Costa Blanca North 17 - 23 October 2024 Issue 2050

Cultural explosion!

GET ready for an explosion of colour and culture in l’Alfas del Pi on Sunday October 20. It’s International Day, and representatives from over 90 nationalities are expected to join in the celebrations. Taking place at the House of Culture between 11.00am and 5.00pm, this will be one of the most colourful and liveliest parties of the year. Originating in 2007, International Day is a pioneering festive and cultural extravaganza of a esta. It brings together people from all walks of life as they share and learn about each other’s culture, folklore, and gastronomy, as well as national costume, hence all the colour.

Costa Blanca North • Issue No. 2050 • 17 - 23 Oct 2024

International Day of l’Alfas del Pi 2023.

THE RunCáncer circuit, organised by the Association Against Cancer in Valencia, made a significant stop in Gandia on Sunday, October 13, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ‘Gandia Against Cancer’ event.

A memorable occasion, it gathered 4,154 participants and raised more than €20,000 in support of the cause.

This year’s event offered two options: a walk and a run.

The race began at 11.00am in Plaza Prado, followed by the walk, which shared the same five-kilometre route for both runners and walkers.

Raising funds.

Overall, the RunCáncer Valencia circuit has raised €300,000 so far in 2024.

The next major event, ‘Valencia Against Cancer,’ is expected to draw over 10,000 participants on Sunday, October 20.

In addition to Gandia, the towns of Antella and Massamagrell also held their own marches against cancer on October 13.

Antella drew nearly 600 participants, raising €2,640, while Massamagrell brought together 600 people and raised €3,000 for the cause.

The Spanish Association Against Cancer of Valencia is made up of more than 300 people, including workers and volunteers, who are joined by more than 7,000 collaborators throughout the province and more than 32,000 members.

The extra mile Alfas Anglican baptism

SUNDAY October 13, was a momentous day for one of the members of the Alfas Anglicans as it was the day she was baptised. Sue has been with them for some time, and they were all delighted to have been able to share this special day with her.

The Rite of Holy Baptism is considered very special, and Sue was received into the congregation of Christ’s flock as she was baptised by Fr Paul and signed with the sign of the cross. They had a good congregation to celebrate with her and many of them enjoyed refreshments upstairs in the restaurant organised for them by Sue.

A service of Holy Communion is held in Alfas del Pi every Sunday at 9.30am at The Comm (formerly the Mare Nostrum). They also hold a weekday service every Thursday at 11.00am.

Further information is available by contacting their secretary Elaine Mitchell on 636 164 467.

from Front page

CALLING all foodies and wine enthusiats!

The 13th Alere Dolia is set to take place on Saturday October 19 at the Auditori Teulada Moraira, celebrating the rich culinary tradition and wine tourism of the Teulada Moraira region.

This event has become a hallmark in the Valencian Community, attracting food and wine enthusiasts alike.

Starting at 11.00am, you can look forward to a day filled with tradition and innovation, showcasing the best flavours of the Mediterranean.

Founded in 2011, Alere Dolia aims to promote the region’s native products, with a particular focus on local grape varieties and the diverse offerings from the Mediterranean pantry.

Raúl Llobell, the mayor of Teulada Moraira and president of the Auditori Foundation, emphasised the event’s significance: “It is a very important event for the tradition and culture of our local products.

“This celebration not only highlights culinary excellence, but also fosters appreciation for the local agricultural heritage.”

A momentous day for all

There is a more serious side to the event though as it encourages and celebrates co-existence and diversity, in what is arguably one of the most multi-cultural regions of Spain. For this reason, although held in l’Alfas del Pi, all of the regional municipalities are invited to be a part of this momentous day.

Spanning several different continents, the list of countries is impressive and reads like the participants of a world sporting event and includes, Venezuela, Colombia, Nepal, Romania, India, Ukraine, Paraguay, France, Dominican Republic, Syria, Algeria, Morocco, Norway, Ivory Coast, United Kingdom, Peru, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Romania, Bulgaria, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Germany, Cuba, Brazil, Moldova, Colombia, Vietnam, Mexico, Netherlands, and of course Spain.

Councillor for the International Area of l’Alfas, Martina Mertens expressed her excitement for the upcoming event encouraging everyone to come along and enjoy the food tastings, craft items and live musical performances from the participating countries.

The full schedule is obtainable by visiting, www.lalfas.es.

Lives saved

THE Save My Life 12 Charity Gala, held on Sunday October 13, at Benidorm Palace, was a resounding success. Over 900 attendees gathered for an afternoon of entertainment and fundraising, demonstrating our community’s strong commitment to supporting abandoned and abused animals. The event raised an astounding €37,000 for the charity, which was understandably overwhelmed and humbled by the support shown. In a post on their Facebook page, they said, “We honestly and truly are lost for words by the amount raised at our Save My Life 12 Charity Gala Benidorm. This is absolutely unreal, and we are overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.”

Jet-set jackpot

ALICANTE-ELCHE Miguel Hernández Airport is on track for a record-breaking 2024, with September adding to its success.

The airport registered 1,801,340 passengers in September alone, surpassing previous gures from July and August of last year and marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared to September 2023.

This brings the average number of passengers to an impressive 60,000 daily.

International travellers dominate, with 1,560,979 passengers, a 15.5 per cent increase, while national tra c also rose by 14.1 per cent, registering 239,317 passengers.

More than 85 per cent of the passengers were international, with the UK leading the way with 620,468 travellers, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

From January to September, a total of 14,094,464 passengers were processed, a 17 per cent increase from 2023, while 88,059 ights were handled, re ecting a 15.1 per cent rise.

The airport has already surpassed the gures for 2022, when 13.2 million passengers were registered.

This epic fundraising extravaganza featured 10 fantastic acts, including dance and magic perfor-

mances. However, the stars of the show were undoubtedly Beatrice and Little Man (Yoda) two dogs from the shelter who left many of the audience overcome with emotion. Just a few short months ago, it was doubtful if Little Man was going to make it, and Beatrice the 13-year-old blind lady

YES, starting in 2025, British citizens will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to visit Spain and

was only taken out of the shelter six days ago.

The event itself offered many different opportunities to raise desperately needed funds, including two very special items in the auction: a mobility scooter and framed Mayweather memorabilia. Collectively, these two

other Schengen Area countries for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180day period). ETIAS is similar to the American US ESTA and requires an

items raised a staggering €6,000.

Christine Climent, the owner of Benidorm Palace, also expressed her gratitude, saying, “A million times thank you to everyone who attended our gala fundraising day. Without your support, we couldn’t keep on doing what we do.”

The next targets are to exceed the 15 million passengers recorded in 2019 and the 15.7 million in 2023, with forecasts predicting that these milestones will be surpassed in the coming months, setting an all-time record.

online application, along with a fee of around €7. Once approved, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes rst.

There will be a transitional period after ETIAS is introduced in mid2025. During this time, travellers may be able to enter without an ETIAS, but it is advised to apply for one in advance to avoid any issues. This system was introduced to enhance border security and pre-screen all travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, after Brexit.

As Gibraltar Treaty negotiations continue in Brussels, tensions rise as locals and travellers alike await clarity on how the new biometric checks will impact day-to-day life at the border. With the clock ticking towards the 2025 ETIAS rollout, will Spain and the UK nd common ground, or are more travel headaches on the horizon?

les Palmeretes in El Campello on Saturday, October 19.

Movimiento Azul, Movistar’s sustainability initiative, invites volunteers and customers to participate in this important event, which aims to clean up Spain’s coasts and raise awareness about reducing waste.

The cleanup is organised in collaboration with the Reforest Project Foundation and Fundación Telefónica.

Notably, multiple kitesurfing champion Gisela Pulido will join the effort, highlighting her commitment to environmental causes.

Interested volunteers can sign up through through the website: voluntarios.telefonica.com . The Movimiento Azul tour has already paid a visit to Somo Beach in Cantabria and Sacaba Beach in Malaga, with the Alicante event marking its conclusion.

JOIN the beach cleanup at Cala de

Save My Life 12 Charity Gala held at Benidorm Palace.

‘Sweeping Mares’

DURING the ‘Sweeping Mares’ marine cleaning day in Denia on October 6, 317 kilograms of waste were gathered from the coast and waters. The majority of the waste collected comprised organic waste, weighing 95 kilograms, followed by iron (81 kg), rubber (52 kg), plastic (48 kg), glass (22 kg), and paper and cardboard (19 kg).

This successful coastline cleaning was made possible by the participation of 311 individuals, including 48 divers responsible for underwater cleaning. Additionally, nine boats were involved in collecting floating waste, while other volunteers walked along the coast to eliminate waste. The cleaning activities spanned from the second regatxo of Les Marines, around the Hotel Rosa, to the end of Les Rotes.

In recognition of their efforts, participants received cleaning materials, a #VolMar t-shirt (representing marine volunteering), and a granary made from recycled materials sourced from previous marine cleanups. Notably, the success of the marine cleaning day was also attributed to the collaboration of various companies, including Vigar, Industrias Aura, Bottles Recycling, the Balearia Foundation, Pavasal, Mundo Marino, Marina el Portet, and the Posit de Denia, which provided the facilities for the activity.

Double rescue

THE Provincial Fire ghters Consortium reported that two hikers were rescued in the Montgo Natural Park in Denia, and another person who was canyoning in Benimantell near the Guadalest reservoir after su ering a fractured ankle. The rescue operations involved the mobilisation of two rescue helicopters and special mountain rescue groups (GER).

According to the statement released by the consortium, the incidents took

Rescue of a canyoning enthusiast.

place on Wednesday afternoon of October 9. In the rst rescue operation, the troops received a distress call at 3.06pm and proceeded to the Hiedra ravine.

After initiating a search, they located the two hikers, who were found to be unharmed but had lost their way. The rescue team escorted them on foot to the helicopter and transported them to the Denia re station.

In another incident, the

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consortium received a distress call at 4.44pm from the Font Major ravine in Benimantell, where three people reported that their colleague needed assistance. Upon arrival, the rescue team found a canyoning enthusiast with a fractured ankle. They provided initial medical aid, including splinting and pain relief, before airlifting her to Finestrat, where a Basic Life Support (BLS) team was mobilised.

THE Finestrat Town Council has announced the launch of the Social Action Grants 2024 programme, which aims to provide support to individuals and groups facing economic challenges due to the unprecedented rise in prices of essential goods and services. The programme, as stated by Nati Algado, the First Deputy Mayor and Local Government Spokesperson, is designed to alleviate the impact of escalating prices on society, particularly on vulnerable groups such as retirees, pensioners, single-parent or large families, and individuals with disabilities of 33 per cent or higher. The complete eligibility criteria and application process can be found on the www.ayto-finestrat.es website.

Eligible beneficiaries must be registered residents of Finestrat for at least one year and meet one of the following conditions:

65 years of age or older, or turning 65 in 2024

Pensioners of the Social Security system

Members of large or single-parent families

Individuals with a recognised disability of over 33 per cent The maximum subsidy per beneficiary is €400, and the total fund allocated for these grants is €25,000 from the 2024 Municipal Budget.

Applications can be submitted in person at the General Registry of the Finestrat Town Council or through the council’s official website www.ayto-finestrat.es until November 7. Each beneficiary can submit only one application, and only one application per household will be considered.

ON October 6, Pego-based animal charity APROP held a garden party at the Los Arcos gardens. Thankfully, the sun decided to shine, and guests enjoyed a warm evening as they settled down to set up their picnics and savour a drink.

The event, hosted by Fundraising Manager Theresa S-K Harrison, provided the perfect opportunity for her to explain a little more about the charity and how those in attendance could get involved. She started by outlining the work that APROP undergoes in finding new homes for both cats and dogs. She also iterated how they support the programme to neuter the stray cats of Pego and Montepego.

She went on to express how much the charity would welcome new members with just a few

OVER 100 preschoolers aged three and four are set to receive influenza vaccinations at their schools. The Ministry of Health is conducting a flu vaccination campaign in six public schools in Villajoyosa.

The campaign targets students in the first and second years of early childhood education to prevent the spread of the virus, which is transmitted through coughing or sneezing.

The vaccination involves the administration of an intranasal vaccine, with 0.1 millilitres of fluid being administered to each nostril. The campaign aims to reach more

Flu vaccinations Garden Party

than 100 school children aged three and four within their classrooms. To ensure accessibility, the vaccine will also be available at the L’Almàssera de Tonda health centre on October 16 and 18, from 3.00pm to 8.30pm. No appointment is necessary, and the vaccination is intended for children born in 2020 and 2021 who have not been vaccinated at school.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or present an authorisation if unaccompanied.

Furthermore, the Mi-

Credit: Peter Sockett

hours to spare each week. She also highlighted that fostering was worth considering and still gives the animals a better quality of life if full adoption was not an option.

Aside from the picnic and the delightful ambience, music was provided by The Entertainers, who always go down well at charity functions. This one was no exception, and they soon had everyone singing along to their popular song choices. By the second set, the guests were ready to dance, helped, of course, by a little encouragement from The Dollies’ dancing performances.

Everyone had a wonderful evening and €1,500 was raised for APROP.

nistries of Health and Education are collaborating to vaccinate students from special education schools against influenza and Covid-19. Vaccinations at the Secanet Public School of Special Education are planned for this month.

Mayor Marcos Zaragoza and the mayor of Health, Maite Sanchez, visited an educational centre in the municipality to inspect the smooth operation of the Ministry of Health’s campaign aimed at preventing this viral disease among the youngest population.

Theresa S-K Harrison speaking about APROP.

Musical culture Festes del Roser

OVER the weekend of October 12, the Huerta neighbourhood of Benidorm joyously celebrated the traditional Festes del Roser, known as ‘the bachelors’ Festival. The festivities took place over two eventful days, with the Plaza de la Ermita de Sanc serving as the focal point. One of the highlights was the emotionally charged proclamation delivered by ‘Town Crier’ Francis Muñoz, who fondly

reminisced about his childhood and youth in the neighbourhood of La Huerta and his deep-rooted devotion to the Mare de Deu del Roser. Muñoz shared historical anecdotes about Benidorm, such as the establishment of the Hermitage in 1740 and the arrival of the image of the Virgin of Suffrage, which became the patron saint of Benidorm. He also reflected on his own experiences as a ‘fadrí’ of the Festes

del Roser in 1994 and as president of the Commission in 1998.

The event also included a heartwarming performance by the queens of the Festes Majors Patronals and a large representation of ladies of the Patron Saint Festivities, who dedicated their copletas to the Mare de Deu del Roser. The festivities continued into the night with lively music and fireworks, marking the official end of the event.

On Saturday October 5, the second National Contest for the Interpretation of Festive Music for Moors and Christians took place at Palau Altea. Organised by the UNDEF, this musical event saw the participation of the Artistic-Musical Group ‘El Trabajo’ of Jijona, la Societat Filharmonica Unio Musical d’Agost, and the l’Agrupacio Musical de Guardamar.

Each band was required to perform a presentation pasodoble, a Christian march of their choice, and the obligatory Moorish march ‘Alminar’, which was the winning piece of the festive music composition contest organised by UNDEF in 2023.

The jury, consisting of Rafael Mullor Grau, Joan Enric Canet Todoli, and Ferran Campos Valdes, had the challenging task of selecting the winning band.

Ultimately, the Artistic-Musical Group ‘El Trabajo’ of Jijona emerged as the winner with a score of 217 points, securing the first prize of €4,000 sponsored by the town council of Altea. La Societat Filharmonica Unio Musical d’Agost clai-

med the second place, receiving a prize of €2,000 sponsored by the SGAE, while the l’Agrupacio Musical de Guardamar took home the third prize of €1,500 sponsored by Terra de Festes.

Pepa Victoria Perez, the Councillor for Culture of the town of Altea, expressed her appreciation for the contest’s high quality and level and congratulated all the participating bands. She also thanked UNDEF for choosing Altea to host the second national contest, emphasising the promotion of musical culture, particularly festive music.

Smoke detectors

Francis Muñoz expressed his gratitude to the 24 girls who organised this year’s festivities, as well as the support from the rest of the Hermitage commissions, the neighbours, and the parish, for their unwavering commitment to preserving these cherished traditions.

THE Finestrat Town Council is once again providing automatic smoke detectors to ensure the safety of individuals aged 67 and above who live alone or with dependent individuals or those with functional disabilities. This initiative is part of the Self-Protection Plan for the elderly and/or dependent, led by the Department of

Social Services and the Elderly, in collaboration with the Provincial Firefighters Consortium of Alicante. Launched in February, this pioneering measure aims to mitigate the risks associated with home fires.

Teresa Perez, the councillor for the Third Age and Social Services, emphasised, “At the beginning of this year, we distributed approximately 80 units through the first call. With dropping temperatures and increased use of heating appliances, we are once again prioritising the safety of our elderly and/or dependent individuals through this innovative self-protection measure.”

Eligible beneficiaries include individuals aged 67 or above registered in Finestrat and living alone. If these individuals live with others, their cohabitants must also be 67 or older (born in 1957 or earlier). Should a person below that age be within the household, they must meet specific criteria: they must either have a functional disability with a degree equal to or greater than 33 per cent or have a recognised dependency. Applications can be submitted through the General Registry of the town council, at the Administrative Extension of La Cala, or through the Electronic Office.

Donna Williams

Festes del Roser 2024.

National Contest for the Interpretation of Festive Music.

Animation celebration

GANDIA is gearing up for the 20th International Animation Short Film Festival, Cortoons 2024, set to take place from October 18 to 20.

This year’s festival promises activities, including various cinema and animation shows, artist talks, signing sessions, and hands-on workshops.

The event has garnered

significant international attention, receiving 2,610 short films from 115 countries.

This impressive participation highlights Cortoons’ reputation as a key player in the animation film industry.

Balbina Sendra, the councillor for Culture, emphasised the festival’s growing stature: “Cortoons and Gandia have

already established themselves as an international reference for animation short films, thanks to entities and sponsors like Moll Motors that always support good initiatives developed in Gandia.”

Javier Pastor from the Gandia Campus of the UPV echoed this sentiment, stating, “It is a festival with a lot of potential that grows year after year.”

Inland gems

BETWEEN January and July 2024, the Marina Alta region experienced a significant increase in tourism, welcoming 1,519,748 visitors, 23.8 per cent more than the same period last year.

This surge includes 609,654 foreign tourists, representing a 17.8 per cent increase from 2023 when 517,397 international visitors were recorded.

Foreign tourists constitute 43.3 per cent of the total visitors, indicating their substantial impact on the region’s tourism dynamics.

Among the inland towns, Alcalali stands out as the most visited, attracting 5,686 international tourists despite having a modest population of 1,392.

Following Alcalali is Orba, with 5,233 foreign visitors

and a resident count of 2,428. Xalo also sees a notable number of visitors, with 3,195 foreign tourists compared to its population of 3,024. The predominant nationality of these visitors is English.

Other towns that have seen a significant influx of foreign tourists include Llíber,

with 3,907 visitors and a population of 1,021, and Castell de Castells, which welcomed 2,563 tourists despite having only 441 residents.

However, some areas like Beniarbeig and La Vall d’Ebo saw fewer visitors, with 685 and 75 international tourists, respectively.

Notably, Moll Motors will present the Creativity in Motion award, with members of the jury expressing their admiration for the exceptional quality of this year’s submissions.

Alcalali was the most visited.

Image: Ajuntament d’Alcalalí / Facebook

TRADE and Tourism has launched the Travel Bonus +65, issuing the first 500 codes to help residents of the Valencian Community travel during the last quarter of 2024.

registering for the Bono +65, after which users will be invited to formalise their registration.

The Travel Bonus +65 has just been launched.

Once registered, they will receive Bono +65 codes weekly, which must be used to book a stay within 10 working days.

cluding hotels, tourist apartments, campsites, rural houses, hostels, and companies managing tourist housing.

This programme offers a 40 per cent discount on the total reservation cost.

Beneficiaries of the programme must make reservations between now and December 20, 2024, at nearly 70 participating tourist accommodations, including 57 hotels primarily in the province of Alicante.

The process involves

Golden years getaways Oktoberfest success

Participants can book stays ranging from five to 10 nights on a half-board basis across various accommodation types, in-

OCTOBER 13 marked the final day of the 36 Oktoberfest in La Nucia which took place over a whopping 11 days. During this time, more than 15,000 people visited and celebrated, forcing the ‘full capacity’ sign to be put up on several occasions, when the attendance level reached 1,700 per day.

The event took place at the Camilo Cano Olympic Stadium where a large tent was set up in the parking lot for this purpose. Not only were visitors able to enjoy traditional dishes and beer, they were also treated to live music from the German folk music group Steinsberger. This really added to the German ambience and spirit of the event, making it feel that little bit more authentic.

It wasn’t only the German community who enjoyed having the opportunity to celebrate Oktoberfest in Spain. Over the course of the 11 days, reservations were received from those originally from England, Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway, and France.

The programme stipulates a maximum eligible cost of €600 for solo travellers and €900 for those travelling with a companion.

Accommodation costs are set at €70 per day for

a double room or €50 for single occupancy. Additionally, a credit of €100 per person is available for experiences related to gastronomy, health, sports, or culture, along with services for parking and transfers For more information or to sign up head to the website: viajamas65.gva. es.

In addition, people travelled from other provinces including the Balearic Islands, Murcia, Albacete and Zaragoza to be a part of the La Nucia celebrations, marking the event out as an important promotional opportunity for the town.

Oktoberfest La Nucia 2024.

Iberia Festival Rainwater collector

THE 11th edition of the Iberia Festival, a popular national pop-rock festival that originated in Benidorm and has now expanded to other Spanish cities, took place on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12. The impressive Julio Iglesias Auditorium was the venue chosen for this momentous event.

The event kicked off on Friday with a performance by the band Ciclon, followed by the iconic group Baron Rojo and then Miguel Costas, who revisited the classic songs of Siniestro Total, a band he was part of along with Aerolineas Federales. Following this, one of the highlights of the evening was Carlos Tarque, accompanied by the Riff Association, with the final per-

formance by Los Zigarros. Saturday opened with IV Cuatro, followed by Lichis, the lead vocalist of the band La Cabra Mecanica, alongside the musicians of Due Country Cavalieri. Next to grace the stage was Medina Azahara, one of the most iconic bands of Andalucian rock. Finally, the legendary American rocker Suzi Quatro took the audience on a musical journey in her only concert in Spain so far this year.

The mayor expressed his satisfaction with the successful calendar of festivals and events hosted in Benidorm. Further, he indicated that plans are underway to initiate concerts and festivals for the upcoming season aimed at providing a diverse and engaging programme for all audiences.

THE installation of the rainwater collector in the split area of Plans i Punts del Moro has been successfully finished, marking a significant milestone. This comprehensive project not only encompassed the installation of the rainwater collector but also involved the enhancement of the urban landscape along Avenida de Altea.

The newly established features include a modern pavement, the addition of trees, the installation of street furniture, and the creation of a dedicated bike lane. Furthermore, this initiative serves as a precursor to the upcoming extension to the roundabout on Calle Cervantes, which will seamlessly connect with the new road providing access to the IES Marcos Zaragoza.

This collaborative effort, undertaken by the town council of Vi -

llajoyosa and the municipal drinking water and sewerage service provider Hidraqua, has resulted in the significant improvement and expansion of the drainage network. These enhancements enable the more efficient collection of rainwater flows within this area. Notably, this project builds upon the earlier work carried out in

2018, which focused on the surface collection and coastal discharge of rainwater in Les Puntes del Moro.

The extension of this action encompasses the section from the Josep Lloret Perez Calsita sports city, located at the railway line in the Plans area, to the terminus of Avenida de Altea, adjacent to the beach of Puntes del Moro.

Donna Williams

Iberia Festival 2024.

Credit: Benidorm.org

Rice Week Guardia Civil recognised

ON October 12, Benidorm Town Council showed its support for the Guardia Civil during the festivities in honour of the National Day of Spain and the Virgen del Pilar, the patron saint of the Armed Institute.

The mayor of Benidorm, Toni Perez, and the councillor for Citizen Security, Jesus Carrobles, stood alongside the Benidorm Guardia Civil and their families during a noon mass at the church of Nuestra Señora de la Almudena.

Other members of the local Corporation, including regional deputy Jose Ramon Gonzalez de Zarate,

as well as representatives from other Security Forces and Corps, such as the commissioner of the National Police, Ceferino Serrano, and the intendant of the Local Police, Luis Arevalo, were also present. The senior judge of Benidorm, Joan Francesc Vives, was also in attendance.

Additionally, festive and social entities from the municipality, including the queens of the Festes Majors Patronals, and residents from the neighbourhood associated with the Benemerita, attended the mass

in a show of respect.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the mayor and councillors joined in a wine of honour hosted by the Guardia Civil for their relatives and collaborators in the courtyard of the town’s Barracks House.

During the gathering, Lieutenant Head of the Benidorm Guardia Civil, Manuel Alberto Sanchez, expressed gratitude to the mayor for the town council’s unwavering support and selfless collaboration with the Guardia Civil in their daily duties.

Donna Williams

RICE WEEK is just around the corner, scheduled to take place from October 18 to October 27 at participating restaurants in Villajoyosa. This year, 10 renowned restaurants will be getting involved in this exciting gastronomic event, where the star ingredient of their menus will be rice. The list of participating restaurants includes Llar del Pescador, Ca Marta, Po sit, Taverna Tres14 by Pinet, El Trebol, Made, DRoca, Nautic, Cabannon by Samoki, and Kyomu Izakaya. Each of the se restaurants will be offering a special menu priced at €35.

Rosa Llorca, the mayor of Commerce and Tourism, highlighted the significance of Rice Week as one of the key activities within

the Gastronomic Village initiative. She emphasised the aim to showcase the exceptional gastronomic offerings of the municipality’s restaurants and to stimulate demand at the provincial level. This effort aligns with the recent inclusion of the town council of Villajoyosa’s stand at the Alicante Gastronomic Fair, providing an opportunity for local restaurants to present their culinary creations to the public and industry experts.

Furthermore, Rosa Llorca revealed that preparations are underway for La Xocolatissima, an upcoming event in November that will celebrate chocolate and highlight the chocolate industry. The menus offered by the participating tes, as well as, on

the Turismo Villajoyosa

Guardia Civil attending mass. Credit: Villajoyosa.com

Credit: Benidorm.org

Rice Week will take place in Villajoyosa.

Monster squid

A MONSTER 10-metre-long squid appears on a beach in Llanes, Asturias, shocking everyone, including marine biologists.

On Friday, October 11, a stranded giant squid of the species ‘Architeuthis Dux’ frightened the life out of passersby on El Sablón beach on the Cantabrian coast. While highly unusual, the northern coast of Spain is one of the only places in the world where these monstrously big creatures have ever been recorded, this being the 21st ever.

As the creature tends to occupy the deep depths of the sea, it is a rarity to ever be able to spot one, leaving science buzzing with excitement. They are believed to inhabit areas deep down, such as the Carrandi abyss off the Asturian coast, and it is extremely rare to find one either at the surface or washed up on a beach.

Many are comparing the species to the fabled Kraken of Scandinavian mythology that legend has would sink entire ships with their giant tentacles. However, cephalopods like this are pretty harmless to humans and unsuitable for consumption due to the high levels of ammonia they contain, rendering them highly toxic. The species can reach up to 17 metres in length and weigh up to 300kg, making it the largest squid genus in the world.

No airport at Limerick

RYANAIR gets plenty of publicity, some good and some not so good but on the evening of Sunday October 13, it claims that it was Gatwick Airport that got the destination of one of its flights wrong.

It operates a daily flight between Gatwick and Shannon Airport in the Republic of Ireland but for some reason, the boards at Gatwick showed the destination as Limerick which doesn’t actually have an airport.

It is true that Shannon Airport is the nearest airport to the city of Limerick but the airport sits in Co Clare whilst Limerick is in a different county altogether, Co Limerick.

To most people, this wouldn’t be that big a deal but Co Clare Fianna Fail TD (Irish Member of Parliament) Cathal Crowe - his party’s spokesperson on aviation - has become rather

upset and announced that he was demanding an explanation from Gatwick Airport.

This prompted local newspaper Limerick Live to investigate a bit further so it contacted both Gatwick and Ryanair with the following responses being received;

A spokesperson for Gatwick stated: “All flight information is provided by the airlines and one of the team is looking into it” so suggested that the query be directed to Ryanair.

The response from Ryanair was that “Ryanair fly to Shannon Airport - this is very much visible on our website. Please direct your query to the airport as they manage the screens at the airport.”

Rather than anyone admitting a mistake, both organisations tried to pin the blame on the other on what it is very much a ‘storm in a teacup’.

Oops there is no airport called Limerick.

Claim against Son Antem. Timeshare. Get your money back

WE have received many queries in our office, for claims against different timeshare complexes. Among others, the complexes of Marriot, Ogisaka Garden, Anfi Beach, Parque Denia, MVCI, etc. In all cases, our law firm has obtained favourable rulings for our clients, who successfully recovered their money. You can read the latest ruling in a claim against Son Antem by visiting white-baos. com. In this week’s article, we explain the most important aspects of these claims.

Characteristics of a Timeshare Contract.

In short, timeshare contracts (also known as timeshare ownership) allow the use of a property during a specific period of time, in exchange for an initial payment and annual fees. This

model, extremely common in vacation areas, often involves rather complex contracts and clauses. Many times, consumers are not fully informed about the rights and obligations associated with these agreements.

Applicable Law to Timeshare Contracts.

As mentioned in previous articles, understanding the different regulations governing timeshare contracts is essential when filing a claim. In Spain, these contracts are mainly regulated by two laws. Law 42/1998, which was the initial law to regulate these contracts.

After that Law 4/2012 was issued, which repealed the former law and established new conditions and requirements.

Both laws are fundamental in evaluating the validity of a timeshare contract and determining whether your rights as a consumer have been violated.

Maximum Duration of Timeshare Contracts. Spanish Courts.

The case law from Spanish courts is clear. Depending on when they were signed, contracts lasting over 50 years can be declared null and void. The reason is simple: exceeding the maximum legal term allowed. Similarly, if the contract does not specify a maximum duration or indicates an indefinite term, it could also be declared null.

If the contract is declared null by the courts, you will be entitled to recover the money paid,

along with legal interest. When Can You File a Claim? Recover Your Money Now.

If you signed a timeshare contract with Son Antem, Marriot, MVCI, etc, between 1998 and 2012, and the contract duration exceeds 50 years (or is indefinite), you could request the nullification of the contract and claim a refund, plus legal interest.

However, for contracts signed after 2012, each case needs to be reviewed individually, as it will depend on the specific clauses of the contract, and how they are drafted. It may also be relevant if the company issued a deed of adaptation to Law 4/2012, making an express declaration of indefinite continuation, etc.

Conclusion. At White-Baos Lawyers, we are experts in court claims against timeshare complexes, with numerous successful cases. We have helped countless clients recover their money. If you have a timeshare contract and wish to file a claim against Son Antem, Marriot, Ogisaka Garden, Anfi Beach, Parque Denia, MVCI, etc, do not hesitate to contact us. We will review your case and offer expert legal advice to help you recover your money.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.

ABOGADOS / SOLICITORS

Orca attacks: Gibraltar!

THE waters around Gibraltar have recently become a hotbed for orcas (killer whales) and scientists, sailors and the public have become increasingly bemused by their unusual interactions, which appear more than purely playful interaction. According to reports, these cetaceans have been biting o a bit more than they can chew and new studies aim to delve deep into the motives behind such antics.

Reports reveal that between 2020 and 2024, there were 600 interactions between orcas and boats in speci c coastal areas of Spain, Morocco and Portugal. The impacts of these interactions are not always gentle with vessels being mutilated by the creatures, leading to sunken boats or even large yachts in serious cases.

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) has started to counteract theories that this behaviour is playful, arguing that the animals might be participating in training practice for hunting blue n tuna. Suggestions around this hypothesis from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revolve around the uncanny similarities between the western Atlantic blue n tuna and boats. They are

comparable in dimension, speed and are similarly hydrodynamic, sleek and with a light-coloured underbelly.

The BDRI study outlines that whilst the interactions with boats seem playful, they actual re ect developmental stages of hunting practice inherent to more intelligent species. BDRI stated: “Play o ers marine mammals the opportunity to develop and re ne cognitive and physical skills.”

Possible rejoin talks

Gemma Middleton

THE Labour peer Peter Mandelson suggested that the UK may begin talks about rejoining the EU in 10 years. Mandelson’s remarks contrast the PM’s prediction that the UK would not rejoin the EU, the single market, or the customs union, in his lifetime. Lord Mandelson told an audience in Edinburgh at a lecture for the thinktank Reform Scotland, “The truth is that reversing Brexit [could be a conversation which starts in 10 years but only if EU member states were willing to consider it.”

Mandelson, a former European commissioner, made his thoughts very clear that the so-called ‘hard Brexit’ deal pushed through under Boris Johnson’s government had damaged the UK economically.

He went on to say “The very hard Brexit forced through by Boris Johnson means that we are for now driving with the economic handbrake on - we can’t let that handbrake off. It is what is.” Mandelson then spoke about Labour’s immediate plans for

the country. “So the new government will have to focus in the meantime on mitigating the higher barriers we have created to our nearest and largest market as best we possibly can.”

Mandelson didn’t seem sure that the UK would be welcome back into the EU with open arms.

He mentioned “I think it’ll be very hard to persuade people in the European Union to revisit, to re-engage and start getting into another negotiation about Britain’s membership of the European Union, for a long time to come.

“I’m sorry to say that but they have had it up to here with us.”

Killer whale attacks on the rise in Gibraltar raise questions.

Labour peer Peter Mandelson.

Carry on Bournemouth

BOURNEMOUTH airport has just brought in equipment to make the rigmaro-

le of airport security much less hassle.

As of October 2024, Bournemouth airport security will not be demanding that passengers remove electronics, such as laptops or phones, from carry-on luggage. For years, passengers have had to remove their electronics from their bags and place them in a separate tray to be scanned by luggage scanners.

However, Bournemouth airport has just invested in the latest in technology that eliminates the need for passengers to do this.

Also, since 2010, all those who pass through airport security have had to remove any liquids from their bags and deposit them in a transparent plastic bag in bottles no bigger than 100ml. While the size of the bottle permitted to carry on

has not changed, at Bournemouth there is no longer a rule saying passengers have to place those bottles separately.

‘For hand luggage, this means that with immediate effect’ according to a Bournemouth airport spokesperson. However, the airport is advising passengers to check restrictions at other airports they may be travelling from, as ‘many airports have not introduced this new technology’ yet and they might still need to carry liquids in clear plastic bags.

Bournemouth airport currently has flights leaving for 13 Spanish destinations, and passengers should note that no airports in Spain have the technology yet, so the rule for taking tech and liquids out of carry on bags is still in place.

A NEW report created by the European Social Insurance Platform (ESIP) and the Medicine Evaluation Committee (MEDEV) published via POLITICO says that drug prices are shooting up.

Considering that a huge amount of prescription drugs are either paid for in toto or are subsidised by the National Health Services of different countries in Eu rope this will affect medical services being offered.

Drugs of all types continues to see price rises.

It costs a lot to run a Health Service and one of the quickest ways of cutting costs is to reduce the amount of medicine that is being prescribed but that isn’t necessarily in the best interest of patients.

In today’s technological age, newer and better cures for different diseases, especially cancer are being found but because of the cost of research and development, they are

Medicine costs up Climate changes redraws borders

IT would appear Italy and Switzerland have agreed to redraw the border thanks to warmer weather melting the Theodul Glacier in the Alps. This means an area, approximately 100 metres long near to the ski resort of Zermatt and close to the Matterhorn will basically move from one country to the other although it hasn’t been confirmed which way it will go. It is anticipated however that the Swiss will see their border move into an area previously part of Italy, but nothing can be confirmed until such time as the document is signed by each country. The Swiss approved the general concept in late September based upon a discussion held in 2023 but until such time as it is formally ratified by the Italian government no

often incredibly expensive to pur-

Internationally, drug manufacturers are protected with the right to hold exclusive distribution for a certain period of time which is intended to allow them to recover their costs and make an acceptable profit. Once the drug goes past its protected time limit then other companies are able to copy the constituents of the drug and offer cheaper options to the health market place.

The European Union is very aware of the potentially long term problem and is reviewing legislation likely to ‘guide’ manufacturers on the actual needs for research and development and also allow or even encourage manufacturers to create and release generic versions as soon as market protection expires.

official declaration can take place.

This is not the first, nor likely to be the last, time that borders have been altered but it is relatively unusual for this to take place because of melting glaciers . What brought this particular matter to a head was over the position of a mountain lodge which when the ice retreated was discovered to actually straddle the border between the two countries.

This is clearly an ongoing problem that the two countries have to deal with as in 2000, in Furggsattel, also near Zermatt, the border was also rewritten, after a glacier moved somewhere between 100 to 150 metres, meaning a chairlift station that had been in Italy was now in Switzerland.

No more separating liquids and tech.

Credit: Myriam Ziles Unsplash

New Virtual Passports 2030

THE European Commission has unveiled a plan to let travellers store their passport and ID details digitally on their smartphones, offering quicker and more secure border crossings by 2030.

Brussels is on a mission to drag the humble passport and ID card into the 21st century with a shiny new digital version that promises to make EU travel as smooth as a pint down the local. That’s right, EU nationals can forget rifling through their bag at border control - soon they could be breezing past with nothing more than a swipe on their phone.

The European Commission has thrown its weight behind the idea, pushing for all EU citizens to be able to flash digital versions of their passports and ID when jetting in and out of the Schengen area. The goal? To make travel ‘more fluid and secure’ according to Brussels, by cutting down on the dreaded airport queues.

The new digital passport system would be voluntary and would take the data currently stored on your passport’s chip and transfer it to your phone. The user would then be able to store their passport on their phone like a digital boarding pass.

Portuguese Halloween

ALTHOUGH Halloween is not a major event in Portugal, the people of Albufeira seem to enjoy frightening each other with mummies, zombies, ghosts, witches, werewolves and other supernatural creatures.

So once again, the city, situated in the Algarve is putting on a Halloween night on October 31 next thanks to a decision by what is now known as the witches council.

4km and the other 7km, with entry fees going to charity.

Most of the spooky excitement will centre on the areas of Largo Eng.º Duarte Pacheco and Rua 5 de Outubro although there is also a spine tingling run (or walk if you aren’t too fit) which covers two routes, one of

It has been confirmed that a ‘Horror Hospital’ will be set up to cope with any injuries, although Halloween Night may not perhaps be the best time to visit!

The Halloween programme kicks off at 8pm

with street entertainment, music, dancing, face painting and parades of ghostly characters and the local dance group Associação Soul which has previously danced to Thriller, will come up with a new and exciting routine to entertain all of the visitors. Brave enough to take his life into his own hands, local DJ Sunlize has agreed to appear in the dark to entertain everyone and his ghoul friend with a selection of electronic top tunes. There will be plenty of chance to enjoy street food and a few drinks, but it is absolutely essential that if you do attend that you ‘dress to depress’.

A Passport on Your Smartphone: EU Takes Digital Leap: Brussels Calls for Virtual Passports to Make Travel a Breeze.

Credit: Pexels, Connor Danylenko

Residents of Albufeira take Halloween seriously.

Credit: Albufeira Council

Would you go in a driverless taxi? Your

ELON MUSK, CEO of Tesla, has been showing us what the future of transportation may look like with the unveiling of his long-awaited driverless robotaxi or Cybercab, which is powered by, yes, you’ve guessed it, Artificial Intelligence.

The futuristic-looking vehicle was presented at a glitzy Tesla launch in a Hollywood studio on October 10.

This innovative vehicle is set to revolutionise the simple taxi service. Passengers will be able to hail a cab without a driver, steering wheel, or pedals. Musk believes that this new taxi era will be of great benefit to taxi owners, who can happily sleep or work while their driverless robotaxi continues to collect fares for extra profits.

Of course, this is not just about helping the taxi owners make a better living. Tesla will increase its revenue by taking a share of the taxi owners’ profits. On the brink of its launch, investors are already speculating that Tesla’s AI Cybercab could see the company’s value rise sharply, with estimates of an increase from its current value of $750 billion (€686 billion) to well over $4.5 trillion (€4.1 trillion).

Therefore, Elon Musk has a lot riding (excuse the pun) on this latest new product development. However, he still faces opposition due to safety concerns and has yet to secure all of the required regu -

latory approvals. This is a significant hurdle for Tesla to overcome, not just from a legal standpoint but also in gaining the trust of the taxi owners themselves and, more importantly, the general public.

Interested in knowing what Euro Weekly Readers thought, we asked, “Would you go in a driverless taxi?”

Jeremy Newman said, “I don’t see it as a menu choice, nice chatty driver or not. I reckon future travel options will be driven by the provider, cost, and, for women, safety. And by that, I don’t mean road safety.”

Others, like Stella Scott, were a firm ‘no’; she stated, “Absolutely not! What if something went wrong? And don’t tell me it won’t.”

James Jones was a little more open and shared, “I’m torn about driverless taxis. On the one hand, the technology sounds exciting, but on the other, I wonder how reliable they’d be in tricky traffic situations.”

Colin Carter was even more positive still and said, “If the technology is there, why not?”

Liz Shaw was definitely against them. “Not a chance in hell. They cannot react quickly enough to avoid idiot drivers. It’s a dumb idea.”

Eivissa Lynn is particularly concerned about the lack of control, stating: “No, I won’t even go on a horse as I can’t control it.”

THE NEW TESLA CYBERCAB UNVEILED BY ELON MUSK.

THE Princess of Wales will host her annual Christmas carol service this December after a challenging year marked by her battle with cancer and chemotherapy. The Together at Christmas carol service, now in its fourth year, will take place at Westminster Abbey, with a broadcast set for Christmas Eve. This event has become a cherished holiday tradition, featuring musical performan-

Kate to host carol service

ces and recognising community heroes. Despite her health struggles, Catherine remains committed to her royal duties. She resumed public appearances over the summer, attending events like Wimbledon, following months of treatment. In a heartfelt statement, she expressed gratitude and a renewed sense

Tighter border control

THE Norwegian security agency PST has highlighted the fact that the perceived threat level has risen from moderate to high, the second-highest risk level on a ve-tier scale.

Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, it has joined Schengen and therefore no border checks should in theory exist for those entering or exiting to Finland or Sweden.

Added to the threat situation, there appears to have been evidence of recent attacks on Jewish or Israeli targets in neighbouring Scandinavian countries.

Last week, there were shots red at the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, then there was an explosion at the Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen, with Swedish authorities con rming a link between the two attacks.

The Norwegians take

the possible threat of additional terrorist attacks on targeted sites very seriously and the normally unarmed Norwegian police have been instructed to carry rearms at all times during this period of high alert which is likely to last around four weeks.

“We don’t have any speci c information today about any concrete terror plans in Norway,” said Inga Bejer Engh, assistant chief of PST, at a press conference called on October 8 when news of the

introduction of the special border activity was released.

According to NEWSinENGLISH.no, Benedicte Bjørnland, director of Norway’s state police, said “we will now have more visible and not so visible” measures in place around the country, including a greater presence of both uniformed and plain-clothed police and more police patrols around potential targets such as Embassies and places of worship.

of hope as she returns to public life.

Prince William has been by her side throughout her recovery, and while Catherine has completed chemotherapy,

her path to full health will take time. Her resilience and dedication are evident as she prepares the carol service, a testament to her strength. This year’s event will serve as a reminder of the importance of community and support, inspiring many as they face their own challenges.

Benedicte Bjørnland, director of Norway’s state police in uniform.

Credit: Benjamin A. Ward/Stortinget

Shutterstock.

ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES) has been delayed once more. The European Union’s automated registry for short-stay travellers was expected to come into force on November 10.

“November 10 is no longer on the table,” Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, said on Thursday, October 11. France, Germany, and the Netherlands hold reservations over their preparedness to implement it before Christmas.

The plan was to have brought the new biometric system in earlier this year, but France wanted it postponed so as not to interrupt the influx of sports fans for the Olympics and

EES postponed

EES could see passengers delayed.

now Christmas shoppers. According to easyJet CEO Johan Lundgren, the problem of bringing in EES too soon would potentially

have caused delays for British tourists visiting the EU. In a ‘worst-case scenario’, he said, passengers would be held on landed planes at

the destination airport until their finger prints could be verified.

Commissioner Johannson spoke of a new concept being on the table for bringing the system in little by little, but this would depend on legal issues yet to be discussed at parliament level.

The EES is a comprehensive reform of identity checks for non-EU citizens that dates back to 2016 and has been repeatedly delayed since. The purpose is to modernise checks at the EU’s external borders and replace the traditional physical stamping of passports.

Christmas Markets

IF you are thinking of combining an early or late Christmas vacation within Europe perhaps concentrate on one or more of the cities that host spectacular Christmas Markets. There is a whole host to

choose from including a number in Spain and most EU member states, but the following have been nominated as some of the best and are also interesting cities to visit with the family.

• Amsterdam November 15 to January 5, 2025

• Berlin (Gendarmenmarkt) November 25 to December 31

• Brussels November 29 to January 5, 2025

• Budapest November 17 to December 31

• Cologne November 18 to December 23

• Copenhagen (Tivoli) November 17 to January 2, 2025

• Edinburgh November 17 to January 5, 2025.

• Gothenburg November 16 to December 31

• Helsinki November 29 to December 22

• Prague November 30 to January 6, 2025

• Rome December 8 to January 6, 2025

• Strasbourg November 22 to December 30

• Vienna November 16 to December 24

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Halloween Concert

Donna Williams

IF you are a lover of classical music and are looking for a more sophisticated Halloween experience, then this concert is definitely one for you to add to your diary. Taking place on Saturday November 2 at the Caves in Benidoleig, the acoustics of this incredible venue are sure to add to the ambience.

The concert will comprise the International Choir, 152.8 Chamber Choir, and Dapper Cadence. They are joining forces to unveil the more eerie side of classical music, for example, did you hear about the composer who murdered his wife? Or how about the world-renowned musician whose head was stolen after burial? All will be revealed as they invite you to join them for an evening of chilling

tales of composers, beautifully accompanied by their most haunting works.

The performance will feature talented soloists, a captivating string quartet, and their resident actors who will turn their talents to narrating the spine-tingling stories of murder, betrayal and madness that surround these musical icons. Further, to get into the spirit (sorry!) of the evening, attendees are encouraged to don their favourite Halloween costumes. As an added incentive, a prize will be awarded for the best attire.

Tickets are priced at €12.50 and can be purchased by visiting, classical-ha lloween.com.

Christmas Cracker

IF carol concerts make you feel all Christmassy, mark your calendar for Sunday, December 15.

The Teulada-Moraira Lions are organising a wonderful carol concert in the Church Square from 6.00pm until around 8.00pm. This festive evening promises to be a highlight of the season, featuring a lively mix of human energy and holiday cheer leading up to the ‘big day’.

The annual Lions Christmas Cracker offers a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together. For a small donation, the Lions will be providing mulled wine, water, beer, wine, and minced pies. The international choir will be performing, and there’s a chance that Father Christmas might make a special appearance - but shh, it’s a secret!

Several other enter-

Important Notice

PLEASE note that there has been a change to the medium in attendance at the Alfas Spiritual Friends evening on Thursday October 17. Unfortunately Ian Elliot from Denmark is now no longer able to come along.

The lovely Debbie Blevins from Murcia (previous due to come along on October 24) will be taking his place, with UK international medium He-

tainers are expected to perform in addition to the choir. While the complete programme is still being finalised, one thing’s for certain - it will be an eventful, vibrant, and traditional sing-along carol service that’s free for all to enjoy.

Everyone is welcome and it is hoped that residents and visitors alike will get together and unite in the spirit of Christmas.

len Grady attending the service on October 24 instead. Helen is a very popular and welcome addition to the October programme, having served the Centre on another occasion.

All services continue to take place at 6.30pm at The Comm and those interested in attending should contact Dot on 634 320 013, email do rothydorothy608@gmail. com or message via the Alfaz Spiritual Friends Facebook page.

World Rock Music 2024

THE long-awaited rock concert of the year is coming back to La Nucia and promises to be just as epic as in previous years. Rock lovers should get ready for a phenomenal journey through the rich history of rock with some of the best tribute bands demonstrating exactly why they have earned that accolade. The live performances will take place on a covered stage, so there is no need to worry about the weather spoiling the experience. Expect to hear from acts that do justice to the likes of Creedence Clearwater Revival, AC/DC, Coldplay, The Police, Dire Straits, and The Rolling Stones. They will be bringing some of the most timeless classics to life as they create a pulsating atmosphere, energi-

sing the venue with the unique power of rock music.

The concert will take place at The Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano on Saturday October 19 from 12.00pm, and the tickets are priced at €23 per person. While there, you will be able to sample some delicious food at one of the many food trucks during a break in the performances. After all, ‘rocking out’ takes up a lot of energy, so refuelling is definitely going to be needed! There will also be several rock-related exhibitions, further adding to the enjoyment.

Tickets can be purchased from www. entradas.com.

For further information, including the running order of the acts, visit www.fa cebook.com/moonworldrecords.

Zombie Apocalypse

IF you’re into escape games and love the zombie theme, mark your calendar for Saturday October 19. The Youth Department of Finestrat has organised a thrilling ‘zombie apocalypse’ event where you’ll battle to survive. Alternatively, you can join in from the zombie side. To emerge victorious, you must complete all the challenges without getting caught.

With Halloween fast approaching, this activity is not for the faint-hearted. It blends fun, adrenaline, teamwork, and a

scary escape from zombies! The whole game is set to last around five hours and will encompass five tests involving role-playing games and strategy.

This event is aimed at young adults over the age of 14, although those between the ages of 10 and 14 can participate; they just need to find an adult willing to complete the challenges alongside them. The event kicks off at 11.00pm, as you navigate the dark streets of the traditional historic centre.

Ticket prices start

from €19 and are available by visiting https:// entradium.com/events/ love-zombies-finestrat-fi nestrat.

Not wishing the younger children to miss out on some pre-Halloween fun, the Finestrat Youth Department has organised an escape room game, ‘The Bleeding Moon’, suitable for those aged between eight and 14. This will take place on the afternoon of October 19, and there is no charge for admission.

Further information is available by calling Juventud on 606 936 432

Donna Williams

Credit: FB: Moon World Records

Friendly

ADVERTISING FEATURE

staff and delicious food that will have you coming back time and again!

IN the heart of Moraira, you will find a restaurant specialising in the most British of dishes: fish and chips. These are no ordinary fish and chips. In fact, one guest recently raved on TripAdvisor that “I think this is my favourite fish and chip restaurant, not just in the area but the world. We always go here if we are in the area; it is brilliant.”

Speaking of TripAdvisor, this wonderful family-run restaurant has earned itself a top spot in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, as well as the Certificate of Excellence. Owned by Craig and Nicola and run by their fantastic hardworking team, they credit their success to their commitment to offering excellent food served by remarkable individuals in a stellar location.

Aside from their signature premium-quality fish and home-cooked, twice-fried chips, they also offer a range of

other delectable options. These include chicken, pies, sausages, burgers, and delicious home-made sauces that elevate the already exquisite flavours. Their menu also caters to special dietary requirements and offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.

One of the most popular choices is the North Atlantic cod where guests can enjoy succulent fish coated in a distinctive beer batter and served with home-made tartar sauce. As this restaurant prides itself on being family-friendly, it also offers appealing food choices for kids, not to mention convenient takeaway boxes that are perfect for enjoying a family day out.

While the summer has been all about eating alfresco on their spacious terrace, their downstairs restaurant offers the perfect cosy alternative now that the weather is cooling. This spacious restaurant is the

ideal place to savour a nice family meal, enjoy an evening out with friends, or relish some quality couple time.

Of course, sometimes, the preferred option is a home takeaway; for this reason, Fishy Fishy has extended its service to include a home delivery service. Simply contact their delivery driver, Tony, direct on +34 623 202 382 and arrange a time for when you would like your order to be delivered. Once agreed, visit the Fishy Fishy website at www.fishyfishy.es and place your order using their very straightforward online ordering service. Then, sit back, relax, and choose a movie to watch while enjoying your delicious Fishy Fishy meal from the comfort of your own home. Fishy Fishy is open between 12.30 and 3.00pm, and then 4.30 and 9.00pm Tuesday to Friday. In addition, they are open between 4.30 and 9.00pm on Monday

and

966 491 867 fishyfishy.es

Saturday, with Sunday being their day of rest!

Kristalmar 30F, Ctra Moraira-Calpe, Moraira

The Long Road

Donna Williams

THE Long Road is a must-see play from the Javea Players, directed by Caroline Drewett-Mansell. It promises to be a searingly powerful and thought-provoking production that will leave the audience both enthralled and enlightened.

Exploring the complexities of restorative justice in the aftermath of a violent crime, this play is reflective and relevant to modern-day life. It is unapologetic in its handling of a tough subject matter, recognising how grief can affect different members of the same family in totally different ways.

Shelagh Stephenson wrote the play in collaboration with The Forgiveness Project and Synergy Theatre; a company that works with prisoners and ex-prisoners. It acknowledges that barely a day goes by in the UK without some mention of a heinous knife crime, a brief reckless moment that ends in the loss of life and the pain of grief. This play explores the concept of forgiveness and how to come to terms with the associated pain and anger that undoubtedly follow when someone is

Director: Caroline Drewett-Mansell

‘taken’. While intense and bravely emotive, the play is also interspersed with humour as it sheds light on how humans cope with taking that ‘long road’ to reconciliation.

The Long Road will be performed at the Javea Players’ Studio Theatre between November 18 and 23. Tickets cost €14, and the Box Office will be open from October 22.

To learn more about the Javea Players visit https://javeaplayers.com.

Herman Bluesman/Alfas

THE ARTS SOCIETY OF MARINA ALTA (TASMA) is hosting a unique and exciting event for those interested in the eclectic world of art. Their presentation, ‘Hidden Canvases: Street Art & The City’, is being hosted by Doug Gillen, a freelance filmmaker specialising in street art and graffiti culture.

It will take place on Wednesday, November 6, and to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy this session, there will be two presentations. The first will be in the morning in Moraira, with doors opening at 10.15am and the lecture commencing at 11.00am. This will take place at the Espai la Senieta, Av Madrid, 03724. The second will be an evening showing in Javea at the Casa de Cultura (Placa de Baix 6, 03730). The doors will

Choral Christmas Banksy

Donna Williams

THE Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir was a big hit at the highly successful Music Overload Concert on Saturday October 12. Don’t worry if you missed it, though, as you still have an opportunity to enjoy their melodious tones and support a deserving local charity.

That’s right, those tuneful men are getting ready to perform again, and this time, it will be at two upcoming Christmas Fayres. They are being held on November 3 and 24 between 11.00am and 5.00pm in the Salones Carrasco Javea. In addition to the fabulous live choir, guests will be able to meander around more than 75 stalls selling a wide variety of wares, including food products and items that will make excellent Christmas gifts.

As if having the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir perform wasn’t enough of a treat, they will be singing side-by-side with Montgo Chorale and Caprice. You can

open at 18.45pm, and the lecture will begin at 7.30pm.

This promises to be a truly enlightening experience as the host takes guests on an explorative journey of the key stages in street art and its growth, examining the different elements and styles that comprise this art scene ‘with no rules’. From renowned international artists to local underground heroes, this presentation guarantees to leave you distinguishing your favourite artists and perhaps even changing your perspective on the world. Who knows, you might even uncover the identity of Banksy!

This event is free for members and non-members can also come along by pre-paying a donation to www.artsocma. org.

expect to hear well-known songs including the classic sing-along tune from The Beatles, Hey Jude. They will also be performing one of their favourites, You Raise Me Up.

There will be a €1 entry charge, with all proceeds donated to The Friends of the Children of Emaus.

For further information about the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir, or to enquire about joining them, visit their website at www.costablancamalevoicechoir.com.

Prague lit up

FOUNDED in 2013, the Prague Signal Festival is in its 11th year (having had to miss one due to Covid-19 and the pandemic) and ran for just four days from Thursday October 10.

It’s all about lightshows illuminating the Czech Republic capital Prague and it attracts a large number of visual artists as well as companies such as Mercedes who go to a great deal of trouble in order to be seen to be creative, using the latest digital technology.

Since its conception, the festival has welcomed 4.5 million visitors who can enjoy incredible projections on the exteriors of classic buildings as well as smaller and more intimated creations using light and often mirrors.

Starting at Prague Castle, there were two routes that visitors were able to take that allowed them to view all of the lights, be

they outside or inside in specially set up viewing areas with tickets costing from the equivalent of €17.50 granting access to all 22 installations to €78.50 for VIP entry which included early, entrance, no queues and access to a Mercedes shuttle.

One of those highlighted two Mercedes Benz models in an unusually lit

area and visitors were encouraged to photograph or video them and upload onto the festival site, to earn the chance to borrow a car for a week.

Prague’s own Festival of Lights finished just before the start of Diwali, the magnificent Hindu Festival of Lights which will be celebrated across the world from October 29 to November 3.

Better late than never

AFTER holidaying in Italy in the 1960s, Bent Sondergaard returned home to Denmark with three sixth century BC Etruscan artifacts as souvenirs.

Now his children, Mads Herman and Elin want to return them.

Their father, who died in April this year, bought them while visiting the Etruscan City of the Dead, an ancient burial ground in Cerveti near Rome.

He acquired them from a man who claimed to have official permission to sell them from the boot of his car.

“Hardly any money changed hands,” the brother and sister told the Guardian , but said they knew their teacher father always felt uneasy about the transaction.

The items were carefully wrapped to keep

them in perfect condition and remained in the loft for decades, Bent Sondergaard’s children revealed. They also said that their father had wanted to return the antiquities, but he died suddenly in April this year after having been in ill-health for some time.

Having read in the Guardian about Dr Christos Tsirogiannis, a Cambridge guest Archaeology lecturer who is an expert on repatriating trafficked antiquities, the Son -

dergaards contacted him for advice.

They learnt that their father’s purchases included a wine jug, which Dr Tsirogiannis said was “beautiful and intact” and worth approximately £5,000 (€5,968).

Mads Herman and Elin Sondergaard are now waiting for instructions from the Italian embassy on how to return the Etruscan artifacts.

“They have sent a request to Rome to decide how we should proceed,” he added.

One of the many unique installations at Prague Signal Festival.

ETRUSCAN SOUVENIRS: Danish family plan to return the antiquities to Italy.

Photo credit: Mads Herman Sondergaard

FRANCE

Vulture peril

A WOMAN of 86 was badly injured in Verrieres after a vulture inflicted deep wounds on her ankles and arms in what wildlife experts said was the first case of this kind in France and possibly the world. Doctors said she could lose the use of two fingers after the bird, which remains at large, severed tendons in her hand.

Don’t come

FRANCE’S new Interior minister Bruno Retailleau listed his priorities at a meeting with the authorities in the 21 administrations accounting for 80 per cent of France’s deportation measures. The first of these was immigration, Retailleau said, who stressed his wish to reduce both the legal and illegal influx.

DENMARK

Slim chance

NOVO NORDISK’S $570 billion (€521.38 billion) value exceeds Denmark’s gross domestic product but PM Mette Frederiksen rejected concerns that a downturn for the Ozempic and Wegovy manufacturer could affect the economy. She was “extremely proud” of Denmark’s global companies, Frederiksen said.

Menagerie raid

POLICE who broke into a Funen property following a tipoff from a member of the public found 61 abandoned and mistreated animals that vets said would soon have died from hunger and thirst had they not been removed. They included a rabbit, chickens, several turtles, parrots and a malnourished kangaroo.

ITALY

Work it out

ITALIAN students were below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average of 33 points out of 60 for creative thinking, scoring 31 points in a recent survey. Singapore obtained the best global result with 41 points, while Estonia and Finland were the Europeans winners with 36.

Health check

SPENDING on healthcare paid directly by the patient rose by 10 per cent in 2023 as Italy’s national health system reached saturation point, a national survey showed. It also found that approximately 4.5 million people who needed treatment last year did not seek it, with 2.5 million citing economic factors.

EURO PRESS

BELGIUM

Cut up

ANTWERP police warned that they will chop souped-up e-scooters to pieces with hydraulic cutters, while the same fate awaited uninsured electric scooters and those not complying with regulations.

With 354 reported accidents in Antwerp in 2023, scooters posed a “major road safety problem” police said.

IRELAND

Trial begins

ANTWERP WARNING: Police will use hydraulic cutters on souped-up scooters.

FINLAND

Kylie tour

BRENDAN MULLIN, 60, a former rugby international who appeared before a Dublin court on October 8, is accused of stealing over €500,000 from the Bank of Ireland Private Bank. Mullin, who once worked for the bank, pleaded not guilty to nine of the charges against him in a case expected to last up to five weeks.

Urban foxes

UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY investigators asked the public to register any sightings of urban red foxes, especially in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Derry and Water, Ireland’s largest cities. The survey aims to map the foxes’ locations and to get a better understand of human relationships with them.

PORTUGAL

Wolf killers

THREE people whose identities were not revealed were fined a total of €20,000 and received suspended sentences of between seven and 26 months for trapping and slaughtering six wolves in their Peneda-Geres national park habitat. The court heard that their deaths also endangered the renewal of their pack.

All clear

THE sports pavilion at Lagao’s Espamol night school was closed and PE classes cancelled after routine tests detected the presence of the bacteria responsible for Legionnaire’s disease in the showers. The school’s deputy manager confirmed that there had been no legionella cases amongst students or staff.

KYLIE MINOGUE who has now released her schedule for the European leg of next year’s Tension Tour, is booked to appear at the Espoo Metro Arena on June 23. The world tour, her biggest in 10 years, is due to start next February in Australia, after which the pop star will go on to perform in Asia and North America.

Puck stops here

ATTEMPTS to sell the empty Hartwell Arena, once used for events and ice hockey in Helsinki and linked to Putin-friendly oligarchs Gennady Timchenko and the Rotenbergs, fell through once more. According to The Insider, the Russian side of the deal backed out, unwilling to sell the installation on unfavourable terms.

NETHERLANDS

Two-way

AN exhibition featuring Asian Bronze which opened at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam on October 11 includes polished, light-penetrating bronze mirrors that contained hidden images of the Cross and the Virgin Mary. They date from the 17th century when Christianity was outlawed by the Japanese government.

Think twice

ASYLUM minister Marjolein Faber must drop plans for off-putting notices at centres for asylum seekers after the Dutch parliament’s lower house voted to withdraw the scheme. “We’re working on sending you back” was one of the posters that Faber had allegedly wished to display at the reception centres.

SWEDEN

Sent home

FOLLOWING a lengthy investigation, Uruguay’s ambassador to Sweden, Federico Perazza, was suspended and recalled to Montevideo on serious charges. Embassy sources revealed that Perazza had used embassy funds for personal expenses, drove the official car without a licence and had mistreated officials.

Family affairs

THE government intends to introduce legislation preventing marriage between cousins, although this has been allowed until now. The Justice minister explained that marriages between cousins were usually arranged by other family members, adding that this often included a background of honour-based oppression.

GERMANY

Pedal power

AS the German economy slows and vehicle manufacturers face high energy costs, households cut back on car purchases in September and also bought less furniture and clothing, researchers from Munich University Ifo Institute found. In contrast they found that retailers said bicycle sales had improved.

Keep watch

THE Interior Ministry announced draft legislation to expand security measures for staff working in sensitive fields like IT, communications, the government and “critical infrastructure.” Interior minister Nancy Faeser said the threat to democracy from espionage and sabotage had reached “new dimensions.”

NORWAY

Simple sums

AS Norway gears up for next year’s elections, the Labour-Centre coalition led by Jonas Gahr Store has slumped in opinion polls, with the Labour party receiving 20.2 per cent of the vote and the Centre party on 5.1 per cent. Added together, both parties trail the Conservatives opposition party which received 25.5 per cent.

Safety first

THE Trygg Trafikk road safety organisation has called for bicycle helmets to be made compulsory when riding a bicycle, maintaining that an annual 1,000 head injuries could be avoided if the regulations were changed. Seventy per cent of cyclists now wore helmets but this was still not enough, Trygg Trafikk said.

Photo credit: Politie Antwerpen

Newly discovered Picasso

IMAGINE this: a dusty old painting in a cheap frame, shoved in the corner of a basement, turns out to be an original Picasso. Sounds too good to be true? Maybe, but that’s exactly what happened.

Hidden away in an Italian villa, a Picasso painting of his lover and muse, Dora Maar, was casually hung on a family’s wall for decades. In the 1950s, Luigi Lo Rosso, a local pawnbroker and part-time treasure hunter, found the painting abandoned in a basement in Capri.

Convinced it was valuable, Luigi gifted it to his wife - who, with raised eyebrows, scrubbed it with detergent, thinking it was just an ugly old painting. If Picasso himself had witnessed this, he’d likely have shrugged and said, “The purpose of art is to wash the dust of daily life from our souls.”

Years later, Luigi’s son, Andrea, realised the painting might be a masterpiece after recognising Dora Maar in an art history textbook. After much effort, including forensic

tests to authenticate the signature, the painting was confirmed as a genuine Picasso, valued at €6 million. However, Andrea is holding off on the celebrations until the Picasso Foundation in Paris gives its final approval - which could triple its value. It’s a remarkable tale that teaches us all one thing: never underestimate the value of the overlooked and forgotten treasures in your life’s basement - or the ones in plain sight, staring you right in the face.

Screen scandal

QANTAS AIRWAYS is currently evaluating the circumstances surrounding an incident where a film deemed ‘clearly unsuitable’ was shown on all screens during a flight.

The Australian airline faced backlash after a racy movie was played throughout an entire flight, prompting an apology to its passengers.

Last week, during a journey from Sydney to Haneda, Qantas confirmed that there were technical difficulties with the in-flight entertainment system, which prevented passengers from selecting their own films. Consequently, the flight crew opted to screen a single movie across all monitors, reportedly based on requests from some passengers.

While the airline has not disclosed the title of the film, various media reports suggest it was Daddio, an R-rated movie that debuted earlier this year and is rated 18 in the UK.

Passengers expressed their discomfort on social media, citing the film’s nudity and sexual themes as

particularly inappropriate for families and children onboard.

After realising the film was unsuitable for a diverse audience, the crew attempted to rectify the situation by switching screens for those who did not wish to watch it.

A Qantas representative issued a statement saying:

“The movie was clearly not suitable for an entire flight, and we sincerely apologise to our customers for this experience.

“We switched all screens to a family-friendly movie for the remainder of the flight, as is our standard practice in such rare instances when individual movie selection is not available.”

Who could call this face ugly?

Racy movie was played on a flight.

I got the timing wrong

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

IN a past life, when this ol’ boy was riding the crest, I would often enjoy showing guests around my brand new Berkshire home.

Many famous folk came to visit in those far off heady ‘60s’ and on one occasion I was entertaining an extremely successful pop group member and his new fiancée. He was obviously besotted with his partner, a beautiful, ambitious and well-travelled young lady who, although relatively unknown at the time, in the next few years would become one of biggest stars on the planet.

The pop musician, a lovely lad who hailed from a small town in the north of England, had shot to stardom almost ‘overnight’ and, although quite charming, was not at all street wise and still somewhat naïve in the ways of the world.

During the ‘tour’ I showed them one of the somewhat lavish ensuite bathrooms. Peering around his eyes alighted on the toilet bowl. ‘Ee Leapy’ he exclaimed. ‘What’s all that blue stuff in

the water’? How I replied to this innocent and innocuous enquiry is not important. What was important was the look of utter disdain that flitted very briefly across the features of his fiancée. Witnessing her reaction I realised that their romance was doomed.

Compatibility is at the very core of a loving relationship and although this incident was not of great consequence in itself, it was extremely significant if it actually mirrored the rest of their co-existence. Sure enough, a short while later the affair was over.

The lady abandoned her broken hearted ‘stepping stone’ and went on to almost legendary stardom. And you know something, I experienced exactly the same misgiving when, in the early days of their matrimony, I heard Prince Harry enthusiastically inform the head of Walt Disney that his wife could do ‘voice overs.’ Voice overs in the acting profession are about one step up from a ‘walk on’. Although it’s possible to earn a respectable income from this branch of the entertainment industry, participants don’t exactly ever find themselves on the red carpet! You certainly don’t show your utter naivety, however well meant, by

publicly informing one of the biggest tycoons of the film industry that your (TV star!) wife does voice overs! I can imagine the grimace of horrified embarrassment on Meghan’s face from here! To me this conveyed exactly the same message as did the bathroom incident I witnessed all those years ago - incompatibility.

And the end result will be exactly the same. Mark my words, in the not too distant future this self-centred woman will be ready to move on from her ‘royal position’ probably with some film mogul billionaire in tow. The signs are already beginning to show.

As love’s young dream begins to fade and their incompatibilities begin to tear them apart, this pathetically naïve young man will eventually become so fed up and disillusioned he will either turn to drink, have a nervous breakdown or come running back to the family! I gave it three years. I’m convinced the only thing I got wrong was the timing.

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.

City of the Year

BERLIN, the capital of Germany, has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘City of the Year’ at the 2024 Food and Travel Awards held in London. This accolade highlights Berlin’s remarkable cultural and culinary diversity, positioning it among the top cities in Europe.

Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin, expressed his excitement: “Being named ‘City of the Year’ by the world-renowned gastronomic publication ‘Food and Travel’ is a great honour. We’re thrilled that the magazine’s readers appreciate Berlin’s vibrant and innovative scene. This recognition proves that culinary experiences are now a key reason for people to visit our city.”

For 25 years, Food and Travel, a bimonthly magazine edited by Gregor Rankin, has earned international acclaim. Each issue offers readers a new culinary adventure, and once a year, readers cast their votes to choose the top restaurants, chefs, hotels, travel destinations, and more.

A total of 23 categories celebrate excellence across the food, wine, and travel industries.

Berlin’s global recognition continues to grow. Recently, Time Out ranked Berlin alongside New York and Cape Town as one of the top three travel destinations worldwide.

Social Security bill

THOSE self-employed and freelancers who have been paying the lowest bracket into Social Security contributions and earning above a net average of €1,700 per month, may be due to pay extra this November if they haven’t already shifted the amount they contribute regularly to a higher taxable band.

The difficulty many small and medium business owners face in Spain is predicting exactly how much they are going to earn over any given year. In 2022, the government brought in a new system of means-based social security payments in which ‘autonomos’ could adjust the amount depending on what they believed they would be earning in the coming 12 months.

As the new system was introduced just after the pandemic crisis, many self-employed workers,

still reeling from the economic hit they took in 2020, opted for the lowest and more pessimistic band that reflected an average net income of €1,700 per month or lower. However, the Social Security department is reporting that many have not been online to raise that payment band since.

It is estimated that some

30 per cent of self-employed workers will end up having to fork out between €1,000 and €1,200 extra to make up for the shortfall in their payments so far. Elma Saiz, the minister for Social Security acknowledges that this new contribution system entails ‘great technical complexity’ for the 3.7 million who work for themselves.

Berlin has been awarded the prestigious title.

First Diwali Festival

SITUATED to the west of Helsinki, the city of Espoo is home for the largest number of Indians who have settled in the country and will shortly host the Diwali Festival of Lights.

The overall Indian population in Finland is in the region of 12,000 but this is growing as young university graduates who specialise in technology have been heading to the country because of the many specialised jobs available with companies such as Nokia whilst others are undertaking post graduate studies.

Diwali is a very special festival which this year takes place between October 29 and November 3 and is all about new beginnings whilst Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune is central to the celebrations

The

Trevi

and many Indians are happy to use the festival to help those who are not so fortunate.

This first Diwali celebration will take place in Espoo on Sunday October 27 and there will be a number of different cultural events taking place which will help to make the municipality a happy centre, embracing a different ethnic event.

To those of the Hindu Faith this is the New Year celebration and

it is often compared to Christmas as it has its roots in religious observation.

It is a very special year for the SuomiIndian Association as 2024 sees it celebrating its 75th Anniversary and with Espoo Cultural Service, the Association is organising the event.

One of the highlights of the event is an appearance by The Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan who last appeared in Helsinki in 2023.

Fountain, overcrowded with tourists

ROME could introdu ce a fee to visit the Trevi Fountain in a bid to lessen crowds and stop disrespectful tourists eating pizza at the monument.

The proposal comes as just one suggestion by Rome’s counci llor for Tourism, who says the idea is not to make money but to control the crowds. Under the proposed system, local people will continue to enjoy free access to the Baroque fountain, while tourists will have to pay a token €1.

joyment of everyone. By controlling access more, it is hoped that they can better reduce the number of pick-pockets operating in the area and impede those less culturally sensitive tourists from eating ice cream and pizza at the beloved fountain, something native Romans find offen-sive.

The ‘must visit’ site on Rome’s tourist trail has long been problematic, with masses of tourists gathering at the marble masterpiece to take photos and throw in a coin for good luck. But no one is in any doubt that the ever-increasing hoards are leading to issues of safety and lessening the en -

No firm decision is likely to be made until after November, when the Trevi Fountain is due to be partially closed for cleaning and only a limited number of visitors will be allowed in to see it.

Giorgia Meloni’s government is also said to be considering raising Italy’s tourist tax to tackle tourist overcrowding in cities, including Rome and Florence.

Credit: Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan

The Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan will perform on October 27.

Credit: Dennis MacDonald - Shutterstock

The Trevi Fountain is a must-visit site in Rome.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Oil up

BP and Shell added £14 billion (€16.7 billion) to their combined market value as oil prices rose and their shares shot up when crude prices soared by 13 per cent after Iran fired missiles on Israel. Oil trading at below $70 ($64) a barrel before the October 7 attack had risen to $79 (€72.2) by the following day.

Hacked about

TENDAM, which owns the Cortefiel and Springfield labels, warned that hackers possibly accessed their loyalty-card holders’ details during a cyberattack on September 5. Although the attack would have revealed names, addresses, ID and phone numbers, no credit card numbers or passwords were compromised.

New start

NET-A-PORTER, the fashion website founded by Natalie Massenet which merged with Italian firm Yoox in 2015 and is now owned by Swiss company Richemont, has been sold. It was bought by German company Mytheresa although Richemont will receive a 33 per cent holding in Mytheresa instead of cash.

Record year

SPAIN’S tourism sector expects a 5.2 per cent increase in sales during the last quarter of 2024, while Exceltur, a group composed of the chairmen of 30 leading tourist companies, predicted revenues of €200 billion for the year. This will account for 13.4 per cent of Spain’s gross domestic product, Exceltur pointed out.

Pay up

THE Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) ordered water companies in England and Wales to return £157.6 million to customers to compensate for their poor performance. Rebates will be calculated in December and the money deducted from bills sent to households and businesses in 2025-2026.

€2.29 trillion STAT OF WEEK

was the total financial wealth of Spanish households and non-profit institutions by the end of June 2024, 7.9 per cent up on 2023, the Bank of Spain said.

Kankiwala’s job done

THE John Lewis Partnership will no longer have a chief executive after March 2025.

Nish Kankiwala, appointed the company’s first-ever chief executive in 2023, will not be replaced after his two-year contract comes to an end.

Already a non-executive director, he was assigned the task of reviving the faltering performance of the John Lewis stores and Waitrose supermarkets.

Kankiwala’s turnaround plan brought a return to a pre-tax profit of £56 million (€66.8 million) in 2023, a £290 million (€346.1m) year-on-year improvement.

In September this year, he announced that the company expected profits of £400 million (€477.4 million) by January 2028.

Jason Tarry, former chief executive at Tesco and the partnership’s

EUROPASTRY, which produces frozen bread and cakes, cancelled its stock market debut on October 7, two days before it was due to go public.

“The company, and shareholders preparing to sell, withdrew the offer owing to the international geopolitical situation,” Europastry explained in a statement to Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV).

The Catalonia-based company, present in 80 countries and owner of 27 plants in Europe and the US, planned to sell shares at between €15.85 and €18.75, giving the com-

chairman since September this year, now assumes all executive responsibilities. Meanwhile, Kankiwala remains

in an advisory non-executive position.

This answered the unasked question of how the two men would manage the company following the departure of former chair, Dame Sharon White, six months before her contract ended in March 2025.

Her arrival coincided with the pandemic, she went on to close stores and wanted 40 per cent of the partnership’s profits to originate outside retail by 2030.

Employees and partners in the company missed out on their annual bonus three years out of the past four and White briefly considered selling a stake in the company for £2 billion (€2.39 billion).

Asked recently if she planned to return to the Civil Service, Dame Sharon replied that this was “very unlikely.”

No float for Europastry

EUROPASTRY: Specialises in frozen bakery.

Getting closer Openbank opens in the US

OPENBANK, Santander’s online subsidiary which now operates in the US, is offering a savings account that pays 5.25 per cent interest.

Opening a savings account requires a minimum deposit of $500 (€457), although these high-interest accounts are not available for customers with deposit accounts with Santander Bank in the US. Although the return is currently very high, the bank said it reserves the right to reduce it at any time.

LIDL is beginning to close the gap separating it from Mercadona and Carrefour, Kantar Worldpanel figures showed.

The German supermarket chain finished its 2023-2024 fiscal year ending on February 28 with record sales of €6.57 billion, 8 per cent more than in 2022-2023. It now has a 6.4 per cent market share, an increase of three-10ths of a percentage point on 12 months ago.

Valencia-based Mercadona remains in first place with a 26.5 per cent market share, although it has lost half a percentage point since October 2023. Carrefour’s share rose by only one-10th to 9.6 per cent, despite acquiring 46 Supercor stores from El Corte Ingles in October 2023.

CHANNEL 4 posted a £52 million (€61.12 million deficit) for 2023 but the publicly-owned broadcaster said that it would not ask for government assistance.

The annual report published on October 7 stated that ambitious plans which had been announced earlier in the year were challenged by a combination of inflation and high interest rates. These had affected “business confidence and investment in television advertising.”

Expenditure over the year included £663 (€791.8) million invested in content and £520 (€621) million spent on original content.

Clocking

LLOYD’S of London is checking employees’ swipe cards as they enter its City headquarters.

pany a market value of €1.570 billion.

Europastry backed off at the last minute owing to low demand, even though Criteria Caixa had committed to acquiring 5 per cent of the shares.

The company had planned to sell new shares worth a total of €210 million as well as €300 million in existing shares, most of them owned by the MCH private equity investment company which wanted to exit Europastry.

CAF trams for Italy

TRAM, train and bus builder CAF, based in Beasain (Guipuzcoa), has been awarded contracts worth €200 million to supply trams for Rome and Bologna.

Rome’s public transport authority, ATAC, increased an earlier order for 40 trams by a further 20. All will be equipped with CAF’s Onboard Energy Storage System (OESS) eliminating the need for overhead cables.

Bologna City Hall’s contract for 33 OESS trams includes the option to increase this to 60 or possibly 70 units in future.

The CAF contacts include maintaining Rome’s trams for five years and those in Bologna for four years, plus supplying spare parts.

This enables managers to track how often and when they come in to work, Lloyd’s chief executive John Neal told the Telegraph

The data was being used “constructively and thoughtfully” he stressed.

“We’re not using it from a discipline point of view,” Neal added.

Nevertheless, many other companies are now trying to address the problem, where employees take a long weekend by avoiding the office on a Monday or Friday.

THE Barclay family, the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph’s former owners, are considering a £2.5 billion (€3 billion) sale of their online retail business, Very Group.

Sources quoted by Sky News revealed that the Very Group board, chaired by former Chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, has engaged Barclays, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley to handle a full or partial auction.

Insiders also revealed that refinancing the business, whose lenders include Carlyle investment firm and IMI, was another option under consideration.

NISH KANKIWALA: Remains at John Lewis in a non-executive position.

3I Group 3.284,50 3.286,00 3.252,00 46,77K

Group 2.743,0 2.745,4 2.727,0 18K

Airtel Africa 113,50 113,60 112,70 89K Anglo American 2.315,0 2.319,5 2.292,5 95,72K Antofagasta 1.913,00 1.924,50 1.903,00 35,57K Ashtead Group 5.716,0 5.724,0 5.690,0 10,85K Associated British Foods 2.351,0 2.354,0 2.333,0 38,81K

11.873,4 11.904,0 11.790,0 65,76K

Trader Group Plc 871,60 872,00 866,80 34,93K Aviva 480,20 481,50 477,50 277,3K B&M European Value Retail SA 408,30 409,00 406,52 117,04K BAE Systems 1.283,00 1.288,51 1.268,50 216,84K

233,45 235,90 232,75 2,33M

Developments 457,60 459,10 457,00 178,74K

Beazley 784,00 786,00 781,00 83,54K Berkeley 4.693,0 4.700,0 4.674,0 2,02K

BP 409,05 409,50 405,35 2,98M British American Tobacco 2.692,0 2.693,0 2.678,0 154,33K BT Group 144,87 145,10 143,30 1,32M

3.532,0 3.546,0 3.496,0 62,37K

123,55 123,70 122,50 1,86M

5.057,5 5.065,0 5.035,0 5,33K

2.557,0

Offer accepted

THE Spanish government gave unconditional authorisation to a takeover bid from Italian company Esseco for Valencia-based chemicals company, Ercros, on October 8. The offer of €3.745 per share, down from an earlier €3.84, gives the company a value of more than €300 million.

Impulse buy

THE Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has paid an undisclosed sum to buy its latest high-profile British acquisition, a 40 per cent holding in iconic but loss-making Selfridges. The stake was sold by the Austrian property company, Signa Group.

Rio Tinto branches out

RIO TINTO, the London-headquartered British-Australian mining company, announced that it is paying $6.7 billion (€5.47 billion) for Arcadium Lithium.

The transaction will be an all-cash deal of $5.85 (€5.33) per share, a 90 per cent premium on the US company’s closing price of $3.08 (€2.81) on October 4.

According to London Stock Exchange (LSEG) figures, Arcadium Lithium at present has a market value of $4.56 billion (€4.16 bi-

Onto a good thing

SPAIN’S Fund for the Orderly Restructuring of Banks (FROB) has delayed selling its 17.9 per cent Caixabank stake.

This holding has paid a €335 million dividend, FROB’s first since it was created in 2009 to increase the solvency of Spain’s banks during the financial crisis.

By August 2024, the state’s Caixabank holding was worth €7.1 billion, 50 per cent up on January 2024 and 260

per cent above its €1.96 billion value prior to the merger between bailed-out Bankia and Caixabank announced in 2020.

“Analysts recommend that investors either maintain or even raise exposure, and is one of the reasons why FROB has preferred not to undertake sales,” FROB’s president Alvaro Lopez Barcelo explained.

llion), and its shares soared by 30 per cent on October 9.

At the same time, Rio Tinto’s shares dropped by 0.5 per cent on October 9, having lost 5 per cent in the preceding days.

If the deal goes through this would make Rio Tinto, the world’s second-largest mining company, one of the leading suppliers of the lithium needed for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The company, which produces more iron ore than any other mining group, now looks to become a processor of the raw materials essential for the energy transition.

Despite Chinese over-production and a slowdown in EV sales, Rio Tinto is betting on the lithium market’s long-term future with an acquisition that gives the company access to deposits, mines and processing facilities in Australia, Canada, the US and Argentina.

Shein boom

THE UK arm of fast-fashion retailer Shein, founded in China, saw sales rise by approximately 40 per cent to £1.5 billion (€1.8) billion in 2023. The company, currently considering a £50 billion (€59.9 billion) London float, doubled its pre-tax profits to £24.4 million (€29.2 million) and paid £5.7 million (€6.8 million) in income tax.

Energy giant

FOR the first time in four years, Iberdrola has overtaken Banco Santander to become the Spanish stock exchange’s most-traded company in daily volume, according to Bloomberg. By October this year, the power company had achieved a daily average of €136.3 million, compared with Santander’s average of €130.8 million, and ahead of BBVA in third place with €115.4 million.

Jakob Stausholm: Chief executive of Rio Tinto mining giant.

NEWS Travel

Explore the Lakes at El Chorro: Malaga’s Natural Paradise

with Hispavan Campers

TUCKED away in the heart of Malaga’s countryside, the lakes at El Chorro offer a stunning escape into nature, perfect for adventurers, families, and anyone looking to unwind in serene surroundings. Just an hour’s drive from the bustling city of Malaga, these beautiful turquoise lakes are framed by rugged cliffs, lush forests, and the famed Caminito del Rey. Whether you’re visiting for the hiking, water activities, or the peace and quiet, the lakes at El Chorro make for a perfect getaway. With Hispavan Campers, you can explore this enchanting area at your own pace, combining adventure with comfort.

A Natural Wonderland

The lakes, also known as the Embalses del Guadalhorce, consist of three reservoirs that boast vibrant turquoise waters, making them a spectacular sight against the surrounding landscape. The lakes are a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. The peaceful waters and stunning scenery make it an ideal spot for a picnic, a day of relaxation, or a chance to cool off in the Andalucian heat.

Beyond the lakes, the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge and its iconic Caminito del Rey provide an exciting backdrop. The famous walkway, clinging to the side of the gorge, offers dramatic views of the area and is a

must-do for thrill-seekers.

Ideal for Outdoor Activities

El Chorro’s landscape is perfect for outdoor activities of all kinds. Aside from the water sports, the surrounding hills and forests are crisscrossed with trails for hiking and cycling. One of the most popular routes is the Caminito del Rey, a suspended walkway along the walls of the gorge, once known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world, now completely safe for visitors. The path offers breathtaking views of the gorge and the lakes, providing an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

For climbers, El Chorro is one of

Spain’s top destinations, with towering limestone cliffs offering routes for all skill levels. The area attracts climbers from all over the world, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.

Explore El Chorro with Hispavan Campers

To truly make the most of your visit to the lakes at El Chorro, renting a camper van from Hispavan Campers is the perfect way to experience the freedom of exploring this natural paradise. Hispavan offers modern, comfortable camper vans equipped with all the essentials, including cosy sleeping areas, kitchen facilities, and ample storage.

With a camper van, you can park near the lakes or in one of the nearby campsites, allowing you to wake up each morning to the tranquility of nature. Spend your days kayaking on the lakes, hiking along the Caminito del Rey, or simply enjoying the stunning views, then return to the comfort of your camper van to relax in the evening.

A Peaceful Retreat

After a day of adventure, there’s nothing better than winding down by the lakes. The calm waters, surrounded by the sounds of nature, provide a peaceful retreat from everyday life. Whether you’re having dinner by the water or stargazing in the clear night skies, the lakes at El Chorro offer a serene escape that’s perfect for campers.

SUMMARY

The lakes at El Chorro are one of Malaga’s hidden gems, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. With Hispavan Campers, you can experience all that this incredible region has to offer, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s hiking the Caminito del Rey, kayaking in the lakes, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, El Chorro is the perfect destination for your next getaway.

Tourism crisis

LISBON is on the brink of reaching levels of tourism and housing crises seen in Barcelona over recent years according to new research.

According to ETH Zürich University researcher, Ethel Baraona Pohl, Lisbon is only “two or three years behind” Barcelona when it comes to mass tourism and its subsequent impact on housing. She has seen mixed reactions to changes to the city’s infrastructure and economy due to tourism and its effects on locals.

Amidst fears that Lisbon will landslide into the problems encountered in Barcelona, where economic changes sparked mass tourism, housing shortages and exponential prices, there is consolation to be found in approaches taken by recent Portuguese governments. Lusa, a researcher from El Salvador and resident in Barcelona, hopes that Lisbon

“has already passed the extreme period that Barcelona has experienced in recent years.”

One of the key priorities for Lisbon is to ensure that its residents do not have to face dramatic socio-economic changes inherent to mass tourism. Amidst these concerns are the cost of rent and basic living costs including food prices, especially those in bars and restaurants. In a changing

New SpainFrance trains

ALL aboard as Renfe rolls into France: Spanish train giants Renfe are going full steam ahead with their new cross-border services.

urban panorama, one thing remains clear: it is essential to understand the needs of local communities in Lisbon despite tourism pressures and to maintain attainable living standards for residents, especially more vulnerable groups, including women, seniors, racialised people, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and queers, who need to feel assimilated into the community.

None the wiser

NO-ONE can put a name to the Bitcoin creator apart from an alias, Satoshi Nakamoto.

An HBO documentary claimed recently to have solved the mystery and identified the person behind the alias as a Canadian developer, Peter Todd.

Earlier, before ‘Money electric: the Bitcoin mystery’ aired, it had been assumed that the programme would settle for an American called Leonard Sassaman.

Now buried in Leuven (Belgium), Sassaman who died in July 2011 at the age of 31, was a US technologist orientated towards cryptography who studied for a PhD at Leuen University.

Bart Preneel, a professor of Computer Security and Cryptography at Leuven University who was Sassaman’s PhD supervisor, explained in the documentary that Satoshi Nakamoto was very involved in crypto currency from the outset.

“But in 2011, Nakamoto suddenly disappeared from the face of the earth. That more or less coincides with Sassaman’s death,” Preneel said.

He also said that he doubted Sassaman was the brains behind Bitcoin: “Researchers use certain methods and systems. Based on my experiences with Sassaman and my intuition, I don’t think he was the originator.”

Prior to the HBO programme, punters on the Polymarket crypto site had predicted Nick Szabo would be revealed as Satoshi Nakamoto.

And Peter Todd?

Spain’s rail titan, Renfe, is on the fast track to revolutionising cross-border travel with bold plans to link up high-tech with France. Announced on Friday, October 11, Renfe will recover the high-speed route between Barcelona and Toulouse in the second quarter of 2025, reconnecting two vibrant cities in a swift 3.5 hours. In what should be a smart move set to delight travellers and international trainspotters, Renfe will revive the high-speed connection between Barcelona and Toulouse by the second quarter of 2025. This service will zip passengers between the two cities in just three hours and 30 minutes. And it’s not just about the connection, the train will make scenic stops in Girona, Figueres, Perpignan, and the enchanting medieval town of Carcassonne, a tourist gem not to be missed.

The Barcelona-Toulouse route joins two other international services already on the rails, linking Barcelona to Marseille and Lyon. Initially, the Barcelona-Toulouse route will run two trains daily - one heading each way - from April to September, perfect for spring and summer getaways.

Belem Tower, Lisbon City.

LEONARD SASSAMAN: The possible inventor of Bitcoin.

FEELING angry is a natural human emotion, and it’s important to acknowledge that everyone experiences anger from time to time. However, expressing anger in healthy and constructive ways is key to maintaining emotional well-being and healthy relationships.

To express anger effectively, start by identifying the root cause of your frustration. Instead of reacting impulsively, take a moment to gather

By Karan Sud Dental

Healthy outlets

your thoughts. Use “I” statements to communicate your feelings without blaming others, such as, “I feel upset when...”

This helps to express your anger without escalating the situation.

Calming down after feeling angry is equally important. Techniques

Good oral hygiene

BLEEDING gums can be a concerning oral health issue that many individuals experience at some point in their lives. It is important to understand why gums bleed, whether it is a serious condition, and how to effectively treat it.

Why Do Gums Bleed?

There are several reasons why gums may bleed, ranging from mild to severe.

The most prevalent cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis, which occurs due to the buildup of plaque along the gumline. This leads to inflammation and irritation, making the gums more prone to bleeding which can be due to poor oral hygiene, caused by inadequate brushing and flossing techniques.

Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding gums. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional regarding potential side effects. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to bleeding. While occasional bleeding gums

may not necessarily indicate a severe problem, it should not be ignored. Persistent bleeding can be a sign of underlying issues,

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease. This condition can lead to tooth loss and damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.

Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available to address bleeding gums and prevent further complications. It is crucial to consult a dentist for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Practising good oral hygiene is fundamental in preventing and treating bleeding gums. This includes brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Dentists can perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing inflammation and bleeding. If you would like an appointment with our dentist or hygienist you can book online at www. ksuddental.com.

like deep breathing, stepping away from the situation, or practising mindfulness can help lower your stress levels.

Physical activities like taking a walk or doing a quick workout can also release pent-up energy and calm your mind.

It’s also crucial to recognise that feeling angry is a normal part of life. Emotions like anger can signal when something is wrong or when boundaries have been crossed. What matters most is how you manage and respond to it. By practising self-awareness, finding healthy outlets, and communicating calmly, you can handle anger in ways that are both empowering and productive.

Feel your colour

THE aura beauty trend is all about creating a make-up look that mimics the colours and energy of an individual’s aura, the invisible energy field believed to surround every person.

This trend embraces soft, glowing tones and ethereal shades that reflect the wearer’s personality, mood, or vibe. It often involves using gradient eyeshadows, luminous highlighters, and dewy skin finishes to capture a radiant, otherworldly appearance.

Originating from spiritual practices like aura readings, this trend gained traction in beauty circles as people began to combine self-expression with colour

theory and energy healing. By selecting shades that resonate with your mood or desired vibe, you can create a harmonious, personalised look. Colours like soft purples, pinks, and glowing pastels are popular for aura-inspired looks.

The benefits of the

aura beauty trend include a focus on inner beauty and self-expression. It encourages wearers to tap into their own energy and use make-up as a tool for enhancing positivity, creating a calming, radiant appearance that promotes both inner and outer beauty.

Skincare alphabet soup

DD, BB, and CC creams are popular beauty products, each offering unique benefits depending on your skincare needs.

BB Cream stands for ‘beauty balm’ or ‘blemish balm’. It’s an all-in-one product designed to provide light coverage while offering skincare benefits such as hydration, sun protection, and anti-ageing properties.

BB cream is ideal for those looking for a natural, no-make-up look with

HAPPINESS can ward off strokes and heart attacks, according to the results of a new study in the UK.

120,000 health records of people with an average age of 57 were analysed in the study, which found that the happier we are, the less likely we are to suffer life-threatening health issues.

The findings show that those demonstrating a high level

added skincare benefits, like evening out the skin tone and providing a radiant finish.

CC Cream stands for ‘colour correcting’. It’s formulated to address specific skin issues like redness, dullness, or discoloration.

CC cream offers more coverage than BB cream and is designed to even out skin tone with colour-correcting pigments, making it ideal for people with rosacea or hyperpigmen-

Laughter medicine

of mental well-being were significantly less likely to suffer a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.

As a result, doctors are saying that with a good combination of regular physical exer -

cise, being social, and employing stress management methods, we could extend our levels significantly more than those who are not so happy.

Adults with a low sense of well-being

Edible garden gem

PURSLANE (Portulaca oleracea) is a nutrient-rich, leafy plant often considered a weed but is edible and highly beneficial. It has succulent leaves and stems, with a slightly tangy, le-

mony flavour. This plant is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. One of purslane’s main

benefits is its high omega-3 content, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation. Its antioxidants help protect against cellular damage, while its fibre aids digestion. Purslane also has low calories, making it a great addition to healthy diets.

Purslane can grow in a variety of environments, from gardens to cracks in pavements. It’s a hardy plant that thrives in warm climates, but it can adapt to many conditions, making it easy to cultivate. However, there are some disadvantages. Purslane contains oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals. It’s also important to ensure you’re harvesting it from areas free of pesticides or pollution.

Despite these minor concerns, purslane is a versatile and nutritious plant worth exploring.

tation. DD Cream, or ‘dynamic do-all’ cream, combines the benefits of both BB and CC creams, offering anti-ageing ingredients while providing light coverage and sun protection.

It’s often marketed towards more mature skin, focusing on reducing fine lines and improving elasticity.

Each cream serves a different purpose, making them versatile options depending on your skin type and desired result.

had much more chance of developing cardiovascular disease by some 10 to 21 percent, according to the research team. Those

with the highest well-being scores were found to have a 44 per cent less possibility of coronary artery disease, a 45 per cent less

chance of suffering a stroke, and a 51 per cent less likelihood of heart failure.

This study emphasises the importance of positive psychological health, including the more global factor of a person’s sense of well-being in living a longer, healthier, and happier life. So, it seems the old adage, ‘laughter is the best medicine,’ was always true.

Bilingual benefit

LEARNING a second language can promote healthy ageing, attention, and resilience, according to new scientific research.

The studies carried out between Zaragoza, Ottawa, and Montreal universities used MRI scans to monitor brain development between monolingual and bilingual subjects, and the results confirmed the theory that bilingualism is good for you.

Some 151 people were recruited for the study, which focu sed on scanning the whole brain rather than just certain parts as in previous studies. The results demonstrated distinct contrasts between monolingual and bilingual subjects in terms of cognition and increased efficiency of communication between brain regions, which indicates a higher chance of recovery following a stroke or other brain damage.

either English/French bilingual, French-speaking monolingual or English-speaking monolingual. They were scanned using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to record whole-brain connectivity. The fMRI scans revealed that bilingual participants had increased connectivity between brain regions than monolingual participants, and this connectivity was stronger in those who learned their second language at a younger age. This effect was particularly strong between the cerebellum and the left frontal cortex.

The participants studied were

This latest study reveals more about the effect of bilingualism on the brain connections we use to think, communicate, and experience the world around us. As well, they demonstrate that the earlier one learns a second language, the more neuroplasticity we have and resilience to brain damage we grow up with.

Unlocking the moisture Beauty Advent Calendars 2024

AS the holiday season approa ches, beauty advent calendars are here to brighten up the countdown to Christmas. With a growing range of options each year, 2024 offers some fabulous choices. Here’s a quick review of the top picks for this season, as shared by The House Hairdressing.

Cult Beauty - €275, worth €1,100

One of the best-value calendars of the season, Cult Beauty offers 40 pro ducts, including 19 full-size items. Highlights include Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treat ment and Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. Plus, three lucky buyers will find a €1,000 voucher inside.

cara. While Charlotte Tilbury fans will love the offering, the value is slightly lower than other calendars at this price point.

contains one full-size product, the quality makes it a great pick for fans of high-end skincare.

Look Fantastic - €120, worth €650

With 27 products, including 13 full-size items, this calendar offers incredible value.

Standouts include Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette, and Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum.

Revolution - €45, worth £97

A budget-friendly option perfect for make-up lovers starting out, Revolution’s calendar contains 24 products, including lip glosses, brow gels, and mini palettes. Affordable and fun, it’s a great option for teens or anyone new to beauty.

LOW porosity hair refers to hair that has tightly packed cuticles, making it difficult for moisture and products to penetrate. This type of hair tends to repel water rather than absorb it, which can result in dryness and product build-up. People with low porosity hair might notice that products sit on top of their strands rather than being absorbed, causing a greasy or weighed-down feeling.

Charlotte Tilbury - €250, worth €296

This year’s ‘Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love’ comes in a reusable heart-shaped box with 12 luxurious products, including Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! mas-

Elemis - €250, worth €682

Skincare lovers will enjoy the Elemis calendar, packed with luxurious items like Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads. While it only

With these options, there’s something for everyone this advent season. Be sure to order quickly, as these calendars tend to sell out fast!

*Prices can vary by retailer and country*

To care for low porosity hair, focus on using lightweight, water-based products that won’t just sit on the hair’s surface. Clarifying shampoos can help remove product build-up, allowing moisture to reach the hair more effectively. Heat can also aid in opening the cuticles, so consider using a steamer or applying a warm towel after applying deep conditioners. Leave-in conditioners that contain humectants like glycerin or honey are ideal, as they help attract moisture to the hair. With regular clarifying, proper moisturising techniques, and the occasional use of heat, low porosity hair can stay healthy and hydrated.

Confidence starts within

RESTORING your confidence after a bad breakout can be challenging, but it’s entirely possible with patience and self-care. The first step is to focus on healing your skin by establishing a con-

sistent skincare routine. Cleanse gently, use products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target acne, and moisturise to keep your skin balanced. Avoid picking or squeezing

blemishes, as this can lead to scarring and prolonged healing.

While your skin heals, try to shift your focus from appearance to how you feel. Confidence starts from within, so practise self-compassion. Remember that everyone experiences breakouts, and it doesn’t define your worth.

Using make-up to cover blemishes can also help restore confidence temporarily. Opt for non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores, and apply a light, breathable foundation if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Lastly, surround yourself with positive people and engage in activities that make you feel good. Confidence is not just how you look but how you feel, so prioritise self-care, both mentally and physically.

Credit: Charlotte Tilbury.

HOMEALBIR

HOMEALBIR PROPERTIES was born more than 10 years ago, when its creator, Elena Guifer, came to live in the area and did not find many reliable and affable agencies, eager to have direct contact with their clients.

Elena Guifer wanted to change this situation and decided to create HomeAlbir Properties to have a very personalised relationship with her clients and after all these years, it is still that way, although as Elena says “we cannot make all clients happy, but we always try. We believe in the human and personalised connection of each client.”

Today, many of her clients have stopped being ‘clients’ to become ‘friends’, and that… is priceless. The beginnings were very difficult, but thanks to the clients, the friendly attention, that warm welcome and the great sincerity of Elena Guifer, HomeAlbir today has an important place in the real estate sector. One of the reasons maybe that HomeAlbir does not

tolerate lies and always adjusts to what the client needs, with total transparency and putting the relationship with the client before everything else.

Money is obviously important, although not essential, because for HomeAlbir, closeness to the client, the fight for a job well done and a satisfied client, is the best reward, and always trying to find the best possible deal for the clients.

HomeAlbir is a specialist in property sales and rentals. And in the event that they do not have the property they are looking for, they do everything possible to find the property desired by the client. Elena says that “If you do not find what you are looking for, we will help you find it. If we cannot help you, we will tell you. We are that clear with all our clients.”

The HomeAlbir area is Altea, Alfaz del Pi, Albir, Benidorm, La Nucía, Polop and Finestrat.

If you want to sell, to buy or to rent a property out, contact them. And you will see that HomeAlbir Properties is a totally different agency from all the others.

IF YOU ARE CONTACTING THEM PLEASE MENTION THAT YOU SAW US IN EUROWEEKLY.

INTERVIEW

Speaking EuropeanFilip Bovin

Arguably, Filip Bovin who moved from Finland to Spain prior to the pandemic should be classed as an early Digital Nomad.

“LIKE many of my compatriots, I moved to Spain with my family because of the wea ther and the fact that I was looking to move into a friendly, family orientated society.

“When the pandemic hit, it was very worrying as a I had a wife and son to support, so discovered that the only way to do this was to take to the internet and I’m pleased to say it has worked very well.”

Currently living in Torrox (Axarquia) Filip runs a number of digital companies, the fastest growing being NeduAI and he conducts business throughout the world employing staff as each project requires.

Another of his companies Tutors concentrates on Finnish students and each year he brings a number over to Spain as part of an ongoing Erasmus programme.

Having lived in small Spanish towns he compares the lifestyle to that in Finland and

Credit: Filip Bovin

sees some major differences.

“In Finland there is far more State support for young people and they are encouraged to leave home and become independent at an early age, whilst in Spain, it certainly isn’t the same and with lower salaries generally, young people often simply can’t afford to leave home and stay with family into their 30s.

“Both have positives and negatives and sometimes in rural Spain, it seems it’s more who you know than what you know that counts.”

Filip works hard, has joined a number of Spanish and International groups and in what little spare time he has, enjoys climbing and joint gym activities.

He can get by in Spanish, but in part, that is because he is not scared or embarrassed to attempt to communicate even if it’s not always perfect.

Finnish digital specialist Filip Bovin.

WHILST the majority of motorists will have seen a zebra crossing, it would be wrong to ASSume that they could have expected a donkey to appear on a main road between the town of Leuven and Brussels.

One motorist managed to video this gentle animal strolling calmly down the busy road leading a string of cars behind it.

Local Good Samaritans who were alerted to this unusual parade on the afternoon of Tuesday October 8 decided to step in and encourage the animal to leave the road which it

Donkey surprise

did with no problem and they kept it tethered whilst alerting the local police.

The donkey’s owner had noticed that it had gone ‘walk about’ and had reported its disappearance, so not only were the police able to take over from the residents, they were also able to return it to its delighted owner without delay.

Border biometric controls

UK-SPAIN RELATIONS:

New biometric controls at Gibraltar border. La Linea demands answers in UK-Spain talks. La Linea Council seeks clarity on future biometric checks at the Gibraltar border. The regional government criticises the central government over a lack of cooperation in Gibraltar talks.

Juan Franco, the mayor of La Linea de la Concepción (Cadiz) and leader of La Linea 100x100 - a local community-focused political party in the town of La Linea de la Concepcion - announced on Wednesday October 9 that the council has sent a formal request to the Spanish Interior Ministry.

It’s worth noting that the new Schengen Entry and Exit System (SES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are set to be implemented. Last July, the Gibraltarian government warned its citizens about these upco-

ming changes, which will reintroduce border checks at ‘la Verja’. Travellers will be required to scan their passports and provide biometric data before crossing. However, once registered in the system, travellers won’t need to repeat the process.

During a recent personal visit to the area, Mr Franco noticed changes to the system for re-entering

Spain. He explained that the issue is “purely technical” and acknowledged that once the new border controls are installed, there will be a transition period.

During this time, there may be delays, queues, and other issues within La Linea’s municipal boundaries, which could lead to tra c hold-ups.

Stay tuned.

It’s a good thing the suggestion that donkeys can be stubborn didn’t hold true on this occasion, otherwise the outcome could have been seriously di erent, especially if it had refused to be tethered by the side of the road unless they had a spare carrot.

At least no-one joked He-aaw, He-aaw, He-aww to know better!

New biometric controls are to be introduced at the Gibraltar border.

Credit: Shutterstock, Andrew V Marcus

Costa del Sol Train to Sevilla

IT should have been done by 2021, but now the new direct train line from Malaga to Sevilla will be ready in 2025. The work to connect the two biggest Andalucian cities in just 90 minutes will be up and running soon, according to the minister for transport, Óscar Puente.

Previously, the best option for a train to Sevilla was changing at Cordoba; in 2025, the option of travelling direct will finally become a reality thanks to the new Almodovar viaduct.

Politics, changes in government, economic and sanitary crises - all of which contributed to the failure to complete the so-called Andalucian Transversal Railway Axis, first approved 20 years ago. The plan was to link Huelva and Almeria via all the biggest cities in between. Much of the groundwork has been done and left abandoned or incomplete, but whether that dream will ever become reality is another question. Nonetheless, it has enabled this new, cheaper route to Sevilla to be expedited.

Axarquia Malaga’s smallest village

FOREIGNERS now account for 18 per cent of the total population of the Costa del Sol, a statistic that is beginning to creep inland too.

Located in the heart of the foothills of La Maroma, the village of Salares is the smallest in the Malaga region in terms of population, with just 192 inhabitants. Among them can be heard the accents of 20 Brits, four Belgians, two Moroccans, a Romanian, and a Dane. The tiny pueblo blanco is in the Alhama natural park.

According to the National Institute of Statistics, 164 members of the community are Spanish by birth, making the other 13 per cent all foreign. But with a drive from the coast that resembles more a circuit that should be on the World Rally Championships tour, what is the attraction of the village?

The winding streets and whitewashed houses that comprise this quaint and remote mountain village seem to have a draw on the foreign community who, seemingly, wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of crowded coastal towns.

Mallorca Balearic boom

THE Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, have seen a notable rise in house prices, with an increase of 13.1 per cent over the past year.

This surge has positioned the region as Spain’s most expensive autonomous community, with an average price of €4,561 per square metre.

Within the islands, Palma has recorded one of the most significant increases among larger cities, with house prices rising by 10.2 per cent in the last year.

The average price per square metre in Palma now stands at €4,308, making it the fourth most expensive city in the country after San Sebastian, Madrid, and Barcelona.

Several factors are fuelling the rising costs in Palma and the broader Balearic region.

A lack of available land for new developments and restrictive planning laws have severely limited housing construction, exacerbating the imbalance between supply and demand.

Costa Blanca South Jet-set jackpot

ALICANTE-ELCHE Miguel Hernández Airport is on track for a record-breaking 2024, with September adding to its success.

The airport registered 1,801,340 passengers in September alone, surpassing previous figures from July and August of last year and marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared to September 2023.

This brings the average number of passengers to an impressive 60,000 daily.

International travellers dominate, with 1,560,979 passengers, a 15.5 per cent increase, while national traffic also rose by 14.1 per cent, registering 239,317 passengers.

More than 85 per cent of the passengers were international, with the UK leading the way with 620,468 travellers, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

From January to September, a total of 14,094,464 passengers were processed, a 17 per cent increase from 2023.

Almeria

Wild Wild West

THE 14th year of the Almeria Western Film Festival wrapped up on October 13, solidifying its status as a top event for Western movie lovers in Europe. Held in the famous Tabernas desert, the festival celebrated its winners, with global superstar Viggo Mortensen snagging the award for Best Feature Film for Hasta el Fin del Mundo (Until the End of the World).

The Lord of the Rings actor, who attended the event, was thrilled, thanking the jury for recognising the hard work that went into the film. He dedicated the award to his team, highlighting how well the film has done in Spain and its popularity on platforms like Filming. “The Western genre isn’t dead; it’s got endless stories waiting to be told,” he said enthusiastically.

The closing ceremony also showcased other winners. Lisandro Alonso’s Eureka took home the Jury’s Special Prize for Best Neowestern, while Mireia Vilapuig and C. Thomas Howell won acting awards. The audience favourite was the documentary Sergio Leone: The Italian Who Invented America.

Costa Calida

Aurora show

MURCIA’S night sky turned into a colourful display of auroras borealis recently, thanks to some serious solar activity. This amazing sight was seen all over Spain, from Galicia to the Balearic Islands, and people couldn’t get enough of it!

These stunning lights, which last lit up our skies in May, made a grand comeback, with bright colours dancing across the night. In places like Corvera and the hamlet of Caravaca de la Cruz, Archivel, folks shared their photos online, calling it another ‘historic moment’ for the Region of Murcia.

So, what causes these beautiful lights? They happen when charged particles from the sun meet our atmosphere, lighting up the sky in fantastic ways. Experts say we might still get a chance to see these auroras in the coming nights. If you missed out this time, keep watching - Murcia could shine again!

To catch the auroras borealis at their best, head to open areas away from lights for a clearer view.

Lower prices

9 OUT 10 CUSTOMERS RECOMMEND US

In a recent survey of our customers after using Línea Directa’s Roadside Assistance and breakdown services, over 90 per cent said they would happily recommend our insurance services to a friend or colleague. Línea Directa would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to answer the questions in our survey as it has given us valuable feedback on our services and enabled us to integrate positive changes and continue to provide expert solutions for overseas residents in Spain.

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IS IN ENGLISH

Car, bike and home insurance, with absolutely everything in English. The emergency and claims hotline is fast and efficient, with quick no obligation quo tes over the pho ne. The customer service team will help you decide on the best policy and there are easy payment options so you can spread the cost of your premiums.

Person’s Night-time Assistance. And their car insurance includes helpful services such as Legal Assistance that can provide help when applying for or renewing your driving licence in Spain.

EXPAT2EXPAT REWARD PROGRAMME

When an existing Línea Directa customer recommends a new customer, they both receive €30. Línea Directa’s Expat2Expat programme is free and open to all existing customers. You can recommend up to 10 people and earn up to €300 in cash per year. Simply ask your friend to call 917 002 006 and quote your full name. Then once their application for car, bike or home insurance has been approved, Línea Directa will pay the reward straight into the bank account following payment of next or first premium. For more information, see terms and conditions at lineadirecta.com.

Ryanair investigated

FACIAL IDENTIFICATION is not popular with many people and the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has announced that following complaints it will be investigating Ryanair’s policies.

There is no perceived problem if booked direct with Ryanair online, but should they book via a third party (such as a travel agent or comparison site) then they are often required to supply biometric data which may include facial recognition.

Graham Doyle, Deputy Commissioner with the DPC commented: “The DPC has received numerous complaints from Ryanair customers across the EU/EEA who after booking their flights were subse quently required to undergo a verifi cation process.

LOWER THE PRICE OF YOUR INSURANCE

DID YOU KNOW?

All Línea Directa insurance policies offer additional features specifically designed for expatriates living in Spain. Their home insurance includes Pet Assistance, IT Assistance, and Home Maintenance. All motorbike policies come with Replacement Motorbike, Technical Equipment cover and even Young

Change to Línea Directa and they will lower the price of your insurance. Línea Directa has been providing comprehensive car, motorbike and home insurance to British expatriates and residents in Spain for over 25 years. With over three million customers nationwide, Línea Directa makes sure you get the best possible price for the kind of insurance you really need.

“The verification methods used by Ryanair included the use of facial recognition technology using customers’ biometric data. This inquiry will consider whether Ryanair’s use of its verification methods complies with the GDPR (EU General Data

Protection Regulation).”

Ryanair have been advised of the decision and the review is cross-border in nature and will consider whether Ryanair has complied with its various obligations under the GDPR, including the lawfulness and transparency of the data processing.

Ryanair has confirmed that it understands that the investigation is underway, but explained that its verification process was introduced to address concerns about the accuracy of customer contact and payment details provided by third parties not affiliated with the airline.

If one reviews the Ryanair website it becomes apparent that passengers

Michael O’Leary is the public face of Ryanair.

Spanish treasures triumph!

ALBA DE TORMES, a historic town nestled in Castilla y León, is hosting a pioneering exhibition until later this month: ‘The Splendour of Painting in Valencia’. This unique showcase features 120 artworks, exploring how Italian and Flemish influences fuelled the Spanish Renaissance.

But there’s more to it than just art. Its parallel goal is to break Madrid and Barcelona’s cultural stranglehold by bringing cultural events to a rural area of Spain facing the challenges of depopulation seen across much of what is known as la España vaciada, or ‘the hollowed-out Spain’.

“We want to bring people to la España vaciada,” says the exhibition’s curator who reveals Valencia’s fascinating artistic legacy. Between 1400 and 1550 the city reigned as Spain’s artistic powerhouse, before the cultural shift towards Madrid. “Valencia was like the Paris or Milan of the time. Then Philip II established Madrid as the capital, with El Escorial, and Spain changed!”

Alba de Tormes itself boasts a

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL

SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

rich history and natural beauty. Local businesses, recognising the potential, helped fund the exhibition. Their hope? To attract tourists to both the town’s artistic treasures and its surrounding natural wonders. The exhibition’s success hinges on art enthusiasts venturing beyond the well-trodden paths of big-city attractions.

“We’ve landed here like a meteorite,” says the curator. “Now, we need to get the word out and ignite cultural exploration across Spain!”

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.

Neolithic discovery

A CONSTRUCTION crew in Denmark stumbled upon something that would make Fred Flintstone jealous: a 5,000-yearold stone-paved basement. Unearthed on the island of Falster during railway construction, this underground cellar measures 6.5 by five feet. Sure, it’s only about the size of Fred and Wilma’s broom cupboard, but for its time, it was revolutionary. This pebble-lined basement shows that our Middle Neolithic ancestors, part of the Funnel Beaker

Culture, weren’t just smashing rocks together - they were laying the foundations for organised living, quite literally. Forget the modern-day man cave; this was a prehistoric pantry, designed to store food and keep it fresh. Archaeologists have found pottery and flint tools nearby, indicating these early humans were skilled builders and traders.

While Fred Flintstone’s DIY skills might have been limited to running his foot-powered car, these Neolithic innovators were

perfecting their own construction techniques. The discovery, made at the Nygårdsvej 3 archaeological site, has sparked renewed interest in the complexity of Neolithic societies.

Radiocarbon dating places the site between 35003000 BC, proving that these early humans were far more advanced than once thought.

So next time you’re frustrated with your own home improvements, remember: 5,000 years ago, people were already mastering the ancient art of DIY.

French inheritance tax

EACH country in Europe has different rules and regulations, but now the Cour des comptes, France’s state auditing body, has suggested a fair ly radical change.

In a 92-page document it builds on the electoral pledge given by President Macron to reform the system, especially as the French system is unpopular across the coun try.

As is often the case, those who are very rich are able to use tax loopholes to mitigate the amount paid and according to an Oxfam report, those with very large estates pay on average 10 per cent in inheritance tax.

on a sliding scale.

A Notaire must be used for any inheritance over €5,000.

Spouses (be they heterosexual or in a same sex relationship) are not subject to inheritance tax regardless of the value of the Estate.

Children can receive up to €100,000 tax free and then pay inheritance tax ranging from 5 per cent to 45 per cent

Siblings however seem to have a very raw deal as if they inherit from a brother or sister, they pay 35 per cent on any amount over around €16,000 and then 45 per cent over €24,000. The more distant the relationship, the lower the tax free allowance and the greater the percentage take with, in some cases, 65 per cent being snared by the tax office.

In essence, the report from the Cour des comptes, which is not binding, recommends a better deal for relatives, a removal of certain loopholes benefiting the very rich, a possible change in regulations to allow assets to be transferred during an individual’s lifetime and introduction of an online system in order to speed up completion even though a Notaire will have to be involved.

Modern day reimagining of a Stone Age cave.

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MIKE JACK, known for his spicy eating challenges, recently put his palate to the test by attempting to consume the most hot sauce in three minutes.

The Canadian YouTuber achieved an impressive 1.12 kilogrammes (two pounds seven ounces) of hot sauce during his record-setting visit to the Guinness World Records headquarters in London.

This amount is equivalent to the weight of two footballs, each weighing around 450 grams.

To prepare for his attempt, Mike poured two bottles of sriracha sauce into a bowl and equipped himself with a teaspoon.

With his wife, Jamie, by his side to support him, Mike eagerly began scooping up the fiery condiment as quickly as possible.

After completing the challenge, he humorously reflected, “A lot of people say, ‘Your butt must burn a lot after you did that challenge.’ I’ve actually never experienced burn-butt

Fiery feat

before.” He joked, “It’s a genetic mutation. It’s my superpower, I guess.”

His passion for spicy foods ignited during his college years, leading him to seek out increasingly hotter sauces, eventually using condiments made from some of the world’s hottest peppers as fre

Mike launched his YouTube channel, Mike Jack Eats Heat!, after friends informed him about the growing popularity of spicy food challenges online. He explained, “I ate my first one and did pretty well. It was hot, but I thought I could handle more, so I conti nued making

Hot sauce

Schiphol Airport makeover

MORE airport chaos on the cards as Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, the third busiest international airport on earth undergoes a mammoth transformation.

The major airport - the most important in the Netherlands - complete with its six runways and four-zoned terminal is currently in the swings of a huge £2.2 billion renovation project to restore it to a greater glory as recent years have seen it fall into significant disrepair. Given that it is the fourth busiest airport in passenger numbers in Europe, following London Heathrow, iGA Istanbul and Paris Charles de Gaulle, its makeover could not have come soon enough.

Despite some angst from frustrated managers of the ambitious project for contract delays, this does not deter from the long-awaited developments outlined in its planning design. These include more elegant and more spacious lounge areas, a dual taxiway and a pristine new pier. According to designers, Pier A will be equipped with

a range of new shops, security and border controls spread over three levels. It has pledged to integrate seven additional, eco-friendly gates divided between narrow-body and wider-body planes.

The sizeable airport had seen its ranking plummet from 15th best in the world to a lamentable 29th, due to post-pandemic complications prompting developers to schedule the exciting transformation, which is due for completion in 2027.

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More snow needed

THE Alpe du Grand Serre ski station in the mid-Alpine Matheysine region, where snow is less abundant each year, will remain closed this winter.

As winters become shorter and snowfalls unpredictable, the council representing Matheysine municipalities had hoped to follow the example of other ski resorts by using the pistes for activities like mountain-biking and hiking during the summer months.

On October 5, 47 councillors held a vote on renewing the contract with

the company that operates the lifts and continuing with the Alpe du Grand Serre 2050 diversification scheme. Only 12 were in favour of continuing the contract and opening the station this winter.

Coraline Saurat, president of the Matheysine council revealed in January 2024 that their finances had a €7 million black hole. Now, 10 months later, she said that €2.8 million had been ploughed into making the area a year-round resort since 2017 but increasingly unreliable snowfalls made further investment a

financial risk.

“The impact of committing to two more years was considerable, with no prospect for the future,” she told a France Blue interviewer.

The council leader added that the state gave no concrete support for the future of the resort or for a transitional operation.

Meanwhile, as news of Alpe du Grand Serre’s closure began to spread, local communities have come together to launch a donation appeal to help the station to remain open this winter.

Camping Los Llanos - Nature awaits

LOCATED between the sea and the mountains, the Los Llanos Denia campsite is 217 hectares of unspoilt land full of more than 650 species of native plants and a large grove of trees. This really is an oasis of tranquillity, perfect for those looking for a special camping experience in Costa Blanca North.

For motorhome, caravan, and tent owners, they offer spacious plot areas enveloped by lush vegetation and towering trees, providing a welcome respite from the summer heat.

Just 20km from the beach, Los Llanos presents the idyllic backdrop for a camping getaway.

Alternatively, their charming bungalows, complete with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, terrace, LED TV, air conditioning and heating, offer a home away from home. Aside from bungalows, there are also

smaller apartments and with accommodation suitable for a minimum of two and a maximum of six people, it is ideal for couples and families alike.

Los Llanos is very family-friendly. Facilities include two swimming pools, one of which is suitable for children.

There is also a playground for the little ones and other facilities you would expect from a high-quality campsite, including laundry rooms, a supermarket, a cafeteria, and a bar

restaurant with a games room.

For those with a thirst for adventure, the surrounding area offers a plethora of activities.

The Montgo Natural Park, a mere stone’s throw from the campsite, is a paradise for mountain bike enthusiasts. For hikers, a myriad of trails await, including the sensory delight of the Greenway, which meanders through fields and orange trees.

For horse lovers, there are several equestrian centres in

For booking enquiries, visit https://losllanos.net/, call +34

the vicinity, with the nearest just 10 mins away by car. They cater to all experience levels and can provide classes and riding experiences. There are even several karting tracks for those looking to test their driving skills with a fun-filled adrenaline buzz.

Water lovers are also spoilt for choice, with a 20km stretch of beach providing all manner of water sports and sandy and rocky beaches, depending on your preference.

Whether you want to go out on a jet ski, paddle surfing, flyboarding, kayaking, water skiing, surfing, kitesurfing, parasailing, sailing, or wakeboarding, it is all on offer.

Fishing is also an option, and providing that the restrictions of each area are respected, it is possible to go deep-sea fishing, bottom fishing, and bottom trawling.

For example, the local area of Cabo de San Antonio provides shelter to species such as amberjack, grouper, and dentex. Equally, the Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve offers an idyllic setting for a dive.

Of course, such activity-filled days may leave you feeling very hungry, but here, Denia really shines. In 2015, it was named the ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’, and it offers a vast array of restaurants serving tempting Mediterranean dishes.

Schiphol Airport undergoes £2.2 billion makeover.

Credit: Shutterstock

LESS SNOW: Hikers in the Matheysine region.

Photo credit:

Loss of hearing

SIGNS that your dog may be going deaf include not responding to their name, ignoring familiar sounds, or being startled easily when approached.

According to veterinarians, dogs that no longer follow commands they once knew may be experiencing hearing loss. Increased barking can also

UK to Spain 24th November Spain to UK 5th December

indicate a loss of awareness.

To diagnose hearing loss, a vet will first rule out other conditions like ear infections, wax buildup, or injuries. They may use tools like an otoscope to examine the ear canal and conduct sound tests to check for reactions. In some cases, a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test is used to measure hearing levels more precisely.

Helping a dog with hearing loss involves using hand signals or visual cues to communicate. Maintaining a calm environment, approaching from the front to avoid startling them, and providing consistent routines will help them feel secure as they adjust to their new reality. Positive reinforcement is key to keeping them calm and confident.

Record-breaking kitty

THE world’s smallest cat, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is a male named Tinker Toy, a Himalayan-Persian mix from the United States. Measuring only seven inches (18 cm) long and standing just 2.75 inches (7 cm) tall at the shoulder, Tinker Toy held the record for being the tiniest adult cat. He was born on December 25, 1990 and died in November 1997 and weighed just one pound eight ounces (680 grams) at full maturity.

Tinker Toy’s small size was the result

of selective breeding, and while many were amazed by his petite stature, he lived a full and healthy life despite his diminutive frame. His size made him a global sensation, appearing in various media outlets and fascinating animal lovers worldwide.

While Tinker Toy holds the title, smaller cats can occur naturally in other breeds like Singapura cats, but his record-breaking measurements remain unmatched, making him a unique feline in history.

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WORLD’S OLDEST BENTLEY T-SERIES RETURNS HOME

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

THE world’s oldest Bentley T-Series, a standard saloon in Shell Grey, has returned to Crewe after 59 years. Sensitively recommissioned and retaining much of its original componentry and running gear, it takes its place in the Bentley Heritage Collection of road- and race-cars that together describe all 105 years of Bentley’s history.

T-Series chassis number SBH1001 was used as a company trials car and featu red in the original press coverage fo llowing the model launch at the 1965 Paris Salon de l’Auto. When found under a cover in storage, the car had not run for decades and was missing several key areasincluding its entire inte rior. The car’s significance as the first T-Series - or equivalent Rolls Royce Silver Shadow - off the production line prompted the de cision to recommission it, preserving as much of the original car as possible.

Mike Sayer, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, explains: “The T-Series is one of the final two pieces of the puzzle to complete our rejuvenated Heritage Collection. Our Chief Communications Officer, Wayne Bruce and I quite literally found it under a tarpaulin in the back of a warehouse, and given it was the first-of-line chassis we knew we had to save it. Together with our T-Series Mulliner Coupe, this revitalised saloon completes the Bentley heritage story of

the 1960s and 1970s, and is now an outstanding example of the model, which was the first Bent ley to use a unitary mo nocoque construction.”

After a group of Bentley apprentices started the process of dismantling and assessing the car, the recommissioning of the T-Series was entrusted to the expert team at P&A Wood, specia- lists in the preservation and restoration of classic Bentleys and the company’s partner for Heritage Collection projects.

The T-Series is reu

Describes 105 years of Bentley’s history.

press office registration number of 1900 TU as the latest addition to the Heritage Collection. Along with the 45 other cars in the Collection, the T-Series will live on Bentley’s campus in Crewe, England, on permanent display and kept in running, road legal condition to enable driving when needed. The collection includes the 1919 EXP2 3-Litre that’s the oldest surviving Bentley, the second ever made and the first to win a race.

EXP (for ‘experimental’) is the prefix given by Bentley to all pre-production models, and EXP2 had a long and varied life as a test bed. It was acquired by the Bentley Heritage Collection more than 25 years ago.

Can mouthwash trigger a positive Breathalyser test?

CAN mouthwash really cause a positive Breathalyser test? Learn how alcohol-based mouthwash may affect your reading, and with Spain’s new alcohol limits coming, discover what precautions drivers should take to avoid fines.

For years, there’s been debate over how certain products, like mouthwash, might affect Breathalyser tests.

On top of this, the Guardia Civil has ack nowledged the possi bility of false positives caused by alcohol-based mouthwash. While the alcohol in mou thwash is not consumed, it can sometimes remain in the mouth and be picked up by a Breathalyser. However, studies show that this effect typically lasts for only 10 to 15 minutes.

With the potential new alcohol limits on the horizon, it’s important to understand exactly how the Guardia Civil administers Breathalysers.

Guardia Civil procedures

In Spain, the Guardia Civil uses two types of Breathalysers. The first is a mobile device used

normally allow alcohol from mouthwash to dissipate.

So, beware, if you’ve just rinsed with an alcohol-based mouthwash before hitting the road, that fresh minty breath could still catch you out with a false positive.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Credit: Shutterstock, Rebrovs’s

PORTUGUESE bikers pray for safe rides and amooth roads. Nothing says ‘road safety’ quite like having your helmet sprinkled with holy water. Priests dressed in robes, bikers in leathers and helmets getting a sprinkle of holy water. Even the police joined in to get their helmets protected by holy insurance.

Over 180,000 Portugue

Heavenly blessing

But beyond the helmet blessings and booming engines, many riders attended to remember lost family and friends, especially those who passed away in road accidents. There were nearly 9,000 motorbike accidents in Portugal in 2023

alone, a similar number to Spain. Meanwhile, the UK recorded almost double these figures in 2023, with 16,756 accidents involving motorcycles. Germany also posted worrying numbers, with 27,927 motorcycle accidents in 2022.

Highest valued?

BARCA star Lamine Yamal could now be on his way to being the highest valued football player in the world ever.

A string of top performances at the Euros in the red shirt contributed to Spain’s victories over Germany and England; his participation in the 2024/2025 season taking Barcelona to a three-point lead over perpetual rivals Real Madrid on the run up to the Clásico is all making his value surge.

According to the German site Transfermarkt, they have estimated Yamal’s worth at a staggering €150 million, up from €80 million back in May.

The new valuation puts him ahead of fellow La Roja player Rodri, currently calculated to cost €130 million, making the young teenager the most expensive player in Spain today.

However, it is possible that even Transfermarkt’s expert valuation is still a lowball considering that Barcelona is said to have already received a bid for the player worth €218 million, an offer outright rejected by club president Joan Laporta.

At just 17, Lamine Yamal ‘seems to be redefining the boundaries of what is possible and continues to develop

Andres Iniesta retires

at an unstoppable speed’, so says Tobias Blaseio of Transfermarkt. ‘It is impossible to imagine the Spanish national team and FC Barcelona without him’.

The question now is: will Lamine Yamal trump Neymar’s record €222 million transfer from Barca to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017? Given his age and career ahead of him, he’s one to watch.

ONE of the greatest midfielders to have ever lived has announced his retirement. A quiet, unassuming magician, with a natural connection with the

In a charged press conference in Barcelona, the 40-yearold legend, visibly holding back tears, broke the news we all knew would come eventually but never wanted to hear. “I never thought this day would come,” Iniesta confessed, his voice cracking. “I never imagined it.”

In an interview with ESPN, his friend and former team-mate Luis Garcia - who played for Barcelona in 1998, and then again in 2003-2004 - des-

cribed the difficulties that “quiet, down to earth” Iniesta faced when he first moved from his native Albacete to play for Barcelona as a young new member of La Masia. He reflected on how far Iniesta had come in his career, from his early struggles

nours including nine La Liga and four Champions League titles. From his early days in La Masia to dominating world football with Barça and Spain, Iniesta’s career reads like a football film. With an incredible nine La Liga titles, four Champions League tro-

Credit: Shutterstock, Imaxe Press

Lamine Yamal celebrating.

Credit: Lamine Yamal, Facebook.