GET ready to lace up those running shoes because the 19th MABS Race for Life is back, and it’s better than ever! MABS Mazarron, known for its incredible work supporting those diagnosed with cancer, and their families, is once again hosting this fantastic event.
Mark your calendars for October 27 and join the fun - whether you’re walking, running, or even skipping your way around the course, everyone is welcome!
Registration kicks off at 9.30am with the race starting at 10.00am. For just €10 for adults and €5 for kids under 12, you’ll get a t-shirt, a medal, and a chance to be a part of something truly special.
Plus, no worries about a price hike this year - your entry fee still covers the obligatory Liability insurance.
Entry forms are available at various locations, or you can easily download one from the MABS Mazarron Facebook page. Let’s come together and make a difference - see you at the start line!
ON Saturday, October 19, Lo Pagán hosted the annual Intercontinental Dragon Boat Festival, coinciding with International Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The event honoured Jan Collins, who founded the BCS (Breast Cancer Survivors) category, bringing together over 250 rowers from around the world.
This event is more than just a sporting eventevery year, this gathering becomes a celebration of dragon boating and a moving tribute to Jan Collins. Rowers came from across Spain as well as from the US and Canada. The morning was filled with competitive races under perfect weather conditions on the Mar Menor.
In the Breast Cancer Survivors category, the
Touching tribute
Rosas team, from San Pedro del Pinatar, put in a strong performance, finishing in second place, just behind the In-
ternational Hit II team, which featured rowers from the US and Canada.
The Dragon Boat Festival continues to be an
exciting celebration, combining sport and solidarity, especially for those who have survived breast cancer, and a fitting way to remember Jan Collins’ legacy.
Across the region of Murcia, towns showed their support for International Breast Cancer Awareness Day by organising various commemorative events.
Poppy Appeal
THE Royal British Legion’s Murcia branch recently joined forces to support the launch of the Poppy Appeal in Benidorm. Members gathered to raise awareness and funds for those who have served and continue to serve in the HM Armed Forces and their families living in the region. The parade along the Paseo de Levante in Benidorm attracted hundreds of spectators, highlighting the community’s commitment to honouring veterans.
By participating in the Poppy Appeal, the Murcia branch highlighted the importance of providing financial, social, and emotional support to local heroes. This event serves as a heartfelt reminder of their sacrifices, bringing the community together to ensure that no one who served is ever forgotten.
The Royal British Legion’s Murcia branch arranges events and activities to support their cause so check out their social media pages to get involved.
Flamenco
Costa Calida • Issue No. 2051 • 24 - 30 Oct 2024
Poppy Appeal in action.
Image: RBL Murcia/ Lynn Symonds
Lorca water cuts
THE Hydrographic Confederation of Segura (CHS) has approved significant water cuts affecting farmers in northwest Lorca and northern Almeria, introducing a 25 per cent reduction for those reliant on the Moratalla, Argos, Quípar, and Guadalentín rivers. This decision comes in the middle of escalating drought conditions in the Segura basin, where water reserves are alarmingly low at just 15 per cent of total capacity - nearly 100 hectometres less than last year.
Farmers have already faced restrictions, which now intensify the challenges for traditional irrigation methods (down by 40 per cent) and non-traditional methods (down by 57 per cent).
The CHS, led by Mario Urrea, highlighted that diminishing water flow from springs and rivers has prompted these stringent measures, warning that without adequate rainfall, conditions will not improve soon.
Looking ahead, the CHS plans to hold monthly
meetings to assess the ongoing drought. They may impose further restrictions on central river users if current trends continue.
José Sandoval, the regional water director, criticised the continuous cuts, urging for more viable solutions to secure water access for farmers, who play a crucial role in the region’s social and economic structure.
As the dry season progresses, all eyes will be on the anticipated rainfall and its potential impact on local agriculture.
He’s
behind you!
FOR 14 years, the Adapt Theatre Group has delighted audiences in San Pedro with their bilingual pantomimes, and this year is no exception. Get ready for ‘Snow White and the 7 Guiris,’ a show that brings together British humour and Spanish flair, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
This beloved British tradition is performed in both English and Spanish, inviting local friends and neighbours to share in the laughter and excitement. Local schoolchildren and familiar faces from the community often join the cast, creating a true celebration of cultural integration. While most cast members are native English speakers who some -
times struggle with their lines, by performance time, they are nearly word perfect. It’s not uncommon for kids in the audience to shout out corrections, adding to the fun!
Mark your calendars for performances on November 28, 29, and 30 at 7pm and December 1 at 12pm at the Salón de Actos, Casa de Cultura, in San Pedro del Pinatar. Tickets are just €4, available at Mail Pinatar or Bar Amigos, or by calling Eric on 656 361 098. All proceeds support local charities, so come along, bring your Spanish friends, and enjoy a fantastic evening of laughter! For more information about the Adapt Theatre Group, visit the website https://adapt theatregroup.wordpress.com.
Critical water restrictions implemented.
Image: Shutterstock/ Antonio Lopez Velasco
Panto fun in San Pedro del Pinatar.
Image: ADAPT/Gill Brown
A love of reading
THE Cartagena Book Fair has hit all the right notes this year, drawing in crowds and boosting sales in its new spot at Plaza Juan XXIII. Mayor Noelia Arroyo is thrilled with the change, calling it a win for the city and a fantastic way to encourage a love for reading.
Over four days, the fair featured about 30 exhibitors, showcasing everything from bestsellers to local authors. Ignacio Jáudenes, the culture delegate, couldn’t be happier with how things turned out, saying, “This 31st edition has really put us back on the map as one of Spain’s must-visit literary events.” He added that reaching out to kids is super important for the local government.
Clocks go back
ON Sunday October 27 at 03.00, Daylight Saving Time ends and the clocks will be turned back one hour to 02.00. There will be more light in the morning, however the dark nights will start to draw in.
The fair also honoured the legacies of Cartagena’s celebrated poets, José María Álvarez and María Teresa Cervantes.
Plus, it gave a spotlight
to emerging talents like Raúl Quinto, this year’s National Narrative Prize winner. Although author María José Solano couldn’t make it due to
train troubles, book lovers enjoyed a treasure trove of stories throughout the fair. With so much success, everyone is already excited for next year’s event!
Gastromar success
THE recent Gastromar event in Los Alcazares has left a lasting impression, establishing itself as a foodie celebration that locals and tourists eagerly look forward to. With renowned chef Paco Roncero as a highlight, the event drew in thousands of food lovers who ocked to taste the best that the region has to o er.
From tapas crafted by top local restaurants at the Saborea Los Alcazares space to engaging activities for all ages, Gastromar truly catered to everyone. Attendees enjoyed wine tastings, a scenic boat ride paired with Estrella de Levante samples, and even a fun chocolate workshop for kids. “We’re so thankful for the incredible turnout,” shared Mª José Díaz Aragón, the Tourism coun-
cillor. “This event allows people to dive into the rich avours of Murcia and discover something new.”
This year, Gastromar welcomed over 20,000 visitors, making it a resounding success. With highlights like The Day of the
Caldero and a charitable steak tasting from Spain’s best grill, it was clear that the event was about more than just food - it was a celebration of community.
Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera highlighted the impact of the event, stating
that Gastromar solidi ed Los Alcazares as a premier tourist destination in October. “The Day of the Caldero and this gastronomic fair showcase what makes our town special, attracting visitors looking for festive experiences.”
Spain’s
new driving points system
STARTING Monday, 4 November 2024, Spain will implement changes to its driving licence points recovery system, aiming to improve road safety. Drivers who have lost points will now need to complete 10 hours of training, divided into two parts: a seven-hour standard module and a three-hour course focused on speci c driving violations.
The standard module will include group sessions led by psychologists, featuring road safety education, and possibly testimonials from accident victims. The goal is to increase awareness and prevent future violations. The tailored section will address the driver’s speci c o ences, such as speeding or drink-driving.
Professional drivers, including those operating buses, taxis, ambulances and lorries, can take the recovery course once a year. However, private drivers are limited to once every two years, making it vital to complete the training carefully.
This update follows another change from Spain’s Dirección General de Trá co (DGT) this year, which now allows drivers to access their theoretical test results within an hour via the MiDGT app.
Expatriate drivers in Spain, particularly those driving for work, should be aware of these new rules. Stay informed about the latest tra c regulations to avoid penalties and ensure safer driving.
For more information, visit the DGT’s o cial website.
Transport strikes
TWO of the biggest unions in Spain have called road transport strikes for seven days over the next two months.
CCOO and UGT have called on road transport workers, including lorry, bus, and ambulance drivers, as well as members of the public in their own vehicles, to protest in favour of an earlier retirement age for drivers.
Strike organisers are demanding a change in the law on grounds of public safety, claiming that the rising age of retirement is far too high for many drivers and that there should be an exception in the retirement age for them.
The strikes are due to take place on Monday, October 28; Friday, November 11; November 28 and 29; and on December 5, 9, and 23. If, by the new year, their demands are not met by the government, the strike could continue inde nitely.
The demands of the unions are not without wiggle room for negotiation. They have already stated that semi-retirement or half days be considered until drivers have built up enough points to qualify for a full state pension.
“We ask for understanding from everyone in society for the negative e ects that the strike may cause, with which, ultimately, we are ensuring the road safety of everyone and a better quality of life for the working class.”
Images:
Cartagena.es
Celebrating literature in Cartagena.
Flavours of Los Alcazares.
Images: losalcazares.es
AGE CONCERN COSTA
CALIDA is all about supporting those over 50 in the community, offering valuable services like advice, befriending, hospital visits, and medical equipment hire - all completely free of charge, thanks to their dedicated team of unpaid volun-
Treasure hunting
teers.
To help fund these important services, they’re hosting a Table Top Sale on Saturday, October 26!
It’s a great opportunity to declutter your home or discover some amazing
bargains. You’ll find a variety of stalls filled with second-hand treasures at fantastic prices - perfect for anyone looking to snag something special.
Join the fun from 10am to 1pm at the Age Concern Social Centre garden in Camposol, Sector C. As you explore the stalls, be sure to grab a slice of delicious cake to enjoy while you browse!
Whether you want to sell your own items or simply enjoy a morning of treasure hunting, this event is all about bringing the community together for a good cause.
So, mark your calendar and don’t miss out on the chance to support Age Concern while having a great time! For more information contact 0034 602 637 842.
Corvera winter routes
AS the summer season wraps up, Corvera Airport is gearing up for its winter flight campaign, offering connections to nine cities across Spain, Ireland, the UK, and Morocco starting the last weekend of October.
Five airlines will operate from the airport, including Volotea, which will maintain routes to Madrid and Barcelona
as part of a promotional contract with the regional government. Ryanair will continue flights to Manchester, London-Gatwick, Birmingham, and Dublin, along with the Moroccan city of Marrakech, which was introduced last spring. Ryanair’s spokesperson, Elena Cabrera,
expressed confidence that this winter service will attract travellers from Murcia.
Air Arabia will keep its route to Oujda, near the Algerian border, while easyJet will also operate flights to London-Gatwick.
Unfortunately, TUI Fly will discontinue its flights to Bruges and Antwerp.
Despite significant investment in tourism promotion, Corvera Airport has seen modest results this summer. While passenger numbers increased by 2.3 per cent this year, September saw a decline of 2,068 passengers compared to last year, highlighting ongoing challenges in recovery.
Alcaraz supports Murcia
MURCIA’S tennis superstar, Carlos Alcaraz, was spotted in the stands at Enrique Roca Stadium on October 20, cheering on Real Murcia as they faced Marbella. With 14,506 fans in attendance, Alcaraz drew plenty of attention, not just for his ce -
lebrity status but for his down-to-earth approach. Instead of opting for a VIP box, he chose to sit among the fans, a move that impressed onlookers and sparked a flurry of chatter on social media.
Eager to witness a victory for his hometown
team, Alcaraz showed his support, having just returned from battling it out for over €5 million against Jannik Sinner just a day prior. While Real Murcia fought hard, they ended up with a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving them tied on points with Ibiza at the top of the league.
Though the match didn’t go as hoped, Alcaraz’s genuine connection with the fans made the day memorable, highlighting his commitment to his roots and earning him even more admiration from the community.
Connecting Murcia.
Murcia connects
MURCIA is moving forward with plans to extend the Vía Verde, a greenway that will connect the southern districts with Los Dolores, Alquerías, and Zeneta. The local council has opened the bidding process for the project, with a budget of over €1.5 million.
This 18-kilometre route will link the southern districts to the Carmen station, connecting the countryside to the Segura River.
The project includes new intersections, public seating, and street lighting to improve safety. The abandoned Torreagüera station will also be restored for social or cultural activities.
Other improvements include stabilising slopes in Los Ramos to prevent landslides and flooding. Construction is set to take eight months, and companies have until October 24 to submit their bids.
IN an exciting move for wildlife conservation, the Region de Murcia is set to welcome two more adult Iberian lynxes to strengthen the population in the highlands of Lorca. This plan is part of the innovative European project LIFE ‘LynxConnect’, which aims to reintroduce these animals back into their natural habitat after they have completed their breeding phase.
The pair, consisting of a male and female lynx, have arrived from breeding centres in Huelva and Jaen. Environmental officials, including Juan María Vázquez, the Regional Minister for Environment, and Catalina García from the Junta de Andalucia, visited the ‘La Olivilla’ breeding centre to announce the plan.
Vázquez highlighted the significance of this effort, noting that it not only protects a species that has coexisted with humans for over a million years but also reinforces the region’s
Lynx project
reputation as a ‘Lynx Territory’. Each lynx will be closely monitored as it adapts to life in the
wild, a significant transition from their previous environments. With more than 2,100 lynxes now counted in the Iberian Peninsula, this project marks a remarkable success in biodiversity preservation maintaining the species’ status as ‘vulnerable’ rather than ‘endangered’, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Community connections
AGE CONCERN COSTA CALIDA is doing amazing work for locals over 50, offering crucial support and services that truly make a difference. One of the ways they help combat loneliness in the community is by organising social events, like their upcoming Menu del Dia at Viggo’s in Mazarron Port on October 30 at 1.30pm.
This delightful gathering is more than just a meal; it’s a chance for seniors to connect, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. With a variety of ongoing activities, Age Concern is promoting a sense of community that helps ensure no one faces the challenges of feeling alone.
All of this fantastic work is powered by a dedicated team of unpaid volunteers, whose commitment shines through in every event. Age Concern Costa Calida is a true lifeline for many, providing not just advice and information, but also the warmth of friendship and support. So, come out to Viggo’s on October 30 and enjoy a wonderful meal while making new friends - because together, we can combat loneliness and celebrate the spirit of community! For more information contact 0034 634 344 589 or 0034 623 118 069.
Building a greener future.
Reintroducing lynxes in Murcia.
Image: Shutterstock/Jesus Cobaleda
Free kids activities Major investment
THE regional government has allocated over €3.8 million for significant improvements to the RM-313 road in Torre Pacheco. This project, the largest investment of 2024, aims to enhance both the road surface and drainage, benefiting more than 1.8 million users annually.
During a recent visit to the construction site, Jorge García Montoro, the regional Minister of Development, and Torre Pacheco’s mayor, Pedro A Roca Tornel, noted that the work is currently 30 per cent complete and expected to finish within a year.
Key upgrades include a 610 per cent increase in drainage capacity, and the use of recycled materials to improve
sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. New drainage systems and a canal will help manage heavy rainfall and prevent flooding, safeguarding surrounding properties.
Additionally, the project includes resurfacing three road junctions and upgrading signage to ensure safer travel through this vital connection to Roldán, Balsicas, and San Javier. With these enhancements, local residents can look forward to improved road conditions and better flood management.
THE Museo del Foro Romano Molinete in Cartagena is inviting children aged six to 12 to a fascinating free workshop called ‘Regreso al pasado’ (Back to the Past) as part of the Science Week celebrations. This free event will take place on Saturday, October 26, and will last one hour and 30 minutes.
In collaboration with Secyt 2024, organised by the Fundación Seneca, this year marks the 21st year of Science Week, featuring around 400 activities across various locations, thanks to the efforts of scientists and educa-
Global gateway
THE Port of Cartagena has launched a new trade route to West Africa, offering a major boost to local exporters and businesses in the logistics sector. Departing every Saturday, this route connects Cartagena to key markets like Morocco, Senegal, and Ghana, opening new opportunities for companies across the region.
This new route comes at a crucial time, as businesses in the area are dealing with the global impact of conflicts and market shifts. By expanding export options, this new route will help
stabilise local economies, providing a lifeline for the agricultural and industrial sectors.
For the Cartagena area, the benefits are clear: increased international exposure, more jobs, and a stronger local economy. It’s not just about shipping products; it’s about positioning the region as a key player in the global market. The Port Authority’s investment signals confidence in the region’s future, encouraging companies to think beyond borders and explore new markets.
tors from 65 schools.
During the workshop, kids will explore ancient Roman buildings through virtual reality, allowing them to see how the Romans relaxed in thermal baths, enjoyed banquets, and worshipped their gods. It’s a unique opportunity for young minds to learn about history in an interactive way. Space is limited, so reservations are essential via www.cartagena puertodeculturas.com . For more details, call Cartagena Puerto de Culturas on 968 500 093 . Don’t miss out on this chance to dive into the past!
Invasive species spotted
CALASPARRA is facing an environmental threat with the discovery of zebra mussels, an invasive species from the Black and Caspian Seas, in the Segura River. Technicians from the Southeast Naturalists Association (ANSE) identified these harmful molluscs during an aquatic invertebrate survey for the European project Fluviatilis.
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are known for their triangular shells and can significantly harm local ecosystems by competing with native aquatic species for food and habitat. First detected in the Segura River basin in 2019, they have since spread to other areas, including the Cenajo Reservoir. These mussels reproduce rapidly, producing up to a million eggs per year, and can form dense colonies that clog water pipes and disrupt recreational activities, which could hurt local tourism and much more. As zebra mussels continue to spread, local authorities are urging residents to be vigilant and report any sightings to help protect the region’s waterways.
Transforming Torre Pacheco roads.
Cartagena connects to West Africa.
A Roman adventure.
Image: Cartagena.es
Autumnal dishes
Catherine McGeer
AS the weather cools and the days shorten, the Murcia region’s traditional autumn dishes offer a perfect way to keep warm. One standout favourite is Michirones, a hearty dried bean stew often served as a tapa in bars and restaurants across the Region of Murcia.
Made with broad beans soaked for up to 48 hours, this dish is typically served in rustic clay bowls, enhanced with chorizo, peppers, and chillies for a deliciously warming experience.
Another beloved dish is Olla Gitana, a rich vegetable stew blending pumpkin, pears, and chickpeas with a touch of mint. This
unique combination of sweet and savoury flavours makes it an autumn favourite, perfect for cooler days. For a taste of the sea, Caldero is a local staple that combines rice with fish, typically caught fresh from the Mar Menor. Cooked in a rich broth, this dish is bursting with flavour and brings a comforting warmth to the table.
Whether you’re enjoying a simple tapa or a hearty meal, Murcia’s autumnal dishes offer the perfect way to embrace the season. Warm up and enjoy these seasonal favourites, which showcase the region’s rich culinary traditions.
EXCITING changes are underway at Torre de Cope in Águilas, where the Regional Government of Murcia is investing €62,489 to enhance public access to the area’s stunning fossil dune and the surrounding protected natural space. This project, led by the Ministry of Environment, Universities, Research, and Mar Menor, aims to balance human enjoyment with biodiversity conservation.
The first phase focuses on making the area more accessible by removing invasive species and rubbish along the trail leading to Punta de la Cabrilla and Calabardina. Restoration efforts will kick off next month with native plantings over 640 square metres. The second phase involves creating designated parking
Clinical breakthroughs
ON World Breast Cancer Day, the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia is making headlines for its dedication to improving the lives of women battling breast cancer. The Medical Oncology Department is currently conducting 26 clinical trials involving 50 women diagnosed with varying stages of the disease. These trials, in collaboration with the Pascual Parrilla Murcian Institute for Biosanitary Research (IMIB), aim to provide ac-
Fossil dune
areas and improving existing signage while reinforcing protected zones with natural stone boundaries. Both projects highlight responsible public engagement with nature, addressing the challenges posed by human activity in these sensitive environments. With this revitalisation, Torre de Cope promises to be an even more inviting destination for nature lovers and hikers. The goal is to make sure visitors can appreciate the beauty of Cabo Cope while safeguarding its ecosystems for future generations.
cess to new medications and innovative drug combinations that enhance survival rates and quality of life.
Fifteen of the trials are already monitoring participants, while the remaining 11 are actively recruiting patients. By focusing on personalised treatments, such as immunotherapy and molecular therapies, these studies seek to target altered genes directly, minimising side e ects and improving tolerability.
The multidisciplinary Breast Committee, comprising 25 specialists from various elds, meets weekly to evaluate cases and create tailored treatment plans. Their collaborative approach ensures that every woman receives the best possible care based on the latest scienti c evidence. With certi cations in clinical safety and excellence, Virgen de la Arrixaca continues to be an example of hope in the ght against breast cancer.
Cine Central reborn
THE dream of transforming Cartagena’s historic Cine Central into a cultural hub is finally on track, thanks to a €5.6 million investment from the regional government.
After eight years of discussions and delays, the financial backing allows for the long-awaited renovation of the century-old building in Plaza de la Merced, which has been empty for years.
The project, led by architects Pedro Pitarch and Manuel Burgos de Andrés, was initially chosen in a 2020 competition among 29 proposals. The funds will now enable the
Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports to begin construction and restore the building’s iconic façade, which faces both the lake and Calle Don Roque Street. The project aims to rejuvenate the local arts scene, improving community engagement alongside nearby attractions like the Regional Museum of Modern Art (Muram) and the Palacio de Aguirre. As the Cine Central prepares to reclaim its role as a cultural cornerstone, residents are eager to see what the future holds for this beloved landmark.
Warm up with tradition.
Together Against Breast Cancer
Reviving nature at Torre Cope.
Image: Shutterstock/ Svetlana Monyakova
France’s border controls
AS Europe like the rest of the world starts to raise questions about national safety, France has become the latest country to announce that it will be implementing border checks at its frontier with Luxembourg.
In the midst of world con ict, this comes as no surprise, yet it’s indisputably a sad and worrying sign of worse to come. Not only has France chosen to introduce this security measure with Luxembourg borders, but also with ve other neighbouring countries as it tightens its belt against fears
of terrorist attacks.
The move will take place between November 1 2024 to April 2025 and will include Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. It will not only include land controls, but also air and sea routes, which will inevitably a ect travel. The emerging picture is one of the EU gradually fracturing into individual nations, with restricted free movement, as countries within the Schengen area increasingly adopt border controls with their neighbours.
The French government
listed the following motives for enforcing border controls for the European Commission: “Serious threats to public policy, public order, and internal security posed by high-level terrorist activities, the growing presence of criminal networks facilitating irregular migration and smuggling, and migration ows that risk in ltration by radicalised individuals.” The situation mirrors Germany’s decision to reinstate border checks with Luxembourg and is among eight countries to have followed this initiative.
Harry and Meghan in Portugal
PRINCE and Meghan Markle have purchased a new holiday home worth £3.6 million in Portugal, located an hour south of Lisbon.
Their villa is in the exclusive CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, reportedly influenced by Harry’s close relationship with his cousin, Princess Eugenie. Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, already spend their summers at CostaTerra, splitting their time between London and Portugal. Jack also has professional ties to the resort.
CostaTerra, developed in 2019 by Denton House, spans 722 acres and is quickly becoming popular among the ultra-wealthy. Once completed, it will feature 300 homes starting from £3.6 million, along with ame-
nities such as an 18-hole golf course, spa, and equestrian centre.
The surrounding area has attracted celebrities like Madonna, indicating Portugal’s growing appeal in the luxury market. Mike Meldman, co-founder of Casamigos tequila and owner of CostaTerra, is also close friends with Princess Eugenie and Jack.
Before purchasing in Portugal, Harry and Meghan lived at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.
Their new home highlights the increasing allure of Portugal for the wealthy, seeking privacy and natural beauty. This trend could potentially impact the country’s reputation, property prices, and cost of living.
Border controls installed at France-Luxembourg perimeter.
The CostaTerra Resort.
Europe’s biggest pumpkin
LUDWIGSBURG, Germany, was witness to a curious sight last week as host to the European Pumpkin Championship 2024.
This year’s weigh-in was held on October 13, a number which turned out to be lucky for Belgian Mario Vangeel. The 50-year-old pumpkin enthusiast brought to the festival a pumpkin weighing an astonishing 1,152kg, which is the equivalent combined weight of two average sized horses.
Mario claims that he had been blessed this year with a quality seed and ideal weather conditions, supported by his own personal recipe for fertiliser which he keeps as a guarded secret to his success.
The annual pumpkin festival was held this year at Ludwigsburg Palace and
showcased some 450,000 specimens of squash from 600 varieties available, with colourful and creative sculptures made from the pumpkins and mouth-watering squash-based dishes.
According to Guy Watson of Riverford, an organic vegetable box scheme based in the south-west of England, 14 million pumpkins go in the bin every Halloween uneaten, creating 18,000 tons worth of waste. Guy recommends opting for the many other varieties of squash available, which are much tastier and add to the Halloween character due to the weird and wonderful shapes on offer. He suggests decorating the outside of the squash so that the creepy decoration can then double up as a delicious meal.
France’s ageing reality
AN ageing population, led by the oldest president in French history, mirrors the broader European demographic trend where older generations are increasingly dominating resources, often at the expense of younger workers and investors
Today, 20 per cent of the French population is over 65. This has increased from 13 per cent in 1970 and by 2070, will be almost one third of the country’s inhabitants. Perhaps a parallel to this demographic was the appointment of Michel Barnier, the oldest prime minister who had replaced 35-year-old Gabriel Attal, the youngest ever prime minister.
One can’t help but consider this parallel as hugely
as the coun try’s demographics are rapidly shifting into an increasingly ageing population. This trend has become ever more apparent since the 2010s as the baby boom generations began turning 60. According to the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the trend is more pronounced as the birth rate of French citizens is declining rapidly. In 2023 France recorded a 20 per cent reduction in recorded births than in
While French over 65s can look forward to more years of comfortable living, there are challenges that will become more unavoidable as time pushes on. This may become a European-wide issue with more countries predicted to follow suit. There will undoubtedly be further dependence on the government purse already spending a quarter of public spending on pensions.
2010.
MASSIVE PUMPKIN: Weighs the equivalent of two average sized horses.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
France’s ageing population is taking over younger generations.
Aura top scorer
GERMANY has a cool but quirky tradition: the annual ‘Youth Word of the Year’. Each year young locals vote for the word they have enjoyed using most, and anything goes, as long as it does not have racist, homophobic or sexist implications.
This year, the chosen word was ‘aura’, which has been popularly used to describe the energy or charisma that an individual exudes and is usually accompanied by either a plus + (positive) sign or a negative – sign [Zeit Online, 19/10/2024]. In Spain, youngsters are more likely to use the word ‘vibe’.
the world of sport.
The word ‘aura’ rose to famous status after it was used in an advertising campaign for a credit card company and then by the New York Times to describe Dutch football champion Virgil van Dijk, according to youth word managers at Langenscheidt Verlag, which runs the yearly competition. The US press wrote ‘Solutions are expensive – an aura is priceless’, and the word became a favourite in
The competition has only been handed over to German youngsters fairly recently, as up until 2019 anybody could vote, no matter their age. However, the winning word often caused hilarity amongst youngsters, who deemed the results of the poll to be inaccurate, so in 2020 the vote was handed over exclusively to those aged between 11 and 20 years old. This ensures that the word chosen is a genuine reflection of young people’s vernacular, and is truly representative of language culture and development across the country.
Valuable €2 treasure
A TWO EURO coin could be worth €2,000 if you happen to have it lying down a sofa or behind a cupboard in your home. The anomalous ‘Tree of Life’ coin created due to a minting error has a star imprint: the symbol of this limited edi tion.
Despite its literal value being a mere €2, coins produced with certain peculiarities or anomalies can end up being extremely valuable. The value of coins depends on a series of patterns which determine its worth. Firstly, it must possess an unusual feature - this could be an image. Its condition is also key - a new coin with barely any exchange of hands and without any obvious blemish, is worth more.
The two euro coin with characteristics set to make it worth €2,000.
differentiate it from similar coins. Oddly, it is these errors which make a coin even more perfect.
France was one of the first issuers of ‘The Tree of Life’ €2 coin, also seen on some €1 coins, which have reached up to €5,000 in auction houses. According to experts, the coin, which superficially appears standard, was issued in France in 2001, a year before the euro officially became European currency.
Value is added if the unusual feature is a result of minting errors, which
It boasts the tree of life, reflecting the work of the artist, Joaquín Jiménez to reflect the relationship between nature and the human, the motto of the French Revolution (Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité) and stars surrounding the centre of the coin on its silver edge.
Credit:X:@Vorffeed
Each year young locals vote for their favourite word.
Classical evening
ON Saturday, October 26, at 8.00pm, music lovers in Mazarron are in for a treat! The Auditorio del Centro Cultural will come alive with the sounds of the Albéniz Trío, featuring an exciting repertoire that includes pieces by renowned composers Dvořák, Turina, and Beethoven.
The talented Spanish-Dutch trio consists of pianist Javier Rameix, cellist Paula Brizuela Carballo, and violinist Luis María Suárez Felipe, each bringing their unique flair to the performance. This con-
cert is part of the Crescendo series organised by the local council’s Cultural Department, aimed at celebrating the arts and bringing the community together.
Whether you’re a classical music fan or just looking for a delightful evening out, this event promises an unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy worldclass music right in the heart of Mazarron. Mark your calendars for a night filled with melodies and magic!
COSTA CALIDA Swan Lake
ON Thursday, October 31, at 9pm, the Ballet de Kiev will grace the stage of the Auditorium and Convention Centre El Batel in Cartagena, bringing the timeless classic Swan Lake to life. After the overwhelming success of their tours in 2022 and 2023, which left a lasting impression on over 225,000 audience
members across Spain, the company is set to enchant once again in 2024.
This year’s performances are particularly poignant, as they reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Ukraine. The ballet promises to be a beautiful evening filled with stunning choreography and emotional depth, reminding
attendees of the beauty and resilience of art amidst adversity.
Tickets are already in high demand, so securing a seat at this remarkable event is a must for lovers of ballet and culture. Don’t miss this chance to experience a magical night of dance and storytelling! Tickets are available at auditorioelbatel.es
Wine Festival
in winemaking and tourism.
JUMILLA is gearing up for its much-anticipated ‘Matavendimia’, which translates to Harvest Festival, the third year of the DOP (Denomination of Origin) Jumilla Wine and Eno tourism Fair, happening on October 26 and 27. This event will take place at the Mercado Central de Abastos (Central Market), establishing itself as a highlight in the Murcia region’s calendar.
Matavendimia is a blend of tradition and innovation
Attendees can taste the wines of 20 local wineries, all eager to showcase their finest wines in a festive atmosphere. The fair promises family-friendly fun with wine tastings, food stalls, artisan crafts, and live music from local bands like BANG! and KARLAN, plus DJ sets to keep the excitement going.
Wine lovers can enjoy themed tastings led by experts, including renowned sommelier María Quílez and winemaker Pedro Sarrión. For those eager to ex-
plore, the wineries will offer guided tours, and the local council will organise cultural visits to Jumilla Castle and the historic centre. Thanks to over 30 dedicated volunteers and support from local associations, Jumilla’s harvest festival continues to grow as a showcase of Jumilla’s winemaking potential. With free entry and commemorative glasses available for just €3, visitors can try a variety of tastings and experience this unforgettable celebration of Jumilla’s rich wine culture.
Catherine McGeer
Image: Shutterstock/ New Africa
Image: Facebook/Ballet de Kiev
NEWS Travel
Discover Tarifa: The windswept jewel of Cadiz
AT the southernmost tip of Europe, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, lies Tarifa - a unique coastal town in Cadiz that captivates visitors with its natural beauty, wind-swept beaches, and vibrant culture. Famous for its stunning coastline and world-class water sports, Tarifa is a haven for kite surfers, beach lovers, and adventurers. With its proximity to Africa and blend of Moorish and Spanish influences, the town offers an unforgettable experience. And with Hispavan Campers, you can explore Tarifa and its surrounding areas with the freedom and comfort of your own mobile accommodation.
A Coastal Paradise
Tarifa is best known for its wide, golden beaches that stretch for miles, with the famous Playa de Los Lances being the crown jewel. The powerful winds that sweep through the area have earned Tarifa the title of Europe’s wind capital, making it a top destination for kite surfers and windsurfers from around the world. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, Tarifa offers plenty of spots to unwind. The vast, sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, beach walks, or simply taking in the stunning views of the nearby African coast. On a clear day, you can even see the mountains of Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar, adding to the unique charm of this Andalucian gem.
Rich
History and Culture
Beyond its natural beauty, Tarifa is steeped in history and culture. The town’s Castillo de Guzmán, a medieval fortress that dates back to the 10th century, overlooks the town and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Tarifa’s old town, with its narrow, whitewashed streets, is full of character. Here, you’ll find traditional Andalucian architecture, lively markets, and charming tapas bars where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
For a deeper dive into the town’s history, visit Puerta de Jerez, the medieval gate that once protected the town, or take a walk along the ancient walls, which have stood for centuries as a testament to Tarifa’s strategic importance.
with Hispavan Campers
Endless Adventures Await
Tarifa’s surroundings offer even more for outdoor lovers. Explore the Parque Natural del Estrecho, a protected area with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar. The nearby Valdevaqueros beach is another windsurfer’s paradise, or for a change of pace, take a whale-watching tour to see dolphins and orcas in the Strait’s waters.
After a day of adventure, retreat to your Hispavan Camper for a relaxing evening, enjoying the sunset over the Atlantic or a peaceful night under the stars.
Getting There
Explore Tarifa with Hispavan Campers
Exploring Tarifa with Hispavan Campers offers an unparalleled experience. Renting a camper van allows you to move freely between the beaches, natural parks, and historic sites at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing the wind at Playa de Los Lances or hiking through the nearby Los Alcornocales Natural Park, a camper van provides the perfect base for your adventure.
Each camper van is fully equipped with sleeping areas, kitchen facilities, and ample storage, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. With your mobile accommodation, you can park by the coast, wake up to the sound of the waves, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture of the area.
Tarifa is about a two-hour drive from Malaga and less than an hour from Cadiz, making it an accessible destination for travellers.
SUMMARY
Tarifa’s stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and outdoor activities make it a must-visit destination in Cadiz. With Hispavan Campers, you can explore this beautiful coastal town and its surroundings with the freedom to experience everything at your own pace. Whether you’re surfing the waves, exploring historical landmarks, or simply soaking up the Andalucian sun, Tarifa promises an unforgettable adventure.
FRANCE
Museum piece
THE company which turned the Paris house of the late singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg into a museum 12 months ago is now in receivership owing to legal disputes, mismanagement and debts. With visits booked until the end of 2024, a court-appointed manager will oversee the business to avoid bankruptcy.
Two views
A STUDY by Public Health and Social Statistics Office (DREES) revealed that 60 per cent of men claimed to split childcare duties equally with their partners. At the same time 25 per cent of women but only 10 per cent of men told EU researchers that they argued at least once a week about sharing tasks.
DENMARK
Really lucky
NIGERIAN pirate Lucky Frances, severely injured during a 2021 gunfight with Danish sailors in the Gulf of Guinea, will receive a publicly-funded prosthetic leg. First admitted to a Ghana hospital where his leg was amputated, Frances received further treatment in Denmark where he applied for, and received, asylum.
Stock up
MORE than half of the Danish population have not yet acted on government advice to keep a stock of basic food and hygiene items in their homes. They should lay in sufficient amounts of supplies to survive for three days without power or water in a crisis situation, the Emergency Management Agency said.
EURO PRESS
ITALY
Mini-Metro
ITALY’S underground train network serves seven cities with just 251 kilometres of track, less than Madrid whose metro system covers 297 kilometres, a National Council for Economy and Labour (CNEL) report revealed. It was essential to encourage the use of public transport by expanding the network, CNEL said.
IRELAND FINLAND
Go fish
THE Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) said overfishing by Norway was the main reason for the EU’s recommendation of reducing the mackerel quota by 22 per cent. Ireland’s fishing fleet could lose more than €10 million in 2025, as the Brexit deal has already cut their mackerel quota by 26 per cent.
Grim mementoes
BOMB disposal specialists were called to a house in Dublin’s Fishamble Street to remove explosives found in what has been described as one of the city’s oldest still-inhabited houses. The items, believed to date from the Civil War in the 1920s, were found under floorboards during renovation work.
Sensitive area
FEWER men specialise in gynaecology as more women ask to be examined by a female practitioner in Finland. Despite plummeting numbers, Juuso Isotalo (32), a gynaecologist, told broadcaster YLE that he believed women would begin to accept male doctors now that men are “more sensitive” to their health issues.
Get ready
FINLAND’S population will receive updated instructions on the government’s Suomi.fi website on preparing for war and other crises in November, the Interior ministry revealed. Information will cover home emergency supply kits and discuss war, civil defence, national defence and the duty to defend the country.
PORTUGAL BELGIUM NETHERLANDS
Family affair
AN Antwerp appeals court ruled that a man who discovered that he was not the father of his ex-wife’s two children was entitled to €83,000 compensation. The tribunal pointed out that if he had known he was not the children’s biological father, he would not have contributed towards their upkeep for so many years.
Old tradition
ORGANIC wine made from grapes grown in the Ruddervoorde in West Flanders is on sale four years after the first vines were planted and two years after the first grapes were picked. Grower Filip Vermeulen said it was not unusual to produce wine in the area as Bruges was a renowned wine region centuries ago.
Oil spill
CRUDE oil has been washing up on Algarve beaches, principally at Cabanas Velhas and Boca do Rio, which have been closed to the public while polluted material is sent for testing. Environmentalists believe the spills probably occurred while cleaning containers at sea, a banned practice that many ships ignore.
Lamprey dearth
LAMPREYS, a gourmet delicacy, are disappearing from the River Mondego where their population is now the lowest ever recorded. The lamprey-fishing season will be reduced in 2025 to offset the shortage while there have also been calls to eliminate the nets that prevent them from swimming upstream to spawn.
Self-service
A MAN of 46 and his 38-year-old wife received six-month prison terms for killing two sheep belong to a Wilp farmer. Although they were prosecuted only for the Wilp killings they slaughtered more than 20 sheep in adjoining towns between February 2020 and March 2022, taking the choicest cuts home to freeze.
Birds and bees
PESTICIDES containing neonicotinoid that are used in agriculture and horticulture not only kill bees and bumble bees but they also harm birds, Wageningen University researchers found. Birds that eat food which has been contaminated with the chemical have shorter lives and their chicks are less likely to survive.
SWEDEN
No problem
TEN train drivers, who staged a wildcat strike in April 2023 in protest against the removal of guards to check tickets and keep order, will have to pay a fine of 470,000 krona (€41,195). The drivers said they regarded this as a victory, as they had already raised 2 million krona (€175,269) for the strike fund.
In a hurry
A MAN was fined 4,000 kronor (€350.50) for driving at 148 kilometres per hour on a section of the E6 in Angelholm with a 110-kilometre limit. Despite explaining that his wife had gone into labour and he was going to collect her, a district court later said the situation was not a matter of life or death.
GERMANY
Bomb blast
THREE Cologne hospitals were evacuated and 6,400 residents briefly left their homes on October 11 while a bomb disposal team deactivated a 1,000-kilo Second World War bomb discovered on a building site. After specialists failed to defuse the bomb, the city authorities instead carried out a controlled explosion.
Fire gaffe
AN ultramodern, multimillion fire station, inaugurated in Stadtallendorf last year, was burnt to the ground on October 16 because the building had not been fitted with a fire alarm. Ten fire engines were destroyed in the blaze which began in one of the vehicles, causing damage that will take €20 million to repair.
NORWAY
All alone
TWO-THIRDS of the inmates at Indre Ostfold prison in Mysen are kept in isolation for between 19 and 21 hours each day owing to staff shortages, the local media revealed. An Ombudsman report said this “disproportionately interfered with prisoners’ rights” adding that the treatment of young prisoners was “deficient.”
Late justice
A STAVANGER lawyer who operated a phony loan scheme for several years and swindled relatives, friends and business associates out of 765 million kroner (€64.4 million) committed suicide before he could stand trial. The hearing will nevertheless go ahead, in order to formally establish responsibility.
Photo credit: CC/Luca Volpi
MILAN: One of Italy’s seven cities with underground trains.
Should mobiles be banned in schools? Your
VOICE
IT seems that phone usage in schools is somewhat of a contentious subject across Europe, with countries adopting different stances on the matter. For example, France recently decided to trial a complete ban on mobile phones in 200 secondary schools, requiring that students hand over the devices during morning reception.
If proven successful, they intend to implement the ban in all schools starting in January 2025.
Conversely, in Hungary a teacher was forced to resign when he refused to implement the government’s ban on smartphones in classrooms. In response, thousands of Hungarians gathered in Budapest to protest against his removal, arguing that banning phones is an outdated model that does not reflect modern society.
England is the latest country to put their head above the parapet on this matter. Their government has just ruled out imposing a ban on the use of mobile phones in schools, despite growing concern from parents and teachers. Instead, they have shifted the responsibility to teachers, claiming they already have the authority to control mobile device use in classrooms and that it would not be practical for the state to step in.
As far as Spain is concerned, the rules vary between autonomous communities. For example, Castilla-La Mancha was one of the first to ban phones in the classroom. In
Galicia, they banned the use of phones within the grounds of all schools from January 2024. However, phones and tablets are permitted in Madrid, but only for educational purposes.
With such divided opinions, Euro Weekly News asked their readers: “Should mobile phone use be banned in schools?”
Quite a number of readers were quick to say ‘yes,’ including Carole Penman, who added, “Yes, they are there to learn, not play.”
Others, like Christine Boyden, also agreed, stating, “I see no reason for them needing them while they are in school. It is a total distraction from schoolwork. Hand in and collect at the end of the day.”
Karen Poland shared: “My daughter’s school requires them to hand them in on arrival and get them back as they leave. Failure to hand them in results in detentions. The school understands that the children who come in by bus need phones to notify parents of delays etc.”
However, Deb Horses expressed a different view: “NO! Teach kids to use them as a place to find information for class. The teacher asks a question; the student looks for answers. The first to answer is the winner. Learn to use it as a positive tool!”
Hans Reis posed an interesting question when he said: “If we say yes, do we turn off our phones at work?”
MANY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SPAIN BAN MOBILES
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Shell case
RUSSIA is seeking more than €1 billion in compensation from Shell after the Londonbased company left the country following the Ukraine invasion, leading to a £3.8 billion write-down on its assets. The hearing is set for December 11 in Moscow although prosecutors have failed to explain the motives for the claim.
Saba deal
HOLDING company
CriteriaCaixa, owned by the La Caixa Banking Foundation, has sold its car parking operator to Belgium’s Interparking two years after an initial approach was made. The €800 million transaction will combine cash and shares, giving CriteriaCaixa an 18 per cent minority stake in Interparking.
Tough choice
DUBAI-BASED DP World, which owns P&O Ferries, explained that the company had “turned a corner” since it fired 800 staff without notice in March 2022. Thanks to this, DP World said it was now able to go ahead with its planned £1 billion (€1.19 billion) investment in the London Gateway container port.
Hold tight
SHARES in multinational Puig are now listed at €18.95 on the Spanish stock exchange, compared with last May when the cosmetics giant made its debut at €24.5. Despite these losses, Bloomberg reported that 73 per cent of investment experts did not advise selling, but recommended holding onto the shares.
Office hours
AS sales slump, Stellantis which owns Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot as well as Vauxhall, has told UK staff they will need to work in the office for an average of at least three days a week, or week-long if they are engaged on an urgent project. The directive originally applied only to engineers but now includes most areas.
STAT OF WEEK
€7.5 billion
Balmedie bailout
DONALD TRUMP bailed out one of his Scottish golf resorts with a £4.7 million (€5.6 million) loan to Trump International Golf Club Scotland in 2023.
The business, which operates an 18-hole resort in Balmedie (Aberdeenshire) and is building another golf course close by, received the interest-free loan from Trump-owned parent company, DJT Holdings.
Losses escalated from £738,000 (€882,330) in 2022 to £1.4 million (€1.7 million) in the year that ended in December 2023.
At the same time, revenue increased by 4.5 per cent to £3.75 million (€4.48 million) as income from food and drink increased at the Trump International resort. This covers an area of 1,400 acres (566.56 hectares) and includes a five-star restaurant and a 15th cen-
FC BARCELONA’S ticket sales will improve once the club returns to revamped Spotify Camp Nou. Takings amounted to €229 million during the last full Camp Nou season in 2022-2023 but fell to €126 million after matches switched to the Montjuic Olympic stadium for the 20232024 season, due to the renovations. According to figures announced on October 12, stadium revenue is expected to rise to €194 million this season, although matches will initially be played at the Montjuic ground. If all goes to plan, by March the club can return to Camp Nou, which will have a 90,000 capacity. The stadium
tury castle which is now a hotel. The company attributed last year’s mediocre results to the cost of the second phase of the ad-
investment by Blackstone in the first phase of a 224-hectare site for a data centre in Calatorao (Zaragoza) that will also provide 1,400 jobs.
joining MacLeod course, named after the former US president’s Scottish-born mother Mary Anne Macleod. There was also a ‘sizeable increase’ in outgoings related to last summer’s PGA tournament, the largest event Trump has ever hosted in the UK.
Putting on tournaments like these raised the profile and reputation of the business and would increase revenue, a spokesperson said.
In contrast, Trump’s Turnberry course in South Ayrshire reported higher 2023 earnings despite rising energy and utility costs, higher suppliers’ bills and an increase in the minimum wage.
According to recent figures, Trump Turnberry posted a pre-tax profit of £3.8 million (€4.5 million) for the year ending December 2023, compared with £186,000 (€222,457) in 2022.
Barça back in the money
will reach its full capacity of 104,600 once rebuilding has been completed for the 2026-2027 season, bringing a predicted €350m in ticket takings.
Another contender Waiting for 007
PROFITS for Eon Productions, based in Pinewood Studios near London, fell to £224,985 (€269,025) last year.
This was around 75 per cent lower than the £900,879 (€1.07 million) posted in 2022, although Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, who head the company, earned £3.7 million (€4.4 million) between them, plus a £600,000 (€717,279) dividend. Eon Productions has yet to find a successor to Daniel Craig as James Bond and there has been no 007 blockbuster for the company since 2021.
DOVID EFUNE, owner of the New York Sun website, is in talks to buy the Telegraph newspapers.
Efune has signed an agreement with RedBird IMI giving both parties six weeks to negotiate a deal worth approximately £550 million (€657.6 million).
AbuDabi-backed RedBird IMI hopes to recoup the £510 million (€609.8 million) it paid for the Telegraph in a complex transaction that settled £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion) in unpaid debts owed to Lloyds Banking Group by former owners, the Barclay family. RedBird IMI, which was obliged to sell the newspaper following new legislation banning foreign state ownership of UK publications, confirmed that they were talking to Efune without providing further details.
SANTANDER’S Private Banking service for affluent clients is offering the opportunity of participating in Rivoli Asset Management’s purchase of 50 per cent of Madrid Xanadu. The company is bidding €200 million for a stake in one of Europe’s largest shopping and entertainment centres, located in the capital’s Arroyomolinos district.
The UK’s Intu Properties, which was hit by the pandemic and went into administration in June 2022, owned half of Madrid Xanadu, with the remaining 50 per cent in the hands of US asset manager, Nuveen.
HAM specialists Industrias Carnicas Loriente Piqueras (Incarlopsa) posted sales of €1.17 billion in 2023, doubling revenues over the last seven years.
With a €1.45bn debt whose mandatory payments begin in 2025-2026 season, increased stadium revenue is essential, the club has admitted.
Choc horror
SPAIN’S Consumer Price Index (CPI) slowed to 1.5 per cent in September, falling by eight-10ths of a percentage point compared with August, the National Statistics Institute (INE) revealed. The reduction was mainly due to lower prices for transport and fuel, INE said, while food inflation went down by seven-10ths of a percentage point to 1.8 per cent, its lowest since September 2021.
Chocolate overtook olive oil as the household item which went up most, soaring 20.7 per cent above its August 2023 price, with olive oil - which retained its zero IVA added value tax - increasing by 10.3 per cent yearon-year.
Much of the family firm’s success can be traced to its alliance with Mercadona which accounts for 59 per cent of Incarlopsa turnover, said chief executive Jesus Loriente de la Ossa, who took over this year from his cousin Clemente Loriente. Loriente de la Ossa said Incarlopsa expects sales to exceed €1.2 billion in 2024, with hopes of reaching €1.5 billion before very long.
THE John Lewis Partnership has struck a deal with digital bank Zopa and will now offer personal loans on its website.
Customers can access between £1,000 (€1,196) and £35,000 (€41,855) within two hours, the partnership said, later making repayments in fixed monthly amounts. They will receive a quote in three minutes with no impact to their credit score and access the money once the loan is approved, John Lewis said.
DONALD TRUMP: Losses for one of his two Scottish golf courses.
Photo credit: Flickr/Gage
FC BARCELONA: Looking forward to increased stadium revenue.
3I Group 3.394,00 3.418,00 3.373,46 364,7K
Group 2.748,4 2.759,0 2.744,0 60,69K Airtel Africa 118,00 118,30 117,20 678,68K Anglo American 2.408,0 2.415,0 2.357,0 965,35K Antofagasta 1.841,00 1.860,00 1.814,00 518K Ashtead Group 5.848,0 5.912,0 5.842,0 115,35K
British Foods 2.352,0 2.370,0 2.333,0 457,95K
12.026,0 12.056,0 11.914,0 318,41K Auto Trader Group Plc 884,80 891,20 880,60 241,74K Aviva 487,30 489,50 483,50 1,57M
243,05 245,15 242,50 10,47M
Developments 483,90 491,07 480,30 1,72M
Beazley 798,16 802,50 792,50 244,81K
Berkeley 4.815,1 4.873,0 4.803,0 34,12K
BP 403,85 406,30 401,55 8,27M
British American Tobacco 2.640,0 2.693,0 2.637,5 1,78M
SPANISH multinational Ferrovial and Interogo Holding, which manages the investments of Ikea’s founder, have created a joint venture named Umbrella Roads. This will handle the former’s stakes, which are worth €100 million, in motorways and parking concessions in Spain, Ireland, Canada and Scotland.
Pop chart
UPMARKET pawnbroker Suttons and Robertsons in South Kensington has seen a 30 per cent increase in new customers this year and has loaned 25 per cent more cash. Rolex watches accounted for 15 per cent of all pawned items.
De La Rue split up
CRANE NXT confirmed on October 15 that it had bought De La Rue, the company that prints the Bank of England’s banknotes.
The American industrial technology company paid £300 million (€358.9 million) for De La Rue’s authentication division, which produces secure documents, tax stamps and other security features used for validation purposes.
Prior to the deal, insiders predicted that this would result in a breakup of the
Talgo move
STEEL company Sidenor, based in Basauri (Vizcaya), is prepared to head a 100 per cent takeover of train manufacturer, Talgo. This followed earlier reports that Sidenor was considering acquiring a 29.9 per cent stake together with the Basque government, which already owns 3 per cent of another Basque train manufacturer, CAF.
Talgo’s chief executive Gonzalo Ur-
quijo announced on October 16 that he had contacted Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV,) informing them that Talgo had received a letter of intent from Sidenor.
At present Talgo, which specialises in high speed trains, has a portfolio of orders worth €4 billion but its two production plants are stretched to the limit and cannot deliver on time.
London-listed company that was founded in 1821, although Crane specified that the agreement did not include De La Rue’s currency business.
“The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions,” a statement continued.
The same insiders added that the deal would be regarded as a positive outcome for De La Rue, whose finances have been strained for some time, as the Crane deal would eliminate De La Rue’s debt.
De La Rue can now inject £30 million (€35.9 million) into its pension scheme, plus an additional £12.5 million (€14.9 million) in deficit repair contributions up to April 2027. According to Reuters, De La Rue has also agreed with the pension trustee not to return capital to shareholders until the pension scheme is entirely de-risked.
Sweet prospect
US private equity firm Advent International is reportedly preparing a bid for former UK sugar refiner Tate & Lyle, which now makes ingredients including artificial sweeteners. Shares rose by 13 per cent on October 16 at the prospect of a deal that would exceed Tate & Lyle’s current £2.8 billion (€3.35 billion) market value.
Not selling
BRITISH private equity company Alchemy is not selling its 41 per cent stake in global olive oil producer Deoleo, which owns Spain’s Carbonell. Although the deal struck when the group completed its recapitalisation in 2020 allows Alchemy to sell its stake in December 2024, there were no plans to sell over the next two years, the firm said.
DE LA RUE: Will still print the UK’s banknotes.
Photo credit: Flickr/Bank of England
Thank you all once again
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
DREAMS are funny things. Not generally being one who experiences nightmares (unless I’ve had a good old blue cheese late night overdose!) I usually drift off looking forward to what the next few hours of La La land has to offer. Sometimes I fly; what buzz that can be.
Occasionally I fall gloriously in love. I often find myself negotiating narrow ledges and subsequently plummeting from a great height. In fact, at one time this dream was so frequent, that now and again I would allow myself to actually hit the ground, just to see what happened. (Presumably nothing, as I was still lying in bed unscathed the following morning!) I’ve had tea with the Queen, talked my way out of some serious trouble and travelled in a spaceship.
Well folks all these nocturnal journeys pale in the light of the trip I took the other night. In an experience that was beyond my wildest dreams, (geddit!) I dreamt I was ha-
ving an illicit affair with Britain’s finance minister Rachel Reeves! Yeah yeah, I know, I lied about the nightmares right!? Well, be that as it may, there I was in a packed hall, trying to blend into the background while she addressed the party conference.
After the meeting we both slipped off to the hotel and... No no, actually I didn’t - it wasn’t that much of a hallucination!
Oddly our bedroom seemed to be filled by what appeared to be large numbers of OAPs; no doubt hoping to jump in and warm up a bit! Anyway the real problem was me not rising to the occasion - in the circumstances pretty understandable, since this cold individual hasn’t actually managed to rise to the occasion since they were elected! Heaven help the UK with her approaching Budget nightmares.
A couple of Viagras would probably have got me out of trouble. She’ll need a great deal more than that to regain her popularity.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers and friends who have written conveying their condolences and commisera-
tions on the passing of my beautiful and beloved companion Nora.
I received so many it may take some time to answer them all. However I can write in true honesty they gave a tremendous boost in the easing of my sorrow and sadness at her early demise. So thank you all again.
Nice to know there are still a tremendous number of good and caring people still out there in this sometimes precarious and oft non compassionate world of ours.
Finally with the approach of the winter season I would like to thank all the venues who have used the ol’ boy for a bit of entertainment this past summer.
See y’all next year. I am also looking forward to the overall release of my new recording of ‘Santa’s Here’. Reactions have been quite superb. It is already available on a number of outlets, including Spotify and UTube. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think.
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.
Portugal’s popular Golden Visa
PORTUGAL’S Golden Visa continues to attract expatriates, with over one million foreign residents in 2023, a 33.6 per cent increase from the previous year. The scheme has seen a surge in demand, especially among US citizens, who filed 567 applications - a 162.5 per cent rise. The UK followed with 234 applications, while China, Brazil and India also contributed significantly.
Global uncertainties and post-Brexit challenges have driven expatriates to Portugal, drawn by its secure investment options, access to the EU market, and desirable lifestyle. Over 63 per cent of expats settle in Lisbon, Faro, and Setúbal, with Brazilians making up 35.3 per cent of the foreign population.
Portugal’s Golden Visa offers residency in exchange for property or business investments, with a lower investment threshold than some EU countries. A minimum contribution of €200,000 to cultural heritage in low-density areas qualifies for the visa, making it accessible to a broader audience.
However, rising housing costs and growing competition for properties are challenges. Nonetheless, Portugal’s favourable climate, affordable transport, and tax benefits for property investors continue to make it a magnet.
Baby found drowned
A BABY has died and 65 people have been saved from the English Channel when their boat sank on the crossing towards Britain. The news was reported by French Maritime authorities who confirmed that French rescuers had noticed the boat in a precarious situation, most probably due to being overloaded with passengers, and that people could be seen in the sea.
The attempted rescue of migrant passengers late at night unfortunately ended in tragedy as one baby was found unconscious and was later declared dead. Remaining passengers on the ship were attended in the French port of Boulogne-sur-Mer by police and medical professionals.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident and 2024 has marked the deadliest year of shi-
pwrecks in the English Channel. In September, six children and a similar number of adults deceased in yet another dangerous attempt to cross over to Britain. Last month alone, a minimum of 20 migrants added to the number of fatal victims of shipwrecks in the Channel.
The ongoing tragedy of migrants arriving on British shores, often at great personal risk, underscores the urgent need for safer, more humane solutions to the migration crisis. As the death toll from dangerous English Channel crossings continues to rise, it is a stark reminder of the desperation that drives people to make these perilous journeys and the importance of addressing the root causes of migration while improving rescue and prevention efforts.
crossings.
Portugal’s popularity with expats.
Ancient discovery
A RARE discovery was made recently on a beach in Cornwall, UK, when photographer Nikki Banfield stumbled upon what is thought to be an ancient pendant, potentially dating back thousands of years.
The pendant, about the size of a penny, was found on Town Beach on the Isles of Scilly during one of Banfield’s regular walks. Banfield, 43, who works with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, wasn’t expecting to find such a historic artefact that day. The intricately detailed piece, which seems to depict a woman, is known as a ‘cameo,’ often associated with ancient Greek and Roman periods.
Banfield shared her excitement on Facebook, posting: “On returning to the
truck, we walked up Town Beach and spotted what we thought was a button at first glance. Scooping it up, and holding it up to the light, we realised it was something very different.”
Experts are now examining the pendant to determine its age and significance. It’s thought that the piece could have ties to ancient trade routes or settlements in the area, which would add to the Isles of Scilly’s already rich archaeological history.
Banfield is currently in contact with local experts to verify the artifact’s authenticity. If confirmed to be from ancient Greece or Rome, the pendant could offer new insights into the region’s early inhabitants.
Quidditch championships
FOR all Harry Potter fans out there, the news that the most unique and magical World Cup games are coming to Brussels next year has come as a welcome surprise.
The Quidditch World Cup will be reuniting players of the sport from 20 countries in Belgium for a tournament that turns Harry Potter fantasy into a sporting reality.
For over a decade, people in Belgium have been playing quadball, which is a mixed contact sport using a variety of balls yet with one special difference - it is inspired by the school of wizardry itself - the game played by the students at Hogwarts in JK Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series. Despite being fairly unheard of in the non-wizardry world, the spot
will be placed in the limelight in Tubize, a small Walloon town 25 kilometres to the south of Brussels.
The chosen venue will be the Proximus Basecamp, which will be converted into a Quidditch field for July 11-13, 2025.
The Belgian Quadball Federation hoping for the title, comprises a collection of teams from across the coun-
try to form the Belgian national team, the ‘Gryffins’.
Harry Potter fans should gear up for the Quidditch World Cup, where their favourite team’s victory could be just as magical as any other championship. As this unique sport continues to grow, it is a perfect opportunity to showcase how fantasy can truly become reality.
Quidditch World Cup in Belgium inspired by Harry Potter books.
The ‘cameo’ found in Cornwall.
Credit: Facebook, The BareFoot Photographer
Costa del Sol Tasha’s proud dad
TAREK GHOURI, father of Tasha from Strictly, and local resident, is possibly the proudest dad in Malaga Province. He decided to let the Euro Weekly News in on some of the highs and lows of his daughter’s road to everyone’s hearts.
Tasha who was born with profound deafness, has managed to overcome the odds to become the nation’s sweetheart. At five years old, she was offered a cochlear implant to give her broader scope for communication. She has since become one of the most celebrated women on TV, become an ambassador for numerous deaf charities and organisations, and has inspired deaf children as far afield as Malawi, showing them what they are capable of despite their deafness.
Tarek says Tasha found her path in life at a very young age, sensing the vibrations from her favourite Steps DVD through the laminate flooring. Years later, this led to her studying dance, and later embarking on a career as an influencer.
Axarquia A Place in the Sun
AXARQUIA recently took centre stage on the popular British TV programme ‘A Place in the Sun’, which airs on Channel 4 and draws an impressive average of five million viewers. Known for helping British people find their dream homes abroad, the show highlighted the stunning towns of Almayate (Velez-Malaga), Frigiliana, and Nerja, reinforcing the region’s appeal as a perfect spot for second homes or retirement.
For this episode, the filming team explored various properties and scenic locations, showcasing breathtaking views and local culture.
The popularity of ‘A Place in the Sun’ continues to grow, as it celebrates 20 years on air, connecting with audiences eager to find a slice of paradise. The show effectively promotes Axarquia as a desirable destination, perfect for those seeking a sunny escape or a peaceful retirement.
With its beautiful scenery and welcoming community, Axarquia is set to attract even more potential buyers eager to invest in their dream homes.
Mallorca
Cala Nova cares
CALA NOVA Cancer Care Charity recently donated a total of €46,000 to four local charities through their San Agustin shops.
The donations were divided among Aspanob (Children’s Cancer Support) and AECC (Spanish Association of Cancer Care), each receiving €20,000, while Dime (Palliative Care) and Cancer Support received €3,000 each.
These organisations provide vital services across the Balearic Islands, and Cala Nova Cancer Care is proud to support them.
Since opening in 2011, the charity has raised over €500,000, thanks to community donations, shoppers, and volunteers.
In preparation for the festive season, Cala Nova Cancer Care is hosting a Christmas Market on November 9. The market will feature stalls selling Christmas decorations, a postbox for letters to Santa, entertainment from Izzie and the Balearic School Children’s Choir, and various food and drink options.
Costa Blanca South Alicante tourism explodes
THE Valencian Community is set to experience a tourism boom, according to a recent report from Braintrust’s Tourism Barometer.
The consulting firm predicts record levels of international visitors and spending across Spain in 2024, with over 91m tourists expected and spending projected to reach €125 billion. By 2040, Spain could attract 115 mn foreign visitors, potentially surpassing France as the world’s leading tourist destination.
Tourism’s contribution to Spain’s GDP is projected to exceed 15 per cent, with key regions like the Valencian Community, particularly hotspots like Alicante and the Costa Blanca, playing a pivotal role in this growth. Looking ahead, mature destinations like Alicante aim to shift their focus toward higher-quality tourism, promoting sustainable growth and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The report also states fewer tourists are arriving from traditional European markets such as the UK, Germany, and France but instead Asia and America.
Almeria Shell-abrations
GARRUCHA will host the fifth edition of the Festival Gastronómico de la Gamba Roja de Garrucha from October 25 to 27, celebrating the iconic red prawn, a prized delicacy from the Levante Almeriense region.
This three-day event offers a range of culinary experiences, live entertainment, and activities for all ages, making it a must-attend for food lovers. With over 30 stands, including local restaurants and producers from Sabores Almeria, visitors will have the chance to enjoy a variety of tapas, priced at €3.50 each. The festival will showcase the region’s culinary excellence and local produce, with live cooking demonstrations, workshops, and performances by local bands and DJs. The event will also feature a showcooking session for children.
Families with infants can enjoy the dedicated play area, which will offer activities from 1-6pm throughout the weekend. On Sunday, the festival will culminate with a tasting of the celebrated red prawns, alongside a performance by Almeria’s Orquesta El Norte.
Costa Blanca North Wall of Solidarity
IT is true what they say ‘cancer does not discriminate’ and you only have to look at some of the celebrities who have had to face this sad reality to know just how true this is. It doesn’t matter how famous you are, how much money you have, or even how old you are.
That’s why it was so heartwarming to see 1,000 pupils at Lopa de Vega International School demonstrate their commitment to raising awareness during breast cancer awareness month.
Moreover, they chose the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) ‘Fight Against Breast Cancer Day’ on October 18 to make their message even more poignant.
Combining hundreds of pink scarves, they created a visual reminder in the form of a wall of solidarity. The children then decorated each scarf, conveying messages of strength, encouragement, and hope to all the brave women fighting this disease.
Finland’s music scene
‘THE Music Listening in Finland’ 2024 survey, commissioned by IFPI Finland and Teosto and conducted by Norstat, polled over 1,000 Finns between the ages of 13 and 75. The study aimed to shed light on Finnish music fans’ listening habits and dedication to the Finnish music industry.
The survey revealed that Finland is home to two million music enthusiasts, with more than 50,000 identified as superfans.
Superfans are not the same as other fans. They are far more dedicated to their favourite artists and will pay to join online fan
communities, purchase exclusive concert tickets, and actively engage with other fans online. “Superfans show exceptional dedication, travelling long distances for concerts and actively engaging in fan communities,” says Kari Tervonen, Roadmap Director at Omnicom Media Group. “Their commitment plays a crucial role in shaping the music industry, as record companies increasingly look to tap into this passionate demographic.”
Superfans are closely followed by what is deemed as ‘Hardcore fans.’
Hardcore fans are those
who collect merchandise and follow their favourite artists on free social media platforms. They are only a step away from becoming superfans. Hardcore fans will often sign up to their favourite artist’s newsletters and will purchase tickets as soon as they become available.
The survey discovered that Finnish-language pop is the favourite genre followed closely by hip-hop/ rap. Finnish music artists have made an impact during 2024 with many local artists topping the charts on Spotify.
Spain’s quirkiest road
Johanna Gardener FORGET optical illusions, cartoon drawings or Super Mario Kart racing games, in the Canary Islands there is a scene that seems like virtual reality. One building in the scenic town of Tacoronte, North Tenerife is not fascinating for the 60 apartments within it, but for the road spanning the length of its rooftop - making it one of the most extraordinary and eye-catching infrastructures across Spain.
This social media masterpiece was erected in the 1960s originally to house apartments during the growing housing crisis. At the same time, the demand for a support road towards the coastline was a budding priority. Voila! The two structures were merged. Despite being over 20 metres above ground level, this is no deterrent for drivers who skim the building’s rooftop on a daily basis. Connecting the neighbourhoods of Mesa del Mar to the coast, the construction has received mixed opi-
nions, both favourable and bitter. Understandably, criticism of the design has focused on safety and noise disturbance for residents in the building. Cars are no longer allowed to park on the road due to excessive weight on its foundations. Residents claim to be unperturbed by noise; those on the top floor only report vibration from heavier vehicles. Urban planners emphasise that whilst the structure may draw social media attention to the area and to Tenerife as an icon, it is important to find a compromise between functionality, safety and the environment in architectural developments such as these.
Local Finnish band performing.
Photo by Nicholas Green on Unsplash
Spain’s quirkiest road to be found in Tenerife above a building.
INTERVIEW
Speaking EuropeanMonique Rittstam
The first time that Monique Rittstam travelled from her home in Sweden to Marbella was 1998, when she and her parents enjoyed their first holiday in Spain.
THE two ladies enjoyed the beach whilst Monique’s father enjoyed the golf although everyone ended up with sunburn but that didn’t stop them from returning regularly
As Monique explained, “after my mother decided to move to Marbella permanently, it seemed crazy to keep travelling to see her, so I decided it was time to move and settled in my favourite Spanish city in 2007.
“Much as I loved Sweden and the people, it was the weather that was the final decider and I am so pleased that I made the move, so much so that if people ask if I miss home, I say this is home.”
Monique set up New Age Beauty in Marbella, within walking distance of her apartment and her favourite assistant is
the Chihuahua who loves to help by greeting customers.
The business which offers everything a woman needs is popular but according to Monique “we were inundated by customers from The Netherlands who came over for the recent Marbella 4 Days Walking event.”
Although Monique speaks a number of languages including Spanish, she is careful to keep away from local bureaucracy by entrusting everything to a local and efficient Gestor.
When asked if she would advise other Swedes to settle in Marbella the answer was an unequivocable yes but warned “you will miss being able to turn on the tap and enjoy fresh, clear, drinking water.”
Dream ship with no crew
RESEARCH vessel Belgica, docked in Zeebrugge, is likely to remain there for some time.
The 71-metre floating laboratory that was designed to withstand conditions in polar regions as well as the Equator and is the ‘dream of every Belgian scientist’ no longer has a crew.
The ship cost €54 million to build, is Belgian and was launched two years ago by Crown Princess Elizabeth but was not operated by a Belgian company.
Instead, it was managed by French shipping company, Genavir, which is a subsidiary of France’s Institute of Marine Research and specialises in scientific vessels.
Belgium’s media have revealed that the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) unilaterally terminated
its contract with Genavir several months ago, but only confirmed this on October 19.
Complications arose when the RV Belgica’s Latvian technical crew lodged a formal complaint of social dumping - a practice where an employer uses cheaper labour than is usually available - with the International Transport Workers Federation.
Genavir attempted to settle a collective bargaining agreement in Latvia which, since the ship was flying the Belgian flag, violated inter-
national regulations.
That triggered an inspection by the federal Transport Service as well as the Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue authorities in Zeebrugge, Belgica’s usual base.
The RBINS said Genavir was given several opportunities to remedy the situation, but its navigation licence was revoked when it failed to comply.
Genavir has responded with two lawsuits, one against the Belgian state and another against the Transport Service.
Heavy rock addiction!
A 42-YEAR OLD Swedish man who visited over 300 rock concerts in a year alone has been gran ted a disability allowance due to his heavy metal rock addiction. Roger Tullgren took his music passion to the extreme when he realised that it was no longer allowing him to work normally. The unusual case opened in 2015 when a judge recognised that his addiction was indeed impeding his ability to work and live a normal life and from thereon, the judicial debate has continued. The case would last almost 10 years. Tullgren stated: “I have been waiting 10 years for them to recognise my situation as a disability. I’ve spoken with various psychologists who ascertained that I was indeed a victim of discrimination.” Appa -
rently, Tullgren had to engage with three psychologists before being equipped with sufficient psychological backup to be taken seriously. The Swedish courts approved the case and he was granted a supplement of €400, a part allowance deal which allows him to work part-time as kitchen staff and maintain his addiction. It was certified that Tullgren could not sustain a job without heavy metal music. Following the court case, he has a part-time job, where his boss allows him to be kitted out in his favourite hard rock gear and listen to his favourite tracks while he works. At least this way, he can manage his addiction and make it to the end of each month!
Bosco
Monique and Bosco, a little dog with a big heart.
RV BELGICA: The research vessel is currently in Zeebrugge with no trips planned.
Credit: X:@da13thsun ROGER TULLGREN: Heavy metal addict.
Wild horses
REWILDING Spain, an animal conservation NGO, is hoping to reintroduce a horse species in danger of extinction back into the Spanish countryside.
The Przewalski horse, also known as Takhi, is a direct descendant of the first domesticated horses in prehistory, and today, only about 2,000 to 3,000 remain in nature, distributed across Mongolia, China, and Russia, as well as in some zoos.
Spain is leading the field in the recovery of the Przewalski horse, undoubtedly the pride of global biodiversity projects.
Rewilding Spain is promoting a programme to extend the population of this species of wild equine at their farm in Villanueva de Alcorcón (Guadalajara), where they currently keep 26 specimens.
If their plan gets the go-ahead, the Przewalski horses of Guadalajara will be the only herd that is roaming freely in all of Europe, with the exception of the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
The benefits, Rewilding Spain points out, are that in their diet and movements, horses eat biomass such as forest undergrowth, which helps prevent
a species under threat.
forest fires. As well, they say, with the trend for eco-tourism, they could attract lucrative tourist numbers eager to see them in the wild.
Rewilding Spain continues to campaign as Spanish legislation does not currently allow the presence of wild horses, and, therefore, a reintroduction into the natural environment cannot be carried out yet.
The animals are classified under Spanish law as ‘livestock’ and so, not permitted to be released.
The cheated heiress
CLEOPHEE HERRMANN, who inherited €11 million, now works at a kebab shop in Colmar in the east of France to support her young son.
The 34-year-old, whose mother died in 2001, was cheated out of her inheritance by her cherished ‘stepmother’ Josianne Seiler, who will serve a 30-month prison term imposed by a Colmar court on October 17.
She entered the young woman’s life as the mother of Cleophee’s best friend’s, later befriending the girl’s widowed father and leading a ‘sumptuous’ lifestyle paid for by the family’s money.
All of this went to Cleophee on her grandmother’s death in 2008 and Josianne Seiler, having inveigled her way into the girl’s affections, continued to take advantage of her ‘emotional emptiness’.
She manipulated the young girl, who had an ea-
ting disorder and suffered from depression, for years, even using a medium and an African sorcerer with ‘supernatural’ powers, to contact Cleophee’s dead mother.
Eventually the money ran out and by the time Cleophee’s father died in 2021, Seiler and her daughters had distanced themselves from her.
After meeting Seiler’s ex-husband, who revealed that his former wife had
ruined him, she took legal action alleging ‘abuse of weakness’.
As well as a 30-month sentence, Seiler was ordered to pay Cleophee €5.1 million. Her daughters, Mathilde Hickel and Jullia Hickel, received 12-month suspended sentences and must pay their ‘stepsister’ €320,000.
“This is retribution and a relief,” Cleophee declared on emerging from the Colmar court.
Przewalski,
COLMAR COURTHOUSE: Justice for duped Cleophee Herrmann.
High-speed hydrogen train
SPAIN has just smashed it in the green transport game. The legendary train builders Talgo have rolled out the world’s first high-speed hydrogen-powered train, giving the rest of Europe something to chase.
Known for leading the way in rail tech, Talgo has put Spain firmly on the map, adding yet another feather to its cap after already boasting the title of Europe’s most efficient high-speed rail system.
Talgo’s new hydrogen trains could revolutionise the future of global high-speed travel.
And what about the UK? Spain is moving at full steam, but Britain’s HydroFLEX, the first hydrogen-powered train, only entered trials in 2020. It’s progress, but when compared to Euro-
pean powerhouses like Spain and Germany, it’s still lagging behind in large-scale adoption. In contrast, Spain’s high-speed hydrogen trains make the UK’s efforts seem like a sleepy Sunday morning jog.
Back in 2021, Repsol and Talgo joined forces to produce the Iberian peninsula’s first renewable hydrogen train. The technology offers massive benefits, both economically and environ-
mentally. A hydrogen filling station is far cheaper than laying down overhead cables for traditional electric trains, which makes it an incredibly attractive option for decarbonising our railways.
Running on fuel cells that pump out nothing but water vapour, these trains are slashing the sky-high costs of traditional electric railways. It’s clean, it’s green, and it’s the future of travel.
Dolphin show showdown
ANIMAL rights campaigners blocked the entrance to the Dophinarium in Harderwijk (Netherlands) on October 19.
Members of the Bite Back and Active for Justice organisations claimed that the dolphins there live in “pathetic” conditions and are taught to perform tricks for the public, flouting government regulations.
Arriving 10 minutes before the aquarium was due to open at 10am, demonstrators attached themselves to the entrance gates with lengths of steel piping.
Others wore dolphin costumes, explaining that they wished to expose the animals’ situation in a playful but visible way. Some carried banners and placards, handing out leaflets condemning the situation of the Dolphinarium’s marine mammals.
A Bite Back spokesperson explained that sea lions which were three metres long were kept in a pool that was only l.6 metres deep.
“We find this unacceptable,” they said. “If you care about the animals, don’t visit this park.”
The Dolphinarium management retaliated by opening up a side entrance and putting up screens at the main entrance so that the protesters were no longer visible to the public.
Director Alex Tiebot compared the sit-in to breaking and entering, and said he hoped that the activists could be identified and reported to the police for trespassing.
By 5pm all of the demonstrators had left, but vowed that they would return to stage further protests.
These would continue until “every cage and pool was empty” at the Dolphinarium, Active for Justice declared on their Facebook page.
Ruff justice judgement
IN a landmark ruling, Spanish judges have taken the emotional attachment to pets seriously in divorce cases. After already awarding custody of pets and even ordering ‘pet maintenance’ payments, a court has now made history by compensating a woman for being deprived of contact with her dog.
The judge ruled that her ex-partner must pay €600 in damages and cover legal costs for denying her access to their shared Siberian husky for 10 months.
The couple had initially agreed to share custody, but the plaintiff’s ex broke the arrangement.
The court has now ruled she can care for the husky every other month. The judge noted that depriving the plaintiff of her beloved pet had caused significant distress, especially during a time of personal health issues. This decision sets a major precedent in pet custody cases across Spain.
You’ll recall that pets are now on a tight leash under strict new Spanish animal welfare laws.
Beware hefty fines for leaving your dog tied up while you pop into a supermarket, for instance! Which reminds me, a neighbour and her partner reluctantly decided to stay together because neither of them wanted to hurt their hamster’s feelings... Seriously, though, many are aghast that bullfighting itself - regarded as ‘cultural heritage’ and an ‘art form’continues unchecked and beyond the reach of laws designed to protect other animals.
Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-jo hnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
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Leading the way in rail tech.
DOLPHIN RIGHTS: Sit-in at Harderwijk Doolphinarium.
PETS
Balance is key
Superstitious tales
THE superstition about a black cat crossing your path has long been associated with luck, and the direction it crosses can supposedly change its meaning. In many Western cultures, a black cat crossing from left to right is thought to bring bad luck, while a rightto-left crossing might bring good fortune. This belief stems from
medieval times, when black cats were linked to witches and misfortune.
Superstitions extend beyond black cats. For example, in some cultures, a dog howling at night is seen as a bad omen, thought to predict death or danger. On the other hand, some believe that if a dog walks between you and your partner, it
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could cause confl ict in your relationship. Birds also carry their own lore; a bird fl ying into a home is sometimes believed to signify an impending death. These superstitions refl ect cultural beliefs and historical contexts, showing how humans have long assigned mystical meanings to animals and their behaviour.
THE question of how many pets are ‘too many’ depends on individual circumstances, including time, space, and financial resources. While pets can bring joy and companionship, they also require care, attention, and a proper living environment.
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VW Golf – universal appeal 50 years after launch
By Mark Slack ROAD TEST
THERE are relatively few cars that can bridge the automotive class divide, but one of them surely has to be the Volkswagen Golf. Launched back in 1974, when air cooled ruled in the VW line-up, designer Giorgetto Giugiaro penned a clean and sharp design that, while softened somewhat over the years, is still recognisable today.
Equally at home parked at a budget supermarket or the front of a grand Schloss, evolution rather than revolution has kept the Golf at the forefront of the sales charts for decades. Classy advertising has also played its part, if you’re of a certain age who can forget Paula Hamilton in the Golf advert Changes, with the Alan Price soundtrack that gave the campaign its name. Or the Golf GTi advert The Man, which stated everyone must have something in life they can rely on.
ti-function door mirrors. Additionally, there’s navigation, wireless mobile phone charging, front and rear USB ports, auto
Facts at a Glance
In its 50th year the Golf range today encompasses 10 model lines with petrol (including mild hybrid option), diesel, and plug-in hybrid power plus manual or automatic gears. Prices start from €32,904/£27,420 and base equipment includes climate control, heated front seats, lumbar support and electric mul-
Emissions: 120 g/km
lights, auto wipers and keyless start.
Style model sits just below mid-range and is powered by the 150PS e-TSI
Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets
€115K Fine for tailgating
A LAWYER driving a BMW was fined €115,000 for a deadly 100km an-hour tailgating stunt.
Tailgating can be annoying and dangerous, but it’s now a €115,000 mistake for this driver.
A Swiss lawyer has learnt the hard way after getting slapped with a €115,000 fine for tailgating the car in front while he was driving his BMW at 100km an hour.
The lawyer was barrelling his brand new BMW at breakneck speeds of up to 100km an hour, inches away from causing a deadly accident, and causing general distress on the road.
His biggest mistake was leaving less than three metres between himself and the car in front, which was promptly pìcked up by traffic
cameras for all to see.
Swiss Law and the Fine
In Switzerland, the law doesn’t care how wealthy drivers are unless it’s time to fine them. Switzerland’s notorious income-based penalty system means that the lawyer’s high income turned a standard fine into a mind-blowing €115,000 penalty.
People are divided over the eye-watering scale of the fine, with some calling it over the top, while others welcome stricter laws that punish those who put others, including children, at risk on the road.
Will the €115,000 fine teach this legal eagle to keep his distance next time?
Is this partly why the wealthy are leaving Switzerland?
petrol engine with 48v hybrid technology. Mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox it makes for an easy and relaxing drive. The same cannot be said for the infuriating touchscreen technology that is fiddly at best, not least the touch sensitive slider controls for temperature control and a requirement to dig into the touchscreen menu for any further climate adaptations. At least the touchscreen itself is of a decent size and excellent clarity.
There’s the usual plethora of safety kit that warns you of things you already know, this is the same on all new cars irrespective of manufacturer, but those in the Golf are among the least intrusive to their credit.
VW have also maintained the premium feel of the Golf and despite a typically Germanic lengthy list of extra cost options the standard equipment isn’t at all bad. The ride is on the firm side but draws a nice line between comfort and enjoyment along cross country roads. There’s decent performance, but as ever it’s not all about speed and the Golf handles extremely well.
Despite rivals bettering it in some aspects the Golf continues to impress with its overall package of comfort, equipment, driveability and sheer class.
LED
My
McGregor’s betting blunder
IRISH boxer Conor McGregor lost a high-stakes bet after backing Brazilian Renan Ferreira in a fight against Cameroonian powerhouse Francis Ngannou, but confidently declared he’ll win the money back soon.
Irish boxer, Conor MgGregor, has had to bite his tongue after a recent bet went pear-shaped and ended up losing him $500,000. Now he is determined to win the money back on other bets and insists he will be successful. Prior to the failing bet, McGregor had got lucky when a bet on Alex Pereira at UFC 307 had landed him $1.2million. With this success under his belt, the confident Irishman decided to test his luck with Renan Ferreira who he chose to fight against Francis Ngannou in his PFL opening game, hoping for a win-
ning kitty of $1.7million. This impulsive move came as he was watching the game. He is reported to have tweeted out a voice note: “Tonight’s bet for me. 500k on Ferreira to win by KO at 12/5. $1.7m return.” He then added: “Okay, folks, ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor here. Fight night, fight night, fight night. The Mac is back with his winning bets.”
However, Cameroonian boxer Ngannou slashed McGregor’s hopes when he won the fight with a first round knockout and won the PFL Super Fights title. Social media fans have expressed horror at the winning attack, criticising the referee, Dan Miragliotta for allowing such a prolonged series of punches against the Brazilian, Ferreira before intervening.
Sinner’s prize triumph
JANNIK SINNER, the world’s number one tennis player, made headlines after winning the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and securing a historic €5.5 million payout- the largest prize in tennis history.
Sinner triumphed over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling three-set match, winning 6-7, 6-3, 6-3. This victory adds to his already impressive 2024 season, which saw him win both the Australian Open and the US Open, cementing his dominance in the sport.
The Six Kings Slam is part of Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in sports, highlighting its ambition
to host high-profile events. This exhibition match, with its record-breaking prize, reflects the lucrative financial incentives offered in the Middle East, often surpassing traditional tournament winnings. For example, the winner’s prize for the 2024 US Open was only €2.6 million, less than half of what Sinner earned in Riyadh.
Despite Sinner’s incredible victory, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in sports has
faced criticism due to its human rights record, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. Tennis legends like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have raised concerns about the kingdom’s increasing role in the sport. Nevertheless, for Sinner, this win not only boosts his profile but also further solidifies his status as the top player in the world, setting him up for even more success in the future.
