need is Never Paint Again’s wall coating system.

Whether your home suffers from cracked or hollow rendering, mouldy or dirty walls, poor wall insulation, damp and wet patches, or just a scruffy-looking exterior, your home could benefit from weatherproof wall coating.

No fading, chipping, delamination, cracking, or peeling, Never Paint Again’s wall coating system resists rain, sun, snow, dirt, sand storms, mould, and pollution. It will also help lower your heating bill and cost of air-conditioning, and it also comes with a 20-year guarantee.

Never Paint Again’s wall coating can conceal cracks, scruffy pebbledash, and uneven walls. It never fades and comes in beautiful shades,

textures, and colours, and it blocks erosion.

And while NPA’s team is there, they can deal with those pending repair issues, such as damp proofing, rendering, crack repairs, and peeling paint.

As an approved contractor for the Wethertex Exterior wall coating system, Never Paint Again does not use masonry

paint. Wethertex is a highly durable product, and is resistant to all types of weather. Additionally, it lasts up to 20 years, guaranteed.

Once the process is completed, not only will your house look fabulous, but it will also carry on looking as good as new for two decades, guaranteed.

Available throughout Anda-

lucia and Gibraltar, a quotation is completely free. Never Paint Again has been the UK’s foremost brand of exterior wall coatings.

They are a family company with strong links to Spain and now have a base in Marbella.

CEO Justin Mourton told the Euro Weekly News that Never Paint Again has been enjoying a booming trade for 30 years

on the Costa Blanca and is now focussing on expansion in the Costa del Sol.

“Getting a quote is easy. All you need to do is contact us through the website, and we’ll arrange a survey, usually within a week,” Justin said.

“We also include in the service a free exterior wash of our customers’ houses every five years for 20 years to make sure your home continues looking its very best.” We asked him how long the Never Paint Again process takes to complete.

“It depends on the size and condition of the property. For example, painting a small townhouse may take only a few days, but a large villa may take a couple of weeks.

“Spray wall coating a house does take a little longer, but once applied, you get a lot more for your money.”

Never Paint Again can be contacted for a quote on 613 841 950, or 0800 970 4928 in the UK, and as well from the website neverpaintagain.es.

Does Beanz Meanz Heinz?

ALDI’S budget-friendly baked beans have outperformed well-known brands like Heinz in a blind taste test conducted in the UK by consumer group Which?.

In the test, 66 baked bean enthusiasts sampled and rated 10 different varieties, including supermarket offerings from Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and brands like Heinz and Branston.

Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce, priced at 41p for a 410g can, came out on top with an impressive score of 76 per cent.

Close behind with a score of 75 per cent were Branston Baked Beans, priced at £1 per 410g can. They also received a Best Buy rating, with the tasters enjoying the flavour, appearance, and sweet-

Co-op’s Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce (49p for 400g) ranked third with a score of 74 per cent. While 70 per cent of the panel liked the flavour, some thought it could have used a stronger tomato taste.

Asda’s Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce (42p for 410g) followed with 73 per cent. Seven out of 10 tasters enjoyed the texture of the beans, and 73 per cent liked the sauce’s consistency.

Despite its reputation, Heinz Beanz (£1.40 for 415g) scored only 72 per cent.

For those who regularly buy Heinz, switching to Aldi could result in substantial savings, over £100 a year for those who consume two cans a week.

Saving joeys lives

AS the world of technology progresses so thankfully there are often people or groups who can take advantage of what is being left behind.

In the same way that old worn down tyres are cut up and used to create soles for shoes, so a paediatric nurse in Australia has come up with a ‘bonzer’ idea.

Working at the Kununurra District Hospital in Western Australia, Jane Darlington had that ‘lightbulb’ moment when she saw a volunteer from the local Kangaroo Rescue Haven dressed as a wallaby and carrying an orphaned joey (baby kangaroo).

pouch which the joey lives in for several months before being strong enough to emerge.

Incubators in the hospital whilst still working, were obsolete and were due to be disposed off, but she reasoned that these could be ideal to replicate a female kangaroo or wallabies

The fact is that all marsupials in the area are not endangered by other animals but are regularly hit by vehicles and whilst they are ‘road kill’ their infants need help to survive.

Jane contacted Mandy Watson, director of the Kununurra Haven and explained her idea and hence what is now known as the humidicrib came to life, offering the warmth and humidity that these young animals need. Because of the size, more than one youngster can be looked after at the same time and hopefully, the number of joeys saved can be increased.

A clever use of obsolete incubators.

Credit: Kununurra Rescue Haven Facebook

Ten different varieties sampled.

Image: Heinz UK / Facebook

A pig problem

A SOW on a farm south of Milan was diagnosed with African swine fever in August. Within a week, all 6,200 sows, piglets, and pigs had been slaughtered under strict protocols to halt the disease from spreading further.

The pork industry is a key pillar of the Italian economy, with prized prosciutto, pancetta, speck, and guanciale at risk.

Since swine fever first reappeared on the peninsula in January 2022, Italy has exterminated 120,000 pigs, three-quarters of which over the past two months alone as the emergency intensifies. In spite of all regulatory safety measures being adhered to, the illness is back in Italy, putting local economies and livelihoods on the line.

Lombardy, in the north of the peninsula, has been worse hit so far, with 4,500

square kilometres affected and now essentially on lockdown, including neighbouring Piedmont and Emilia Romagna, famous for their Parma ham. An estimated 100,000 jobs are at risk, 26,000 farms could be shut down, and a total of 8.1 million pigs could be culled to contain the disease.

The most affected provinces so far have been Pavia, with 13,000 cases,

Lodi, with over 10,000, and Milan, ground zero of this outbreak, with 616 recorded cases, and many more culled as a precautionary measure. African swine fever is spread through direct or indirect touch or contact with infected pig feed.

The speed of expansion of this epidemic suggests a common denominator that links farms in the north of Italy.

Hippest neighbourhood

TIME OUT magazine has just published its yearly ranking of the hippest places in the world to live, and one French neighbourhood stood out.

Crowned ‘Coolest Neighbourhood in the World’, the chaotic Marseille quarter of Notre-Dame-du-Mont beat the rest, including Stokes Croft and St Paul’s in Bristol and Príncipe Real in Lisbon.

Quality graffiti, vintage stores, and live open-air concerts were among the elements judges were on the lookout for.

In-situ writers for the world’s biggest Whats-On magazine reported back to their publisher in London with their reasons why their chosen district was the coolest.

Once upon a time, the same publication would have more likely opted for the olde-worlde charms of the Vauban district in Marseille, but pricey chic has lost its appeal with younger generations as they now seek more the rebellious spirit in colourful backstreets, old twisting staircases, and huddled terrace bars.

The look these days is less Versace and more punks, intercultural colour, and salty old sailors knocking

back overly strong beers.

In the case of Notre-Dame-duMont, as with all of the choices in their top 10, the theme is laid-back chaos with the local market, art galleries, and lively street cafés.

There is now more of an attraction to thriving community and unique local shops hidden behind pizza trucks.

It seems the shabby-chic has taken over what the hippest look for, along with vibrant street life, exotic smells, and just a slight sense of personal risk.

Swine fever spreading like crazy.

Typical side street in Notre-Damedu-Mont. Credit:

Portugal’s €20 Green Rail Pass

PORTUGAL is set to launch a new €20 monthly rail pass, making travel more affordable and eco-friendly. The Green Rail Pass will allow unlimited travel across almost all urban, regional, inter-regional, and inter-city services operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), the state-owned rail company.

This initiative aims to reduce car dependency and promote public transport use as part of Portugal’s sustainability efforts. By offering an attractive alternative to driving, the country hopes to cut down on both travel costs and carbon emissions.

While the exact release date hasn’t been confirmed,

the pass is expected to be available by the end of the year. The Green Rail Pass follows similar initiatives seen across Europe, like Germany’s successful €49 monthly ticket.

Locals, expatriates and tourists alike are likely to benefit from this affordable option.

Swankiest Swiss School

IN Switzerland, preparing future leaders in luxury hospitality has become a prestigious business.

Situated in the hills above Lausanne, the renowned École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) is at the forefront of training the next generation of hoteliers.

At EHL, the pressure to deliver is intense, especially in its Michelin-starred restaurant, where students’ academic success depends on mastering flawless service.

EHL operates from a sprawling 80,000 square metre campus which underwent a major renovation

costing 250 million Swiss francs.

Among its amenities are seven on-site restaurants where locals can enjoy gourmet dining at more affordable prices.

Though the campus may be modern, Switzerland’s tradition of refined hospitality has deep roots.

By the mid-19th century, Swiss luxury hotels had become a favourite getaway for

At EHL, students don’t just learn in the classroom. They participate in a handson training year, rotating through the school’s various restaurants and kitchens to gain a deeper understanding of luxury service.

They also take classes in wine tasting, mixology, and chocolate-making, taught by some of the world’s most skilled professionals.

Among the 56 chefs on staff, six hold the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France award, which is given to France’s top culinary talents. EHL attracts students from around the world.

British aristocrats.

72 per cent of students hail from outside Switzerland. Image: École Hôtelière de Lausanne.

Spanish National Day

THE Spanish flag will be fl ying high on Saturday, October 12, as the country celebrates the Fiesta Nacional de España.

The date marks the an niversary of Co lumbus arriving in the Americas in 1492 and has deve loped into a day to celebrate all things Spanish.

Expect many shops and services normally open on a Saturday to be closed, and central streets in larger towns and cities to be cut off to traffic for public ceremonies, particularly in the morning. Public transport will no doubt be affected by alterations to timetables and changes to inner city bus routes.

In central Madrid, the king and the royal family, as well as the president, will oversee a military parade, often accompanied by an invited head of sta-

te of another nation. One of the highlights for many will be the military flypast that follows the length of the Paseo de la Castellana in central Madrid, featuring all kinds of state-owned aircraft, including Eurofighter jets and aerial firefighting planes.

INTERVIEW

Speaking EuropeanPaulo Teixeira Silva

“A chance encounter on a school trip to Benidorm changed the path of Paulo’s life forever.”

Around Spain, similar events will be taking place on Saturday morning. Towns and cities with a strong military presence, including naval ports, such as Sevilla, will see some military parades that could affect public mobility.

To many from Latin American communities, the day is better known as Día de la Hispanidad, and celebrations will be taking place in larger towns with live music, folk dance and song, as well as traditional foods from their home countries.

AT the age of 18, Paulo, like many other Por tuguese teenagers, visited Benidorm on an organised school trip. While there, he met a Spanish girl in a bar, and it was ‘love at first sight’. Although neither of them could speak the other’s language, they decided to converse via letter, using a dictionary to translate what they wished to say.

Fast-forward two years, and at the age of 20, Paulo found himself an expectant father, and the decision to make a life in Spain became the natural and responsible choice. He took a job as a waiter in a local restaurant even though he still spoke limited Spanish. He explai -

ned, “At that time, there were many Portuguese visitors, so the bosses ensured I was the waiter assigned to those tables.”

Of course, with a Spanish partner, he immersed himself in the language all the time, although he had no formal lessons. “I would watch football in the local bar and listen to the pronunciation of the Spanish people talking, which really helped,” he shared.

Having now lived in Spain for 23 years, Paulo is fluent in Spanish and English, a skill he learned ‘on the job’ while working for Servigroup Hotels, where he still works today.

Paulo Teixeira Silva

Credit: Paulo Teixeira Silva

Madrid military parade parachutist.

Price rises

EXPECT noticeable price rises at Spanish supermarket tills in October as the anti-crisis VAT reduction on food is about to come to an end.

The VAT reduction on essential foodstuffs was originally introduced to alleviate the expense of the average family shopping basket. It was brought in to combat the surge in prices following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. But now, time’s up, and value-added tax will begin to return to our shopping

receipts once more. So, take note of prices on the supermarket shelves from October.

Cutting VAT on essential food items meant a drop in tax revenue to the tune of €440 million in the first quarter of 2024. Apart from being a welcome measure, it was also hoped it would keep inflation down on basic products.

From October 1, 2024, there will be a 2 per cent rise on the VAT applied to food products that until now were at 0 per cent,

while other products will go from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent.

Where we are likely to see rises: VAT on olive oil will rise from 0 per cent to 2 per cent, as will bread; basic flour; milk; cheese; eggs; fruit, vegetables, and pulses; and cereal. While VAT increases from the reduced 5 per cent back up to 7.5 per cent will be noted on pasta and seed oils such as sunflower oil.

The reintroduction will be gradual on a month by month basis.

Damian Lewis herds sheep

HOLLYWOOD actor Damian Lewis recently took part in one of London’s most unusual traditions - The London Sheep Drive, which involves herding sheep across the River Thames. This quirky event is part of an ancient right granted to Freemen of the City of London, allowing them to bring livestock to market without paying tolls.

Lewis, best known for his roles in Homeland and Band of Brothers, was invited to act as the shepherd for the day, leading a flock of sheep across Southwark Bridge.

Dressed in his grandfather’s First World War-era wool coat and carrying a shepherd’s crook, the 53-year-old actor described the experience as “fabulous” and an “eccentric, very British day” that

honours an ancient tradition.

The Sheep Drive is not just a fun day out; it holds historical significance. The event dates back to medieval times, when Freemen could cross the River Thames, toll-free.

Situated on Queen Street and Queen Street Place, the event invites visitors to explore the history and significance of the Sheep Drive and the various charitable causes it supports. The event showcases livery companies and wool specialists, who demonstrate their craft through engaging activities and offer their products for sale. Visitors can also enjoy exciting displays, such as expert shearing demonstrations and an exhibition of rare breed sheep.

Supermarket prices will gradually return to normal.

Shepherd Damian Lewis.

Credit: Instagram

Cure auction

THE Cure are poised to launch their rst new studio album in 16 years, and to celebrate, singer Robert Smith will be auctioning prints of his artworks in aid of Heart Research UK.

Announced on his Instagram account on Friday, October 4, Robert Smith posted that four of his paintings, named after Cure songs, will be printed and signed and will be up for auction, with all proceeds going to charity.

Three of the four new paintings were inspired by the music and lyrics o tracks on the upcoming album release, ‘Songs Of A Lost World’, their rst since 2008.

The other is a close-up portrait resembling a Cure fan with a Geisha-like white face and characteristically badly applied lipstick.

The rst song release from the new album was premiered on Mary Anne Hobbs BBC Radio 6 show on Thursday, September 26, along with the announcement of the release date for the new album, to the joy of shoegazers, goths, and Cure fans of all denominations everywhere.

The band had been on the cusp of releasing a new album back in 2019,

but events delayed continuation on the project, which at the time had some 19 songs, each over 10 minutes long. Presumably, studio editing during the pandemic was a major obstacle.

The prints of Smith’s paintings will be available to bid on from October 13. Information on how to do so will be published on his Instagram account.

The four paintings turned into auction items.

Exciting Job Opportunities for Norwegian Sales Professionals in Fuengirola, Spain, and Malmö, Sweden!

BARONA SERVICE CENTRE services are growing, and we are now seeking Norwegian speaking employees. Barona is a trusted partner for both employees and employers, we have in Spain over 350 employees. Our service centres in Spain and Sweden are designed to provide exceptional customer experiences and support our clients’ needs efficiently.

Are you a motivated and sales-oriented individual looking for a new challenge? We are thrilled to announce that our dynamic service centres are expanding, and we are seeking talented Norwegian employees to join our teams in Fuengirola, Spain, and Malmö, Sweden. Enjoy the sunny beaches of Fuengirola or the cultural richness of Malmö while working in a supportive and engaging environment. We offer opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Be part of a diverse and energetic team that values collaboration and innovation and apply now!

What are we looking for?

If you have a passion for sales and customer service, we want to hear from you!

Do you get excited by achieving and exceeding your sales targets?

Are you ready to provide exceptional customer service?

We are looking for the right attitude and fluency in Norwegian and English which is essential to cater to our growing Norwegian customer base. We value individuals who thrive in a team setting and are committed to achieving collective and personal goals.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and join a company that values your skills and ambitions, send your resume and cover letter to rekrytointi.spain@barona.fi.

For inquiries, reach out to Marianne Eliasson, Head of Service Centre, at marianne.eliasson@barona.fi. Join us in creating exceptional customer experiences and be part of our exciting journey!

Jack Sparrow returns!

JOHNNY DEPP surprised the children at Donostia Hospital as Captain Jack Sparrow during San Sebastian Film Festival. Johnny Depp made a heartwarming appearance at Donostia University Hospital in San Sebastian, dressed as his iconic character, Captain Jack Sparrow, on September 26.

While attending the San Sebastian Film Festival, the 61-year-old actor took a break from the spotlight to visit the hospital’s Pediatrics and Oncology ward, bringing joy to the young patients there. Depp, who has a history of donning his Pirates of the Caribbean costume for special visits, interacted with the children, played games, and stayed true to his character throughout the visit with his signature walk and slurry-English accent.

The hospital expressed gratitude on social media, stating, “From all the staff of the Donostia University Hospital, we would like to express our infinite gratitude to Johnny Depp for his time, his support, and his energy, as well as to @ sansebastianfes for having facilitated this visit.”

The visit was well-received, with the local newspaper El Diario Vasco highlighting how Depp remained fully in character, ensuring that every child experienced the magic of meeting Captain

Jack Sparrow.

Photos of Depp’s visit quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), spreading joy to fans worldwide who have missed seeing Sparrow since his last on-screen appearance in 2017’s ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’.

Depp’s appearance at the Donostia University Hospital comes on the heels of his latest directorial venture, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, which premiered at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival.

Johnny Depp brings back his beloved character to Donostia Hospital.

French treasure found

AFTER 31 years of speculation, France’s famous golden owl treasure has finally been unearthed, bringing an end to a nationwide treasure hunt that began in 1993. The golden statuette, reportedly worth €150,000, is adorned with gold and diamonds and had captivated treasure seekers for decades.

The hunt was launched by French author Régis Hauser, also known as Max Valentin, who buried the owl somewhere in France and provided 11 cryptic riddles to lead hunters to its lo -

cation. Despite widespread interest and efforts, the treasure remained hidden. Valentin passed away in 2009, leaving behind a mystery that seemed unsolvable.

Michel Becker recently confirmed the discovery on the hunt’s official forum. However, no details about the finder or the exact location have been disclosed. Some sceptics question whether the owl was found through legitimate means, as the rules state the riddles must be solved to claim the prize.

Eurostar and SkyTeam collaboration

IN a major development for European travellers, Eurostar will join the SkyTeam Alliance in 2025. This collaboration will allow passengers to book

ying travel across Europe. Eurostar, the high-speed train service connecting the UK with France, Belgium and the Netherlands, is known for its conve-

Travellers will be able to book just one ticket that provides train and plane travel.

Europe. SkyTeam, one of the world’s largest airline alliances, includes airlines like Air France, Delta Air Lines and KLM. It provides a wide network of destinations and loyalty rewards for frequent

By joining forces, Eurostar and SkyTeam are making travel easier for those moving between European cities and beyond. Passengers will be able to earn loyalty points for both flights and Eurostar journeys, making the partnership beneficial for frequent travellers.

With sustainability becoming more important, this partnership highlights the push towards greener travel.

FRANCE

Not listening

NEWLY installed prime minister Michel Barnier warned parliament that France’s “colossal” debt was a “sword of Damocles” which was ready to fall. Barnier’s much-awaited speech setting out the policies of a government without an overall majority was constantly interrupted by the heckling of leftwing MPs.

Luxury FI

BERNARD ARNAULT, who heads LVMH which owns the Louis Vuitton and Moet Hennessy brands, announced to shareholders that the luxury giant had signed a 10-year deal as a Formula One global partner. The “match made in luxury heaven” begins in February 2025 when F1 celebrates its 75th anniversary.

DENMARK

Still there

ANTI-WHALING activist Paul Watson, a Canadian-American, remains in custody in Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory. His detention order has been extended until October 24 while Denmark reviews an extradition request from Japan regarding Watson’s 2010 confrontation with one of their ships.

More to spend

WAGE-EARNERS again have the same purchasing power that existed before the high inflation of recent years, Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) figures showed. By the third quarter of 2024 the 4.8 per cent increase in salaries compared with the same period in 2023 also outstripped the inflation rate.

EURO PRESS

ITALY

Past times

HOLLYWOOD director Martin Scorsese has begun a documentary featuring ancient shipwrecks in Italy where he traces his ancestral roots in Sicily, his grandparents’ birthplace. Scorsese will also use recovered artefacts to reconstruct the stories of ships, sailors, cargoes and maritime trade in the past.

MARTIN SCORSESE: Filming a documentary on Italy’s ancient shipwrecks.

Whisky rescue

IRELAND FINLAND

Be prepared

DUBLIN is preparing a €1.35 billion defence Budget for 2025, with funding for air surveillance radar, subsea awareness and equipment, plus another 400 armed forces personnel. “The record allocation for 2025 demonstrates this government’s commitment to defence,” Defence minister Michael Martin said.

Just in time

IRELAND’S Social Protection minister confirmed that the babies who are born in December 2024 will still be eligible for the €420 grant announced in next year’s Budget for all those born on or after January 1, 2025, “As a mother, I do not want to see any woman miss out,” Heather Humphreys said.

Bad idea

A RECENT survey revealed that Finns are uneasy about the possibility that food delivery firms could also be permitted to supply alcohol. Seventy-five per cent of respondents said they were concerned that age restrictions could be disregarded or alcohol sold to the already-inebriated should the law be changed.

Long stay

APPLICANTS hoping for Finnish citizenship who have submitted paperwork after October 1 will now need to have lived in the country for at least eight years following changes to the existing law. The Finnish Immigration Services added that the required period could be reduced “according to circumstances.”

PORTUGAL BELGIUM NETHERLANDS

Side effects

AFTER November 1, medication like Sinutab, a popular cold and flu cure which contains pseudoephedrine, will require a prescription. The Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) cited concerns that this can have side effects including cardiac arrhythmias, strokes and antibiotic resistance.

City kidnap

A MAN forced into a car in Brussels’ Elsene neighbourhood on September 29 was found wandering with minor injuries in the city’s Ter Kameren wood two days later. Several potential suspects were arrested shortly afterwards, while an ongoing investigation probes their possible involvement in the abduction.

No more jams

THE €14.4 million contract to construct a 3.5-kilometre bypass with two lanes in each direction where the EN125 crosses Olhao was signed on September 30. This section of the road is notorious for bottlenecks but as well as improving traffic flow, the bypass will also reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents.

Fire reaction

MORE than 1,000 firefighters from all over Portugal demonstrated outside the national parliament in Lisbon at mid-day on October 2, calling for an improvement to their salaries. Later in the day there were arrests after protesters toppled metal barriers and occupied the steps of the parliament building.

Wind up

FIFTY-THREE per cent of the Netherlands’ electricity was produced by renewable sources during the first half of 2024, owing to more windfarms with more efficient turbines as well as more solar panels. Although production rose, energy use did not, and the country generated more than it could use.

Star turn

EUROSTAR trains to London and Paris will return to Amsterdam Central in early 2025 once the railway station’s renovations have been completed. Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave has been so concerned about delays that she threatened to cancel all London and Paris trains unless work finished on time.

MACKMYRA whisky, which declared bankruptcy in August, has been bought by majority shareholder Lennart Hero and No 1 Capital AB. Hero said that their 100 million krona (€8.8 million) bid had probably been accepted because administrators believed that would be the best option for Mackmyra’s future.

Linked up

AN outdated submarine cable beneath the Oresund Sound will be replaced by the Danish company, JD Contractor. Work on €14 million project that will connect overhead wires at Sweden’s Kristinelund transition station with those in Skibstrupgaard (Denmark) is expected to take two years to complete.

GERMANY

Own goal

JENS LEHMANN, a former Arsenal and Germany goalkeeper paid a €135,000 fine after reaching an agreement with a neighbour and accepting responsibility for damaging part of his garage with a chainsaw. A local court had originally set the sum at €420,000 but this was reduced after an appeal from the footballer’s lawyer.

Owning up

SIEMENS ENERGY will pay the US Department of Justice $104 million (€94.45 million) for using stolen trade secrets to inflate bids for contracts in 2019. A Siemens spokesperson said the company had voluntarily reported the irregularity to the US authorities after discovering the misconduct in 2020.

NORWAY SWEDEN

Slippery slope

THE Red Party’s programme called for a referendum to decide the future of the country’s monarchy. Polls are showing declining support for the royal family after Crown Prince Haakon’s sister made money out of her recent wedding photos and Haakon’s stepson was arrested on drug charges and threatening behaviour.

On the loose

FIVE wolves escaped from the Salangsdalen Polar Park, the most northerly animal reserve in the world and famed for its enclosure where the public can come into close contact with the wolves. Three were captured soon afterwards but local mayors had to request official help in recovering the missing pair.

Photo credit: CC/Elena Ternovaja

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Aston slowdown

ASTON MARTIN shares plunged by 28 per cent after new chief executive Adrian Hallmark announced on September 30 that the luxury carmaker would produce 1,000 fewer models this year. This sliced £378 million (€453.8 million) off the company’s value, before it recovered to £989 million (€1.19 billion).

Right lines

SPAIN’S publicly owned engineering company Ineco won a €2.7 million contract to draft plans for a TetuanTangier railway link and connecting Tangier city centre with the airport and football stadium. Both projects are included in a €35 billion scheme to upgrade Morocco’s state National Railway Company (ONCF).

Not needed

A REPORT by the Department for Business and Trade suggested that only 25 per cent of the 1.4 million businesses that received £23 billion (€27.6 billion) in grants during the Covid pandemic would have gone under without state backing. Most would probably have survived without cashflow support, the report concluded.

New centre

GRIFOLS intends to invest €360 million in building a new plant in Barcelona for its engineering department according to company sources quoted in the Spanish media.

Work will start next year as the pharmaceuticals company centralises operations currently spread across different locations, the sources said.

Going down

UKshop prices fell 0.6 per cent in September compared with 0.3 per cent in August, the British Retail Consortium said. Prices fell at their fastest since 2021. Fresh produce inflation rose as wet weather affected production and climate change impacted the cost of olive oil and sugary snacks.

STAT OF WEEK

€7 billion

due to be paid out in dividends during the last quarter of 2024 by Spanish companies including Inditex, BBVA, Sabadell, Santander and Telefonica.

Rightmove moves away

ONLINE property company REA Group, 62 per cent owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, has withdrawn its offer for Rightmove.

REA abandoned its attempt to create “a global and diversified digital property company” based in Australia and Britain after its UK counterpart turned down a fourth offer of £6.2 billion (€7.4 billion) made on September 27.

If REA wished to make a fifth bid, then it needed to make a “best and final proposal” before the 5pm deadline that same day, Rightmove had said.

Andrew Fisher, Rightmove’s chairman, said the company was confident that it would achieve “significant future value” for shareholders.

“Rightmove is an amazing business with a very strong team and a clear strategy,” he said.

SPAIN generates renewable energy but no hydrocarbons, apart from the natural gas that Heyco Energy Iberia extracts in Sotes (La Rioja).

The gas was discovered in 2010 and since the Viura project was launched in 2017, Heyco estimates that one well has extracted 500 million cubic metres of the 3 billion that the field contains.

The company acquired Union Fenosa’s 58.8 per cent stake in 2022 and recently bought the publicly owned Basque Hydrocarbons Society’s 37.7 per cent holding.

The company expects to increa-

Sacyr in Turin

SPAIN’S Sacyr and Italian construction company Fininc will create a consortium to design, finance, build, manage and maintain a Turin hospital complex.

The €500 million project signed with the Piamonte authorities that will take five years to complete includes a 1,040-bed hospital, university campus and a commercial zone with shops.

The hospital will provide healthcare for a population of around 300,000 people and incorporate three of Turin’s existing health centres.

He added that the Rightmove board was grateful to all of its shareholders who had been involved in the process and had shared

their views.

REA’s chief executive Owen Wilson said afterwards that they were “disappointed” with the “limited engagement” from Rightmove.

“That impeded our ability to make a firm offer within the timetable available. They had nothing to lose by engaging with us,” Owen maintained.

Murdoch’s son Lachlan took control of REA by buying a 44 per cent holding in the company, then described as “struggling”, for A$2 million (€1.56 million) in 2001. After the Fox film studios and cable assets were sold to Disney for $71 billion (€64.2 billion) and Lachlan emerged as his father’s probable business heir in 2019, REA is viewed as one of his principal contributions to the family fortunes.

Home-grown Rioja gas

H&M layoffs

IN 2020, the pandemic created a continuing boom in online sales that has left all fashion chains with more stores than they needed.

This has been especially problematic for H&M, which between 2010 and 2018 had around 5,000 shops as it competed with the Zara brand owned by Inditex.

H&M’s Spanish subsidiary, whose 2023 accounts have not yet been presented, recently began negotiating redundancies affecting 600 employees in Spain and the closure of 28 stores.

The group expects to close 200 stores worldwide, but the Spanish market will see most, H&M said. This is its second series of layoffs in Spain, the first of which affected 350 employees in mid-2021.

se production by 800 per cent over the next two years, extracting a daily 800,000 cubic metres of gas, generating tax revenues of €25.7 million.

The owners of vineyards and farms within a 1.5 kilometres radius will receive 1 per cent of the production value, Heyco said, while the regional government and neighbouring municipalities are entitled to 4 per cent of the Gas, Oil and Condensate tax.

CRITERIACAIXA has begun selling off some of the minority shareholdings that the La Caixa Foundation’s investment arm acquired after selling its Abertis stake.

By the end of June Criteria had divested itself of assets worth €325.6 million, of which €77.4 million corresponded to Spanish-listed businesses and €275.2 to international companies.

Watchers attributed the sales to Angel Simon, chief executive since April 2024, whose plans included reducing Criteria’s exposure to companies where it wields little influence owing to its minority stake.

Small fry Copper-bottomed deal

BT has received a £105 million (€126.1 million) upfront payment for the sale of the unneeded copper cable used in its old internet network.

As the telecommunications company launches a £15 billion (€18 billion) rollout of high speed fibre broadband to 25 million properties, it has reached agreement with a recycling company that will buy the surplus copper.

To date, BT has installed fibre broadband in 15 million premises but hopes to extend this to 25 million by late 2026 and 30 million by 2030.

Pay cut Bag it

MULBERRY turned down an £83 million (€99.7 million) takeover offer from Frasers Group owned by Mike Ashley.

Frasers which owns multiple retail brands including Sports Direct, the House of Fraser department stores, already holds a 36.8 per cent stake in Mulberry.

The luxury handbag brand said that Frasers’ offer of 130p (€1.56) a share was too low, after carefully considering the proposal and consulting majority shareholder Challice, owned by Singapore businesswoman Christina Ong.

She had no interest in the Frasers offer, Ong said, while Mulberry announced that it preferred to continue with plans to raise sufficient funds for a turnaround.

DESPITE posting record

Dyson sales and a £1 billion (€1.2 billion) profit in 2023, the dividend paid to Sir James Dyson’s family-owned company was cut by 40 per cent.

Accounts filed in Singapore, where the company is based, revealed that Dyson Holdings paid £700 million (€840.7 million) to Weybourne Holdings, which manages the founder’s investments.

This was down from the £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion) dividend paid in 2022 to Dyson who possesses an estimated fortune of £23 billion (€27.3 billion).

RUPERT MURDOCH: Family’s REA Group failed to take over UK’s Rightmove

VIURA PROJECT: Gas production in Sotes (La Rioja).

LONDON - FTSE 100

3I Group 3.237,50 3.280,00 3.237,00 41,53K

Group 2.782,7 2.824,0 2.776,0 16,4K Airtel Africa 111,80 114,60 111,50 215,3K Anglo American 2.439,5 2.440,5 2.405,5 109,06K Antofagasta 1.963,50 1.988,23 1.952,50 16,35K Ashtead Group 5.598,0 5.666,0 5.570,0 23,85K Associated British Foods 2.315,0 2.330,0 2.315,0 28,32K

11.726,0 11.790,0 11.696,0 89,02K Auto Trader Group Plc 844,40 852,20 843,00 31,96K Aviva 473,45 477,60 472,80 274,06K

B&M European Value Retail SA 412,80 415,90 411,70 53,48K BAE Systems 1.291,00 1.307,93 1.286,50 301,94K

225,70 227,67 225,00 2,16M Barratt Developments 474,50 487,90 472,20 223,51K

Beazley 751,00 760,00 747,00 199,13K

Berkeley 4.717,0 4.817,0 4.714,0 5,07K

BP 418,54 420,37 417,10 4,52M British American Tobacco 2.672,0 2.689,0 2.671,0 444K

BT Group 144,25 145,65 144,10 656,24K Bunzl 3.486,0 3.501,7 3.482,0 48,28K Centrica 115,30 119,10 114,95 1,21M

Cola HBC AG 2.710,5 2.718,0 2.710,0 15,03K

2.398,00 2.412,00 2.390,54 85,23K

Group 222,80 223,00 221,80 219,81K Croda Intl 4.280,0 4.317,0 4.258,0 18,33K

5.220,0 5.255,0 5.210,0 10,64K

BUSINESS

Long wait

SPAIN’S State Industrial Holding Corporation (SEPI) will not recover the €3.256 billion used to rescue 30 companies during the pandemic until 2029. Eight of the businesses, including airlines Air Europa and Air Nostrum, have accumulated 71 per cent of outstanding debts, Sepi said.

Fine situation

THE Sellafield nuclear waste site in Cumbria must pay a £332,500 (€396,751) fine and £53,200 (€63,489) costs after pleading guilty to cybersecurity shortcomings. A Westminster magistrates court said Sellafield’s exposure for four years had threatened national security.

A tidy little sum

MORE than 670,000 young people born in the UK between September 2002 and January 2011 have never claimed their Child Trust Fund.

The average pot is worth £2,212 (€2,648)

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced in late September.

The Child Trust Funds were set up in 2005 and provided £250 (€299)

UNCLAIMED: 670,000 have not yet claimed their UK Child Trust Fund.

Going one better

THE BBVA bank, currently immersed in a hostile takeover of Banco Sabadell, amended its offer to shareholders.

The €12 billion bid was announced in April but soured in May when Sabadell snubbed the approach, prompting BBVA’s promise to adjust the offer to reflect dividend payments by adding cash.

After Sabadell paid an interim €0.08

per share on its 2024 results on October 1, BBVA announced an offer of one newly-issued ordinary share for every 5.0196 Sabadell ordinary shares.

As BBVA is paying its investors a €0.29 interim dividend per share on October 10, the offer has been upped to one new-issued ordinary BBVA share and €0.29 in cash for every 5.0196 ordinary Sabadell shares.

them down so your child or children benefit on turning 18,” HMRC said.

The funds are held by banks, building societies or other providers, and remain in the account until they are withdrawn or re-invested.

If vouchers were not invested within one year of issue, HM Revenue and Customs opened an account for the child. Young people can use the online tool on GOV.UK to locate their Child Trust Fund provider, for which they will need their date of birth and National Insurance number.

This is obtainable using the HMRC app to access the information.

“We want to reunite young people with their money and we’re making the process as simple as possible,” HMRC said.

Acciona action

KOREAN fund manager Igis is getting nearer to selling the Nestle headquarters in Esplugues de Llobregat (Barcelona), with Acciona looking like a potential buyer according to property sector sources. The renewable energy retailer would pay around €80 million for the complex of five office buildings that covers an area of almost 50,000 square metres, the same sources said.

Hard times

DELOITTE, one of the Big Four accounting firms, cut partners’ salaries by £48,000 (€57,263) as deals slowed, although the company’s £756 million (€901.8 million) profit for the year ending May 31 equalled last year’s. Average pay for Deloitte senior management now drops from an annual £1.06 million (€1.26 million) to £1.012 million (€1.207 million).

Too friendly for his own good

HVALDIMIR, a young beluga wha le who began life as a Russian spy before absconding to Norway, was not deliberately killed as en vironmentalists claimed.

A post-mortem carried out af ter he was found dead on August 31 showed friendly Hvaldimir died of a bacterial infection that was the result of septic sore caused by a stick wedged in his jaw.

HVALDIMIR: The young beluga loved human company.

Because we care

MARBELLA MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING

Thirty-five centimetres long and three centimetres wide, the piece of wood also prevented the beluga from eating, as the post-mortem showed that his stomach was empty.

Ironically, Hvaldimir’s love of interacting with people was his undoing, as a favourite game was to fetch sticks that were thrown to him in the water.

The fearless whale first appeared in April 2019 near Tufjord in northern Norway, far from the belugas’ Arctic habitat.

He wore a harness which, when removed, was found to include a camera mount and bore the words ‘Equipment St Petersburg’.

Experts speculated the whale had pro-

bably escaped from a naval base in Murmansk, not far from Tujfjord, and the Russian connection eventually gave him his name, a combination of Hval - ‘whale’ in Norwegian - and Vladimir, for the Russian president.

Days after the harness was removed, Hvaldimir moved north to Hammerfest and occasionally moved on, happily interacting with humans, although marine biologists always hoped that he would eventually reach the Arctic and integrate with other whales.

But Hvaldimir had other ideas, and he ultimately brought about his own sorry end, killed by his preference for human company.

THIS year’s United Nationalities of Marbella summit was the ninth edition and held for the fifth time at the Harbour restaurant in Marbella. The last few years’ events have been to highlight the problem of youth suicide prevention and although statistics show that the suicide rate is down by 30 per cent in the province of Malaga they still say there’s one case every 58 minutes. While this issue obviously is still ongoing, all the schools seem to be well up on the situation, now realising it’s not personal criticism but a worldwide pandemic.

This year I chose to highlight the plight of the animals on the Costa, with many horses being abandoned and in need of care and forever homes, as well as our cats and dogs.

As this year’s topic is about animals it seemed appropriate to hold it on World Animal Day, first celebrated in 1925 in Germany, organised by Heinrich Zimmermann to highlight the plight of animals in danger of extinction.

The speakers at #UNMS2024 were Kay Millington who gave a heartfelt speech

regarding street cats, AIM Sanctuary talking about abandoned dogs, Todos Los Caballos De Mundo and ARCH regarding the horses in our community that are in need of care and forever homes and Elise Dunweber who spoke about the shocking process leading up to bullfights and the community’s despair at this sport returning to Marbella.

All the speakers had the packed room spellbound, on the verge of tears on many an occasion.

Thankfully the exquisite surroundings, excellent service and delicious food helped lighten the mood, making for another really successful event, organised annually precisely to share the most prevalent matters of concern within the international community.

Bogus Banksy bust up!

CALLING all art lovers! Spanish police have dismantled a criminal network responsible for producing and distributing counterfeit artworks attributed to the renowned British street artist Banksy, fetching thousands of pounds worldwide.

The investigation targeted four individuals accused of fraud and intellectual property violations. Detectives first became aware of the illicit trade last year, tracing the forged pieces across online platforms, auctions and antique dealers. Initial inspections led to the seizure of nine works, some fetching up to €1,500 (£1,280) each.

Two arrests were made in Zaragoza, along with two others connected to the art world.

The ring allegedly sold over 25 spray-painted pieces on cardboard, accompanied by forged certificates claiming association with Banksy’s Dismaland project - a satirical theme park exhibition in Weston-super-Mare in 2015.

The investigation exposed a workshop in Zaragoza where two individuals, described as ‘young urban art enthusiasts facing financial difficulties’, pro-

duced the counterfeit works. Banksy, famed for his provocative murals, remains an enigmatic figure. His elusive identity adds intrigue to his artworks, scattered in unexpected places and coveted by collectors worldwide.

According to an expert on the artist, Banksy’s Pest Control authentication service (established in 2008 after a series of fake prints were sold online) receives up to 700 certificate applications each month!

So, if you’re after a Banksy, make sure it’s the genuine article, not a dodgy Spanish holiday souvenir!

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

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

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

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL

Marbella Town Hall & British Chamber of Commerce supporting UNMS2024.

Photo credit: Ein Dahmer

You’ll never be forgotten

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

IT is with deep and utter sorrow that I have this week to report the passing of my previously super fit and beautiful dog Nora. For six years we have just about been inseparable. Nora/Cora a wonderful cross between Labrador and Boxer was loved by just about everyone.

Last Sunday I arose and for once didn’t find her waiting outside my bedroom door. Somewhat puzzled but not unduly worried I found her still in her bed located in the sitting room. Alarm bells began to ring when; even with help, she found difficulty in standing. After managing to get her walking and realising she was now actually staggering, I immediately decided to contact the emergency vet. After telephoning and explaining the situation to the local service I was advised to take her to the Vet hospital in Palma. Lifting her into the car (a place she would normally bound up into) I quickly drove to the hospital. After a three hour wait, she was finally

seen by one of the doctors. Although they were unable to diagnose the problems, she was injected and after giving me a number of pills I was advised to take her home and bring her back if she got any worse. She rested the remainder of the day.

I arose early on the Monday hoping to find her improved and back to her old self.

Unfortunately to my horror she was decidedly worse. She now couldn’t actually get up at all. After now having to carry her to the car, my daughter and I immediately drove her to the hospital. She was kept in for three days. Some times when we visited she could just about raise her head, but generally there was no improvement.

The doctors simply couldn’t detect what was wrong, but reported that her blood was not manufacturing oxygen or other normal necessities and, although the transfusions perked her up slightly, she soon succumbed to her weak non reactions.

On the Thursday she simply couldn’t move at all and the doctors suggested she had probably been bitten by a mosquito or tick and con-

tracted one of the lethal diseases they can carry. Seeing her in this awful condition, with only her beautiful brown eyes reacting to our presence and the doctors advising us they could do no more, my daughter and I decided enough was enough. After cuddles and fondling; overflowing with emotion, we watched as she was injected with a serum that would relieve her of suffering and take her to the fields of paradise, where she could hopefully run and play to her hearts content.

Our hearts are of course broken and the loss truly something it will take some time to accept and come to terms with. I realise others among you have experienced the same sad loss and our hearts go out to all of you. I would also like to thank those who have delivered so many condolences and tell you they truly do help so much. My family has of course been wonderful; I am truly a lucky Dad. RIP Nora. You will never be forgotten

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.

Tourism titans

THE World Economic Forum (WEF) has published the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI).

The index positions Spain as the second most competitive economy globally in the travel and tourism sector. Spain achieved an impressive index score of 5.18, only narrowly surpassed by the United States, which leads the ranking with a score of 5.24.

The TTDI 2024 evaluates 119 economies based on five essential dimensions: Enabling Environment, Travel & Tourism (T&T) Policy & Enabling Conditions, Infrastructure and Services, T&T Resources, and T&T Sustainability. This comprehensive assessment offers a detailed view of each country’s strengths and weaknesses in the tourism industry.

The United Kingdom secured the seventh spot on the list, further highlighting the competition among top global tourism destinations.

The TTDI 2024 marks the second edition of this index, evolving from the well-known Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) series.

Since its inception in 2007, the WEF’s ranking has been an authoritative source for understanding the development and competitiveness of tourism across the globe.

Spain’s Costa Azahar.

Halloween Weekend at La Sala Puerto Banus: A Dark, Unmissable Experience

LA SALA PUERTO

BANUS is turning up the heat for Halloween 2024, bringing you a weekend of stylishly eerie vibes. Known as Marbella’s ultimate celebrity hotspot, La Sala is the place to be for Halloween, whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a night out with an edge.

The weekend kicks off with two exclusive Halloween Breakfast Bash events on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27. Starting at 11am in the Live Lounge, these 90-minute gatherings are tailored for Marbella’s little ones and parents ali-

ke, blending cool vibes with classic Halloween fun. Expect a mix of interactive games and killer beats, plus prizes for the best-dressed crew.

Tickets are €28 per person (breakfast and drink included), with under-twos joining for free (food not included). Spots are limited and always sell out - so lock in your place early with pre-payment. When night falls on Thursday, October 31, La Sala invites you to their headline event: ‘Till Death Do Us Party’ with live performances from Debra Stacey & DJ Junior Da Coffin, spinning deep,

Hispanic weekend

SATURDAY, October 12, marks the International Day of Hispanicity, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.

Everywhere in Spain will be celebrating the day in their own particular way, but in Marbella, there are three days of celebration with music, dance, typical products, and culinary delights.

At the Parque de la Represa on Friday, October 11, the festival opens at 8pm with musical concerts and shows from Ecuador, Argentina, Cuba, and Brazil.

The party really gets underway on Saturday, 12 at 1.30pm, with folk dancing from Argentina, a homage to popular Mexican music, a traditional dance troop from Paraguay, Latin music from Peru, ballet from Argentina, and music to get everyone dancing from Cuba and Ecuador.

haunting beats to get you in the mood. Enjoy a slick 2-for-1 deal on Halloween Cocktails and complimentary shots for those bold enough to show off their best Halloween looks. The best costume of the night will score a killer prize - so come dressed to impress.

This is one Halloween you won’t forget - if you dare to show up!

Don’t miss your chance to experience Halloween in true La Sala style. To reserve your spot, call: 952 814 145 or drop us an email at: reservations@LaSala Banus.com.

Gauchos and Tango from Argentina feature on Sunday 13 alongside dance from Paraguay and Ecuador and music from Venezuela and Uruguay. Each day is finished off with DJs and dancing and

ON at the Salón Varietés Theatre, Fuengirola, only until Sunday October 13, ANNIE the musical is thrilling audiences with a full cast of adult performers alongside Annie and her orphan friends.

Follow Annie’s journey from the New York City orphanage, under the insufferable care of embittered Miss Hannigan, to a life of luxury in the home of one of the world’s richest business men and his staff.

Including all of your favourite musical and dance

numbers from the show, such as ‘Hard Knock Life’, ‘Little Girls’, ‘Maybe’, ‘Tomorrow’, ‘Easy Street’ and many more. Directed by seasoned actor and Director Owain Griffiths and choreographed wonderfully by Alexandra Avery!

With an abundance of local talent, including up and coming star Dottie Mae-Cadden as ANNIE, local singer Melissa Carver as Grace, personal secretary to Oliver Warbucks, played by Robert Hubbard, packed audiences have enjoyed the first

shows.

Tickets are selling fast, despite the 280 seats available for every show, so do not miss out on the remaining shows Wednesday 9 - Sunday October 13, including a 2pm Matinee on Saturday afternoon.

Come and celebrate almost 40 years of the Salón Varietés Theatre, the only English-speaking theatre of its kind in southern Spain, by visiting us for ANNIE, the musical, and other shows all the way through to June 2025!

Adam Woodward

Credit: Shutterstock

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Best Halloween Party is happening at Miraflores

JOIN us for a spooktacular Halloween event at Miraflores Tennis Club on October 31, from 5.00pm! This fun-filled evening is packed with activities for the whole family.

The kids are in for a treat with face painting, a bouncy castle, and plenty of spooky games to keep them entertained. From 6.00pm to 8.00pm, they can dance the night away at the Kids’ Mini Disco, and at 7.00pm, we’ll serve a delicious kids’ buffet. Make sure they wear their best costumes, as there’s a prize for the best dressed!

Once the little ones have had their fill of fun, it’s time for the adults to take over. The party continues with a two-course set menu, followed by an exciting afterparty featuring DJ Ian and Karaoke. Dance, sing, and celebrate Halloween in style! Prize for the best dressed.

Cost: €20 per child, which includes the spooky buffet.

Reservations: Call 952 932 006 to reserve your spot!

Tennis Club!

While the kids enjoy their Halloween festivities, adults can enjoy the tunes from DJ Ian and devour our scary cocktails.

And with our pool still open thanks to the beautiful weather, there’s plenty of opportunity for a swim too! Miraflores Tennis Club is your ideal family-friendly venue, offering parking and weekend entertainment

Our Pool Bar and Restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and snacks, evening meals.

Don’t miss out on the best Halloween party - book your spot today and join us for a night of unforgettable fun and magical memories!

Komando fest

Adam Woodward

TORREMOLINOS is revving up to host a specialised show for motorcycle lovers from October 13 to 15. The ‘Komando Bike Festival’ will be held at the Palacio de Congresos.

The event will be showcasing local and national brands with all their latest kit, development and products with stands and exhibitions from all the big suppliers. There will be live Rockabilly bands on stage, a biker rally, stunts and tricks shows, a giant paella feat, foodtrucks, parties, and awards ceremonies, among other motorcycle-related activities.

Camping over for the weekend will be possible for those who want to party without having to ride home afterwards, along with raffles, discount coupons.

The whole event will be raising money for Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) and the Red Cross.

The registration fee is €20 and entitles bikers and other visitors to access the venue for the three days of the event, as well as to the concerts on Friday and Saturday, lunch on Saturday in Plaza Komando, raffles and discount coupons or the right to camp on a first-come, first-served basis and until the existing capacity is reached, among others.

“Motorcycles, good music, quality displays and giving to a good cause, a perfect recipe for lovers of motorcycles and adrenaline,” said the mayor of Torremolinos, who invited the people of Torremolinos to attend this show aimed at motorcycle lovers during the long weekend.

We are a family-run business using quality products, and we love our job.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, dinner only. Kitchen open from 1 8.30 to 23.30, last ord ers 23:00. Ever y night with live music.

Credit: Pete Tong official Facebook

LA CASCADA is a warm, cosy bistro-style restaurant situated in the Sierra Blanca hills, next to one of the Arroyo de las Represas waterfalls, the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy honest and creative cuisine in an idyllic environment, either on the summer terrace or enjoying the warmth of the fireplace inside.

Directed by executive chefs, the brothers Jacques and Mathieu Lagarde, the ingenious Cascada team is committed to offering a unique and sustainable gastronomic experience with friendly and attentive service, ensuring diners feel at home on each visit.

Jacques and Mathieu Lagarde have built a highly experienced brigade with

LA CASCADA, Marbella

a superior focus on sustainability and zero waste, growing their own food, and understanding perfectly the properties of each ingredient.

Drawing on experiences and collaborations in the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants from Australia to New Zealand and France, the brothers now bring their knowhow and love of fine cuisine to Marbella. Their honest, natural, and never-exaggerated culinary creations are testimony to their natural instincts and countless hours of research in the kitchen.

Cascada holds an environmentally friendly ideology, deeply committed to sustainability and self-sufficiency. The team grows their own produce as well as aromatic herbs using only organic methods.

To avoid waste, leftover vegetable cuttings are used in one of the appetisers, fish reduction to make stock, onion peels to make their famous grilled breads, and old wine for sauces and vinegars.

The chefs have a close relationship with producers in the area, whom they consult to know first-hand where each ingredient comes from and all the work involved in cultivating them.

In addition to the daily production of their own bread and cheeses, the delicatessen is the great passion of the Lagarde brothers. Any fragment of fish or meat can be transformed, although it takes years of research to learn how to create new flavours from goat, lamb, tongue, or fish, transforming them into a dazzling impact on the palate.

The Cascada Marbella menu is inspired by a mixture of farm-to-fork concepts and avant-garde techniques from different regions of the world.

Jacques and Mathieu see the cocktail bar as ‘a dish with alcohol.’ Inspired by their own Istán farm. The chefs have outlined a cocktail menu that includes all the classics with a distinctive touch. One significant example of this work is the wild pine, which stars in the Lick a Tree cocktail at the beginning of the pairing with the tasting menu.

All in all, La Cascada is a spectacular yet warm and welcoming sustainable dining experience for every occasion. Open from 6pm until midnight every day, La Cascada can be found in Urb. La Montua, 39, Marbella.

Adam Woodward

Torreón rice week

Adam Woodward

THE perennially popular El Torreón in La Cala de Mijas is preparing for its Semana del Arroz (Rice week), and so should you if you want a table.

Get your skates on, because here is an event that never fails to sell out. Between Monday, October 28 and Sunday, November 3, El Torreón is offering its annual rice menu for €30 per diner, a selection of its best rice dishes, a different dish every day.

Arroz Caldoso (brothy rice), Rabo de Toro (oxtail), Boletus mushroom, or black rice with seafood and squid ink are all expected to be on offer, accompanied by starters, drinks, and desserts.

On Friday, November 1, they will be presenting their surprise ‘star’ rice and most famous, Rabo de Toro, and encourage everyone who hasn’t tried it yet to come down and get some.

Mijas Council is supporting the initiative and recognises the importance of small business as the main motor in the economic development of Mijas. Councillor Francisco Jérez said that “from the city council we can help and empower entrepreneurs, who are our main pillar and engine of the economy. They are the ones who really move our economy, both entrepreneurs and their workers; they are the ones who serve tourists, and the better the service they are given, the more tourists will return.”

Prebooking is a must, and reservations can be made by calling 952 494 050 or on the website restaurantetorreonlacala. com.

Musical tribute

THE International Choir of Estepona is paying tribute to some of the greatest musicals of all time at the El Carmen cultural centre on Friday, October 11. At 7.30pm, on Friday 11, the Mirador del Carmen Cultural Centre will open its doors free of charge to a show celebrating the magic of the best musicals from Hollywood and Broadway. The songs will all be from timeless classics such as La La Land, ‘The Greatest Showman’, ‘Les Misérables’, and ‘Miss Saigon’, among others.

Since the beginning of its formation, in September 2017, the ‘Love to Sing’ Choir has been offering concerts to the community in the Estepona area, helping to raise awareness and raise funds for some of the most deserving charities in the area, such as ADANA, St. George’s, Somos tu Ola, Agya Cats, and the Friends Association, among others. They have also participated in the International Conferences of Estepona and Duquesa, as well as in Manilva Pride.

Currently, the choir is directed by Shirley Helleur and has more than 45 members from a wide variety of countries who rehearse weekly. They say they are always open to new, experienced talents too. Love to Sing’s repertoire includes popular songs, from Classical music to Pop, through Rock and musical theatre. The tribute to the musicals takes place at the Mirador del Carmen Cultural Centre from 7.30pm on Friday, October 11. Admission is free.

Credit: El Torreón. Facebook

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Estepona

New mastersounds

Adam Woodward

NEW MASTERSOUNDS, a quartet led by the virtuoso guitarist and producer Eddie Roberts, will be at Louie Louie, Estepona, on Thursday October 10. Recognised worldwide as a key band in the New Funk scene, they have performed countless concerts and tours around Europe, the United States, and Japan. This group turns any space instantly into a dance floor with their blend of the grooviest 60s and 70s-inspired sounds.

Coupled with their up-todate vision of Soul, Jazz, Funk and Rock, they give a hat-tip to such greats as Jimmy McGriff, Grant Green, Jimmy Smith, and Jimi Hendrix. The New Mastersounds have been delighting audiences with their infectious brand of Funky Soul-Jazz for a quarter of a century. Formed in Leeds, UK, in 1999, they were regulars at London’s Jazz Café for the first five years of their career before breaking into the American Funk scene, where guitarist/producer/bandleader

Eddie Roberts now resides. For over a decade, they have been a fixture on the nightly scene during the annual New Orleans Jazz Festival. Always willing to hit the studio between tours, this veteran band now boasts a rich discography that includes fifteen original studio albums, four live albums, several compilations, and one remix album.

The band will be on stage at Louie Louie in Estepona next to the harbour at 10pm on Thursday, October 10. Entry is €22.

Ronnie’s jazz

COOL Jazz vibes at the hands of Ronnie Lynn Patterson come to Torremolinos on Friday, October 11 at the Clarence Jazz Club.

Accomplished Jazz pianist Ronnie Lynn Patterson brings his cool tones to the Costa del Sol for some appropriately autumnal sounds, perfect for an October evening to unwind from a hectic week.

While self-taught, Ronnie Lynn’s skills on the keyboard place him on another level, mixing classical piano and cool minimalist Jazz effortlessly. Hailing from Kansas and now based in Paris, it was not until 2003 that he recorded his first Jazz work in his own name. He has recorded with some of the greats, inclu-

ding Archie Shepp, and Aldo Romano, while his eclectic style reflects the tones of his current home’s Jazz scene in France. His latest album, Blakmaninov, has been received with huge praise, not least for how he converts familiar pieces by Sergei Rakmaninov into moody Jazz.

Accompanied by Juanma Domínguez on double bass, and Sergio Díaz on drums, this night looks like it will be a special treat for Jazz fans on the Costa del Sol. Ronnie Lynn Patterson Trio plays The Clarence Jazz Club on Friday, October 11 at 10pm. Ticket prices are between €12 to €15, depending on seats. Bookings can be made from the Clarence website or from the venue box office Call. Danza Invisible, 8, Torremolinos.

Credit: Wikipedia

Spectacular new seasonal menu from José Carlos García

Adam Woodward

JOSÉ CARLOS GARCÍA presents two tasting menus for this autumn-winter season with the best in local products and some special nods to classics from his extensive professional career. The Malaga chef is passionate about the local pantry and is committed to zero kilometres in his cuisine, based on the traditional Andalucian recipe book with a touch of the avant-garde.

For this season, José Carlos García presents a shorter menu, ‘Seasonal and local products (€159.50), with fi ve appetisers, fi ve dishes, and two desserts, and a pairing option (€105), as well as another slightly broader menu, ‘José Carlos García

2024 (€235.50), which includes seven appetisers, seven dishes, and two desserts, with a choice of superior pairings (€138).

Both share appetisers: sunfl ower seed polvorón; anchovy with pipirrana and mango; zurrapa crunch; chorizo piglet; and scallop tartlet with citrus; and also the four main dishes: quisquilla with tiger milk; caulifl ower and tarragon; crayfi sh with foie gras and mushrooms; fi sh in white sauce; and veal cheek in red wine.

In addition, this most extensive menu is complemented by such exquisite bites as buñuelo with caviar, red shrimps with pepper and ponzu sauce, and lamb with sweet potato.

The dessert includes two dishes:

dates with lime and basil and churros, and the diner can choose to end the tasting menu with a selection of Malaga cheeses (€14.90).

The José Carlos García Restaurant (Michelin Star and two Repsol Suns) has on offer several diverse and unique spaces to reserve for your dining experience: the more spacious and versatile Vertical Garden room; the intimate Cañizos room, suitable for families; the terrace, open air and with wonderful views of the Mediterranean; and the Kitchen Table, an option for the diner to take in all the synchronicity of the chef with his brigade and who wants to witness the magic of what goes on in this kitchen. The latter choice can only be enjoyed with four diners and with the

‘José Carlos García 2024’ menu and its pairing.

Additionally, José Carlos García Restaurant offers customers a voucher to enjoy a tasting menu with pairing that can be customised with a message for its recipient (€340 per person), which is available on the website and is valid for one year.

This season, customers of José Carlos García Restaurant will be able to enjoy the highest level of Malaga’s gastronomy in a privileged space beside the Port of Malaga, located next to the unique Chapel of the Virgen del Carmen, in front of the mooring of the yachts, and with the monumental backdrop of La Alcazaba and the Cathedral.

Sponsored by

Looking at the garden

CASA DE LOS NAVAJAS in Torremolinos presents Mirando al Jardín, an exhibition of new paintings by David Sancho.

The show is a collection of 20 new works by the Antequera artist, who has established himself as one of the most respected figurative

artists in Spain and across Europe. In this exhibition, the works are made up of around 20 paintings with the theme of the garden: idealisations of a garden, interpretations of Eden, fantastic botany, and scenes of varied landscapes, both Mediterranean and imaginary.

Favouring acrylic on canvas, with brightly coloured blocks of bold to-

Lnes, painted on square canvasses, some diptychs, some triptychs, Sancho’s works are already keenly sought by collectors and art lovers around the world, and his collections can be seen in multiple museums and institutions around Europe.

His CV also includes more than 100 collective exhibitions inside and outside Spain, as well as solo exhibitions, one of the latest being ‘Les couleurs

ong lost battles

de Málaga dans le Val de Lire’ at Le Cactus Blue Art Gallery, Reugny, France.

The exhibition opens on October 11 at 7pm at The Casa de los Navajas in Torremolinos and can be visited until January 25. Visiting hours are from Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays from 10.30am to 2pm and from 3pm to 6.30pm. It will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Adam Woodward

ON Wednesday, October 16, the Mijas Branch of the Royal British Legion will host a battlefield tour to celebrate the 114th anniversary of the battles of Fuengirola and Mijas. These Napoleonic clashes, which saw the deaths of British and Spanish soldiers, remain largely forgotten despite their historical significance. The tour allows participants to walk the battlefields, hear the stories, and understand why these events slipped from public memory.

diers held off a British-led force 10 times larger. The tour will culminate on Cerrado del Aguila Golf Patio, overlooking the Battle of Mijas Pueblo site. Participants will also receive an exclusive document detailing the story of both battles.

Tickets for this tour are €15, and all profits will go to support the Poppy Fund. The tour is limited to 25 participants. To book the Forgotten Battles of Fuengirola and Mijas of 1810 tour, call Andy Nye on 711 002 569.

The tour starts in La Cala beside the tower (‘Torre de la Batería’, or ‘Torreón’) at the beach. Then, the group will take a small coach to Sohail Castle. There they will see where a small group of Polish sol-

The Mijas Costa Branch was first established in 1993 and approved by The Royal British Legion Board of Trustees in April 1994.

They meet every Friday at 11.30am except August, at Club Naranja, Calle Malaga, Calahonda, Mijas Costa.

Credit: Wikipedia

Credit: davidsanchopintor.es

Comedy class

FOR those jokers who have ever wanted to give stand-up comedy a go, this two-day beginners comedy course is right up their alley. Not only will it provide people with all the tools needed to get started as a stand-up comedian, but it will also help improve self-confidence at public speaking and presentations in general.

Over the two days of the course, participants will learn how to come up with comedy material,

how to structure and edit writing, and how to connect with and perform to an audience. At the end of the course, there will be the option of performing in a showcase in front of a live audience with the new stand-up set.

So whether wanting to be the next big thing in comedy or impress the rest at the next company meeting, this course provides the skills needed to start that journey.

Students will also be treated to a few anecdo-

tes from the tutor, prostand-up Nik Coppin’s trekking around the world with his idiosyncratic style of doing things.

Coppin is an internationally renowned professional stand-up comedian and producer who, over the last 20 years, has performed with the likes of Michael McIntyre, Sarah Millican, Jimmy Carr, Mickey Flanagan, Reginald D Hunter, and Henning Wehn.

The course takes place at Louie Louie, Estepona, on Monday and Tuesday, October 14 and 15, from 6pm to 9pm with the optional Wednesday showcase finale. Tickets are available for €85 from eventbrite.es.

Adam Woodward

Credit: Nic

Coppin, Facebook

Adam Woodward

EL LAGO restaurant announces that it will be closed for a radical renovation from October to mid-December, when it will then continue to offer the highest stan-

El Lago returns in December

dards in its seasonal local farm-to-fork cuisine.

Located in Greenlife Golf, in the heart of Elviria Hills, Marbella, El Lago restaurant has a magnificent terrace overlooking the lake and the golf course. With a recommendation in the Michelin Guide and two Repsol Suns, el Lago can also be found in the Top 10 of the Macarfi Guide.

new menu with different suggestions for lunch and evening, always investing in quality gastronomic concepts based on the seasonal and sustainable local produce. Zdravkovic cannot yet reveal anything about the new gastronomic delights that will be on offer in December, only that they will be better than anything else they have served.

Suns, and is located in the Top 10 of the Macarfi Guide. The history of El Lago dates back to 2000, and it has consistently evolved over time, striving to be the best and becoming a reference for Malaga and Andalucian haute cuisine.

In the kitchen, the focus is on an extensive single-à la carte menu that aims to perpetuate El Lago’s cuisine through its focus on contemporary and seasonal Andalucian recipes that make full use of zero-mile or locally sourced ingredients.

The new owners are aware of the responsibility of directing such a pillar in the haute cuisine map, a doyen of the Costa del Sol’s fine dining experiences, and that the restaurant needs to undergo some refurbishment to its dining area and cellar from time to time. The entire team that makes up El Lago is very excited about this new stage and plans on meeting the highest expectations of customers and friends on their return.

While the restaurant is closed for renovations, the chef, Milos Zdravkovic, will continue working on the

One of the Costa del Sol’s legendary fine-dining restaurants since 2000, a benchmark others in Marbella have always measured themselves against, and situated by the lake in the Elviria Hills urbanisation, El Lago is a haute cuisine restaurant with a magnificent terrace overlooking the lake and the golf course. It is a peaceful space, surrounded by green areas and serenity. And a special place to visit when you want to try some well-prepared dishes of the highest standards or just relax with a glass of wine from their splendid bodega.

El Lago is recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide, boasts two Repsol

Metalurgika Fest

METAL band Fausto Taranto will headline the Metalurgika Festival, being held on Saturday October 12 on Pablo Ráez Boulevard in Marbella from 1pm.

There will also be local heavies such as The Lost Bullets, La

Barney’s Angels and Juan Delola, with his show ‘Noche Andaluza - Homage to Andalusia Rock’.

Fausto Taranto, already with three albums under their studded belts, and a fourth in the pipeline, has not stopped gaining in popularity, mixing Flamenco rhythms and Metal riffs in a natural, but brutally loud, concoction.

Metalurgika is a free festival kicking off at 1pm in the Bulbar

Photos: El Lago

Guarida,

Pablo Ráez, Marbella.

Credit: Fausto Taranto - Facebook

Techno all-nighter

FRIDAY, October 11, Studio Torremolinos hosts two titans of Ibiza Techno House, Paco Osuna and Technasia.

Paco Osuna is a Spanish disc jockey known for his long career, focused mainly on Ibiza. His stay on the island began with a residence at the Amnesia nightclub in 1999, and with about three decades on the scene, he is considered to be one of the most prominent Techno and House figures of Spanish DeeJaying.

Whereas, Technasia has created a unique east/west fusion that moves seamlessly from the Paris club scene to the streets of Hong Kong to the hippest techno venues of Europe. Formed by Charles Siegling and Amil Khan, Technasia had thrived as a duo for nearly a dozen years. Now, Charles has gone solo, leading Technasia as a one-man project.

The Techno House all-nighter at Studio is on Friday, October 11. Doors open at 11pm and the club remains open until 7am. Entry is €25.

COSTA FOOD TOURS

WHEN it comes to seafood everyone thinks the king of the pack is lobster, and understandably so.

But, the young pretender, the heir to the throne in Spain is Carabineros.

Think of them as the Prince Harry of the seafood world; tasty, red and quite expensive.

These giant red prawns, harvested by traditional methods from the deep waters of the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Morocco are revered for their firm texture and exquisite sweet taste.

They are highly valued in culinary circles, and can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, sautéing, or serving as part of seafood platters or in a paella.

Simply Thriving

The Prince of Spanish Seafood

most fish counters, the harvesting techniques and desirability does mean they are quite expensive, so a treat, not something for everyday.

However, they are definitely worth exploring as one of Spain’s true seafood delights.

So there you have a little introduction into one of the world’s rarest culinary delicacies.

A GROUP of Simply Thriving members have just returned from a very enjoyable five day trip to Marrakesh. Then 53 of us enjoyed a lunch at Merryland and to complete the events for October a Halloween night is to be celebrated at Monaghans on October 31 where the restaurant will be decorated appropriately and guests are invited to dress up or just come as they are. For €23.50 per head a welcome drink on arrival, three-course authentic menu, half bottle of wine per person and live entertainment from the witch. A fun night out for everyone.

The first Thursday lunch of November will be celebrated at Tappa

y Thai restaurant in Los Boliches. A planned trip to the Carvery is envisaged towards the end of November as several members will be away on a cruise of the Med and Malta on December 12 and not returning until December 20.

New Year’s Eve is almost full at Monaghans and anyone interested in attending must pay a deposit of €10 direct to the restaurant.

The support for the Alzheimer’s event which was the idea of Nathan Dean and organised by Simply Thriving was a great success and produced a donation for the Alzheimer’s association of €6,000.

However, their succulence is best appreciated simply just done ‘a la plancha’ with a sprinkling of sea salt and accompanied by a really good Verdejo !!

And you don’t need anything else as six of these will satisfy most appetites.

Although available at

Adam Woodward

Credit: Paco Osuna, Facebook

Discover Spikes Bar & Bobby Jones Restaurant: A hidden gem at Miraflores Golf Club

LOCATED in the scenic hills of Miraflores Golf Club, Spikes Bar & Bobby Jones Restaurant offers a fantastic all-year-round escape, perfect for golfers, food lovers, and anyone looking to relax. With stunning views and a warm, inviting atmosphere, this is the ideal spot to unwind after a day on the green or simply to enjoy a great meal with friends and family.

Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, the restaurant caters to all tastes. The current beautiful weather allows you to dine under the stars and make the most of those long evenings. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a laid-back dinner, you’ll be in good hands with Ludo and his incredible team. They pride themselves on their friendly, welcoming service, making everyone feel right at home.

The menu at Spikes Bar & Bobby Jones Restaurant offers excellent value, especially considering the high quality of the food. Weekends are especially busy, so it’s wise to book in advance. Entertainment is also a highlight, with live performances during Saturday and Sunday lunches, adding a special touch to your weekend dining experience.

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Events

October 23rd - Quiz Night:

Hosted by the charismatic Alan Boardman, this event promises to be a fun-filled evening, all in support of the Captain’s Charity, ‘Fundación Olivares’. Gather your team of four and enjoy an evening of trivia and entertainment starting at 7.00pm. Reservations are essential, so contact Ludo on 951 840 283 to secure your spot.

December 25th:

Christmas Day Celebration Make this Christmas truly special at

Spikes Bar & Bobby Jones Restaurant. Enjoy a welcome glass of cava followed by a sumptuous three-course meal featuring hand-carved turkey, sugar-baked ham, and a traditional Christmas pudding. At just €95 per person, this festive feast offers incredible value in a magical setting. To top it off, you’ll be treated to live entertainment from Zac and Bruno, creating the perfect holiday atmosphere.

Christmas Party Menu:

Celebrate the festive season in style with our Christmas Party Menu, available for just €47.00 per person. This special package includes a welcome glass of cava, a delicious three-course menu, and half a bottle of wine per person. Perfect for gatherings with friends, family, or colleagues, the festive menu is sure to make your holiday season even more memorable. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Dates for the Diary, Sunday October 13, Sunday Lunch with Rose Philippens , Saturday 19, Dinner with Gary Scotts, Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show. Sunday 20, the wonderful Abee Willfly. For a memorable dining experience in the heart of the Costa del Sol, look no further than Spikes Bar & Bobby Jones Restaurant. Whether you’re a local, a golfer, or just passing through, this place is a must-visit!

Reservations 951 840 283 | www.mirafloresgolf.es

Credit: Miraflores

Urban art Benalmadena

URBAN art is about to fill the walls of the Exhibition Centre in Benalmadena with the creations of two artists whose graffiti tags have become familiar to many in the area over the years, Lalone and Nesui.

This will be the first joint exhibition by two of the Costa del Sol’s leading street artists, Lalone and Nseui, whose legal wall murals adorn the sides of buildings in local towns, such as Fuengirola, Torremolinos, and Alhaurín de la Torre, among others. The aim of this art show is to showcase the strength of talent this

artistic movement has in Malaga Province and the consolidated artistic careers of both painters.

Lalone started painting in the late 90s and was the winner of the National Graffiti League in 2021, and in recent years, his murals have become well known worldwide. Highlighting his versatility and familiar drawing style, his works exhibit a tone of comic book illustration and realism.

Nesui, a Galician artist living in Malaga, began his wall-painting career in 2004. His work is re-

cognised for his jovial style based on realistic portraits and landscapes with impressionist brushstrokes.

With around 20 graffiti works created especially for the exhibition, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the urban art scene with enormous, vibrantly toned, and fun works full of movement and surprise.

The exhibition Medula, by Lalone and Nesui, can be visited for free at the Centro de Exposiciones in Benalmadena from Thursday, October 10.

ONE for kids of all ages at the Adolfo Suarez Congress Centre, Marbella, with life-size puppets and folklore.

The Goat and the Three Little Kids, presented by the world-renowned Tandarica Animation Theatre, is a live show of a traditional Romanian children’s tale that tells a funny and entertaining story for children and their accompanying adults.

The show features live actors, larger-than-life puppets and masks, in a setting that is evocative of the world of Romanian folk. The director has treated this classic folk tale with an up-to-date style, from the decoration to the stylised costumes of the characters, and through

the various puppets and props used for a fun and melodic flow.

With a history of over 76 years, the Tandarica Animation Theatre continues to be the promoter of contemporary trends in the field of lively and educational entertainment and visual theatre. Every year, the public can choose from a repertoire of over 30 shows they present, six of which are completely new.

The main objective of the theatre company is to encourage intercultural exchanges and generate links and understanding between communities.

La Cabra y los tres Cabritillos (The Goat and the Three Little Kids) is showing at the Adolfo Suarez Congress and Exhibition Centre, Marbella, on Sunday, October 13 at 11.30am. Entry is free.

Adam Woodward

Credit: Veinteseis Creative, Facebook

Credit: Tandarica

Tackling the texture

STRESS can indeed play a significant role in hair loss. When the body undergoes extreme stress, whether emotional or physical, it can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium. This causes a larger percentage of hair follicles to enter the resting phase of the growth cycle, leading to noticeable shedding several months after the stress event.

Stress-induced hair loss often happens gradually, making it harder to link directly to a specific cause. Situations such as illness, major life changes, or psychological distress can trigger this reaction, but the

Does stress cause hair loss?

good news is that it’s typically temporary. Once the stress is managed, normal hair growth resumes.

It’s important to note that hair loss can have various causes, including genetics and underlying medical conditions. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe hair loss, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional to explore the best treatment options and ensure there are no other underlying issues contributing to the problem.

Daily brew benefits

DRINKING three cups of coffee a day may provide significant health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases like heart disease and stroke. A study from researchers in Swe-

den and China, analysing data from the UK Biobank involving over 500,000 participants, found that consuming 200-300 mg of caffeine daily - equivalent to around three cups of coffee - lowered the li-

kelihood of developing cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM). This term refers to having two or more cardiometabolic conditions, which are becoming increasingly common.

Further research by the Endocrine Society revealed that people who drank three cups of coffee daily had a reduced risk - by up to 48 per cent - of developing CM compared to those who didn’t drink coffee.

The benefits of coffee extend beyond heart health. Studies show that caffeine improves mood, boosts productivity, and helps lower the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. It also promotes longevity, as regular consumption has been linked to a decreased risk of premature death, according to reviews from multiple studies on caffeine.

BLEACHING your hair can create stunning results, but it also requires extra care to maintain its health and shine. Bleaching strips the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness, breakage, and split ends. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can keep your bleached hair looking vibrant and strong.

Hydration is key. Use deep conditioning treatments regularly to replenish lost moisture and repair damage. Opt for sulphate-free shampoos, as they are gentler and less likely to strip further moisture from your hair. Adding a leave-in

Podiatry

AT the El Campanario Clinic we give you the help you need so much for the health of your feet. Regardless of the type of problem or condition. In our Medical Centre in Calahonda you can receive the service of general, child, sports, work, preventive and geriatric podiatry.

Avenida de España 20, Local 5, Sitio de Calahonda, Malaga. +34 952 933 377

Beyond blonde

conditioner or hair oil can help seal the cuticles and protect against daily wear and tear.

Limiting heat styling is essential for bleached hair, as excessive heat can worsen dryness and cause further damage. When heat styling is necessary, always use a heat protectant spray to minimise harm. Finally, regular trims will keep split ends at bay and ensure your hair looks its best. With consistent care, bleached hair can remain healthy, soft, and full of life.

#clinicamedica #clinicamedicacalahonda #especialistasmedicosmalaga #cliniccalahonda

Mobility friendly fitness

EXERCISING with reduced mobility is crucial for maintaining physical health and improving overall well-being, even when faced with physical limitations. Adapted exercises can be done from a seated position, using resistance bands, light weights, or even household objects like water bottles. These exercises help maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and circulation without putting too much strain on the body.

For example, seated leg lifts are a great way to strengthen the lower body. Sit in a sturdy chair, extend one leg forward, hold for a few seconds, and lower it back down. Repeat with the other leg. This engages the muscles without the need for standing.

Upper body exercises, such as seated arm raises, can be done using light weights or resistance bands. While seated, hold weights or resistance bands and raise your arms to shoulder height, then slowly lower them. This helps strengthen the arms and shoulders.

Stretching is also essential. Simple seated stretches, like reaching for your toes or gently twisting from side to side, can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Swimming or water aerobics are excellent options for those with reduced mobility. Water provides support, reducing the impact on joints while still allowing for effective, full-body movement.

These exercises help maintain strength, mobility, and overall health while adapting to individual needs.

Hippo hues

A NEW make-up trend inspired by the gentle and majestic hippo is making waves in the beauty world. This unique trend draws from the hippo’s natural earthy colours and textures, combining soft, muted tones with glossy, dewy finishes to create a look that’s both bold and refreshing. Think warm browns, muted greys, and deep greens for eyeshadow, paired with a glossy, hydrated skin effect to mimic the hippo’s natural glow.

Contour takes centre stage in this trend, with a focus on emphasising rounded, soft features for a more natural, fuller look. Highlighters with a wet-look sheen are popular, creating a dewy, sun-kissed finish.

Lip glosses in subtle nude or pale pink shades enhance the natural feel.

This trend is a celebration of embracing natural beauty, inspired by one of nature’s most powerful and graceful animals, offering a fresh

take on glamour with a wild twist.

It’s perfect for those seeking bold, creative expression while sta ying connected to natu re’s essence.

Costa Blanca North An environmental icon

THE majestic Puig Campana, standing at 1,410 metres, is a distinctive landmark in the province. It attracts hikers, athletes, and mountaineers from near and far. It is undeniably one of the most iconic mountains in the Valencian Community, drawing visitors from Spain and abroad.

For the first time in its history, Puig Campana is undergoing a significant transformation. The renovation work, considered to be one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by the Finestrat Town Council, is a testament to their commitment to sustainable tourism and sports activities.

Efforts are underway to clear, prune, clean, and condition the steps in specific areas that have experienced significant erosion. Plans are also in place to improve the signage, create viewpoints along the route, establish nature recreation areas, and promote high-quality tourism that will appreciate Finestrat’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Axarquia New Malaga East Metro

THE regional government is studying the possibility of a new Metro train line reaching out east, as far as Rincon de la Victoria.

The Regional Government of Andalucia has received proposals from six companies for the detailed technical studies for an eastern corridor route linking the city of Malaga as far east as Rincon de la Victoria.

The draft proposals envisage linking the Ciudad Garden metro station with El Palo and beyond, opening up future possibilities for taking the rail line even further along the east coast of the Malaga Province.

Whichever company is awarded the contract for the study will analyse the different alternative routes for three new corridors outlined in a Metropolitan Transport Plan for the Malaga Area.

While still only in its proposal stage, the concept will be to link all the routes to a central transport hub for long-distance trains, commuter trains, and buses in the centre of Malaga.

Mallorca In safe hands

MALLORCA VETERINARIS MIVET MANACOR, opened the doors to its brand-new hospital on March 1 this year, and has provided expert veterinary care for hundreds of cats and dogs over the last seven months, in a continuation of the services the hospital had been providing in its much smaller premises previously. The hospital is the biggest in Mallorca, and comprises a team of highly skilled and trained vets, nurses and receptionists, dedicated to providing a quality, caring service to both pets and owners alike.

Veterinary care in Spain is very carefully governed, and in order to be considered a hospital, there must be a veterinarian onsite 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The business must have the complete equipment to be able to offer a full diagnostic and treatment service during consulting hours, as well as a minimum of three separate hospitalisation areas. It is also a requirement to have special isolation rooms for infectious cases.

Costa Blanca South Price boom

HOUSE prices in Spain have surged by 8.7 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter, with the average price per square metre reaching €2,182.

While this trend is being observed nationwide, the Valencian Community - especially Alicante - has experienced the most notable increases. In the last three months, housing prices across the country have risen by 2 per cent, a new record for Spain. However, the situation in Alicante and the broader Valencian Community is becoming particularly pressing, as affordability concerns grow. Across the Valencian Community, house prices have risen by an average of 12.7 per cent in the past year, placing the region among the strongest performers nationwide.

The Valencian Community remains one of Spain’s most competitive housing markets and when it comes to provincial data, Alicante is a standout.

Prices in the province have increased by 12.6 per cent year-on-year, reflecting the broader trend of rising prices across the region.

Almeria A meaningful impact

AGE SUPPORT ALMANZORA is making a meaningful impact in Albox, by providing emotional and practical support for older people. Their mission is clear: to promote the well-being of all seniors and help them enjoy a fulfilling life.

The organisation stands firm against ageism, challenging unfair treatment and ensuring that every older person has the right to make choices about their life. They believe in empowering those who may struggle to help themselves, offering vital support to help them live with dignity.

At the heart of their work are dedicated volunteers who run a charity shop, a welfare office, and a befriending service. These initiatives connect lonely seniors with companionship, breaking the silence many experience. If you know someone in need, let them know about the services available.

Age Support Almanzora is driven by values like care, expertise, and innovation, and they strive to listen to the voices of older people in the community. Your support and donations can truly change lives,

Costa Calida Red October

MURCIA is feeling the heat as it kicks off October with record-breaking temperatures. On October 2, the mercury soared to an unprecedented 35.5°C at the Guadalupe weather station, marking the highest temperature ever recorded for this month in Murcia. Previously, the hottest October day was nearly 35°C (34.9°C) on October 9, 2012.

Residents and visitors are experiencing a surprising warm spell, with the current heatwave showing no signs of relenting anytime soon. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) forecasts that temperatures will continue to hover between 33°C and 34°C for the foreseeable future. If you thought a cooling trend was on the horizon, think again! It looks like the warm weather will persist.

As locals soak up the sun, it’s a reminder of the unusual weather patterns we’re facing. Whether you’re out enjoying the warm weather or planning to cool off indoors, this October is shaping up to be one for the record books in Murcia!

Another chance

ADOPTING a senior pet offers both heartwarming rewards and practical benefits. Senior pets tend to be calmer, making them ideal for families or individuals seeking a low-maintenance companion. Most older pets are already house-trained and come with established personalities, meaning

you can immediately understand their temperament. This makes the transition into your home smoother.

One of the most compassionate reasons to adopt a senior pet is that they are often overlooked in shelters, despite being just as loving as younger animals. Providing a home for an older pet gives them comfort and security in their later years, allowing them to live

UK to Spain November places available

their golden years in peace.

In addition, adopting a senior pet often requires less training and energy, offering you more bonding time without the challenges of raising a younger animal. Senior pets are just as affectionate and loyal, often forming incredibly deep bonds with their new owners, showing immense gratitude for their second chance at life.

Meowgical Halloween

DRESSING your cat in a Halloween costume can be a fun way to celebrate the spooky season, but comfort and safety should always come first. When selecting a costume, opt for soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your cat’s skin or restrict their movement. Avoid costumes with small parts that can be chewed or swallowed.

Popular choices include lightweight capes, themed collars, or simple headgear like bat wings or witch hats, which are less invasive than full outfits. Cos-

Photo: Shutterstock

tumes like pumpkins, skeletons, or even playful sharks are fun, provided they’re designed with your cat’s comfort in mind. Always supervise your cat while they’re in costume to ensure they aren’t stressed or uncomfortable. It’s essential to make sure the costume fits properly. Anything too tight can cause discomfort, while loose outfits might pose tripping hazards. If your cat is new to costumes, introduce them gradually to ensure a positive experience and a memorable Halloween.

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Plan now for spring and save a lot of money. You’ll have peace of mind knowing a checked sitter is looking after your pets at home.

HouseSitMatch Saves You Money - Pet-sitting is Free

If you use HouseSitMatch.com you find free checked pet-sitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring for your pets young and old in your absence. It’s a house-sitting arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet-sitting works as an exchange of services - Free accommodation for Free pet care!

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked

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

Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed

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

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

Planning your 2025 holidays? Plan early to find your free checked pet-sitters.

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Premium account (£89 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.

How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

I have used HouseSitMatch for the last three years and would highly recommend it. Very easy to communicate with and very helpful by phone if needed.

Janet Bryant, Pet owner

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

ACE OF SHADES

WINDOWS

Second-hand car secrets

BUYING A SECOND-HAND CAR IN SPAIN CAN BE AN AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR TRANSPORTATION, BUT SPECIFIC STEPS ARE ESSENTIAL, ESPECIALLY FOR BUYERS WITH LIMITED SPANISH.

Necessary Documentation

Ensure possession of the NIE (Foreign Identification Number), a valid passport, and a driver’s licence. Not converting a foreign licence to a Spanish one might complicate obtaining insurance.

Budget and Requirements

Determine the budget and list essential features to narrow the search.

Car Selection

Prioritise reliability. Research durable models like Volkswagen and SEAT with the 1.9 TDI engine, which can exceed 200,000 miles. Be aware of issues like oil leaks and injector failures. Avoid models with known problems, such as certain Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel engines.

Avoiding Scams

Beware of scams, especially with private sellers and unusually low prices. Facebook Marketplace is notorious.

Where to Buy

Consider online marketplaces, dealerships, or private sellers. Always have the car inspected.

Cost

Expect to spend €5,000€10,000 for a decent car. Toyota, Honda, and Mazda offer reliable options.

Inspection and History Check

Have the car professionally inspected. Run a Carfax report and request a certificado de cargas from the Traffic Office (DGT) to check for debts.

Cash Payment Limits

Legal cash payment limits are €1,000 with a business, €2,500 between individuals. Exceeding limits incurs fines.

Insurance

Insurance without a Spanish licence may be more expensive. Use comparison sites like Rastreator.com.

Legal Considerations

Dealers must provide a oneyear warranty; private sellers must ensure no hidden defects for six months. Ensure the car has the correct emissions sticker. Happy car hunting!

New alcohol limit for drivers in Spain?

THERE are currently talks over possible new alcohol limits for drivers in Spain.

Spain is proposing to lower the legal alcohol limit for drivers, potentially leading to a surge in positive breathalyser tests. Even a casual drink or everyday products like mouthwash could result in fines. Find out how this new limit might impact you.

Following a recent announcement by Minister Marlaska, the Spanish government has presented a proposal in Parliament to reduce the maximum blood alcohol limit from 0.5 to 0.2 grams per litre. This means, as confirmed by Pere Navarro, Director of the DGT (Spain’s Traffic Authority), that drivers “won’t be able to drink any alcohol at all.”

As highlighted by sources from the Guardia Civil, this is likely to lead to a surge in positive test results, as Spain’s culture is deeply rooted in socialising with alcohol. It’s not about going on a bender; even just a cheeky pint or a quick glass of vino could land you in hot water with a positive breathalyser result.

And in a country where a friendly drink is practically a national pastime, this new limit could leave countless drivers out of pocket and off the roads.

Stay tuned for updates.

Low-emission zones in Catalonia

EL PRAT DE LLOBREGAT and Gava, two towns near Barcelona, have implemented new regulations and fines for vehicles that do not meet new low emission zone (LEZ) standards. The regulations, aimed at reducing air pollution, apply on weekdays from 7am to 8pm. Vehicles must display environmental stickers from Spain’s Directorate General for Traffic (DGT), categorising them by emissions.

Non-compliance can result in fines up to €200, or €260 during high pollution periods.

The rules currently apply to cars and motorcycles, with enforcement for larger vehicles like vans, lorries, and buses delayed until 2025.

Nearby towns, including Vilade-

cans, Sant Boi de Llobregat and Cerdanyola del Valles, will also begin enforcing LEZ rules soon, further expanding the network in the Barcelona metropolitan area.

Drivers can check their vehicle’s eligibility for these zones online using their licence plate number. The initiative follows the controversial introduction of Barcelona’s LEZ in 2020, which faced legal challenges and resulted in the cancellation of €20.1 million in fines.

For expatriates and locals, staying informed about these changes is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Honda Jazz Hybrid - small car, big space

By Mark Slack ROAD TEST

THERE are some cars that have the wrong kind of reputation, and some that have an unjustified reputation. The Honda Jazz definitely falls into that latter category because although it’s actually a great little car it’s also widely viewed as being the favourite of, how can one put it, more mature drivers.

In its latest form the Jazz Hybrid has all the virtues of a Honda, being well built, reliable and immensely practical for its size. Prices start at €32,122/£26,885 with three trim levels in the line-up - Elegance, Advance, Ad vance Sport - and then the Crosstar which has a bit of an SUV vibe. Slightly raised ride height and plastic cladding to the wheel arches and door bottoms complete the look. Standard fare is generous to a fault, even the lead-in version has everything from keyless entry and start and adaptive cruise through to navigation and Bluetooth with wireless CarPlay.

Facts at a Glance

Model: Honda Jazz

Engine: 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated with hybrid assistance

Gears: Automatic- CVT

Price: €33,556/£28,085

In addition to terrific practicality and space, given the Jazz’s diminutive proportions, the visibility is from another age, in a good way. Lots of glass and slim pillars makes for a nice and airy interior. None of the lowered rooflines, slimline windows

Performance: 0-100kph/62mph 9.4 seconds - Max speed 173kph/108 mph

Economy: 4.5 litres per 100km/62.8mpg combined

Emissions: 102g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

and chunky pillars that one normally expects nowadays. The magic rear seats offer a myriad of different folding options that can effectively turn the Jazz into nothing short of a small van. It is amazing what will fit inside it.

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine is mated to not one but two electric motors with three drive modes -electric, hybrid and engine - and a CVT automatic transmission. Regular readers will know that CVTs have a particular characteristic where hard acceleration causes the engine revs to rise while the speed catches up. It can be quite vocal so feathering the throttle makes life quieter and is soon adopted when you’re used to the car. Electric power switches in seamlessly and the Jazz will run electric only at low speed or you can select engine power or full hybrid mode that leaves the car to choose which mode of power depending on driving conditions.

If you thought the Honda Jazz was a car for downsizers, the more mature driver or those with just a weekly run to the shops, then think again. It looks smart, in my opinion, and has lots of standard equipment and seems to hold its price well on the used forecourt. All of which makes up for that higher initial purchase price.

A.W.F.L. Over 50s / AC Benahavis 5 v 3 Mollina

From the off, both teams put on an excellent display of exceptional walking football. The home side took control when goals from Paul Rossiter and Shane McAllister put them 2-0 up. This prompted Mollina to return the pressure through goals by Paul Blackwell and Steve Webster before half time. A superb strike by Laurent Palermo put Benahavis back in front after the break but the lead was soon wiped out by Blackwell’s second for the visitors. However, Mollina eventually succumbed to goals from Jose Bermudez and a cracker from Chris Webb, giving the home side all three points.

Nerja Utd 1 v 5 Marbella Marbesula

From the first whistle, Marbella played like a well-oi-

ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE

This busy week’s action!

led machine, giving them full control. By half time, they were 4-0 up and continued to dominate after the break. However, Nerja produced a much more resolute performance and restricted the visitors to only one more goal, to which the home side responded with a Nick Harvey penalty, restoring some confidence for United. Scorers for Marbella were Juan Carlos Ferrer (2), Alfonso, Carlos Pino and Cristobal (pen).

Malaga WFC 7 v 0 Boca Seniors Competa

Sporting Benahavis 2 v 2 Nerja Utd

Although the early exchanges were fairly even, Sporting took the lead with a well-taken strike from Martin Durrant. However, before the break, Simon Cooper equalised for the visitors. Both teams attacked eagerly in the second half and eventually the hosts went ahead through a running offence penalty, scored by Michael Verby. However, a late penalty for the same offence, scored by Tony Wells for the visitors, meant both teams had to settle for a point.

Malaga WFC 2 v 7 AC Benahavis

The League Champions certainly showed no mercy to Competa, who, though they tried hard, could not find a foothold in the game at all. Their first half dominance gave the hosts a 3-0 lead with goals from Pedrin, Fran and Javi. The second half saw them turn the screw even further through Roberto, and newbie Marcello bagged a hat-trick to register an emphatic scoreline, despite dogged resistance from the visitors.

El Canadon 2 v 5 Real Calahonda (No report)

A.W.F.L. Over 60s

Up against the League Champions, and despite falling behind to a goal for Benahavis, the hosts equalised through Kevin Nelmes after a fine team move. However, the visitors turned on the pressure and made it 1-3 by half time. The second half saw Benahavis surge forward to score four more, leaving Malaga’s sole reply being a strike by Gary Seymour, not helped by a missed late penalty. AC Benahavis will take some stopping this season! Goals scored by Cooper (3), O’Grady (2), O’Hara and Stevens.